“We are going to see beautiful, untouched land and you will see monkeys,” Pastor said. What he didn’t say, or what was lost in translation was, you should wear the best shoes possible and maybe refrain from those new croc sandals you just bought for the race!
At first it was glorious. The bumpy, roller coaster like road to the unknown but much anticipated Amazon was filled with laughter as we weren’t 100% sure the car could complete the journey. We pulled up to a tree blocking the road just passed the parks’ entrance and got out of the tiny but mighty vehicle. We then walked up to a family handling the smallest cutest monkeys. They were jumping from person to person, enjoying even more the people who had food to give them. They were full of life and always ready to pounce. Through translation we were told the smaller they are the meaner they are. All I could think was, great this one on my head is super small. But he just perched himself there playing with my hair. Who knew on day 2 of this journey I would have found a friend in a monkey!
It was then time to climb up the observation deck to view the Amazon, breath taking of course. The ultra green, overgrown brush was glistening in the light as it was still spitting rain. The never-before seen alien flowers were gigantic and awe-inspiring. There were also pictures of Lago Agrio’s history along the way as well as a case full of authentic native jewelry along the way. As for exciting new encounters, that could have been the end of that story…
Remember how I said I wasn’t wearing the best shoes for this experience? Well, the journey into the Amazon was next! I had no idea we would actually be hiking into this new frontier. I made it a whole 3 minutes before determining these sandals would lead to my death if I left them on. Croc flip-flops do not agree with water and mud!! The sandals immediately starting slipping to the sides and I was practically walking barefoot as well as slipping away with them. I decided the only way to not die 3minutes into the Amazon would be to remove the mud-caked sandals.
So there I was barefoot in the Amazon!!! If you know anything about me you know I don’t do bugs, spiders, snakes or basically anything creepy that I had just been told there were too many species to count in the Amazon. But there I was walking barefoot like a native through the mud, trying not to trip over the huge tree routes and brush. I could have cried at this and demanded I turn back but it wouldn’t be fair or had anything to do with being a blessing to my team or my hosts. I had just been praying for an attitude of joy in all circumstances. So right then the Spirit reminded me of this and I chose joy and laughter. My unlikely happenings brought me to a much need prayer walk through the mud with my Savior in the middle of the Amazon!
Yes it was hard, I slipped all over the place, and even fell/caught myself on a rope bridge. But I smiled and enjoyed it. The huge water drops falling from the Jurassic leaves and even the large snake holes were all part of the experience that I wouldn’t have traded for the comforts of known. The revelations He showed me as I was in constant prayer, so that I would not be injured or eaten alive by bugs or worse, were worth my small sacrifice of discomfort.
Thank you Jesus for all of your gifts, revelations, and blessings. Thank you to my supporters and family back home! Thank you for calling me to something out of my comfort zone so that I may grow to be more like You. Know that as you are lifting me up, I am also praying for your well-beings. May God bless you as you have and are continuing to bless me!
