The Waterfalls

Michael: The waterfall was probably the most anticipated day of the week. We had about a 1 1/2 hour trip from Alba’s house to the waterfall. I was expecting to start at the base of the falls and then go into the cave. When we got there, we got out of the van and then saw this little rapids. We then walked a short distance and got to overlook the real falls (which were about 150 ft tall). Unlike how I expected, we had to walk down the side of the mountain before we went into the cave. We stopped at the observation deck (which was quite wet and muddy) to put our stuff we did not want to loose or get wet. After a short walk through some mud, we had to jump about ten ft above a small pool of water to wade across. When we got to the other side, we were about to go under the falls. While the water was crushing down on us (it felt like riding a roller coaster in the front row and in a hurricane) we had to do some climbing. When we finally reached the cave, there was a small overhand that shielded us from the water. The hole to go into the cave was only big enough for one person to slide through at a time. After I got in the cave, I sat against the wall and felt this hand smack me in the face! Evan had thought he was the las one in and felt for the wall and hit me instead! I was then told that the cave was only big enough for ten people, not the fifteen we had in there. After some pictures, we all slowly came out of the cave. The trip back was not as bad, mainly because the water was to our backs. Just before we got back to the deck, there was a 25 ft cliff that we were allowed to jump off of. This was probably the best part of the trip. Most every one jumped... including Mama Futrell! The second time I got to jump I did a cannonball in the water. Apparently it made a weird noise because everyone was asking me if I was ok after my jump. I was perfectly fine. That pretty much sums up my version of the falls.

Karen: The waterfall was a great experience for all, even those that did not venture behind the falls and into the cave. It was so beautiful with rainbows appearing in various places; truly a reminder of God’s majesty and power! As the students were sharing in the evening about their visit to the falls Katie commented about going behind the water “it was dark, you could not see; you had to hold hands and follow the guide.” When they got to the place where they were going to jump off the cliff and into the water, she told us that she said a quick prayer and jumped right in trusting that the guide would not let her jump some place that was not safe. She thought it was one of the most wonderful experiences she had ever had! I was immediately reminded - and I shared this with the students - that this is what this whole trip has been about!  As a matter of fact, this is what our life is like when we follow Jesus.  God placed this opportunity in front of us and said, “jump, this is where I want you to be.” Some were afraid because they did not know what was in store; however, we came here to Honduras trusting God and all have shared that it has been one of the greatest experiences they have ever had. In our lives we go through places of darkness just like in the cave and behind the falls, but if we hold on to God’s truth and follow our guide - the Holy Spirit - he will lead to into the light and safety. Sometimes we come to places that are unknown and outside of our comfort zone - like jumping off a 10 foot cliff into swirling water - but God says, “jump, experience the great things I have for you. I am with you!” When you are in God’s will you will have the time of your life!!!