loving people with less: July 13, 2016

Today was our culture day and we packed in as much as we could, which is why I'm writing this post on Thursday at 6:30am! We began the day at 7:00am and finished up our schedule last night at 10:00pm, long but great day.

We started our day with group time and then Lucas led worship at the all-staff devotions, followed by a message from another team's pastor, then we jumped on the bus for our day of adventure. First stop, a boat ride through the 365 islands of Granada, which were originally formed from a volcano erruption. We toured through the islands where there are huge vacation homes of the wealthy, some historical sites, some small shacks and an island with monkeys. I didn't get any photos of us feeding them, but I'm sure they will pop up later when we return.

Next we took a small amount of time in the beautiful town square of Granada with it's colorful buildings, horse drawn carriages and park center. I took the opportunity to walk up the steeple of the cathedral and see the beautiful view.

Then back on the bus to the town of Maysaya to shop at the city market for mementoes, where I look for my little Nicaraguan Amiga Juana. She is 76, is way under 5" tall and carries a basket (every day) of "cookies", chocolate powder, horchata powder and moringa seeds. She is quite charming and does a good sales job, enough so that I always by something and then give her an extra dollar for a photo.

Next we went to Volcano Maysaya which is active with steam and lava. I've been to this volcano many times, but this is the first time with lava. The photo doesn't do it justice. The sound of the flow, way down there is the sound of a distant thunder storm or large train....so fascinating!

Our last stop was for dinner at an outside restaurant for an authentic Nicaraguan meal of Gallo pinto, grilled chicken, fried cheese, gigantic avocado and plantains.

On return to the Villa we had time with the chicas and then our evening meeting. It was a long day, but so great. If you've sent someone or sponsored someone on this trip please know that you have amazing young adults! These are great people with great hearts. Thank your for allowing me and my husband, Jerry to facilitate growth in their week and lives!