So many exciting things have happened since I last wrote; I'm in danger of forgetting them. A few days after Caroline left, Laura, Andrew and Matt arrive. For the first few days I was still sick from dengue so I had to abandon them to their fate and Laura's Spanish Phrasebook, but they didn't need me at all! Never got lost, coped with taxi drivers, buses, wierd Nicaraguan men... the local cong were so encouraged to have them out on the ministry with them, doing presentations, placing mags and commenting at the meetings. Now all I hear is "what date are they coming back?"

This weekend we had the District Convention held in English. It is arranged specially for all the need-greaters here, most of whom speak English, and for the couple of English-speaking groups around the country. It's always a fantastic occasion and so encouraging, not just because of the assembly talks, but also meeting up with all the others serving around the country that you hardly ever get to see - 651 total on Sunday ( including a few local "talent-spotters").

This convention was particularly emotional as it may be the last one held at the Bethel assembly hall before it closes down at the end of October. The chairman closing the assembly asked all to give a round of applause to the Bethel family for all their hard work over the 20 years the Bethel has been open since the ban was lifted in the 80's. After thunderous applause the chairman made his final comments and almost broke down in tears - you could hear the quaver in his voice. The branch coordinator closed in prayer. He has been a missionary in Nicaragua for 35 years and is now being re-assigned. Many of the Bethel family are being sent out into the field or to other branches.

15 of us crammed into the back of a truck hitching a ride after the assembly...

On Monday morning we were back at the assembly hall for a special meeting specifically for all those serving here. The talks are aimed at helping everyone carry on in their assignments, overcome problems particular to the country, and in this instance, to explain why the branches in Central America are closing and what the new arrangements for the missionaries and others serving here will be. One of the highlights of the meeting is that the Bethel provide lunch for everyone. The kitchens had been working since 4.00am to feed around 500 of us. My favourite part was of course the chocolate cake!

No one ever wants to say goodbye, so in the end they turned the lights off and slowly everyone trickled out to their cars, trucks, buses, bikes or tuktuks back to their assignments on a spiritual high to last them until next year.