In the Shadow of Sakurajima: The Day the Sun Darkened

Thursday April 23, 2015 Glenn and I were making a quick run to A-Price, a local store, to buy some American food ( like a large ranch dressing, some Doritos for a taco salad, a big bag of grated cheddar cheese, and some other miscellaneous groceries). On our way we noticed a huge volcanic explosion. We stopped by Dolphin Port, where the local ferries dock, to take some pictures. It was so intriguing to see the plume of ash move closer and closer towards us. While by the water we also lingered awhile and took pictures of a group of jelly fish and man-of-wars, and talked to a fisherman sitting on the dock. We continued taking pictures of the plume as it crept towards us. It gradually got more and more dark overhead. At A-Price Glenn sat in the car with the windows down while I shopped. The ash blocked the sun and darkened the sky as if it were going to storm, then ash started to “rain.” Glenn quickly rolled up the car windows and I quickly ran from the store to load groceries in the trunk. I could feel ash in my eyes, even though I had glasses on. Once in the car we dusted ash granules of our clothes. From there we drove 30-45 minutes away to a small rural village to find someone’s house who we had been asked by a member to visit. Pedestrians and bikers were holding newspapers and little towels over their heads, eyes, noses and mouths. The ash dust whipped up and billowed on the roads. It was over in two hours, but the road dust lingered a day or so longer. The volcanic bursts are various sizes, but are pretty constant. It is in a very active phase. Yes, we feel a little nervous, but anywhere people live there are potential dangers. We just try to be observant, use good judgement in our actions, and trust the Lord will guide and help us. By the way, we never could find the lady’s house, but met four different sets of people while asking for directions. I fell in love with each set, especially the old farmer and his wife. Maybe we’ll go back and visit them when we try to find this lady’s house next time.