A team of eight leave for Managua, Nicaragua on July 23, 2012 to serve.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Safe Arrival
All,
We arrived safely in Managua earlier this evening! Praise God for safe travels. We are headed to bed, but know that He is working here already.
Sincerely,
Nick
Landed safely in Managua just as Nick posted earlier. We faced yet another trial at the airport where some guys saw that we were Americans, and noticed some of the items we were bringing. They had us step aside. He assured us that all would be good and he would take care of us. He led us to this area and had a man inspect our things. After finding out that we were bringing a computer into the Country we were told one of two things. Either they would detain it there and have Jared (Senior Pastor of Harvest Managua) come pick it up later, or pay 25% tax unless we could provide the paper receipt (which we didn't have). Even though it felt somewhat like monopoly where we landed on the wrong spot, we did not "pass go" and collect our $200 dollars. We had to pay a certain amount that was pretty much thought up on the spot because Jared told us he would probably never see the computer again if they detained it. If one thing exists down here, it is spiritual warfare.
I do "consider it pure joy" though when we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. And we know that perseverance must finish it's work so that we may be perfect and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (Paraphrased)
For me so far, just the ride from the airport to our hotel was a big cultural awakening. I told people before I left that I wasn't sure what to expect. In a lot of ways, I'm still not sure, but I will find out more and more this week as we get to meet many new people and spend time with them. My view from the shuttle was very dark and grim. It was definitely not a rich place by any means. It was like something that we would see in movies.
Tonight we prayed as a group all together in Dale and Tracy's room. After that we put together and assembled a bike for the pastors son who does not have one. The best part is that his son has no idea we brought it down, and Jared just found out himself tonight.
Lots to do on this trip, but in order for that I need sleep. ¡Necessito dormir! as I would say in español. Buenas noches.
Landed safely in Managua just as Nick posted earlier. We faced yet another trial at the airport where some guys saw that we were Americans, and noticed some of the items we were bringing. They had us step aside. He assured us that all would be good and he would take care of us. He led us to this area and had a man inspect our things. After finding out that we were bringing a computer into the Country we were told one of two things. Either they would detain it there and have Jared (Senior Pastor of Harvest Managua) come pick it up later, or pay 25% tax unless we could provide the paper receipt (which we didn't have). Even though it felt somewhat like monopoly where we landed on the wrong spot, we did not "pass go" and collect our $200 dollars. We had to pay a certain amount that was pretty much thought up on the spot because Jared told us he would probably never see the computer again if they detained it. If one thing exists down here, it is spiritual warfare.
ReplyDeleteI do "consider it pure joy" though when we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. And we know that perseverance must finish it's work so that we may be perfect and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (Paraphrased)
For me so far, just the ride from the airport to our hotel was a big cultural awakening. I told people before I left that I wasn't sure what to expect. In a lot of ways, I'm still not sure, but I will find out more and more this week as we get to meet many new people and spend time with them. My view from the shuttle was very dark and grim. It was definitely not a rich place by any means. It was like something that we would see in movies.
Tonight we prayed as a group all together in Dale and Tracy's room. After that we put together and assembled a bike for the pastors son who does not have one. The best part is that his son has no idea we brought it down, and Jared just found out himself tonight.
Lots to do on this trip, but in order for that I need sleep. ¡Necessito dormir! as I would say in español. Buenas noches.
-Justin
Prayers and best wishes are with you. Just don't roll doubles 3 times.
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