What a day! There really are no words to describe it! First, our bus trip was two hours long. We sat squashed together on a windy road praying that our bus would not break down or fall off. You see, we were in the middle of nowhere on a "road" in the mountains that our bus could barely fit on.
Thankfully the Lord kept us safe and we arrived without any problems. Our group was a little shocked to see grown men inhabited the building. We kept asking about children and getting funny looks. What a surprise when we found out that we were not at an orphanage at all! Our schedule told us, "July 6--Orphanage." Our leaders told us, "OOPS!" The schedule was wrong. Here we are at a Men's Rehab Center. But don't worry. We'll figure it out!"
Although we were not prepared for the Rehab Center, the Center was prepared for us! Soon we learned we would be helping to reforest the property. We all thought, "Planting trees around here can't be too bad." We were completely wrong!
First we found out we were not going to actually plant trees. Our job was to simply dig deep holes for the pines trees that would be put in later. Next we were told that the holes need to be dug "up there." Where? Eagerly the men began pointing. Shielding my eyes, I looked "up there," and saw a mountain!
Unfortunately we did hear correctly and, before I knew it, I found myself hiking "up there." Halfway up, I began getting tired (because of the altitude, of course!). I exclaimed, "Wow! This is one big mountain." Our guides looked at me incredulously and replied, "This is only a hill!"
We made it up the "mountain" and dug hole after hole. But, more astoundingly, we made it back down! Then we played a game of soccer with the people there, packed up, and headed home. It was quite a day!
The view from the "mountain" was breathtaking (or, maybe it was simply the climb!). As I worked God reminded me, through the view, of His love for me. What a unique God we serve! He not only made the world, but also made it beautiful...for me! I am used to flat Panama, so seeing the mountains, climbing the mountains was stunning. It was definitely something I will remember, but never want to do again!
| previous day | Mision Trip Page | next day |