So Wade here. It has been six days from the end of training camp in Medellin Colombia. Since then we broke up into smaller groups. The groups are made up of two all women groups, one coed group and my group, 3 guys and me.
Us guys decided to go camping in Salento Colombia. The area is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to or seen, so far. On the first night of being in Salento, we met another believer named Tim. That night we had dinner with him and the next three days we went on hikes, lunch and dinner with him. We believe that God brought us here to meet Tim and bring him encouragement and fellowship. Especially when Tim said, he rarely gets to spend a lot of time with other believers on his travels.
On the third day, my group and Daniel, our squad mentor, went to Cocora Valley. It is a very beautiful hole. My favorite part was the walk down through the jungle. Though crossing the wood bridges made me think of Indiana Jones and possibly falling through.
Of the three days of hiking at elevation over 5000 feet, we hiked over 32 miles. I drank fresh mountain water. Got so sweaty that it wasn’t salty anymore and my clothes had no dry spots. Saw my teammates decide to swim in the river. And was extremely exhausting. But all amazing hikes. I loved everything about the hikes. Except maybe going up the steep parts.
Over my whole life I have read and watched a lot of adventures like Lord of the Rings but now I get to experience my own adventure. Honestly though the stories make hiking look easy. One of the things I heard from God was Philippians 4:13. The strength of Jesus helped me even on the hikes.
Lastly, yesterday 30Jan2018 was our Sabbath to rest and spend time with God. One of the girl’s groups, Kylee, Kate, Grace, Emily and Christasia, showed up to camp in Salento also. Some of us decided to go to a coffee plantation to take a tour. The coffee we got to try was delicious. And the whole process of getting the beans ready for sending out to roast was impressive. Did you know the fruit is actually sweet?
All in all Colombia is beautiful and the people are friendly. And hiking jungle mountains are difficult. Hopefully to be ready for the Camino in Spain in a few months.
Prayer Requests:
Pray for all our squads as we start to move to Ecuador.
Pray for people of peace.
Pray for continued health and safety.
Pray for my financial needs.
Please consider donating. My next deadline is coming fast, the end of February! I need $13,000 for this deadline.
