Our last full day in Antigua was spent hiking one of the surrounding volcanos. 
Ashley, Me, Emily, Addy, and Dawn sitting
Before leaving on this trip I was told that I must hike a volcano while in Guatemala and I am please to say I am now able to check that off my list. It was absolutely stunning at the top, it was quite hot as a result of the heat released from the lava but the breeze from being so high made it quite pleasant. Being from Maine I have hiked my fair share of mountains but this was not comparable to any hike I’ve done. Just knowing you are in a different country makes everything feel that much better. 
While at the top we were able to roast marshmellows…yes lava roasted marshmellows. It was quite epic.
After a seven hour van ride from Antigua I am pleased to report we have safely arrived in Puerto Barrios located on the Atlantic Coast of Guatemala. I am filled with awe and excitement to finally be at our first ministry location. Our first contact is Paul. He is very involved in the community and some of his ministries include a christian radio station, and an internet cafe which is a necessity for local school children. He is also involved with the local orphanage and distributes food to those who live around the local dump. He is a man full of the Spirit and I am eager to work alongside him this coming month.
(Antigua)
On our ride to Puerto Barrios I had more than enough time to think and my mind began to wonder. I have been feeling a sense of great thankfulness in the last few days. I have countless reasons to be thankful in life and I could begin to list them but Im sure you already know what many of them are. As an American I feel I live with a sense of entitlement, and am not always content with what I have. In all honesty I deserve nothing and I am entitled to nothing. So my mind has shifted to a thankfulness for today, for this hour, and for this moment that the Lord has given me. I am only guarenteed the here and now, I have this moment. I don’t know what tomorrow or the next day brings. I am not guareenteed those days. As I am on this journey, it is starting to sink in that I am really going to be gone for 11 months and the excitement is mixed with the fear of what that really looks like. For me this is a struggle, I have always taken control of my life and looking ahead onto the next step is what I do. But I am finally learning and accepting that that is simply not a possibility in the coming months. So I am taking it one day at a time, I am living in the moment so as to be able to say I have lived my life to the fullest for the purpose of spreading the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
Until next time
AV
