My Father really surprised me!

I never ever would have dreamed that I would go trekking in the Himalaya Mountains! My Father really surprised me! It is so crazy for me to think that even though I had no idea I would do this, He always knew. Even when I was a baby, He knew that someday I would trek in the Himalayas for two weeks.

The first day of the trip was spent riding a bus to where we would begin the trek. Monday we hiked 14,200.5 feet. One day we descended 6,000 feet. The highest altitude we got to was 14,000 feet above sea level.

The scenery we saw truly was beautiful. Words cannot even describe the beauty. What an amazing Creator we have!

We had a guide, G_pal, and a porter, R_jan, during the trek. They were very helpful and always smiling and singing. They were a lot of fun. We really enjoyed trekking with them.

During the days we would trek, and during the nights we stayed in lodges. Several of the lodges had fireplaces. It was so nice sitting by the fire in the evenings, relaxing and enjoying each other's company. We got to meet people from all over the world, which was interesting. It was fun looking around and seeing people from so many different countries all in one place. Unfortunately, quite a few of the people we met are trying to find fulfillment in drinking and smoking. Sadly, they are only harming themselves. Those things will only bring them temporary satisfaction and afterwards they are worse off than before. There is truly only One who can completely satisfy.

One day we trekked to a point on the top of a mountain where we could see the border of T.bet and we pra.yed for the people of T.bet and for the different requests. That day we met a man with only one leg who was trekking. I was really impressed. It is challenging enough with two legs, I cannot even imagine doing it with only one leg! The first Thursday of trekking we had lunch at a brother's house. He has been a part of the Family for two months. We pr.a.yed for his son who sometimes suffers from memory loss. That night we also stayed at a brother's lodge. We got to hear his story that evening. The next day was a day of rest, but we ended up not really resting. We got to help fight a forest fire! We hiked to the top of a mountain and then we used bamboo to sweep the trail to create a break so that the fire would not be able to continue going up. Then, the army came and took over from there.

We were blessed by this experience, I am thankful that our Father gave us this opportunity. My Father was there, helping me, the whole trek. He helped me to have fun, and He gave me the strength I needed each day. It was definitely Him, because I myself would not have been able to do it. I did not have the strength in me, but I am so thankful He gave me the strength I needed. I am also so thankful for the strength and safety He gave all of us. PTL!

It is my Father who arms me with strength

and makes my way perfect.

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;

he enables me to stand on the heights.

You broaden the path beneath me,

so that my ankles do not turn.

Ps. 18:32-33, 36

Praises:

The safety and strength He gave us

The unique opportunity He gave us to trek in the Himalayas

The beauty we saw