We made it safely on Friday night, and it's been a blur of activity since then. We were greeted at the airport by our good friends Richard and Shirley, along with local heartthrob Mundo. At the Provadenic (our hostel in Managua) we were met by our translator Esteban and Wilber, the Nicaraguan boy I am in the process of adopting. It was a very special reunion.

On Saturday I learned that Matagalpa is not 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Managua, as was suggested by a friend of mine. What started as an idea to make a quick trek to see some lush coffee growing countryside, turned into a 13 hour mountain marathon adventure. Packing 17 people into a 15 passenger van seemed to be adventurous enough, but to intensify the experience, we found ourselves careening up mountain roads remarkably similar to ones found on the moon. Not great on a full bladder. All this for a chance at some beautiful scenery gazing and a swim in a jungle waterfall. But it was definitely worth the ride. The team has a wonderful way of seeing any potential obstacle as an opportunity to experience something new and enriching. They made the day into something which they'll remember for the rest of their lives. We finished the day with a birthday party for my son. It's a week late, but it was still an amazing experience to give him a birthday he'll never forget.

Today we spent time in Veracruz and became more familiar with the people and the town we will be serving the rest of our time. We begin house construction tomorrow. The team has learned many incredible lessons already, and i am excited to share them with you as the days unfold.

More stories to come. Please check out the pics and leave comments for the team.

3 comments

1. Anonymous on February 18, 2008 at 1:08 AM

   Wow, sounds and looks incredible. The pictures take me back to, I hate to say, 30 years ago. Myself and 4 friends went through the same area, by bus, from Mexico to Panama. Birthday party looked like fun!! I'm on google earth right now as well and it's hard to believe you guys are that far south.....WERE ITS WARMER!!!! Its 25 below here Feb 18 12:45 AM. Thanks so much Corwin for the updates, I've been checking most of the night. A big Hug for Mitchell and God Bless the entire team. Now its time to GET ER DONE!!!
   Ken and Marlene Dunn

    
2. Anonymous on February 18, 2008 at 4:36 PM

   Amazing!! Thanks for the updates and all the pics.
   I've heard some of the key elements of any mission experience are Flexibility, Fun, and Acceptance. So far, so good!!
   Hugs for all!
   Much love and prayer,
   Tedd and JoAnne Epp

    
3. Anonymous on February 18, 2008 at 11:42 PM

   Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful pictures. It makes it so real for us to see you all there. The children are beautiful and your smiling faces as you are with them tell us a lot. God Bless the entire team. Hope your cold is getting better Regan as well as April & Nathan
   Hugs to everyone!!!!!
   Elmer & Maureen Brown