Volunteers going to Nicaragua

Tomorrow these sheep will leave our home, to start their journey to Nicaragua.

(L to R) Bambi, Vaquera with Rhoose in front, Belly, and Nico

First, let me explain their names:

• Bambi was my first sheep, and travelled with us in the car for many years (hence the two-tone colour, if you looked closely, from too much sun). Oh, and she was named Bambi because I didn't realize it was a sheep ... you can guess what I thought it was!
• Vaquera, Spanish for cowgirl, as she was bought at a rodeo in Costa Rica
• Rhoose, who was bought at Cardiff airport, Wales, which is in the village of Rhoose
• Belly, who was bought around the same time as Jelly, and the manufacturer is Jelly Belly
• Nico, who was bought in Nicaragua, so needs to return. Nico is the nickname for a Nicaraguan

Nicaragua, Central America, lies between Honduras and Costa Rica

So, with the temperature as you can see it in the photo, they're eager to head south. Their journey will be a little delayed though. One of our friends visiting us this weekend is going on a missions trip to Nicaragua in February. He will be travelling with a church from Brockville, Ontario, to help any way he can. Here's a detailed report with photos from a different group who travelled to the same area, Cristo Rey (Christ King, in Spanish). Even a quick scan of the report, looking at photos, should make you appreciate your lifestyle.

A funeral procession through the streets of Granada, Nicaragua

Greg and I travelled to two areas of Nicaragua in 2015: San Juan del Sur, and Granada. Both are well-developed tourist areas, so we didn't see the degree of poverty our friend is expected to encounter. We did, however, enjoy the country and plan to return there someday to work for those in need.

Greg making friends with a baby female spider monkey in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The adult male spider monkey, who stood about 4' tall 

So, to return to our friend who will travel to Nicaragua in February. Thank you for all you do for others. You make a difference in this world and we are proud to have you as our friend.