Saturday, May 7, 2016

To Bluefields, by land and river

Andrew and I took a pair of days for an out-and-back trip to Bluefields for a mix of reasons: some groundwork for an upcoming learning tour, visiting a Mennonite church (Convention) to share about MCC work and youth service opportunities, and visit MCC's partner Acción Médica Cristiana in Bluefields.  This was my first time out this direction (Rebekah's been out twice already) and our first time to travel by land, which also means traveling by river, for the last 1.5 hours of the trip.  There have been some roads in process relatively recently, which, when fully completed will make the east coast significantly more accessible to the rest of the country.

We began with a drive out to the town of El Rama, where the road ends.  We met Abel, youth pastor of the church we were visiting, who took us around town and told about some of their churches social project, including support for the local Maternity House (Casa Materna) and the local prisoners, and reforestation initiatives.


Where the Rio Siquia feeds into Rio Escondido.


Crossing the suspension bridge over the Rio Siquia to get to INATEC, the tech institute that has a nursery where seedlings are made available for reforestation efforts.


This young guy belted it out to lead the music at the church. We appreciated hearing Pastor Miguel's long history with the church and MCC's involvement in the area.


Next morning at 6:00 we got on the first boat to head towards Bluefields. This is regional transportation.





We arrive in Bluefields.  With Saúl outside the AMC office in Barrio Nueva York.


The central park in Bluefields.  The momument recognizes six ethnicities of the region: Miskito, Rama, Kriole, Mestizo, Mayagna/Suma, and Garifuna.

This was a land of pirates and Rey Mosco.

Most of the old wooden structures were taken out by Hurricane Joan in 1988.

The Moravians set up strong schools and churches many years ago.


Fish, turtles, etc.

Back to the pier, we start the long journey back to Managua. So long for now, Caribbean.


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