March 26, 2014

This was written last week when our internet was down. In this coming week, we plan to get a newsletter out to catch you up on the events of the past month.
March 26, 2014
Morning in Granada
We have been completely spoiled over the past few months. Between traveling and receiving American treats, I have added a few pounds; uncomfortable when I can hide it with sweaters, but very uncomfortable in too-tight shorts and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
With the above in mind, I started exercising in the morning. At 6 AM the sun is coming up, and it is a balmy 85. I am not alone in this venture. Most people around here know that if you want to get anything done, it needs to be in these early hours.
I pass Pedro who yells out “Good Morning” in his best English. You have” met” Pedro before. He is the “night whistler”- the neighborhood security man who circles the neighborhood on his bike, keeping us safe. Stephen has developed an acquaintance with him, and has learned that he is armed with a cell phone with the number for the police department, an extension rod that only extends 8 inches due to rust, and a friendly smile.
Imenta’s house is right by the bridge- outdoor washing, outdoor cooking, and once again a big smile, and friendly hello as she returns from the pulperia in her beautiful blue house dress.
My walking destination is the track. The land-of-the-not-quite-right has struck again. Three sides of a large rectangular block have a wide, concrete walkway with grass in the middle. The fourth side has a rock wall across it that must be sashayed around in order to complete the circuit. Regardless of the challenge, it is a busy place in the morning.
A dad dressed in a security guard uniform walks his preteen daughter to school; he carries her lunch box. A dedicated man runs the track wearing a full track suit, and a fifty-something women passes me with a pink shirt that says, “Be an athletic supporter”. I am sure she does not know what she is advertising, but this is a common sight in this second hand culture. 
We are hitting the heat of our summer here. The sun is right overhead as it heads up to the Northern Hemisphere. Even the Nicaraguans say it is hot. After walking down to a friend’s house yesterday, coming home in the heat of the day, I decide that I have a new goal: Survive this time of the year with my relationship with Jesus thriving. Most of you know me as a goal-oriented person. I still am, but I have to boil it down to what is most important. I don’t feel like I have a lot of reserves right now, and I know that if Jesus is first then the rest will fall into place.
This morning I take one extra lap around the track to avoid the ogling of the garbage men; even an aging, overweight, American gets attention here. Another good day in Granada! 