First day in San Carlos - Monday March 17

The trip from Juigalpa to San Carlos is a beautiful 2 hour drive and seeing San Carlos again was like bring reunited with an old friend.  I was here 2 years ago and look forward over the next days of seeing friends again.

I am staying in the Hotel Osaca.  The room is small but has hot water and air conditioning - so no complaints here!

Upstairs is a great restaraunt with an awesome view of where the river flows into the lake.  

This is Templo Baptista De Saron church in a small village outside of San Carlos called Laurel-gulan.  The pastors name is Juan Jose.  I will be preaching and teaching there this week.

That is the outside baptistery.

I have been asked to do many things on mission trips all over the world - but this was the first time I was asked to pray a blessing on this baby and mother.

There were about 30-40 people in attendance.  I taught Luke 6:46-49 on Building A Life that Pleases God.  

 While I love Nicaraguan Food (Jalapeno de la Pollo is my favorite) I passed on the fish and stuck to the beans and rice!   They were awesome!

Day Two in San Carlos - Morning of March 18th, 2014

Two years ago I came to San Carlos and fished for River Tarpon with Champa.  He is one of the local fishing guides.

We were unsuccessful 2 years ago just jumping one - but he was huge - well over an estimated 150lbs.  This morning I was able to go out again with Chaumpa and try again for the ever illusive river tarpon.

We left the Dock a little before 6 am going several miles upstream before setting out 4 trolling lines.

So far, nothing.  We had one short strike but no hook up.   I've tried praying, repenting of sins I did and even those I wanted to do and still nothing.   The day is not over - I still have a couple hours left to fish ..... But morning time was prime.

So here I sit ..... On the upside, I have seen many Tarpon rolling and the scenery is stunning!   Plus it has given me a chance to encourage Chaumpa in his search for God.   Keep him and his family In your prayers.

For those that aren't aware of what Tarpon look like - this is a Salt Water Tarpon I caught in Key West, Florida.  He went about 70 lbs.   River Tarpon are usually larger - up to about 225 lbs.   They are some of the best fighting fish on earth.  

You know the fishing is "on" when I'm taking pictures of trees!    Grin.

Here were some visitors I had on the bow of the boat as we were trolling. 

End of the morning report - no Tarpon.  Shower and Nap await.

Day Three - Photo Tour of San Carlos

I had time today to walk around San Carlos and try and capture some of the local flavor for you. 

This is the entrance to the Fort that overlooks San Carlos.  This ancient fortress was constructed in the 1666 by the Spanish to defend their trade route from pirates. The position was also used to support and defend nearby El Castillo, which was frequently assaulted by British and Dutch pirates. In 1670, English pirates captured the San Carlos structure. The fort then abandoned for over half a century, although it has at times been used as a prison and a police station. La Fortaleza was recently renovated and now includes a museum, a library and a cultural center. Today, the cement walls that once saw so many battles, lead to an outdoor area with plaques of the history of the region. The elevated position provides a pleasant view of the river.  (I copied all that)

While I was walking around the Fort - a guard opened up a door that used to house a library, but was now a storage closet.  He allowed me to rummage around and I found these 5 Cannon Balls that he said had been dug up from the property.   I tried to by one - not having a clue how I would get it home - but he said no.   However, I did get him to take a photo of me with them.   It was pretty cool!

I took these photos to show how San Carlos is located at both the mouth of the San Juan River and on the edge of Lake Cocibolca.

These cannons were placed here to protect the Spanish interests against pirates.   I wonder if those cannon balls I found were related to these cannons?

I have no idea what the story of this is.   Looks like an woman? standing on the back of a turtle?  I'll ask around to find out - but it wasn't there 2 years ago when I was here previously.

Yes ladies - this is the washateria!  I have no idea what they would use to starch my dress shirts!

Here I am on the Malacone eating my favorite Nicaraguan Meal.   Jalapeno de la Pollo.   I have had it in several restaurants -  each put their own spin on the plate.   This one today had thinly sliced bananas fresh out of the deep fryer.  They were great!

Cost of this meal?  A little over $3.00 - with tip!

Day Three - Final Night at Templo Baptista De Saron

It has been a great week of Worship at the Templo Baptista De Saron.  The people have filled the church each night and been very receptive of the messages I have brought.  I look forward to being with them again if the Lord gives us opportunity.   Several decided to follow Jesus this week and I know they will be discipled by Pastor Juan Jose.

This is just a short example of the music each night.   Just the music went sometimes 45 minutes to an hour.  Everyone participated and it was lively!

This is from invitation time.  Pastor Juan Jose lead this time each evening.  

This was part of the congregation after church.  We had a great time together.

This little girl crawled into my lap and right into my heart!  I loved her smile!

This is one of the Pastor's 6 sons.  Each would help with worship and they all love the Lord and are seeking to serve Him.

Final Day - Flight Out Of San Carlos

The day dawned bright and early but someone forgot to turn the power on - the entire city of San Carlos was without power - but no one seemed to phased by the power outage.

I left on a flight from San Carlos to Managua from San Carlos Airport.

If you think the Airport is something -check out the Runway!

The plane came and the adventure continued.   Reminded me of the planes we flew in the Panama Islands - puddle jumpers!

I had a blast!  Sat right behind the pilots and videoed the take off!   It was a beautiful flight over lakes and volcanos.  Obviously we made it .... Back to Houston tomorrow.