I am in Baton Rouge for the HS youth mission trip. They are working with a program at First UMC of Baton Rouge that helps to repair homes in the poverty-stricken areas of the community. The youth and their sponsors, Amy and Brian Givens, have been working hard each day on a particular house, but today we all went for a swamp tour. At one point the pontoon boat captain stopped and pulled out a small alligator. He secured his mouth (not hurting the young alligator) and allowed people to hold it. I was not particularly wanting to hold it. I wasn’t scared, I just think that swamp animals seem dirty and animals can have accidents – I just didn’t want a mess on my hands or clothes. But, my pride was stronger than my cleanliness issue and I couldn’t NOT hold the alligator in front of the youth. I am so glad I did. It was so soft (belly side) and very calm the whole time. I gained a whole new appreciation for the animal. Now, to be honest, I was glad when I found a pump jar of alcohol hand sanitizer immediately afterward, but still – I was glad I had the experience. A good life lesson: if you really want to learn and experience life, you have to get your hands dirty. (Of course, there’s nothing that says you can’t take hand cleaner along with you…)
March 16, 2016
