After a long, hot week of preaching we were looking for some relaxation and so a group of us decided to take a trip out to Awas for a late afternoon swim. Awas is a small community about a 1/2 hour walk from Pearl Lagoon - it's much faster now that we have bikes. The road out to Awas is actually nice to ride on. Rather than being made of rocks thrown into mud this road is cement and is a joy to ride on. We were thrilled that Fenelia decided to join us. Jean and Honorio were able to pull her along for a good portion of the trip but as we got closer to Awas (and after a few close calls) Honorio pushed her wheelchair to the far end of the community.
 |
| Jean pulling Fenelia in her wheelchair |
The water was as warm as bathwater but with the sun on the wane there was no concerns about getting burnt. The shore is really shallow here and you can walk out for about 1/4 of a mile before the water gets deep enough to really swim - this makes it perfect for kids young and old to go "bathing". A note to the wise: don't visit Awas during Semana Santa - this sleepy community is overrun with day-trippers from near and far.
 |
| Pat and Debbie - Awas, Nicaragua |
 |
| Enjoying some snacks |
 |
| sunset in Awas |
Even though our meetings are held in the Blake's family home the whole congregation takes turns in cleaning and preparing the "auditorium" for the meetings. Our names have finally made it onto the roster (along with Camille) and we took our first turn on April 7th. Just like back home we are responsible for sweeping and washing the floors, cleaning the bathroom and dusting. Here in Pearl Lagoon we also have to set up the seating. After the meeting we need to put away the chairs as well as sweep and wash the floor as necessary.
 |
| Camille washing the floor |
 |
| the Kingdom Hall cleaned and ready for the meeting |
As you walk towards our house you will notice some pretty flowering bushes on the left hand side of the garden. What we hadn't noticed was that there was a squash growing on the flowering vine that was intertwined in the bushes. Considering how large this squash is I can't believe that none of us noticed it until just recently. We have been told that you can eat them and so we are looking forward to it ripening and being ready to eat. The trees in the back yard are also getting their harvest ready. Pretty soon we will have plenty of mangoes and limes to fill our bellies!
 |
| squash in our front yard |
Last week when we were in Haulover we noticed a bird on a wood fence enjoying the sunshine. It looks a little like a toucan but have found out that it is actually called a
collard aracari. This little guy is a "rescue bird" just like Pancho. He was found back in the bush with a broken foot. The family have nursed him back to health, clipped his feathers so that he can't fly away and now he is part of the family. He spends his time between the house out in the bush and their house here in Haulover. They leave the faucet open (on low) so that he can have a little bath or drink when he wants. He actually was a friendly little guy - I think Pancho needs to learn from him on how to treat his family and visitors!
 |
| Honorio holding the Collard Aracari in Haulover |
The pets here in Nicaragua very seldom get "pet food" like they would if they lived in Canada or the US. Here in Pearl Lagoon they usually have to scavenge or hunt for anything they can find to fill their bellies. We came home one afternoon to find our neighbor's dogs "stalking" a small lizard. It was putting up a good fight but it obviously was no match for these two determined dogs. Obviously, only one dog would be able to enjoy a meal of this small creature so the little black one went hungry and had to keep looking for something to eat.
 |
| dogs hunting for their dinner |
Here is a picture of Jean in Raitipura. We get to enjoy sitting under those trees while teaching the bible to Miss Hazel a 65 year old woman.
