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.