Let me start by saying the pictures we’ll include today can’t
possibly capture the fun and hilarity that took place during our river day. But
know this, we are having a really great time!
We started out with a short walk to the bank of the Amazon
River to meet up with Lucy and some of the kids from Aljaba. This day trip is a
reward for them, so it’s really a special day.
We hopped on a boat with Carlos, our
driver, and after about 45 minutes we arrived at our first stop – Isle de Micos
– aka Monkey Island…which is exactly what it sounds like. You walk out into an
open area and dozens of tiny little monkeys just jump all over you. To
participate or not to participate is really not an option. The monkeys decide
you are definitely participating, and after that it is just monkey mayhem! They
crawl on your shoulder, perch on the top of your head, try to dig in your bags,
pull on your sunglasses, etc. If personal space is a big deal to you…well,
monkeys don’t care. Just get ready!
A new feature was a guided trail
walk around the island where we got another glimpse of the majesty of God’s
creation. What a creative artist He is! At the end of the walk the guide showed
us some canoes they use as planters for gardening cilantro, tomatoes, and
peppers. The guide picked two peppers to show us: one sweet and one hot. And
since boys will be boys what do you think happened next?
(paraphrased)
BJ: “Josh, I dare you to eat that.”
Josh: “I’m not eating that!”
Bj: “Come on. You’re not a man if
you don’t eat that.”
Emily: “Go on honey, do it!”
Emily: “Go on honey, do it!”
Josh: “Ok!”
Sarah: “Don’t eat that.”
BJ: “Give it here. I’ll try it!”
Things we heard after this:
“Ooh that’s hot.”
“Ooh that’s hot.”
“Wow.”
“My lips are tingling.”
“That’s the hottest thing I’ve
ever put in my mouth.”
“I shouldn’t have done that!”
“I should have listened to
my wife."
The pepper is called an ‘aji’. So if
you’re interested in finding out how hot they really are I’m sure google can
help you out.
After the pepper debacle it was time
to get out of there. We enjoyed lunch at a Puerto Narino, and then Carlos took
us to find some dolphins. The area was a mix of beautiful and a scene from the
movie from Anaconda.
We've all said before "we're in the middle of nowhere." But we were literally in the middle of nowhere...nothing but the jungle, a river, some snakes, manatees, electric fish, piranhas, crocodiles, and us. So naturally, what would any sane person do? Jump in the river, of course! (Don't worry, Mom. It wasn't me!) (Sorry, Mrs. Cathy. It was one of yours!)
Carlos drove around in circles to
stir up the water some, and then told us we had "cinco minutos" if
anyone wanted to swim. I think we thought he was joking, but he just sat there.
After a brief pause Elizabeth pipes up..."I'll go!" Then Josh chimes
in (not surprising considering the pepper situation!) followed by Monique.
Consider that bucket list item checked off!
Our final stop on the river was at a
small port on the Peruvian bank. You walk up, pay them some money, and they
bring out wild animals for you to hold. Totally safe, right??? Anacondas,
sloths, some cat family creature, and a crocodile type character.
We finally headed home, made a brief
stop at the new Aljaba property, and ended our day with dinner. I can't
adequately put into words what a great day it was. The Lord has been so
gracious to us every step of the way. Following the Lord is an awesome,
exciting journey.
For the generations...
Sarah
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