I have to say, caving and being “captured” in restricted quarters has never been on my bucket list to do. In fact, when I was in my 20’s , I went rock climbing in Colorado with a group of friends. We went to this great place called Red Rock. I was about 20 pounds lighter than I am now and had much more muscle mass.
Going up was great, but when I got to the top I was frozen. I couldn’t climb down. The space was restricted on all sides. If I turned any way, I would fall, or so I thought. Long story short, my friends called rescue and I was helped down by the trained emergency team. What I learned from that experience is one, there are other people afraid of restricted places like me, as they have a number to call for help; and two, we all have our limits of comfort.
The RAMH Boys Club’s trip to Green Grotto Caves pushed all the buttons of comfort for the young students. D’Vaun and Nicalos led the way with hats and flashlights. It was a little scary, they said, when the guide turned out the lights. The boys held on to each other and never lost sight of D’Vaun; even in the dark, they made sure they knew where he was. Afterwards, the jokes and banter began with each student accusing the others of being a scaredy-cat.
As I heard the story and saw the pics from staff, I was quickly reminded of how scary it is sometimes to not know what is ahead and have no vision of what the plan will turn out to be. That’s when Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” I’m so glad for our RAMH Boys Club (by the way, no girls allowed) and how the simplest of adventures always point back to who you trust for your future. I know who I trust. I think I’ll sign up for the next faith adventure (and dress like a boy).
TRIP COST
There is an old proverb, “If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.” History proves that lasting change in a poverty culture is achieved by empowering the people to reach their full potential and become self-sustaining. ACE is invested in our community long-term and in conjunction with our partners in the US, we are identifying the circumstances of those around us in order to find real solutions for their unique needs.