Until next time.

Friday was a big travel day. Our fearless leader, Brian, had us meet at 7:00 A.M. for breakfast as we did every other day. Of course, breakfast consisted of eggs smothered in salsa, beans and rice, along with something we had not seen all week.......bacon. Wow, did that taste good. Unfortunately, a few of our group were not feeling 100%, so they not able to eat anything.
Our short half hour bus ride took us to a market place where we were able to purchase some authentic Nicaragua souvenirs. Yet again, our interpreter, Marcos, was very helpful. We only had about 50 minutes to shop before we headed off for the hour long ride to the airport in Managua. Our bags were unloaded for the last time from the bus and we said our goodbyes to Marcos and Oscar. This airport experience was a piece of cake compared to what was to come in Miami!
First our plane landed early in Miami which was great as we had a fairly tight connection to get through customs and make our second flight. Unfortunately, we were held on the tarmac as another  plane was using our gate. This cost us almost 25 minutes. Once we finally deplaned, the walk to customs was about half a mile, the lines were long, and a couple of us were stopped and searched. Very suspicious looking characters--two teenage boys. Then the bags had to be rechecked and we had to go through security again. The Blairs and Boltons made it on the plane about five minutes before the door closed. They were sure the others were going to be spending the night in Miami, but at about 7:31 (for a 7:35 departure) the Careys and Kiggins, along with adopted son Stephen, ran down the walkway and onto the plane!
It is good to be home, but there is also a sense of loss. Nicaragua allowed us to experience real, rich community, even though we were not close friends when we left. We are now family as we were able to share this opportunity together. We also feel as though we have left part of our family behind in the hills near Madagalpa. We cannot help but think of those precious children and wonder what they are doing today, if they are remembering the teachings of the week: God died to make them pure, God is with them, God is preparing a place for them. We think of Henry and whether his coffee crop will get enough rain to be bountiful this year. We are touched by Perla opening her home to allow us to crowd around tables and eat lunch there. We remember the young teen boys standing around on the outskirts the first two days we were there and then joining in on the games and crafts on the last day. We were so loved in the village each day. It reminds us of the words from Acts 20:35, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Also Luke 6:38 "Give and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Thank you for all of your prayer support and love. We will be forever changed by this opportunity that you helped to give us.
Blessings from all of us!