November 15, 2007 (cont)
It was hard to get up this morning. As the week has gone by my weariness has accumulated. I think we all are physically worn from this different routine and our hearts, minds, and spirits have been stretched, amazed, filled, broken and much more. There has been so much to take in….truly God has been real to us in this place.
This morning we started early. It was tough since yesterday we left Puente Azul and were out until 10:00 or so for dinner. Breakfast was great as usual. I relished my last opportunity to eat Trini’s eggs and pancakes not to mention the freshly squeezed orange juice. Our plans changed a bit because we learned that our vans would make it up the steep and rocky road to the San Salvador volcano. Thus we did not need to rent a 4x4 truck.
Group #1 left at 8:00am. It was Marco, me, Dale, Scott, and Jeremiah. Marco was amazed at all the new housing and a new 4 lane highway that was under construction. I learned what a gated community really is…there were new beautiful townhouses being built on both sides of the highway. They were surrounded by a very high wall topped with razor wire and there were guards at all the gates entering the development which was at least two blocks long.
The 45 minute drive was breathtaking all by itself. As we made our way up the volcano we could see the valley below and the beautiful mountains in the distance. It was also really cool to see all the coffee that was being grown – the beans were deep red. When we finally got to the road to the top we knew why Marco thought we might need a 4x4. Starting with large rocks cemented into the dirt, the road was a mixture of a few short bursts of flat concrete, and many steep stretches of rut-filled bumpy, worn out road. We were proud that the van made it! They call the mountain El Boquerone.
At the top, we parked and began walking up some steps. The garden area was nice, but Marco said it used to be better kept. We kept climbing and all of a sudden we were on a ledge overlooking an enormous volcanic crater. Then when we looked down we saw another smaller crater at the bottom. I wanted to hike to the bottom – what an experience to be able to stand in the center of a volcano that erupted as recent as 19__. We weren’t sure it would be safe and although there was a guide to take us, I was unable to convince anyone to go. Maybe next time. The hike would have taken a few hours anyway and the trip back up would have been strenuous.
As we made our way back to the parking lot a little girl was selling the best looking raspberries we had even seen. Too bad we can only eat fruit that we can peel. What a blessing that no one has taken ill while here.
We got back to the guest house at 10:00am. Group #2 left at 10:30 so all could have this awesome experience. I thought I might lie down for just a minute but ended up sleeping for almost an hour. Jeremiah was tired too and slept until 1:00pm which was the time group 2 returned.
Lunch today was at the guest house. It was requested to have fried chicken again. We also had a mild cheese, a refried bean loaf, rice, homemade French fries and avocados. We have all eaten hearty, but have been moving so much we have needed it.
At around 2:15pm when all had taken some rest after lunch we loaded up to go to the market. We sat in the vans for a while wondering where Scott was. He was sitting out by himself thinking we were leaving later. As usual, we used the situation for a few wise cracks and laughter. We have had a lot of fun at each others’ expense…there has been no lack of laughter for sure.
The market was a short drive and Marco knows one of the vendors. She said she would give the best price, but most of us bought things not only there, but also other shops. I’m guessing they all could use the money. The men finished first and decided that the last man who finished shopping was a mujer (woman) and the last woman to complete her shopping was a “real woman”. Dale and Millie won. I think we all found some unique items for our loved ones. It took longer than we thought since we needed to also get some things for our worship team to use for World Communion Sunday and our team’s presentation in February.
As we made our way back to the guest house, we began talking about our departure details. We all seem to be ready to see home and family. We returned from shopping about 5:00pm. This left us a 2 hour break before dinner of fish, rice with shrimp, refried beans, mixed vegetables, tortillas and tamarind juice. Some of Marco’s friends came and joined us for dinner.
We closed the day with worship outside. We invited Marco’s friends and the family here at the guest house. It was a meaningful experience to pray and remember the experiences of the week. We concluded by sharing the bread and cup of Christ with our friends here. Our faith is enlarged. Our worldview expanded and we sang and say, “Here I Am, Lord”.
---Lance Perry
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