Backtrack Tuesday

Tuesday found us driving to a very small place near the Mexican border. We left early hoping to avoid the traffic (5am), but nevertheless got stopped behind an accident. In the end I think it took us about 5 hours to get to the church that was serving us breakfast. It was the typical beans, tortillas and picante. This small church is trying to plant churches in even smaller villages.

From there we driver another hour up the side of a volcano - Volcan Tajumtulco. The volcano is about 12,600 feet. We think we were about 7,000 to 8,000 feet up. But, I am getting ahead of myself. We travel in donated suburbans, some of which are getting old. The road wasn't a road at all. It was stones pushed into the dirt an was about as wide as the vehicles. They had obviously been hand laid. This road didn't see much traffic - there were plants growing among the stones. As we neared the top, the rear differential stopped pulling, is, the transmission was acting up. We went to front wheel drive and then that differential started overheating. In His way, this happened at the only spot where there was level ground to the side of the road. We were able to park the suburban and leave it during the clinic.

We were literally perched on the side of this mountain for the clinic. It was so beautiful until the clouds descended on us. We were in mist most of the day. The youth had prepared breakfast and the men fixed lunch. Real tamales wrapped in plaintain leaves. There was something else that was like a polenta consistency wrapped in corn husks. The men outdid themselves.

The clinic itself was interesting. This area had been ravaged by the 30 year civil war. The government killed thousands across the country and the communist guerillas weren't much better. The area was very poor and the people were not very trusting. For the first time in all our trips there was someone who said she had never heard of God. I found it hard at times to not break into tears.

The women covered dinner. Amazing how different ways you can have beans, tortillas and rice and it still be good. The best surprise was our accomodations. It was a retreat center. There were two small pools and it was beautifully landscaped. A true treat.

Christopher, love you and miss you. Keith, love you. Record the Alabama game, please :)