Family Fun on Habitat for Humanity Trip
Working for Habitat for Humanity had its own rewards and entertainment. But, on the day off from work, there was an even better chance to enjoy the local attractions. For us, Hanko, Fiona from Ireland, and beautiful scenery, added to mild but entertaining whitewater rapids, was a recipe for fun, giving us another reason to return to the Rio Grande gorge near Taos, New Mexico.
Hanko was our forty-something starving artist guide with a Taos ponytail and enough wild stories to keep us entertained during the restful stretches of the river. I won’t spoil anyone’s adventure by retelling. Go to Taos and meet Hanko yourself. He was an excellent guide and an even better spinner of tales. Fiona was a red-haired Irish newlywed with a lovely accent who manned the front of the boat with her handsome new husband (his name was not unique and thus forgotten). This sharp, adventuresome couple, honeymooning in the U.S., added a new dimension to all of the interesting people we met on our journey. The scenery in the gorge was fabulous. Whether you viewed it from above while standing on a bridge or from below on the river itself, it was a must-see item. Hear the kids say, “Awesome.”
I was lucky enough to do this trip with my whole family aboard, not an easy feat with a college son, a senior daughter and a freshman daughter who manage busy schedules. Now,if I need bait to get them together for a family vacation in the future, this river trip will be on the hook in a minute. Spice it with a shopping day at the Taos or Santa Fe Plaza, add some tours to the many historical sites of NE New Mexico and it’s a full vacation.
We thank God for our New Mexico trip. Mixing work with play was a great way to go. Everything seemed like a reward.
About the Author:
Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.