Day 2 - afternoon/evening

So after lunch, we hung around Pastor Ed's house.  In the afternoon most of the team went for a walking tour of Bluefields along with Paul.  They went to the food market near the docks.  Of course, they went by the stores owned by the two chinese people in Bluefields; one was Edgar, the other Chico Quan (and his wife).  Of course, Rebecca being able to speak Chinese, was "trapped" by Chico's wife; needless to say that they don't get a lot of interaction with chinese speaking people so they were very excited.  :)

I went with Steve and Humberto to the Verbo church.  Our goal was to practice for Sunday worship.

the view from the church - it sits atop a hill

I was able to get a good look at the church.  I'm always amazed at seeing simpler churches where God is moving without all the trappings of the world.  It is simple - no pews, just plastic lawn chairs which get stacked and moved.  Wooden cross at the front and simple dressings on the wall.  Small drum kit in the corner where new youth who were interested in learning how to play were practising.  Simple sound system with speakers hung from the ceiling and monitors on the floor.  To the side is the area where the feeding program is done.  A mission team previously painted the walls with murals.  The kids all sit facing one direction and can look at these paintings while eating!

 

Returning to Pastor Ed's house took a lot longer than the drive out there.  We were driving home kids who were at the church and their teacher.  Their teacher was struck with polio and needs crutches to walk.  His faith is strong and he is enthusiastic about it!  I was fortunate to get a driving tour of Nicaragua.  I would definitely NOT bring my truck down here!  There is no space!

Driving through town opens your eyes to how the people here live.  Very simple houses - in fact just a 20x20 concrete box.  80% unemployment don't forget.  People make a living in very different ways across town.  Some have started small businesses such as a corner store, others simply sit outside their house as if they were a portable cooking station.  Some walk around with a cart selling various food; a few vendors sell shaved ice with toppings.  What I do find interesting is that some houses have a satellite dish for TV from the local provider, Claro.  We all have a need for entertainment and you can see the influence of TV in the youth in how they dress. 

The people here are all very friendly.  Even through the language barrier we do communicate.

One other job - the main reason I am here - is to work on the computer lab.  I needed to setup a makeshift lab in Pastor Ed's house.  I have 12 computers which need to be fully installed.  They weren't done before unfortunately.    This may take me a while.  Should be done in time for class on Tuesday (I hope!)

At the end of the day we all went to Chez Marcel.  Pastor Ed likes pizza - and this is what we had (sorry, no pictures).  A nice evening to celebrate what Steve and Paul had done (they leave tomorrow) and to get to know the leaders and helpers in the church and school.

We came back to a power blackout in the neighbourhood.  No power for a couple of hours.  We sat on the roof for a team meeting - when it rained.  Tin roofs make a LOT of noise.  There has been a lot of rain.  Very unusual for this time of year here.  Unfortunately Kat is not feeling well - while she cannot have cheese, even the salad they gave her and the chicken they served her had cheese on it.  Not sure if it's food allergies or sickness.   Continue praying for her.
All for now.  We're off to bed.