We have a free morning near the mountains of Rwanda. My brother in law is going to preach in the prisons and my sister and I are dropped at the base of the mountains for a gorilla trek, for we are not permitted in the prison.
We are not guaranteed to find gorilla but we are hopeful. We take our walking sticks and follow our guide through the jungle. We are told not to look the gorilla in the eye should we see them, for that is seen as aggression. We cannot cough or sneeze as this exposes them to human germs.
Two hours into the climb. our guide hears the gorillas coming down and quickly, almost in a panic, pushes us off the path. The gorilla seem to come from nowhere as the jungle leaves parted and the black furry creatures passed by, close I could almost have reached out and touched their black, thick fur.
We follow, trying to get a photo. But there is so much jungle that we cannot get a clear shot. Then, all the sudden they settle in an open area and seem to pose.
They put on a show: searching for flees on each other, chewing branches and scratching their heads.
Then, as quickly as they appeared, they begin to climb down the steep mountain, swinging from vine to vine. We watch until all we see are leaves moving in the jungle.
It was quick: a long hike to view the magnificent animals for only five minutes. But it was worth the climb, the time and the money.
We trek down the mountain to wait for our ride. Within four hours we are hosting a conference for pastors and pastors wives at a hotel near the border with the Congo. Yet, images of the beauty of these almost extinct animals stayed in our hearts and minds. What a blessing to have this once in a lifetime opportunity!
"Put your hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Tim 6:17