From the Helm – Thursday, December 31, 2009
3 AM – Unbelievable… Mere words will deny descriptive justice to what I’ve seen these past hours. Since departing the Beatriz yesterday, we’ve ventured in to another world – another place and time.
For 8 hours we travelled through the ever narrowing channels of the Mapueira River. The cliffs and rock formations becoming higher and more pronounced as we slowly pressed forward. At each set of rapids and falls, the necessity of jump in and drag our mammoth canoes over the shallows, evolved from an occasional occurrence to the norm of things.
Tucans and macaws flew over us with the frequency of blackbirds back home. I was amazed at the rocks rising from the waters. They were magnificent in size and shape - some polished smooth, others jagged and menacing. As our 5 canoes jockeyed for position between negotiations of the falls, we’d just look at each other, the sheer awe of it all was apparent in each face…
We finally arrived in Inaja at dusk, yesterday. The entire community were standing or sitting on the great rock ledges as our canoes landed. So good to see Foracha (the Chief) and all the rest. We were welcomed royally. This time, Marciano vacated two homes in order to accommodate our numbers and provisions – the hospitality of this people continues to deeply humble me. I am so very grateful to be here among them once again…
The full-moon is casting perfect shadows off the trees from the east; the Southern Cross low on the southern horizon; Scorpio setting to the east; the sound of the rapids roaring in the background of my thoughts. Here I sit, overlooking the river – my mind and soul in total awe of it all. Thank You, Lord, for allowing this for me. Thank You for safe passage to this place and people. My, my. Thank You for it all, indeed…
1 PM – It’s been a mellow morning. We just got our generator up – now, we have communication with the rest of our universe.
- Just after dawn, all of us went to the “Rock” to bathe. The water was warm. I stayed in for almost an hour, chatting and letting the current relax me. One of our members’ hammocks became soaked during our journey yesterday, so, I loaned him mine. The floor for the night made the waters this morning truly relaxing. A hammock tonight will be a welcomed relief…
- A few minutes ago, the Cacique of Mapueira arrived and requested a meeting with me. He, Foracha, Marciano and I visited for a good few minutes before he asked what he’d come to ask. He wants to take me up to Mapueira day-after-tomorrow to visit his people. My immediate reaction was “yes”. After discussing it with our team, my answer was confirmed. Greg Brown, Edno, Marciano and I will depart at dawn on January 2nd, spend the night and return the 3rd, hopefully be dark… I love it…………………
- It seems some folks back home became a little concerned the other day when I mentioned that “a couple of our team were not quite 100%”. Well, what I said was what I meant. Nobody was “sick”; they just had a few hours “not quite 100%”. Everyone is WELL!!
- Medical just finished for the morning. VBS and teaching begins this afternoon. All is in full swing. How good it is…
- Preparations for New Years have begun all round us. The women are making huge tapioca cakes and collecting fruits to make juices. Ken is out with the fishing party in search for tomorrow’s food. When he gets back, he’ll probably turn around and head out with the hunting party. I feel certain his stories will be numerous and wild. It’ll be fun to hear him tell about the whole deal.