First Concert in Matagalpa

Made it to Matagalpa - a very hilly town versus the flat towns in the area around Leon or Managua. The town was founded by a German years ago and has a large Catholic church sitting in the middle of the city, as do many of the towns in Nicaragua. Plastered on the hills are numerous shacks - there is tremendous poverty to be seen everywhere. This town is also very close to the area that saw the start of the revolution - the Sandinistas fought the government in the mountains all around this city.

Today we left HOPE Central at 6:00 am, one of the earliest start times of any trip to Nica, other than the trips to the airport to catch an early flight. We rode for about 3 hours down the Pan American highway, the same road that runs from the states all the way through central America.

Schools have always played a big part of the concerts we play on festival trips so it was no surprise that our first concert was a school - combination of middle school and high school. Great audience that surrounded the stage. They sat behind, in front, on the sides - they were everywhere. We played a few tunes then the bicycle guys took over and did a bunch of tricks and the soccer guy also shared his skill, explaining the different colors on the ball. The bike guys are awesome. Unbelievable tricks and jumps. One jumped over 6 people laying on the ground. Just awesome. Shot some video of the group so will have some cool stuff to show TJ.

Lunch was actually at a fast food chain called Tip Top. Just like KFC, fried chicken with fries and cole slaw. And it was delicious. We are now checked into the hotel which is up on a hill above the city: absolutely beautiful views of the mountains. Our next concert will be back at the school at 4:00. The school works in shifts: the first group goes in the morning to early afternoon and the second group goes in the afternoon until early evening.

Going to end now and take a bit of siesta before we leave at three.

It's MONDAY!

It's been a good Monday. Lots of rehearsal and plenty of time to talk about food security and healthcare. Met Dr. Melba, who is an awesome lady, and the new agronomist, Cederling, also awesome. I'm very excited about the potentials that both of these individuals bring to the community development project. More on that later....

Now it's time for introduction. Meet BRITTANY! This is a baby born into the family we worked with last summer. She is the daughter of Christina and Jose's sister and lives in the house with everyone. And they named her after our Brittany, which is so unbelievable.

It was great seeing the family again as well. Jose and Raphael were not there, but everyone else was: Kassandra and Jose Jr. as well as Christina. Kassandra came out with the our families photo, which we gave them last year. Really awesome. Then I gave them a photo album of the pictures from last year which seemed to be a big hit. When we came back up the street later they had their neighbors over and were showing them the photos.

It's getting very late so I'll have to update you on the food security stuff and the healthcare stuff later. We are up early tomorrow (breakfast at 5:30) and on the road by 6:00. Long day.

HOPE Central

On the ground and hanging at HOPE Central. Arrived a little late but made it just fine. So did my equipment so all is good. Rooming with Ron and Mark as well as the bicycle guys. These three young men packed their bags with BMX bikes and other equipment, traveling in from the states with the rest of the team. They do shows and then give their testimony. I'm looking forward to their part of the festival.

Managua prisons are now off the schedule. As with all things Nica, the guy in charge of the prison decided that we really shouldn't be in the prison and entertaining, as well as witnessing, to the prisoners. So instead we now leave bright and early on Tuesday morning (6:30 AM) and head for Matagalpa. The team has setup a performance at the high school. Should be fun especially with the BMX trick bike show.

Even with the hectic schedule it was still nice to just sit in the hammock under the stars at HOPE Central. Brought back all the fun times from previous trips, especially last year's building trip with the family. All the roudy card games and fun times with the group. Unbelievable memories.

Off to bed....

A Long Day of Travel to Nica Land

First post of the new blog and time to get those writing skills in gear. This trip is all about the Lord - 8 days in Nicaragua playing music in prisons and concerts, all tied back to a message from one of my favorite Nicaraguans, Marvin. The Fellowship Bible Church worship team is on our annual trip to hold festivals and deliver the message to anyone who is willing to hear. We have a busy week ahead of us. We will be going into a large prison in Managua where we will hold two concerts. Then we will travel Matagalpa where we will hold several evening concerts in conjunction with the local churches.

Marvin is so passionate for the Lord and has a tremendous story to tell. His time in prison, with gangs, on the wrong track with his life - all this has led to a main who has a tremendous ability to relate to so many, and a story that helps them realize that God doesn't give up on anybody.

Those who say that getting there is half the fun, probably didn't spend 14 hours in airports in their travel. I get the pleasure of visiting Dallas and Miami as well as the main city of Managua. The flights aren't that long but the lay-overs are significant.

Thanks to all for your support through prayer and encouragement. It's amazing how much power can be realized....