Nicaragua: Day 1

We're here! We had a couple of problems on the way.

First, the weather didn't cooperate. Our flight from Dallas to Houston was canceled and we had to scramble to find another on a different airline. Unfortunately, not everyone from our group made it. A few (including our leader) were stuck in their home towns not able to get to Houston.

Second, they confiscated half our luggage. The people in customs claim we needed special papers to bring medicine into the country. That's a big change over last year when we were waived through customs without a word. Anywho, we're going to go by some special goverment offices to get a waiver before we can get started.


As usual, I have to adjust my definition of "normal". Acclamation begins on the drive from the airport to the hotel. Imagine the worst parts of Oak Cliff or Fair Park and then imagine how those are the best places in Managua. Of course, they are often right next door to a glamous Casino that could have been straight out of Vegas.

Now imagine contentment, happiness that's not defined by materialism, and a thriving church. You can find it all here.

Its after 11, so I'll keep it short. Until tomorrow ...

Nicaragua: Day 0

Hello!

I decided this year to blog about our trip to Nicaragua. Many people expressed an interest in our experiences and the work being done in Rene Polanco. I hope this peeks your interest.

Grace, Ruben, and myself will be leaving church at 9 a.m. and arriving in Managua at 9 p.m. The 5.5 hour layover in Houston gives me time to meet my Brother Jason for lunch.

We'll be meeting the "usuals" that travel with Health Talents International (HTI). 18 total people are going: 4 doctors, 3 pharmacists, 2 nurses, 3 chaplains, 5 volunteers (that's me!), and our leader. For many, this will be 10th, 15th, or more years they have gone. We'll join several local physicians & nurses (mostly young and still in school) for 3 clinics on Friday, Saturday, and Monday.


I look forward to sharing with you how God has blessed the people of Nicaragua and Guatemala through HTI. We'll be spending a lot of time together, so expect to hear a lot about the people on the team. Mostly, though, I hope my stories of the road gives you a glimpse into the lives of the people in Central America.

Before I sign off, I wanted to prime the pump with a few questions that linger from my last trip:

• What is the purpose of the trip? Obviously medical, but that can't be it. One visit a year is akin to putting your finger in a fire hose.
• What can I do to spiritually help these people?
• Is it better to send me or just send my money?
• What is the appropriate use of money?
• When does money do more harm than good?

Until tomorrow ...