oh, that chocolate mountain air

We left El Tunco today and headed north to Santa Ana to spend the night before heading to Guatemala in the morning. As I lay in this hostel, soaking in the heat of the midday sun as it shines through our stained glass windows and listen to the clattering of the street and the chirping of birds, all I can think of is the sweet smell that wafted through the bus earlier today.

Central America is an overload of senses, making it hard to fully absorb all that I'm experiencing. The new sounds of an unfamiliar language, the salty ocean breeze juxtaposed with the dry city air, the smells of fresh street food quickly snuffed out by the smell of burning garbage, the blossoming colors of the sun as it finds it's way under the horizon. The sensory experiences are endless, but today, as we rode through the mountains I was captured by an aroma that I can only describe as melting chocolate. It lasted but a few seconds and as I looked out the window I failed to notice any entity that might be responsible for this little gift. It came and went, leaving nothing but a mystery and a fond memory.

Now, hours later as I reflect on this aroma I'm captured by a verse of scripture that my brother sent me the day before I left for this trip: Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. The aroma of melting chocolate has become a reminder to me today of God's sacrifice and promises. That what he has done, he has done for all and what he has spoken he has not spoken in vain. His words spoken over us may seem like a fleeting mystery at times but they are captivating in the midst of chaos and are a memory that is capable of sustaining us. But just as Christ is a sweet aroma so shall we be; if we do this life right, we will be just as the chocolate mountain air was to me, a pleasing gift of joy that leaves others deeper in the presence of God.

Here's to being melting chocolate.

Peace&Jesus