The LONGEST Day

Vous Allez Bien?  (Is everything going well for you?)

My goal is to try to post twice this week so that I will be caught up.  As it is, I am writing about events that happened approximately ten days prior, and because there is so much going on here, retelling with vivid details, or any details for that matter,  becomes a challenge.  Yesterday I seriously turned to Brent and asked, "Exactly what did we do on Monday?" I know you probably laugh, but it is NOT funny to me; I actually could not remember what we did on which day.

Today's will not be a very spiritual post; it will be an account of one of our days in the mission field... a VERY LONG day,  Two of the missionaries here will be going home (sniff, sniff - I becomes very attached) on 4 December and neither of them had hiked into the interior island cirques.  La Reunion is world famous for these three interior island mountain bowls, the beauty is so spectacular they have been compared to the Swiss Alps, but many areas are difficult to reach and hikers can get disoriented, so missionaries can't go there on their own.  Brent and I felt that, if possible, the missionaries serving here shouldn't leave without seeing the majesty of "their" island, so we arranged for a member who knows and hikes the cirques often to take us on a Pday hike.  We all arose at 4:00 AM, met at the chapel at 4:45, and began the 1 1/2 hour drive to the Mafate trailhead.  All were ready, excited, and up for an adventure.  About two-thirds up the very narrow, winding mountain road, traffic came to a standstill...big line of cars going no where.  What is wrong?  Why can't we proceed?  Well, one of the small communities along the route was holding a protest (quite common here actually) and had blocked the road with their cars.  It seems that the school buses that have to travel down these unbelievable roads each day with their precious cargo had poor brakes, and also, the drivers were frequently found to be intoxicated, so the parents took charge; who could blame them!  We were assured that the roads had been blocked for four hours already and that negotiations were well underway.  No problem...everyone could use a little nap anyway.  Time marches on...let's try juggling some oranges...how about foot races up a very steep hill...anyone for a cookie?...and finally, an organized basketball game...four hours later (in all) the roadblock was lifted and we were on our way.  We wanted to arrive early because the high mountain cliffs sometimes become cloudy later in the morning, which was the case when we pulled into our parking spots, but it was still breathtaking.  We hiked for 3 hours down to a little mountain village established by runaway slaves a century before, that can only be reached by helicopter.  No roads, no concrete, no businesses, just a cluster of beautiful little houses so neat and clean with dirt paths connecting them and beautiful gardens of fruits and vegetables.  There were some cows, goats, and LOTS of chickens...and yes, roosters the size of small dogs.  It brought visions to mind of the shire in Lord of the Rings.  We ate lunch on a grassy knoll and began our hike out, reaching the top just as the light faded and the dense fog at the top didn't.

One of our elders had been having stomach issues and by the time we reached the parking lot, he was bent over with severe pain.  After a priesthood blessing, the zone leaders started down the wet, foggy road to take him to the emergency room.  Brent and I made sure that everyone else reached the freeway safely and joined the others in the emergency waiting room about 9:00 PM, where we sat with this elder until 3:00 AM., with only one other person ever waiting ahead of us.  The problem was addressed, successfully, and we gratefully took him home at 5:00 AM., thanking Heavenly Father that it wasn't anything more serious.  It is times like these when you REALLY realize how far away from ANYONE we all are and how dependent we are on the Lord's help and direction.  Every time I see him, I say a little prayer of thanksgiving that he is all right.

Great day hiking and talking with the missionaries, and though it was long, everything turned out well and the missionaries had an adventure they will never forget, nor will we!

Highlight of the week:  I was sitting in a district meeting last week singing the opening hymn and had to stop and listen to the beautiful blend of voices surrounding me.  I was amazed at all of the different parts being sung and the quality of the voices...it was like a mini Tabernacle Choir.  Beautiful!!!

Lowlight of the week:  Brent trying to put on his socks and saying, "What is wrong with my socks?  They are so stiff I'm having a hard time pulling them on."  I know how he felt; my workout socks felt the same.  It is called "no dryer" honey, and it is NOT going to change for the next fourteen months.  The question is, "Why do they seem to be getting stiffer?"

Photos of the hike to Mafate:

A great resting spot with our guide's wife (in red) right in front.

Our knowledgable guide is in the blue stocking cap.  All along the way, he pointed out items of interest that made us all more aware of what grows here and how it is used.  It was amazing.

See the clouds coming in over the top.

Our first view of the village...remember, only reached on foot!

Just one of the many beautiful sights along the trail.

Yes indeedy, it got steep and challenging, but soooooo picturesque.

A moment of rest in the emergency room at 4:00 AM when our elder FINALLY made it inside to be treated.   What a relief for us all.  Six hours of hiking and no sleep for 24 hours...a long day!

We love you...Happy Thanksgiving to all.

A Bientot!

Frere and Soeur Heap