Merapi

You've probably heard of the volcanic eruptions that have been occuring over the last week. As the crow flies we are 15 miles from Merapi's peak, but fortunately are protected from any lava flow by Merbabu, another volcano that has been dormant for 1,000 years. Here is a picture of the location of our house, Merbabu and Merapi.

My friend who lives up the street from us took this picture of ash clouds from her house on Thursday morning.

These next two were taken on Friday morning after the volcano had erupted throughout the night.

Today (Saturday) we received some of that ash.

Here it is on some leaves.

I don't know if you'll be able to tell, but the road is dusty with ash.

Since we didn't have masks and now there is a shortage, this is how we protected ourselves as we drove around (of course I didn't cover my eyes, but this was the easiest way for Raquel:) I covered Gideon in a blanket and used a shirt stuffed into either side of my helmet to cover my nose and mouth.

Please continue to pray for the victims. Although we have had very little effects here, 15 miles south of us over 100 people have died and there are almost 100,000 people in evacuation shelters. Many of them have lost homes, livestock, livelihoods and have no idea when they will be able to return and attempt to rebuild.