Jungle Adventure

At Brin's suggestion, Ella and I took an overnight trip to our local waterfall. We've gone several times to the waterfall that requires an 1 ½ hour hike, but never have we stayed overnight. After reading a book about jungle expeditions, Ella has entertained wild thoughts of an excursion full of adventure and discovery. Even though we have often found ourselves "camping" in a jungle setting on trips to the interior (is hanging a hammock in a mango tree considered camping?), Ella was convinced that if we were to set off into the jungle and stay the night, nothing but adventure would await us. We invited along Allison and Dillon (a short termer from OH), since they had recently stayed overnight at the waterfall, and off we went.

When we first left the States to come to Brazil we were keenly aware that our decision to leave our home would adversely affect our children in ways we could only imagine. Some of those thoughts have recently resurfaced as we prepare to again wretch our family away from everything that is familiar. But in the midst of these thoughts, we are reassured that with the negatives of being away from family and friends back home, we are able to give our kids experiences that will build in them a sense of adventure, of appreciation for other cultures and what God is doing in the world at large. Another advantage is jungle adventures. What most kids can only read about, our kids are able to experience first had. 

I'm not sure how our foray into the jungle stacked up to Ella's expectations of adventure, but we had a great time. Raman noodles and hot dog chunks never tasted so good. Although we saw no jaguars or anacondas, we did enjoy some stories around the campfire, explored the creek that feeds the waterfall, and played in the waterfall. All of which made me feel a little bit better about the changes Ella will be facing ahead.

Stopping for a rest along the jungle path.

Ella refills our water bottles from the water filter.