Pet Pigs

These are some of the missionaries we work with in Esteli. We are on our way to Sunday lunch at the Koellikers. Elder Reinsoso, from the Dominican Republic, found Laurie's hat and decided to model it for us. He is fun and keeps us laughing. Elder Carter, from Ogden, Utah, is his companion and of course we have one set of girls. If we had the other set, we'd have to tie two on top. Our car only holds five so when we are all together, one has to sit in the way back. They fight for that premium spot. We're very fortunate to be able to work with hard-working, dedicated, fun missionaries.

Leo and Jacob (baby), two sons of one of the families we visit weekly. Their mom is our tortilla supplier and has taught Laurie how to make them. Her tortillas are the best; especially hot with a chunk of cuajada cheese. It will be fun to have the grandkids make their own tortillas when we get home.

This is what dinner looks like before it's cooked. Pigs are considered pets and are in the house until they are big enough to eat. You can see why we don't eat pork while we're here. One house we visit has a room full of Nica chickens that they sell for eggs or dinner. This is one way many of the people make their living. On one block you can usually find on average four "pulperias" which is a small store in the front part of their house. Others use the front area of their house to park their motos or bikes at night to keep them from being stolen. Since most people walk, they need stores close to get what they need. They're like mini 7/11s selling everything from wood, tortillas, soda, candy, chips, beans, eggs, rice, live animals, shampoo, clothes, etc.

This cow was so excited to be in the store meat department that he's already grazing in the parking lot.

In Puerto Cabezas, which is on the east coast of Nicaragua, they eat sea turtle which when filleted is green. Some missionaries like it but it doesn't taste like chicken. No desire to try that!

That's Nicaragua this week. Stay tuned...