Trip 2 Day 4

Hello family and friends!
I hope this finds everyone back in the states doing well as today was another great day in Guatemala! After filling our stomachs with pancakes, eggs, and fruit for breakfast, our group headed off to mass at the cathedral in Parque Central. The church was really beautiful and elaborately decorated with many statues. Although I had no idea what the priest was saying, it was very easy to tell what was happening. It was really cool to see how similar yet different the churches are in Guatemala in comparison to ours back home.
After mass we came back to the house and ate some lunch. Although a few people chose to stay back and shop a little in Antigua, most of us went to the Pacaya volcano. After an hour-long crazy, winding, and bumpy ride we finally arrived at our destination. Immediately upon our arrival little children started running towards our van begging us to buy their walking sticks. I had never seen anything like this before, but it is really opening my eyes to the reality of the world. I know that after this experience I will have learned so much and have so much more to offer the world.
After quite a long and steep hike we reached our destination near the top of the volcano. Watching the lava flow down the volcano was an incredible and unforgettable experience. We roasted marshmallows over the burning stones and could get as close to the lava as we wanted to.
It was definitely a cool once in a lifetime experience that neither words nor pictures can describe. After the drive back and showers we ended up eating at some really good pizza restaurant.
I would like to thank everyone for all of the support and encouragement – without you I would not be taking part in this life-changing experience. I cannot wait to see the final products and the smiling faces once we are complete! I am truly grateful to be given the opportunity to do this!
Thanks and God Bless,
Kelly Bickle