CARLSBAD CAVERNS

WOW! I've been dreaming of coming to this place since I can remember. 30+ yrs later and I finally made it. I can't even begin to explain the feelings I felt when we entered the Big Room. From Awe struck to totally amazed, to a child going to Disneyland for the first time, to being honored for having witnessed such a magnificent display of God's handiwork. I can't imagine all those who have come through the Cavern's before us. Or even try to imagine how a young 16 yr. old Jim White felt the first time he entered the cave, alone, climbing on a handmade rope ladder with nothing but a can filled with kerosene to use as a lantern and an axe. Prior to the the crowds arriving, they use to have everyone turn off their lanterns when they came to the ROCK OF AGES (sorry I labeled it Amazing Grace) and sing Amazing Grace. They say that it would echo throughout the entire chamber and was very moving and spiritually filled. Being in that cave made me think of David, hidden in the dark when Saul came in, and David cut a piece of Saul's robe. I kind of felt sorry for those looking at God's work and thinking that science could explain how this magnificent cavern came into being. Knowing that God molded this place and created such an awesome piece of beauty filled my heart with JOY.
If ever you are priveledged to make this journey, I highly recommend it.

Roger and I were amazed and inspired. But, the end of our cave tour wasn't the end of our amazement. At sundown there is an ampitheater you're invited to visit just outside the natural opening to the cave. As we quietly sat anticipating the night flight of the bats from the cave entrance we again were awestruck by the beauty of God's hand. If there was 1 there must have been at least 1,000,000 bats come out of the mouth of that cave. They spiral upward and then off over the desert hills to the valley below for their evening meal of moths and insects. We weren't allowed to take pictures of the bats because it messes with their radar, so you'll just have to believe me, when I say they looked like a big cloud of smoke arising and floating off. We sat there amazed for over an hour when we decided to leave. But the bats were still coming out of the cave by the thousands. They say it can take 2-3 hours for them all to come out.

Thank you Jesus for allowing me this opportunity.