We drove from outside of Managua through field after field of corn and thick growths of sugarcane. Our van slowed up beside a old wooden barn in the middle of a pasture with cows. “Oh no, I thought we were staying by Lake Managua and instead we’re staying in this old rickety barn.” The funny thing about the world race is that it really would be possible for us to stay in an old barn with animals. I started to prepare my mind for the possibility that we could be staying in a barn for debrief, but after the momentary pause we continued on through more corn and sugarcane fields. And I thanked God that we were not staying in the barn.
We are in fact staying right on the beach of Lake Managua. And our accommodations are amazing! We are steps away for the beach staying in dorm houses with beds. This is the 3rd time I have slept in a bed in 2 ½ months. There are bathrooms with flushing toilets and showers with water that isn’t freezing cold (The water is not hot, but that’s okay). I am amazed by how grateful I have become about the small things in life and how much I take for granted in my comfortable home in the States. We still have little annoyances to deal with like biting ants that find us during the day and in our sleep. The wind blows so hard off of the lake so that it brings a welcome breeze, but it also brings a covering of sand that cakes our beds, belongings, and bodies. I am going to be so thankful when I am able to sleep in a sand-free bed and when I am able to walk outside without squinting my eyes.
Lake Managua is 7th largest fresh water lake in the world; it measures 100 miles by 45 miles. There is a volcano island rising up in the middle of the lake that is the 1st largest fresh water island. Supposedly this is the only place in the world where fresh water tiger sharks are found. As I walked along the beach I really felt like I was at the ocean. The sand is soft and fine and stretches on for miles as waves curl and crash on the shore. It is common to see horse drawn carriages, children riding to school on a bike or a horse, and cows being led to the water to drink the fresh water.
The debrief has been a time of working hard and playing hard. We have been working on discussing the dynamics of our team and the ministry in Guatemala. That might not sound like much but it is hard work. We also have been enjoying the time playing hard in the sand and the waves that are strong enough to allow us to body surf.
