June 15: Roughin It!

Wow! Where can I begin? Let's just say on Tuesday and Wednsday was quite an adventure for Melissa and I. We set out about 9:00 a.m. San Dionisio, Las Limones, and the hill of our father. Melissa had quite the work cut out for her, three interviews, each in different towns, in a period of two days! We started out in anticipation for what the next two days would entill and we had no idea! The visits at the churches went really well and the people welcomed us with much gratitude into the arms. Everyone left the interviews enlightened with what God has done and is continuing to do among these people. The stories that were left were remarkable, Melissa can tell more on this later. I do not think that I had ever had a more bumpy car ride in my life! I have felt pot holes before, but never an hour and half dirt road of what seemed like pure pot holes. I know that I have many things to be thankful for and that we have many luxuries, but I begin to realize this even more. Not too far into our trip I smelled a certain aroma and begin to look over at Melissa, who had a confused look on her face. We both turned to one another, wide eyed, wondering what was going to happen next. "Is the car on fire?" I heard Delmar's voice project from the front. He verbalized what I was thinking. Before I knew it, we were in the middle of the road stopping for a "coke" break. The car was steaming. As I gazed over at the smoke I could only praise Jesus we were okay! After we found a hole in the ground (bathroom) and recieved some refreshment from the beating sun, we proceeded to the car for what seemed an endless drive. Little did I know that this was just the beginning! The towns that we were going to were deeply embedded within the mountainous jungle area of Nicaragua. Finally, after a long drive that wore deeply on our breaks we made it Los Limones. It was interesting finding Los Limones, we had to stop many times to ask the mountain people for directions! They give directions based on trees and bushes. None of use knew that Nicaraguan time is different than our time. Everytime that we would stop and ask directions and how far our distination would be it was "Oh, about a half an hour longer." When dusk began to fall and we pulled into Los Limones we realized that a half and hour had turned into two and a half or three hours. Needlees to say, the people were excited and ready to see us! Melissa and I had a great time playing with the kids before the service began! The service was a beautiful one and the Lord blessed our time there. It was well worth the drive! The drive did have an amazing jungle scenery! That night we were fed a wonderful meal of chicken, rice, and french fries! Believe it or not french fries are pretty popular here! That has been a little difficult for me considering I do not eat french fries. I do now! A few that is. . . That night after a long hard traveled day Melissa and I were exhausted. We were in for a suprise. I am thankful for the gracious, giving attitudes of all of the people. It was really hard to deal with the bugs this night though. . . I do not know if they thought it was mating season because someone new was sleeping in the bed that night or what, but we were in for a treat! Previously, when I have been in these situations I have been able to recieve mesquito netting, but not tonight. This night, we were going to rough it. In order to help ease the situation we decided to build a tent. Finally, after a well thought out process we dove into our tent. Oh, wait I forgot to mention that it was about 95 degrees in our humid room that was filled with stagnet air. It was definetly a bonding experience with Melissa and I in our tent. I knew the many hours I spent making tents as a kid would prove useful someday. This night it really did! I did not know that we also getting the treat of a sauna at no cost! Of course, once we settled into our "homemade mesuito netting" we had to go to the bathroom. Let's just this was an experience to remember. I have been to many primitive places in different countries, but this was at the top of these experiences. At least no lions attacked us! Nohemi told me there were lions there. Thank goodness we didn't meet any of them. We finally drifted of about 2:30. The roosters were right on schedule to wake us up 5:30a.m. Let's just say the night was short... We did have something to be excited for though, are very first horse ride in the jungle. M,y what a time we had. Melissa had a horse that was a bit fiesty and quickly recieved a guide to direct her with her horse. Alan and Melissa quickly became friends. Oh by the way, Allan speaks no English and well, lets just say Melissa still working on her Spanish. They both smiled a bunch. This was a 10 kilometer horse ride through the mountains. It was a nice pleasant ride through the mountains and quickly beat the bumpy car ride that we had taken the day before. This was the first horse maze that I had ever been through. At one point our journey, as I looked down at the rocky terrain, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Melissa and I decided to name our horses. She named her horse "Maca" because when she was younger she had a horse named "Roni". I started out naming my horse Juan, but quickly he bacame known as "Joe the slow Poke. He just couldn't keep up with the rest of the crew. Yet, he made it thank goodness. I was hoping that my horse's engine wouldn't break down because that would be a long walk. Oh, I can't forget to mention that through our journey we came across two monkey families. I felt like I was in the Jungle Book!It was a pleasant ride for us,but I am sure was a workout for the horses. I am just glad we made it to the top of the mountain. We had a wonderful opportunity to meet with the church here. Melissa conducted more interviews and I had the privelege of taking some pictures! I also enjoy capturing memories through film for other to see. I hope you enjoy the pictures that Melissa has posted on here. After the services were finished, we set out for yet another long car ride. After a bumpy ride with no breaks and a flat tire experience, we got to see the site where the work camp will be building a church in EL Jobo. This is why we are her afterall, to be obedient and give the Lord all the glory. May we share his glory with others. Finally, after a long two days, on Wensday night Melissa, Delmar, Carlos, Nohemi, and I pulled into Nohemi's house around 10:30! God hand of protection was upon us all. We endured bumpy roads, a flat tire, and a loss of breaks. However, the Lord's angels were with us. Melissa and I definetly had a bonding experience that we will never forget! I am sure there will be many more to come. Even though there are many humorous points. . . God is faithful. I was reminded of this before left, when we glanced to the mountains in Nohemi's town. There glistening before us was an amazing rainbow. God truely is faithful to his promises! He is good! May the Lord recieve all the praise, honor, and glory! Thank you to everyone who has given money to this project. It is all for his kingdom and is such a blessing to those who have nothing in materials. They show the love of Jesus to us constantly! You are part of this process also. I haven't written about my teaching experiences yet, so I apologize. I have just begun and really like it thus far! I really enjoy the fifth graders and I am glad to have this opportunity. There should be an update again when we recieve Internet connection. Thank you everyone for your prayers for us and the Harvest field here in Nicaragua. Hello to my family! Have a safe trip in California. I love and miss everyone, be careful! if you read this- Milly& Kremer's I am thinking about ya'll & praying for you! Brandon thank you for your support. I miss you dearly and give you all my love xoxo! May God have all the glory! I thank him for each new day he grants from his loving arms to share his goodness to others. Melissa and I are having fun and learning so much! *We love you!*