Wonder Voyage 2009 Summer Blog

Today we visited 2 well known places: Lombard St and the Golden Gate Bridge. Lombard street is the most winding street in the world. Going down it was like a roller coaster ride, especially with the breaking and gasing that our driver did.

My favorite part of the day was the Golden Gate Bridge. The phrase ‘golden gate’ is often associated with the area, and the bridge is referenced many times, so visiting the bridge itself is really cool.

When we got there, the leaders said we were going to walk half way, then walk back. This seemed disappointing to me, because I wanted to complete the journey on foot across a well known bridge. So as we were crossing the bridge, I went straight to the other side. Stepping off the bridge felt awesome, like checking off somethin off a life to do list. By the way, 75 percent of the team crossed- including the leaders.

Today after waking up in our swanky hotel, we walked to a restaurant and ate some desayuno. It was good, you could have either number one or number two, aka tropical fruits or beans. After that, we piled into the GB765, destination: THE FALLz! They were pretty much nearby, so it didn’t take too long. The pathway was extremely long and slippery. But it was TOTALLY worth it. The falls were epic, very tall, and the pool of water surrounding them was deep and beautiful much like Jason’s soul. A difference between the two was that the water was turbulent and cold. There were lots of Germans at the falls. It’s a good thing they were not in a shark danger area because most of the people attacked during shark week were German. Jason tried to convince us that if you swam at the bottom of the pool, the water fall would shoot you up in a new location. Nobody believed him. Instead of doing that, we all went body rafting down the rocky river which lead to the calmer pool. Body rafting is basically rafting without a raft, don’t worry mom, everybody is a-okay. Once we reached the calm pool, Erin decided to take a rest. She was perched on a rock when a giant spider crawled onto her foot. She got scared. She flicked the gargantuan arachnid on to Jenny’s foot. As Jenny, I was scared. We all swam about. There were some fish. Before we knew it, it was time to go. We hiked back up the path, which was difficult, but rewarding.

We were ready to leave, when UH OH!, Jason heard from Diego, that the GB765 was broken in the tire region. We would all have to walk down to the bus and push into town. Half the group walked much quicklier than the rest. The slow group secretly won the race though. Here is why: There was a man selling coconuts for our pleasure. He had chickens which we fed the coco-meat to. The coconut man had a machete and he used it open the coconut. It was totally delicious. When we were in for another surprise, a selfless man saw our problem from his home across the way. He helped Diego change the tire. They worked up a sweat that glistened in the Costa Rican sun. Everyone was impressed and heart warmed by his refusal of payment. We continued on to a little town where we partook in some nourishment.

We were inspired by the warmness of all the people. When headed back to get going to San Jose. The ride was fillesd with laughter, jokes, and happiness when all of the sudden traffic. This set us back about a half hour, so we played in the rain and with some bannana guy. We are now at the hotel called the hotel Aeropuerto or airport hotel.

We started off the day by climbing into our cars, some of us half asleep, and driving down to our destination. When we pulled up beside Saint Anthony’s church, we all groaned a little, thinking we were going to attend yet another church service. But to our surprise, we walked across the street and were told we would be doing some service work. There, we met with a man named Fitz and were soon split up into two groups. One was assigned to do some behind the scene work sorting clothing, and the others walked down to the senior health center and spent a few hours talking to and playing games with the elderly housed there.

At about noon, we all met up back at the church and got in line to have lunch. While standing and talking with a variety of people, I saw one elderly man sitting on the side of the street. He was carefully and meticulously wrapping his blistered, swollen red feet in old tattered napkins and proceeding to gently put his beat up old sneakers on. When he finished, he looked around and got up slowly, limping away and sighing. Sights like that really open ones eyes to the things that we take for granted in our lives- to us, a napkin is a worthless piece of paper that we wipe our mouths or hands on, and then throw away. To others, it’s a comfortable bandage that keeps you warm and at ease. We then ate lunch with all the homeless in a big dining room, each of us striking up a different conversation with someone, hoping to make their day a little brighter.

When we finished, we completely changed directions by walking to Union Square, the wealthiest part of the city. As we walked, we noticed the blantant change of poor to rich in one block. It was a crazy feeling to go from one extreme to another, and when we finished walking for a couple of hours, we met back up to go to one more place still a mystery to us.

We pulled into a parking lot near Pier 33 where we excitedly founf a boat to Alcatraz waiting for us. We boarded the boat, taking a 12 minute ride to the island. It seemed monstrous and intimidating and when we stepped off it was cold, foggy and dark. We learned its history, then walked up to the prison on the top where we took an amazIng audio tour. We heard stories from the prisoners, guards and family members.

At one point in the tour they took us outside to look at the view. Earlier in the day Fitz talked to us about “Us/ Them” and he wanted to make it clear to our group that there is no “them” in this world. There is only “Us”. Everybody needs dignity and respect. At Alcatraz they we “Them”. In my life, I hope to continue to strive treat people as “us” because, according to Jesus, we are to pray ‘Our Father’ and that ‘Our’ only leaves room for Us.

Its been almost a full week since we returned from our pilgrimage to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and the transition back into normal life couldn’t feel more odd. To suddenly go from a place that felt calm, relaxing, and safe to a fast-paced environment filled with responsibilities, stresses, and an inability to keep up feels like diving headfirst into freezing cold water. Reality has suddenly sunk in that our pilgrims no longer have their leaders to look to for answers and support. They must now go off into the real world and make their own choices.

Fortunately, Jessica, Donald, Rachel, Eva, and Jakob, with the help of their leaders Kathleen and Wendy, and Shawn Small from Wonder Voyage, have been given the skills they need to live fulfilling, meaningful, and spiritual lives in Christ. This past week, each of them has had a unique one-on-one experience with God and have opened themselves up to hear His message. As we were given the opportunity to let go of the things that hold us back while in Cape Breton, we must learn to do so while living in the real world. This trip has allowed us to discover feelings and emotions we may not have otherwise. To then share those feelings with people we see maybe once a week at church has also allowed us to build closer, more intimate relationships with our peers, and feel each other’s love and support. It would be an understatement to say that this trip has affected our lives. It has changed each of us as individuals and shaken the core of who we are as people. Shawn has given us the tools to make our lives what we want them to be, and has assured us that whatever problems we may have on our shoulders, God is here to lift them. We thank Shawn and Wonder Voyage for all that they’ve done for us, and we lend our support to future groups of young people who plan on going off in the world to meet God face-to-face.

Our last day in Guanacaste. The morning was early for one of the groups as we split between painting the school and cleaning up the base for our departure (We are the last group there this summer.) After a much needed sustenance break for lunch we loaded up all the bags and before driving off experienced a poignant goodbye with Sala and Catalina and the kids loaded with pictures and mixed emotions.

Now off from Guanacaste we had only clear skies ahead (That is except for the rain) as we continued our travels along towards Arenal. Finally after changing our money at the bank we took great pleasure in spending our colones in the small town that we stopped at on our way. The mountains of Costa Rica are truly a feat that which the gods themselves take wonder at. Towering peaks would jut into the clouds piercing them even as they rolled down, forests and meadows towards the lake which stood breathtakingly beautiful while Mount Arenal hung in the distant stoically greeting the heavens with smoke. Words cannot begin to hold these images. After arriving and promptly leaving our hotel which seems a small wonder with air conditioning, comfortable beds and toilets you could actually flush we made the brief sojourn up to a hot springs though I don’t know if you could call it such. A lush beautiful paradise intermingled with warm to hot to excruciatingly hot pools intermixed with cold pools and set with lighting that together gave our road weary bodies ample rest. A dinner buffet followed good though not nearly as such as the meals that Catalina prepared for us. Arriving back in our daily meeting of good faith we talked about how we had seem and experienced God in our days here in Costa Rica and it filled me with happiness and reckless abandoning joy to hear people talk with such fervor of their experiences.

For such a day that at the least was on par with the others which we have had I find much and amazement in and I find great happiness in and so on this note I wish all happy hearts and hopeful minds for the days I have seem can bring not but that. Goodnight and I hope that may all your dreams rival ours.

Today has been one of my favorite days of the trip so far. After a breakfast of pancakes and pineapple, we went on a very long drive to the beach. Once there, we had a mini church service on the beach which included local bread, as well as some music led by Erin and I (vocals) and Amy (ukulele). After church, it was time to swim! The water was an absolute perfect temperature, cool enough to quell the heat, but not too cold to be uncomfortable.

After the beach we went to town to buy gifts and to practice our Spanish with the locals. On the way back to the base, a huge thunder storm broke out and flashes of lightening illuminated the country side. The rain, however, did have a bit of a downside. Because there was so much, the water pressure at the base depleted until it became non-existent. That means that showers, toilets, sinks, and all other water facilities are currently out of commission. Despite this minor setback, today was an exceptionally wonderful day.

We started our morning by taking a drive to the nearest zip-lining adventure course. Once we had on all of our gear, we climbed the ladder to the first platform. Soon we were flying through the jungle on metal wires. We were flying upside down, sideways, and sometimes spinning in circles. Then in the middle of our fun, it starts to rain. Now, this is not Idaho rain. This is Costa Rican rain-forest rain. Within seconds we were drenched. We were trying to forget about our cameras getting soaked in the pools that were forming in our pockets and the fact that we are all attached to cords up in very, very tall trees. Instead, we kept zipping through the storm. It was such beautiful experience to be flying through the cool air with huge raindrops hitting our face.

What we didn’t think about was the bus ride home. We were all so soaked that puddles formed in our seats and around our feet. We were very cold. It was worth it, though. We returned home to grab some dinner and change clothes.

Then our guide, Diego, took us to the local church for a “not so normal” Saturday service. We had no idea what to expect. As we walked in we saw people praying and singing all around the chapel. We waited for them to finish and then the fun started. They began to play music and showed us their dances. We were watching and enjoying the service when some girls came and grabbed us. They took us to the center of the chapel and told us to do what they do. So we danced. I’m sure we looked ridiculous because there was lots of smiling and laughter. It was a blast. Then the preacher went to the front and started talking. Most of us had no idea what he was saying but Lucas later told us that he was showering us with blessings. Then the people gathered around us and started praying over us. It was so powerful to hear them and know that they believed in us.

Hasta la bye-bye!

Our second day of pilgrimage was both fun and tiring.  We went to two church services, witnessed hundreds of sparring sealions, ate enough In and Out burgers to make us sick and bought sweet sunglasses.  Zach is currently trying to fix his because he sat on them.

The morning service was a very new experience for us pilgrims. To summarize we used phrases like excessive clapping, loud voices and insane dance moves, and packed building. Other than that, the service was ver similiar to United Parish. Similiar message and same sense of faith. 

Our second service was on the complete opposite side of the church service spectrum.  There was about 20 people in the congregation at a service that lasted 35 minutes. It was a quick sermon, a few short hyms and a cozy communion.

The afternoon free time allowed some touristing.  My group went to the pier and checked out shops and sea lions.  We ate burgers.  We expereinced many different ways of living. Whether flailing your arms at a 2 hour church service or watching street magic outside of an In and Out Burger we are all on faith journey.

Today was a mixture of excitement and boredom.  I woke up not looking forward to theupcoming day but when I arrived at the airport all those feelings dissappeared.  the one disappointing part of the day was all the waiting.  We got to the airport at 8:45 when departure was 10:45 am.  The plane ride was fun but long.  I was lucky that I was tired enough to sleep.  Even luckier to wake up to a movie that was good.

When we landed the plane spot at the gate was occupied so once again we waited.  We took the shuttle to our rental car and we got a couple of vehicles.  Problem is there was no storage space. So each kid had their suitcase on their lap until we arrived at the hostel.

When we got to out to our small rooms with 4 bunks to a room. We immediatly went to a restaurant where Zach made me laugh when my mouth was full of water and I spewed it across the table onto Mia.  Sorry Mia. We then went to bed 10 pm (or 1 am EST).

I learned a couple of lessons today.  I should learn to be patient and the other is that I should drink quickly around Zach.

Today we spent some time at the National Civil Rights Museum to consider some questions. Who is my neighbor? Do we get to pick our neighbors? What does Jesus mean when he asks us to love our neighbors as ourselves? After a morning full of exploration and some serious reflection, we headed to Mud Island Park for some fun. We didn’t get a chance to swim, unfortunately, but we were able to finally relax after our busy week.

Later that evening, we celebrated with dinner at Rendezvous, a Memphis classic. After eating what were possibly the best dry ribs in Tennessee (some say the world), we headed back home for a time of reflection and worship.

This week God has spoken to us all, clearly and loudly. We have listened to his voice and followed Him as best we could, and he has changed us for it. This was my last trip of the summer and I am grateful that I could spend it with Christ Redeemer.

Thus ends the Memphis blogs…