Our Amazing Amazon Adventure

It's funny how, just a year ago, I was watching a documentary about the Amazon on the television. Halfway through the program, I changed the channel, thinking: "Why should I watch a program about a place that I'll never visit?" It's funny how The Lord works, isn't it?

Manaus is certainly an interesting place! It rains nearly every day and it is extremely hot and humid. The first few days felt as if I was breathing underwater - it takes some getting used to! The biggest shock for us was the infinite amount of mosquitoes and fire ants that bite without relenting. To say the least, most of us have pretty impressive collections of bug bites on our bodies!

While we were there, we stayed at the YWAM base and helped out in the area. We spent a large amount of our time at the nearby orphanage, sanding and painting cribs. We also joined a church on the Saturday, doing door-to-door evangelism, performing dramas for them and having fellowship with them.

The most significant day for me, personally, was the Sunday, when we went on a teeny tiny boat on the Amazon river to a real jungle tribe. It was an awe-inspiring experience! The river, the trees, the people... Everything was so much more amazing than it had appeared in that documentary! We walked for approximately three hours with the pastor of the tribe through rain, mud and mosquitoes to reach the people. Once there, we had a wonderful time praying for them and prophesying over them.

However, there is another thing that made the day even more special for me: I reached another level in my relationship with God! I came to realize that it IS possible to have the Almighty God of the Universe as your best friend. All you have to do is ask! That is exactly what I did while walking along a winding road in the Amazonian jungle. I then experienced the greatest sense of joy - my Best Friend accepts me the way I am and wants only the best for me. He is always there and I can talk to Him whenever I want. He is the greatest listener and advice-giver ever - upon His word I can rely. That is quite the revelation to have while walking in the jungle! Since then, I have been involved in constant conversation with Him. While walking in the jungle, He would show me the most amazing views and the tallest trees. My delight in His creation brings a smile to His face. It is so wonderful to have taken that step in my relationship with Him!

While staying at YWAM, we met some inspiring people who work with the tribes and river communities permanently. The majority of them speak Portuguese or Spanish. Once again, our God comes through - He gave us creativity for a purpose! We spoke to them making use of broken Portuguese that we've picked up, as well as hand actions to explain what we are saying. The language barrier is no longer an excuse! Gloria Deus!

I'll always remember...

• Swimming in the Amazon with my team

• Eating various indigenous fruits

• Playing with the orphans while sanding their cribs

• Gliding along the river in the smallest boat in the rain

• Watching while Maxine counted all 109 of her mosquito bites...on her one leg!

• Dancing in the rain in order to cool down on a hot day

Just like the fire ants are constant in Manaus, so is The Lord's great love for us!