Brecon Beacons and Pen y Fan

Written by Brandon

One of my goals was to do something on the bucket list within the first week. I certainly didn’t want to be a month in and start to scramble to do and see things that we had been talking about for months. And today we battled wind, rain and maybe a few tears to push ourselves to the top of the highest people in southern Wales as well as all of sourthern Britian. We traved to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park to the Brecon Beacons where we began our climb to the top of Pen y Fan (prounounced Pennivan).

On our way to the mountain we traveled through some classic Welsh countryside where we encountered sheep galore. It was a beautiful sight and we were all humming the intro music to one of our favorite tv shows “All Creatures Great and Small” as we drove.

As we began our climb, the kids were all smiles and excited to see the world from the top of a high peak. Of course I was beyond thrilled to be able to have my kids experience looking out over creation and having all of those feelings when you get to see the world from this different perspective. Many times you feel a sense of accomplishment or of pride, but I always seem to become overwhelmed with how small and insignificant I am and how great and glorious the God of creation is!

As we begin to get into our hike, the smiles turned into questioning looks. The question kept resounding, “Is that the top?” and “Is THAT the top?” I knew that to have a great experience, we didn’t need to reach the top. I didn’t have unrealistic expectations, but I certainly was willing to carry a kid or two if I had to!!

As we reached the top, the wind was intense and the rain started to put the summit in jeopardy. But this is true of any mountain hike I have ever done. You always want to quit before you are almost there! But if you can push through, just one last effort, the reward is worth it.

And thankfully we all made it to the top! And as we stood at the summit, the wind calmed down and the rain subsided, and it was just us looking out over a most glorious view! Our motto has been “A family that stays together….stays together!” And we did, stay together.

On our descent we of course had to say hello to a few sheep and Zion was in her glory!

My reward was the view at the top, but I think the kids had a little bit different of a reward in mind.

It was the day before Father’s Day, but I chalked this one up to one of the best gifts I have ever received for Father’s Day. One that I will not soon forget!

Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day and we will be spending it at our church for the summer, Grace Community Church in Porthcawl. Can’t wait to share some exciting news about how God is opening doors for us to serve and be in fellowship with this church all summer long!