A couple of weeks ago, a group of us hiked the mountain that lies across the riverbed from us. It was the hardest hike i have ever done (and i had hiked the same mountain my first trip to Haiti, but i didn't remember it being that difficult!). there were many times when i was afraid that i wouldn't make it to the top and that rather than me conquering the mountain, the mountain would conquer me. my fellow lag behinder and i made innumerable breather and photo taking breaks. we took lots of time to 'smell the roses' as they say, and then i made sure i got a few pictures of each one as well. this conveniently dragged out the rest period before we made ourselves move on ;-P we met some very nice people who live on the mountain and most likely make the trek we were making a regular part of their lives. we probably wouldn't have taken the opportunity to talk to them if we'd been extremely cardiovascularly fit. i can't say the number of times we asked 'did you see some other people come past here', or 'which way did the others go?' every time without fail, they gladly showed us. finally, after about 4 hours of intense upward climbing, we made it to our goal. what a sense of accomplishment! the view was awesome, the air was clear and cool, and THERE WAS GRASS! :-) the whole mountain was lush and green, with many fields being planted or growing crops. the soil was dark and rich with a deep red tinge.
the hike down the mountain was pretty difficult, but not in the cardio kind of way, with many hairpin turns and craggy, steep paths. by the time we were on the last stretch to home, i was ready to hail a moto taxi, hop on the back, and ride the rest of the way home, which would have been a five minute drive. however, i told myself 'you just climbed that whole mountain; you can't give up when you're so close to the end!' 8 hours after leaving, we arrived back at the house very tired, extremely sweaty, stiff, soar, sunburned, and ready for a huge glass of icy water :-D
Here are just a few of the photos i took while we hiked. Enjoy!
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"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Matthew 6:28 |
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Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. Isaiah 40:4 |
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I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24 |
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In You, O LORD, I put my trust;Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.Bow down Your ear to me,Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name's sake, Lead me and guide me. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:1-3, 24 |
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"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 |
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| When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1:4 |
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| You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 |
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