September 14th was the independence day for Nicaragua. It is very different from our independence day in the US.
 We awoke at 4:00 a.m. (yes . . . 4:00 a.m.) to the sounds of sirens and the boom of big drums going up and down the streets. This was no accident or emergency. it was their way of telling the parents that it was time to get their kids up and dressed for the parades.
About 8:00 am or so (still groggy from waking at 4:00 am from the sirens and then at 6:00 am to let the dogs out), the parade began and it came right past where we are staying.
 Every school in the city participates in the parade, with colorful costumes and a drum corp and a color guard (not sure if we have all the terms correct there, you can watch the video).
If you wondered how many kids there are in Bluefields, the parade left no doubt. School after school marched past with the teachers and the students and the drums and all that. It was a pretty cool thing to see. If you ever make it to Bluefields, try to schedule your visit around this time.
 Tim preached at one of the churches this morning. There was a pretty good turnout in spite of the fact that everyone woke up so early.
We have posted several videos and pictures in the gallery.
If you have problems getting them to play, there are some further suggestions on the gallery page.
You will get a kick from watching these kids. The drummers are really a hoot to watch. They put on quite a show.
Tim and Kim |
