The discussion of modesty

It was absolutely GLORIOUS to be able to have a break from the cold Joburg winter and spend some time in summer while we were visiting my family in the US recently! I think we spent almost every second we could in the scorching sunshine (and we managed not to get burned!).

And while I was Stateside, I bought a new swimsuit at Target (miss that so much!); it's a "tankini" (do they even call them that any more?). But you know, a two piece, of which the top still covers your stomach area (it's the top I'm wearing in the picture above). I chose to buy this instead of a bikini because I already have a bikini and I wanted something more modest - something I would feel 100% fine wearing if anyone more than my family was around.

But honestly, until I watched this video below, I didn't realize how much more confident it made me feel. I loved wearing something that wasn't "revealing" but was still adorable (in my opinion of course - thank goodness the husband agrees). Please watch it. I think it's excellent and every girl needs to seriously consider what they wear - in the water and outside of it.


What do you think? Is modesty that important? Do you wear a bikini? Will you still wear a bikini?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Love from the Southern Hemisphere,

Ellie


Oh, and PS - I checked out Jessica's swimsuit company and LOVE it! It'd pick this one:

(Arguably) The Best Trip Ever

Hubby and I just spent three weeks visiting my family in the US of A, and it was honestly one of the best trips I've ever taken; not because we went somewhere exotic or did something new and exciting - we didn't, really. (Although Disney World is pretty exciting. And so is summer. And the Fourth of July.) But because we were so refreshed, encouraged, inspired, and filled with so much joy and hope. (When I write that out it sounds pretty cheezy, but that's really what the trip did for us.)

We hadn't seen my family since our wedding reception, so our time with them was overdue and needed. Our three weeks was a perfect balance of "at home/family time" and "doing things". We made smoothies at home, swam in the pool, went to the beach, went to Disney's Hollywood Studios, watched movies, reconnected with lots of friends, made new friends, played lots of Mexican Train Dominoes, had a second wedding reception(!), and so much great conversation and sunshine.

Here are some pictures, if you'd like to see. Really, I can't wait to share more than just pictures, because God really did a lot in our hearts in three weeks. I hope some of the things we learned and are changed by can encourage and inspire you. More on the emotional details of the trip soon. :)

Love from the freezy Southern Hemisphere (we're totally missing the summer sun and warmth!),

Ellie

Excited to start our 24-hour travel time! No, not really. Excited to get to the States!

On our way to the US, we had a layover in London, so my aunt and uncle (who live in London) met us at the airport for  some coffee. So wonderful!

I decided that if I'm going to put a slightly embarrassing picture of my hubs online, it's only fair I'm slightly embarrassed too. He is sleeping great because of that lovely JetBlue eye mask, and I am not sleeping (who knows why)....which is why my eyes look a bit crazy. (Notice I did not make this picture as large as the others. :)

Brother/sister beach time. :)

My (unofficially adopted) big sister and her daughter (my unofficial niece). :)

Disney World with the fam! Hollywood Studios is def my favorite!

I seriously have the coolest brother in the world. 

Honey, we're shrunk. 

Watching Disney fireworks on the Fourth of July! One of my most favorite holidays. 

My campus ministers from college, but really, dear friends. So, so great to spend time with them!

Tom (on the far right) and I went to college together. This was a double date with our spouses...gosh, how times have changed. :) 

More friends! (I can't get enough of seeing old friends again!)

We are Aunt Ellie and Uncle Gordon. :)

Just a Sunday morning. 

Beach. Miami skyline in the background. 

Coming soon...

Our second wedding/reception! :)

Thank you!

I know it's been a while, but first off I have to say: I love you! Yes, you! My reader(s)!

Hubby and I just got back from visiting my family in the US for three weeks and we had the most wonderful, encouraging, inspiring, refreshing time! One of the many things that was so encouraging was that I had a number of you tell me that you love reading this blog. I know that probably doesn't sound like a big deal, but it actually means a lot.

I love when life reminds you that life is still so good...ok, it's not life, it's God - God reminding you through little or big things that life is really good. It doesn't always feel that way and maybe sometimes it's actually not, but more often than not, there is so much more good around us and in us than we see.

So, thanks for reading. Thanks for enjoying something I love doing so much and inspiring me to work harder at it. :)

Here's a short teaser of our trip, until next time.

Love,
ef

Friends!

Family!

Practically family!

And something I can't wait to tell you about!