Real-life Rainforest

Today was the best day yet, and Connor Dellarosa's fifteenth birthday!  Although we woke up a lot earlier than usual, it was completely worth it. We all packed up in the two buses and headed down to Barbara`s church. She not only is a magnificent person but an extraordinary priest as well. Her sermon really moved the group and she made us feel at home. The biggest difference between our church and theirs is the peace. Everyone greeted one with a a warm smile and handshake that could make anyone's day. We walked around the church for about 5 minutes, meeting new and interesting cultural changes within people intertwining into a family. I've never felt more at home with these lovely folk. After the service we were given a hearty lunch by the clergy and juice that anyone would kill for as we battled the beating sun.

 

We changed our clothes and all rode in the buses to a popular hiking and caving spot.  Even though it was hot, we all enjoyed the short but strenuous hike through the jungle. By the end, we were all beyond relieved to feel the cool air coming out of the cave. As we ventured into the cave, it felt like we'd been transported to a place where time didn't matter any more. Some of us were a little scared at first, but when we got to the end we were all laughing and playing in the creek that ran through the mouth of the cave.  After the hiking and cave exploring was over, we headed to a water hole. 

 

This is Michelle, I need to interject this lovely timelog of our day with what ELSE happened after the cave exploration.  Aryl, one of the young men that lives at In His Will (our host Ministry), asked the group if we'd like to hike to the top mountain, now this is real live rainforest for you folk back home relaxing in your air conditioning.  So Amanda, Rick, Leroy, Stewart, WIlliam, Davis, Margaret and Daryl and myself spent a grueling heart thumping 1/2 mile ascend STRAIGHT up this mountain in a rain forest   It was Hunger Games with mosquitoes substituting for the TrackerJackers!  We made it to the top, enjoyed the spectacular view, and spent an additional 45 minutes trying to get back down the mountain, out of water, very hot, and hungry as a lumber jacks...but we were better people for the trek!

 

The hole had a beautiful canopy of trees covering the sun.  It was a much needed and refreshing break from the heat.  We swam in the water hole for a at least an hour.  After we finished swimming we came back to the cabins for some free time. Faye prepared a great meal of barbecue chicken, mash potatoes and corn and Birthday cake!  We having compline then off to bed! Love you all! Good nite!

The Lumberjills

Brennan, Channel, Lucy and Michelle