C 2 C stories and more

From Sea to Sea

Here Aimee, Mary and I are at the Pacific Coast just after dipping our front tires in the ocean

While we officially finished the Sea to Sea Nicaragua Tour on Tuesday, January 6th I still feel like it is all so surreal. 24 bikers made it all the way from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast. As a testimony to God's grace, protection and just all around Greatness I will attempt to tell you about some of the things that transpired during our journey. Since we did not have internet access during the journey I am going to add a little to the blog in portions. I don't have many photos yet but as I get them I'll add them on too.

Day 1 December 29, 2008 Managua to Puerto Cabezas

While this didn't happen on day 1 it is part of what happened and what God did through us and many others before the bikers even mounted their saddles. Dave Stienstra and members the support crew were driving vehicles and supplies out to the Atlantic Coast on Sunday. On the way the front tire of Dave's motorcycle blew out and sent him sailing over his bike. Initially they thought he disloacated his shoulder. The group was 1/2 hour on a really bumpy road from medical care. That night Rachel, April and Chepe took great care of Dave as they brought him to the hospital in Siuna where they took x-rays and discovered he tore all 4 ligaments in his shoulder and would require surgery. Thankfully flights has just started back up to Managua from Siuna the week before so he returned to Managua for surgery.

As the bikers heard the news of Dave's accident and then later of Chepe's accident requiring stitches we gathered together to pray. We laid the trip once again at the feet of our Lord Jesus and asked for His protection, wisdom and strength.

Ok Now really on to day 1! We loaded a bus and headed to Managua airport for a flight to Puerto Cabezas. We all made it on one flight which they had originally told us it would be 3. As we jetted down the runway we said good-bye to the Pacific and to our luggage. None of our bags made it onto the flight. Some were sent later that afternoon and others didn't arrive until the next morning. Once we were at Port we went to the Verbo guesthouse where the bikes had been unloaded. With some important pieces to bikes still in the luggage back in Managua we had to think creatively in order to get the bikes rideable at 3 for their dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Nestor and Luis two Nicaraguan guys that are also bike mechanics came up to me and said, "Carey your bike has some serious problems and it is not safe to ride it." At first I didn't know what to think but we took a closer look and with further explanation I understood why. Luis had brought 2 bikes along on the trip in hope that he could sell the 2nd one along the way or that it could be used as an extra. The bike was the exact same make and model as mine. Luis offered to sell me the parts I needed from his 2nd bike. The guys had the new parts on and things lubed and ready to go in no time flat. I enjoyed watching them and learning from them too. I thank God for providing the parts I didn't even know I needed at the perfect time.

With bikes as assembled as they could be we jumped on them and headed to the Sea to give our tires a dip. It was a beautiful, balmy afternoon great for picture taking. Just a few short minutes after we were done with pics some storm clouds blew over and it started to rain. He even controls the weather. :-) Here is the only pic I have so far. It is of all the people who live in Nicaragua that were on the tour.

From Sea to Sea 2009

That evening a team member Kenneth Brown arranged for us to go to a English speaking Moravian Church service. It was an absolutely amazing time. We worshiped together in English. As the service was finishing we (the C 2 C team) sang this song:

My friends may you grow in grace
And in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior
My friends may you grow in grace
and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
To God be the Glory
Now and forever
Now and foever Amen

As we sang this song my eyes filled with tears as I thought towards that glorious day in heaven when people from all over the world will worship together in one voice. It still gives me goose bumps to think about it.

From Sea to Sea 2009

At the end of the day we celebrated Aimee's Birthday! She was a good sport about all the singing and worked hard to give all of her cake away so she wouldn't have to eat much. :-)

Ok so you'll have to check in tomorrow to read about our first full day of biking. :-)