Sunday, May 8, 2016

Best Laid Plans


You know how it goes....

You get the thought, the inspiration.

Next, you do the practical stuff in order to make it happen.

But, then, bam! It happen; something jumps in and ruins the best laid plans.

It happens to everyone at some point of their lives.

It happened to us.

Yesterday.

It all started when Abbi said, "Let's go to a waterfall."

So we decided which one to seek out.

Obtained directions.

Changed our clothes.

Grabbed towels, sunglasses, and snacks.

Jumped in our trusty old van.

And then this happened....




 On our way out of the village, a loud squelching sound erupted from the engine, then a slightly disturbing burning smell, followed by smoke eerily rising from the hood. Enough clues, that even I knew something was wrong.



A quick examination, a phone call to our trusted mechanic, and with the knowledge of a handy husband, the offender was removed.


 So sad. Our lovely afternoon plans were dashed upon the rocks of despair!



I am so glad that we were only a few minutes from home. This would have been much more of headache if we had been farther away, or even worse, on the freeway.

As it was, with a little push from us non-drivers, the driver was able to get the disabled vehicle back onto the road and carefully, back into the parking lot at school. Fortunately, it could still be driven short distances without the missing belt. It could have been  long time consuming trip if we had been any farther away! 

So what now? Grumble, complain, and pout?

No way!

We borrowed the school van and started out again!


I would like to say our troubles were finally behind us, but that wouldn't be the truth.

History does tend to repeat itself. The last time we ventured out to find a waterfall, it took most of the afternoon. Finding a specific place in Taiwan is not as easy as it sounds. Especially when the to-be-found place is an out of the way destination.

After missing several signs, multiple adventurous one lane side trips through tea fields and forested glades, we finally arrived. The elderly gentleman, picking up trash was surprised to see a car arriving so late in the afternoon. With only an hour or so of day light left, we headed down the trail.

I am so glad we didn't give up!

Even the trek to the waterfall was magnificent.




This beautiful bridge was part of the journey.





But, nothing compared with what was at the end of the hike!






According to Jacob, we were a boring family before moving to Taiwan.

The roar of the falling water, the rushing wind, and the subsequent mist was sensory consuming. Much, much smaller than Niagara Falls, but more approachable. More intimate.

Not another living soul in the vicinity. Just us and God's creation.

If sunset hadn't been just around the corner, we would have stayed for hours.




Finding some discarded wood, Jacob built a boat. Would it survive its turbulent future?


  

As the sun's light began to descend below the horizon, we reluctantly headed back to our borrowed vehicle. Our bodies tired, but souls and spirits lifted!



It was the perfect ending to a day of rest and relaxation!

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