4/27/04:  Downtime! That's what I call it. It's the part of the day here in the jungle when you simply have nothing to do. Maybe you're done working with the guys in their fields, or didn't go at all that day. Or perhaps it's pouring rain, like it frequently does, and you can't barely even leave your hut. Whatever the case, everyday, usually for a long-lasting period, inevitably, downtime will certainly come.

            In one sense, this part of the culture is a well welcomed change of pace. You're never busy, worried, stressed, or interrupted (for there's nothing to be interrupted from or for). Your schedule isn't full and your calenders are empty?in fact, out here, no one keeps a schedule nor has a calender?and there's never a "to-do list" or errons to run. It's relaxing.

            Life in the jungle is a quiet, simple way of living that gives you time to rest, read, write, and just appreciate God's ammazing creation. And we do. Everyday, over and over, I take time to read and write and praise God for His marvelous works. Over and over. Aye, there's the rub.

            For while it's refreshing to live in such a peaceful environment, I'd be lying if I said it was never boring. You do all that has to be done, which isn't much, you do all you want to do, and then you start getting creative on how to pass the time. Here's a few things that I've come up with that worked alright: explore the jungle, play cards, swim in the river, play myself in home-run derby?hitting pecan-like nuts off the look-out here in Masenawa with a long stick, and cutting down stuff with my machette.

            During a usually slow and long day, washing the dishes or cooking or taking a shower at the spring can prove to be pretty big events around these parts. Next trip, I plan to try a few new ideas I've had: play chess, carve some arrows, throw the frisbee, make a bamboo chair, climb some trees, and learn how to play the guitar. These ought to fill my day up until lunchtime.