Growing Concerns

In October the house where Mary, Lori, Joy and I live was broken into. They cut through the chain on the back door and took over $7,000 worth of stuff from computers, cameras, tv, DVD player, phones, cash etc. Thankfully we were able to "secure" the back door better and invested in an alarm system that has functioned more or less for the past few months.

They cut through the bars and slid into the house

Today the alarm company called us to say that one of the sensors in the house had been activated. I ran home to find the guard from company outside our gate. I opened the house and we proceeded to check out where the alarm was activated. Everything was fine on that end of the house but as I looked in our rooms it was obvious that someone had gotten in.

The thieves cut the bars on the outside of one of the windows of the house and got in. They were rummaging through things when one of them tripped the alarm system. It appears that they went running. They left things where they were and made their escape. Thankfully they did not get either Lori or Mary's computers which were in the house. They did get my US driver's license and some bank cards but thankfully they are replaceable.

Stop, Drop and RUN!

While we are thankful that our alarm served its purpose this event raises some big questions for us and our safety. The economic situation is becoming more and more difficult and driving people to look for alternative means to supplement their income.

• Please pray for Mary, Lori and I as we evaluate the situation and our decisions about security.
• Pray that we would rest peacefully and not live in fear.
• We would be able to work together with the police to find out who is breaking in and what we can do to prevent it.
• That we would give all the praise and glory to the Lord even in the midst of trial.
  

Praises in this situation are:

• Because we haven't replaced much from the first robbery we didn't have much for them to take.
• The alarm served its purpose
• The welder is on his way right now to fix the window where the thieves got in. (This is amazingly fast!!)
• Once again no one was harmed in the event
• Also a huge praise that while we were gone over Christmas and for the Sea to Sea tour nothing happened. God has protected us from so much.
  

Nicaragua the Melting Pot of Central America?

What do 3 cultures, 3 language and 7 people have in common? Keep reading to find out!

When I was teaching at NCA I had the privilage of getting to know many of the parents of my students. Even as I am now not at NCA regularly parents still stop me and we chat and catch up on their child's progress or to just chat about life. I cherish these friendships and look forward to the times that I get to spend with them.

One friendship in particular has grown deeper through the years. Eun Oak's son was in my second class here in Nicaragua. He is now in 4th grade. Their family is from South Korea and have lived in Nicaragua for 11 years. We meet together for coffee every so often and share what God is doing in our lives. Eun Oak's sister, Kim, is a missionary here serving with the presbyterian church.

Kim is starting up a school in Tipitapa an area about an hour from where I live. She is excited about the project and has asked me to come out as often as I can to help them develop their curiculum and to help her teachers get ready for the new school year. Yesterday, Julie one of our interns and I went out with Kim and Eun Oak to see the school and help out in whatever way we could.

Eun Oak, Kim, Joann, Mary Guiselle, Gladys and me in front of the classrooms

We spent a great bit of time talking with the teachers helping them plan out the schedule for their school day. The school will be starting out with Pre-school level I an II and a Kinder class. The building is built and ready all that is lacking are the doors and the furniture. The teachers were hoping to decorate their classrooms with our help but with no doors yet they'll have to wait.

As we talked with the teachers it was amazing to see their heart to make a difference in the lives of their students and the community. They are eager to do their very best. God has bought this group of ladies together to serve Him. As we shared time together Kim made this comment, "Isn't this amazing to see a group of ladies from 3 different countries, speaking 3 different languages working together to serve one purpose." I agree with her it is amazing. I think it is a little glimpse of what heaven will be like.

All of the gals and Julie our CFCI Intern

Pray for Christian Mission Academy

• The doors and furniture would be completed before school begins on Feb 3, 2009
• Passion, creativity and energy for each day
  
• Direction in how to develop a program that will leave a lasting impact in the community for Christ
• The school is still looking for 1 teacher and 1 director who is bilingual

Sea to Sea Day 9, January 6, 2009

Managua to Gran Pacifica

I awoke today with a sense of uncontainable excitement but also a bittersweet feeling as we finish up this great journey.

We saddled our bikes this morning at 4:30 am in order to get through Managua before the busy traffic started. With our lights on and support vehicles ready to go we set out for our final day of biking. The teachers from NCA prepared an amazing breakfast for the bikers at the school. We were treated like royalty with fresh strawberries, yogurt, granola, fruit, Blueberry muffins and so much more. We all felt so full when we left be it all tasted sooooo good.

Today we were all smiles and really tried to relish every bit of of final ride together. We stopped and chatted at one of the rest stops for at least 45 min. Not because we needed a break but because we were having so much fun. People heading out to the beach stopped and chatted with us. As we continued on it was so encouraging to see so many people headed out to Gran Pacifica to celebrate with us.

We gathered together at the entrance to Gran Pacifica so we could all ride in together. It gave me goose bumps to see everyone all together grinning from ear to ear at all that we had lived and experienced together for the past 9 days. There was a huge reception for us at the beach as we dipped our front tires in the Pacific Ocean completing our journey. John led us in a word of thanks to and then we sang Alabare. Most of us knew the chorus pretty well but when it came to the verses we all kind of faded out. It was pretty funny. :0) I'll post a video soon.

Food and fellowship was shared with so many today. Thank you to all who helped us finish strong. What a joy it was to celebrate with you. A special thanks to our support crew who made each day possible with lots of water, gatorade and buns. We love you guys.

Dave, Kevin, April and Rachel

In a day and age where there aren't that many things undiscovered or undone. Electricity has been invented, man has been to the moon, peanut butter was made and is enjoyed the world over etc. We have had a unique opportunity to see a growing, developing, beautiful country from Sea to Sea for the first time in history from the seat of a bicycle. I am still trying to wrap my mind around it. The most beautiful thing of all though that it was done with a heart to reach out and bless Nicaraguan who have suffered and lost more than we can imagine through Hurricane Felix.

Sea to Sea Day 8, January 5, 2009

Boaco to Managua

I can't believe this day has come. The days have passed so quickly. Today we made it to Managua. We are so close to the end that it seems unreal.

The closer we get to Managua the more traffic we saw on the road. One thing I love about being in Nicaragua is that it is a small country. When I'm out and about in Managua rarely do I go anywhere that I don't see someone I know. With each kilometer bringing us closer to Managua the terrain not only became more familiar but we also saw a few familiar faces as well. One family from the missionary community drove by and recognized us and honked and cheered us on. Another missionary doctor stopped and chatted with us for a while sharing that he was hoping to see us on his way out today.

Once again we traveled in 2 large groups trying to stay together. There was one long stretch of flat road and the front crew was cruising. The guys were so excited to be going so fast. I was in my highest gears and peddling as fast as I could and my bike could not stay up with them. My bike only has 5 gears where the average bike as 7-9 gears. Soon enough we came upon some hills that slowed us all down again and I had some great conversations with some of the other riders. About 20 kilometers outside of Managua we all gathered as one group as we headed out onto the super busy Pan American Highway. Our route had us on this highway for 5 kilometers before we took an old side rode that shot out out right on the outskirts of Managua. It was a breath-taking experience to look back and see the whole team cycling together. We've come so far and not any one of us without the help of the other. We've come this far as a TEAM.

When we arrived at the hotel for the day we were welcomed with big banners, flags and the AMC staff cheering us on. No one was expecting this so it was an amazing surprise. I felt a huge smile come over my face that didn't fade the rest of the day. Several local news stations came out later to interview us and to video some of us riding around the parking lot. They missed the first entrance so the tried to re-create it. :-)

Tonight we chowed down on yummy green salad and some tasty veggies. Gallo pinto is the meal of champions but I do love my veggies. Devotions tonight was a thoughtful reflection on Thankfulness followed by some hysterical laughter. John had us get into groups and write songs and do commercials for some of the products that became hits during the trip. Pro Max Energy bars were a hit on many levels. Bag Balm or Bum Butter as it was affectionately called was a real bum-saver. We took some video so when it is released I'll share it with you. If you really want to hear more though just ask and if I can stop laughing long enough to get the stories out I'll share them.

Now we are in the home stretch. 1 day remains.
Well it is off to bed. We start out at 4:30 am tomorrow so we better get our beauty rest.

Sea to Sea Day 7, January 4, 2009

Matiguas to Boaco

Today was our first full day on pavement. Wow we were able to cover a lot more ground in less time. Although I have to admit that I like the challenge of being on the rougher roads.

From Sea to Sea 2009

We started out in 3 groups today being more intentional about staying together on the busier highways. Thankfully most of the buses and trucks have been really respectful. We turned off in this cute little town called Muy Muy which translates as very, very. The names of the towns that we have been through have been so fun to read and even more fun to say. :-) Mulukukú, Wanawana, Saraway, Talasna, Kukalya just to name a few.

Luis

Anyway back to Muy Muy. While we pulled off on the side of the road and were filling up on water and a few snacks there was an elderly Nicaraguan gentelman who came and stood beside the group. I didn't notice him at first but Luis did. Luis who has a kind heart of service towards others without saying a word went and made this man a sandwich. As Luis handed him the sandwich he turned and walked away. It all happened so fast and I don't think many around the rest stop even noticed but Luis was sensitive to see the need of this man and cheerfully give. Luis was a part of the national cycling team a few years ago here and was so excited to be a part of this adventure. He and I would "race" each other to the rest stops and see who finished first at the end of the day. Being a bike mechanic he was also very willing to help anyone with an ailing bike. With a joyful smile and lots of excitement he stopped in to join a church's worship service as we were biking through today.

Some of the views today were absolutely amazing as we came down and into Boaco. I feel so rich to be able to take experience the nature and beauty of Nicaragua in this way. Though we went 76 kilometers today we rolled into Boaco around 2 in the afternoon. Our earliest finish yet. It was refreshing to be able to rest and relax a little in the afternoon sun and cool breeze. How appropriate for the Lord's day.

John led us in worship and then we shared the Lord's supper together. When in Nicaragua things always call for a little improvising. We used tortillas and gatorade. It was a special time of sharing. We ended 'church' with our theme song for the trip. My friends may you grow in grace. That song gets me every time!

Afterwards Carolina one of the gals who works with Acción Medica Cristiana shared with us about the project that the money we raised went to fund. The money was used to buy seed for a large number of families and communities along the Coco River. The project is to not only provide seed to replant but to help the people store seed from each crop for the upcoming planting season by storing it in a community seed bank. The communities have harvested thier first crop of rice and soon will harvest thier first crop of beans since the hurricane. AMC is also extending the project in order to teach the farmers how to plant some different types of crops that will help provide more variety of income for their families. The people in this region do not use much in terms of money but trade their rice or beans for oil, soap or other necessary items. It is so encouraging to hear how the money has already been invested and making a difference.

Sea to Sea Day 6, January 3, 2009

Mulukukú to Matiguas

Today we all collected at one of the hotels we were staying at for breakfast and then we started out on our way. Today we were told was going to be the hardest day with two big climbs but we were also going to lay our wheels on some paved roads for the first time since starting our ride.

We started out with lots of energy after a slower paced day the day before. We weren't more than 10 km down the road when we saw a trucks front end sticking up in the air where it shouldn't be.

From Sea to Sea 2009

As we got closer we asked the young man who was resting in a hammock hung underneath the truck what had happened. A few days earlier the ground had given way while the truck was passing another vehicle and it fell into a big hole. The truck had been loaded with sacks of rice that they had already pulled out to send on to Siuna. This young guy was left to watch over the truck until a larger truck could pull it out in a few days.

We traveled a little further on to a little village and Wim had stopped to adjust something on his bike and saw a scuffle unfold as a bus was pulling through town. There was a man waiting for the bus and as the assistant on the bus saw him he jumped off the bus and proceeded to punch him and yell at him. The assistant then got back on the bus and left the poor man on the side of the road without a ride to town. Wim said it was a strange sight to see. Well we hope that he eventually made it to town without any further problems.

There were several flat tires today and a couple of problems with people's chains. As we were making the big climb up out of Rio Blanco today Brian's chain broke. Nestor was super fast to jump off his bike and get it fixed. Both he and Brian made got right back on their bikes and pushed it through to the top beating most of the rest of us who had resorted to walking. They were amazing. A few of the others decided to grab on to a Pepsi truck that was slowly going up the hill. The guys on the truck were happy to give them a pull and even gave them a 3 liter bottle of Pepsi.

From Sea to Sea 2009

Here we are coming into Rio Blanco after one climb

As you can very well imagine we came across all kinds of animals along our route. Pigs, chickens, cows, horses, bulls and dogs. Today one of the riders had a close call with a dog. He toppled from his bike and had a light concussion and a sore shoulder. Thankfully after riding in the truck the remainder of the day and some good rest he was able to ride again the next day. What a trooper.

With all the uphill climbs we had there were some really nice downhill rides too. We climbed from 110 meters above sea level 340 by days end. On one of the downhills I clocked in at 56k an hour. What a difference it makes to ride on pavement. But oh don't go to fast you might hit a pothole and send yourself flailing through the air.

From Sea to Sea 2009

Today has been our longest day yet. We started at 7 am and some of the last riders were coming in as the sun was setting. Here is a pic of the beautiful sunset the support crew took as they followed the last group in. Dave joined up with use today as well. We are happy to see his smiling face and it is clear that he is glad to be with the team as well.

Tonight's devotion was about community. John compared community to the hub of a bicycle and how at first glance we don't see all the individual parts that go into making the wheel. Each one of us is a spoke connected to each other through the through the hub which is Jesus Christ. Working together, encouraging one another and positive attitudes go a long way in bringing all the pieces together to function well and properly. John shared this quote with the group and it really got me thinking. "Every rider has to trust every other rider not to do something stupid, unpredictable or dangerous. Every rider has to give up some portion of his or her autonomy for the collective safety of the bunch." Matt Seaton. As we head out tomorrow on busier roads we have to stick together as a team.

Sea to sea Day 5 January 2, 2009

Siuna to Mulukukú

Each day there were two people who stayed behind to bring up the rear called sweepers. The support vehicles knew they had reached the last bikers when they saw the smiling faces of the sweepers. Aimee and I volunteered to be sweepers today. We figured it would be a nice break after adding a few extra K to our trip the day before. :-) I was thankful for the slower start today too as my stomach was not ready to down the gallo pinto and eggs that was served for breakfast. Thankfully a little pepto resolved the issue.

We took a team shot right before we left the hotel today because a newspaper reporter wanted it for an article that he was writing about us. We all look a little sleepy yet.

From Sea to Sea 2009

The hotel where we stayed was up at top of a ridge on the edge of town so as we started out we rode all the way through the sleep town of Siuna. We didn't make it out of town before we had a flat to fix. Thankfully Luis, Nestor and Wim were pro's and had Wim's tire changed in no time. Being at the back of the pack allowed me to visit with some of the other riders that I hadn't seen much. It also allowed me to soak in a little bit more of the scenery.

At one point we stopped to work on someone's bike. While the others worked on the bike I struck up a conversations with some kids that were standing on their front porch. At first they were really shy and were just giggling at us. We must have looked pretty funny wearing spandex shorts, helmets and matching jersey's. The longer we stood there the closer the children came to the road. There were 5 siblings and they were all taking turns holding their youngest sister. They told me what grades they were going to be in the upcoming school year and also educated me about what goes into the smaller old fashioned milk jugs on the side of the road. The children told me that is what they collect the yellow liquid that is left over after they have used all the rest of the milk to make cheese. They then feed this liquid to the pigs.

Chepe was our protector the whole day. I am not sure that he totally understood that he didn't have to be at the back all day. I tried to explain it to him in my poor Spanish but I am not sure I was clear. I don't think he wanted Aimee or I to be at the back by ourselves and was such a servant to all. He would listen to our bikes as we went along and then when we stopped would make and adjustment here or there. There was always a smile on his face and a friendly Pablo taking a ride on his handle bars. Pablo came from the CRWRC offices. One from Canada and one from the US. They traveled every bit of the journey with us. I hope that Pablo learned a thing or two from Chepe. He is such a humble servant to all he calls friend.

As we arrived into town after a 74km ride the group was housed in two different hotels because there wasn't room for all of us at one. Our daily routine when we arrived at "home" for the night was to wash laundry and take advantage of us much sun as possible in order to try and get things to dry somewhat before the next day. Some days the dirty clothes were sent ahead and washed in the river in hopes that they would dry. Usually we were left either wearing wet clothes to start out the day or packing some damp clothes. This night in Mulukukú there was quite a stack of laundry that was dripping wet brought up from the river at about 7:30pm We stung up lines and had clothes hanging everywhere. It was quite a funny sight to see.

In our tiny room was filled with laundry drying. I brought in my bike to help act as a drying rack. Someone had tied up a line previously but it had broken so we repaired it and had mostly dry clothes by the time we rolled out the next day. Praise the Lord for dry, clean clothes.