Hiking/Jesus in the Wilderness/More Concrete

Yesterday I was able to go on a hike with Pete and children.  Cher (Pete's wife) wasn't feeling too great so Pete thought it would be nice to get the children out of the house for a little while. 

Our first climb took us to the top which overlooked the entire city of La Paz.  On the way up the children showed me cactus fruit and shared some with me.  I forget the name of it but it tasted slightly sour and chewy.  I kinda liked it.

Once we got done climbing the initial location, we went to another place called the balandra.  This was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.  We didn't go swimming or anything but I was able to witness some breathe taking views.  It was simply amazing.

On a different note, I just finished a quick read by Henri Nouwen (In the Name of Jesus: Christian Leadership).  It went on about how Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (first part of the book of Matthew 4 fyi) and how such temptations relate to us.  He goes on to explain how we should avoid the temptations to be relevant, popular, and powerful and how these are direct traits that Satan used against Jesus.  All of these things threaten our intimacy with God.  Because it's easier to "be like God" rather than actually Love God.

I must admit that my intimacy with the creator of the universe often feels like a pendulum.  Experiencing His presence isn't always a sustaining thing for me and it's probably because my sin get's in the way.  How often have I wanted to have it all figured out or solve all the problems in my life by getting out the whiteboard?  My mindset is that if I figure out A + B = C then life will be great.  

But when I do that I often feel worse. 

Because God isn't rational. 

I don't think He wants me to necessarily always figure out what He is doing.  He wants me to trust Him. 

It's especially difficult when I want to fix everything around me and to help everyone possible but it just seems so difficult in such an ambiguous world. 


It's amazing to me that Jesus refused the devil's offers in the wilderness.  The one temptation that stands out most to me is the one where He is offered all the kingdoms of the world and yet he says "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'"

Jesus refuses power he deserves? 

How often do I forget how much He gave up for me?  He really did pay it all just for me to know Him.


On the ground level - another project continues as we encircle the well with additional brick and concrete.  Beto (one of the workers) is the main man on this project and I've been able to help wherever needed.

Last week here.  But a blink.