Raymond Baptist - Guatemala Trip - Day 8

This is our last full day in Guatemala, and it is scheduled to be a busy day! 

We started a little later this morning with breakfast at 7:00 and devotions at 7:30.  A little after 8 Phil and Darby joined us and we were on our way to Pacaya (a volcano).  I was a little nervous about this because the last time I was scheduled to go to Pacaya with a team, the volcano erupted the Thursday before. 

Things went well today though - we arrived at the base of the moutain, picked up our 23 year old, albino Guatemalan guide, Francisco, and headed up the mountain.  Francisco made some stops along the way and shared with us a little information about Pacaya and the surrounding area.  He has been working on this mountain for 15 years!  That's pretty impressive.

We made it most of the way up the mountain, and when we reached our point of going no further, we were able to experience some steam vents (where steam is given off) and some hot spots (where the temperatures are extreme).  We chose not to go to the summit due to the possibility of problems.  Most of the team were thrilled with that decision as the climb was rather difficult.  Some even wanted to rent horses - but everyone made it!

Following Pacaya, we headed down to Antigua.  Once the capital of all of Central America, this historical city is home to old ruins and a lot of Guatemalan culture and pride.  We spent the better part of the afternoon at the market, and then went to Tre Fretelli's for dinner.  The Wilson family joined us for shopping and dinner.  It was a wonderful time of relaxing, sharing, laughing, talking and just being together.

The evening ended with some instructions about going home and the difficulties the team will face.  They will need much prayer as they re-enter the lives they left and try to incorporate in a healthy way the things they have seen and experienced.  We are planning tomorrow to spend the morning "blessing" each other, so I also told them about this.

Before bed, many of the guys gathered around the computer to look over the pictures from the day.  We laughed at some and just enjoyed others.  Soon it was time for bed.

Tomorrow we head home - most are not ready to go - they are excited about going home, but they wish they could stay longer.  That's exactly where we want them to be.  I look forward to another trip with them in the future.

Thought for the day:  At the market today we saw thousands of items for purchase.  What never ceases to amaze me is the variety and creativity of the Guatemalans that develop these items for sale.  Carvings, instruments, sewn items, shirts, coats, blankets...  the list could go on and on.  Obviously not very wealthy people, but they are hard working and extremely creative.

The cool thought for me today was the evidence that this is of a marvelous creator.  Where does their "creativity" come from?  God.  Yes, some of them are sinners.  Yes, some of them are still far from God.  But they are still image bearers, and within that lies their ability to create, just like their creator.

I know from talking with some of them that they have come to know the Savior, and that is the greatest thought of all.  Because as followers of God, they can use their creative skills and abilities to serve God - and they do! 

Thank you God for the creation you have given us to enjoy.  Thank you for blessing some with the ability to create other things for our enjoyment as well.  Your creation, including the people You've created sing your praises whether or not they know it.  Help me to sing your praises out of a willing heart.