Adventure on the Island (by Ty and Stephanie)

We all have been working so hard the past three days, and today we were blessed with a day off.  Our adventure began bright and early at 6am, after breakfast we headed out for El Yunque, a Puerto Rican rainforest.  It was a long drive from Ponce to El Yunque, but we made it!  Once we arrived we trekked through the mud, some people struggled more than others, namely Ty and his sandals.  We all made it in one piece to the river running through the forest.  The surroundings were beautiful beyond words.  Across the river was a rope swing, which everyone was excited to try.

  After we all took a swing, Jon led us up the river to another secluded spot.  The hike there was interesting; climbing up wet rocks and wading through a strong current to reach another spectacular spot.  Thankfully, nobody was pulled down the river by the current, we almost lost Mary, but Becca and Emily saved her. ;-) At this new spot there was a water slide formed by the rushing water of the waterfall and there was also a 27 foot cliff to jump off of.  It definitely was a sight, we wish you all could see it!  Everybody was enjoying the slide, making crazy faces as they launched out the end!  It was a great time to be with the team.

After our time at the waterfalls in the rainforest we left to go to the beach in Luquillo.  Everyone was singing in the van and having a good time.  The beach was gorgeous, with so many hues of blue from the ocean to the sky.  The sun was out and it was hot!  Ty rented an umbrella for some shade, and we were all grateful for that.  Everyone enjoyed their time at the beach in different ways.  Becca and Stephanie went on a little excursion exploring the beaches, others stayed back to lay out and relax, or play frisbee in the ocean.  People also explored the shops and also the food, like pincho, which is like a shish-kebab.  Soon it was time to leave and head back to camp.  We were all sad to leave the beach, it had been an amazing day!  

As we headed back to camp we all shared stories about the day and what our favorite things were.  More singing occurred and lots of laughter.  We made it back to camp and now its time for bed!  So ends our adventure on the island, at least for today!

P.S. (from Ty)

Everything is going well. Mom I hope you got that message sent out for me.  Thank you all for the prayers.  Love Ty!

P.P.S.S.  (from Stephanie)

Hey mom and dad, I hope you get a chance to read the blog!  Soooo much is happening here, and I am loving it.  Dad you would be so jealous if you only knew!  I am writing as much down as I can in my journal, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!  Everything is going amazing.  I love you and miss you both.  I will talk to you in a few days.  Continue to pray for our safety and for safe travels on Sunday!   See you soon!