Pilgrim's Journal, Day 2

Day two began with a breaking of the silence and prayer. We realized after a hot sticky night’s sleep and some lingering exhaustion that some of our team may be dragging. We made a group decision to work as a team to complete a hike needed to arrive at ancient Mayan Ruins. Knowing that we would be faced with the idea of sacrificing for one another, we ventured out into an unpredictable day of prayer, facing fears, challenges and sacrifice as we began to further explore our faith in the jungle of Belize.

After a long bumpy bus ride, we embarked on a mile hike up many hills in the heat of the Belizean sun. Sacrifices were made as those with more energy assisted more tired members of our team. When one of us was dragging many helped to carry a backpack allowing a pilgrim in need to make it to the top of the ruins as we all encouraged each other along. Later when we were all hungry and thirsty, water and food rations were shared. How wonderful to see our faith in action as we watched the teens help one another, knowing we would make it, but also knowing that some of the pilgrims were being challenged to do more than they thought they could. Our reward was a magical experience at the ancient ruins in their magnificent splendor. Climbing to the top of the ancient structures and looking out for miles in all directions was a powerful experience for all.

From last Sunday’s Honduran coup until today we have repeatedly seem how our plans may be different from God’s. Today we planned to swim at a local pool and ended up at a local swimming hole that far exceeded what a pool experience may have been. Here, we all, regardless of swimming ability waded into the refreshing water.

Our pilgrims are becoming wonderful story tellers and will have many more to share. At the end of the day we were all amazed at our journey. The fears we faced, the sacrifices made and the faith that brought us safely back to evening prayers.

Pilgrimage entries:
Day 4
Day 3
Day 2
Day 1
Departure