Mountain Adventures

I heard a friend say this week "only in Africa." I chuckled and nodded. I've only been here three weeks but see some truth to that. Every day brings a little adventure and risk, especially when driving a '69 Land Rover in the bush.

So this week we had a "planned" adventure hiking up a small mountain called Old Man's Face. The hike was great—invigorating and beautiful. We took our Rover (The Beast) to a local village and parked when we could go no further for fear of breaking the axle. The four of us then hiked through the corn fields, around a rice paddy, and across a stream to get to the foot of this mountain. The hike up was short and steep, and the views were worth it. Here are a few pics, then some thoughts along the way: 

Our hiking group: Rebecca, Dara, Jose (and me).

Dara, me, and Rebecca. (Rebecca is living with us right now so that she can finish grade 10 in the city.)

We made it! Jose (middle) insisted we take this hike to see the views!

The views!

cousins

The hike was great, and our planned adventure brought more experiences and pondering than I had anticipated. What you don't see in these pictures is the witch doctor we passed as we walked through the village or the place near the mountaintop where goats are sacrificed to keep away evil spirits. But then, on the other side of the mountain, we passed a group sitting under the shade of a tree listening to preaching—and then praying to God. 

There is so much going on here spiritually and seeing a witch doctor on the same hike that we heard a group praying to God really brought that to light. There is a real battle going on here for the hearts of the people. I have met some who follow Christ who still seek healing through traditional rituals such as those performed by the witch doctor. The scars on their bodies tell all. I wonder what draws them to seek answers apart from Christ—and then begin to wonder the same about myself. We come from very different cultures, yet at the root I think we are very much the same. We are all seeking answers—and seeking to fill our hearts with hope and assurance. I have chosen Christ for life, yet I see how much it is a daily choice as well. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) I see more and more how the battle for our hearts is real. I pray we continue to encourage one another daily to put our faith and hope in Christ.