Hello All,

I had the opportunity to speak with Linda Gable this afternoon, one of the leaders of New Song Mission Nicaragua, and I was able to make some more solid plans for my summer.

Mainly, we discussed how awesome things have gone for me so far in preparation for my trip. God has been good to me. Fundraising is going great, and everything is falling into place for me. With my departure rapidly approaching, it is a blessing not to have to worry about the details and be able to focus on the big picture.

Another thing we discussed was where I would be staying. On all prior trips our group has stayed in a hotel in Leon, a nice city where Tommy and Linda live, and we commuted in to the village every day. This is good, in the sense that we are eble to have nice accomodations, but expensive in transportation and hotel costs. I had planned on staying with the family of one of our previous translators, but due to some family issues that wasn’t going to work out, so as of last week I was back at square one.

Leslie, a member of our church, made it her mission to build a clinic in Candelaria. After a period of construction (atleast a year, I believe) the clinic is finished. Jim Bob Norman (makemsmile.blogspot.com) is living in Candelaria in the clinic, and he is currently serving in the village as the youth pastor. After speaking with Linda, it looks like the best option for me is to stay there with him, in the village. Staying there, though it can be intimidating, will enable me to spend my time most effictively and save a lot of moeny all my sponsors have given me. Yes, it will be kinda “roughin it”, but I have faith that God will keep me safe.

So, please keep me in your prayers and be sure to check back for updates as often as you can. I am excited that you all can be a part of this journey!

Only 20 days till I leave!

Hello Readers,

I was able to purchase a phone number today through Skype that will enable everyone to call me while I am in Nicaragua using a local number. If you want to reach me between May 17 and August 1, you will need to call that number. There is a voicemail, so leave a message if I don’t answer.

704-765-1956

23 days to departure!

Just thought it was interesting that a from the US Census Bureau showed up at our house today. I was outside in our yard when he pulled up, and he got out of his car and told me who he was and asked if it was okay if he parked in our driveway for a few minutes. I went back inside and later he came up to the front door with a little PDA-type thing. He asked me a few questions and gave me a paper showing who he was. I soon realized he was mapping addresses for the Census. “So what?” You may ask. Well, that’s what I’m gonna be doing in Nicaragua! I want to map out the village there and do a census. So i gave the guy a card and told him about me being a missionary and doing what he’s doing, only on a smaller scale. Anyway, thought that was pretty cool that God would put someone in my path like that.