Team Agapetos is proud to announce that we unofficially won the first leg of the 2007 World Race. (Final decisions pending).
We left Matamoras, Mexico around noon on Thursday. We piled on to a large school bus and we were dumped (don’t freak out mom) in Reynosa, Mexico. Serena (AIM Staff) said, “Go with God and good luck” and the race began. Our destination, Palenque, Mexico, about 800 miles away. As 30 people unloaded a ton of packs and equipment, Team Agapetos had a plan. Eric, our race captain, and I snuck out on a scouting mission to find the bus station. Luckily, Eric speaks fluent Spanish and we were able to secure the last few seats on the 9 pm bus. We had the advantage, there were no seats left for the other teams and they would have to find an alternate route.
Yes, God has a sense of humor, and a way to humble us all. After the 27 hour bus ride, we arrived at the bus station in Villa Hermosa late Friday night, only to find Team Zeo there already. And to find out that the bus we need to get to Palenque, another 1-2 hours away, did not leave until 2:20 am. Slowly all of the teams arrived with both warm greetings, and a few shocked, how did you get here so fast looks. The race had indeed begun, and now we were waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Our bus was late, really late, finally at 5:30 am we piled in for the final stretch.
Upon arrival to Palenque all of the B squad rushed off the bus. We had to be the first team to get to the top of the Plaza de la Cruz at the Mayan ruins to claim the victory. It was coming down to speed and quick strategy. We knew we had to get ahead of Team Zeo if it came down to a battle of speed. So Eric got strategic and managed to get ahead of the line to purchase tickets. Jake, Michelle, and myself were waiting for him at the park gate. When the park gates opened at 10 am, we were off. And we took off behind the media team. Suddenly, Team Salt (A squad) passed us, only to take a wrong turn. Jake had the path set before him and the rest of us followed. Before we knew it we were at the base of the temple, and then ½ way up. And then, by the grace of God, we made it, the first team to the top. Praise God.
A few points of humor along the way. Upon arrival to the first bus station I really need a little girls room, bad. As I hurried to push through the turn style type “door” I heard the policia whistle at me. YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PEE in Mexico! 3 pesos (30 cents). Several hours later, at the next bus station, I had to pee again, I asked Eric for pesos. He laughed and asked me to hold it. Ok, I truly never thought I would be living a life where I was too poor to pee.
The Lord was with us all along the way. Eric had a divine appointment to minister for several hours to a few Mexican locals at the bus station in Matamoras (during our 7 hour lay over). The teams were able hang out, rest, bond, and eat tacos for EVERY MEAL! The drive was beautiful, and we were really able to take in all in, cause our bus driver went an average of 40 mph, yes, for 29 hours. Yikes. We were praying for patience, lots of it. And the Lord is good, and He is faithful, and He provides. “Or Lord Jesus… equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him. (Hebrews 13:20)
We are all in good spirits, looking forward to a nap. Keep us in your prayers, we miss you and love you all!!!
(Insert Mary, she was taking this pic)
PLEASE BE SURE TO BE CHECKING WWW.THEWORLDRACE.ORG FOR BLOGS POSTED BY MY TEAM MEMBERS AS WELL!!! WE WILL BE SWITCHING OFF POSTING AS WE CAN FIND INTERNET CAFE’S ETC.
