Maybe I Shouldn't Write about the Drunk Stranger?

Tonight I write from the top bunk inside a bungalow at El Retiro Lodge, listening to the sounds of the river through our thatch roof. The air is a chilly 69 degrees Fahrenheit, 42 degrees cooler than our job site near Rio Dulce just 24 hours ago. We made the 4 hour drive in just 6 short hours, driving on rock covered mountain passes in temperatures that topped out at 117 degrees.

"Surely there is at least one righteous person in this van." These were the words out of my mouth after I asked the team to pray for the engine to cool on the van as the extreme temperatures, rough terrain, heavy load, and steep incline began to contribute to rising coolant temperatures. 

The temperature dropped within the safe threshold and did not again rise. Yes, God still hears and answers our prayers.

The drive was challenging, with one eye on the temperature gauge and the other one on the treacherous surface of the path, but the team remained in high spirits and made the drive a delight. 

After a couple of stops to allow the engine to cool and to stretch our legs, we arrived at our home for the next 48 hours. I love watch people discover this beautiful land for the first time... it is astounding.

Tomorrow morning we leave at 9:00 on a tour provided by the resort that includes: a candlelight cave tour, a hike up to the Mirador, and tubing down the cascading pools. We've purchased box lunches that will be ready for pickup at 8:30, consisting of PB&J (or ham) for $3.00 each.

We look forward to spending a day walking in this beautiful creation that God has made. I have no doubt that Bless the Lord oh my Soul (10,000 Reasons) will be playing on constant repeat in my mind tomorrow. 

And so now the lights are out in our bungalow as I listen to the sounds of breathing and shifting blankets. Ah yes... blankets. We are all giving thanks for the cool temperatures that cradle us softly in our sleep tonight.

Oh... did I mention the drunk kid that climbed over the wall and locked himself inside our bungalow? He thought he locked himself out of his own room, climbed the wall, and then found himself stuck in ours. I'm not sure who was more surprised when we opened up the door and met face to face. Well, it's never a dull moment.