Mountain top experiences

Today was a day of rest. That doesn't mean that we stayed inside! To begin the day we toured a convent and heard a variety of history surrounding its start and Catholic traditions. Some enjoyed the aesthetics of the building, others appreciated the history, while some had a hard time with how much long-standing authority the Catholic church has had over the people.

Lunch followed with some shopping in downtown Queretaro. The shopping yielded some great returns as everyone was out to buy gifts as well as suveniors. We were not all together during the shopping so the best part was seeing what everyone else found and how well they did with the bargains. After the shopping time was up it was time for show and tell!

For the afternoon and evening we got to choose whether we stayed at the hotel or in the vacinity around it in Queretaro or take off to a small town called Bernal and hike the 2nd largest rock in the world - over 1,100 feet tall. Pastor Amy, Pastor Becky, Brianna, Alecia, Jessalea, Danny, and a missionary named Katie we met decided to put on hiking boots and scale the rock. Not only was it physically demanding because it was hiking, but our breathing was challenged at a higher altitude. After a few scary moments where the rock was incredibly steep, narrow, and had little to grab on to, we reached a beautiful photo spot and stopped to take in the view. It was absolutely breathtaking. We were disappointed that not everyone was there to take in such adventure! After hiking up the rock we spent some time in the town of Bernal and at the shops just at the base of it. It was a quaint town with lots of artisans. The time there was fun, the view incredible, and the hike completely worth it. However, we know we will all be feeling that tomorrow...Advil anyone?

Right now we are preparing for tomorrow - not sure how the travel home will be. We've been watching the news wondering what the tropical storm will do as we are scheduled to fly into Houston. Be praying for safety and all the traveling details to be ironed out. We are excited to come back and share what we've learned, experienced, and what God has done. At the same time there is a sadness at leaving such an incredible place where we've been watching God move. Maybe God will bring us back out here again...