Guatemala :: Day 7

This morning our very kind and accommodating hotel staff had breakfast waiting for us at 6am so that we could be on the bus to the volcano by 7. It was about a 45 minute drive to the base of the volcano where we met our guide and Dr. Baldwin and Liz picked up the horses they wanted to rent in lieu of actual hiking. These horses were at the front of the pack, so they set the pace for the rest of the group, which was varied in hiking skill levels. We stopped several times on the way up for our guide to point out different views, to be educated on the trees we were passing, and, of course, for some group photos. 

If you're thinking, "Oh. Another picture of a volcano." then I'm with you because actually I can't tell a difference between the 3 volcanoes surrounding Antigua. 

Walking sticks were available for rent at the base of the volcano. A hindrance going up, but I envied them on the way down. 

The descent was certainly challenging on the knees, but included some of the coolest features of the hike. Our guide opened a package of marshmallows that he showed us how to roast in the side of the volcano, and we stopped at the Lava Store that sits in the bottom of the crater. One of the employee has done the hike over 1,000 times to get to work every day! It has been ranked by National Geographic as one of the most unique locations for a business in the world. 

Felix, our guide, toasting some marshmallows in the fallen lava rock

We were sweaty and STINKY at the end of this hike, which was intensified by the fact that all 14 of us had to squeeze into one van when the other overheated on the side of the road. Luckily our drivers were champs. We made it back to the hotel and set out to grab some lunch at a local cafe. It was 2:30 by this point and we hadn't had a meal since 6, so these unreasonably large smoothies were absolutely essential. 

We had a little time to finish up shopping after lunch. I had severely under packed and was therefore completely out of clean shirts to wear to a real restaurant for dinner, so we stopped off at a market and I found an authentic Guatemalan top (pictured below). Still smelled weird, but at least it wasn't because of me. We walked back to the hotel to get cleaned up for dinner then walked back to Casa de Santo Domingo for our final dinner. It was unbelievably good, I wish I had pictures to convey how much I enjoyed it, but literally the only one I took was Dr. Baldwin with her tiny cup of broccoli soup. 

After dinner we walked into the outdoor arena, which was all set up for Holy Week in a few weeks. As I think I mentioned earlier, this season is extremely significant in Latin American culture, so the place was decked out in candles and white curtains and lilies. I hope I never forget what it looked like, how grateful I was to sit and worship, to listen to my dear friend speak truth into 17 hearts all in different places and professors who I so greatly admire lead us in lifting up our voices with "How Great Thou Art". No one could have written a more beautiful ending to this week. 

This week was chatoic at times, and often I felt entirely inadequate. I don't think I could walk away and tell you a list of 10 precise changes that took place as a result of our time. But I can tell you with full confidence that the Lord works all things for good, and that His plan is more complex and far reaching than I could ever imagine. I believe that seeds were planted this week and that the Lord will bring to fruition those which will bring glory to the Kingdom. 

I am walking away, as per usual, with a renewed passion for spreading the love of Christ beyond the tiny borders of Waco and even the great state of Texas. I'm thankful for those little tugs that pull my heart and tell me to "go." Obedience to His will may keep me in Waco, it may move me to Dallas, it may move me across the country or across the world, but I rest in this: Faithful He is and faithful He will always be. The travel bug is real, and I don't think I'll ever lose the thrill of jumping on a plane with my passport, but I am anxiously waiting to see why the Lord planted that passion and how He will use it to His glory. 

Thank you all for your continuous prayers this week, for all of your sweet words of encouragement, and an enormous thanks to those who made it financially possible for me to be a part of this team and this adventure. 

I am writing from the plane, and we are very nearly back to the comforts of the Wack...mostly Cheezits.