Day 6 – Whitewater Rafting, Fun & God-given Community

We started our day whitewater rafting with French Broad Adventures in Marshall, NC. We had five amazing rafting guides that made our whole group feel comfortable enough to go, even those who were nervous. We went through Class I-III rapids and had so much fun… and we only had one person fall out, Don’t worry, they were pulled right back into their boat, no problem! Highly recommend you all travel to NC to ride the rapids on the French Broad River!

We got a treat on the way home, then hung out at camp playing games and having conversation, before going into Chimney Rock For dinner. We ended out visit in Chimney Rock by driving just seconds beyond the businesses that have been rebuilt since Helene, to see the damage that still exists 2 years later. It was powerful to see. It left most of us speechless. There is still work to be done. Work has been going on long before we got here and will continue long after we leave. During our group debrief, Beth mentioned that all she’s been hearing the past two days from these youth is “I wish we could do more.” As we leave the Asheville, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure area tomorrow, we do so with grateful hearts — We are grateful to be part of the rebuilding and renewing of this community, even in small ways, and even for the short time that we have been here.

After dinner we spoke about our experience this week, the ways that God has been at work in us and all that we are grateful for. There is more to unpack, and God will continue working in us and through this experience for many days, weeks, months, and years to come. Thanks for helping get us here to have this experience.

Our day was full of laughter, fun, and good conversation, and a lot of gratitude. As I sit here typing, the teens are line dancing, making the most of every second before I send them to bed before our travel day tomorrow. 

We’ll clean up camp in the morning, say goodbye to our wonderful Trip Leader, Heather, and Assistant Trip Leader, Bailey, then head to the airport to begin the journey home. We’re scheduled to get home around 9:30pm, so please pray for our travels home. We love you! See you soon.

Blessings,

Jacque