Band of Oldies

I’m excited about Saturday.

You probably know that I love to sing and play my guitar. One of my happiest college memories was with a group of fellow musicians singing in parties, weddings and even in a few concerts. Through the years I’ve been practicing alone hoping one day I’d find a group just like that one. Well, I think I’ve finally got my band. I have a lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboard player, drummer, and a female vocalist. We’re definitely amateurs but I’m imagining the possibilities. We’re so ambitious, we’re practicing a variety of songs by the Eagles, Toto, Mama Cass, Linda Rondstat, America, Hall ‘n Oates, Dean Martin, Fleetwood Mack, Neil Young, James Taylor … at least that’s the plan. I’m as giddy as a kid opening his Christmas present.

So we’re thinking of a name that would fit our “over the hill” ages. Do you like any of these?

• The Dream Band – since we’ve been dreaming of this band for the longest time
• OK Bommer – because that’s who we are
• Late Bloomer or Late Boomer
• Boomer
• Rewind
• 3 Day Rain – have no idea where that came from
• Second Hour
• Bon Voyage
• Aligned Chaos
• Trial & Error – I kinda like this
• Ready for It
• Von Jon Bovi
• Eyes to Heaven – a little too spiritual I think
• Face the Music
• Half a Shebang – ???
• Miney Moe
• Not Even Odd
• Top Trending
• Amused
• Free Range Insane – from the “rocker” in our group
• The 5th Dementia – I thought this was hilarious

We’re open to suggestions. And if you want to join the band, hey … come on down! Want us to sing a favorite song? Want us to sing in your party? We will pay you to listen to us!!!! Haaaaa!!!

Isn’t it amazing that little boy dreams can still come true? Isn’t this the spice of life? BTW, this isn’t all about my band. I just want to inspire you to become a kid again. I’d love to hear which of your dreams have come true. Please share!

Our mini concert coincides with a Classic Car show on March 20. If you’re in the La Habra, CA area, please join us at 2pm at the LH Art gallery.

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Donald of London

Videos of the week

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA for this quick, cute video of a little boy justifying why he doesn’t want to go back to school. Smart. logical kid.

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for this
URBAN COWBOY HERO

What the Bible is really about.
Presented by Tim Macki of the very popular The Bible Project.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

The post Notes of a Detective appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I’ve been a tree-lover most of my life. The observation of, and communion with trees has added much pleasure to my existence. So when it became clear that a trip from my home in Seattle to the San Francisco Bay area was in the near future, I decided to drive and see some sights along the way. I planned to do a large portion of the drive on Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Highway. The number one place to visit was anywhere I could see a forest of ancient redwood trees. They grow in more than a few locations, mostly in California; so I needed to do some research. I very quickly focused on The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, just south of the Oregon border. That is where these photographs of the redwoods and the Smith River were taken. The park has many trails through the mighty trees, and campsites, too. One could spend days enjoying the incredible beauty of just this one forest.

Most of these pictures were taken in one particular grove of trees, the Stout Memorial Grove which covers 44 acres of pristine forest. In 1929, Clara W. Stout, widow of lumberman Frank D. Stout, donated this tract of old-growth redwood forest to the Save the Redwoods League. She did this in memory of her late husband. Stout Grove then became the first dedicated grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It is considered by many to be the heart of this California state park. The grove is accessed by driving east on Highway 199 from Crescent City, CA and turning right onto the South Fork Road east of Gasquet. This turns into the unpaved, one-lane Howland Road. You take this adventurous drive for about five miles to the parking area. The potholes lining the route and the narrowness of the road force the sensible driver to not exceed 5 or 10 mph. Even at that speed, I was concerned about breaking an axle; but to my relief, made it successfully to the parking area, and then back to the highway on our departure. I had the time and energy for one full day to experience the majesty of the redwood trees; and the visit to Stout Grove and the Smith River was a day well-spent.

Enjoy the slideshow.

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With human activity on hold, Mother Earth has been allowed to heal and we are reaping the rewards. For the first time, many of us are basking in pristine, crystal clear  images of Natural Wonders as if we’ve never seen them before. Profound, majestic, ethereal; no words can describe their unmatched magnificence. We only hope that they remain. With that said, time is of the essence for the results of the T-Boy Society of Film & Music’s Five Favorite Natural Wonders. Like our previous poll, there were no clear cut winners. I found members’ deeply personal lists to be mesmerizing, with many taking me to the depths of my soul. Perhaps Richard Carroll summed it up the best, This one really makes you think about your life in regards to the world of travel. So, without further ado, here is the T-Boy Society of Film & Music’s Favorite Natural Wonders. — EB

Ed Boitano – T-Boy editor:

• The Geirangerfjord and her Seven Sisters – Norway: The fjords were carved out in a succession of ice ages, approximately 12,000 years ago. When glaciers retreated, plants soon appeared, animals thrived, and humans eventually made their way into this spectacular, but remote, heaven on earth. With its jagged mountain peaks jolting dramatically from the sea and stunning waterways sandwiched between them; the Geirangerfjord and her Seven Sisters would be my pick for the most beautiful place on the planet.
• Ha Long Bay – Vietnam: As our wooden vessel glided along Vietnam’s pristine Ha Long Bay, I stood in awe of the hundreds vertical karsts that surrounded us. Vendors in little skiffs tapped on the side of our ship, selling unfamiliar exotic fruits – mangosteen, rambutan (aka Harry Cherry), longan, star and jack fruits.
• The Dylan Thomas Trail – Southwest Wales: The path’s enchanting land and seascape helps you understand Thomas’ passionate bond with nature. The Gower Peninsula is where Dylan would camp and often walk the Gower Cliffs. Two of his best loved short stories, Extraordinary Little Cough and Who Do You Wish Was With Us? are set there. If you’d like to hike further, the 870 mile long Wales Coast Path spans the entire length of the Welsh coastline.
• Yosemite National Park – California: Humankind finally got it right when esteemed conversationalist John Muir persuaded President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 for the creation of a unified and protected Yosemite National Park.  Today the park’s 1,200 square miles  of granite cliffs and waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological diversity are known throughout the world. While sitting by a tranquil crystal-clear steam in the meadow of the valley’s floor, I realized I could have stayed there forever.
• Spitsbergen – Svalbard Archipelago, Arctic Ocean, Norway: I was surprised to see the rush of the Spitsbergen Adventure Team to the bow of our Hurtigruten expedition vessel to view a retreating glacier. Later I asked the team leader why everyone was so excited about this particular glacier. The man replied, I’m not suppose to say this, but due to climate change we’ve never been so close to it before. Prophetic words, indeed.

Richard Carroll – T-Boy writer:

• The Canals of Venice – The 177 canals of Venice, for me, are an international treasure. Lined with buildings dating to the 13th century, the latticework of canals flowing throughout the heart of the ancient city with 409 bridges, and numerous islands, has a history that touches all of Europe. Best enjoyed off-season.
• Mexico’s Copper Canyon – Each of my six visits to Copper Canyon has been spectacular. Located in Southwestern Chihuahua in Northwestern Mexico, the canyon is four times larger than the Grand Canyon and home to the Tarahumara, noted as excellent long distance runners. The textures, and long casting shadows at dusk are memorable, as is a barefoot Tarahumara playing a crude handmade guitar singing in his native language.
• The White Cliffs of Dover – The first glimpse of the White Cliffs of Dover is an historic welcoming for travelers and for pilots during World War II. The eight-mile long chalky cliffs are on the narrowest part of the English Channel and visible from France on a clear day. To walk the White Cliffs of Dover footpath is to relive history..The nearby 11th century Dover Castle, the largest in England, a medieval lighthouse, wild flowers and active bird life, set the imagination a flight.
• The Pacific Ocean – The mighty Pacific, the largest and deepest ocean, seems to be staring up at me wherever I travel in the world, whether it be Columbia, Antarctica, Alaska, Fiji, or French Polynesia. With great respect I’m aware of its fickle personality and temper tantrums, creating monster waves, or in contrast a lake-like setting perfect for a canoe, a sip of wine, and a lingering browse. Best of all what lies beneath the rippling waves.
• Mt. Whitney – Rising 14,505 feet into an oxygen-starved sky in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, and only 84 miles from the lowest point in the country at Badwater in Death Valley, is a gorgeous natural wonder to experience. Only 15 miles from the town of Lone Pine, Whitney offers challenges, the easiest being from the Portals, and a 22-mile round trip hike via switchbacks to the summit, a view forever, and changeable weather.

T.E. Mattox – T-Boy music critic:

• The Redwoods National Park – Humboldt County, California: Majestic and massive and incredibly serene.
• Mt. Fuji – Japan: Over 12,000 feet and everyone one of them…up!
• Amalfi Coast – Italy: Like living on a postcard.
• Grand Canyon – Arizona: An upside down mountain. There’s a whole desert down there.
• Yosemite – California: The beauty from the Valley floor… and eating blueberry pancakes in the Lodge while staring up at Half Dome. Things you never forget.

Richard Frisbie – T-Boy writer:

It is hard to pick just five (I hate creating listicles) and, at the risk of sounding parochial, these show my New York and United States bias, but here goes:

• The Adirondack Park (NY): Created in 1892 by the state of New York, at six-million acres is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It covers one-fifth of New York State and is equal in size to the neighboring state of Vermont. These National Parks – Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Everglades, and Great Smoky – would all fit inside it.
• Lake George (NY): Just named the prettiest lake in the United States.
• Giant Sequoias (California): Ancient redwood trees growing in only 77 groves in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains – the tallest being General Sherman at 274.9 ft.
• The Dehesa (Spain): Rolling plains of grasses and wildflowers dotted with cork and oak trees primarily in the Extremadura region of Spain. Famous as the free range of the black-hooved pigs and black cattle that produce the finest pork (jamon) and beef in the world.
• The Mississippi River (US): A network that bisects the US, draining more than 1/3 of the country, and facilitating trade and human migration between the northern and the southern border (& parts in between) as well as the East Coast.

Susan Breslow – T-Boy writer:

• Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
• Grand Canyon – Arizona
• Arches National Park – Utah
• Mount Fuji – Japan
• Niagara Falls – Canada

Deb Roskamp – T-Boy photographer & writer:

• Paradise Bay – Antarctica

      A reverence of silence
      Shimmering with purity
      ethereally pristine
      I sensed that we had floated into a space
      that was utterly and purely divine
      This, from one who (normally) abhors the cold

• Sugar Loaf Mountain – Brazil
• Lake Lucerne – Switzerland
• Mount Orohena – Tahiti, Moorea
• Ha Long Bay – Vietnam

James Boitano – T-Boy writer:

• Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana & Idaho
• Grand Canyon – Arizona
• Mt Rainier – Washington State
• The Westfjords of Iceland
• Lake Bled – Slovenia

Fyllis Hockman – T-Boy writer:

• Grand Canyon – Arizona
• Great Barrier Reef – Australia
• Sahara Desert – North Africa
• Aurora Borealis – Alaska, Northern Canada, Greenland
• Galápogos Islands – Ecuador

Lee Olson – TV producer & writer:

• The Matterhorn – Switzerland
• Iguazu Falls – Argentina & Brazil
• The Great Barrier Reef* – Australia
• The Li River Valley – China
• The Grand Canyon – USA

*I’m referring to the reef before the recent mass bleaching, from which the reef may never recover.

Stephen Brewer – T-Boy writer:

• Steens Mountain – Oregon
• Caldera – Santorini, Greece
• Dolomites – Italy
• Fingal’s Cave – Scotland
• Mekong Delta – Vietnam

Jim Gordon – Co-host & co-producer Travel Guys TV:

All my picks are part of “Travel Guys” episodes and the picks are in no particular order.

• Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
• Grand Canyon – Arizona
• Moorea Island – Tahiti, French Polynesia (specifically the beautiful water/beaches)
• Fjords/Waterways of Fjaeland, near Balestrand – Norway
• Great Barrier Reef – Queensland, Australia
• Honorable Mention as I must include one from Canada: Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick (specifically the “fastest rising tides in the world”)

Alex Brouwer – T-Boy writer:

• Table Mountain – Cape Town, South Africa
• Yosemite Valley – California
• Mount Rainier – Washington State
• Grand Canyon – Arizona
• Cliffs of Moher – Ireland

Raoul Pascual – T-Boy co-founder, illustrator and art director:

• Mount Mayon – Philippines; the perfect cone volcano
• Niagara Falls – Shared by New York & Ontario
• Mount Everest – Himalayas (on border between Nepal & Tibet)
• Zuma Rock – Nigeria
• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – Palawan, Philippines

Brent Campbell – Musician and composer:

• Lake Chelan – Washington State
• Mt. Saint Helens – Washington State
• Hurricane Ridge – Olympic Peninsula, Washington State
• Crater Lake – Oregon
• Grand Canyon – Arizona

Annie Brouwer – T-Boy writer:

• Mt. Rainier – Washington State
• Galápogos Islands – Ecuador
• Yellowstone – Montana
• Olympic National Park – Washington State
• Rainbow Mountain – Peru

Raudi Benscoter – Tech maestro:

• La Ceiba – Honduras 
• Yellowstone – Montana
• Roatán Coral Reef – Honduras 
• Pulhapanzak Waterfall – Honduras 

Ringo Boitano – T-Boy Writer:

• Ha Long Bay – Vietnam: It’s easy to be spellbound by Ha Long Bay’s 620 sq miles of jade green waters with hundreds of towering karsts dotting the seascape. With thanks to Harrison Liu, PR extraordinaire.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park – Patagonia, Argentina: A life reaffirming display of coastlines, lakes, lagoons, peatbogs, wildlife and commanding forests; all protected on the southernmost tip of Argentina. This is the place to breathe the purest air ever found. Once again, thanks to Mr. Liu.
• The US Rocky Mountains & Continental Divide – Colorado: Looking east and downward from the edge of soaring 14,271 ft. Mount Evans was akin to seeing a living map, where the mountain abruptly ends and the flat pancake plains begin. Also in Colorado, you can hike the Continental Divide, which cuts through Grand County, and witness the divided watersheds which either drain into the Pacific Ocean or the waterways that lead to the Atlantic Ocean. No doubt you will encounter an array of rugged Big Horn Sheep. My advice: stay out of their way.
• Mt. Rainier – Washington State: If you can see this majestic 14,411 ft alpine marvel from Sea-Tac airport it means it’s about to rain. If you can’t see, it’s raining.
• Hoh Rain Forest – Olympic National Park, Washington State: Yes, I’m used to rain, moss and ferns living in Seattle, but the temperate Hoh Rain Forest’ s lush, green canopy rainforest, both coniferous and deciduous, is like entering into a new misty world of enchantment.

Greg Aragon – T-boy writer:

• Grand Canyon – Arizona
• Mono Lake – California
• Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
• Amazon River: The largest river in the world by the amount of water discharged and the second longest river in the world.
• Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) – Majorca, Spain: These cave feature mesmerizing Martel Lake, which is 82 feet below ground. The lake is surrounded by wonderful stalactites and stalagmites hanging everywhere in a giant natural cathedral, where visitors can sit and listen to live musicians paddle by on gondolas.

Steve Rosenfield – T-Boy writer and photographer:

I’ve been struggling a bit with my favorite places since some of them date back to the 1970s when I was traveling overseas. Many of those places have changed and may either not exist as they were back then or they have become more touristy and maybe lost some appeal.

Anyhow, my most recent favorites would be – in no particular order:

• The Serengeti, Tanzania – The Great Migration is a year-round event, but the river crossings only occur as the herds head north through the Serengeti from around June through September.

• Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

• Cape Town, South Africa for its natural beauty, friendly people and history.

• Santorini in Greece for its natural beauty and the donkey ride up to the town from the port – many people are now saying that the donkeys have been abused for many years, but, when I was there, it was the main mode of transportation up short of walking.

• Normandy in France with its coast beaches and memorials that are everywhere. One cannot help feeling the pain and heroism of what took place on those beaches and changed the history of the world – opposite of what Trump is doing (had to throw that in).

• The old man receiving the US flag was a veteran of the invasion and was given the flag during the lowering ceremony the day we were lucky enough to be there.

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I feel like I’ve made it home… but in a strange way. The welcome at the airport lobby, the nauseating drive through the hills, the exhaustion of climbing up only two flights of stairs to my new living area (I like to blame it on the 10,000 ft. elevation), walking up to the roof and seeing patches of clear stars between clouds, waking up to the constant sound of dogs barking and car horns honking through the window, the smell of freshly baked bread from the panaderia up the street, and the long awaited taste of chifles (plantain chips). Since I left this beautiful country I have been excited to return, but I had no idea I would feel so at peace being back. From the first sight of the city lights to the familiar taste of chifles my heart has become so full of joy! I feel at home… and I love it.

The past month being back has been full – full of making new memories in many places which feel like home. Although many of the places and sights are familiar from my previous time here, the beauty never ceases to amaze me. Ecuador has so much to offer in every realm of scenery: stunning snow capped mountains, lush green jungle life, vibrant old churches and buildings in colonial Quito, free flowing waterfalls, and breathtaking volcanic lakes hidden behind rugged farmland. Besides these experienced in the past few weeks, Ecuador is home to a coastline with beautiful beaches and the infamous Galapagos Islands.

After spending almost five months here in the past couple years, I have had the opportunity to venture to most of the well known “must sees” of Ecuador. As I return to many of these magnificent sites or even walk in the nearby park, many different memories come flashing back. I remember the friends I played soccer with at the park, the meals shared at the nearby almuerzo place, conversations in local coffee shops and the laughter and games played at the hostel in the jungle. In remembering, it’s easy to get stuck in comparison or more easily to dwell in the sadness of missing the people I made these memories with. Without rejecting the natural feelings of melancholy, I also have to recognize the blessing and joy of remembering these past experiences shared together. How sweet is it to be back in various places where I can remember joyous times of community and growth? I am so grateful for each one of these people who come to mind: my host mom and extended family, my cohorts and staff from last spring, and my team members and staff from Extreme Nazarene.

It is a joy to be able to create new memories with the students I am with now and to adventure to new places. As much as I love returning to the familiar, Quito and Ecuador always has more to discover. Not only do I have more waterfalls and cities to see, but I always have more to learn of the culture and people who have welcomed me in.

Although pictures never show the full magnitude of a moment, here are some of my favorite shots to hopefully give you a glance into some of these places I have found a home in.

I sense God’s presence so strongly here. I know God is here and I feel so at rest in Him. The sights and sounds bring back memories of many hours spent soaking in God’s presence on a similar rooftop last summer or long walks up the same jagged sidewalks praying over the city with friends. The surrounding beauty of the hills and architecture remind me of his presence in creation. I am overwhelmed with joy and peace. My brother’s words ring through my head, “God’s presence is found right now, not in the past or future. So live in it – soak it up!”

“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.”

Flashback: A New Life in Ecuador (early Feb. 2017)

The past two days have felt like a week in the amount of excitement and joy held in them. The hours spent in fellowship with the staff and my cohorts makes me feel like we’ve known each other for many months. I am so grateful for how welcome and loved the staff has already made me feel.

I am humbled to be here… to feel at home. I can’t wait for the many days to live and grow with this community in God’s presence.

And the last few weeks have been full of learning moments: learning how to breathe walking up and down constant hills, how to shop in a foreign grocery store and fruit market, how to take public transportation, how to dress in layers with the back and forth sunshine and rain, and learning where the best and cheapest panadería is located.

Los gotitas – “little droplets.” Every Tuesday and Friday morning a friend and I have the privilege to volunteer at a Extreme Mission Daycare. This organization provides childcare for parents who recycle to earn a living. They noticed many young children ages 0-5 had nowhere to go but to be alongside their parents in the dumps during the day. With little to no expectations I walked through the door Tuesday morning and before I could say “Hola” I felt tiny arms embracing my legs. The next four hours were full of laughter and play with about 15 kids. I was surprised how many words or phrases the children taught me after only two days. Although we don’t have a specific project they want help with, I look forward to being able to help care for the children.

Learning to Listen (late Feb. 2017)

I have been at a loss for words recently. The honeymoon stage of the trip has ended and the rhythms of living in a new country have set in. As soon as my house full of new friends became comfortable and familiar, change swept in. I still can’t believe it has already been a week since I’ve moved in with an Ecuadorian family. I am humbled to have been so quickly and lovingly accepted by mí mamá and mí hermana. This week has been full of awkward moments, conversations in Spanish, storytelling to missed friends, and great Ecuadorian food: empanadas verdes, leche con fruta, sopa de chancho, and fresh fruit juice.

I love talking to people. I love sharing who I am, my opinion, my story. After being here only a week, there have been so many instances where I haven’t been able to say what I want to say simply because I don’t know how. It’s true. I am at a loss for words. As frustrating as this may be I am learning how to listen… and listen well. I am recognizing how often I open my mouth to spill my opinion when all that is needed or wanted is an open ear. Understanding a culture begins by listening. When I stop and listen I hear the flapping of the towels drying on the clothesline, the Spanish music of a novella playing in the house, the honking of gas trucks outside, the crackling of fried empanadas, or the shouting of street vendors selling their goods.

The slower pace of life in this new home has not been easy, but has been much needed. I am beginning to greatly appreciate the ease of how things are done: the slow paced walks with the dog or the leisure of preparing food. So often I go into activities or tasks with the mindset of completing them, never once stopping to listen in the middle. Sometimes it means listening to my own emotions, yet other times it means listening to the needs of others, the Holy Spirit, or others’ advice. Listening is not easy and has challenged me to become more humble, more patience and more disciplined.

This beautiful culture has much to say. May I learn to take the time to listen.

Slowing Down (April 2017)

We made it through this week of exams and final papers and are headed to back to the jungle… well half of our ‘equipo’ anyway. The other half left this morning to the Galapagos until we switch places. At the end we all head to the beach for a final few days as a debrief. There’s a lot to look forward to yet my mind keeps turning back reflecting on the past two and a half months, let alone the last few weeks of adventures. We traveled to Baños (no, not to the bathroom) to go white water rafting for a day and swing “off the edge of the world.” I also had the privilege of showing my parents a snapshot of Quito and my life here. The blue skies, sun, mountains, and stars, all decided to say hi for a few days and it was so beautiful. After living here for almost three months, I forgot some things weren’t normal the first week I was here. I loved reliving the excitement of crossing the streets or getting a taxi, watching my mom’s face light up buying a piece (ok. maybe three) of ‘suave’ bread for 25 cents, walking through mountains of seemingly never ending fruit stands in awe, climbing up one block and being out of breath, or ordering a huge almuerzo for only $2.50. Although the setting was so different to be with family, I loved spending time with my parents exploring.

The past month has been full of laughter being back in the apartment with friends. Clear skies led us to sleep on the roof a few times. April fools started a war of pranks in the house. Coming back to the apartment feels like home. This last weekend I came home one evening by myself and as I opened the taxi door, I immediately heard, “Schmannie!!!!” (my nickname from my house). Walking up the stairs I heard laughter and singing coming from the roof where a huge group of friends were roasting s’mores and dancing. I am going to miss this. The departure date is quickly approaching… and I wish I could stop in time. I want to treasure these next three weeks together without avoiding the fact the semester is ending. I can’t believe this semester is ending so soon.

Beauty Everywhere – May 2017

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless therefore stand in awe of God. – Ecclesiastes 5:7.

This verse kept ringing through my head this weekend as I had the privilege of wandering and exploring a tiny part of the Amazon jungle called Misahualli. I am still trying to soak in the reality that I just spend three days in the Amazon jungle. It felt like a dream; the landscape of Tarzan coming to life. I witnessed a beauty I had never seen before in so many different ways. Nature full of new sights: unique birds, trees, insects, landscapes, and colors.  The lushest, most abundant green was everywhere I looked. I understand how it is so green as every few hours we would find ourselves stuck in a warm pouring rain.

Not only did I find beauty in nature, but I saw beauty in people. The unity in people from differing backgrounds and nations working together, learning from each other, and helping each other. The peacefulness in an elderly man leisurely whistling as he biked his cart down the street or the joy of watching friends hysterically laugh in the back of a truck in the pouring rain. Our group has talked about how there is something about the jungle which allows you to be fully you. An openness and vulnerability was created as we were forced into new experiences. It’s hard to hide your true self when you are in the middle of something you are deeply passionate about. I found so much beauty in seeing people’s personalities, joys, passions, or values portrayed as they were fully present in a moment. I saw someone dance wildly in front of everyone to lead music for children, someone working hard to stir cement without complaining, someone encourage another in their fear or weakness, and yet another faithfully stand by a friend in pain. You can’t hide your sweat and stink after even a day in the jungle and I am so grateful for these moments of truth. It was so beautiful watching people be who God created them to be.

True beauty does not always appear beautiful at first sight. Sometimes you have to search for beauty amidst the struggles and pain. We had the privilege to work with missionaries and hear a part of their stories and passion for this community. Although they have started a thriving Christian school, a farm to help provide jobs, and a girls’ home, they continue to pursue more for this community. It was so amazing to see how God is present and has been working in this community. Not only did they talk about previous progress but they talked about their past and current hardships with full honesty. They were not shy in expressing how they were really doing and at first I was taken aback. I became easily discouraged and saddened when I heard how hard it has been for one family in particular. Deep within these struggles and frustration I saw a beauty in their honesty of what they were going through, their humility to ask for prayer, and their perseverance for the future.

It is easy for me to come back from the jungle completely taken by the beauty of nature and the amazing experiences. I was also reminded of the reality that many people are hurting and struggling there just like anywhere else: youth falling to worldly influences, broken families, or lonely missionaries. But amidst this pain, God’s presence was evident. Above all, I think all these experiences and emotions helped me glimpse a tiny bit more of God’s beauty. God is helping me understand better his great compassion for his children, his creativity and design in nature, his power to enable those who feel weak, and his purpose for every single person’s life. All I could do was sit in awe.

It’s also easy to see beauty in people or places when it is expected: a close friend, a sunset, or an animal. I want to go searching for beauty: for loveliness in a seemingly rough situation, an excellent quality of an annoying friend, or a pleasurable sight of nature in the middle of a storm. What if we were to treat every person as if we were meeting a king or queen: expecting beauty and ready to accept who they are. I think we would be pleasantly surprised by the amount of beauty we would find.

Chao! – Ecuador slang for goodbye/see ya later.

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