Heading
We began another early morning, waking at 4:00 a.m. Everyone was especially excited, not only for the day ahead but also because it was Jason’s birthday, our team leader. After a quick coffee, we loaded the van with hampers for the village and departed shortly after 5:00 a.m. Overnight rain had made the roads leading through the villages extremely muddy, adding to the challenge of the journey.
As we ascended the mountain, we passed through small villages set along rolling slopes, with steep mountains forming a stunning backdrop. After a three hour drive, we arrived at a beautiful church nestled among the mountains, where the road came to an end. Beyond this point, several villages are only accessible by foot or motorcycle. Many people had walked one to two hours to attend the service, and it was humbling to witness their eagerness to gather and worship together.
The local pastor arrived by motorcycle, and we shared a meaningful and uplifting time of worship. Following the service, we distributed hampers to members of the congregation, some of whom had traveled over an hour to be there.
On our return journey, we made our way toward Rainbow Mountain. As we approached, snowfall began, creating a dramatic scene. A few members of the group hiked to nearby Inca ruins at an elevation of 19,000 feet. As they reached the site, the snow stopped, the sun emerged, and the beauty of the Rainbow Mountains was revealed truly beyond words. There is no words to describe the beauty of Gods creation .
Later, we stopped for lunch overlooking a vast meadow where hundreds of alpacas grazed peacefully. By evening, we returned to our lodging and enjoyed a wonderful dinner together. After devotions, we concluded the day by celebrating Jason’s birthday with cake.
