Recent adventures

 Last week, Matthew, Gabe and I went to a beach 3 hours away called Las Terrenas. It was our first time there and we absolutely loved it! Our second day there, we ventured out to a waterfall in the next town over. Well, initially, we where just venturing out to see what we Could find. While driving, a man on a motorcycle comes up to the side of our car and says to us in Spanish That there is a waterfall just up the road and tells us to follow him. We kind of look at each other and laugh and decides to follow him, Despite The mood of the situation. Sure enough, there was a waterfall. BUT, to get to the waterfall We had to ride horses! The man Told us it was a very short, easy ride. The day was kind of lending itself to an adventurous spirit so after debating for a moment, We decided to give it a try. (I know, some of You have gaping mouths right now ....)

Gabe and I got what the man referred to in his broken English as the "4x4" horse. I guess that meant he was supposed to be the most sturdy, trusty one. It was a beautiful ride, but it was by no means short OR easy. We had a guide that walked by foot the whole way, leading the horse, which was helpful. We rode through rivers and up and down hills all through the Dominican "jungle". I was praying to myself the whole time, reminding myself of Scriptures that had to do with God keeping us safe. He did! 

When we got to the point where we dismounted our horses, we still had to hike down many stairs and through another river and up more stairs to reach the waterfall. But when we arrived, it was breathtaking. This whole time, Gabe was so content and happy. We have a little adventure boy on our hands :). 

Despite the nervous prayers along the way and all the work it took to get there, when we got to the waterfall, the Lord spoke. We had been talking to this couple and since the lady was holding Gabe (very common here), Matthew and I took the chance to swim out and go behind the waterfall. When I was heading back out, I was floating on my back looking up at this 130 foot waterfall. I was practically under it and my breath was taken away. I could feel the weight of the water and the roar of the falls drowned out all other noise. I felt so small, looking up at the falls, and all I could think about was Psalm 42:1-2,7:

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God... Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me..." 

These verses gained new meaning for me in this moment. I realized that a lot of times in life, I choose to stand at a distance from the waterfall. I hold on to fears, control, and self-sufficiency. Because taking a plunge into the water and standing beneath the falls means letting go of all of that. But that is the life that God invites us into. He wants to daily sweep over us, in a way that makes us forget all of our fears and worries, in a way that makes us thirst for Him alone to satisfy us. And although many of us (including myself), often avoid this because it would mean allowing ourselves to become smaller and God to become greater in our lives, it is the only way to live a truly satisfying Christian life. 

Since my moment at the waterfall, I've had many other moments where I've been tempted to fear (including on the ride back to our car!) or to take care of something on my own, but this image of what I saw looking up at the waterfall keeps coming back to me.... and I take a deep breath and give God control and allow his peace to sweep over me. 

Praying you allow God to do the same in your life this week!

Blessings,  

Jamie, Matthew, Gabe 

This little cutie will be ONE on Saturday!