At Home in the Mountains

For our first few days in Guatemala, we stayed in a hostel called Casa de Fuego, which is located in Ciudad Vieja (not far from Antigua). The hostel was such a wonderful place for rest and an introduction to this new country. We had real beds to sleep in and hot water, along with the cutest little pup who just loved to cuddle (definitely not the norm for Guatemala). But the highlight of Casa de Fuego was the roof. 

Up the spiral staircase was a tile patio with a few chairs and a coffee table. Standing on the roof, you had views of three mountains and volcanoes, all about 5-10 miles away. The hostel was named after one of these volcanoes, called Fuego, which is still active (one of 3 in Guatemala). One of the mountains was covered in clouds almost the entire time we were there. 

The first night we arrived, I was so exhausted from traveling that I went to bed right after dinner and slept all night long. Most of my squadmates gathered on the roof, but I totally missed out (I really needed the sleep). However, the next night I went up while most of the squad gathered to sing and worship. This became a memory I will have forever. I and two other girls sat on the roof talking and watching the volcano erupting. Each time, we could see the lava shooting out of the top and then creating an orange peak as it ran down the sides of the mountain. 

Having grown up in the Blue Ridge, I’m used to being surrounded by mountains, but not like this. The power held within a volcano reminded me of the power of our God. He’s so mighty, but it’s difficult to understand just how much until you get close. We see volcanoes in pictures or documentaries, but you can’t fully know what it’s like until you get close (hopefully we’ll get a lot closer while we’re here). It’s the same with God. We go to church, say the prayers, and sing the songs, but it’s hard to truly understand who He is until we get close. 

It’s not easy getting close to God. Honestly, it can be pretty scary and uncomfortable at times, just like getting close to the heat of a volcano. But, it’s so worth it. As I mentioned, one of the mountains surrounding Casa de Fuego was constantly covered in clouds. I prayed and asked God to show me the top of the mountain. I simply wanted to see it. On our last morning, I looked out the door of our bedroom and squealed. The clouds had moved!! God had answered my prayer and shown me more of the mountain. 

That’s what it’s like with Him. The closer we get, the more we see. He wants to show us so much, and all we have to do is ask. Even in our first 48 hours on this new journey, He’s been revealing so much of His character and being so kind to his children. I’m excited to see what the remaining 6 weeks will bring.