Man Overboard!

Before the rooster crowed early this morning, we lined the streets in front of our house to catch a cab to Tec. We were off on a Saturday excursion! We met up with our friend Carlita, her brother, and two friends. Her brother, Beto, is a rafting guide in Hacomulco and served as our guide for the day. He was not only one of our rafting guides, but also gave us historical lessons on the bus ride and led us on a hike to a swimming hole.

Pics from the day:

Gearing up to get in the rafts. we listen to the safety instructions. The Spanish words for forward, backward, and stop will forever be ingrained in my mind: adelante, atrás, alto.

Concerned expressions were displayed throughout the group while the guides explained to us the different safety positions and paddling commands.

Each guide had a video camera attached to his helmet to document the rapids experience. We were on the water for about 2 hours conquering 18 rapids!

Two guides stayed close to us in kayaks, especially during the class 4 rapids. In the picture above, there is a blue helmet in the water beside the boat. Abbey fell out when the boat was pushed up against the rock wall by the rapids. She was quickly rescued and pulled back into the boat.

It was a beautiful day for rafting. It was neat to look up and see the trees and mountains lining the river. God's Creation is breathtaking!

We survived and loved it! :)

During the safely lesson, we learned that if you fell out of the raft and could no longer see the raft, you were to take the safety position (lift your feet up and float on your back) and wait for a rope or kayak. The roar of the river would be so loud that you would not be able to hear your rafting guide's commands. This, however, was not necessary since we had spent time learning the commands, situations, and responses. Even without the visual and audible presence of the guide, we would know that he was working to reach us. 

This reminded me of my walk with Christ. At times I am in the raft with other believers, paddling hard, responding to a clear voice. Then a big wave (trial) comes, and I am washed away from community. Things become rough, I feel alone, and it's hard to see that God is working. If I know the safety instructions (i.e., the Bible), then I know that God is at work. Even if the only thing I can hear is a distant whistle, I know that a rope is coming.

"For He has said, 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you.'" 

Hebrews 13:5b

It's important to be familiar with the Safety Instructions for when the waves grow high and we lose sight of the Guide.

This adventure concluded our first week with the AIA team. The "training camp" part of the trip is over. We will now be focusing more on ministry opportunities and outreach. Thank you for your prayers! I'll keep you updated. :)