The power of a volcano

Antigua sits in a valley and is completely surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The mountains are not snow-capped rockies but are green and furry like the ones where Juan Valdez lives.  I introduced you to the inactive volcano named Agua in the January 5 blog entry. When I sit on the roof of the language school, I can see both Agua and the active volcano Fuego (photographed here). Something happens to you when you gaze at these giants. You feel, at once, insignificant and essential. You become aware that much of the world is underground and that we are at the mercy of geological activity and laws of science that were set in motion when God started time. Then it hits you that you are a part of this creation, and you ask, "How am I so fortunate to be in this amazing place?" Then, of course, there comes a day when you start to take the volcanoes for granted. That is, until Fuego sends a billow of smoke into the air, or the ground shakes, or an old woman with a basket of chickens on her head smiles at me, and then I'm in wonderment again.