Left at about 12:30 for a place beyond Granada, up in the mountains, where they have cables going from tree to tree, about 14 different stops.

About one hour on the way up was on a rocky road that I don't know why it didn't bust up the vehicle we were in. (The folk from Matagalpa got in at noon, and there were two vehicles of us in the safari.) I have NEVER been on a road that was so bad for so long.

I DID NOT GO MONKEY-JUMPING FROM TREE TO TREE. I find excitement in other ways!

Then another hour of rough-road returning, before we hit pavement. Took two and a half hours for trip, each way.

Fortunately, the folk from “my” group had ordered pizza, and they had a couple of slices left for me. The students ordered one pizza each, on the way back, so they are “pigging out” now.

I am tired. Will do my evening ablutions and get some sleep.

We leave the hotel about 9:00 tomorrow morning, and leave Managua about 12:30. I think I already said we'll make a stop at Atlanta, then I’ll fly to Salt Lake City.

This has been an excellent and satisfying experience. Thanks for your prayers, and keep us in mind as we fly home tomorrow.

I'll see if this letter makes it or not. I have downloaded some pictures on the computer, and will try to put them into Picasa, if internet stays alive.

Harvey

Sunday, March 23, 2008 9:45 AM
Nicaragua-18

Hi.

I've tried several times, and Internet has not cooperated. I'll keep this sort of short, in case I lose it all!

Just a footnote on yesterday's morning’s service.

They do not take up a Sabbath School offering at that site, neither do they have anything going for the children.

At the 11:00 service they have two lace-covered bowls on a table up front, and while they sing the offering song, people come up and place their offerings in the bowls. Similar to what they did in Iquitos, Peru. They do not pass the offering containers throughout the rows.

I got a good nap in the afternoon, then went to the evening meeting with Steve and Karri. Pastor Luis Leonor came half-way through the meeting, as he usually visits two or more places in the evening. Steve gave an excellent presentation on heaven, and Karri sang also. Then there was a baptism. I believe that there were eight baptized. When the call was made, about ten came forward, and two of them had expressed a desire to be baptized last night, and that was done. Then two young men in the audience answered the call also, and they were baptized.

The church was full, with children in their rooms behind the church (and back yard). After the service we had cake as a farewell, and we got a slice or so. Mine was chocolate. Of course!

Easter celebration in Nicaragua: I just got back from watching the end of the procession of “Mary” and “Christ” statues as they concluded their triumphant march around several blocks with rockets blasting in air. As they were to enter the church, Mary and Jesus did a sort of dance at the entrance of the church. Statues carried by men and women, going back and forth to the rhythm of band music. A triumphant entry into the church, rejoicing over the resurrection.

Did I tell you that I understand my district is one of the most dangerous.???? The pastor, manager of the radio station, says they have a gang there called “Comé Muertos.” (“Eat dead corpses.” The good Lord has protected us and we never felt threatened.)

This afternoon I will be going with Pastor Leonor and the group from Matagalpa who are due to arrive any minute. I think it is to some botanical garden, or something down the road from here.

The group from Sandia View Academy (New Mexico) and also Weimar (California) left this morning, flying out at noon. Our turn is tomorrow. I'm looking forward to returning home.

I posted last night's pictures in my website.

I tried my Skype [Internet phone service] last night, but something is wrong with my computer. I told Prof. Reeves, who was helping me, and he thought it would be better to get another laptop, even a rebuilt one, which is newer. This one is from 2000, and he says it is quite antique (as far as computers go). We'll see. Anyway, Old Faithful has done me good up to now.

I heard Pastor Leonor talking about baptisms, and I think there have been 12 from my site, and about 20 or so people preparing for future events.

Thanks for your prayers. Love you all.

Love to all,
Harvey (and associates)

http://picasaweb.google.com/Harvey.N.Miller

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