Well, Semana Santa is over and tranquility has returned to Antigua.

This week has been very enjoyable with the days more open for long walks, reading in the park and studying in the evenings. Patrick, Willemien and I climbed Mt. Pacaya on Tuesday afternoon. The volcano had been very angry the past few days which created a new lava flow that prevented us from climbing the final 100 feet to the top of the crater. The hike began around 4:30pm. A spew of smoke and gases filtered the light of dusk into darkness, creating a scene right out of an old Friday the 13th movie. The landscape transformed from a lush tropical forest to a desolate planet of black volcanic rock. For the ten of us on the hike, there was no escaping the eeriness of the setting that only intensified as the ground grew hotter and the element of danger became real. As we were walking, small shots of fire would erupt from the black rock and then be gone. I had on good hiking shoes, yet the heat cooked my feet and if left in one place too long, my shoes began to melt. Willemien brought marshmallows for us to roast!

We finally reached the lava flow which was slowly making its way down. The lava was fascinating to watch. Unlike Hawaii, where safety standards have you observing from a distance, here, you are where the lava is, next to it, able to watch every slow movement it makes. The descent was in darkness, headlamps and flashlights lighting the way. Only when we reached the base and were having a cold Gallo, did everyone decide this difference in safety was a good thing!

  























Willemien and I took a trip to Chichicastenango yesterday to see the Mayan Market. A mass of humanity, the market is a melting pot of colors, sounds, smells and people from all over the world. The trip is three hours into the mountains of Guatemala. The sites along the way are mesmerizing as this world is so distant from where I come from. The simplicity and difficulty of life here makes me very grateful for all that I have. Having no control in determining the environment we are born into, my lot in this life is one of tremendous wealth.

Enjoy the photos of Chichi...I didn´t take very many. Another trip is in my future.














The cemetery here was a hike, but worth every minute of it!







I am looking forward to volunteering Wednesday and Friday at the hospital. A few days were needed to get the paperwork completed and find a color copier in Antigua! This afternoon, I road a chicken bus (shown above) to the Mission (Common Hope). For $30 per month, Common Hope provides school uniforms and tuition to children here that otherwise could not afford to attend classes. In addition, the family has access to the medical facilities at the mission. http://www.commonhope.org/ There are hundreds of children awaiting sponsors. 

They are arranging a visit for me to see Angela, a young girl I have been sponsoring for a few years. Every time I come, Common Hope arranges a trip to the coffee farm where the family lives and works. The experience is priceless. I look forward to having more time to spend with Angela this trip.

Cory, with the help of a friend here, I found the perfect store to buy the children's books you so generously gave me money to purchase. We are researching the greatest need here in Antigua to ensure the books reach kids that would otherwise be without. Thank you! I will take some pictures and provide an update soon.    

Kelly, just for you, more deep thoughts from cathy at another time! :-) 
Strung Out...wish you could see the kids in the park playing with the easter toys you sent. The carrot with the bunnies inside is a huge hit! It would be nice to have someone secretly taking photos of moments I wish not to spoil with my camera...I will eventually capture their amazement! 
     
Until next time,
cathy