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I can't believe it, but I am back in the States. Three months really flew by. I can't believe I used to go on mission trips for only a week at a time. Did I ever get anything accomplished then? I am sorry to have posted more blogs, but we really had some trouble with the internet the last few weeks, and I was extremely busy. Maybe I will write some post-MQV.

It is a little bitter-sweet, because I really enjoyed my time in Nicaragua. It was tough leaving all the kids and friends that I have down there. And they were all extremely generous making me feel special by throwing me parties and giving me gifts. Those stories might be the upcoming blogs.

I hope to see you all soon. I only have a week before I leave for camp, so give me a call.

Tres Amigos (falta uno)

Last time I was on here, I mentioned that I took a solo trip to San Juan del Sur. It was a little vacation for me. I went there expecting to share at a crusade one of the churches was putting on in the town. A good friend I work with in El Crucero, Cesar, has a few contacts in San Juan del Sur because he is a part of Gideons International. He wanted me to share because San Juan is such a high tourist town on the coast with good surf. He thought that since I was a foreigner and part-time surfer, that I would be able to connect well with some of the people there. I was very excited about sharing and had prepared what I thought was an appropriate message for the type of people Cesar described. Unfortunately, when we arrived there had been some kind of communication break-down, and I wasn’t able to share. I was a little disappointed, but I at least have a good message prepared for another time the Lord wants to use me. Cesar, his wife, Leo, and I stayed and watched the crusade for a while, went to get some food, and then they left to return to El Crucero and I stayed behind. I often enjoy traveling alone because it is a challenge, especially in a foreign country. At first I was a little nervous about finding a place to sleep and potentially getting robbed again. So, I kept my backpack and money close. I went to one hotel and they were closed for the night. So, I asked some guys for a recommendation and they said that most foreigners stayed at Hotel Oro. I went to check it out, but since I didn’t have my passport with me, I couldn’t stay. Then I started walking around the town looking for another place. I became a little anxious thinking I would have to stay at some fancy place and spend a lot of money, but then I found a place for only $5 a night. (Don’t worry Mom, it wasn’t too shady.) I had to share a room with three other guys - two bunk beds. It ended up turning out as a blessing, because once I met my “roommates”, they turned out to be really cool. One was from Germany, another from Austria, and the third from here in Nicaragua. They let me tag along that night, and I had a lot of fun getting to know them. I was a pretty jealous of the European guys because they spoke about 5 languages. The next day they took me to a great spot to surf. It took us about 20 minutes to get there traveling down dirt roads, but the beach was off the beaten path and fairly private. It was very nice. I rented an old board for another $5 and gave surfing in the Pacific another shot. I would say the Pacific won, but I still had a blast. It was great meeting some guys and making friends. Hopefully I will be able to catch up with them again.

Just so you don't think I am constantly playing, I decided to attach another picture of me doing some work. The girls decided to take the picture, because I guess they never see men here doing the dishes. I thought I would show them that real men spend time in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I still have a long way to go before I know all the other qualities of a real man. Ha.