“O how high would I climb mountains

If the mountains were where You hide

O how far I’d scale the valleys

If You graced the other side”

Highlands by Hillsong UNITED resonates so much with my soul, based on all of the experiences I have had that have led to my many encounters with God in the North Swaka Forest reserve. What each experience has highlighted for me is how walking with God is so personal. I love to hear about other people’s encounters with Him, but just as it is with all other love stories, each person’s relationship with God is so unique. Yes, it’s true that I would opt out of going up to Fort Elwes again if I could, but I would do it a million times over if it meant it was going to fortify my relationship with God even more.

“O how long have I chased rivers

From lowly seas to where they rise

Against the rush of grace descending

From the source of its supply…”

I have told you about how much I adore the Changwena falls. When I got lost the first time and got to the point where I could hear the rush of the river, I felt such an overwhelming surge of grace, that it was only by God that I was and am still alive. The second time around, I remember arriving there and my spirit was crushed. But after being there a while, I recall noticing a strong, sweet scent in the air. It took a while to identify the source, but I eventually noticed a wild fruit tree laden with berries. It had somehow planted itself right by the river bank, and the berries had been falling into the river, turning both the water, and the air sweet. Again I was reminded about how God’s grace is so abundant. And it is honestly such a blessing to be planted in Him and to benefit from His bounty.

Pushing yourself to the top of the fort is well worth the views. It overlooks a beautiful valley and the hills that surround it, including mount Mumpu. However, once you get down the other side, you can easily forget them as you become so fixated on getting to camp. Navigating the winding path through the forest is tricky, but the thought of completing the hike, and getting to chill out by the falls is enough motivation, even if all you can see around you are trees. The image of the valley gives you faith that there is an end to it.

I will praise You on the mountain

And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way

You’re the summit where my feet are (Part 1)

So I will praise You in the valleys all the same

No less God within the shadows

No less faithful when the night leads me astray (Part 2)

You’re the heaven where my heart is (Part 3)

In the highlands and the heartache all the same (Part 4)

So there you have it, 5 of my North Swaka adventures! I hope you’ve been blessed by them. I’ll be back at the Fort tomorrow, so please pray that I have a non eventful experience there for once haha!

Love you like campfire coffee on a misty morning.

Xo, Wong.