We were two hours away from the San Pedro Volcano and all very ready to begin our climb to the top of the Volcano that was 3,200 meters high. We all thought in our minds that we were way behind all the other groups, but still wanted to accomplish the task and finish the race as quick as possible.
After descending about 5000 feet on a road that was the scariest that we all have ever imagined, we reached Lake Atitlan.
We headed to the waypoint that we all thought we were supposed to be going to, when we were directed up a road that was the complete opposite direction. Because of the Grace of God, our car overheated as we traveled up this dirt road. We came to find out that this road was heading in the complete opposite direction that we were supposed to be going in and was a very dangerous road. Dangerous meaning that Americans or South Africans should not be traveling on this road.
After a little rest and some water in the radiator we were again off to the volcano. We found the volcano and came to the conclusion that the four that would be traveling up the mountain would be Chad, Lloyd, Sarah and Tauna. We then paid 45 Quetzales per person; that was required to climb the mountain; and found out that we were the first team to reach the mountain. We were all ecstatic! We gathered all of our gear, prayed together and headed
STRAIGHT UP the volcano.
About thirty minutes into the climb we heard a honk that we thought was from Kim telling us that the other teams had arrived. That made us that much more eager to get to the top of the volcano. To make a long story short, the climb was one of the hardest that some of us had ever experienced in our lives. Through teamwork, encouragement and tears we made it to the top of the volcano in just over three hours. Praise God for his beauty and creation.
We (Team Trinity) are very fortunate to have the day off while all of the other teams are climbing the volcano. We are all safe, enjoying our time at beautiful Lake Atitlan and have found a hotel that will charge us 14 Quetzales ($2.00) per person per night. We are all looking forward to see what God has in store for us here in Guatemala!
