1. Telica, Nicaragua
Mission Trip
December 28, 2009-January 11, 2010

2. Telica
We were here.

3. Excitement builds as we get closer to our
destination!

4. Grateful to have safely arrived.

5. Settling into our new home.

6. My bed for the next 12 days.

7. The women’s residence slowly became
central head quarters.

9. Downtown Telica

10. Always strange to see a Christmas tree, where
there is no snow!

11. A typical scene on
the roads in Telica

12. A typical scene on the side of the road,
between Telica and the city, León.

13. Las tiendas de León.

14. Los mercados
estan en todos
partes de León.

15. Another typical scene in León.

16. Roosters are not only
seen all over, but
heard all over...at 1:00
AM!
In Spanish this is
called a gallo pinto...

17. That’s also the name
of the national dish,
which is beans and
rice.
...and you have it
everyday...breakfast, lunch AND
dinner!

18. Many a day was
spent shopping in
León.
When building
houses in 90° F
heat people need
LOTS of water!

19. On the road back to Telica.
Facing the volcano (volcan) with the same name.

20. A New Year’s Eve tradition...the burning of the old man.

21. No New Year’s celebration would be complete without
fireworks in the street!

22. Celebrating New Years Day with surf, sun and...

23. ...dancing!! Baile!!

24. After the celebration...back to work.

25. This morning’s workout...sifting sand! Burns at least 20 calories.

26. Mercedes and Teresa (the owners of the new homes) showing off the puppies.

27. Mother and all seven of her children!

28. ...and these are Mercedes beautiful daughters. If you look behind them, you
will see where they were living before we built their new home.

29. In Nicaragua, an education means a brighter future. Something families take very seriously,
but not for granted!

30. One of the most important parts of the mission;
getting children ready and able, to attend school.

31. And celebrating their accomplishments.

32. Week Two: The beginning of Vacation Bible
School

33. A scroll of hands to show people back in the
U.S all the children who attended VBS.

34. Each morning began with skits. This is the story of Jesus
healing a blind man. Apparently before Jesus came along...

35. ...an unsuccessful healer tried stickers!

36. We played lots of games, like kickball,
which the kids loved!

37. As with any game, there are winners, and there are
good sports willing to graciously accept a loss!!

38. Overall, we had FUN, good spirits, and most importantly, snack!!

39. Friday, we celebrated with a FIESTA! (she had a really good time!!)

40. Friday also saw the final touches on
some of the houses.

41. Everyone who lent a hand on the house building
including the recipients of the new homes.

42. The blessing of the houses.

43. A very moving, spirit filled, house blessing.

44. Saturday, time to say, “Nos vemos en dos años,” because...

45. ...it was too hard to say, “goodbye!”

46. Left Telica to spend two days at a resort by the
beach.

47. Roughest two days of the whole trip!

48. Monday morning, 4:45 AM. And dreams of home.
A quiet bus ride to the Managua
Airport.

49. Thank you for sharing
in one of the most
profound,
transformative
moments of my entire
life.
God’s peace,
Kristin