Sunday, May 20, 2007

Have You Ever?


Have you ever?

Listened to the sound of rain falling upon a palm roof?

Heard the songs of howler monkeys in the jungle?

Seen the double rainbow stretched over the canopy?

Watched the majestic macaw soar overhead?

Fallen asleep to the sound of the river flowing past your window?

Swam beneath the spray of a waterfall that has no name?

Heard the complete silence of a night, when you were all alone?

Seen the full moon so bright, you can cast a shadow at midnight?

Listened to the thunder roll across the jungle, and heard the voice of God?

Followed the tracks of a jaguar down to the creek, hoping to catch a peek?

Stand under the jungle canopy, looking up...and see no sky?

Felt the sun beat upon you as you lazily float down stream in a dugout canoe?

Loved a child with dark, black, shiny eyes?

Swam in a current that nearly takes you away?

Eaten a sun ripened pineapple, straight from the garden?

Drank the cool, clear water of a jungle mountain stream?

Held the hand of a tribesman, and truly felt him to be your brother?

Smelled the smoke of a camp fire, hours before you arrive?

Been held in the embrace of an Indian grandmother, who "rocks" away your pain?

Eaten a fish that was speared only moments ago?

Had your face lovingly painted in onoto, and felt beautiful?

Had to leave it all, not knowing when , or if you would see them again?

36 comments:

Glenn B said...

You made me a bit envious until the last line. Sad for you, but still, you have enjoyed it all, and that is something most of us will never be able to do regarding all of those things. Now for the memories, and a new adventure wherever you wind up.

All the best,
Glenn B

Trudi said...

Hi, Thank you for stopping by Trinkets and treasures. I'll be back to visit. Just stopping in.

Rita Loca said...

Glenn, I will eternally be grateful for the life I have lived! i am a little melancholic today as my son and I remembered these things.

Rita Loca said...

Trudi, welcome!

Sister said...

I'm fascinated by your blog...off to read more!

Unknown said...

Jungle Mom:

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Ever since I was a kid and found out where Dave Concepcion (Cincinnati Reds fan!) was from, I've wanted to visit Venezuela. Now, with Chavez in charge, I'm not so sure.

Rita Loca said...

Tom, my husband has been the chaplain for the Venezuelan baseball team here. we have met a lot of famous players over the years as many come and play winter ball. great autographs! Thanks for stopping by.

Rebecca said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I think yours is great. It sounds like you and your husband have really enjoyed living in Venezuela. Wish you the best in your new travels.

Sandy said...

Thanks for visiting me!
I love this list ... it brings back good memories :)
Sandy
For Reluctant Entertainers

Rancher said...

All things pass, Chavez may or may not last as long as Castro, it depends on how hard and fast Chavez sets up security forces like Iran’s Basiji and Republican Guards. What’s the current status on that?

Rita Loca said...

Rancher, it is well on the way. All the "police" are now to become one National police. Under the authority of you-know-who.

Anonymous said...

Surely your heart must be overflowing....with joy for the years, the memories, the peoples, the love and the life you had there, but soo full of hurt and pain in knowing this goodby will be the final one this sie of heaven.And concern, for those into whom you poured your life and soul!
God is good....He never brought you this far to leave you!1

Thanks for the journey into the jungle---I could hear the sounds and feel the surroundings.

Amanda said...

That was really touching.

Sis. Julie said...

Hmmm. I can't say that I have ever...any of these things. But I'm thankful that you have.

Julie said...

Thanks for visiting me today. Your blog is fascinating.

My husband and I have friends that have been missionaries in Venezuela for years but we lost track of them about 5 years ago. Their names are Chris and Eric Barry. Do you happen to know them and/or what they are doing now? I know it is a long shot, but I had to ask.

Blessings to you and your family,
Julie

Jane said...

oh sister, my heart aches for you. I realize that you have been there for 20 years, and my walk in the ABRO program has been less than three years... but I sooo remember putting Nikita on the plane to go home after his first visit... never knowing if I would see him again... pleading with God to fill the void in my heart.

Praying for you and your family! God will not disappoint you guys with your next field. It may not be what you dreamed, but you will be with God.

Mountain Mama said...

Your post is just beautiful. You made me smile and you also made me teary.
I am praying for you and those you love. I hope you can keep us posted.
God rest his hand on you all.

Azar Balkhi said...

Hello dear. Thanks for your kind comment,Best wishes.
Fahim

Unknown said...

I have gone to sleep listneing to thr river run by and I have and still do Love a child with dark, black, shiny eyes! My Shaney Pooh!The rest sounds awesome. Some were ver heart wrneching.

Judith said...

God bless you so! The only thing I could imagine sadder would be if you could not feel the pain of leaving. In time maybe you can smile when remembering your years there, but in the meantime know that someone is praying for you.

Portrait of Peter said...

Rita, I was deeply moved by such a wonderful post. Your beautiful words seemed to create such dreams of your love for all that you have seen during your time in Venezuela - may such memories help guide you to your new home.

Blessings to you all.

Yekwana Man said...

Yes. I have. I will never forget it. I am glad you were by my side to share it.

Jackie said...

The answer is...yes...I have. Thanks for the reminder. I'm craving pineapple now, but the ones here are not the same...:(

WomanHonorThyself said...

Heard the songs of howler monkeys in the jungle?...bein a NYC girl..cant say that I have!..LOL

groovyoldlady said...

(((((Hugs)))))

Linds said...

No... I have done very few of these things. Eaten a freshly caught fish and maybe one or 2 others, but I feel as though I have missed out on something. I wish I could experience more of them. One day, maybe. Your memories are part of you and who you are, and you will carry them with you. Leaving and starting something new is something I do know about. Remember that we are with you on this journey, and are holdign you all up in prayer too!

Rogue said...

God bless you and watch your back.

Brooke said...

You are SO fortunate to live in a place that affords you all of this, although we may find God in whatever climate we inhabit!

Heather K said...

No I haven't---I sure would like to do most of those things though.. I'm kinda sad that you guys are having to leave.
I can't believe that his highness is going so far as the hair, underwear and makeup thing!!! unbelievable!!!

Momma Roar said...

I just loved this post!

Anonymous said...

I've expirenced some of those up in Canada. I know how much I missed it when I left...you're really going to miss your home! However, I know God has something new for you and will comfort your heart. FYI, take lots of pictures of everything you love about that place for your scrapbook for years of viewing. I would really love it if you could make a separate place to post your beautiful pictures for us to view anytime we want. I do love to look at the beautiful creation God has created!

Rita Loca said...

luvvom, That is a good idea about a foto blog. Maybe when we get settled I could work on that.
I bet you loved Canada. I would not survive the cold!!!

Rita Loca said...

w\Welcome to all the newbies. I love new readers!

Anonymous said...

I must confess to you that I use some of your pictures as desktop wallpaper! I have friends up in Alaska and Canada who put their pictures up and I use theirs too! They try to feed my nature appitite.lol! I love pictures of nature...hope you don't mind!

Rita Loca said...

luvvom, of course I don't mind! I am honored. The jungle is beautiful. I have some great shots from the early years but I have no way to scan them. You know, back before digital cameras. The stone age!

my4kids said...

Some of those yes!
Many more of them I would love to experience as well.