My wanderings...: Week in Mabaruma

March 29th-April 5, 2009

As my dad’s group flew back to the States on Sunday morning, my sister and I were boarding a plane of our own, although of a much smaller size. We were headed for Mabaruma, a town in Region 1 that is the base for two AWA (Adventist World Aviation) pilots and their families. The first week would be a much needed week of R and R, and the second would be a week of health outreach for a remote village in that region.

Adrenaline surged through my veins as we picked up speed down the runway and then were airborne. This was my first time back in a small plane since leaving for Guyana last September, suffice it to say that I was thrilled to be in the sky again in a ‘real’ plane. We flew over the Atlantic coast, over the Demerara and Essiquibo rivers that I had only seen from the ground thus far, then seemingly endless miles of jungle before arriving in the small town of Mabaruma.

Immediately after arriving, Judd, one of the AWA pilots, asked me if I would like to fly with him to another village 30 minutes away to drop some supplies off. Needless to say, I was most willing, and we were soon off again. My flying knowledge quickly came back as Judd let me fly from Georgetown to Mabaruma, then again from Mabaruma to Port Kaituma, although my landings were a bit rusty, but I had a great time and we arrived in one piece.

The next week passed quickly. Alexis and I helped out some with local projects, we worked on painting the children’s Sabbath School room, helped out in the clinic, home schooled Laura’s (the other pilot) daughter Daniella on the days that Laura was flying, and helped out doing odds and ends when needed. We also had time to relax and do some sightseeing in the area. One day we went to Kissing Rock (no it does not get its name because it is a popular make out location=), another day we went to swim at a small waterfall, and we otherwise took time to unwind from the busyness of planning the mission trip and the school year. The change of scenery and activities was an enjoyable break from routine.

Then Friday afternoon my brother arrived in the same little yellow plane. He stepped out of the plane, and nearly blinded us with his pallor, but we assured him that he would soon adapt and trade in his white skin for a lovely tan color. We were thrilled to see him, and glad that the three of us siblings would be together for 6 weeks, the longest amount of time we’ve all been in one place in 9 years.

Quickly our last weekend in Mabaruma passed, and Sunday morning it was time to head out for our next stop: Baramita

Jungle Photoshoot