Trip-spring 2015

Here I Come, Mi Nicaraguita

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me and flag

I left my precious home in Nicaragua in early May of this year. I already had my plane ticket when the political Troubles hit in April. It was hard to leave, not knowing what would happen, but I was convinced that the best thing I can do for the people whom I serve is Do My Part – which always has been helping them have a better quality of life. It took many hours of prayer, thought and discussion to decide and feel peace about What My Part Is Now. I will be successful in raising awareness and funds in the States as I plan to travel and connect with like-minded people. I am believing for a Van Home in early 2019.

Van Life 1992

Pregnant me and my children – Van Life in 1992

 

baldo and family on beach

 

Next Monday I am getting on a plane and going home to Nicaragua for a month. My daughter Sarah is married to a wonderful Nicaraguan man and their due date for the birth of their 3rd son is October 6th. I have been blessed to be at every birth of my daughters

 

 

Maritia with the Ultrasound Project

Missions of Grace Ultrasound Program

I have a very exciting appointment for our Missions of Grace Ultrasound Project on my first stop in San Jose, Costa Rica. I plan to stay a night or two and then take a public bus to Nicaragua. I will be posting some stories for you!)

bus

I love to meet new friends while riding the bus

I am going on this trip with hands empty but my heart full of love and concern. Our support has dropped off the last couple months, but God knows and will supply what is needed.

Keep me and the precious people of Nicaragua in your thoughts and prayers!

Talk soon!

Cheri

beans

I love cooking on an outside stove

FIRST NICARAGUAN STOP: SOPA De QUESO (Cheese Soup)

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Doesn’t it feel great to create a goal, plan it out and then ACCOMPLISH IT?  Yup, it feels so good.  I made it to Nicaragua (with lots of help from my friends as always), driving 1800 miles and then flying from Ft. Lauderdale!!!  (How strange that it was easier to do that alone than to write a blog post – sheesh, Cheri). I landed at 2am on March 13th in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua.  My plane was full of surfers and young adventure travelers – listening to their tales was great entertainment.  After I went through customs and baggage claim, I sighed a great sigh of relief.  I did not want to take a cab that late and there was Yettie Osorio – a close family friend, waiting to give me a ride to her home.  Connections!  My theme for this season of my life rocks.

Missions of Grace

Yettie introducing me to Dia de Sopa de Queso

Yettie insisted that I use her bedroom.  That is so very Nica – their hospitality is consistently incredible. The next day was Friday and Yettie offered to take me to lunch.  Here in Nicaragua the people try not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent.  Their Sopa de Queso (Cheese Soup) is popular for these Friday meals, so my adventure of the day was to try this dish at a traditional restaurant called ‘Dona Haydee’s.” It really was delicious!

ON OUR WAY TO THE BEACH

My son-in-law, Javier Baldovinos (known as Baldo) picked me up and off we went to San Juan del Sur, where he and my daughter Sarah run a guest house called Casa Ariki,  In upcoming posts, I will proudly introduce you to this fantastic Pacific coastal town, where the choices for fun are many.

Here is a taste of San Juan del Sur just for you:

www.casaariki.com

On my way to the local market to buy fresh fruit and veggies

Check out the ‘typical’ San Juan sunset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVITATION: COME ON MY JOURNEY IF YOU DARE

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I packed my Wagon on February 3 and handed the keys to my apartment to a friend who will be staying there while I am gone.  (Note, I was much more organized by the time I left San Antonio – I can see out my back window).

Where am I going?  I am writing this from a hotel near Lafayette, La., on my way to Florida and then flying to Nicaragua, staying for a month, returning to my Wagon and then, who knows – not me.

Why?  I was at a crossroads in my life, I knew I needed to begin to write and felt very stuck.  I was not connecting with enough people and I wanted a change, a challenge and felt compelled to empower myself to radically reach out to life.  I want Missions of Grace to flourish but also, I want ME to flourish, to become unshackled, to become all that I can be, and that will flow to MOG, I just know it.

Someone told me the other day that I was a good Story-Getter.  I love people, I love to draw them out and get them to share their story and pass it on to you.  From Louisiana Crawdad eaters, to Florida seniors, to Nicaraguan vendors in the streets and remote villagers – I want to connect with them and share with you. I even bought a new camera so I can take videos and photos.

Please understand that I am new to this blogging and a bit rough around the edges.  Be patient with me and help me learn and improve.  I welcome your comments – I consider you part of my community!