Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40 (NIV)
Day 2 in Guatamala found us soaring like wings of eagles. Because Sunday is the day that parents come to visit their children at the Malnutrician Center, it was our day to sightsee before starting work in earnest tomorrow. We started the day with a delicious breakfast and a devotional by Howie reminding us of the story of the boy with five loaves and two fishes. He reminded us that even though we think we might be inadequate, Jesus can take the little bit we have to offer and turn it into a miracle that will bless many. Then, we boarded a truck that looked like a converted army truck. The back had seats like a bus, but we had to climb up inot it. From there we had a bird´s eye view of the city. For some of us, that is as high as we cared to be! But, today was all about building our team and learning to let go of any preconceived notions or control issues we might have. The solution? A zip line tour 1500 feet across a very deep cabin. First, we had to get fitted up into harnesses, helmets and gloves. Some of us were reluctant to go, but with the rest of the group egging us on, we allowed oursevles to be rigged up. We climbed up onto a stand built around a tree where a guide clipped us onto a wire. Then, we let ourselves rest against the harness, pulled our knees up and were pushed out into the sky by the laughing guide who said, ¨¨Ready? Open your eyes!¨ and off we flew! Once on the other side of the canyon, we climbed farther up the mountain and then, journeyed back across. This time, the line was heigher so we got more speed. Some of our group found the experience a thrill. Some of us just were glad to survive. But, all of us know now what it means to trust someone or something else to hold us. A lesson we will need this week, I am sure. The afternoon found us exchanging our American dollars for Guatamalan ones. As we exited the bank, we were surrounded by women and children trying to sell us things. Even when we refused to barter, they were persistent and at times, put things into our hands and then, expecting us to pay. It was not easy to say no to the adults, but even harder to say no to the children. We did buy some things from them, but managed to hold out until we got to the marketplace where we found the prices to be lower and the bartering not nearly as difficult when your heartstrings were not involved. We bought some beautiful things, but the most important thing we discovered was the bond between fellow believers. As some of the vendors saw our Orphan´s Heart shirts, they disclosed that they were belivers, thanked us for our service to their country and gave us a small token of their appreciation. It is a small world when Christ rules in our hearts.
The above post is what I put on the FBC blog. It is too difficult to try and do two posts today. I will just say that I was scared out of my mind, but I did not cuss or wet my pants. More when the computer comes back up again!
Not cussing or wetting your pants is a big thing when faced with something that scares you so much!
I hate the begging these people have to do (not just Guatemala but everywhere there is high poverty) just to survive. It's hard to say no, even when you know you should.
It's a great adventure you're on, Island Rider!!!