LONG DAY

Can a day really start at 2:30AM.  I found out that it can and did.  Up and at 'em and moving through all the motions of getting ready and making sure that everything on my list was accounted for.  Passport...✔ Money...✔ Airline information...✔  Taxi?✔

OFF.....  After a quiet ride to the airport, security was a breeze!  My friend Joan was waiting at the gate, having got  up at 1:15AM!  A quick trip to McDonald's for a yogurt and we were ready to board.  The flight to Miami and then to Managua were thankfully on time  and uneventful.  Passing through immigration and customs was quick- what a welcome sight to see Randy and others from ORPHANetwork on the other side of the sliding glass doors.

After a quick trip to the hotel to drop off our things, we were escorted to "House of Faith", the fifth of six orphanages run by ORPHANetwork.  A celebration was in progress.

Students were leading worship using voices, recorders, drums, and other instruments.  Interesting that in 90〫heat, children, young adults and adults were totally engaged in the program and not minding that it was from 2PM to 5PM.







Well...one little guy found a way to pass the time.

Students were being honored for their classwork with computers, shuffles, and scholarships.  Students were chosen based on their academics, one from each orphanage, to receive a computer.  Others had been sponsored to receive scholarships for higher education.

After a group picture, everyone made a beeline for the cold drinks, popcorn and cotton candy.  Again..NO ONE minded the heat as stood patiently waiting for popcorn to be popped and cotton candy to be twirled onto the stick.  

Joan and I found a nice shady spot after helping to serve pop to everyone.  Our bodies were starting to wear down but....





First a picture, before we take off for dinner, of the friends taking this journey with me. Eddy Morales, Country Director, myself, Joan, and Dick Anderson Executive Director .

Well, the Packers won while I was celebrating so all is well in the NFL world.  A wonderful time of fellowship around dinner and a relaxing time of preparation before Joan and I begin our time with the teachers at Verbo school tomorrow.

I know many were praying for our safety...THANKS!
Please pray:

•  that the materials we have prepared are accepted and helpful to the teachers.
•  that we listen with our hearts and minds to the needs of the teachers
•  that each day brings new insight to others as we serve
•  God will keep our energy high

Off to prepare for the first day!