I've realized I never published this post from my time studying in Costa Rica, one year ago to the day! Although a bit difficult to view because of the fog, this volcano houses a massive crater, the second largest in the world, as well as a massive lake. I remember this day being very surreal because of how many different sights I encountered in the duration of one single day.
The morning began in the city, bustling as students, teachers, and family tried to pile into one van to the volcano. There was slight panic we would have to leave some hopeful guests behind because of the driver's seating limits, luckily he overlooked our guest count and continued on towards the volcano. The drive went quickly, but covered so much scenery: townships, churches, vineyards, and coffee farms scattered across the mountain. I remember conversation with fellow students, sharing my current struggle with graduation requirements at my university and feeling tense. I was encouraged by those around me and we shortly arrived to Poaz.
The volcano tour itself was drenched in a creeping fog masking our view at times yet creating a mystical view perfect for exploring. I crawled over moss covered roots and stooped beneath twirling vines, all the while taking in the glory around me overcome by a peaceful awe. The end of the tour brought another stage of panic as half of our group was missing and we needed to depart in order to drive a fellow student to the airport for her early return to the States. We waited for ten minutes... twenty... thirty... I could see anxiety plague my classmate's face in furrowed brow and wringing hands. In a most uncomfortable moment, just when it seemed we would explode with stress, an armadillo suddenly appeared! Let me tell you, the hard shelled creature was the most unexpected, obscure vision to see in that moment. The group erupted in laughter at the leathery creature who sniffed about, minding his own business. Soon cameras were out and students were laughing, "Look at his tail!" and "I thought armadillos only lived in the dry desert!" Simultaneously, the sunshine poked it's head out and quickly moved aside the clouds. A relief had washed over the group as we focused on the armadillo, instead of the ticking clock.
Shortly after the armadillo encounter, the lost members of the group strolled down the road to meet us at the van and our journey continued. We stopped by a strawberry stand and little souvenir store down the mountain, greeted with a diversity of items: typical magnets and postcards, to samples of dangerously sweet wine, and chocolate covered berries. Time seemed to disappear as we collected treats to take home and share with loved ones, which inspired a flurried decision by my classmate. She bravely made the decision to meet her host family at the airport (versus going to the home and preparing all of her luggage), trusting her family to bring all of her belongings for her return home. We all witnessed tearful goodbyes and rushed blessings as she grabbed her belongings and walked into the airport doors for her return home. As the vans pulled out of the airport, the dark clouds which had gathered broke open in a classic Costa Rican downpour, and I think we were each a bit emotional reflecting on our own quickly approaching return home.
As I recount the events of the day, I remember different pictures in my mind and also different feelings. At certain points, tension choked the air as when my fellow classmate was pressed for time, while other times brought peace and surprise. I think to myself, What if we knew all of the group would fit into the van thanks to the driver? What if she knew she would perfectly make her flight with plenty of time to spare? Would we worry?
Philippians 4:6-7 says,
All my love,
Gennavieve
The morning began in the city, bustling as students, teachers, and family tried to pile into one van to the volcano. There was slight panic we would have to leave some hopeful guests behind because of the driver's seating limits, luckily he overlooked our guest count and continued on towards the volcano. The drive went quickly, but covered so much scenery: townships, churches, vineyards, and coffee farms scattered across the mountain. I remember conversation with fellow students, sharing my current struggle with graduation requirements at my university and feeling tense. I was encouraged by those around me and we shortly arrived to Poaz.
The volcano tour itself was drenched in a creeping fog masking our view at times yet creating a mystical view perfect for exploring. I crawled over moss covered roots and stooped beneath twirling vines, all the while taking in the glory around me overcome by a peaceful awe. The end of the tour brought another stage of panic as half of our group was missing and we needed to depart in order to drive a fellow student to the airport for her early return to the States. We waited for ten minutes... twenty... thirty... I could see anxiety plague my classmate's face in furrowed brow and wringing hands. In a most uncomfortable moment, just when it seemed we would explode with stress, an armadillo suddenly appeared! Let me tell you, the hard shelled creature was the most unexpected, obscure vision to see in that moment. The group erupted in laughter at the leathery creature who sniffed about, minding his own business. Soon cameras were out and students were laughing, "Look at his tail!" and "I thought armadillos only lived in the dry desert!" Simultaneously, the sunshine poked it's head out and quickly moved aside the clouds. A relief had washed over the group as we focused on the armadillo, instead of the ticking clock.
Philippians 4:6-7 says,
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.How much I needed this verse that day and on a daily basis! I pray you rest in the assurance of God as sovereign, almighty, and loving, knowing His plan never calls for fear, only faith.
All my love,
Gennavieve
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