Today we visited the waterfalls about 25 minutes from our hotel. Our lessons last year told us not to rush so we took a picnic lunch of 47 pieces of chicken, 52 bags of chips, 2 packages of buns broken into rolls, and 4-5 bags of cookies. About half of our group braved the treacherous conditions of slippery rocks, missing guard rails, jumping into and swimming through rocky water all to reach the backside of the waterfall; and I mean this was a BIG waterfall. Needless to say, we all made it there and back, including some minor cliff jumping, safe-and-sound!The rest of the afternoon was rest and socializing time. After dinner we took some family photos and enjoyed a “white man’s” bonfire… some big logs at the bottom of an 8-foot teepee of a firebase.
At the end of the evening, Gustavo Valladares, national director for Training Pastors International, gathered the Hope team and all of the pastors and their wives for a farewell talk. Gustavo and the rest of the pastors made it very clear that they are appreciative for all Hope does for them during this trip and throughout the year. Pedro Mena expressed it best when he told us that although he had been to two previous conferences, this was the first he had been to with his wife and one-year-old son Daniel. He said that having his own family enabled him to see the love the Hope team expresses through the caring for families. That is a love and relationship money simply can’t buy. Knowing that we are doing what God has led us to do in loving and caring for them so much places a burden on him to continue doing what God has called him to do. We all had a chance to express our love and feelings for the pastors, their wives and their children and the lessons and blessings they give us through their lives.
We have a 6:30 breakfast in the morning, followed by loading the vans, gassing up, and heading to the airport for our journey home. Thanks to all who have prayed for us and supported us financially; we hope you get the opportunity to experience God’s blessings as we have. Dios les bendiga!
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