Monday, May 17, 2010

Big Day Out

Many of the children and teenagers I work with have never seen some of the sights that make Cape Town such a popular travel destination. So this past Saturday, four of my colleagues and I led a hiking trip up Lion’s Head, one of the prominent peaks that overlooks the city.

It couldn’t have been a better day. After a week of heavy rain and cold, the sun shined brightly. Ten of the 11 kids (mostly adolescents) made it all the way to the top – 2, 200 feet above sea level – and mostly without complaining. One girl even did it barefoot after realizing sandals weren’t conducive to hiking. I was so proud of them for meeting the challenge.

Early into the hike, one of the boys pointed at the jagged summit and said, “Al, who made it like that?” as if, perhaps, the city planners had designed and constructed it. Afterward we enjoyed lunch at a nearby picnic area and discussed the answer to that question, pointing out the wonders of God’s creation around us.

We read from Psalm 148, which speaks of the natural world offering praise to God. “Praise the Lord from the earth,” it says, “… all ocean depths … you mountains and hills … Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens” (vv. 7, 9, 13).

Below are more images from the outing.

1 comment:

Silly Goose Photography said...

Al, this is awesome. These kids are receiving SO many blessings from you and your other team leaders. Because of you, they are able to hope in Jesus Christ. What better way to spend your life! Keep it up!!