Cotopaxi
volcano is erupting ash high into the heavens daily, and everyone fears it is
building up to a catastrophic eruption.
The last major eruption was in 1877, when more than 1000 people lost
their lives. Now, the people who live
closest to the majestic peak have been evacuated from their homes, and government
warnings on the television instruct people on what to have packed in the event
of a major emergency. Livestock are
dying, suffocating in the ash emissions, and crops are destined to fail.
We live
over 100 kms distant from the volcano, but ash reaches us daily, coating the
plants and entering our houses, covering everything in a fine, black dust.
There are
more threats being prepared for in Ecuador this year as well. It is a year with the El Niño phenomenon. As I write the rain is belting down outside
my window, in what should be the driest time of the year. On the coastal plains of the country meetings
are being held to instruct the inhabitants on what to do if flooding
occurs. The crops in that part of the
country are expected to fail as excessive rains are predicted.
Having
spread like wildfire through the coastal towns, the Chikungunya virus is now
making itself felt in Santo Domingo.
Many people are falling victim to this mosquito-borne virus which causes
fever, rash and severe joint pains.
Add to that
the ever falling oil prices, and hence rising prices of every day essentials,
and you could be forgiven for thinking that all is far from well.
I am living
in the shadow of a powerful volcano, and other problems. But, I also “dwell in the shelter of the Most
High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
(Psalm 91 v 1). It is easy to
worry about the difficulties we think are on the horizon, but ultimately only
God knows the future, and He holds it in His hands. “Both high and low among men find refuge in
the shadow of His wings.” (Psalm 36 v 7).
Whatever is facing us today and tomorrow, let´s trust our Heavenly
Father to take us through it.
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