Hiking where the need is great!

This entry is dedicated to our very special friend RYAN! He came over for a month and made the most of his visit. It was great to see things through his eyes and share in his enthusiasm. Thank you Ryan!

[caption id="attachment_49" align="alignright" width="136" caption="Ryan and the infinite puddle"][/caption]

We were proud of him for deciding to come on the most extreme rural day of the year. It happens only once a year for a reason, its a 8 hour hike over two of the highest peaks in the region. It´s hard work, crazy hard... some of the time you´re actually happy you decided to go on it. In fact it has become somewhat of a rite of passage. The friends have stories of how each needgreater and special pioneer has coped with the hike, normally pretty nasty and embarrasing stories of dehydration, fainting, and near death. Nothing better than making fun of the gringos!

About three major communities in our territory can only be accessed on foot or by horse, La Cal, Las Mesitas and the one we´re going to this Thursday, can´t remember the name.

It was great fun! The views were amazing, and the cheerful company of the brothers and sisters made it a memorable day. Once you get there (3 and a half hours later) everyone rushes to get a house. There are only 20 in the "town centre" (i.e. a rocky lane that winds round a deep valley). Fortunately you can stay for up to an hour and a half at a door.

Andrew was assigned with Ryan and we had some fine conversations with 4 householders that really appreciated us taking the time to visit them. One of the greatest challenges is that most of them can´t read which makes it hard  to provide quality training when you only visit once a year.

However one of our last doors was with a young woman, the sister of the local teacher, that was amazing. She was quick and enthusiastic and promised to study the Teach book we left her. We taught her how to study the book, asked her to jot down any questions she may have, and gave her the address of the KH.

Ryan showed us how its done at his doors with well prepared presentations. Amazing how much Spanish Ryan, Shane and Vanessa have learnt in a month.

We also try to preach to every single person we meet on the way. Some of them take this route every day to buy and sell produce in the market.

Our Friday territory is also a great hike to look forward to. Half the territory hangs onto a mountainside. Mainly wood and plastic houses that struggle to stay up. Below you can  see Jason, Shane and I at a door in that territory.

We miss you all! Please keep up the letters and emails we love them.