Update #13 [Day 11]

Monday, June 12, 2023

Today began by getting packed up, having our final ministry team meeting with Regan and Blanca, and saying goodbye to the final class of students at VEA.  Once the car was loaded, we headed towards the airport, stopping by Dr. Bayardo's office/home for Bethany and I to meet Dr. Ocampo and Nurse Arelys, whom she and I had not yet had the privilege of meeting (they are both from Puerto Cabezas and essential parts of our medical teams in the clinics we have conducted on the coast).  The office was swamped with patients and so we only took a moment to meet them and say hello.  After the goodbye with Dr. Bayardo and his wife, Regan and Blanca dropped us off at the airport.  After another goodbye, we are beginning our journey home.  Thank you again to Carter Newell.  He sacrificed his sleep to take us to the airport at 4am and is now picking us up from the airport later tonight (or by the time we see him, early tomorrow morning)!  

At the airport in Managua, we met a young lady from Tampa, FL who has been in Nicaragua for over a year, surfing and hanging out with the locals.  Her time here is up and she is a bit nervous about returning to the US and the culture shock that awaits her.  Please pray for a smooth and easy transition home for Collins who, like us, has fallen in love with the country and people of Nicaragua.

I am attaching a few additional pictures of our time here in Nicaragua.  One of our lavanderia, complete with traditional outdoor scrubbing sink AND washing machine.  One of our group boarding three boats at Las Islateas (The Islands) in Granada.  One of the old National Cathedral (prior to the earthquake on Dec. 23, 1972).  A new one has been built due to the structural integrity of the building being compromised, but the old one is still beautiful and lit up every night.  And one of some of the students at the top of Old Fort Granada.

In Christ,

Katy, for the team