During my recent tour to Guilin (China) with my sister, I took a path less travelled. I hiked up to Longsheng rice terraces.
The terraced fields are built along the winding slopes from the riverside up to the mountain top, between 600-800m above sea level. A coiling terrace line starts from the foot of the mountain up to the mountain top dividing the mountain into layers of water in spring, layers of green rice shoots in summer, layers of rice in the fall and layers of frost in winter. The terraced fields were built about 650 years ago.
I started fresh and fit, seeking the Lord to be with me and to guide me in this trail, not knowing that it would take an extended six hours to reach my homestay hotel located 600m above sea level!
Most of the travellers would have hired a local guide to track the path with them, but I took a more challenging path with my sister – brave and trusting as I was in His Divine care. I went into the tracking path alone, with just Jesus in my heart.
Without knowing it, I had stepped into a jungle zone! All I could see was the green forest, a stony, muddy path and a clear blue sky. It was awesome to experience the beauty of God’s creation. Had I not been lost, this would have a great journey with God in the wilderness.
I had missed some signboards earlier on. The forest looked the same everywhere and by the time I arrived at a set of crossroads, I wondered which way I should take. Feeling frightened and exhausted, I prayed and called upon the Lord… and He answered me!
He sent local natives who gave me directions and I continued my journey. Shortly after, I fell into a hole in a haystack but luckily I had a soft landing. However, I felt a twist in my left leg. Again, I called upon the Lord to heal me as I could not afford to have a fracture at this time.
Miracles do happen – after a short rest, I climbed out of the haystack unscathed and continued with my journey.
He leadeth me, He leadeth me
By His own hands, He leadeth me
His faithful follower I would be
For by His hand, He leadeth me
Thank you, Jesus for watching over me and keeping me safe from harm
Parish: Church of Divine Mercy (Penang)