Punta Mona!

This weekend we took a little road trip to the Caribbean coast. The reason for this trip? Aside from needing a little relief from the clouds and rain that oppress us up on the mountain, the highlight of the trip was a visit to my favorite Organic Farm, Punta Mona!

For those of you who haven't heard me talk about Punta Mona, it is a "Community and Center for Sustainable Living and Education". http://www.puntamona.org/ We visited Punta Mona during our CR portion of the CASP trip three years ago, and it has been a dream of mine to return ever since.

For this trip we were only able to make it in for a quick day trip that included an amazing 4 hour hike to the farm and then a tour. Going back to Punta Mona was so meaningful for me: I learned so many new and important lessons there about caring for Creation, about permaculture and sustainability, God definitely used my time there to expand my understanding of him and they way he works in this world.

For me, this whole beach trip was one amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience after another. To give you an idea and to share some of my reflections on it all, I'm going to share an entry I wrote in my prayer journal our last morning at the beach:

Thank you for the amazing experiences we've had here at the beach the last few days. The fact that we were able to rent this amazing balcony right on the beach, looking out on the beautiful Punta Uva beach not 30 feet away is amazing. Two mornings ago when Lindy rescued that bird, and I was able to just hold sweet little Chuck in one hand while eating breakfast and enjoying conversation was wonderful. Chuck's feathers were so awe-inspiring - that you would put that much detail and design into the feathers of a small, green bird - you are so amazing Creator. And then that Chuck flew away safely healed or rested after we finished our group yoga and meditation, that was precious. Who are we to limit your power oh God? Could you not take our combined energies and focus as a prayer to heal Chuck? Didn't you? I am so thankful Lord.
Yesterday morning hiking in to Punta Mona I was in complete awe at how you demonstrated your glories for us over and over. Seeing that sloth so shockingly up close was a true gift - it completely made my day. The way you put so much detail in to all your Creation is overwhelming, and so good. Watching his 3-clawed "hands" grip the tree as he pulled himself up it in slow-motion, I gained an extreme love and appreciation for these osos perezosos. And when I thought that my day was made by that, you kept showing us new and more amazing things. Baby howler monkeys, yellow eyelash vipers, red poison dart frogs. I loooooved those frogs - they were so cute and miniature, and yet the power they wield!
Thank you so much for the chance to return to Punta Mona again yesterday - it was a dream come true. Yes, things have changed, but it was still such a wonderful reminder of all the things you taught me there three years ago. I am constantly awed by the detail you put in to your Creation, and how evident that is at Punta Mona. They way you wrapped up all the things we need - like diverse foods, moisturizers, healing and soothing plants, all things in to your Creation is glorious. Teach us how to find and use all these plants and gifts you've given us so that we may be closer to you and your Creation.
And then there was the amazing boat ride back from Punta Mona last night. The beauty of the teal water, the amusement-park-like fun of the stormy waves, the glory of the palm-lined beaches we passed, the child-like joy of finding images in the clowds, then your glory shining through white, yellow and blue sky beyond the clouds. You are so evident in your Creation Lord God. Lars said it clearly on that boat ride "how can anyone see all this and the way it all works together and not believe in a Creator?"
And I am constantly awed by the way you have equipped each individual part of your Creation. You have given each part of nature the instincts and defenses that they need. Termites that humans can live off of it necessary, that anteaters do live off of, and yet those same anteaters know not to eat the queen or the hive will not regenerate. You have woven your wisdom and knowledge into Creation. The frogs that are poisonous stick out in color because they have ways to defend themselves, while those without toxic protection match the colors of your Creation around them in order to hide and protect themselves - amazing. Your goodness is so present in our world Lord Jesus. I am endlessly thankful for these last few days and all the things you've reminded me of here.