It's nice to know someone is out there.

One of the hardest things about being here so far is a great feeling of disconnect.  I feel like I have been here for much more than three weeks.  I have not been able to use fast Internet service so this is my first real chance to update my blog so I got a little picture happy.  It made my day to see that three people were following my blog.  Thank you Bro, Ben and Joe.   Now I'm in much better spirits than when I walked into this cyber cafe.  My time has been very productive though.  I have installed eight permanent beds or 'camas'.  We planted them in common red beans because covercrop varieties are nowhere to be found.  I also measured out all the usable area with my new assistant Jimmy who is a real hard worker.  It's me and him out at 6:00 a.m. to work in the coolest part of the day.  Now to get started on the first of a few compost piles.  Please pray that all goes well so that the locals will believe I actually know something.  More importantly, please pray that I will show a good testimony under all circumstances--it can be trying at times. 

 

God is good!  I'm having the time of my life.

walking 100 yards to my work place!

teaching Nicaraguans to eat squash flowers

stuffed with cheese.  They never knew what they were missing.

My most important assignment--Jimmy.  God answers prayers.

A very sharp kid who gets into trouble for his very active behavior.

An excellent worker.  Sometimes I don't know who is boss.

the first permanent beds take shape and

are planted in red beans on Dec. 3.

Playing with Duña, CICRIN's youngest

Getting to work with the guys remodeling

a rustic greenhouse

Just arrived at the orphanage--

A blank canvas

From the beginning/Desde el Principio La Familia

Getting settled in my new home.

Praise God I made it safely to Nicaragua with now mishaps.  I've been here for almost two weeks now.  I've been settling in getting some work done and trying to get used to the weather.   I don't think that will ever happen.  It hasn't been too hot but very HUMID.  It's all good.  I think I've already lost about 10 pounds.  Eating three regular meals a day and not snacking whenever I want helps a lot.  The kids are all doing great.  They just started their summer vacation so they will be out of school for the next two and a half months.  Hellen, the director, just got back from Costa Rica.  Her mother passed away suddenly so I barely got to see her a couple of days ago when she returned.  She is in good spirits but she has to return next week to take care of paperwork.  Please keep her in your prayers.  We've been constructing a greenhouse to do some container gardening and I've started on some planting beds by the girl's house.  A group of missionaries from the World Race is here and they have been a big help in the garden and with the kids. The orphanage was given a flock of 10 pelibuey, a cross between a goat and a sheep, by the American Nicaraguan Foundation.  This is one of  the projects I wanted to do so I'm excited it's already been done.  I went out to look at them today just in time to see the first kid born in the flock.  Today was a beautiful day.  Light raining fell throughout the day and it didn't get too hot.  This was the least sweatiest day since I got to Nicaragua.  Last night we had a vigil for a national prophetic conference coming next month.  All the churches all over the country were praying around the clock for national and worldwide spiritual revival.  We prayed for all the surrounding countries.  I noticed that when it was the United States' turn people seemed to really pray intensely for our well-being.  I miss everyone back home.  Everyday I think about all the people who are just as much a part of this work by providing the financial support to allow me to be here.  I can hardly believe that I am doing what I have always wanted to do and it is only possible by God using many people to make it happen.  Thank You All!  God bless.

God is good. Ometepe Island here We come!

Can't believe how easy this was! Never thought I'd have my own blog. I want to keep everyone up to date while I'm away in Nicaragua. Still have a little while before I actually get there. Lot's to do before I go. Not quite ready to make any major announcements.
First things first. Thank You God for making me according to your will and your plan.
Thank You for choosing me and allowing me to serve You by serving Your children.
May all that I do be a blessing to You and glorify Your Name.
Love You Dad!