Day 6 was another cold one. Not as cold as yesterday but still chilly enough that my hands hurt. We hiked out early and caught up with some of the others on our squad pretty quickly.
Today’s walk was fast and followed some rolling hills. These hills made for an exquisite sun rise! It came up as we climbed a hill so I would hike 500 ft then turn around to look at it and catch my breath. It felt like the most beautiful I had seen in awhile with its deep oranges and pinks. I’ve put a progression of sunrise pictures at the bottom.
As the sun came up, it actually got colder. I hiked somewhat alone most of the day with groups of people in front of me and behind me. I listened to podcasts most of the day which filled my brain. I like having a full brain! One of the random things I learned about was dazzle camouflage from WWI. It’s cool. Look it up if you have a chance.
I also processed Malawi as I hiked! It was a very full, good, but hard month for me. At the beginning of that month, I got raised up to be one of two Logistics leaders for our squad. We are in charge of planning Debriefs as well as transport between countries. It’s a lot of work but also a lot of fun! It did come with a lot of weight and emotions from other people that I had to sift through. Some good and some bad. I feel other people’s emotions very readily, so I had to decide what I felt versus what other people did and then align it with what God said. It was hard. But I love logistics so much! It’s a tangible way to love the squad.
Our ministry that month was cool and opened me up again to how much I love teaching. We lived in a mission base/orphanage that month with a young American family. Kara and I homeschooled their children, Zack, Ester, Zander, and Asher. We did science projects, read Narnia, made things. So much fun. I got to pour into them and love them. They also poured into me a lot. Malawi was the second month of the Race that I shed a few tears when I said good bye…
Tonight I hung out and talked to a lot of people. The lady from NY who we have adopted as our own has really become one of us. She doesn’t want us to leave her and is enjoying spending time with us and we with her. She came into the coffee shop and said, “I’m getting another cup of coffee to celebrate!” When I asked what the occasion was, she said, “I was talking to one of you on the hike, and I left some things on the trail that I needed to leave behind. It’s like a weight is gone!” She was glowing so much in her new found freedom! It was amazing!
In other news I found a pair of striped knee high socks, an extra sweater to go with my sweatshirt, and an airport blanket to help me stay warm tonight. We are staying in an old monastery that feels like a castle, and it is a little cold but also very fun!
Not sure what tomorrow looks like but it shouldn’t be too bad. I may leave early or I may not. Not sure yet. We will see.
Happy hiking,
Elise
