Joel's Chance
by
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Immediately, everyone in the group started to look for Enrico.
“Everyone stay here while I and another porter go and look for the boy”, yelled Michael. Michael just started to locate the boy when they heard a sudden call for assistance. At once everyone ran to the sound of help. There lying among some rocks, Enrico is caught between two craters.
What possibly happened to Enrico, believer, was he was climbing alone, ahead of everyone. Making sure he would be the first to the camp that night. While being selfish, he risked the life of himself and possibly some of the other hikers. Enrico was so consumed with being the best, he did not think of the safety of everyone in the group.
Several of the adults examined his foot. Analyzing that the ankle is not broken, they urge the young boy to get back on his feet.
“He is okay. The baboon and the gun fire scared him and that is why he took off. No broken bones”, mentions Michael. “Young man you must stay with the rest of the group and not wonder off alone. You could have easily gotten lost or worse severely hurt. Now stay with the other children so I can keep a close eye on you. Understand?”
Enrico nodded his head in embarrassment. He would not look up at Joel or anyone. For a moment, Joel felt sorry for him.
“Enrico, how could you walk off alone? It is very dangerous being out alone, you do not know this mountain”, shouted Francesca loudly.
“I am glad that you are all right Enrico. Please stay with us”, said Joel.
“This is none of your concern JOEL! Enrico can take of himself. You had better watch where you walk. The path way is littered with rocks.” Enrico turned away before Joel could respond.
“What is wrong with that boy? Why is he so angry?” thought Joel. “I want to help him and all he does is scream at me. “
“Enrico stop! Leave Joel alone. You made the mistake. Joel is our friend; all he wants to do is help. Now please apologize”, demanded Francesca.
Glaring angrily at Joel, Enrico raised his fist to intimidate him and walked off in a hurry.
Knowing how Joel must feel, Francesca put her arms around him. They continued their climb together, ignoring Enrico.
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About the Book
Joel found out that Barafu is the Swahili word for ice. Feeling the bitter cold clinging to his body, Joel had no doubt the locals knew what they were talking about. As they were hiking closer to the summit, the air was definitely chilly and thinner. It took a lot of strength and determination to move each foot. Joel’s leg muscles were aching with pain, mainly, because he was exhausted from lack of sleep, and his body trying to fight off the harsh cold. His breathing was becoming more labored as the climb was ascending higher and higher, with little oxygen to take in.
Joel kept thinking to himself, “This is harder than I thought! Why did I even want to climb this mountain? I read all of the facts, but no one prepared me for such challenges. I almost wish I had stayed at one of the other camps. NO!!!!! I can do this, I think?” With each step, the trail was becoming very steep.
When Joel decides to take a chance to climb the majestic mountain Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Africa, he encounters all kinds of challenges, wild animals, harsh weather conditions, but mostly fear! Through each hardship, though, Joel finds courage and strength. A courage that can only be found when one has a relationship with Jesus Christ.
About the Author
Lisa Maheu has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies at Grace College of Divinity. Lisa works for a church in Mandeville, Louisiana where she coordinates the weekend curriculum for children ages eighteen months to fifth grade.
She lives in Abita Springs, Louisiana with her husband Van and their three grown daughters and son-in-law. She has been working with children from infancy to twelve years old in children’s ministry for over nine years.