Throwback Travel Together | Our Journey to the top of Mount Rinjani | The Sun on-top of Volcano| I faced my fears

April 20, 2014


It has been four years since my last climb. I don't know when it will happen again. I just remember those times both my joy and struggle trekking for three days and two nights.

You know that feeling when finally you made it to the top crater around the narrow rim of the volcano; you know you never gave up despite the challenges including the cold and body aches... It was a really awesome feeling. Not just happy but joyful.

It was the best feeling. It is the feeling not just appreciating and giving yourself a pat on the shoulder, but for me, it is more on a spiritual journey. I became inspired about life for risking it despite knowing that this active volcano would erupt anytime. And yes, it erupted two years later.

What if I was there? What if it happened much earlier? What if earth rocked when I was on it? A lot of what-ifs running through my head.

But one thing I am sure that this experience gives me a valuable lesson in life.

And that is...

You will never know you are capable of doing great things unless you try. And I TRY to conquer my fear. My fear of unknown. My fear of heights. My fear of death.

When I was there with my husband on the very dangerous and tricky steep and sweating walk along the pathway as we  ascended and descended because of its loose pulverized rocks from the ashes and lava blown from the previous explosion( thinking anytime I might fall off there in the mouth of the volcano), I was very terrified.

"Nangurog gyud akong tuhod promise."

But instead of focusing my energy and trying to watch my steps not to fall, my eyes focused on the very spectacular view as I took in several deep breaths sitting like a twig of the tree on the way.

I noticed the golden sunrise view after the blackness nights atop of this volcano with the ocean of clouds around it.

As I was bathed with its glow, I felt the light and courage that kept me warm.

I asked myself," What shall I fear?"

All my fears vanished. Why should I be afraid? If it is my time, it's my time. I don't have control over my life, but the One who created this and the One who decides when to explode it... YES, He can. He is the same God who helps me not to look at the face of fear so I can live through this horror.

I know there's a powerful Creator who created this beautiful creation. All I can do is to trust my life to Him. I thank Him that I survived physically and emotionally as He took me to the top. It's really the best first and maybe the last climb ( hopefully not) in my life.

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Part 1: Our journey

Part 2: On the top