Blue sky and Lizards

There is so much to say and tell but I am going to keep it all brief as this could turn into war and peace.

Went for a power nap on Monday evening at about 11.30pm and woke up at 3.30am. Now that in itself aint no great shakes, but when i was supposed to have been on a National Express coach to Heathrow at 3.00am, a fog of panick set in for all of about 10 seconds. How do I get to Heathrow without a car - the answer I don't. The coach was on its way and I had to get to Heathrow - No trains running until 5.30am which would have got me to Heathrow at 8.20am - my flight leaves at 8.40am. So that was a no go!


Two calls later to a very tired mom and sister and I had the Quinn clan swing into full support mode at 4.00am - picked up mother and brought her to my sisters and then picked up a sister and brought her to Heathrow. She then drove the car back. What a great morning, much better idea than sitting on a National Express. So glad I thought of it!!

Mom and Fran, I am so grateful to you both for helping me out, I simply would not have made my flight without you pair. So thank you so much.

Right then, Flights and all quite non exciting, although the view over Greenland was something amazing, got to be a mountain worth climbing in Greenland. Ads and Beth, you up for it????

Me up with Andy at Managua airport and jumped into the back of a huge pick-up and spent the 13 Km sitting on a plank of wood staring out the back to the capital city and various sights, all of which I could not see as it was 10pm. Sunset here is between 5.30pm and 6pm. Was a great introduction to a very warm evening, 27 degrees when I landed, and not really that much cooler through the night, although I slept like a little baby. (little babies don't sleep right through the night do they! Not sure what that is supposed to mean!).

Few things scuttling around the room last night, pretty unidentifiable, but it's nice to know that i am not alone. Woke to find a lizard of some description sharing the sunrise with me in my room. Nice boy, but not very forthcoming with conversation.

I am at the moment staying at The Peace and Hope trust 13Km out of Managua on the main Granada / Managua Road. Bloomin nice digs as well. Will be here for a couple of days before going down to the Island (Ometepe) on Friday. Little picture of my digs is in this post somewhere. Hoping to get a good plan of things today and a slap up meal tonight with the Local Expats - could be interesting. Andy has already met a few good people working out here and I can't wait to get to know these people and see if my time here can be of help to any of the good charitable work that is going on. Our plan will be formulated today.

So then, suffice to say it is warm. 6.30am and I have my shorts, t shirt and flippers on. Fantastic, 32 degrees here today is forecast which is a whole 30 degrees more than it was when I left Birmingham.

Just want to also say a great thanks to all of you who are praying for both myself and Andy. We realise how important prayer is, it's the most powerful thing we have as Christians, and so, wanted to say a great thanks to those who are interceding on our behalf. We have a few things we want to do which will see us in some of the less desireable places in the country, but we don't want to shy away from these things when there is such a gerat benefit that can be gained and given. So once again, our deepest gratitude.

I shall bang up a few more pics and stuff and let you all know how we are getting on. Jude - you are a star, there is no doubt, you have been a great support to me and your text this morning was great! Thank you for packing my stuff too. Andy was like a little boy last night when I handed him his presents. We are both looking forward to opening them on Christmas day, wherever we may be then!

God bless you all