DAY 1 DRAMA
RAINA: Ladies and Gentlemen, the captain has just turned off the fasten seat belts sign, so please feel free to move about the cabin. 
JESS: Dear Journal . . . I can’t believe it. I’m actually on my way to the Amazon rain forest. Four years ago, when I started missionary training, all I could see was a mountain of courses and hundreds of hours of studying. But now, in just a couple hours, we’ll be landing in Brazil. I’m so excited! Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of taking the gospel to a people who have never heard of you. 
Captain:  MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY! Victor-Bravo-Sierra, this is AiG Flight #316 with total engine failure! Repeat, we have total engine failure! Attempting forced landing! Our last known position was 50 miles northeast of Tikal heading 1-2-4! 
(The sound of a very rough landing in the jungles of Guatemala is heard. Then the nose of the small jet pushes through the foliage as the plane comes to a stop and smoke [smoke machine] begins to rise. Then jungle sounds [SFX] are heard continually in the background. JESS is the first to exit the plane.)
JESS:  Lord, I know a miracle just happened, because that should have been a lot worse. Thank you for protecting us.  But what does this mean for my trip? How will I make it to Manaus in time? Please help me to trust you.  Wow . . . what’s this? A ziggurat? This is amazing! MOOSE: Well, all I can say is I sure like taking off A LOT more than landing! 
BUDDY: Yeah . . . and why’d they make us put our head between our knees? No one ever told us we’d have to do that!
MOOSE: I know. That was ridiculous! Remind me never to fly this airline again.  Wow . . . so this is RYE-oh duh JANNER-oh? It’s definitely NOT what I expected. 
BUDDY: Yeah . . . woulda thought we’d see some people.
MOOSE: And an airport. I mean, when did you ever hear of a plane landing where there wasn’t any airport? BUDDY: Hmm . . . I never thought about it . . . but I think you’re right. MOOSE: Of course I’m right! And besides . . . that’s where we’re supposed to pick up our rental car. Says so right on the clue. BUDDY: Hmm . . . then it must be around here somewhere.
MOOSE: We just gotta find it before any of the other teams get here! 
BUDDY: Hey, Moose . . . I think I found it!
MOOSE: Really? That was fast.Whoa! What is THAT??
JESS: It’s a ziggurat. 
BUDDY: What kinda rat?
JESS: A ziggurat. It’s like a pyramid.
BUDDY: So, it’s not an airport?
JESS: Airport?? 
MOOSE: C’mon. Let’s keep looking.
CAPTAIN: You okay?
RAINA: A little shaken up. But the question is, how are you? 
CAPTAIN: Just happy to be alive. Is everyone off the plane? 
RAINA: All except for “his majesty.”
CAPTAIN: His majesty?
RAINA: As soon as you meet him, you’ll know why I call him that. He’s refusing to leave his seat until he speaks with the president of the airline and the FAA.
CAPTAIN: What??
RAINA: Yeah, he wants to see your pilot’s license, your flight school transcript, and a complete maintenance report on the aircraft.
CAPTAIN: Let me guess . . . a spoiled rich kid.
RAINA: You got it.
CAPTAIN: Well, he can just sit there. Wow! Would you look at that! 
(Then JESS approaches RAINA and CAPTAIN as they look at the ziggurat.)
JESS:I guess someone’s been here before us.
CAPTAIN: Yeah, good thing we didn’t hit it! 
RAINA: That’s for sure.
JESS: So, what happened?
CAPTAIN: Both engines failed. I don’t know why . . . I’m just glad there was a clearing where we could land.
JESS: So, what do we do now?
(Then MOOSE and BUDDY return to the stage. Still searching for the airport, they are becoming impatient.)
MOOSE:  Uh . . . excuse me, sir, but could you please point us in the direction of the airport? We’re kind of in a hurry.
(CAPTAIN and RAINA look at each other.)CAPTAIN: Airport?? What do you mean?
MOOSE: Uh . . . what do you mean, “What do you mean?”
BUDDY: This is RYE-oh duh JANNER-oh, isn’t it?
CAPTAIN: What?? I’m totally confused.
RAINA: I think he means Rio de Janeiro.
JESS:  Ha! This is more like Rio de Jungle-o.
JESS: Sorry . . . that was dumb.
CAPTAIN: Seriously? You think THIS is Rio de Janeiro??
(MOOSE and BUDDY look at each other, then shrug their shoulders.)
BUDDY: Uh . . . 
RAINA: Can I see your tickets, please?
MOOSE: Sure. RAINA:Yep . . . lookCAPTAIN: Hmm . . . I keep telling corporate to update the ticket scanners. 
MOOSE: Is there a problem?
CAPTAIN: Oh, there’s a problem, all right.
RAINA: Well, gentlemen. I’m sorry to tell you this, but somehow you got on the wrong plane. 
MOOSE: What?? That’s impossible!
BUDDY: Yeah . . . that’s impossible!
CAPTAIN: Well, it should be impossible, but it’s not. 
MOOSE: So, what do we do now?
BUDDY: Yeah . . . what do we do now?
RAINA: Well, under normal circumstances, we’d put you on another flight. But, since we just crash-landed in the middle of the jungle, there’s not much we CAN do.
BUDDY:  Ha! That’s funny. I thought she said, “crash-landed.”
MOOSE: I know, me too.
JESS: She did say, “crash-landed.”
MOOSE & BUDDY: CRASH-LANDED?!!! MOOSE: So that’s why we had to put our head between our knees!
CAPTAIN: Wait . . . you mean you thought that was a normal landing??
RAINA: Haven’t you boys ever been on an airplane before?
MOOSE: No. BUDDY: But we have been on the airplane ride at the zoo . . . a bunch of times! 
JESS: Wow . . . so your first ever plane flight crashes in the jungle. That stinks.
CAPTAIN: Yeah . . . what are the odds of that happening??
RAINA: Okay, you’ve never flown before. So why now? I’m just curious.
MOOSE: Well . . . you see, we’re in this really, really big race with a bunch of other teams. 
BUDDY:  It’s a race around the world, and it’s got prizes and everything. 
MOOSE: It’s really incredible.
JESS: You mean The Incredible Race? You guys are in The Incredible Race??
MOOSE: You’ve heard of it?
RAINA: Sure. Everyone’s heard of it!
JESS: That is so cool! How far into it are you?
BUDDY:We just started this morning!
JESS: Oh . . . that’s a bummer.
RAINA: Yeah . . . I always feel so bad for the teams that get eliminated right off the bat.
BUDDY: Well, it’s not gonna be us, is it, Moose?!
MOOSE: Nope, we’re going the distance. We’ve got our eye on the prize! 
JESS: Really? Well . . . I guess it’s good to stay positive.
MOOSE: So, Captain, how soon until we’re back in the air?
CAPTAIN: Back in the air?? Back in the air?? Well, considering the fact that we don’t have a runway, we’ve got two damaged wings, two flat tires, and two engines that don’t work, I’d say . . . never.
BUDDY:  “Never?” Wow, that’s a long time, isn’t it, Moose?
MOOSE: Sure is.
RAINA: Yeah . . . so, until someone rescues us, we’re pretty much stuck here. 
MOOSE: Hmm . . . well, we’re not gonna just stand around like a couple of ninnies, are we, Buddy?
BUDDY: I should say not!
CAPTAIN: So, what are you going to do?
MOOSE: I don’t know, but . . . we’ll think of something, won’t we, Buddy?
BUDDY: I should say so! 
MOOSE: C’mon, let’s go make our plan.
(MOOSE and BUDDY exit.)
CAPTAIN:  I’d love to listen in on that meeting, but . . . I guess I’ll try one more time to get the radio to work.
RAINA: Is there anything I can do?
CAPTAIN: I’ll let you know.
(CAPTAIN exits.)RAINA: I saw you reading a Bible on the flight. So you’re religious?
JESS: Well, I’m a Christian, if that answers your question.
RAINA: Do you ever wonder why God allows bad things to happen? I sure do.
JESS: You mean like crash landing in the jungle?
RAINA: Yeah . . . and earthquakes and tornadoes and diseases.
JESS: I used to. That’s for sure.
RAINA: Used to? You don’t anymore?
JESS: No, not really.
RAINA: Why not?
JESS: Because the Bible tells us why.
RAINA: It does? What does it say?
JESS: Well . . . do you remember Adam and Eve? The first man and woman?
RAINA: I might have heard the story, but it’s been a very long time.
JESS: Well, first of all, it’s not just a story. They were real people in a real place. But, anyway, I’ll give you the condensed version. You see, in the beginning, when God created the world, everything was good. There was no death or disease or sadness. Nothing bad ever happened.
RAINA: Really. 
JESS: Yep . . . but it wasn’t like that for long.
RAINA: What changed everything?
JESS: Well . . . God had put them in a beautiful garden and gave them everything to enjoy except the fruit from one certain tree. Then he warned them not to eat from the tree and told them what would happen if they did. 
RAINA: But they ate it anyway.
JESS: You got it! And the rest is history. Because of their disobedience, the whole universe was put under a curse. Sin entered the world and affected everything. And now . . . just like Adam and Eve, we all disobey God.
RAINA: Hmm . . . so that’s why there’s death and disease and earthquakes and tornadoes.
JESS: And why bad things like this happen. 
RAINA: Wow . . . it’s not a very happy story, is it?
JESS: No . . . but the good news is . . . God has promised to remove the curse someday . . . so it won’t always be like this. There will be a happy ending.  But, speaking of the curse, you should probably move your foot.
RAINA: AAAH!!! 
CAPTAIN:What’s wrong?
JESS: Nothing . . . just a scorpion.
CAPTAIN: Oh, is that all.
JESS: It’s okay. He’s dead now.
RAINA: Any success with the radio?
CAPTAIN: Nope. And now I’m even wondering if my Mayday call went through. 
JESS: So what does that mean?
RAINA: It means that no one knows where we are. 
JESS: Uh-oh.
CAPTAIN: I’m going to have to go for help. 
RAINA: By yourself? Why don’t you take one of the guys with you?
CAPTAIN: Uh . . . I don’t think so.
JESS: How do you know which way to go?
CAPTAIN: When I was looking for a place to land, I remember a village of some sort showing up on radar about 30 miles due east of here.
RAINA: 30 miles?? That could take you several days in this terrain!
CAPTAIN: I know. That’s why I need to get going. And while I’m gone, it’s very important for you all to stay put. You should have enough food and water for several days, and you can sleep in the plane at night. 
RAINA: I don’t know . . . I just hate the idea of you going alone. 
CAPTAIN: It’s okay. I had lots of jungle experiences in the military. 
RAINA: But what if you get injured or encounter wild animals? 
CAPTAIN: Just pray that I don’t.  Don’t worry. We’re going to get through this. I know it.
JESS:  Dear Journal . . . I have to admit, a wave of fear swept over me as I watched the Captain leave. Here we were stranded in the jungle with very limited supplies and no way to communicate with the outside world. Please God . . . protect the Captain and guide him quickly to someone who can help us!
(Theme music)

DAY 2 DRAMA
JESS:Dear Journal . . . Waking up this morning to the sounds and smells of a tropical rain forest was an amazing experience. I really think I’m going to like living in the Amazon. The jungle is such a peaceful place, compared to the noise and stress of the city. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of peace and tranquility.
MYLES:  AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!
RAINA:What’s wrong??!
MYLES: WHAT. IS. THAT??! JESS: Oh, cool . . . it’s a tortoise beetle! You know why they call it a tortoise beetle?
MYLES: I don’t care! Get it off my shoe! Immediately!
JESS: Okay, okay . . . calm down. MYLES: Calm down. That’s easy for you to say. Those were my favorite shoes and now they’re ruined! Ruined I tell you!
RAINA: What are you talking about?? They’re not ruined at all.
MYLES: Oh, yes they are!
JESS: That’s ridiculous. I mean look at your shoe. No one would ever know there was a bug on it. 
MYLES: Well, Myles Bentley the third would know it! And that’s all that matters!  Now get me my other shoes!
JESS:  Whoa.
RAINA: What did you say?
MYLES: I said get my other shoes!
RAINA: I will not! 
MYLES: What?? Of course you will!
RAINA: Listen, Myles Bentley the third . . . I don’t know what you’re used to, but it isn’t going to work here. 
MYLES: Oh, yeah? Well, guess what? My father has lots of money. So, if you don’t do what I say, he’s going to buy your little airline and fire you! Now what do you think of that?!
RAINA: That’s fine with me. I was thinking of retiring anyway. Unbelievable. MYLES:Where’s she going?
JESS: I don’t know, but I’m sure she won’t be bringing you any shoes.
JESS: Listen, Myles, we’re in the jungle now. So you’re going to have to get used to a few bugs. If you dispose of your shoes every time an insect walks across one of them, you won’t have any left by the time breakfast is over.
MYLES: Ha! That shows how much you know. I could last way beyond breakfast. I probably have more shoes in my suitcase than you’ve ever owned in your whole life! So there!
JESS:  Oh, yeah? Well . . . I bet I have more bobby pins than you!!  Hmm . . . how sad.  Lord, use this time in the jungle to soften his heart.  Wow . . . I wonder how much these cost. A pretty penny, I’m sure. That’s okay. They’ll make a nice present for someone in the Amazon.
BUDDY: Did someone scream??
MOOSE: We got here as fast as we could! 
JESS:  Wow . . . I’m impressed. 
MOOSE: Yeah . . . well. We don’t mess around, do we, Buddy?
BUDDY: Nope. Not us. And that’s why we’re gonna win The Incredible Race!
JESS: Well, all I can say is . . . it’s a good thing you don’t work for the fire department. BUDDY:  Work for the fire department? What was that supposed to mean?
MOOSE: Beats me. 
BUDDY: Oh, well . . . time for breakfast. MOOSE: Hey, wait! We were going to exercise first, remember?
BUDDY: But I’m starving! 
MOOSE: It’s gonna be too hot later in the day. And besides, what’s more important right now . . . winning The Incredible Race or filling our stomachs?
BUDDY: Filling our stomachs.
MOOSE: Aw, c’mon, Bud! We need to be in top form so we’re ready to go as soon as the Captain returns. 
BUDDY:  Oh, all right.
MOOSE: Okay, let’s march in place.  Hey, this is fun!
BUDDY:  Breakfast is more fun.
MOOSE: What did you say?
BUDDY: Nothing.
MOOSE: Now arm circles. BUDDY: Ouch!!
MOOSE:Oh, sorry.BUDDY: I feel like a bird. MOOSE:Okay. Now touch your toes! BUDDY:I can’t reach that far.
MOOSE: Just do your best. Ohhh . . . doesn’t that feel good?!
BUDDY: No! It hurts!
MOOSE: Okay . . . now squats! Feel the burn? That means it’s working!
BUDDY: I feel something, all right. I hate exercising.
MOOSE: Now, let’s run!
MOOSE:Hey, c’mon!
BUDDY:I can’t. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.
MOOSE: Well, take your backpack off, then!
BUDDY: Oh, yeah . . . good idea. MOOSE: You know, Buddy, if we’re gonna win The Incredible Race, you’re going to have to do some thinking for yourself. 
BUDDY: Why? I’ve never had to before.
RAINA: Hey! You boys want some breakfast?
BUDDY: Did someone say, “breakfast”?!
BUDDY:Oh, boy . . . what are we having?!
RAINA:Now, don’t get too excited. I had to dispose of the perishable food, so all we have are prepackaged items and warm soda.
BUDDY: That’s okay. We love processed food . . . don’t we, Moose?
MOOSE: Absolutely! Potato chips, pretzels, cheesy crackers, cookies . . . as far as we’re concerned, there’s your four basic food groups!
JESS: What about Myles? Shouldn’t we call him?RAINA: I already did. He said he’s not hungry.
BUDDY: Hey, that’s okay. Just means more for us.  This is amazing, huh, Moose!
MOOSE: Yep . . . breakfast of champions!
RAINA: Well, I’m glad you’re happy.  But, I’m not sure how long Jess and I will hold out. And trouble is . . . I don’t see much around here that looks edible. JESS: Oh, you’d be surprised. There are plenty of things to eat in a tropical rain forest.
RAINA: Hmm . . . well, I might prove to be a little pickier than you, my dear. 
JESS:Maybe . . . but you may surprise yourself. They say that when you finally get hungry enough, you’ll eat things you didn’t think you ever could. 
BUDDY:  Like slimy snakes? 
MOOSE:  And luscious lizards?!
RAINA: Okay, can we change the subject, please?
MOOSE: Sorry.
JESS: So what should we talk about? The weather? Most embarrassing moments? The best way to cure hiccups?
BUDDY: Why don’t you tell us more about this “pyramid-rat thing.”
JESS: You mean ziggurat.
BUDDY: Yeah . . . ziggurat.
JESS: Well . . . I’m certainly not an expert by any means, but since we’re in Guatemala, I’d guess this one was built by the Maya MOOSE: What’s “the Maya”?
JESS: They were an ancient people group that lived in this area. All I really know about them is they built cities with stepped pyramids like this one. But you know what’s interesting? There are literally hundreds and hundreds of ancient ziggurats and pyramids like this all over the world. And they think that the idea started way back with the tower of Babel.
BUDDY:Tower of Babel?
JESS: Yeah . . . you know, when God came down and confused the language of all the earth? 
RAINA: Wait . . . what?
JESS: Didn’t you all go to Sunday school?
MOOSE: We have no idea what you’re talking about.
JESS: Really . . . well, it’s right there in the Bible. It happened way back thousands of years ago when everyone lived in one place and there was only one language. 
RAINA: One language? Wow . . . that would have made my job a lot easier.
JESS: I know . . . mine, too. So, anyway . . . God had told the people to multiply and fill the earth, but instead, they decided to build a city with a big tower so they’d stay together and NOT fill the earth. And, of course, God didn’t like that.
BUDDY: That wasn’t very smart of them, was it?
JESS: No. It’s never a good idea to disobey God.
RAINA: So, then what happened?
JESS: Well, that’s when God confused the language so the people couldn’t understand each other anymore. And then they stopped building the city and scattered over the face of the earth.
RAINA: So . . . that’s why we have different languages? 
JESS: Yes, and different cultures, too.
BUDDY:What was that?
RAINA:Probably Myles. I guess I better check on him. 
MOOSE: No . . . we should do it. C’mon, Buddy.  Just in case it’s a tiger or something. 
BUDDY:Tiger??
JESS:Don’t worry. There are no tigers around here. Fire-breathing dragons, maybe . . . but definitely no tigers . . .  that we know of, anyway.
BUDDY: What?
JESS: Just kidding!
RAINA: So, about this tower of Babel. There really was a time when there was only one language?
JESS: Absolutely. 
RAINA: Wow . . . that must have been crazy. One minute everyone’s speaking the same language and the next minute there’s mass confusion. 
JESS: And it was a major turning point in history, too! Because of what God did at Babel, not only do we have different languages, we also have different cultures, different customs, different foods, and even differences in the way we look! Which is amazing when you think that we all came from the same parents, Adam and Eve. 
RAINA: Wow . . . this is blowing my mind.
BUDDY:He’s gone!
RAINA: What?? What do you mean he’s gone?? 
MOOSE: Uh . . . he’s not there. We can’t find him. We don’t know where he is. That kinda thing.
BUDDY:Doesn’t she believe us?
MOOSE: Yeah, we went over the whole plane . . . top to bottom.
JESS: I’m sure you did. 
BUDDY: We even looked in the salt and pepper shakers!
JESS: Really? That’s good, ‘cause I wouldn’t have thought to look there.
RAINA: Okay . . . well, we have to find him . . . even if he is extremely annoying. How about if you two go that way and we’ll go this way  Then we’ll meet back here in, say . . . half an hour. MOOSE:I don’t know. I think a half hour is too long. Let’s make it 30 minutes, instead.
RAINA: O---kay . . . 30 minutes it is.Let’s go.
DAY 3 DRAMA
RAINA: This is NOT good.
JESS:I know.What are we going to do?
RAINA:Just keep looking, I guess. We’ve got to find him.  Oh, Myles, where on earth could you be?
RAINA: Here comes Buddy. Maybe he’ll have some news.
JESS: Looks like he found a new toy.
RAINA:Any sign of Myles?
BUDDY:No . . . but I did find this really cool walking stick! It’ll come in handy when we get back in the race.
RAINA:  That’s nice. I’m glad you’re staying focused.
JESS:Where’s Moose?
BUDDY: Stuck in quicksand. JESS and RAINA: What??
BUDDY: He’s stuck in quicksand.
RAINA: And you just left him there??
BUDDY: Well, yeah . . . the 30 minutes was up, and we didn’t want you ladies to have to wait around.
JESS: Well . . . is he okay??
RAINA: Yeah, how stuck is he? Just his shoes or what?
BUDDY: No . . . I’d say he was about up to his waist when I left.
JESS: Waist! Are you kidding?? 
BUDDY: No . . . why? JESS: Why?? Because we’ve got to help him!! That’s why!
RAINA: Where is he?!
BUDDY: Oh, uh . . . just up the trail a ways. I can show you.
BUDDY: Hey! Wait for me!
RAINA:I can’t believe you left him there!
JESS: I just hope it’s not too late!
MYLES:  I can’t believe this is happening to me. I should be home right now, driving my Lamborghini, but instead, I’m stuck in this hot, miserable, bug-infested zoo with a bunch of common people. I don’t deserve this. 
 
MYLES: So, what do have here? Figures.  . . . chips, pretzels, cookies . . . of course they wouldn’t have any real food. 
MYLES: Hey, where is everyone?  Hello? They’re probably napping in the plane.Hello? They better not have left without me.  I’ll bet that’s exactly what they did. They probably tricked me into taking a walk, so they could take off as soon as I was out of sight. That’s just what they’d do. You know, you try to be nice to people, and then this is the thanks you get. Well . . . they’re not going to get away with it! 
MYLES: Oh, wait . . . here they come. 
MYLES: Where have you been?!
RAINA: Where have we been?? Where have we been?? Oh, no, young man . . . the question is “Where have YOU been!” We’ve been searching all over for you!
MYLES: Oh yeah?
RAINA: Yeah . . . and because of you, we almost lost Mr. Moose in quicksand!
MYLES: Yeah, right. Likely story.
JESS: No, it’s true, Myles. He was up to his neck when we got to him. 
MYLES:  And where is he now?
JESS: Changing clothes. You can imagine how dirty he was.
RAINA: So, where were you?
MYLES: Nowhere special. Just taking a walk, that’s all. 
RAINA: And you didn’t hear us calling you??
MYLES: How could I? I was listening to music.
JESS: Of course, headphones.
RAINA: Okay. From now on, you can’t leave without telling us where you’re going. Is that clear?
RAINA: Is that clear??
MYLES: I guess.  You know, it’s not my fault we’re stuck here. If that pilot of yours knew how to fly a plane, we wouldn’t be in this mess!
JESS:  It’s okay. Don’t listen to him.  Here they come.
RAINA: I’m going to go get some water.
BUDDY:  Hey, look! Myles is back!
MOOSE: Oh, good.  We were worried about you.
MYLES: Well, you didn’t need to be. I can take care of myself, thank you very much.
JESS: Are you sure you’re okay?
MOOSE:  Yeah. I just need to sit down. 
MYLES: Did you really get stuck in quicksand?
MOOSE: Sure did.
BUDDY: He thought he was a goner.
MOOSE:  Yeah . . . it was fun. You should try it sometime.
MYLES: No thanks. I’ll pass. RAINA: Everyone needs to drink some water. 
RAINA: What’s so funny?
BUDDY: Oh, nothing.
BUDDY: Oh, no . . . there’s something in my water. MOOSE: What? Let me see.
MOOSE: I don’t see anything.
BUDDY: You gotta get closer. You gotta put your eye right down on the bottle.
MOOSE: Oh . . . now I see it! Wow . . . what do you think it is?
BUDDY: I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Hey, Myles . . . can you help us?
MYLES:  What do you want me to do?
BUDDY: It’s easy . . . you just look inside the bottle and tell me what you see. Understand?
MYLES: I think so. But can you show me first?
BUDDY: Sure. You just put your eye right down on the bottle like this.
BUDDY:  What are you laughing at?!
MYLES:  I go to boarding school, so I know every prank in the book. RAINA:Where are you going?
MYLES:Don’t worry, I’m not sneaking off. I’m just going back to the plane. I’ve got a headache.
BUDDY: Boarding school. JESS: You know, since it looks like we may be here for awhile, we probably ought to gather some firewood.
RAINA: Good idea, but does anyone know how to start a fire? I sure don’t. 
MOOSE: Neither do we . . . at least not on purpose.
JESS: That’s not a problem. I can do it.
BUDDY: How do you know so much about everything?
JESS: I really don’t. It’s just that I’ve been studying about the jungle for the past four years. 
RAINA: Really? Why is that?
JESS: Because I want to be a missionary in the Amazon.
BUDDY: Amazon? I’m confused.
MOOSE: Not that Amazon, silly.
BUDDY: You mean there’s another one??
JESS: There sure is. The Amazon I’m talking about is the largest tropical rain forest in the world, and there are millions of people who live there. 
BUDDY:  Wait . . . so you want to live in a place like this?
MOOSE: Leave her alone, Buddy. C’mon . . . let’s get some firewood. 
BUDDY:  I was just asking a question.
JESS:  You’re probably wondering the same thing, but it’s not about where I want to live—it’s about what I want to do. And I’m convinced that the best thing I can do is tell people about the one true God and his love for the nations. He wants everyone to hear the truth, no matter where they are.
RAINA: But what if they already have a religion? 
JESS: Different cultures and customs can be a really good thing. There’s no question about that. But, when it comes to spiritual things, there’s only one way and that’s God’s way as described in the Bible. 
RAINA: Okay, I can accept that. Which reminds me of something you said earlier. Something I’m confused about. 
JESS: What’s that?
RAINA: You said we all came from Adam and Eve . . . but if that’s true, and we’re all related, why do we look so different? And how did the tower of Babel have anything to do with it?
Jess: Granted, we may look different because of the shade of our skin or the shape of our eyes, but really, we’re not as different as you think. Genetics can easily explain how differences develop when you separate people and split up the gene pool . . . and that’s exactly what happened after the tower of Babel.
RAINA: I guess I should have paid more attention in biology class.
JESS: I know. It gets technical, but the point is . . . there may be a variety of people groups and cultures, but there’s only one race . . . the human race. And that’s why God loves EVERY nation, people, tribe, and language, no matter who they are, where they come from, or what they look like.
RAINA: Hmm . . . you know . . . I’ve never read the Bible, but I think I need to start. What you’re telling me is starting to make sense.
JESS: I know. And that’s why I sometimes call it, “The History Book of the Universe.”
MOOSE: I know . . . but I just think it’s gonna give us an edge and help us win the race if we keep quizzing each other. We gotta be sharp mentally, too, you know.  C’mon . . . just one more question. 
BUDDY:  All right . . . one more.
MOOSE: Okay. This might be a hard one, so listen carefully. What’s the largest country in South America?
BUDDY: Largest country in South America? Hmm . . . largest country in South America.  Uh . . . let’s see, that would have to be . . . uh . . . uh . . . Africa?
Moose:  Wow! Good job! I didn’t think you’d get that one! See? You do know some geometry!  We got your firewood.
JESS: Thanks, guys. You can set it down right there.
BUDDY:  Hey, look . . . one of your sticks is moving! 
MOOSE: It is? Where?
BUDDY: Right there . . . see? The one you’re holding on to. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d say it was a . . . 
BUDDY & MOOSE:  SNAAAAAAKE!!!!! 
(Theme music)

DAY 4 DRAMA
JESS:  Dear Journal . . . It’s now our fourth day stranded in the jungle, and we’re all longing to be rescued. Buddy and Moose are still expecting to get back in The Incredible Race somehow, and I have to get to Manaus before Sunday or I’ll miss the boat to the Amazon interior. As the hours pass, it’s getting harder to remain patient, and Myles’ constant complaining isn’t helping the situation one bit. 
(RAINA enters.)
RAINA:  Oh, I wish the Captain would hurry up and get here! That kid is driving me up the wall! 
JESS: Why don’t you take a break and walk down to the stream?
RAINA: That’s a good idea. 
Jess: Hey, Myles . . . you expecting rain?
MYLES: No . . . mosquitos! I can’t keep them off of me! It’s like I’m hosting a blood drive! 
Raina:  You should be thankful. At least mosquitos like you.
MYLES: What did you say? 
RAINA: Oh, uh . . . I said . . . you should be thankful Jess has mosquito repellent.
JESS: Yeah . . . sure you don’t want some? 
MYLES: I told you before, I don’t like the smell of it! It makes me gag.
JESS: Okay . . . suit yourself. 
RAINA: I think I’ll take that walk.
JESS: Sounds good.
JESS: What are you doing?
Myles: Nothing. JESS: Myles! Why’d you do that?!
MYLES: I don’t need it anymore. What use is a watch in the jungle?
JESS: Listen, I know you’re frustrated with the situation . . . we all are . . . but you don’t need to start destroying your stuff. I’m sure that was a pretty nice watch.
MYLES: Just a Rolex.
JESS: What?? You destroyed a Rolex watch?!
MYLES: Yeah . . . so what? I’ve got three more at home. 
JESS: But those are super expensive, aren’t they?
MYLES: I don’t know. Is $40,000 expensive?
JESS: $40,000?? That watch right there . . . that you just smashed with a rock for no good reason . . . cost $40,000??
MYLES: Yeah.
Jess: I can’t believe it! You might as well have smashed up a really nice car!
BUDDY:  Hey, Myles . . . you expecting rain?
MYLES: No, I’m not expecting rain! Leave me alone!
BUDDY: Okay.  Do you know where Miss Raina is?
JESS: She’s taking a walk. Why?
BUDDY: Oh, we’re just hungry, that’s all.
MOOSE:  Hey, Myles . . . you expecting rain?
MYLES: Okay! Okay! I’ll take it off since it’s obviously bothering everyone so much! There! Are you happy now??
MOOSE: What’d I say?
JESS: You’re fine. He’s just having another bad day.
MYLES: You can say that again!
MOOSE: Sorry, that’s all I could find. 
BUDDY: Hmm . . . you know what I thought I’d never hear myself say? “I’m sick of eating potato chips.”
MOOSE: I know—me too. 
JESS: Makes you appreciate all the varieties of food God gives us, doesn’t it?
MOOSE: Sure does.
BUDDY: I just wish we had some variety here.
MYLES: That’s the understatement of the century!
JESS: Hey, at MTA, I learned all about the things you could eat in the jungle. In case you’re interested.
BUDDY: What’s MTA?
JESS: Missionary Training Academy. 
MOOSE: So, what’d they say?
JESS: Well, you’ve basically got four categories: plants, animals, fish, and insects.
BUDDY: Bugs?? No way!
JESS: Oh yeah . . . believe it or not, insects are eaten every day in many countries around the world. And really . . . they’re not as bad as you think . . . and they’re nutritious, too.
MOOSE: Seriously? They’re actually good for you? 
JESS: Yep. In fact, I’ve got a pouch in my backpack right now if you’d like to try some.  
BUDDY: You have bugs in your backpack?
JESS: Sure do. I wanted to get used to eating some unusual things, so I brought them along. Here . . . help yourself. MYLES: Disgusting.
BUDDY: No thanks.
JESS: It’s okay . . . they’re fully cooked. 
MOOSE: I’d much rather go fishing.
JESS: Okay, but just remember, on The Incredible Race, you often have to eat things you’re not used to. So, it might be smart to get some practice beforehand.
MOOSE: Hmm . . . she’s got a point there, Buddy. We gotta think about the race. 
BUDDY:  What kind of bugs are they?
JESS: Let’s see, I got the variety pack.  Crickets, rhino beetles, giant water bugs, and silkworms. 
MOOSE:  I’ll eat one if you will.
BUDDY: I was afraid you were gonna say that. The things you talk me into.
JESS:Looks like you both got rhino beetles.
BUDDY:  It’s staring back at me. I think I’m gonna be sick. 
MOOSE: Then don’t look at it. 
BUDDY: I can’t help it!
JESS: There. Is that better?
BUDDY: Not really.
MOOSE:  Okay, let’s do it together. On the count of three . . . ready? One . . . two . . . 
BUDDY: Wait! I’m not ready yet.  Okay, I’m ready.
MOOSE: All right . . . on three. One . . . two . . . 
BUDDY: Wait! Are we going to eat on “three” or is it “One, two, three” and then eat?
MOOSE: “One, two, three” and then eat.
BUDDY: Okay.
MOOSE: All right . . . here we go. One . . . two . . . three . . . 
MYLES: Eeuuwww.
JESS: Not so bad, huh? 
JESS:Well? What do you think?
BUDDY: What do I think? I think I’m not hungry anymore.
MOOSE: Buddy . . . you took the words right out of my mouth. C’mon, let’s walk it off.
JESS:  Just let me know, if you want any more!  Mmm . . . not bad.
MYLES: So you’re a missionary?
JESS: I guess so.
MYLES: You guess so?
JESS: Well . . . I haven’t been to the field yet. I just graduated, and now I’m headed to my first assignment deep in the Amazon jungle. 
MYLES: Amazon jungle. You mean you’re going to live in a place like this? 
JESS: I suppose it’s similar to this, without the ziggurat, of course.
MYLES: That sounds absolutely dreadful. 
JESS: I’m sure it does. And you probably think it’s a waste of time, too.
MYLES: I just can’t figure out why you’d care about a bunch of people you don’t even know.
JESS: Because God cares about them. And they need to hear the gospel just like you do.
MYLES: The only thing I need to hear right now is that we’ve been rescued.
JESS: But that’s exactly what the gospel is. It’s the good news about Jesus coming to rescue us from the penalty of our sins. And believe me, there’s nothing you need more than that! 
MYLES: I’m a good person. I’ll be fine.
JESS: No, you won’t, Myles. The Bible says that no one is good except God alone. Which means no amount of “being good” is going to get you to heaven. God isn’t going to grade on a curve, and he’s not going to weigh your good deeds against your bad deeds. The ONLY way to deal with our sin problem is to trust in what Jesus did for you.
MYLES: I don’t want to think about it right now. Besides, don’t you need to get back to your journal?
JESS: The journal can wait, but you shouldn’t. No one is guaranteed his next breath. I mean, what if we hadn’t survived the plane crash? You really should get right with God now.
MYLES: I’ll take my chances.
JESS: Okay . . . but if you change your mind—and I hope you do—let me know. 
MYLES: That’s unlikely.
MYLES:  I can’t stand this place! It feels like things are crawling on me all the time!  I’m going back to the plane.
MYLES:AAAAAAAHHH!!!!
JESS: What now??!! BUDDY:We’re a good team, aren’t we, Moose?
MOOSE: No, Buddy . . . we’re not a good team . . . we’re a GREAT team! 
BUDDY: Where were you? 
RAINA: Just down at the stream . . . taking a much needed break.
MYLES: Where is she?! Where’s that flight attendant?! I’ve got something to say to her!
BUDDY: Oh, boy.
RAINA:Yep . . . here it comes.
MYLES: There you are!
RAINA:  Hello, Myles. What can I do for you?
MYLES: Oh no . . . it’s not what you CAN do for me . . . it’s what you WILL do for me!
JESS: Myles . . . calm down!
MYLES: You know, I’ve tried to be patient and I’ve done my best to be kind, but now I’ve had it! My patience has finally run out! I’ve put up with this nightmare long enough! So, I’m not asking—I’m demanding that you get me out of this hot and sweaty, bug-infested misery immediately! Do you understand? Not tomorrow . . . not next week . . . not next month . . . RIGHT NOW!
RAINA: And how on earth am I to do that??!
MYLES:  Well . . . that’s . . . that’s your concern . . . not . . . mine. JESS: Oh no!
RAINA: Myles!  Myles!  Quick! Someone get the medical kit! It’s in the cockpit of the plane! 
MOOSE: We’re on our way! C’mon, Buddy! JESS: Not that way! The plane’s over there! BUDDY:Oh, yeah.
MOOSE: Sorry!
JESS:Just hurry!
RAINA:  He’s burning up, Jess! He’s burning up!
(Theme music)

DAY 5 DRAMA
JESS:  Dear Journal . . . It’s been a scary 24 hours since Myles collapsed, and Raina hasn’t left his side since it happened. For a long time, it was touch and go as he drifted in and out of consciousness and then became disoriented. But his fever has finally started to come down, so we think the worst is over. Thank you, Lord, for answering our prayers and sparing his life. 
(When the lights come up, BUDDY is sitting on the front of the stage whimpering. Nearby is a large opaque plastic crate. Then MOOSE enters from backstage with a small paperback book.) 
MOOSE: There you are. I’ve been looking for you. 
(When BUDDY whimpers, MOOSE assumes BUDDY is crying because of MYLES’ condition.) 
MOOSE:  Oh . . . hey, Buddy . . . are you okay? BUDDY: Yes . . . I . . . I . . . I’m fi . . . fine.
MOOSE: There, there . . . I know just how you feel. In fact, I’ve shed a few tears myself. But don’t worry . . . he’s gonna be okay. I’m sure of it.
BUDDY: Who’s gonna be okay?
MOOSE: Well . . . Myles, of course. What else would you be crying about?
BUDDY: This splinter in my thumb! MOOSE: Oh, brother.Let me see.Wow . . . that’s a big one.
BUDDY:  It is?? 
MOOSE: Sorry!  C’mon . . . let me take it out.
BUDDY:  No! It’ll hurt!
MOOSE: Oh, don’t be a baby. 
BUDDY:  Promise you’ll be gentle?
MOOSE: Hey, I’m your best friend in the whole wide world, aren’t I? Now, look the other way. BUDDY: Okay, I’m ready . . . go ahead. MOOSE: I’m already done, you goof. 
BUDDY: You are??  You are! Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 
MOOSE: All right . . . that’s enough.
MOOSE: What was that?
BUDDY: Oh, it’s my new kitty.  Come here . . . look!
(When MOOSE looks into the crate, another meow [SFX] is heard.)
BUDDY: Isn’t he cute?
(When MOOSE tries to pet him, he hisses angrily [SFX] and MOOSE quickly draws back.)
MOOSE: Yeah . . . real cute. You know, you can’t keep him.
BUDDY: What? Why not?
MOOSE: Cuz, we’re in The Incredible Race!  And speaking of the race, I wanted to show you this book Jess gave us. I think it’ll really help us. 
BUDDY: How’s a book gonna help us in The Incredible Race?
MOOSE: Because it has important words and phrases in--------------
MOOSE: No . . . there aren’t any pictures.
BUDDY: Rats. You know, there should be a law against that. Every book should have pictures.
MOOSE: I know . . . you say that all the time. But, anyway . . . it has important words and phrases in different languages. Which will be great for us, since we’ll be going to so many different countries. 
BUDDY: What kind of words and phrases?
MOOSE: Well, for instance . . . do you know how to say “Where can I find a taxi?” in Spanish?
BUDDY: Sure . . . that’s easy. Where can I find a taxi in Spanish.
MOOSE: That’s not what I meant!
JESS: Hey, guys . . . good news. We think Myles is going to be okay.
MOOSE: Oh, that’s great. 
JESS: What do you have there?
BUDDY: It’s my new kitty. 
JESS: Kitty?
BUDDY: Yeah . . . isn’t he cute?
JESS: Ha! That’s no kitty. That’s a jaguar cub. 
MOOSE: No wonder it almost bit my finger off.
JESS: Yeah, well, you better put him back right away because his mama will be coming. And, believe me, you don’t want to be around when she does.
BUDDY:  Really? Okay. Moose . . . will you go with me?
MOOSE: Sure, Buddy. You lead the way.
JESS: Hey, guys . . . I’d pick up the pace, if I were you.
JESS:Oh, that’s his mama, for sure!
JESS:No!Don’t bring him back here! 
JESS:Just drop him and get out of there!
RAINA:What was that all about?
JESS:I think I’ll let them tell you.  So . . . how are you doing?
RAINA: Much better . . . now that Myles is out of danger.
JESS: Is he still sleeping?
RAINA: Yes . . . which is what I need to do .
JESS: That’s for sure. Have you slept at all since he collapsed?
RAINA: No . . . with his condition, I couldn’t. It was too serious.
JESS: Well . . . I have to say I was impressed. You seemed to know what you were doing. 
RAINA: That’s because I was a nurse for 10 years before I was a flight attendant.
JESS: Really! And God used that to help Myles. That is so amazing!
RAINA: Yeah . . . and you know what else? God used YOU to help me.
JESS: What do you mean?
RAINA: Well . . . while I was sitting with Myles, I had a lot of time to think.
JESS: About what?
RAINA: About my life and about all that you’ve shared with me these past few days . . . that this world is broken . . . and I’m broken . . . and it’s all because of our sin. Before, I always considered myself to be a good person, but you helped me see that I’m not. Just like everyone else, I’ve disobeyed God over and over and over. And I knew that was a problem I couldn’t ignore. It’s like my eyes were opened for the first time.
JESS: I know exactly what you mean. Same thing happened to me. So, did you read those Bible passages I gave you?
RAINA: I did. And they made perfect sense. I believed everything they said about Jesus . . . that he died for my sins and rose from the dead. And so I prayed and asked God to forgive me and save me. 
JESS:  Wow, Raina . . . I can’t even tell you how happy I am right now! 
RAINA: Yeah, and what’s strange is my whole perspective has changed. Before, Myles was a giant thorn in my flesh. As you well know, I couldn’t stand to be around him. But now, I don’t feel that way at all. 
JESS: Really! That is so cool.
RAINA: I know. I can’t believe it. But I just keep thinking . . . if God is willing to love me with all my issues, who am I to withhold love from someone else . . . no matter who it is.
JESS: You’re so right. And there’s a verse that says just that . . . “if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Which means Christians should be the kindest, most loving people in the world.
JESS:Oh . . . hey, Myles. How are you feeling?
MYLES:Much better . . . thank you.
JESS:Well . . . I’m so glad to hear that.
RAINA:Yeah, you were one sick kid. 
MYLES: I know . . . I’ve never felt that bad in my whole life. I honestly thought I was dying and . . . well . . . it kinda scared me.
JESS: Really?
MYLES: So, I just want to thank you for taking such good care of me. I really appreciate it. I know I’ve been rude to everyone . . . but especially to you, Miss Raina . . . and I’m really sorry. You didn’t deserve it. Will you please forgive me?
RAINA:  Are you kidding? Of course, I forgive you! And will you forgive me for being short tempered?
JESS: Could that be the Captain?
MYLES: Yes! There he is! 
RAINA:  Oh, I’m so glad he made it safely! 
MYLES:Wait . . . maybe he didn’t.
BUDDY:  You were right . . . it is the Captain!
MOOSE: He made it! Woohoo!
CAPTAIN: Sorry it took so long. Is everyone okay?
RAINA: Yes, we’re fine . . . but what about you??
JESS: Yeah . . . what happened?
CAPTAIN: Oh, this? It’s nothing really. In fact, I was kinda hoping no one would notice.  So, anyway, I’ve got a boat waiting. Believe it or not, there’s a navigable river not far from here. 
MYLES: So aren’t you going to tell us what happened??
Buddy: Yeah . . . we wanna know!
CAPTAIN: All right . . . well . . . let’s see . . .  Would you believe me if I said I was walking through the jungle, minding my own business, when suddenly a band of monkeys snatched me up and threw me into a river where I was attacked by a school of piranhas and a 20-ft. crocodile?
MOOSE:  Ha! You might have had us if you hadn’t said “a band of monkeys.”
BUDDY: Yeah . . . that’s silly. Monkeys can’t play music. 
JESS: It’s not that kind of band, fellas.
CAPTAIN: Okay . . . how about this? One dark and stormy night, a ferocious jaguar chased me into a cave . . . where I hit my head on a stalactite. Then I was swarmed by a million vampire bats and almost strangled by a 50-ft. anaconda!
MYLES: And I thought I had an imagination.
RAINA: Why don’t you just tell us the truth?
CAPTAIN:  Oh, all right . . . but, you have to promise not to laugh.  So . . . here’s the story. After an incredibly grueling three-day trek through the jungle, with almost no sleep and very little food, you can imagine how relieved I was when I finally made it to the village. It was like coming to an oasis in the desert. And when the people saw me, they came running to greet me. It was amazing . . . until I tripped on a tree root and face planted into a pole. 
JESS: Ouch!
CAPTAIN: Ouch is right . . . and embarrassing, too.
RAINA: Well, at least you made it. That’s the important thing.
CAPTAIN: True. So, anyway . . . that’s what happened. Well . . . we really should go. Nightfall will be here soon.
RAINA:Okay . . . we’ll get our things.
BUDDY:  You know, if it makes you feel any better, I’ve face planted lots of times . . . into poles and trees and all sorts of things.
CAPTAIN: Hmm . . . why am I not surprised?  So, tell me . . . you boys aren’t still expecting to get back in the race, are you?
MOOSE: Oh, absolutely! We’ve been training hard all week, and I’d say we’re more ready now than we were before the crash. Wouldn’t you agree, Buddy?
BUDDY: Yep! Incredible Race . . . here we come!!
CAPTAIN: Interesting.
RAINA:Okay . . . I think we’re ready.
JESS:  And so the time has come for one last look at this place.
MYLES:Yeah, it’s strange . . . after wanting to get out of here so badly, I think I’m going to miss it, after all.
JESS:Seriously?
MYLES:Nope! RAINA: I wouldn’t say I’ll miss it, but it will be a special memory . . . a very special memory. It’s where a new beginning started for me . . . and I’ll always be grateful for it.
JESS: Well said.
CAPTAIN: Ready?
RAINA:  Yes . . . we’re ready. We’re very ready.
CAPTAIN: All right . . . let’s go.
JESS:  Dear Journal . . . so, everything turned out okay . . . well . . . almost. I got to Manaus in time to catch the boat to the Amazon interior, and Raina continued her career as a flight attendant with a new sense of purpose. She also kept up with Myles and eventually led him to the Lord. Moose and Buddy . . . well, they weren’t able to get back into The Incredible Race . . . in fact, they got on the wrong plane again, and . . . no one knows where they are!  Thank you, Lord. I’ll never forget such an INCREDIBLE adventure!