It's Wednesday night and I'm tucked in at home nursing the last (hopefully) of my cold. I'm so glad to be able to work from home. I haven't had to miss a beat on work, although I did miss doing childcare or Cuerpo Vivo on Monday night and the Cuerpo Vivo class on Tuesday. I really miss being with them.
After my last post on Saturday, I received word that there was a bad accident for some of the people who were returning from the Hispanic conference in Little Rock. One lady was killed and many were injured, some very seriously. No one from Cuerpo Vivo was hurt. Our vans stopped to help get the people out of the flipped bus. It was very serious and emotional for all. Jaime and most of the Cuerpo Vivo congregation got back home around 11pm and Oliver and a few others stayed with families at the hospitals and returned about 3am. Oliver brought home with him some kids whose parents stayed at the hospital. Sunday morning was very different for us. The family conference was wonderful and the attendees left Little Rock refreshed in God's love and plan for their families. Through the events of the wreck and aftermath, there was a renewed commitment to family and loved ones. A lot of sharing and tears and hugs and praising God. It was very emotional for me as I learned more of the details of the night before. I thought about how much I love the people of Cuerpo Vivo and especially Jaime's and Oliver's families. We joke a lot about me becoming 'brown' and loving the Hispanic culture. This weekend I realized just how much I do consider them my 'family'. And I'm thankful to our Lord for a love that strong.
This week we are planning an event called Día del Niño to celebrate children. It's supposed to happen outside on Saturday, but the weather may not cooperate. We'll see how it goes. I think it might be too wet.
I got the word that details have been worked out for me to stay in Nicaragua for 6 weeks this summer! woohoo! I bought my tickets this week. I'm so excited!! Now I have to save all my pennies to cover the trip expenses. God will provide ways for me to do that and it will be great working it out. I'm looking for house-sitting, pet-sitting, kid-sitting and granny-sitting jobs for the next few months. They will be adventures in themselves and a wonderful way to make some money for the trip.
I find myself yearning to be in nyc visiting some of the people I knew at the soup kitchens and shelters. I miss seeing Kenneth, the Lincoln Center guard who I walked by daily, and John & Paulina at Turtleshell Theatre, my favorite juice bar, my favorite healthfood restaurant, riding the subway, walking the streets, hearing all of the noise, spending time in Central Park, and yes, even being around the tourists. Good memories.
Time for bed and sweet dreams.
God is so good to give me many experiences and relationships and feelings. I'm thankful for the life He is allowing me to live.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Another week has passed. They are the same, but different. I like structure, but also variety. Sometimes, I can't believe how quickly the weeks and months fly by. I love having the time packed with lots of productivity, rest and time with my Lord.
Monday night with the Cuerpo Vivo kids was fun. The weather was a little chilly, so we stayed indoors. We had a total of 15 kids this week. I think everyone had a good time. I definitely had to vacuum afterwards since we had goldfish crackers for snack! But, I need all the exercise I can get, so I didn't mind.
Tuesday's Cuerpo Vivo Bible class was really good. We had a couple of guys from the Monday class switch to the Tuesday am class since they have to take their kids to soccer practice on Monday nights. This made a total of 5 in the Tuesday class (they run about 25 on Monday nights) and we had a great time of discussion. It took me 3 hours on Monday night (after childcare was over) to translate the pages for Tuesday's class into English so that I could understand the subject matter. It is always a good study time in Spanish for me. I can't wait for the day when I can understand most of the Spanish that I hear and read in the course of my week. It's getting better and I'm not giving up.
Speaking of Spanish lessons, I'm pushing hard through the text book that Oliver used in our classes in the fall/winter. I want to get through the book and also the lessons I found on-line before I leave for Nicaragua again in July. I pray daily for a clear mind, understanding, retention and perserverence. I already have the love for the language and culture in my heart, so that keeps me going.
I finished reading the New Testament a while ago, so I'm slowly making my way through the Old Testament. When I finish that (whenever that will be...) maybe I'll tackle it all over again in Spanish. (check back in a year or so to see if I made it! ha)
My allergies are acting up these last few days. Watery eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. I'm doing a lot of orange & carrot juice, green tea and vitamin C with zinc. Oh yeah, and a nap! The rain this weekend should help to clean up the air outside, so look forward to feeling (and breathing) better in no time. Last Wednesday morning I took a 3 1/2 mile walk through some woodsy area and I think the pollen got to me. I look forward to getting back outside after the rain is gone. I love being outside. I liked that part of living in nyc as well as being in Nic. I love God's world.
I was blessed again this week with another love offering that I can put toward my plane tickets for Nic. I'm so thankful to God for providing the way for me, and for the wonderful friends who follow His call to help me participate in the ministry in Nic. Thank you soooo much!!
I met with Brian Sander (the new Youth Pastor at FBCR) again this week concerning the Youth Mission Rogers Week this summer. Things are coming together to make this year a great week of service, growth and evangelism. I'm excited to be able to help with it.
On May 1, Cuerpo Vivo will hold an event called 'Day of the Child'. It's been fun working on the plans with Erika Martinez. This will be a fun day for the voluteers from Cuerpo Vivo and also the families who come to participate. We hope to reach a lot of prospects for the church. I pray it will be a mild, sunny day... It will be fun!
This weekend, many of the members of Cuerpo Vivo are attending a conference in Little Rock. Our Praise Team is leading worship. I can't wait to hear from everyone on Sunday about how they were touched by the Holy Spirit at the conference.
This is also the weekend for the Ladies Retreat for FBCR. Lots of ladies travelled to Tulsa for the night. I'm sure they had a great time of worship, fellowship and fun.
Time for a 'medicinal' nap. If that doesn't make me feel better, perhaps I'll pull out the 'big guns' - CHOCOLATE!
God is so good in ALL His plans. I'm thankful to be a part. Pray that I will pay attention to follow only HIS will. To Him be all glory and praise.
Monday night with the Cuerpo Vivo kids was fun. The weather was a little chilly, so we stayed indoors. We had a total of 15 kids this week. I think everyone had a good time. I definitely had to vacuum afterwards since we had goldfish crackers for snack! But, I need all the exercise I can get, so I didn't mind.
Tuesday's Cuerpo Vivo Bible class was really good. We had a couple of guys from the Monday class switch to the Tuesday am class since they have to take their kids to soccer practice on Monday nights. This made a total of 5 in the Tuesday class (they run about 25 on Monday nights) and we had a great time of discussion. It took me 3 hours on Monday night (after childcare was over) to translate the pages for Tuesday's class into English so that I could understand the subject matter. It is always a good study time in Spanish for me. I can't wait for the day when I can understand most of the Spanish that I hear and read in the course of my week. It's getting better and I'm not giving up.
Speaking of Spanish lessons, I'm pushing hard through the text book that Oliver used in our classes in the fall/winter. I want to get through the book and also the lessons I found on-line before I leave for Nicaragua again in July. I pray daily for a clear mind, understanding, retention and perserverence. I already have the love for the language and culture in my heart, so that keeps me going.
I finished reading the New Testament a while ago, so I'm slowly making my way through the Old Testament. When I finish that (whenever that will be...) maybe I'll tackle it all over again in Spanish. (check back in a year or so to see if I made it! ha)
My allergies are acting up these last few days. Watery eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. I'm doing a lot of orange & carrot juice, green tea and vitamin C with zinc. Oh yeah, and a nap! The rain this weekend should help to clean up the air outside, so look forward to feeling (and breathing) better in no time. Last Wednesday morning I took a 3 1/2 mile walk through some woodsy area and I think the pollen got to me. I look forward to getting back outside after the rain is gone. I love being outside. I liked that part of living in nyc as well as being in Nic. I love God's world.
I was blessed again this week with another love offering that I can put toward my plane tickets for Nic. I'm so thankful to God for providing the way for me, and for the wonderful friends who follow His call to help me participate in the ministry in Nic. Thank you soooo much!!
I met with Brian Sander (the new Youth Pastor at FBCR) again this week concerning the Youth Mission Rogers Week this summer. Things are coming together to make this year a great week of service, growth and evangelism. I'm excited to be able to help with it.
On May 1, Cuerpo Vivo will hold an event called 'Day of the Child'. It's been fun working on the plans with Erika Martinez. This will be a fun day for the voluteers from Cuerpo Vivo and also the families who come to participate. We hope to reach a lot of prospects for the church. I pray it will be a mild, sunny day... It will be fun!
This weekend, many of the members of Cuerpo Vivo are attending a conference in Little Rock. Our Praise Team is leading worship. I can't wait to hear from everyone on Sunday about how they were touched by the Holy Spirit at the conference.
This is also the weekend for the Ladies Retreat for FBCR. Lots of ladies travelled to Tulsa for the night. I'm sure they had a great time of worship, fellowship and fun.
Time for a 'medicinal' nap. If that doesn't make me feel better, perhaps I'll pull out the 'big guns' - CHOCOLATE!
God is so good in ALL His plans. I'm thankful to be a part. Pray that I will pay attention to follow only HIS will. To Him be all glory and praise.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday evening and it's time to sit back and relax. I'm going to do some catching up in this blog, check out a few people on facebook and then study some Spanish on-line.
Deanna and I had a very yummy dinner of Super Salad (mixed greens, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, celery, mushrooms, 4 colors of bell peppers, tomato, avocado, croutons and grilled chicken)and some 'healthy' cookies for dessert (oatmeal with almonds, dates, cranberries, sunflower seeds, flax seeds). We love to eat around here!!! Poor Jet was so jealous.
I grabbed a wonderful nap this rainy afternoon. We sure needed it to wash the pollen out of the air. I think we could have used a little harder shower, but I'm thankful for what God has sent.
On Monday, I was given the gift of extra time (since the Staff meeting was cancelled)so I took advantage of it and ran to Springdale to get the first of my Hepatitis B shots. It was a beautiful, sunny day. That evening was Cuerpo Vivo class and I had fun playing with the kids out on the playground. It was handy to have out snack out there, too, so the was very little cleanup! I love it that the sun stays out longer.
Our Tuesday Cuerpo Vivo class met on Thursday this week, so it gave me a few more days to translate the workbook into English so that I can keep up in class. It's been good for me, not just in Bible Study, but in Spanish practice, too. I need all the help I can get!!!
I'm getting a lot of response back from the emails I sent out to the agencies/ministries in Rogers for setting up work projects for the Youth during Mission week in June. I think it will be a good week of service. I'm enjoying the planning.
I'm praying about the dates of my trip back to Nicaragua and also the finances. I was very blessed to be able to apply Christmas money toward the trip in March. Now, I'm scrimping and saving for the summer trip. It should cost at least $1,500. I know that God will make it possible to go, and He's already blessed me with love offerings from a couple of special people who 'just felt that they were supposed to give me some money'. awesome
I've been collecting stuff to take back to Nic. I can't wait to get back there to work with Voice of Hope.
I'm thankful that I can work with the local missions here at FBC Rogers, the Hispanic ministry of Cuerpo Vivo and also spend some time in Nic with Voice of Hope. My heart is spread over all three areas. I know that God will work out how much time I'm supposed to spend in each area. Pray that I will have discernment and listen to His guidance when making plans.
I was super blessed this week to have lunch with my friend Megan, who served as an M in North Africa for 2 years. We had a good lunch of salad and dessert. :) We talked for a long time about serving 'in the field' and how the adjustment has been for each of us to be back in the Bible Belt in Arkansas. I wish I could have visited her and served beside her in NA, but I had to settle for sending my prayers instead. I know that God used her life to reach many there and that she is very thankful for the experience to follow His call.
Time to retire the blog for the day and get to studying. Maybe a cookie will help my concentration. I'm glad that God makes healthy stuff taste good, too!
Deanna and I had a very yummy dinner of Super Salad (mixed greens, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, celery, mushrooms, 4 colors of bell peppers, tomato, avocado, croutons and grilled chicken)and some 'healthy' cookies for dessert (oatmeal with almonds, dates, cranberries, sunflower seeds, flax seeds). We love to eat around here!!! Poor Jet was so jealous.
I grabbed a wonderful nap this rainy afternoon. We sure needed it to wash the pollen out of the air. I think we could have used a little harder shower, but I'm thankful for what God has sent.
On Monday, I was given the gift of extra time (since the Staff meeting was cancelled)so I took advantage of it and ran to Springdale to get the first of my Hepatitis B shots. It was a beautiful, sunny day. That evening was Cuerpo Vivo class and I had fun playing with the kids out on the playground. It was handy to have out snack out there, too, so the was very little cleanup! I love it that the sun stays out longer.
Our Tuesday Cuerpo Vivo class met on Thursday this week, so it gave me a few more days to translate the workbook into English so that I can keep up in class. It's been good for me, not just in Bible Study, but in Spanish practice, too. I need all the help I can get!!!
I'm getting a lot of response back from the emails I sent out to the agencies/ministries in Rogers for setting up work projects for the Youth during Mission week in June. I think it will be a good week of service. I'm enjoying the planning.
I'm praying about the dates of my trip back to Nicaragua and also the finances. I was very blessed to be able to apply Christmas money toward the trip in March. Now, I'm scrimping and saving for the summer trip. It should cost at least $1,500. I know that God will make it possible to go, and He's already blessed me with love offerings from a couple of special people who 'just felt that they were supposed to give me some money'. awesome
I've been collecting stuff to take back to Nic. I can't wait to get back there to work with Voice of Hope.
I'm thankful that I can work with the local missions here at FBC Rogers, the Hispanic ministry of Cuerpo Vivo and also spend some time in Nic with Voice of Hope. My heart is spread over all three areas. I know that God will work out how much time I'm supposed to spend in each area. Pray that I will have discernment and listen to His guidance when making plans.
I was super blessed this week to have lunch with my friend Megan, who served as an M in North Africa for 2 years. We had a good lunch of salad and dessert. :) We talked for a long time about serving 'in the field' and how the adjustment has been for each of us to be back in the Bible Belt in Arkansas. I wish I could have visited her and served beside her in NA, but I had to settle for sending my prayers instead. I know that God used her life to reach many there and that she is very thankful for the experience to follow His call.
Time to retire the blog for the day and get to studying. Maybe a cookie will help my concentration. I'm glad that God makes healthy stuff taste good, too!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
It's Saturday night and I'm about ready to go to bed. It's been a great week. Lots to do and lots done.
Last Sunday was wonderful. We had lots of visitors at Cuerpo Vivo and then had a fantastic meal after service. One of our members is a chef a Abuelos restaurant and man, can he cook!!! It was a very festive day of celebrating our Lord and His resurrection with loved ones from church. By the time we got all cleaned up and chairs/tables put away, it was 4pm. I was ready for a good rest.
This week has been busy with plans for projects for Cuerpo Vivo, doing some preliminary work on the Youth Missions week, visiting the Medical Clinic and Food Pantry, going to class, speaking to some of the AWANA kids and meeting with the Nic team. I got the chance to take care of some personal errands and make some appointments for checkups and such.
I've enjoyed getting to walk outside in this beautiful weather. I have a 2 mile route and a 3 mile route near the house. It's so nice to be outside. Jet went with me on a walk on Friday, but we had to stop at every mailbox and, since it was trash pick up day, every transhcan, too!
I got the oil changed in the car and a quick wash for it. I think I noticed a little smile on it's grill.
Today we had a bridal shower for Deanna's granddaughter, Britnee. It was nice. Jet even dressed up in a snazzy bandana.
I worked on my taxes and was pleased to find that I owe less than $2000 this year. I'll give 'Cesar what is due Cesar', but he'll get it in payments! :)
Last Wednesday, I got to talk to some of the AWANA kids. These guys have adopted me as their missionary this year. I keep them up to date on what is going on with the Mission Rogers local missions stuff. I also shared with them about being in Nicaragua over Spring Break. They are going to pray for, and ask about being involved with the Back Yard Bible Clubs and Block Parties in the community this summer.
The team that went to Nicaragua over Spring Break have taken on a project of raising money for equipment to help with a community well for a village we visited. It's going to be fun to see the money come in, dimes and quarters and dollars at a time. What an impact it will make on the families in this village!
I'm waiting on some information so that I can plan my next trip to Nic. It will probably be mid-July through most of August. I can't wait! I'm going to enjoy working there with Voice of Hope teams and the missionary family (the Speigle's) in lots of work going on down there. I've already got stuff separated to pack.
Tomorrow will be nice. First, worship services in the morning and then a joint service in the evening with FBC Rogers and Cuerpo Vivo. There will be music in English and Spanish and some baptisms. I'm going to try to fit in a nap and a walk around the neighborhood in the sweet sunshine.
For now I'll head to bed. I'm praying for those who went to churches last week just because it was Easter. I pray that they will be nudged by the Holy Spirit to make a repeat appearance tomorrow, too. I'm looking forward to celebrating my Jesus.
Last Sunday was wonderful. We had lots of visitors at Cuerpo Vivo and then had a fantastic meal after service. One of our members is a chef a Abuelos restaurant and man, can he cook!!! It was a very festive day of celebrating our Lord and His resurrection with loved ones from church. By the time we got all cleaned up and chairs/tables put away, it was 4pm. I was ready for a good rest.
This week has been busy with plans for projects for Cuerpo Vivo, doing some preliminary work on the Youth Missions week, visiting the Medical Clinic and Food Pantry, going to class, speaking to some of the AWANA kids and meeting with the Nic team. I got the chance to take care of some personal errands and make some appointments for checkups and such.
I've enjoyed getting to walk outside in this beautiful weather. I have a 2 mile route and a 3 mile route near the house. It's so nice to be outside. Jet went with me on a walk on Friday, but we had to stop at every mailbox and, since it was trash pick up day, every transhcan, too!
I got the oil changed in the car and a quick wash for it. I think I noticed a little smile on it's grill.
Today we had a bridal shower for Deanna's granddaughter, Britnee. It was nice. Jet even dressed up in a snazzy bandana.
I worked on my taxes and was pleased to find that I owe less than $2000 this year. I'll give 'Cesar what is due Cesar', but he'll get it in payments! :)
Last Wednesday, I got to talk to some of the AWANA kids. These guys have adopted me as their missionary this year. I keep them up to date on what is going on with the Mission Rogers local missions stuff. I also shared with them about being in Nicaragua over Spring Break. They are going to pray for, and ask about being involved with the Back Yard Bible Clubs and Block Parties in the community this summer.
The team that went to Nicaragua over Spring Break have taken on a project of raising money for equipment to help with a community well for a village we visited. It's going to be fun to see the money come in, dimes and quarters and dollars at a time. What an impact it will make on the families in this village!
I'm waiting on some information so that I can plan my next trip to Nic. It will probably be mid-July through most of August. I can't wait! I'm going to enjoy working there with Voice of Hope teams and the missionary family (the Speigle's) in lots of work going on down there. I've already got stuff separated to pack.
Tomorrow will be nice. First, worship services in the morning and then a joint service in the evening with FBC Rogers and Cuerpo Vivo. There will be music in English and Spanish and some baptisms. I'm going to try to fit in a nap and a walk around the neighborhood in the sweet sunshine.
For now I'll head to bed. I'm praying for those who went to churches last week just because it was Easter. I pray that they will be nudged by the Holy Spirit to make a repeat appearance tomorrow, too. I'm looking forward to celebrating my Jesus.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Nicaraga Trip - March 27, 2010
Day 8 Saturday
Travel Day
Up at 2:30am to load luggage into vans. Left the Team house at 3am. Picked up John in Leon and then off to the airport another hour away. I think everyone caught a few zzzs on the way to the airport.
We said goodbye to John and got checked in and waited for our flight. Upon checking in, 4 of us found out that our seats on the Houston to XNA flight were not confirmed. The flight was overbooked, so we were going to have a nice challenge of securing everyone’s return to Rogers.
The flight was fine and I caught another little nap. We had a breakfast on the plane of a burrito with eggs and beans, fruit and muffin. It was tasty, but I think everyone else was pretty much tired of beans for breakfast.
When we got to Houston, we checked on our flights. We were told that nothing could be decided on the four of us until they gate keepers came on duty at 2:30pm. Everyone took off for lunch in various places. And then we hooked up together and spent time journaling, coloring, making phone calls, following sports scores, etc.
A wonderful Continental agent helped me out with alternatives for the four of us who might not have seats on the plane. We also checked with other airlines, and as with the first travel day, everyone was overbooked for the spring break weekend. The best alternative was that the airline would put us up in a hotel, provide meals and transportation to the airport and fly us into Tulsa the next morning. We were okay with this and kind of looked forward to an overnighter together. The best case scenario was to grab seats from people who were missing our flight. It kind of felt like we were wishing them disappointment so we could have their seats. But we left it up to God to work out and were happy either way. We were still antsy just waiting to see which way it was going to go. At the very last minute, we actually made our original flight due to an international connecting flight being hung up in customs. So, we made it home just fine.
Parents were glad to see kids and I think the kids were glad to see their parents. The Caseys took me home with a side trip to Chick-Fil-A, which Johanna was missing terribly. We had a nice chat and then it was time for me to see Deanna and Jet. Deanna welcomed me with a hug and Jet snubbed me a little. I think he was miffed that I was gone a whole week. He was more attentive later in the evening and was my usual buddy from then on. Deanna took one look at my ankles and chained me to the recliner and waited on me hand and foot for the night. I slept very well in my own bed and dreamed of everything I experienced in Nic that week. I’m so ready to go back and back and back… God has blessed me beyond measure. Thank you Lord!
Travel Day
Up at 2:30am to load luggage into vans. Left the Team house at 3am. Picked up John in Leon and then off to the airport another hour away. I think everyone caught a few zzzs on the way to the airport.
We said goodbye to John and got checked in and waited for our flight. Upon checking in, 4 of us found out that our seats on the Houston to XNA flight were not confirmed. The flight was overbooked, so we were going to have a nice challenge of securing everyone’s return to Rogers.
The flight was fine and I caught another little nap. We had a breakfast on the plane of a burrito with eggs and beans, fruit and muffin. It was tasty, but I think everyone else was pretty much tired of beans for breakfast.
When we got to Houston, we checked on our flights. We were told that nothing could be decided on the four of us until they gate keepers came on duty at 2:30pm. Everyone took off for lunch in various places. And then we hooked up together and spent time journaling, coloring, making phone calls, following sports scores, etc.
A wonderful Continental agent helped me out with alternatives for the four of us who might not have seats on the plane. We also checked with other airlines, and as with the first travel day, everyone was overbooked for the spring break weekend. The best alternative was that the airline would put us up in a hotel, provide meals and transportation to the airport and fly us into Tulsa the next morning. We were okay with this and kind of looked forward to an overnighter together. The best case scenario was to grab seats from people who were missing our flight. It kind of felt like we were wishing them disappointment so we could have their seats. But we left it up to God to work out and were happy either way. We were still antsy just waiting to see which way it was going to go. At the very last minute, we actually made our original flight due to an international connecting flight being hung up in customs. So, we made it home just fine.
Parents were glad to see kids and I think the kids were glad to see their parents. The Caseys took me home with a side trip to Chick-Fil-A, which Johanna was missing terribly. We had a nice chat and then it was time for me to see Deanna and Jet. Deanna welcomed me with a hug and Jet snubbed me a little. I think he was miffed that I was gone a whole week. He was more attentive later in the evening and was my usual buddy from then on. Deanna took one look at my ankles and chained me to the recliner and waited on me hand and foot for the night. I slept very well in my own bed and dreamed of everything I experienced in Nic that week. I’m so ready to go back and back and back… God has blessed me beyond measure. Thank you Lord!
Nicaragua Trip - March 26, 2010
Day 7 Friday
Mike left this morning at 3am for the airport. John (missionary) will be spending the day with us today. We got up early (6 am) to start our FUN DAY. The cooks weren’t there to make breakfast (miscommunication), but it was fine. This gave us the chance to stop at ‘On the Run’ convenience store and get snacks for breakfast. I was happy that the 2 ½ hour drive wouldn’t be made on a heavy breakfast. (I tend to get car sick.) We picked up Chico and John and were on our way.
First stop was the Canopy Tour Miravalle near Granada. This is a zip line tour through the tree tops on the side of a mountain/volcano. I had absolutely no intention of doing this crazy activity. None. Nada. But as the team was getting ready and I was thinking about how everyone had stepped outside of their comfort zones in so many ways all week long, I started giving in. I noticed there was a picture of someone doing the zip line in tandem with a guide. I actually gave in and said I would do it IF the guide promised to NEVER let go of me! My heart was beating like crazy starting with signing the ‘release’ paper and paying my money. What in the world was I doing??? My guide’s name was Daniel, but was called Pinky. He was reassuring. He told me I was in good hands and that he started the day before. Ha. I asked if the reason he agreed to go tandem was because he was afraid to go by himself. Ha ha.
With my heart pounding and my palms sweating, I jumped in the truck that took us up to the first tree. Oh my word!! That was high up!! Then they tell me that I have to go FIRST! Yikes! Even the climb up the steps built alongside the tree was scaring me! The platforms up in the trees were all see-through metal with some wood. That is scary to me by itself. Anyway, to get hooked up on the zip line, you have to jump up and then hang there after they get you hooked in. Well, I don’t do vertical challenges well and it took 2 of the guides (and maybe 3 sometimes – I don’t know cuz I kept my eyes closed!) to lift me up high enough to get secured to the little wheely thing. I was soooo scared! I was praying for God to calm me down. I’m not scared of dieing, but I was deathly scared of that fall. The guides kept telling me to calm down. I wasn’t making any noises, but I know that my face had to be stark white as the blood drained from it. Pinky got hooked onto the line and tethered to me and held on to my sleeves. As we zipped across that wire I screamed. Not like a girl – but like someone being tortured. I wasn’t even embarrassed. I kept my eyes closed the whole way and could feel some tree tops hitting my shoes. We made it to the other side. Then the other scary part – getting unhooked. You have to jump up (help from the guides to lift me up) and then stand there on this teeny platform. I figured that I could endure this for one more time. Silly me – I thought it was just 2 times and then we would be done! Ha! It was 7. Ahhhh! At one point I was trying to decide if and how I could get down and quit. But I couldn’t find a good alternative in my mind, so I just hung in there (sorry for the pun) and kept going.
The first 2 times I kept my eyes clamped shut and was terrified. The third time, I opened my eyes a little bit in the middle. The guides take your cameras and take pics of your team. They do a good job of this. I was especially thankful since I don’t plan on doing this again and it’s nice to have proof that I actually did it! Anyway, the next time Pinky said ‘look at me’ and when I opened my eyes and expected to see his face, I saw one leg instead. He was hanging upside down! I yelled for him to get back up there and hold on to me! When we ‘landed’ on the next platform, I smacked his arm and told him to never let go of me again. Then called our interpreter, Chico, over and had him explain in Spanish, just in case Pinky didn’t get it in English. Actually, Pinky was wonderful and I kept apologizing for being so scared and needing extra attention. He told me it was his pleasure. He was very nice and gracious. A few times, we had to walk across these metal bridges that you can see through and that was scary, too. At all times we were tethered to a tree or a bridge or something, so we were really safe. It was just hard to convince my pounding heart of that fact. Some of the kids did some tricks, like upside down, superman, pairs, etc. They are so brave. About half way through I was feeling much braver and Pinky just had to either hold on to my sleeve or touch my back with his knee for me to feel safe. When it was over, I felt such a sense of relief and exhilaration. It really was fun, but I’m not sure I would do it again because of my terror of heights. Paige and Chris bought me a shirt to commemorate the experience. I earned that shirt! All in all, I loved the experience.
Next on our Fun Day agenda was lunch at a restaurant. It was very tasty. I got a salad and was so thankful for veggies! Manuel, our driver lives in Granada and he gave us a quick bus tour through this beautiful little city. I can’t wait to go back and explore that town more.
We went to a little area of shops (not a tourist trap) and bought a few things. One shop is run by a Pastor who sells handmade items to help support his church. Then we headed up to a national park at a volcano. We had 30 minutes to explore, but that was plenty of time. We could go right up to the rim of the volcano and see all the smoke. It was neat to watch as the smoke would clear and you could see down in there. A neat cross was up on top of the hill above the crater and the team walked up there for some pics. I walked about half way up, but opted to sit on a bench until they came back down. I was so swollen that I felt that my skin would pop on my feet and ankles (and everywhere else, for that matter). It was beautiful to be there.
We then started back to the Team house around 5pm. We stopped at On the Run on the way home. I got to have some fun chats with Chico and Manuel in Spanish. Chico has adopted me as a second mother, so I now have a son, daughter-in-law and 6 month old grandbaby in Nic. What a joy! Chico told me all the things that he wants me to do with his family when I come back in the summer. I can’t wait!
We got back to the house about 8pm and had dinner and share time. We packed our suitcases and had them staged on the veranda before bed. There was water, so we got some showers!!! I took care of some ‘house’ duties that Mary and Mike had asked me to see to in their absence. I packed my Nic backpack with items and clothes that I was leaving there for when I go back in July. It felt good to leave a piece of me there.
I made it to bed and posted my last update on Facebook via my phone at 11pm. I got a nap, since we had to be up and ready to load the van at 2:30am. Our last night in Nic. The girls in my room opted for sleeping outside on the (gated) veranda the last few nights. They said they slept so well in the breeze. I didn’t mind staying in our room, since I could use everyone’s fans for just me. And the electric seemed to stay on more during the night, or maybe I was just getting used to the interruptions. Anyway, I enjoyed my nap.
There were no Professions of Faith on this day, but much appreciation for God’s creation in the world and in each other. A really nice day. God is so thoughtful to allow us eyes and ears to enjoy this wonderful world. Thank you Lord
Mike left this morning at 3am for the airport. John (missionary) will be spending the day with us today. We got up early (6 am) to start our FUN DAY. The cooks weren’t there to make breakfast (miscommunication), but it was fine. This gave us the chance to stop at ‘On the Run’ convenience store and get snacks for breakfast. I was happy that the 2 ½ hour drive wouldn’t be made on a heavy breakfast. (I tend to get car sick.) We picked up Chico and John and were on our way.
First stop was the Canopy Tour Miravalle near Granada. This is a zip line tour through the tree tops on the side of a mountain/volcano. I had absolutely no intention of doing this crazy activity. None. Nada. But as the team was getting ready and I was thinking about how everyone had stepped outside of their comfort zones in so many ways all week long, I started giving in. I noticed there was a picture of someone doing the zip line in tandem with a guide. I actually gave in and said I would do it IF the guide promised to NEVER let go of me! My heart was beating like crazy starting with signing the ‘release’ paper and paying my money. What in the world was I doing??? My guide’s name was Daniel, but was called Pinky. He was reassuring. He told me I was in good hands and that he started the day before. Ha. I asked if the reason he agreed to go tandem was because he was afraid to go by himself. Ha ha.
With my heart pounding and my palms sweating, I jumped in the truck that took us up to the first tree. Oh my word!! That was high up!! Then they tell me that I have to go FIRST! Yikes! Even the climb up the steps built alongside the tree was scaring me! The platforms up in the trees were all see-through metal with some wood. That is scary to me by itself. Anyway, to get hooked up on the zip line, you have to jump up and then hang there after they get you hooked in. Well, I don’t do vertical challenges well and it took 2 of the guides (and maybe 3 sometimes – I don’t know cuz I kept my eyes closed!) to lift me up high enough to get secured to the little wheely thing. I was soooo scared! I was praying for God to calm me down. I’m not scared of dieing, but I was deathly scared of that fall. The guides kept telling me to calm down. I wasn’t making any noises, but I know that my face had to be stark white as the blood drained from it. Pinky got hooked onto the line and tethered to me and held on to my sleeves. As we zipped across that wire I screamed. Not like a girl – but like someone being tortured. I wasn’t even embarrassed. I kept my eyes closed the whole way and could feel some tree tops hitting my shoes. We made it to the other side. Then the other scary part – getting unhooked. You have to jump up (help from the guides to lift me up) and then stand there on this teeny platform. I figured that I could endure this for one more time. Silly me – I thought it was just 2 times and then we would be done! Ha! It was 7. Ahhhh! At one point I was trying to decide if and how I could get down and quit. But I couldn’t find a good alternative in my mind, so I just hung in there (sorry for the pun) and kept going.
The first 2 times I kept my eyes clamped shut and was terrified. The third time, I opened my eyes a little bit in the middle. The guides take your cameras and take pics of your team. They do a good job of this. I was especially thankful since I don’t plan on doing this again and it’s nice to have proof that I actually did it! Anyway, the next time Pinky said ‘look at me’ and when I opened my eyes and expected to see his face, I saw one leg instead. He was hanging upside down! I yelled for him to get back up there and hold on to me! When we ‘landed’ on the next platform, I smacked his arm and told him to never let go of me again. Then called our interpreter, Chico, over and had him explain in Spanish, just in case Pinky didn’t get it in English. Actually, Pinky was wonderful and I kept apologizing for being so scared and needing extra attention. He told me it was his pleasure. He was very nice and gracious. A few times, we had to walk across these metal bridges that you can see through and that was scary, too. At all times we were tethered to a tree or a bridge or something, so we were really safe. It was just hard to convince my pounding heart of that fact. Some of the kids did some tricks, like upside down, superman, pairs, etc. They are so brave. About half way through I was feeling much braver and Pinky just had to either hold on to my sleeve or touch my back with his knee for me to feel safe. When it was over, I felt such a sense of relief and exhilaration. It really was fun, but I’m not sure I would do it again because of my terror of heights. Paige and Chris bought me a shirt to commemorate the experience. I earned that shirt! All in all, I loved the experience.
Next on our Fun Day agenda was lunch at a restaurant. It was very tasty. I got a salad and was so thankful for veggies! Manuel, our driver lives in Granada and he gave us a quick bus tour through this beautiful little city. I can’t wait to go back and explore that town more.
We went to a little area of shops (not a tourist trap) and bought a few things. One shop is run by a Pastor who sells handmade items to help support his church. Then we headed up to a national park at a volcano. We had 30 minutes to explore, but that was plenty of time. We could go right up to the rim of the volcano and see all the smoke. It was neat to watch as the smoke would clear and you could see down in there. A neat cross was up on top of the hill above the crater and the team walked up there for some pics. I walked about half way up, but opted to sit on a bench until they came back down. I was so swollen that I felt that my skin would pop on my feet and ankles (and everywhere else, for that matter). It was beautiful to be there.
We then started back to the Team house around 5pm. We stopped at On the Run on the way home. I got to have some fun chats with Chico and Manuel in Spanish. Chico has adopted me as a second mother, so I now have a son, daughter-in-law and 6 month old grandbaby in Nic. What a joy! Chico told me all the things that he wants me to do with his family when I come back in the summer. I can’t wait!
We got back to the house about 8pm and had dinner and share time. We packed our suitcases and had them staged on the veranda before bed. There was water, so we got some showers!!! I took care of some ‘house’ duties that Mary and Mike had asked me to see to in their absence. I packed my Nic backpack with items and clothes that I was leaving there for when I go back in July. It felt good to leave a piece of me there.
I made it to bed and posted my last update on Facebook via my phone at 11pm. I got a nap, since we had to be up and ready to load the van at 2:30am. Our last night in Nic. The girls in my room opted for sleeping outside on the (gated) veranda the last few nights. They said they slept so well in the breeze. I didn’t mind staying in our room, since I could use everyone’s fans for just me. And the electric seemed to stay on more during the night, or maybe I was just getting used to the interruptions. Anyway, I enjoyed my nap.
There were no Professions of Faith on this day, but much appreciation for God’s creation in the world and in each other. A really nice day. God is so thoughtful to allow us eyes and ears to enjoy this wonderful world. Thank you Lord
Nicaragu Trip - March 25, 2010
Day 6 Thursday
Miss Mary left at 3:00am for the airport, so we were on our own to be on time to the van and such. Mike was there to lead us, but you can’t replace Miss Mary!
I started my day with a very welcome shower. We had breakfast and I rested on my bed for a few minutes with my feet up. My ankles (and whole body) were really swollen due to the heat and being dehydrated. I wasn’t drinking enough water, even though I love water. But with limited bathroom accessibility during the day and then no water in the evenings, I think I was subconsciously not taking in fluids. My ankles and feet didn’t hurt, but they were getting huge. The little bones that stick out looked more like dimples. Quite interesting.
Johanna led the devotion for the morning. We then had a little time to get ready for the late morning Fiesta and feeding. I gave Deanna a quick call. I had talked with Mike about coming down and working during the summer and I wanted to let Deanna know. She has been praying about how God is calling me to serve in Nic and I wanted her to know that I could travel back and forth and wouldn’t be leaving her hospitality for too long of a time.
We arrived at a church plant that had a roof, which was wonderful for the shade!!! The people were already gathered and doing some worshipping. A Pastora (lady pastor) from a church in Leon has been spending time for the last 10 years to help this village plant this church. There were hundreds of people gathered. Mostly kids and moms. We did the Fiesta first. I was blessed to be able to help prepare the food. I was in charge of putting tortillas on the plates. There were 2 dipping lines and then the plates/bowls were stacked up on the tables and covered with cloths. A few volunteers stood over the tables swishing small tree branches with leaves over the food like fly swatters.
After the Fiesta, the people lined up and received their plate and a bag of drink. Everyone was very appreciative. We had a good time walking around and taking pictures of the sweet faces. The food was provided by a donation from a previous mission team, so pictures were taken with a sign thanking them for making it all possible. What fun to be another link in ministering to this group of people.
The second Fiesta for the afternoon was cancelled for some reason, so we arrived back at the Team house by 4pm. We had water, so everyone got a shower and felt relatively fresh for church.
The guys went to one service, which was outside and was huge and had some crazy preaching and such. The ladies went to another church where a Ladies conference was being held. Paige and I had used some ‘gift items’ left by another mission team to make up some door prizes for the conference. There was lots of costume jewelry to choose from. We made 4 nice sets with zippered bags and jewelry and some USA money. The funny thing was that we got to the church and it was very conservative. Some ladies were inside praying over the place before it got started. They wore lacey scarves on their heads. (I was questioning our choice of ‘prizes’ for this crowd. I was hoping that we wouldn’t offend them with the jewelry.)
Paige and Johanna gave testimonies and there was some singing. Right when Vanessa (the missionary living in Nic) started to speak, the power went out. This happens a lot there, so right away a battery powered light (kind of like what you would take camping) was turned on and placed behind Vanessa and Chico (interpreter). They had to hold up their papers and Bibles to catch the light, so Rydder (another interpreter) jumped up and held the light at their shoulders for the entire service. A couple of dogs were fighting right outside the open doors to the church, but nothing distracted the ladies from hearing God’s Word. Just when Vanessa was finishing up her message, the lights came back on. The Pastor came up to say a few words and thanked our team for helping with the feeding earlier in the day. The ladies with the lacey head coverings welcomed us as if we weren’t all that different from them. They are so much more accepting in that culture than North Americans. The Pastor said that we started out the evening in the darkness and ended in God’s Light. We all clapped.
We loaded up and went back to the location of outdoor service where the guys were. They were still going, so Chico and Rydder sat in the van with us gals and told us funny stories about interpreting for teams and we all laughed at how things get lost in translation. It was a lot of fun. We said goodbye to the translators. They were all awesome!
We went back to the Team house and had dinner about 9pm. We were tired, but enjoyed our share time with Mike, who was leaving at 3am. Our team got to sign a wall like other teams. We left a little bit of ourselves there in many ways.
We got to bed about midnight. Including the large Fiesta/Feeding and church services, there were 75 Professions of Faith for this day. God never slacks off. He is always at work around us. What a blessing to be there.
Miss Mary left at 3:00am for the airport, so we were on our own to be on time to the van and such. Mike was there to lead us, but you can’t replace Miss Mary!
I started my day with a very welcome shower. We had breakfast and I rested on my bed for a few minutes with my feet up. My ankles (and whole body) were really swollen due to the heat and being dehydrated. I wasn’t drinking enough water, even though I love water. But with limited bathroom accessibility during the day and then no water in the evenings, I think I was subconsciously not taking in fluids. My ankles and feet didn’t hurt, but they were getting huge. The little bones that stick out looked more like dimples. Quite interesting.
Johanna led the devotion for the morning. We then had a little time to get ready for the late morning Fiesta and feeding. I gave Deanna a quick call. I had talked with Mike about coming down and working during the summer and I wanted to let Deanna know. She has been praying about how God is calling me to serve in Nic and I wanted her to know that I could travel back and forth and wouldn’t be leaving her hospitality for too long of a time.
We arrived at a church plant that had a roof, which was wonderful for the shade!!! The people were already gathered and doing some worshipping. A Pastora (lady pastor) from a church in Leon has been spending time for the last 10 years to help this village plant this church. There were hundreds of people gathered. Mostly kids and moms. We did the Fiesta first. I was blessed to be able to help prepare the food. I was in charge of putting tortillas on the plates. There were 2 dipping lines and then the plates/bowls were stacked up on the tables and covered with cloths. A few volunteers stood over the tables swishing small tree branches with leaves over the food like fly swatters.
After the Fiesta, the people lined up and received their plate and a bag of drink. Everyone was very appreciative. We had a good time walking around and taking pictures of the sweet faces. The food was provided by a donation from a previous mission team, so pictures were taken with a sign thanking them for making it all possible. What fun to be another link in ministering to this group of people.
The second Fiesta for the afternoon was cancelled for some reason, so we arrived back at the Team house by 4pm. We had water, so everyone got a shower and felt relatively fresh for church.
The guys went to one service, which was outside and was huge and had some crazy preaching and such. The ladies went to another church where a Ladies conference was being held. Paige and I had used some ‘gift items’ left by another mission team to make up some door prizes for the conference. There was lots of costume jewelry to choose from. We made 4 nice sets with zippered bags and jewelry and some USA money. The funny thing was that we got to the church and it was very conservative. Some ladies were inside praying over the place before it got started. They wore lacey scarves on their heads. (I was questioning our choice of ‘prizes’ for this crowd. I was hoping that we wouldn’t offend them with the jewelry.)
Paige and Johanna gave testimonies and there was some singing. Right when Vanessa (the missionary living in Nic) started to speak, the power went out. This happens a lot there, so right away a battery powered light (kind of like what you would take camping) was turned on and placed behind Vanessa and Chico (interpreter). They had to hold up their papers and Bibles to catch the light, so Rydder (another interpreter) jumped up and held the light at their shoulders for the entire service. A couple of dogs were fighting right outside the open doors to the church, but nothing distracted the ladies from hearing God’s Word. Just when Vanessa was finishing up her message, the lights came back on. The Pastor came up to say a few words and thanked our team for helping with the feeding earlier in the day. The ladies with the lacey head coverings welcomed us as if we weren’t all that different from them. They are so much more accepting in that culture than North Americans. The Pastor said that we started out the evening in the darkness and ended in God’s Light. We all clapped.
We loaded up and went back to the location of outdoor service where the guys were. They were still going, so Chico and Rydder sat in the van with us gals and told us funny stories about interpreting for teams and we all laughed at how things get lost in translation. It was a lot of fun. We said goodbye to the translators. They were all awesome!
We went back to the Team house and had dinner about 9pm. We were tired, but enjoyed our share time with Mike, who was leaving at 3am. Our team got to sign a wall like other teams. We left a little bit of ourselves there in many ways.
We got to bed about midnight. Including the large Fiesta/Feeding and church services, there were 75 Professions of Faith for this day. God never slacks off. He is always at work around us. What a blessing to be there.
Nicaragua Trip - March 24, 2010
Day 5 Wednesday
The day started out with a shower. Ahhhh. Then breakfast. Yum. (I’m not sure, but I don’t think anyone enjoyed the food as much as I did. But it was tasty and I really enjoyed the fruit that we got once a day for breakfast.)
I led the devotion for this morning. I spoke about Romans 10. The 15th verse is one of my favorites. In fact, it’s the scripture on my ankle tattoo. “How can they go if they are not sent? How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.” We are all ‘sent’ to share the good news no matter where that might be… a different country, state, city, or right next door, in our work/school, family/friends. God ‘sending’ us means that we have a purpose for being here in this life. We are to share the Good News of Jesus at every opportunity. In the experience of this trip to Nic, our feet were beautiful even when filthy because we were there to share that Gospel. I took a picture of some of our feet as we got off the van after a Fiesta and I use it as background on my phone and also as my profile pic on Facebook right now. Those dirty feet are beautiful because they obeyed and helped to bring the Gospel to this place. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to get dirty serving You!
We did a Fiesta at a little village we had driven by earlier in the week. They had a new well with a hand pump. Miss Mary joined one of the young men in pumping some water for him and some young ladies. Each family was allotted a time to get water in 5 gallon buckets. They carried these back to their homes. Quite a chore. There is a wonderful opportunity for our team and church to help this village with an electric water pump and also getting a school started and a church planted. (stay tuned for more info on those projects!)
We went back to the Team house for lunch and got ready for 2 more Fiestas. The afternoon was filled with those 2 Fiestas and street witnessing. One of the Fiestas was huge. So many people. Then back to the Team house to change for church. Another towelette bath.
Service was back at Jericho Church, where we helped with the first feeding. Pastor Calderon and his wife were busy organizing the preparation of food to be cooked for another feeding the next day. The church was brightly painted on the inside and was cheerful, as all the churches were. The youth on our team sang a song for the congregation, Blake gave his testimony and Logan preached. It was a good service.
Chico, one of our interpreters, lives just a block or so away and he invited Paige and me to walk with him to his mother-in-laws house to pick up his 6 month old baby. His wife was working, so we didn’t get to meet her, but saw some pictures of her and she is very beautiful. Little Benjamin was the star of the night and everyone was wanting to hold him. Babies and small children seem very comfortable and used to being in worship services. I think they feel the Holy Spirit giving them a calmness.
After church, we headed back to the Team house for dinner and share time. Miss Mary was leaving the next morning, so we had a time of appreciating her. Everyone had a quote or story or imitation of her. I think she enjoyed it, although there were some embarrassing stories, too.
Paige and I packed for an extra Fiesta the next day and some gifts for a Ladies Conference the next night. We were so tired that we were getting slap happy.
The electricity kept going off during the night and the room that I shared with a few of the girls had no breeze at all. It got very hot in there and Ricki, who talks in her sleep, dreamed we were in a fired and woke us up yelling. She quieted down very quickly and no one was upset. She doesn’t even remember it. Looking back on it, it was kind of funny. No matter how uncomfortable we might have been on the trip, we were still pampered when compared to the way that most Nicas live. And no matter what, I didn’t hear any whining out of our team. They took it all in stride. I think they understood that this is the way that people live there. Good life lesson for teams going out. ‘you’re not in Kansas anymore’
Including the 3 Fiestas and church service, 181 people made Professions of Faith on this day. We saw hundreds of people at the Fiestas. And it’s still not a drop in the bucket when you think of all of the lost people in Leon, Nicaragua and the world. Time to get busy Christians!!!
The day started out with a shower. Ahhhh. Then breakfast. Yum. (I’m not sure, but I don’t think anyone enjoyed the food as much as I did. But it was tasty and I really enjoyed the fruit that we got once a day for breakfast.)
I led the devotion for this morning. I spoke about Romans 10. The 15th verse is one of my favorites. In fact, it’s the scripture on my ankle tattoo. “How can they go if they are not sent? How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.” We are all ‘sent’ to share the good news no matter where that might be… a different country, state, city, or right next door, in our work/school, family/friends. God ‘sending’ us means that we have a purpose for being here in this life. We are to share the Good News of Jesus at every opportunity. In the experience of this trip to Nic, our feet were beautiful even when filthy because we were there to share that Gospel. I took a picture of some of our feet as we got off the van after a Fiesta and I use it as background on my phone and also as my profile pic on Facebook right now. Those dirty feet are beautiful because they obeyed and helped to bring the Gospel to this place. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to get dirty serving You!
We did a Fiesta at a little village we had driven by earlier in the week. They had a new well with a hand pump. Miss Mary joined one of the young men in pumping some water for him and some young ladies. Each family was allotted a time to get water in 5 gallon buckets. They carried these back to their homes. Quite a chore. There is a wonderful opportunity for our team and church to help this village with an electric water pump and also getting a school started and a church planted. (stay tuned for more info on those projects!)
We went back to the Team house for lunch and got ready for 2 more Fiestas. The afternoon was filled with those 2 Fiestas and street witnessing. One of the Fiestas was huge. So many people. Then back to the Team house to change for church. Another towelette bath.
Service was back at Jericho Church, where we helped with the first feeding. Pastor Calderon and his wife were busy organizing the preparation of food to be cooked for another feeding the next day. The church was brightly painted on the inside and was cheerful, as all the churches were. The youth on our team sang a song for the congregation, Blake gave his testimony and Logan preached. It was a good service.
Chico, one of our interpreters, lives just a block or so away and he invited Paige and me to walk with him to his mother-in-laws house to pick up his 6 month old baby. His wife was working, so we didn’t get to meet her, but saw some pictures of her and she is very beautiful. Little Benjamin was the star of the night and everyone was wanting to hold him. Babies and small children seem very comfortable and used to being in worship services. I think they feel the Holy Spirit giving them a calmness.
After church, we headed back to the Team house for dinner and share time. Miss Mary was leaving the next morning, so we had a time of appreciating her. Everyone had a quote or story or imitation of her. I think she enjoyed it, although there were some embarrassing stories, too.
Paige and I packed for an extra Fiesta the next day and some gifts for a Ladies Conference the next night. We were so tired that we were getting slap happy.
The electricity kept going off during the night and the room that I shared with a few of the girls had no breeze at all. It got very hot in there and Ricki, who talks in her sleep, dreamed we were in a fired and woke us up yelling. She quieted down very quickly and no one was upset. She doesn’t even remember it. Looking back on it, it was kind of funny. No matter how uncomfortable we might have been on the trip, we were still pampered when compared to the way that most Nicas live. And no matter what, I didn’t hear any whining out of our team. They took it all in stride. I think they understood that this is the way that people live there. Good life lesson for teams going out. ‘you’re not in Kansas anymore’
Including the 3 Fiestas and church service, 181 people made Professions of Faith on this day. We saw hundreds of people at the Fiestas. And it’s still not a drop in the bucket when you think of all of the lost people in Leon, Nicaragua and the world. Time to get busy Christians!!!
Nicaragua Trip - March 23, 2010
Day 4 Tuesday
Woke up to another beautiful morning. I get up between 6 and 6:30 and check the water. Usually I can grab my shower right away. It’s so refreshing! I spent some quiet time on the patio and then had some nice discussions with Mary and Chris. It was good to chat with Mary about how it feels more natural to be ‘out serving in the mission field’ than to be serving at home. I think God has wired her and me the same way. It’s hard to put into words, but if you are of the same bent, it makes sense.
I then went in to the room and put some of my things in order, like separating dirty clothes from clean ones, preparing what I would need for the day, etc. While doing that I found myself putting my thoughts in order, too. Sorting out what were Godly thoughts and feelings from those tainted selfish ones. Preparing my mind and heart for what God was going to bring my way for the day. It was a sweet time.
We had breakfast (which was gallo pinto – a combination of beans and rice, fruit and scrambled eggs). It was pretty much the same every day and very tasty, to me anyway. After breakfast we always had group devotions. Chris led them first and today was Paige’s turn. After devotions, we usually had some time to finish getting ready for the day or walking on the beach or spending some quiet time on the breezy veranda upstairs (which we named the ‘Upper Room’ and where we had devotions each morning). We had the morning free today, so the kids made a bee-line for the beach and waves. They enjoyed looking for seashells and such. Mary and Paige and I chatted a little while and then prepared the Fiesta box for the afternoon.
After lunch, we went into Leon to do 2 Fiestas in the afternoon. The team was really getting into doing the drama and street witnessing. We didn’t have time to go back to the Team house before church, so we had packed our skirts in our backpacks earlier in the day. We stopped at a convenience store, ‘On the Run’, and used the large bathroom to clean up with towelettes and change clothes. It was funny. There was a bus load of college students who arrived at the same time, so space was precious in the ladies bathroom. Some of us changed in the area near the sinks. Changing from capris to a skirt is no problem, but I learned how to change shirts discreetly. We still felt hot and sticky and more than a little smelly, but we fit right in with everyone else and they didn’t mind a bit. One of the nice things about being in Nic is that people accept you just as you are.
We went to a church plant of Pastor Miguel’s. Another North American team had started building a structure and we were blessed with being able to worship in it. There were poles for walls and a roof. Electricity was nearby and they used long extension cords for the overhead lights. Most all of the churches we went to in Nic used the stackable, plastic chairs that we would use on a patio. They were comfortable and easily put away after service. At this church, they even had little ones for the kids to sit in. It was heavenly to have the breeze flow across us during the service. Logan gave his testimony and Mike preached. There was one gentleman who played guitar for a few songs. The Pastor’s wife led most of the music and kept everyone on beat by using her hands for percussion. It was a nice, simple service. It reminds me that no matter how we worship, the main thing is WHO we worship. I love the simple ways best.
After church, we headed back to the Team house for dinner. We had share time and then everyone headed off to bed. Paige and Mary and I worked on getting the Fiesta box ready for the next day and then called it a night ourselves.
Oh yeah, including the 2 Fiestas and the church service, there were 84 Professions of Faith this day. God has the harvest ready and all he asks is for workers. What a privilege to be a tool in His work and see Him doing His miracles.
Woke up to another beautiful morning. I get up between 6 and 6:30 and check the water. Usually I can grab my shower right away. It’s so refreshing! I spent some quiet time on the patio and then had some nice discussions with Mary and Chris. It was good to chat with Mary about how it feels more natural to be ‘out serving in the mission field’ than to be serving at home. I think God has wired her and me the same way. It’s hard to put into words, but if you are of the same bent, it makes sense.
I then went in to the room and put some of my things in order, like separating dirty clothes from clean ones, preparing what I would need for the day, etc. While doing that I found myself putting my thoughts in order, too. Sorting out what were Godly thoughts and feelings from those tainted selfish ones. Preparing my mind and heart for what God was going to bring my way for the day. It was a sweet time.
We had breakfast (which was gallo pinto – a combination of beans and rice, fruit and scrambled eggs). It was pretty much the same every day and very tasty, to me anyway. After breakfast we always had group devotions. Chris led them first and today was Paige’s turn. After devotions, we usually had some time to finish getting ready for the day or walking on the beach or spending some quiet time on the breezy veranda upstairs (which we named the ‘Upper Room’ and where we had devotions each morning). We had the morning free today, so the kids made a bee-line for the beach and waves. They enjoyed looking for seashells and such. Mary and Paige and I chatted a little while and then prepared the Fiesta box for the afternoon.
After lunch, we went into Leon to do 2 Fiestas in the afternoon. The team was really getting into doing the drama and street witnessing. We didn’t have time to go back to the Team house before church, so we had packed our skirts in our backpacks earlier in the day. We stopped at a convenience store, ‘On the Run’, and used the large bathroom to clean up with towelettes and change clothes. It was funny. There was a bus load of college students who arrived at the same time, so space was precious in the ladies bathroom. Some of us changed in the area near the sinks. Changing from capris to a skirt is no problem, but I learned how to change shirts discreetly. We still felt hot and sticky and more than a little smelly, but we fit right in with everyone else and they didn’t mind a bit. One of the nice things about being in Nic is that people accept you just as you are.
We went to a church plant of Pastor Miguel’s. Another North American team had started building a structure and we were blessed with being able to worship in it. There were poles for walls and a roof. Electricity was nearby and they used long extension cords for the overhead lights. Most all of the churches we went to in Nic used the stackable, plastic chairs that we would use on a patio. They were comfortable and easily put away after service. At this church, they even had little ones for the kids to sit in. It was heavenly to have the breeze flow across us during the service. Logan gave his testimony and Mike preached. There was one gentleman who played guitar for a few songs. The Pastor’s wife led most of the music and kept everyone on beat by using her hands for percussion. It was a nice, simple service. It reminds me that no matter how we worship, the main thing is WHO we worship. I love the simple ways best.
After church, we headed back to the Team house for dinner. We had share time and then everyone headed off to bed. Paige and Mary and I worked on getting the Fiesta box ready for the next day and then called it a night ourselves.
Oh yeah, including the 2 Fiestas and the church service, there were 84 Professions of Faith this day. God has the harvest ready and all he asks is for workers. What a privilege to be a tool in His work and see Him doing His miracles.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Nicaragua Trip - March 22
Day 3 of trip. Monday
Woke up about 6am and jumped in the shower!!! yay for water! The thought of no hot water sounded ominous at first, but the water feels wonderful! Like taking a dip in a swimming pool.
I spent my quiet time on the patio, listening to waves. The sound of the waves was strong, then there was a brief moment of quiet and then another strong wave. It made me think of life in two different ways. On one hand, God speaks in a powerful voice and the quiet in between helps me to hear the next time He speaks in His powerful voice. On the other hand, life can be like a crashing wave, then God calms the waves with a peace, and then another wave comes crashing. No matter how you look at it, or what stage your life is in, the truth about both scenarios is that God is powerful in noise or quiet alike. He is more powerful than any thing in this world, whether it is a huge good thing or a huge difficulty. I treasure that morning on the patio listening to the waves.
I was blessed to have the first of a few awesome chats with Ricki on this trip. God spoke to me many times through our conversations. It was good to have some time to chat with John and Vanessa, missionaries who moved their 4 kid to Nicaragua last Sept to serve with Voice of Hope.
We went to help with a feeding of over 100 people. Pastor Calderon, his wife and congregation cook tons of food to share with a community down the road from their church. We got to help serve. I was dipping rice from a pan using a scoop made of coconut shell. My thumb was well done by the time we left. These people have so little. I can't imagine a life like that.
We went back to the Team house for lunch and a little rest. I took the time to call John Caubble back at FBC Rogers. I was trying to give him a verbal picture, but I know I wasn't doing it justice.
We went back into Leon that afternoon to do 2 Fiestas. At these events we start out by walking up and down the 'streets' of the village yelling 'Fiesta de caramelos' 'Cinco minutos' Para todo la familia'. Kids come running. Moms with babies come. The men show up and kind of hang around the outskirts to see what we are doing. Once we get back to the designated spot (hopefully in some shade), the Fiesta begins. Pastor Miguel does a fine job joking around with everyone and making them feel welcome. There are some funny questions, which result in prizes to the participants. (usually a toy or hygiene items) Then there is a contest for girls, who are paired up facing each other with a balloon in between them. Which ever team pops the balloon first wins prizes. Then there is a contest for young boys. The first part is to see who can take off their shirts and throw them in a box first. Then the box is taken away while the boys do some military maneuvers. (at this time their shirts are tied together and hidden for the moment) Then the box is brought back and dumped upside down on the ground and the boys are supposed to see who can put their shirt back on first. When the box is taken away they are surprised to see their shirts are missing. Then the tied-together shirts are tossed in the middle and they scramble to get their shirt untied and put on. Everyone is laughing and cheering them on. The winner gets a prize. Next it's the women's turn. Pastor Miguel jokes that their contest is the same as the boys. Everyone laughs. Actually, the women have a contest to see who can drink a bottle of soda first. Another time of laughing and cheering. The winner gets a prize.
Next comes the drama. Sin-box Sally (or Sam). A plastic tub is placed on the ground. Sally comes along and notices it, tries it out and loves the fun of being in 'sin'. Then she wants out, but can't get out of sin by herself. A strong man comes along. (he's pretty goofy showing his muscles and such) He tries to get her out, but can't do it. Then he picks a helper from the crowd (usually a scrawny kid who loves playing along). They exercise to get stronger, but can't get Sally out of sin either. Then they see that the box is sin and they run away. Next comes along a couple of singers. They try to party Sally out of the sin-box, but they can't help her either. Then they see that the box is sin and they run away. Next comes a couple of drunks. They are carrying bottles with lids slightly askew so that water splashes on the crowd. They make 2 attempts to 'save' Sally, but can't and then they also see the sin-box and run away. Now a Pastor comes along and explains that he can introduce her to someone who can get her out of Sin. He tells her about Jesus and leads her in a Salvation prayer, and with one hand easily helps her out of the box. This is all very simple, but it is very effective in explaining how simple Salvation is when you put your faith in Christ. The team members take turns being the actors in the drama.
While the games and dramas are going on, some of the team members and translators go street witnessing through the little village to talk with people who can't come to the Fiesta. When the drama is over, the boys go to one side and the girls go to another side while the adults stay put. Each group is talked to by a team member who recaps the drama and gives their testimony. Those who are ready to make a profession of faith are prayed with. The Pastors (and their workers) get personal information on everyone so they can follow up. When it's all over, the kids all get candy.
Fiestas are hot and dirty and sweaty and WONDERFUL! We did 2-3 each day. The team really got into acting out the drama. Many of them were excited to do street witnessing.
On the way home, we stopped at a Texaco station for some cold sodas. When we got back to the house, I waded in the ocean a little, had a shower (woohoo) and then rest time on my bed before church. We had dinner, and then headed back to Rosa de Saron church for a special Youth service.
The music was great, but I missed the regular dancers and flag people. Some of the youth danced during some of the songs. It was extremely hot and I couldn't believe people were dancing without passing out. It felt good to stand up and swish my skirt during the songs. On one of the songs, many people ran around the church in circles. Some of our team joined in, even Miss Mary! We kept hoping that they would cause a breeze!
Daniel gave his testimony and Blake preached! It was a great service. So festive and happy. Real worship with a joyful heart. That church is wonderful with participation in the worship.
As a result of the 2 Fiestas and the church service, 85 people made Professions of Faith this day. What an awesome time! God is soooo good!
Woke up about 6am and jumped in the shower!!! yay for water! The thought of no hot water sounded ominous at first, but the water feels wonderful! Like taking a dip in a swimming pool.
I spent my quiet time on the patio, listening to waves. The sound of the waves was strong, then there was a brief moment of quiet and then another strong wave. It made me think of life in two different ways. On one hand, God speaks in a powerful voice and the quiet in between helps me to hear the next time He speaks in His powerful voice. On the other hand, life can be like a crashing wave, then God calms the waves with a peace, and then another wave comes crashing. No matter how you look at it, or what stage your life is in, the truth about both scenarios is that God is powerful in noise or quiet alike. He is more powerful than any thing in this world, whether it is a huge good thing or a huge difficulty. I treasure that morning on the patio listening to the waves.
I was blessed to have the first of a few awesome chats with Ricki on this trip. God spoke to me many times through our conversations. It was good to have some time to chat with John and Vanessa, missionaries who moved their 4 kid to Nicaragua last Sept to serve with Voice of Hope.
We went to help with a feeding of over 100 people. Pastor Calderon, his wife and congregation cook tons of food to share with a community down the road from their church. We got to help serve. I was dipping rice from a pan using a scoop made of coconut shell. My thumb was well done by the time we left. These people have so little. I can't imagine a life like that.
We went back to the Team house for lunch and a little rest. I took the time to call John Caubble back at FBC Rogers. I was trying to give him a verbal picture, but I know I wasn't doing it justice.
We went back into Leon that afternoon to do 2 Fiestas. At these events we start out by walking up and down the 'streets' of the village yelling 'Fiesta de caramelos' 'Cinco minutos' Para todo la familia'. Kids come running. Moms with babies come. The men show up and kind of hang around the outskirts to see what we are doing. Once we get back to the designated spot (hopefully in some shade), the Fiesta begins. Pastor Miguel does a fine job joking around with everyone and making them feel welcome. There are some funny questions, which result in prizes to the participants. (usually a toy or hygiene items) Then there is a contest for girls, who are paired up facing each other with a balloon in between them. Which ever team pops the balloon first wins prizes. Then there is a contest for young boys. The first part is to see who can take off their shirts and throw them in a box first. Then the box is taken away while the boys do some military maneuvers. (at this time their shirts are tied together and hidden for the moment) Then the box is brought back and dumped upside down on the ground and the boys are supposed to see who can put their shirt back on first. When the box is taken away they are surprised to see their shirts are missing. Then the tied-together shirts are tossed in the middle and they scramble to get their shirt untied and put on. Everyone is laughing and cheering them on. The winner gets a prize. Next it's the women's turn. Pastor Miguel jokes that their contest is the same as the boys. Everyone laughs. Actually, the women have a contest to see who can drink a bottle of soda first. Another time of laughing and cheering. The winner gets a prize.
Next comes the drama. Sin-box Sally (or Sam). A plastic tub is placed on the ground. Sally comes along and notices it, tries it out and loves the fun of being in 'sin'. Then she wants out, but can't get out of sin by herself. A strong man comes along. (he's pretty goofy showing his muscles and such) He tries to get her out, but can't do it. Then he picks a helper from the crowd (usually a scrawny kid who loves playing along). They exercise to get stronger, but can't get Sally out of sin either. Then they see that the box is sin and they run away. Next comes along a couple of singers. They try to party Sally out of the sin-box, but they can't help her either. Then they see that the box is sin and they run away. Next comes a couple of drunks. They are carrying bottles with lids slightly askew so that water splashes on the crowd. They make 2 attempts to 'save' Sally, but can't and then they also see the sin-box and run away. Now a Pastor comes along and explains that he can introduce her to someone who can get her out of Sin. He tells her about Jesus and leads her in a Salvation prayer, and with one hand easily helps her out of the box. This is all very simple, but it is very effective in explaining how simple Salvation is when you put your faith in Christ. The team members take turns being the actors in the drama.
While the games and dramas are going on, some of the team members and translators go street witnessing through the little village to talk with people who can't come to the Fiesta. When the drama is over, the boys go to one side and the girls go to another side while the adults stay put. Each group is talked to by a team member who recaps the drama and gives their testimony. Those who are ready to make a profession of faith are prayed with. The Pastors (and their workers) get personal information on everyone so they can follow up. When it's all over, the kids all get candy.
Fiestas are hot and dirty and sweaty and WONDERFUL! We did 2-3 each day. The team really got into acting out the drama. Many of them were excited to do street witnessing.
On the way home, we stopped at a Texaco station for some cold sodas. When we got back to the house, I waded in the ocean a little, had a shower (woohoo) and then rest time on my bed before church. We had dinner, and then headed back to Rosa de Saron church for a special Youth service.
The music was great, but I missed the regular dancers and flag people. Some of the youth danced during some of the songs. It was extremely hot and I couldn't believe people were dancing without passing out. It felt good to stand up and swish my skirt during the songs. On one of the songs, many people ran around the church in circles. Some of our team joined in, even Miss Mary! We kept hoping that they would cause a breeze!
Daniel gave his testimony and Blake preached! It was a great service. So festive and happy. Real worship with a joyful heart. That church is wonderful with participation in the worship.
As a result of the 2 Fiestas and the church service, 85 people made Professions of Faith this day. What an awesome time! God is soooo good!
Nicaragua Trip - March 21, 2010
Day 2 of trip. Sunday.
Woke up early and had continental breakfast at hotel before leaving for the airport. Turned in the rental cars and checked in for our flight. Went upstairs to wait. Things were going pretty smoothly. Everyone was tired, but excited to get on the plane and arrive in Nicaragua.
There weren't many people on the plane, so we got to spread out and get comfortable. We had breakfast and naps. We filled out visa info and customs forms on the plane. Some of the girls asked for my forms to copy. I was hoping that they didn't copy my personal info, too. I doubt the customs agents in Nicaragua would find it funny that we all had the same birthday. :) As we flew over the area near Managua, we saw some volcanoes from the air. It was beautiful. It was great to arrive at the airport. I was so happy to be in Nic.
We were met at the airport by Mike, the Director of Voice of Hope Ministries (who we were there to work with) and a couple of guys who work for the ministry. We got our luggage and went to the vans and started the 2 hour drive to the team house, after a quick stop at a convenience store for something to drink. Herman offered us his phone in case we wanted to call home to let anyone know that we had made it. I told Herman that I am learning Spanish and want to practice all I can. I also found out that one of the team members, Logan, was in his 5th year of Spanish and taking AP Spanish lessons. I told him that I had better be hearing Spanish coming out of his mouth! Don't waste that gift, buddy! The weather was sunny, hot and dry. The ride between Managua and Poneloya was interesting with various vehicles, people walking or on bikes, horse carts and ox carts, etc. I liked what I saw and felt very comfortable being there.
The Team house is on the beach and hearing the roar of the waves and feeling the breeze was very powerful to me. It made me think about God's creation of this world and His power over all things. I was very grateful to be there.
We met Miss Mary, a retired lady from Mike's former church, who comes down to run the team house and work with teams. She is a hoot! You never have to wonder where you stand with her. She can be a great encourager. (and drill sergeant when needed)
We had lunch and a quick orientation about the week and training for doing the Fiestas. Then we took off to church. We split up into 2 groups and attended 2 different churches. My group went to a little church called Gobernadores del Rey. It was in a small room with huge speakers and very loud music. We were given seats of honor up front. Chris shared his testimony and Mike preached. The Youth of the church did a drama about dealing with the type of sin that kids are confronted with these days. A young man was saved during the invitation and tears flowed as he and his mother wept in each others arms. It was awesome to be near the Lord working. I don't remember where the other part of the team went for church. Then we all gathered together at Rosa de Saron church for a very happy worship time. There was a great Praise team of young musicians (who one of the team said was like a whole band of Durgan Maxeys), a group of dancers and some flag performers. It was awesome! Everyone was so happy to be at church and worshipping our Lord. We all enjoyed it very much! Ricki shared her testimony and Mike preached again. The Pasor was very powerful in a quiet manner. You could tell that he loves the Lord very much. His church is very moving. (Mike said that churches have services up to 6 nights a week. They love singing to the Lord and hearing the Word.) There were a total of 10 Professions of Faith in those 3 services. Even when you don't understand the language, you can sense the feeling when another brother or sister comes to Christ. Hallelulah!
We got back to the Team house late and had dinner, then share time. After that it was time for bed. The city was turning water off around 5pm each night during the week we were there, so we washed up with towelettes and hit the sack. Floor fans made it possible to sleep, except for when the electricity kept going off. But it was all good. God gave us good rest. I was still grateful to be there.
Woke up early and had continental breakfast at hotel before leaving for the airport. Turned in the rental cars and checked in for our flight. Went upstairs to wait. Things were going pretty smoothly. Everyone was tired, but excited to get on the plane and arrive in Nicaragua.
There weren't many people on the plane, so we got to spread out and get comfortable. We had breakfast and naps. We filled out visa info and customs forms on the plane. Some of the girls asked for my forms to copy. I was hoping that they didn't copy my personal info, too. I doubt the customs agents in Nicaragua would find it funny that we all had the same birthday. :) As we flew over the area near Managua, we saw some volcanoes from the air. It was beautiful. It was great to arrive at the airport. I was so happy to be in Nic.
We were met at the airport by Mike, the Director of Voice of Hope Ministries (who we were there to work with) and a couple of guys who work for the ministry. We got our luggage and went to the vans and started the 2 hour drive to the team house, after a quick stop at a convenience store for something to drink. Herman offered us his phone in case we wanted to call home to let anyone know that we had made it. I told Herman that I am learning Spanish and want to practice all I can. I also found out that one of the team members, Logan, was in his 5th year of Spanish and taking AP Spanish lessons. I told him that I had better be hearing Spanish coming out of his mouth! Don't waste that gift, buddy! The weather was sunny, hot and dry. The ride between Managua and Poneloya was interesting with various vehicles, people walking or on bikes, horse carts and ox carts, etc. I liked what I saw and felt very comfortable being there.
The Team house is on the beach and hearing the roar of the waves and feeling the breeze was very powerful to me. It made me think about God's creation of this world and His power over all things. I was very grateful to be there.
We met Miss Mary, a retired lady from Mike's former church, who comes down to run the team house and work with teams. She is a hoot! You never have to wonder where you stand with her. She can be a great encourager. (and drill sergeant when needed)
We had lunch and a quick orientation about the week and training for doing the Fiestas. Then we took off to church. We split up into 2 groups and attended 2 different churches. My group went to a little church called Gobernadores del Rey. It was in a small room with huge speakers and very loud music. We were given seats of honor up front. Chris shared his testimony and Mike preached. The Youth of the church did a drama about dealing with the type of sin that kids are confronted with these days. A young man was saved during the invitation and tears flowed as he and his mother wept in each others arms. It was awesome to be near the Lord working. I don't remember where the other part of the team went for church. Then we all gathered together at Rosa de Saron church for a very happy worship time. There was a great Praise team of young musicians (who one of the team said was like a whole band of Durgan Maxeys), a group of dancers and some flag performers. It was awesome! Everyone was so happy to be at church and worshipping our Lord. We all enjoyed it very much! Ricki shared her testimony and Mike preached again. The Pasor was very powerful in a quiet manner. You could tell that he loves the Lord very much. His church is very moving. (Mike said that churches have services up to 6 nights a week. They love singing to the Lord and hearing the Word.) There were a total of 10 Professions of Faith in those 3 services. Even when you don't understand the language, you can sense the feeling when another brother or sister comes to Christ. Hallelulah!
We got back to the Team house late and had dinner, then share time. After that it was time for bed. The city was turning water off around 5pm each night during the week we were there, so we washed up with towelettes and hit the sack. Floor fans made it possible to sleep, except for when the electricity kept going off. But it was all good. God gave us good rest. I was still grateful to be there.
Nicaragua Trip - March 20, 2010
Day 1 of trip. This is the travel day.
4 people from the team flew out from XNA at 5:30am and had to change planes in DFW and then arrive in Houton before the rest of us were scheduled to leave XNA on a Continental flight direct to Houston. They felt that they had a raw deal on travel... until they learned about the plight of the rest of us.
10 of us were to fly out of XNA at 12:30pm. I got to the airport early and got all checked in so that I could greet the kids and parents arriving and help get everyone checked in. I was leisurely sitting there with my carry-ons, chatting with Bethany Peevy (whose family was flying to San Francisco for spring break) when the airline agent who checked me in found me and said that our flight had been cancelled. WHAT??? There was a winter storm coming later in the day and they were not sending the plane from Houston to pick up our flight.
Every flight on every airline was overbooked out of XNA and most other airports throughout the whole weekend for spring break. We checked on flying out of Little Rock, Tulsa, Kansas City, Springfield, Dallas, everywhere we could think of. Continental could fly us out mid-day on Monday. ugh!
Parents and kids were arriving. I was on the phone with 3 different people looking at alternatives. Chris and I were discussing options with airline agents. The decision was made to rent 2 vehicles and drive to Houston. Continental could book us on a flight to Managua out of Houston at 9am the next day. Chris got the vehicles rented while I got our boarding passes for the team and the agent went ahead and checked us in for the next day's flight.
While we packed the vehicles, Daniel and Joseph ran back to their house to pick up their GPS. It was raining and getting colder. After we had group prayer with the parents, we jumped in the cars and headed out for Houston at 12:30 - the same time our plane should have taken off.
We drove straight through to Houston with just a couple of stops for gas and bathrooms. We ate in the car once and stopped for about 15 minutes for dinner. We drove through rain, then snow (in Oklahoma!), then wind and then calm darkness. It was a loooooong drive, but worth it to get to our plane. The kids in my vehicle sang a lot and then napped a lot. I enjoyed having them in the car.
We got rooms in Houston and dropped the kids off. Then Chris and I drove to fill up the rentals with gas. I spilled some gas on my tennis shoes and had to put them outside our hotel door. I sprinkled mouthwash on them to help neutralize the odor. It just ended up smelling like minty fresh gas. I didn't much care about the tennis shoes, but I didn't want to get stopped at the airport for having fuel-laced shoes and make them wonder if I was trying to blow up the plane or something. I was thankful that I got to breeze through security. :)
I think we got to bed about 11:30 or so. The wind was blowing so hard outside that it made the windows howl. Catie turned on the vent fan so that the noise would cover up the wind. I think we slept pretty well.
We were thankful for the plans that God made available for us to make it Houston and still get to Nicaragua by the next day. We were also thankful that we left Rogers when we did. They ended up with a foot of snow over the weekend! The roads in Oklahoma were getting pretty nasty as we went through. I'm glad we made it in a timely manner.
All in all, it was a great start to our trip. God is so good.
4 people from the team flew out from XNA at 5:30am and had to change planes in DFW and then arrive in Houton before the rest of us were scheduled to leave XNA on a Continental flight direct to Houston. They felt that they had a raw deal on travel... until they learned about the plight of the rest of us.
10 of us were to fly out of XNA at 12:30pm. I got to the airport early and got all checked in so that I could greet the kids and parents arriving and help get everyone checked in. I was leisurely sitting there with my carry-ons, chatting with Bethany Peevy (whose family was flying to San Francisco for spring break) when the airline agent who checked me in found me and said that our flight had been cancelled. WHAT??? There was a winter storm coming later in the day and they were not sending the plane from Houston to pick up our flight.
Every flight on every airline was overbooked out of XNA and most other airports throughout the whole weekend for spring break. We checked on flying out of Little Rock, Tulsa, Kansas City, Springfield, Dallas, everywhere we could think of. Continental could fly us out mid-day on Monday. ugh!
Parents and kids were arriving. I was on the phone with 3 different people looking at alternatives. Chris and I were discussing options with airline agents. The decision was made to rent 2 vehicles and drive to Houston. Continental could book us on a flight to Managua out of Houston at 9am the next day. Chris got the vehicles rented while I got our boarding passes for the team and the agent went ahead and checked us in for the next day's flight.
While we packed the vehicles, Daniel and Joseph ran back to their house to pick up their GPS. It was raining and getting colder. After we had group prayer with the parents, we jumped in the cars and headed out for Houston at 12:30 - the same time our plane should have taken off.
We drove straight through to Houston with just a couple of stops for gas and bathrooms. We ate in the car once and stopped for about 15 minutes for dinner. We drove through rain, then snow (in Oklahoma!), then wind and then calm darkness. It was a loooooong drive, but worth it to get to our plane. The kids in my vehicle sang a lot and then napped a lot. I enjoyed having them in the car.
We got rooms in Houston and dropped the kids off. Then Chris and I drove to fill up the rentals with gas. I spilled some gas on my tennis shoes and had to put them outside our hotel door. I sprinkled mouthwash on them to help neutralize the odor. It just ended up smelling like minty fresh gas. I didn't much care about the tennis shoes, but I didn't want to get stopped at the airport for having fuel-laced shoes and make them wonder if I was trying to blow up the plane or something. I was thankful that I got to breeze through security. :)
I think we got to bed about 11:30 or so. The wind was blowing so hard outside that it made the windows howl. Catie turned on the vent fan so that the noise would cover up the wind. I think we slept pretty well.
We were thankful for the plans that God made available for us to make it Houston and still get to Nicaragua by the next day. We were also thankful that we left Rogers when we did. They ended up with a foot of snow over the weekend! The roads in Oklahoma were getting pretty nasty as we went through. I'm glad we made it in a timely manner.
All in all, it was a great start to our trip. God is so good.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Wow, it's been a while since I've blogged! Lots has happened. Prep for Nicaragua, the trip itself, and a week of business since I've been home. I'll be posting details and thoughts about the trip later, but just know that it was a wonderful time of spending many hours with people excited to share Jesus. God spoke to me in some distinct ways and answered some questions I had been praying about. I love feeling His arms wrapped around my heart.
Tomorrow is Easter. On Good Friday, our church (FBC Rogers) was open for people to stop by and pray for the lost, especially those who come to church on Easter and Christmas. It was really nice to be able to do that. I hope we do it more often. It's nice to have specific focus and unity by coming together for prayer.
I finally posted all the pictures from Nicaragua on my Facebook account. I hope to get my posts done on here this weekend, too. Maybe after the Easter dinner with Cuerpo Vivo tomorrow afternoon...
I pray that everyone who knows Christ as Savior will be filled with love and rejoicing as they awaken tomorrow morning and celebrate our Risen Lord. I also pray that everyone that doesn't know Him will feel welcome at a church and will be open to accepting Him into their hearts and lives.
Happy, Happy Easter!! Happy Resurrection Day!
Tomorrow is Easter. On Good Friday, our church (FBC Rogers) was open for people to stop by and pray for the lost, especially those who come to church on Easter and Christmas. It was really nice to be able to do that. I hope we do it more often. It's nice to have specific focus and unity by coming together for prayer.
I finally posted all the pictures from Nicaragua on my Facebook account. I hope to get my posts done on here this weekend, too. Maybe after the Easter dinner with Cuerpo Vivo tomorrow afternoon...
I pray that everyone who knows Christ as Savior will be filled with love and rejoicing as they awaken tomorrow morning and celebrate our Risen Lord. I also pray that everyone that doesn't know Him will feel welcome at a church and will be open to accepting Him into their hearts and lives.
Happy, Happy Easter!! Happy Resurrection Day!
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