On Monday we headed west on the main highway that runs across the northern rim of the island. It is a beautiful drive and a good road most of the way. I drove – for the first time here – part of the way. I'm still very hesitant to drive in or near the city. This island may belong to the United States, but the traffic does not behave like it is expected to behave in the States!
At the western edge, we stopped at an
overlook to enjoy the sea below. The heavy clouds made the colors
less than we had hoped for, and soon it was pouring rain. We
headed south to Aguadilla, then “followed our nose” as Jeannette
put it, winding in and out on narrow streets with streams of
rainwater running down the hills, and in low places over the road.
In the flatland not far from the ocean we came to the nice little
home of our friends and were glad for room to drive in beside the
house with a roof overhead. Later, the rain stopped and we walked
over to look at the river not far from the back of the house. It was
high and rushing from the heavy rain. We watched the chickens
struggle to reach a roosting place in the trees, the colorful
rooster taking the highest place, and admired the lovely little
parakeet-like birds in a large cage.
It was cooler after the rain, and we
had a pleasant night there. After breakfast and a study in the
morning, we headed north and then east, back to the city. We were
glad we could make that trip as it is the only chance we've had to
spend a little time with those friends who are the furthest away from
others and from the city.
Thursday, we came south and east – a
little beyond El Yunque park with the rainforest – to visit again
in this area where we were two weeks ago. This time we are staying
with Irene and Ventura up, up that steep road that ends at their
house on the mountainside. We've felt so at home here, enjoying
the time with them, and the restful atmosphere where it is cooler and
quieter. I love to look at the layers of mountains, shrouded in
blue mist, and then the sea in the distance. Close in the
foreground is the jungle-like greenery that covers the mountains and
valleys.
Tomorrow we'll ride down the mountain
with them to the fellowship meeting, and later drive back to the city
and a 5:00 p.m. Gospel Meeting there. Tomorrow begins our last
week here. It is also Thanksgiving week. When we can, we walk in
the large, modern, Mall of the Americas in the mornings before it
opens. It is evident here, as at home, that Christmas has
over-ridden Thanksgiving. Sad, when we have so much to be thankful
for! Psalm 103, our study this past week, reminds us again and again
of all that God has done and is doing for us, and that we need to
thank Him continually. I've smiled at a couple of the
signs....”Don't be a half gifter” with a picture of a bicycle
with only one wheel and a few other parts missing. On a store
front: “UnScrooge Yourself!”..(come in and find the Spirit of
Christmas in our store.)
It is pouring rain again...no wonder
that there is a rainforest here.
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