We awoke to the smell of a delicious breakfast being prepared by our host family. We had a nice time eating and getting acquainted with the Yoders. Eventually, Fabricio and Mario, (our interpreter), arrived so we could start our day. We took a brief tour of Managua where we saw a few of the key buildings in the town. Then we went to the CFCI headquarters in the city for an orientation of the culture and a review of our trip to Matagalpa. 

CFCI works with local churches to help them build disciples. This week we were reminded to go and empower the church leaders to care and teach others. Fabricio said something quite scary. He said that "the people you work with this week will become your disciples whether you like or not." Therefore, we need to make sure we are producing disciples in the image of Christ, not our own image. We were also told that Nicaragua is a very divided country in their religion, economy, and politics. There is a major need for people both to believe in Christ as their Savior and also for Christ to be worked out into their lives and communities. After we finished orientation, we returned to the Yoders. 

Luckily for us, we arrived in Nicaragua during the hot season. (Please smell my sarcasm). It is hot and very humid. I grew up on the southern coast of Georgia, in Saint Simons Island, so heat and humidity are not new to me. However, having to live with heat and humidity without air conditioning is QUITE a new thing for me. 

We had a nice lunch and then around 3:00, we packed up the van and headed to Matagalpa. The people here drive like no one else. There are so many close calls on the road! We arrived in Matagalpa around 5:30, got into our rooms and then headed to dinner. All week long we were to eat at a cafe called "Cafetin de Los Angeles". It is run by a professionally trained chef named Norman. That evening he made some amazing food for us. He made a steamed squash that was covered with fried cheese. I really don't like squash, but when Norman made it I loved it. If the food is going to be this good all week then it will not be a wasted trip. 

So we returned to our hotel to rest and prepared for the next day. We were tired, nervous, and excited. 

Benediciones, 
Travis