ECLC Youth In Guatemala: Day 5 - The Volcano Adventure

Sunday, June 26^th

We arouse with singing of roosters. Loosely translated as 5 in the morning. At 5:15 we jumped in a van to start on another winding road headed to the volcano known as Pacaya. We should mention that the volcano is active and appeared on the top ten lists to erupt next. Upon our arrival we were surrounded by children wanting to sell us walking sticks and inviting us to take taxis aka horses.

Some of us purchased sticks, but all started strong without the need for taxi service. Twenty minutes into the mountain two people fail victim to the harsh conditions of the mountain. Brenda, then Ty was the first to hail a taxi aka jump on a horse. About 20 steps later Kelly and Camille couldn’t take anymore, and cave in under the pressure of rain and steep terrain. The remainder of the group held firm the entire 3 hour track.

Once we get to the hot springs we felt like we were on Mars, The clouds and rain misted our vision but no one wondered from the path except Andrew & Vance. We quickly found them standing out in the distance on a rock. When we get to the hot springs we realized that Natalie had turned pink from head to toe with the assistance of the die from her bag.

Our volcano meal before reaching the sauna, we roasted marshmallows over the stem from the volcano. Then proceeded to a natural sauna, and then made our way back down the mountain. The entire hike was over 3 hours and we all survived.

The evening we decided to have Italian for dinner in the city before attending the 6:30 p.m. mass at the Catholic Church. I would love to share with you the sermon, but it was all in Spanish and I don’t have a clue what was said (Erich). We shared the peace and had communion with the locals. Tomorrow we rise to start our service projects.

Respectfully submitted by Sam, Ty, Carly, Natalie and Erich. We miss and love you all.

Gods Peace