The river was crazy high and fast thanks to the rain we have been getting from the monsoon season. We canoed around 40K yesterday, with spurts of naps and snack breaks along with an almost continual splash battle. About half of us had never even canoed before and most everybody only a few times, but they all did a great job and i was impressed with everyone's great attitudes.
As we were canoeing we took a break along the side in the shadow of some cliffs and discovered snails attached to the rock race under the water. Normally I wouldn't think much of it, but the two in my canoe began to collect them along with a number of others and before long we had quite the stash building up. I soon realized we were collecting part of our dinner and became a little more interested. When we made it back to camp it was an interesting task to clean and cook them, which involved multiple tastings and eventually asking the campsite host if she knew how to cook snails. She let us know that it takes about an hour of boiling along with the other preparations of seasonings and washing that we had already done. Eventually we had a tasty finally to the grilled feast of sum yep sa, american style sausages, mushrooms, kimshi and of course some rice on the side.
I am so grateful to God for working everything out for this trip and helping me to not be anxious or nervous before or during it. It was so good to feel his peace and joy as we floated down the river. I feel he wanted me to know, really know that just like the rivers course is set and directed by his hand, it is the same with my life and my future. He knows the twists and turns, he knows when it will be rough, when I will have to decide what directions to take and exactly what will come of my choice. Best of all he wants me to be at peace through it all, to rest in him and continue to trust that he knows exactly what he is doing. It is amazing all the connections there are between canoeing down a river and our walk as Christians.
When I made it home, there was food(warm rice cakes and honey) and hot beverage waiting for me. As I reflect over the past few days I am so blessed and encouraged to rest in Gods love. He is so good and no mater what whirlwind we find ourselves in his love remains and he continually invites us to come to him.
