The tide seems to be turning
July 14, 2008
I´m feeling a bit guilty right now. I´ve spent the entire day seeing the sights of Nicaragua and shopping. Not exactly what I expected for the first day of a mission trip, but flexibility is key right now as we maneuver through the bureaucracyof Nicaragua. Carla made the connection for us this morning during group time — we are getting just a small glimpse of the systems that the Nicaraguan peopledeal with every day. The good news is that positivemovement was made today and it looks very promising that we will get the bags released from customs tomorrow. Today we did receive all of the medicine and supplies that were purchased here in Nicaragua, which is a significant part of the contents for the home health kits.
Due to tie up with the bags, most of the team spent today as our fun day (originally scheduled for Saturday). We took a boat tour around Lake Managua where we saw beautiful homes built on many small islands that were created by a volcanic eruption. One of the islands even houses a group of spider monkeys which were transplanted here by a veterinarian who also owns another island for his summer home. The monkeys are very entertaining and one very courteously posed for pictures. Next we headed to Masaya and spent a few hours at the market fulfilling our need for souvenirs and gifts. Finally we visited the Masaya volcano but didn´t get much of a view since the daily afternoon rain arrived just as we got there.
Carla and Carty went on their own little adventure today. They took a public bus to visit a 13 year old boy who has been treated by several of the previous mission teams. He has a very serious fungal disease and our church has been working to get him proper care. The bus trip was going to take about 3 hours each way and they have not yet returned to Managua. I´m sure they will have lots to tell when they arrive. The experience of Nicaraguan public transit will be one I´m sure neither of them will ever forget.
Tomorrow is when the journey really begins for me. I´m anxious to get to work and meet the people in the village of Aguas Frias. Probably won´t have an opportunity for more updates until we return to Mangaua on Saturday.
Quick update: Carla and Carty did get to see Raoul and he is doing much better. He even has hair and smiled for a picture. We are leaving for the village, Aguas Frias, any minute. Thanks for your comments. The connection to home warms our hearts.
Dios le bendiga (God Bless You)
Lori
July 15, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Amazing stuff, thanks for sharing your stories with us!
July 15, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I hope that you did, in fact, get to leave–with supplies! I am excited to hear that Raoul is doing better. We will be thinking of you between now and Saturday. I expect many good stories.
July 16, 2008 at 3:45 am
I am so pleased to hear about Raoul and his improvement. I’m sure that was a real gift to see his progress. Sounds like you’re all reacting nimbly to whatever appears in your path. Keep up the good and important work.
Vaya con Dios, Lesley
July 16, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Dear Nicaragua Team,
I was with several other women from CCCC last night and we shared our concern about your challenges upon arrival and a word of thankful prayer for your wisdom, strength and persistence. Just continue doing what you have the power to do and the One who is Love will take over from there. What encouragement you are to those of us packing for the Family Mission Trip. You’ve given us the inspiring image of a thread of love reaching all the way from Nicaragua to South Dakota.
Que Dios les Bendiga,
Sally
July 16, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Still learning to be a techie. Hope I am doing this correctly and sending all of you Godspeed to your mission of caring and sharing for those in great need of even the basics. Stay well and safe in your endeavors. Bless you all, Peggy Johannsen
July 17, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I am glad to hear that the group adjusted their schedule in order to deal with the delay. Every mission trip I have ever led has had only one rule “Be Flexible!”
Blessings y’all.
Glen Miles
July 17, 2008 at 5:44 pm
So happy to hear the good news about Raoul! I can’t wait to see his picture. Thanks to Carty and Carla for making the long trip to check on him. Take care and be safe. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Fondly, Jane Marty
July 18, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Thanks Lori. I miss being with you and pray that the rest of the trip will go well and be a blessing to both the team and the people of Aquas Frias.
Lance
July 19, 2008 at 4:47 am
Since there’s been no recent posting, I will hope that’s a good thing, meaning you’re in Aguas Frias and inaccessible to the Internet. Exciting news about Raoul! I wonder if you heard reports of some of our other special patients? Thanks for your good efforts! May the rain not dampen your spirits, may life-enriching adventures be yours, and may your return go smoothly! Gratefully, Mary