Monday, August 31, 2009
Pictures
Here are your bloggers: Jamie Boley and Ann Fahrun. This pic of Jamie is from the Remar Orphanage. Our favourite pics are with the kids! Thanks to Dave Edwards for the shot of me loving my moments with the children in line at the Feeding Station.
Homeward Bound via El Salvador
It was an early morning wake-up but we were ready. Some of our goodbyes took place at Sunset last night with Francie and Samuel because we dropped them off on the way back to Managua. We packed the vans and for good luck no one had to push. One of the funny things we learned that is that in Managua from about midnight until 6 am traffic lights are only suggestions and if you toot your horn you can proceed at your own peril - apparently no tickets!
We got to the airport without a hitch and checked in saying our final goodbyes and hugs to Annette Vickers. Without Annettes' vision the PAN organization would not have been born. We're thankful to her and her hard work with other PAN board members, as they continue God's work through their mission for the people of Nicaragua.
We made it through security with an eagle-eyed early morning worker noticing that Ann and Chris had accidentally switched passports. Guess those pictures do help.
Perseverence at the bars of the locked cafe caused the sympathetic workers to open so that we could get our Cafe Americano con leche for eye-opening purposes. Off to our stop-over in El Salvador for a 7 1/2 hoiur layover before home. This gave us time to visit , read, eat, shop and sleep.
As a bonvoyage gift several of the team were lucky enough to get a 1st class upgrade for the last leg of the journey. Ruth and Doug Barwell, Jamison Boley and Ruth Cunningham were in the right place at the right time and waved to us with very wide grins as we trudged past toward our cramped, small seats. Rumour has it Jamie has a picture of every single thing in First Class.
All the usual plane stuff proceeded smoothly until the pilots announced in, what I thought was, pretty excited Spanish that we would be changing course to avoid storm activity. Thinking that made perfect sense we continued on our way with more bumps and wiggles until somewhere near Kitchener a lightning bolt made contact with us. The jolt caused some of us to jump-good thing for seat belts. We were thankful for our safe touchdown and welcome from the Avery's who were picking up Lindsay. Thanks to Bevan Lougheed for his late night and safe driving of our bus-arriving back where we started two weeks before. Loving arms were ready with hugs and we parted knowing a very special time had come to an end. Nicaragua is a special place and we look forward to sharing more of our stories and give thanks to God for the privilege of serving. Our thanks to the very generous community that supported our mission.
Your bloggers....
Jamie (Boley) and Ann.
We got to the airport without a hitch and checked in saying our final goodbyes and hugs to Annette Vickers. Without Annettes' vision the PAN organization would not have been born. We're thankful to her and her hard work with other PAN board members, as they continue God's work through their mission for the people of Nicaragua.
We made it through security with an eagle-eyed early morning worker noticing that Ann and Chris had accidentally switched passports. Guess those pictures do help.
Perseverence at the bars of the locked cafe caused the sympathetic workers to open so that we could get our Cafe Americano con leche for eye-opening purposes. Off to our stop-over in El Salvador for a 7 1/2 hoiur layover before home. This gave us time to visit , read, eat, shop and sleep.
As a bonvoyage gift several of the team were lucky enough to get a 1st class upgrade for the last leg of the journey. Ruth and Doug Barwell, Jamison Boley and Ruth Cunningham were in the right place at the right time and waved to us with very wide grins as we trudged past toward our cramped, small seats. Rumour has it Jamie has a picture of every single thing in First Class.
All the usual plane stuff proceeded smoothly until the pilots announced in, what I thought was, pretty excited Spanish that we would be changing course to avoid storm activity. Thinking that made perfect sense we continued on our way with more bumps and wiggles until somewhere near Kitchener a lightning bolt made contact with us. The jolt caused some of us to jump-good thing for seat belts. We were thankful for our safe touchdown and welcome from the Avery's who were picking up Lindsay. Thanks to Bevan Lougheed for his late night and safe driving of our bus-arriving back where we started two weeks before. Loving arms were ready with hugs and we parted knowing a very special time had come to an end. Nicaragua is a special place and we look forward to sharing more of our stories and give thanks to God for the privilege of serving. Our thanks to the very generous community that supported our mission.
Your bloggers....
Jamie (Boley) and Ann.
The Last (Day) Resort
When we thought about this day before arriving in Nicaragua we had mixed feelings... why do we get to go to the beach when we see so many needs here. These thoughts were still with us but they were mixed with a sense of accomplishment and good feelings of our mission ministry. It was also a special day for us to gather up thoughts and relax together before our trip home. We were very pleased to also invite Samuel and Francie our translators to join us and also, Mauricio, our "key " building consultant.
It was an early morning, on the road at 7 am to drive west out of Managua for an hour and a half to the Pacific and a hotel at Montelimar. It was an all inclusive play day for us on a beach with buffet breakfast and lunch. After a great breakfast we headed out to figure out how to spend the day.This is a surfing mecca with many watersports to choose from.
Job 1- try bodysurfing. - We headed out into the surf and learned how to frolic upside and down in the crashing waves. Note to self, what are these tingling stinging feelings? Jellyfish stings it turned out. Some mild and some quite lasting. Undaunted, many of us kept right on playing until we had to say uncle.
Job 2- check out what all inclusive really means-stroll around- get refreshments-lie in a hammock- read book...I'm liking this place! Wait, Jocelyn Boley is in this hammock, too! This was a great time to talk and get to know watch other better. Those who know me are aware that I'm always asking what daughters are like. Well, after spending time with the kids on this trip-they're all awesome!
Job 3- Who wants to Boogie Board? Well I volunteered to guard our stuff on the beach but that fell through as soon as I saw the girls walking out into the surf with the boards. Count me in. Jamison taught me well- soon I was catching the waves at the right break and making strange faces while laughing and trying to keep water out of my mouth. Our crew included; Sidekick aka Jamie, Jamison, Jocelyn, Lindsay, Rachel, Senor Jim, Doug Walker and later, Aidan.
Still enough gas in the tank to get our picture taken under a rainbow with our boards at the ready and then ask "Who wants to Kayak."
It took some persuasion to get the staff to agree but they said we could have the yaks for 1/2 an hour. Heading out first was Ann and Ruth Barwell and Doug and Doug. (Is that Doug squared? Bet the Math teachers will know.) Now, heading out was not a snap because you had to make the break in the waves and then be somewhat strategic about the crashing surf... It was awesome - lots of fun and some sick, big waves. For a last run Ann and Peter headed out and had a good, short paddle. On the way back in, no question about it - Ann guided the boat towards shore and took them into a dive that turned into a garage sale. Pete lost his Oakley's and all the swimming suit parts got back to the right spot eventually.
After that, snacks, pool play and then an amazing sunset to remind us of our awesome God. Then back to Managua for last night pizza and packing. Sometimes before you actually get away in the vans you have to get back out of the vans for the infamous Nicaragua "push-start". We're not sure if we should go to bed because we have to be up at 3 to shower, pack the vans and get to the airport.
It was an early morning, on the road at 7 am to drive west out of Managua for an hour and a half to the Pacific and a hotel at Montelimar. It was an all inclusive play day for us on a beach with buffet breakfast and lunch. After a great breakfast we headed out to figure out how to spend the day.This is a surfing mecca with many watersports to choose from.
Job 1- try bodysurfing. - We headed out into the surf and learned how to frolic upside and down in the crashing waves. Note to self, what are these tingling stinging feelings? Jellyfish stings it turned out. Some mild and some quite lasting. Undaunted, many of us kept right on playing until we had to say uncle.
Job 2- check out what all inclusive really means-stroll around- get refreshments-lie in a hammock- read book...I'm liking this place! Wait, Jocelyn Boley is in this hammock, too! This was a great time to talk and get to know watch other better. Those who know me are aware that I'm always asking what daughters are like. Well, after spending time with the kids on this trip-they're all awesome!
Job 3- Who wants to Boogie Board? Well I volunteered to guard our stuff on the beach but that fell through as soon as I saw the girls walking out into the surf with the boards. Count me in. Jamison taught me well- soon I was catching the waves at the right break and making strange faces while laughing and trying to keep water out of my mouth. Our crew included; Sidekick aka Jamie, Jamison, Jocelyn, Lindsay, Rachel, Senor Jim, Doug Walker and later, Aidan.
Still enough gas in the tank to get our picture taken under a rainbow with our boards at the ready and then ask "Who wants to Kayak."
It took some persuasion to get the staff to agree but they said we could have the yaks for 1/2 an hour. Heading out first was Ann and Ruth Barwell and Doug and Doug. (Is that Doug squared? Bet the Math teachers will know.) Now, heading out was not a snap because you had to make the break in the waves and then be somewhat strategic about the crashing surf... It was awesome - lots of fun and some sick, big waves. For a last run Ann and Peter headed out and had a good, short paddle. On the way back in, no question about it - Ann guided the boat towards shore and took them into a dive that turned into a garage sale. Pete lost his Oakley's and all the swimming suit parts got back to the right spot eventually.
After that, snacks, pool play and then an amazing sunset to remind us of our awesome God. Then back to Managua for last night pizza and packing. Sometimes before you actually get away in the vans you have to get back out of the vans for the infamous Nicaragua "push-start". We're not sure if we should go to bed because we have to be up at 3 to shower, pack the vans and get to the airport.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
It's Not Over Until the Cucaracha Band Plays
Hola Compadres
(Ann here...Jamie coming later)
This was our final day at "our" clinic! It seemed very special with people even friendlier than ever if that's possible. One of the highlights of the day was the installation of the washing machine. Imagine this scene...some had not seen an automatic washer before and had been doing the clinic wash by hand all these years. As we carried it in, cheers broke out and Viva Canada/Viva Nicaragua and dancing broke out - the cheers were wonderful. Better still was watching and listening to the translation as Andre explained to the women how to do "fine washables."
Some of the final day accomplishments were: the school contingent ran exciting relays for the kids and enjoyed more school visits, especially some of the teachers who had been building all week and were anxious to see the school.
The builders added blocks around the poured and framed windows and roof girders were painted. It's ready for a roof!
The painters completed the green trim on the front of the clinic and completed some finishing touches.
And finally we prepared a hot dog, chips and cake lunch for the clinic staff whose preference is definitely for cake. It is a real treat here, when served, and almost causes stampedes.
I think Jamie will want to add her thoughts about our next highlights.
Hola again, Jamie here
Ann and I have decided that due to the time required to write such a fabulous blog, we are tag teaming in order to get some shower time.
Back to our going away party at the clinic. First off - Mom, you would have hated it because there were hoards of flies eager to get their grubby paws on anything (or anyone). As soon as we even started to say the word 'cake', the employees of the health clinic FLOCKED to the table! Ann and Mary couldn't cut the cake fast enough! We cut them into small pieces as to ensure everyone got a piece, but the staff was still overjoyed with whatever they were given. The cake was delicious; it was still warm from the oven.
After all of the cake was given out, the director of the clinic called us all over to to the front of the crowd. With Samuel's help, she thanked us on behalf of El Viejo from the bottom of her heart. The clinic had also purchased some Nicaraguan souveniers that they gave out to every team member so we wouldn't forget them. I don't know how anyone could forget these people or this country after visiting, souvenier or not.
Then, as it usually does in Nicaragua, the rain came. Our team was just about to load into the vans and head back for Managua, when a cucaracha band appeared and herded us into a building. All of the employees were dancing away (who was running the clinic at this time I have no idea), so naturally we joined in. Much to our regret, after a few songs we had to call it quits. As we filed into the vans, the Nicaraguans piled along the side of the road waving and blowing kisses and thanking us again and again. It was really something special that our team felt as the great warmth of these peoples sincere gratitude surrounded us as we drove away.
The ride back to Managua took about 2 and a half hours. Arriving at Jenny's again was like starting the trip over (although we were much more tired at this point). After a welcomed dinner of Pizza Hut pizza, the members who had done the painting project finished putting together their pictures while we had a final meeting about contingency funds. Our final decision is to leave all of the remaining money with PAN, $2500 going to their Mercy Fund (a fund that helps Nicaraguans in need) and the other $2500 to be kept here in Nicaragua until our meeting early September so we don't rush our decisions and can gain more background information on all of our options.
Well, tomorrow we are off to the resort and everyone is in need of the beach (I also heard they give a mean massage down there...).
Until tomorrow Amigos!
Jamie (and Ann)
(Ann here...Jamie coming later)
This was our final day at "our" clinic! It seemed very special with people even friendlier than ever if that's possible. One of the highlights of the day was the installation of the washing machine. Imagine this scene...some had not seen an automatic washer before and had been doing the clinic wash by hand all these years. As we carried it in, cheers broke out and Viva Canada/Viva Nicaragua and dancing broke out - the cheers were wonderful. Better still was watching and listening to the translation as Andre explained to the women how to do "fine washables."
Some of the final day accomplishments were: the school contingent ran exciting relays for the kids and enjoyed more school visits, especially some of the teachers who had been building all week and were anxious to see the school.
The builders added blocks around the poured and framed windows and roof girders were painted. It's ready for a roof!
The painters completed the green trim on the front of the clinic and completed some finishing touches.
And finally we prepared a hot dog, chips and cake lunch for the clinic staff whose preference is definitely for cake. It is a real treat here, when served, and almost causes stampedes.
I think Jamie will want to add her thoughts about our next highlights.
Hola again, Jamie here
Ann and I have decided that due to the time required to write such a fabulous blog, we are tag teaming in order to get some shower time.
Back to our going away party at the clinic. First off - Mom, you would have hated it because there were hoards of flies eager to get their grubby paws on anything (or anyone). As soon as we even started to say the word 'cake', the employees of the health clinic FLOCKED to the table! Ann and Mary couldn't cut the cake fast enough! We cut them into small pieces as to ensure everyone got a piece, but the staff was still overjoyed with whatever they were given. The cake was delicious; it was still warm from the oven.
After all of the cake was given out, the director of the clinic called us all over to to the front of the crowd. With Samuel's help, she thanked us on behalf of El Viejo from the bottom of her heart. The clinic had also purchased some Nicaraguan souveniers that they gave out to every team member so we wouldn't forget them. I don't know how anyone could forget these people or this country after visiting, souvenier or not.
Then, as it usually does in Nicaragua, the rain came. Our team was just about to load into the vans and head back for Managua, when a cucaracha band appeared and herded us into a building. All of the employees were dancing away (who was running the clinic at this time I have no idea), so naturally we joined in. Much to our regret, after a few songs we had to call it quits. As we filed into the vans, the Nicaraguans piled along the side of the road waving and blowing kisses and thanking us again and again. It was really something special that our team felt as the great warmth of these peoples sincere gratitude surrounded us as we drove away.
The ride back to Managua took about 2 and a half hours. Arriving at Jenny's again was like starting the trip over (although we were much more tired at this point). After a welcomed dinner of Pizza Hut pizza, the members who had done the painting project finished putting together their pictures while we had a final meeting about contingency funds. Our final decision is to leave all of the remaining money with PAN, $2500 going to their Mercy Fund (a fund that helps Nicaraguans in need) and the other $2500 to be kept here in Nicaragua until our meeting early September so we don't rush our decisions and can gain more background information on all of our options.
Well, tomorrow we are off to the resort and everyone is in need of the beach (I also heard they give a mean massage down there...).
Until tomorrow Amigos!
Jamie (and Ann)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Going out with a Bang! (or a dance)
Hola Canada!
Well folks, the team is on the last few legs of our trip, and although it has been the experience of a lifetime here, I think that we are also missing home. Okay, maybe that´s just me.
This morning omlettes were on the menu for breakfast, and then we once again all headed off to the worksite. From there we split into three groups, one for construction, one for the school, and one for the sale. We were selling some (okay, about 12 hockey bags full!) of clothing outside the clinic for a small sum of money. We found that some people prefer to buy their clothes, even if they only pay a little for them, rather than have them given to them as it saves them some of their pride.
We didn´t advertise the sale at all but let me tell you, the tables were hoarded with people flinging clothing every which way and completely demolishing our semi-sorted piles. After a couple hours of chaos, we had to end the sale for lunch. At this time we had only 1 bag of clothing left (we now have a home for it), and had raised about $330 in American to go to the clinic.
At the school, they once again did crafts and devotions, this time with grades 2 and 3. I was also informed that Jocelyn was causing a rucuss in the playground (playing with children during class time), and got a talking to from the principle. Even in a different country the Boleys can still manage to disrupt class.
After lunch at the hotel (we had delicious local shrimp!), we split into a painting and a building group. The painters made significant progress completing almost the entire front of the clinic with only small touchups needed. This may or may not include re-evaluating what a straight line actually looks like, although personally, I think the wavy border gives it some personality.
Our teams part in the building of the pharmacy is nearly complete. We have finished three walls, and only need to block around the windows of the fourth.
We came back to the hotel to shower and then were overwhelmed with joy when we saw the feast the staff had prepared for us as our last supper here in Chinandega... SPAGHETTI! I think that is description enough of how that meal went.
After dinner, the mayor and city of El Viejo had invited us to the town square for a celebration as a way of saying thanks. There were several native dances with beautiful costumes that were really entertaining to watch. Our team was then called up to the stage to show a Canadian native dance. Uh huh. Well, seeing as our highland dancer Jamie Jr. (aka sidekick) was too nervous to show off her stuff, the Boley girls took the stage with our regular flail and twitch routine. Thankfully the Nicaraguans were saved from having to watch that by the Frook´s who gracefully floated across the stage with ease. If only Jocelyn and I could do that.
The mayor then presented the team with certificates of appreciation and thanked us dearly for the work we had done for the city and its people. The whole ceremony was wonderful and really tied together the purpose of our mission, and how much it meant for the Nicaraguans.
Well, tomorrow we finsh up at the school then head back to Managua. Hopefully we can get the air conditioning in the van to work by then.
Buenas Noches Amigos!
Good Night Friends!
Jamie
Well folks, the team is on the last few legs of our trip, and although it has been the experience of a lifetime here, I think that we are also missing home. Okay, maybe that´s just me.
This morning omlettes were on the menu for breakfast, and then we once again all headed off to the worksite. From there we split into three groups, one for construction, one for the school, and one for the sale. We were selling some (okay, about 12 hockey bags full!) of clothing outside the clinic for a small sum of money. We found that some people prefer to buy their clothes, even if they only pay a little for them, rather than have them given to them as it saves them some of their pride.
We didn´t advertise the sale at all but let me tell you, the tables were hoarded with people flinging clothing every which way and completely demolishing our semi-sorted piles. After a couple hours of chaos, we had to end the sale for lunch. At this time we had only 1 bag of clothing left (we now have a home for it), and had raised about $330 in American to go to the clinic.
At the school, they once again did crafts and devotions, this time with grades 2 and 3. I was also informed that Jocelyn was causing a rucuss in the playground (playing with children during class time), and got a talking to from the principle. Even in a different country the Boleys can still manage to disrupt class.
After lunch at the hotel (we had delicious local shrimp!), we split into a painting and a building group. The painters made significant progress completing almost the entire front of the clinic with only small touchups needed. This may or may not include re-evaluating what a straight line actually looks like, although personally, I think the wavy border gives it some personality.
Our teams part in the building of the pharmacy is nearly complete. We have finished three walls, and only need to block around the windows of the fourth.
We came back to the hotel to shower and then were overwhelmed with joy when we saw the feast the staff had prepared for us as our last supper here in Chinandega... SPAGHETTI! I think that is description enough of how that meal went.
After dinner, the mayor and city of El Viejo had invited us to the town square for a celebration as a way of saying thanks. There were several native dances with beautiful costumes that were really entertaining to watch. Our team was then called up to the stage to show a Canadian native dance. Uh huh. Well, seeing as our highland dancer Jamie Jr. (aka sidekick) was too nervous to show off her stuff, the Boley girls took the stage with our regular flail and twitch routine. Thankfully the Nicaraguans were saved from having to watch that by the Frook´s who gracefully floated across the stage with ease. If only Jocelyn and I could do that.
The mayor then presented the team with certificates of appreciation and thanked us dearly for the work we had done for the city and its people. The whole ceremony was wonderful and really tied together the purpose of our mission, and how much it meant for the Nicaraguans.
Well, tomorrow we finsh up at the school then head back to Managua. Hopefully we can get the air conditioning in the van to work by then.
Buenas Noches Amigos!
Good Night Friends!
Jamie
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