We continued our impressive string of communication with taxi drivers and got ourselves to Esperanza Cafe for lunch and some internet time. That is where our string of ¨luck¨ ran out. First my credit card wasn't accepted so we had to part with the last of our cash. Then walking in the drizzling rain we couldn't find an ATM that would accept my debit card until we had walked a couple km's on one of the busiest roads. Then with money in hand we some how couldn't find a taxi that wasn't already full. Along the way it began to downpour and we took cover under someone's patio area. This was about the last straw with me and well me being me decided that we should just walk home. Now we were walking up a huge hill (think of the escarpment access roads in Hamilton, ON) and its getting dark. No sidewalks just shoulders. Luckily for me I married a smart woman who calmly said we should stop; no sooner did we stop and an empty cab came to take us back to where we were staying.
Finally Thanksgiving Sunday! Steve Holtrop and fam picked April and I up and off we went for the festivities. About 30 Canadian teachers and missionaries had come together at one of there homes. It was a true blessing from God to gather like that. Everyone brought an item for the feast – a Full Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings and desserts. All except buns, you see the day before when we were in the rain with no money trying to find a cab, we were supposed to have bought rolls and butter. We made a judgement call and decided that getting home safely was the first priority with rolls a close second. That afternoon we got to see first hand how amazing the support community was for missionaries like us and felt safe and welcomed.
To be honest it was a hard weekend. I think it took an event or Holiday such as Thanksgiving to drive home how real this is, how far away we are from friends and family. We feel like the rookies or newbies here in Nicaragua, just trying to see where we fit in. Its an akward feeling, like that first day at your new job, or school. All part of this on going “stretching” process.
Thought you might want to know some Fun Facts that we have gathered along the way:
- The rain has not stopped for almost 3 days.
- 1 – times we both have been sick
- 0 – days we haven't had rice and beans while in Leon.
- 100 – times we almost have been hit by a car, bike, autobus, etc.
- Driving your pick up truck around town with 5 foot speaker stacks blaring hip hop or salsa music is accepted and encouraged.
4 comments:
Hey there Guys;
You did not think everything would go just the way you wanted it to did you?
We love hearing about your
mis-adventures, they are exciting.
Keep your chin(s) up and be calm. Kevin best thing is to listen to your wife, sometimes.
Luv ya
Roy
Is it a bad thing that I totally understand and can relate to the "me being me" part? I've actually done something like that in Toronto when the subway was down.
-LDV
was it exactly 100? Were you counting?
Way to pass that language barrier!
Some of us were in Montreal last week, trying to do the same thing!
Except most of us didn't get sick, hit by buses, or have thanksgiving dinner. No one did all three.
Keep on keeping on! Keep persevering! Know that even when times get rough that you've got people in Canada praying for you!
Jesse Hook
Way to go in giving your mother an anxiety attack!(Just kidding) We are so proud of you both that made your way safely through the unknown in Managua. We missed you here, but are glad you found some kindred spirits to celebrate Thanksgiving with. Love you,
Mom
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