Towards the end of the week we took them out to see the hill country. There is this place called Matagalpa, about a 2.5 hour drive from us. It’s way up in the mountains, and is super mild weather and lush. We went on a coffee plantation tour, which was actually really interesting. The kids did great cause there were lots of new things to look at, and animals all along the way. This is the same place with those howler monkeys (yes, the place we took Brandon’s parents and mom got totally freaked out by the sound!) and so we of course went on a hunt for them. We didn’t get to see any, but we sure heard them. The kids were really into it, which was good, cause I thought they might get freaked out by the noise-it scares me!
- The whole gang-on top of the mountain.
On the road, oh the things we see !! It’s nice to have visitors because I forget how not normal it is to see this …
We of course took them through downtown Leon, such a unique and old town. The highlight for Ryan, a History professor, was the really old church built back in the 1800’s. We all were looking forward to taking a tour of the roof-we’ve heard the views of the city are incredible. Well, they wouldn’t let the kids go up. Everyone was super bummed, especially since we had told them how fun it would be. Well, as to not waste a trip, my sister and Brandon headed to the roof while Ryan and I stayed with the kids. Turns out, they said it was such a good thing the kids weren’t allowed up there! There were super narrow breeze ways that you could just fall to your death, steep stairs, and all sorts of debris around. They did take some great photos though…
The last day was low key, a sweet friend who lives here offered to take them to the school that they work with. The kids loved seeing another school, and afterwards they visited some of Summer’s friends. They enjoyed hanging out and playing baseball with kids their same age. I had to stay home cause I got sick. Blah. At least it was their last day, and I was feeling better the next day. It was of course sad to see them go. Just when I think goodbye’s are hard, I look over and see one of their kids crying. If that doesn’t break your heart, I don’t know what would! Oh how we sure do love them! What a delight to have them stay in our home here in Nicaragua, for them to see what it is we are doing here, to see and experience the third world, to get to know Nicaragua and the staff we have working here, and the best part for me was all of them spoiling and loving on Eliana, me, and Brandon!
Jessica Stone 
Very interesting. Great photos. Thanks for sharing with us!! May God continue to bless you and your work for Him!
another “box of kleenex moment! Sweet!
We were in Haiti 2012 (the week of your anniversary) and I know that you guys like coffee! I remember the coffee pot broke at the mission house, and you two went to buy a new one and the price was outrageous, so the guys ended up taking the broken one apart and got it working again! We were pretty excited to have coffee again! I’ve enjoyed reading about your new adventures in Nicaragua and of course about the baby. We hope to get there in 2014 on a well drilling trip. Enjoy the coffee and everything else! Karen Blakley
I found your blog while looking for information on “sifting wheat”. Your blog from 2011 showed up. As I read how satan was sifting you in your decision to have a child, I wondered if you’d been blessed so I looked ahead in the story (smile) and was blessed to see you with a little girl in your arms. Your faithfulness has surely been rewarded…thank you for your testimony!
We so loved our time in Nicaragua with your sweet family! It all went by way too fast but I do love that I can now picture you in your daily routine lovin on sweet E! Can’t wait until next time!