Everything looked pretty normal…. Yesterday.
Yesterday, we started our trip to Nicaragua and it was all travel. The airport terminals were typical – uniformed airplane staff, security guards with sniffer dogs, duty free stores brimming with glittery displays. The rental car was what you would expect – slow, clean, reliable transportation. The hotel we arrived at was normal-ish.
But the reality was it wasn’t normal. The physical signs were both obvious and subtle.
- As a seasoned traveller, I’m used to crowded terminals and crowded planes with overflowing business class sections, however the 5 hour flight from Toronto to San Salvador had the smallest business class section I’ve ever seen (12 seats) and there were only 3 passengers.
- During the 1 hour drive from the Managua airport to our Masaya hotel, we passed sweatshops with a parking lot filled with buses (not cars) because their employees needed public transport. We passed several carcasses at the side of the road that were feeding stations for vultures. We saw minivans overflowing with passengers who stared at our van full of gringos.
- The hotel is a mix of Morocco, Mexico, and Camp Kahquah. There’s no describing the experience.
For months we’ve been preparing collectively and personally. We had packed hockey bags full of gear. We were on a medication schedule that might suggest we suffered from a seriously embarrassing condition. Medicated, overly cautious, and checking everything I ate, the last thing I felt was normal.
I woke up this morning to the sound of cats fighting World War 3 (vocally supported by dogs, birds, and roosters). I lay there unable to go back to sleep wondering what on earth I was doing here.
As an early riser, I was up before the dawn. I took the opportunity to open up the devotional guide. I read both Day 1 and Day 2. It was reassuring to know that others have been through this before and felt oddly apprehensive.
We arrived at the worksite/church and promptly fell into our roles. The morning kids program had over 40 kids, and the afternoon program had well over 60. The task of re-bar construction was productive and not nearly as hot as we expected. We still took many breaks and by the end of the day we were all exhausted, overheated, and – yes – happy. After dinner we had a devotional time, singing songs, sharing our experiences from the day, and expressing how much fun each of us were having. We feel like we are starting to get to know the kids, the other workers, and the local pastoral staff.
The décor hasn’t changed. The road leading up to the church hasn’t changed – it is still dirt with chickens, dogs and children happily roaming free. Everyone on the team still has all their fingers, toes, and sense of humor.
I’m not feeling apprehensive anymore. My stumbling Spanish is not embarrassingly bad. Even though many things are not like anything I’m used to, it doesn’t matter, because, now, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
Here are some pictures from the day (click any photo for a larger version):
So you were doing some work not goofing around.After the trip and back home I am sure you will miss the natural morning call. Take care and be careful about your diet and keep fit. Mom
“Just a little more elbow grease!” Ha! Ha!
Thanks for the update on your first impressions and the first work day. 🙂
Tim, not bad for a desk-jockey! 🙂
Looks like a great project. Keep up the good work!
Hi my name is Shandi, no one but Marshall will know who I am but I wanted to say Hi!
I lead the first group to this church from Lancaster BIC in July. It is such a joy to see pictures from the church and how far they have gotten. When we were there we started all the holes that had to be dug to place the support beams in. It was a long and exhausting process. To see the floor back in place means so much to me.
If I can leave you with two pieces of wisdom. One, the people are just as important as the building. I grew to enjoy the company of the cleaning ladies little girl who was about four. In the afternoons when extra help always seemed to appear I would go outside in the street and play a strange game of marbles with this little girl that I never seemed to win…lol. She didn’t speak English and I know little Spanish but I could tell that time with her meant more than I will every know. So please, don’t forgot about the people around you.
Second piece of wisdom, make sure Marshall does some kind of work. I don’t mean just translating either. That man can work and break a real sweat. Trust me, I have pictures to prove it!
Enjoy your time! I look forward to reading your blog this week!
Shandi <
Hello Shandi,
Thank you for your words and encouragement. We are near the end of our mission and we totally agree that the people have stolen our hearts. The building…. well, lets just say we left lots of room for other groups to contribute….
Whats been a real treat though has been the vibrant worship with our worship pastor Melanie teaming up with the pastors wife. It rocks the neighbourhood with their sound system.
You should feel very proud of what youve started.
P.S: we have one picture of Marshall throwing away one small piece of trash to prove that he actually worked.
Tim
Thanks for the update, Tim! Sounds like you’re enjoying being in the thick of things – finally, after weeks of preparation. Keep safe!