Haiti, Day Six (9/28/17): The Trek

10 hours, 12 miles, 28,800 steps, 3 rivers and 3 mountains later, I arrived at Bouvier school and I cried in God's awesomeness. God is so good. Today, my beliefs, intestinal fortitude and tenacity were put to the test as I put myself and my body up to the most intense physical challenge that I have ever undergone. Being proud of myself is an understatement. I accomplished so much today and I'm sure it  will impact my life for a long time to come.

Is enough, enough? (Courtesy of Dave)

Trekking through the first of three rivers (courtesy of Dave)

As I began to trek up the mountain, I had no idea what I was in for. I prayed at the start and decided that I was trekking for my grandparents health, my parents financial stability and for me to make it back to Haiti as a teacher. I am praying about how God can use me. I prayed for my spiritual and emotional health and wellbeing. Nobody could ever imagine what type of journey today has been. We took off around 11am and did not make it until 9pm; filthy, hungry and in pain like I've never felt before.

Praying got me up the mountain and my favorite song of course: "I was created to worship you, love and adore you, bow down and bless your holy name. From the rising of the sun until the going down of the same. Your name is to be praised." I sang and whispered all the way up the mountain, stopping to just tell God thank you. On the way up, there were several single homes and families enjoying their simple lives. We stopped and prayed with them as well as gave them food. It was a beautiful sight to see.

A beautiful mother and child (courtesy of Dave)

Don't look up!

The Boy Scouts sang songs in creole which soothed my mind as well. My trekking buddy, Joseph, was absolutely amazing. When we began, I asked him to not let me die and he said that I would make it. Joseph's job was to stay with me the whole way up. He carried my bag and water and held my hand. He allowed me rest when I needed it and he held my waist on the way up and down the hills. If ever I was too tired to continue, when Joseph saw me struggling, he would push me on my back. He didn't ever let me fall and sometimes he would just hug me and I could regulate my breathing. There was no path or train. There were no signs to show us where to go. There were only large rocks that I slipped on repeatedly.

Many mission groups have not made it all the way to Bouvier. I made it. When we were about to go up the last hill, Joseph stopped and pointed, "see that there? That's the school." I began to weep and felt a burst of energy. I tried to run and almost fell. I made it to the door and dropped to me knees. I could not even begin to describe how I was feeling. My heart was whole and I rejoiced. Tired, exhausted, weak ... it was such an intense pilgrimage but well worth it. The air up the mountains is cooler which is a relief. Carrefour was so hot. I've never sweat so much in my entire life.

As we got to each of the rivers, we were able to stop and take breaks. At the last river, we ate and swam and washed. The water was refreshing, but it had started to cool off and the sun was going down so I did get pretty cold.
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I'm not really sure what else to say. I can't really describe or explain the beauty of these mountains or how amazing it feels to make it to the top. I was proud of myself for completing a 5k walk, but this far surmounts that emotionally, mentally and physically. God is getting ready to use me in magnificent ways.

Swimming in the river (courtesy of Yola)

Views from Mountain 2