Our trip to Peru was a trip of many prayers . Prayers for safe travel---I should have added timely travel. Delays both coming and going. Thanks to Claudia (Joyces favorite LAN clerk) our return trip took 34 hours instead of 14 :(. I should have kept track of how many Hail Marys I said while waiting in lines. At least Grandpa Frichtl saved some Thanksgiving leftovers for us:) Prayers for good hiking weather. It only drizzled on us a few times---of course it was when we were heading down a steep rocky mountain staircase built by the Incas. They didnt believe in handrails :( Prayers for our dearest friends who had to turn back because of illness. Missed sharing the joy of the 26 mile hike with them--- many times wishing I was back in civilization with them. The trail was the most physically challenging task I have ever completed. Prayers that my quads ( and my nerves) would stop quivering . Our guide told us that day 3 was known as the gringo killer. He wasnt kidding. There is nothing better than trying to navigate extremely steep, uneven steps when your legs are shaking uncontrollably ! Prayers that I could catch my breath at 14000 feet. Wow!!! Dead Womens Pass almost got me :). I was surprised that even our guides were breathing hard. Prayers of thanksgiving . The scenery was so awesome--- almost spiritual at times. More prayers of thanksgiving. Thankful that Mark was along to share the majesty of the Andes and the Inca Trail. Thankful for the awesome group of 15 hikers --including Luke Quinlan whom we shared the experience with. Everyone was fantastic!! Prayers for Matt. It was tough losing the ability to communicate with him when we knew the Grand Jury would be announcing their decision at any time. Those of you who know me can imagine my reaction when we walked into a restaurant on Tuesday and saw Ferguson burning ---my welcome back to civilization. I was very thankful that Matt and all of the public servants were safe.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 03:42:42 +0000