The volcano

Wow. Today I did something I've never done before. Today I climbed a volcano. I slept on a lava bed that was warmed by the lava flowing underneath. I stood in a natural sauna, where if you toss water against the rock wall, it sizzles and makes steam.

Our team spent the day at the volcano Pacaya. This is the Guatemalan volcano that erupted a year ago in May. Today we walked across the steaming lava field. We saw huge boulders that were thrown from the volcano. I can't imagine.

Several of us rode up on horseback while the rest climbed, some with walking sticks. It's been years since I've been on a horse and I thought I'd fall off. He kept going close to the outside edge, where the ground dropped straight down. I finally put everything in God's hands. Last night I had mentioned it would take an angel to get me up the mountain today. Guess what my horse guide's name was? Angel! Isn't God amazing?

When we arrived at the lava field, that was as far as the horses could go. We walked the rest of the way, as far as we were allowed. There was a "store" at 4,500 feet, where a group was selling jewelry made out of the May 2010 lava, to raise money to help those who lost the roofs of their homes in the volcano eruption. Many still don't have roofs.

We had a picnic lunch on the lava field and gave scraps to a dog we named "Hot Dog," who rules the mountain. Pretty smart dog, hitting up tourists and climbers for food. We received a cell phone call (believe it or not) from the ministry house, telling us of a bad storm in Guatemala City. The clouds over the volcano were starting to look dark, and fog was pouring over the mountain. We headed back down.

I tried to go back down the mountain by horseback, but it proved too difficult for me. The lava path was too steep and it was exhausting trying to hold on. I ended up walking, sometimes sliding, the rest of the way. We made it safely, before the storm.

Every muscle of my body hurts, but it was worth it. I would do it again. It was fun, it was challenging, it was an adventure, and I saw and experienced something I'd never done before. The views from the mountain were amazing.

Standing on the lava field, feeling the heat from the lava flow beneath, and looking at what had poured out of the volcano a year ago gives a deeper understanding of God. The power of the volcano is inconceivable. God's power is so far beyond that. It makes me wonder why I ever have a moment of doubt, and act as if He is not all-powerful. God carved those majestic mountains with His hands. He knows every scar on every rock. He rules in power and majesty. He is worthy of all our praise.

Heading off to sleep! Janet Eriksson