“Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” –Author Unknown
Adventure = to engage in an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. The exploration of unknown.
A story of adventure, danger and humor.
Lugging her ridiculously heavy back on yet another bus, she climbed up the steps and found a seat. What was before her was a 15-hour ride through the most dangerous roads in the world. Most people would be freaking out or even sick to their stomach, but somehow in the danger her heart was thrilled! She loves a great adventure and living on the edge. At this point, you don’t get too much more “on the edge” than what the next few days of her life in Nepal would entail.
The hours passed and she finally arrived at the first destination. Her and her team would be helping to build an orphanage that is still under construction. The next few days were spent hauling bricks up stairs, digging ditches, shoveling sand and picking up rocks. Each day the anticipation built for the trip ahead. Finally, the sun rose and the morning had come to embark on this grand adventure.
There were only enough seats for some in the small van that came to take them to the base of the mountain they were about to climb, so she had to ride on a motorcycle. Her heart wasn’t dismayed; it was nearly overcome with excitement. The funny thing is, she had to ride on the back of a motorcycle with a Nepalese man she didn’t know and with her heavy backpack on! She was praying this man would take her to the right location, since she only spoke English and he spoke barely any, she knew it would be an adventure to say the least. After about 15 minutes of riding, the bike pulled over near a bridge with several armed policemen with guns. “It’s over! I’m about to either get killed or sold. They found me out!” she thought to herself. The man turned off the bike and hopped off. She began to sweat, even though it was so chilly. “Being a missionary comes with its risks and I knew this could be a possibility going in.” She began to reason with herself. He went over to talk to the policemen, most likely making the deal for her, she assumed. He walked back over to the bike and said, “let’s go”. Then they were off. She was so relieved yet confused. Then, after crossing the bridge she saw a construction sign for “detour”. Because of the political uproar going on in Nepal, police are stationed on the highways and having people check in before crossing. “What a silly girl I am! To think I got so frazzled for nothing”, she gave herself a mental slap in the mouth. It’s funny though how sometimes we can only see the worst-case scenario first before reason sets in.
Now they were back on the road and she was feeling safer about actually arriving at her destination. It was a brisk morning in Nepal and the 50-mile an hour winds were sending chills down her entire body. Her mind was overcome with wonder as she tried to drink in the magnificent things she was seeing. The bike whizzed through the towns where the people were up early getting their day started. In between the little towns was the best part. Mountains everywhere. The sun was shining bright and opening up her eyes to see the beauty around. Behind the rolling hills were the tips of the Himalayas. Their snowcaps were awake and saying the finest “hello”.
After the joyful ride, she arrived at the base of the mountain. They regrouped as a team, ate some breakfast and prepared for the endeavor ahead. She put on her pack, thinking he must have gained weight on the ride over, and walked to the river. You see, in order to get to the remote village where they were headed to help build a school, her team would have to cross one river 14 different times and hike over 5 hours! They were ready to tackle the feat ahead and into the water they went. The splendor of the view would be nearly impossible to describe. Mountains were on every side; the crystal clear water was brisk yet refreshing; the sun was glistening all around like magic!
One river crossing after another one their team continued. Some of the rivers were so high they went up to her chest and she had to carry her pack on her shoulders in order to cross. Thankfully, there were several guys to help when she couldn’t lift her pack. They are few and far between, but there are some gentlemen still left in this world. Anyway, back to the story. Going to the bathroom is always a challenge in situations like this. There aren’t quite as many bushes as you would hope and you’re constantly faced with the haunting question “Do I pee in the river”? No one wants to admit that they do it, but when you are in the middle of nowhere in Nepal, you don’t have too many options left. Plus, since your clothes are soaking wet the challenge only increases and don’t forget about all the bugs that like to accompany you in the woods.
After hours of hiking and crossing dangerous rivers, they finally arrived on the 14th and final river crossing. The only problem is, the river was ragging and the current was swift. Her main issue however, was the fact that she is vertically challenged and the water would be over her head. She took a deep breath and mustered up all the gumption she had and into the water she went. A slow and long stride is the key they say to getting to the other side. The water got deeper and deeper until she could no longer touch. The current was so swift it began to take her away. She tried to fight back and swim harder, but the strength of the current was tough to beat…
