To experience the Amazonian jungle is an amazing thing. Beauty on every hand, yet danger and death also is a constant threat.
What a place of contrasts Bolivia is. Enter through La Paz and experience the thin atmosphere of the world’s highest city. Headaches and dizziness come immediately. Off immediately in a tiny 20 seater propeller aircraft to Riberalta, literally carved out of the jungle. First impressions… oppressive heat, humidity, clouds of red dust (will we ever get it out of our clothes?). Then the smiling faces of our friends Mik and Kay waiting for us (or was all the chocolate and vegemite we brought them from Oz the greater anticipation?) Out to Hogar Casa Segura, the amazing acreage property that they have sculptured out of the jungle to be a haven for the multitude of orphans in the area whose parents have succumbed to the world’s greatest killer, malaria.
We were only there a day when we realised what a hostile environment this is. Bug-ville – there are creatures of every size and colour amidst the spectacular butterflies, parrots and monkeys. We didn’t see any anacondas, but we saw plenty of shed skins, some up to 8 metres (maybe they saw us though!! – Scary).
We drove into the jungle one day in the tip truck to collect timber that had been “hand cut” for the CS project. What a trip! Mik said that it was his most hair-raising one to date. Trust me to pick that one to go on! The “road” was actually little more that an animal track that was about wide enough for a small motorcycle. We slipped and slid our way along. I was convinced that I’d spend my first ever night hunkering down in the jungle. My mind played tricks and I imagined being swallowed by anacondas and whatever else. Sharpened up my prayer life. Needless to say we made it back.
The skill of the woodcutter amazed me. He fells the giant Brazil Nut tree and it falls amongst thick forest. He somehow manages to cut it up right there into long, beautiful planks according to the dimensions ordered by Mik. His only tool is a chain saw!
We left Mik and Kay, full of admiration for their grit, commitment and vision. They endure great hardships. Malaria, TB, parasitic digestive illness, discouragement and lack of Christian fellowship are just a few of their constant companions. God is with them. We were glad to be able to refresh them a little.
Back in La Paz last night in the Raddison Hotel we reflected on how our lives go from the sublime to the ridiculous in short time periods. We dined in luxury looking out upon this amazing city that is like an enormous bowl with very steep sides. As we reclined in a hot bath we thought of Kay and Mik without running water in their little jungle chalets and we gave thanks to Father for these unlikely heroes of our faith. Good on ya, you little Aussie battlers.
2 comments:
My first, and still current, reaction is WOW!
I have recently been reading about Paul's journeys and was thinking, "Lord, I kind of hope you don't want me to do that quite yet". then to read this.
I feel very much that God is so amazing, that He takes people on such a journey.
it is great to see you are both well!
It is so good to hear from you again and to see that Judy is recovered. I am reading this in Townsville as I arrived today to visit Dad and Lyn.
Hearing about your frinds in the jungle is very humbling. They are true heroes.
God be with you as you move on. :-)
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