If It's Not Virtual, It's Not Real

Because we didn’t post about our trip to Nicaragua on social media prior to departure, I’ll admit that it didn’t feel like we were really going. It is a little bit funny and a whole lot disturbing that the virtual side of life feels like it makes real life ‘real.’

We knew that our 10 day trip, in which two of those days were travel days, would present scheduling issues regarding how to see everyone that we wanted to see and do everything we wanted to do in such a short period of time. Inevitably, there would be people we would not be able to visit and there was great potential for feelings to be hurt. Sadly, it was unavoidable. However, we felt that one of the ways to ‘control’ the itinerary and manage the wants and needs of our family and ex-pats and nationals alike, was to keep the news of our visit off of social media. So, if you felt surprised at the news that we had visited Nicaragua, you were in the majority. In fact, it felt a little surprising to me too as the day approached!

The main impetus for us returning to Nicaragua was because Jeff was invited to be the speaker/facilitator for the annual men’s retreat hosted by the international fellowship that we attended during our years in Nicaragua. Thankfully, we had some funds remaining in our associate account at Christian Veterinary Mission which helped make it possible for our whole family to accompany Jeff to Nicaragua. We felt that it was important that for the first ‘return’ trip to our former home and field of service, the whole family have the opportunity to experience it together. This trip was not only an opportunity to visit friends and places that we hold dear in our hearts but also a way to serve and care for the missionary community in a different capacity. Granted, I served in an ‘old’ way as I offered photo shoots for some of the graduating seniors and a couple of families.

Despite the fact that it didn’t feel ‘real’ prior to our arrival into the country, upon landing, the sights and sounds and feels and smells of Nicaragua reminded us that it was indeed real!

As we continue to distill the thoughts and emotions surrounding this visit, we will be posting here on the blog...so continue to stay tuned!

The Sights (And Sounds) of Nicaragua

(It felt different to takes pictures of 'life' as a non-resident.)

Interestingly that is our old car in the background.

I assure you that the WAWA is in 'signage' only!

It is perfectly normal to have 7-10 men each sitting on a series of
telephone poles to run a line. Safety First is so overrated.

Side of the Road Cheese Vendors

The drive up to our old neighborhood. 

Only two guys sitting up top...there is so much room for more!

Food Vender set up next to shipping container turned police office.

Horse Drawn Cart