My wife, Maryke, and I embarked on an adventure to Reunion Island, captivated by the island’s breathtaking landscapes.
On our third day, we set off on a hike from Entre Deux, drawn by the stunning photos we’d seen online. As expected, the scenery did not disappoint. However, our journey took an unexpected turn when we reached a river crossing that required us to wet our feet. Faced with the choice of turning back or continuing, we chose to embrace the challenge and proceed barefoot, as our limited travel gear did not include spare shoes or a means to dry them.
Navigating the rocky riverbed barefoot proved painful, but I remained silent, motivated by a sense of resilience and the desire not to show weakness before Maryke. Eventually, she too acknowledged the toll the rocky path took on her feet. We then faced another dilemma: to turn back or wet our shoes and move forward.
Choosing to press on, we donned our shoes, refuelled with a snack, and resumed our hike.
This decision marked a turning point in our journey. The path ahead unveiled landscapes of unparalleled beauty, with each twist in the river revealing sights more stunning than the last. Overwhelmed by the majesty of our surroundings, I was moved to reflect on our insignificance amid such natural wonders. Reaching our destination, we found it exceeded our wildest dreams. This experience taught me two valuable lessons: the importance of perseverance through challenges and the need to be adequately prepared for the journey ahead.
Sometimes, crossing the river—whether literally or metaphorically—requires getting our shoes wet.
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