8/10

italics are things from the journal, regular are after thoughts im having now!

I am here in nicaragua! Which i never thought would happen. Getting here was a challenege , chocking back sobs of homesickness, feeling like a total baby! But all of that vanished at first sight of Managua. Children, babies even, walking down the streets with barely any clothing. Open houses or tin wall rather with no ceiling or enclosement, people peeing on the sides of the street, random chickens, cows, dogs running rampid.

(a pic of our bus we took everywhere to clinics)

(a nicer nicaraguenese home)

its definitely a different world down here. Im beginning to feel one of the group. It became easier after I lightened up a bit. Last night Tim and Bill talked about El Ayudante (they basically run it) and its history and how the facility has grown. It was a God awakening their hearts to run this place. Bill is from Tennessee and moved his entire family down here a year ago. His 2 girls are in school in Leon . I give him so much credit for making that move...they sold all there land in TN ...they officially are residents on Nicaragua.

I am amazed by his dedication although he seems a little bit more of faith then the rest of us. I dont have problems with overtly religious people, in fact i envy them in some cases but sometimes i feel hesitation with people who are so vocal about it as though they are not only trying to convince me but also themselves. While Bill is doing a great thing for the Nicaragua people, i hope he isnt trying to convert everyone to a more devout way of living. He says that the way these people are treated is not in God's heart. Which i agree with...but the core of me is against the whole "heres a bottle of water but first you have to believe this Bible" . Most of the people in Nicaragua are catholic as well....they have faith. So converting isnt really necessary. I just want to provide people with there most basic needs...faith comes later. I would rather portray an image than proclaim it.

After his talk we played volleyball and then unpacked and reorganized all of the meds we brought for the clinic. We ate dinner which was some sort of chicken casserol...it could have also been tuna i am not sure ! The fruit here so fresh and delicious. The pinneapple is white but the sweetest i have ever had. we will be touring the hospital later and also getting a spanish lesson which i desperately need help with! Im just happy to be here and am asking God to work through me and take care of me as he always does!"