This week has been pretty good.
I met John Caubble over at the new property for our weekly update meeting. The weather was great! We met outside and enjoyed the breeze. It was a nice long meeting about a lot of things... local missions, Nicaragua, Dubai... It was good to catch up.
I worked from home on Wednesday afternoon/evening. It was good to be in the newly organized office part of the den. Now I just need to tackle the rest of the room!
Thursday I got to meet with Angie Milner from FBCR. We had lots to talk about and catch up on. She is a good sounding board and encourager for me about local missions. I really appreciate her friendship and all she does for her family and ABF class and her friends. She is a special woman. We met at the outside play area of the Dairy Queen in Lowell, so that her son and her babysitting boy could play. We ended up getting a little bit of sun, since we sat and talked for hours. It was very pleasant weather.
Friday, I got to spend a few hours on the sewing projects that I've been saving up. I altered 5 dresses, 2 skirts and 2 tops. I just have to hem a few of the dresses, alter & hem another dress and sew together a skirt that I'm making tweaking a pattern for. We'll see how it turns out. I'll be granny sitting this weekend and I can do all the hemming then while I'm talking with Miss Juanita. I spent some time studying a book on the Holy Spirit and reading. I need to make more time for that.
Friday evening was spent at the Hulsey's house. Ms Mary came over from Searcy to spend the weekend. Kaylie and Kearsten and I spent the night. The girls came later in the evening, so I had dinner with Mike, Sherry & Manuel, Mary and Chris and Katie (Mike and Sherry's son and daughter-in-law). It was homemade lasagna and salad. It was so good. Butterfinger cake was for dessert. I was stuffed by bedtime. We sat around and chatted a little and the girls looked at family pictures. Manuel kept us entertained, too. I just LOVED their house. They built it to sell and it's gorgeous!
Saturday morning, Sherry made a big breakfast and we chatted a little bit more. The girls left and then Sherry, Mary and I relaxed and chatted even more. Manuel packed his 'phone', computer, watch, sunglasses and lightsaber into his briefcase and went to work with Mike (showing a model home). Us girls took some chairs to them, so we got to tour a couple of houses. Then Manuel decided to come home with the 'ladies'. We had some leftover lasagna (just as good as yesterday!) and then Manuel and I had a great time of pretending. He was a preacher (he imitates Bro Wes, and very well, I might add) and a worship leader (he does a great job a la Mark). I was his wife (he called me Honey) and Mary was our daughter. It was fun and funny. I stopped by Hobby Lobby on the way home and picked up a wedding shower gift and some fabric. Then I went home and took a long nap.
Today I went to FBCR for worship and then headed across town to Cuerpo Vivo. Both were very good. I came straight home and Deanna was surprised to see me before 2pm. I had some leftovers for lunch and laid down to rest and look at the sale ads from the Sunday paper. I love doing that, even though I don't shop much (except for thrift stores and clearance racks). Karyn, Rob and Bryon came over to hang a mirror above Deanna's fireplace. It looks pretty good.
My ears have been stopped up ever since I got back from Nic a few weeks ago. I've tried different things, but it keeps coming and going. Today, I couldn't really understand the music at either church and the sound just blended together and I couldn't follow a melody. I got some pharmacuetical advice and ran to Walmart to get some drugs. While there, I picked up a baby shower gift and some tubs to store some of my stuff in and also to use as my 'checked baggage' when I go back to Nic.
I worked on some projects here at the house and then got on the computer. It's been a pretty satisfying week. I'm relaxed and ready for bed. I have some more meetings this next week to get some projects lined out for the rest of the year. I hope to have all my responsibilities in order before I leave at the end of October. I work better with a deadline.
I'm so thankful to God for allowing me to be His child and tool in His plan. I am truly blessed by friends and my church families. I love being able to spend my days just working on missions here and wherever He sends me. I'm so thankful.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday evening. Time is flying by.
Friday, I did a few things to help Cuerpo Vivo get ready for the concert on Saturday evening. In the evening, I worked on some clothing that I needed to alter to take back to Nic. I have 6 items ready to sew and be done. Now, I just have to get myself motivated to fire up the sewing machine...
Saturday morning I took off for the Disaster Relief Training offered by the Arkansas Baptist Convention. I've been through the training twice before, but because I had not had the chance to deploy with the team over the years, I needed to do the 'new' training over again. It's good stuff, so I didn't mind at all. I did the Feeding training this time. The feeding units prepare thousands of meals each day for the Red Cross and Salvation Army to deliver during disasters. Even if I don't get to respond to a disaster, the training will come in handy in other situations.
I was very tired when I got home on Saturday afternoon, so I laid down for a nap. I slept too long and missed the beginning of the concert. I felt a little foggy, so I just stayed home for the evening. But I heard the concert was great.
Sunday morning at FBCR was good. I love the music so much. We heard a few words from PJ, the children's pastor candidate. I liked what he had to say. I think he would be a great addition to our church. Bro Wes' message was really good. I admire him for speaking the truth to the church, even when it steps on toes in major ways. God's truth is righteous, firm and worthy of being followed.
Sunday morning at Cuerpo Vivo was great. The band from the night before did the worship music, along with Oliver. It was very nice. Moncho also shared the message with us. I was blessed by it. Pastor Jaime had special time of prayer for all the families of the church, who came to the altar, to submit their lives and families to God. After that, all the students came to the front and we all prayed over them for this new school year. I love family feeling of the church. Sunday mornings are so pleasant and stress free now that we get to use the sanctuary and children's wing and don't have to set up and take down chairs every week. We can all come and worship together and focus on God and... it's nice.
Monday morning I worked on the 'office area' of the den here at the house. I condensed some files and organized my books. I forgot that I have so many that I want to read. I need to get busy!! It looks a lot nicer in there, anyway. After I finish my sewing projects, another corner will look better. Of course, I have a stack of things to be packed for my next trip to Nic. That pile will just keep growing...
Monday afternoon was staff meeting with the FBCR staff. Then I had a quick meeting with Oliver and Jaime. I ran to get snacks for the Cuerpo Vivo classes and dinner for Oliver and me. Then it was time to do childcare for the classes. Elizabeth helped me with the kids and it was great to have the use of the kid's rooms this year. Elizabeth and Erika (7th grade) helped with the little kids in one room and I had 3 gradeschool boys in another room. It was fun. I got to know some of the kids better that I didn't get to spend much time with last semester. The boys were quizzing me on some Spanish words. I always enjoy that! We had a good night.
This morning was the first Tuesday class for the Fundamentals course. I loved it. It's a challenge since it is taught in Spanish, so I have to work extra hard to keep up. This course will last about 23 weeks or so. I'll be in Nic for part of it, but I'll keep going and checking in with Jaime each week.
This afternoon, Cindy and I worked on my old office at the church, which has become a resource room for ministry supplies for the local missions and puppets. She is a hard worker when it comes to organizing. I like to do it when I'm motivated, but lately I'm too scattered to be focused too long on one project. I need to work on that. Anyway, we got a lot done today. We pulled out the items that I will need for the Block Party on Sept 18, and we labeled and organized the stuff that is staying in the room. Thursday morning we will finish moving stuff down from another room and finish up this resource room. That will one more thing checked off my bucket list of stuff that needs to be handled before I start spending more time in Nic.
I stopped by the grocery store tonight on the way home and got a rotisserie chicken and some veggies and other stuff. Deanna and I enjoyed an openfaced wrap with chicken, tomato, 4 colors of peppers, spinach and cheese. Yum!!! It was funny to watch us try to eat them, but they sure were good! No condiments necessary!
God is working out the timing for me to be back in Nic for about a month starting at the end of October thru Thanksgiving. I'm ready to get back there! God has blessed me so much.
Friday, I did a few things to help Cuerpo Vivo get ready for the concert on Saturday evening. In the evening, I worked on some clothing that I needed to alter to take back to Nic. I have 6 items ready to sew and be done. Now, I just have to get myself motivated to fire up the sewing machine...
Saturday morning I took off for the Disaster Relief Training offered by the Arkansas Baptist Convention. I've been through the training twice before, but because I had not had the chance to deploy with the team over the years, I needed to do the 'new' training over again. It's good stuff, so I didn't mind at all. I did the Feeding training this time. The feeding units prepare thousands of meals each day for the Red Cross and Salvation Army to deliver during disasters. Even if I don't get to respond to a disaster, the training will come in handy in other situations.
I was very tired when I got home on Saturday afternoon, so I laid down for a nap. I slept too long and missed the beginning of the concert. I felt a little foggy, so I just stayed home for the evening. But I heard the concert was great.
Sunday morning at FBCR was good. I love the music so much. We heard a few words from PJ, the children's pastor candidate. I liked what he had to say. I think he would be a great addition to our church. Bro Wes' message was really good. I admire him for speaking the truth to the church, even when it steps on toes in major ways. God's truth is righteous, firm and worthy of being followed.
Sunday morning at Cuerpo Vivo was great. The band from the night before did the worship music, along with Oliver. It was very nice. Moncho also shared the message with us. I was blessed by it. Pastor Jaime had special time of prayer for all the families of the church, who came to the altar, to submit their lives and families to God. After that, all the students came to the front and we all prayed over them for this new school year. I love family feeling of the church. Sunday mornings are so pleasant and stress free now that we get to use the sanctuary and children's wing and don't have to set up and take down chairs every week. We can all come and worship together and focus on God and... it's nice.
Monday morning I worked on the 'office area' of the den here at the house. I condensed some files and organized my books. I forgot that I have so many that I want to read. I need to get busy!! It looks a lot nicer in there, anyway. After I finish my sewing projects, another corner will look better. Of course, I have a stack of things to be packed for my next trip to Nic. That pile will just keep growing...
Monday afternoon was staff meeting with the FBCR staff. Then I had a quick meeting with Oliver and Jaime. I ran to get snacks for the Cuerpo Vivo classes and dinner for Oliver and me. Then it was time to do childcare for the classes. Elizabeth helped me with the kids and it was great to have the use of the kid's rooms this year. Elizabeth and Erika (7th grade) helped with the little kids in one room and I had 3 gradeschool boys in another room. It was fun. I got to know some of the kids better that I didn't get to spend much time with last semester. The boys were quizzing me on some Spanish words. I always enjoy that! We had a good night.
This morning was the first Tuesday class for the Fundamentals course. I loved it. It's a challenge since it is taught in Spanish, so I have to work extra hard to keep up. This course will last about 23 weeks or so. I'll be in Nic for part of it, but I'll keep going and checking in with Jaime each week.
This afternoon, Cindy and I worked on my old office at the church, which has become a resource room for ministry supplies for the local missions and puppets. She is a hard worker when it comes to organizing. I like to do it when I'm motivated, but lately I'm too scattered to be focused too long on one project. I need to work on that. Anyway, we got a lot done today. We pulled out the items that I will need for the Block Party on Sept 18, and we labeled and organized the stuff that is staying in the room. Thursday morning we will finish moving stuff down from another room and finish up this resource room. That will one more thing checked off my bucket list of stuff that needs to be handled before I start spending more time in Nic.
I stopped by the grocery store tonight on the way home and got a rotisserie chicken and some veggies and other stuff. Deanna and I enjoyed an openfaced wrap with chicken, tomato, 4 colors of peppers, spinach and cheese. Yum!!! It was funny to watch us try to eat them, but they sure were good! No condiments necessary!
God is working out the timing for me to be back in Nic for about a month starting at the end of October thru Thanksgiving. I'm ready to get back there! God has blessed me so much.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday evening and I'm relaxing in my chair catching up on some communication.
It's been a productive week. The Compassion Kits for Dubai were completed by noon on Wednesday, ahead of the timetable I had anticipated, thanks to some surprise, hard working volunteers.
Wednesday, I got to attend a lunch meeting with the Hulseys and Brian Sander (FBCR Youth Pastor) regarding a Spring Break mission trip for the Youth to go to serve in Nic with Voice of Hope Ministries. I think we might be having a Youth Crusade during that week. It will be awesome! I enjoyed seeing Manuel and hearing about his school. And the food was pretty good, too!!
Speaking of food, I was blessed to spend a long lunch with Cindy Sigmon today. I had one of my favorite meals (black & blue salad at O'Charleys). We sat and talked for a couple of hours. It was nice to catch up. We're going to work together on a project next week. It will be fun.
I ran some errands and got a few things done at both FBCR buildings. A lot of little things. After I got home, I worked a little bit on some clothes that need altering and did some laundry. It has been a very pleasant, stress-free day.
I found out today that I'm not needed to house/dog-sit this weekend, so I'm going to make the weekend count by getting stuff done here at the house on Friday evening and then probably going to Disaster Relief training on Saturday morning and then a Spanish Christian concert on Saturday evening. That's my plan, anyway...
I delivered a check from FBCR to the counselor and pricipal at Northside Elementary to provide school supplies and other needed items for kids whose families can't provide them. There were some tears shed and many thank yous. Kelly kept saying 'you just don't know how this helps, you just don't know'. Well, I don't know the details, but God knows who needs what, and it was a privilege to be a small tool in HIS plan for those who 'have' to give to those who 'have not'. The principal was still blessed that our Youth wrote a thank you note to the school for letting some of the kids go to do work at the school during the Mission Rogers week in June. The teachers and staff are thankful for the things that FBCR has done to bless them over the past year. They are so glad to have people appreciate them. They work so hard and have less resources than some other schools. I admire all teachers for the work that they do. They need to be thanked in relevant ways. A little love can go a long way...
I have enjoyed spending time with people I run into. Sometimes it's just a quick conversation, sometimes a discussion, sometimes a meal... I love sharing what God is doing in my life and how blessed I feel. I'm grateful to be able to thank the people who support me financially and through prayer. I get excited to be an encourager to others to get involved in what God is doing around them. I'm spoiled by having a life that is so opposite of what the 'world' deems as successful, but what God plans for me. I love being a Christian and I love being a Missionary. Most of all, I love my God.
It's been a productive week. The Compassion Kits for Dubai were completed by noon on Wednesday, ahead of the timetable I had anticipated, thanks to some surprise, hard working volunteers.
Wednesday, I got to attend a lunch meeting with the Hulseys and Brian Sander (FBCR Youth Pastor) regarding a Spring Break mission trip for the Youth to go to serve in Nic with Voice of Hope Ministries. I think we might be having a Youth Crusade during that week. It will be awesome! I enjoyed seeing Manuel and hearing about his school. And the food was pretty good, too!!
Speaking of food, I was blessed to spend a long lunch with Cindy Sigmon today. I had one of my favorite meals (black & blue salad at O'Charleys). We sat and talked for a couple of hours. It was nice to catch up. We're going to work together on a project next week. It will be fun.
I ran some errands and got a few things done at both FBCR buildings. A lot of little things. After I got home, I worked a little bit on some clothes that need altering and did some laundry. It has been a very pleasant, stress-free day.
I found out today that I'm not needed to house/dog-sit this weekend, so I'm going to make the weekend count by getting stuff done here at the house on Friday evening and then probably going to Disaster Relief training on Saturday morning and then a Spanish Christian concert on Saturday evening. That's my plan, anyway...
I delivered a check from FBCR to the counselor and pricipal at Northside Elementary to provide school supplies and other needed items for kids whose families can't provide them. There were some tears shed and many thank yous. Kelly kept saying 'you just don't know how this helps, you just don't know'. Well, I don't know the details, but God knows who needs what, and it was a privilege to be a small tool in HIS plan for those who 'have' to give to those who 'have not'. The principal was still blessed that our Youth wrote a thank you note to the school for letting some of the kids go to do work at the school during the Mission Rogers week in June. The teachers and staff are thankful for the things that FBCR has done to bless them over the past year. They are so glad to have people appreciate them. They work so hard and have less resources than some other schools. I admire all teachers for the work that they do. They need to be thanked in relevant ways. A little love can go a long way...
I have enjoyed spending time with people I run into. Sometimes it's just a quick conversation, sometimes a discussion, sometimes a meal... I love sharing what God is doing in my life and how blessed I feel. I'm grateful to be able to thank the people who support me financially and through prayer. I get excited to be an encourager to others to get involved in what God is doing around them. I'm spoiled by having a life that is so opposite of what the 'world' deems as successful, but what God plans for me. I love being a Christian and I love being a Missionary. Most of all, I love my God.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 15, 2010
It's Monday evening and I'm in my chair, with my laptop on my lap (go figure) and watching what passes for TV with Deanna. It's been a busy day and I'm pleasantly tired. I think I'll sleep well tonight. I picked up a couple of new books from the library for my bedtime reading. Hopefully, they are good enough to keep my interest, but not too exciting so I can lay them down and go to sleep.
Last evening, I reviewed the first 7 chapters of my Spanish textbook. I want to finish up that book and move on to some others in the next few weeks. I have a ton of things I want to study and read. I need to discipline my time better to fit it all in. What is Your schedule for me, Lord?
Saturday, I messed around the house and rested a little bit and then had a late lunch/early dinner with Nana Ruth. It was nice to sit and talk and catch up with each other. I also tried on some of the dresses that I made for Nicaragua so that Deanna could pin some alterations. I had made up the pattern off of a dress that I liked. I tend to worry about my clothes being too tight, so I cut the dresses big and they are too roomy. I'll make the alterations and then put some pockets on the front and they will be perfect for wearing in Nic.
Sunday was special with worship services at FBCR on the west side of town and Cuerpo Vivo on the east side. I love being able to worship with friends in both languages. I'm so thankful that God has worked out the timing for each service so that I can attend both. I am blessed.
I had a good meeting with Jaime and Oliver this afternoon regarding the scheduling of events for Cuerpo Vivo through the end of the year. There is some good momentum going in the Hispanic church and we are keeping it rolling. God is very busy in Cuerpo Vivo. It's exciting.
John Caubble called me this morning with a new project for this week. He asked that I shop for and put together 400 more compassion kits for the workers in Dubai. I hit both Walmarts and 1 Walgreens stores and purchased most of what I needed to get. I still have a few hundred more toothbruses and toothpaste to pick up and some flip flops for about 100 women. I cleaned off the shelves at both Walmarts for some of the items I was looking for. I filled 2 shopping carts at both stores. It was fun. I'll try to finish shopping in the morning by hitting all the Dollar stores in town and also going by Walmart to see if they have re-stocked. Then Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday will be spent putting the kits together. I'll be calling in reinforcements and having some fun! John asked that the kits be ready by Thursday. This will keep me out of trouble for a few days anyway...
I guess I should head off to bed for now. I think I'll listen to some Spanish praise music to put me in a quiet mood. I'm trying to immerse my brain in all the Spanish I can get. (gotta get ready to return to Nic!)
Last evening, I reviewed the first 7 chapters of my Spanish textbook. I want to finish up that book and move on to some others in the next few weeks. I have a ton of things I want to study and read. I need to discipline my time better to fit it all in. What is Your schedule for me, Lord?
Saturday, I messed around the house and rested a little bit and then had a late lunch/early dinner with Nana Ruth. It was nice to sit and talk and catch up with each other. I also tried on some of the dresses that I made for Nicaragua so that Deanna could pin some alterations. I had made up the pattern off of a dress that I liked. I tend to worry about my clothes being too tight, so I cut the dresses big and they are too roomy. I'll make the alterations and then put some pockets on the front and they will be perfect for wearing in Nic.
Sunday was special with worship services at FBCR on the west side of town and Cuerpo Vivo on the east side. I love being able to worship with friends in both languages. I'm so thankful that God has worked out the timing for each service so that I can attend both. I am blessed.
I had a good meeting with Jaime and Oliver this afternoon regarding the scheduling of events for Cuerpo Vivo through the end of the year. There is some good momentum going in the Hispanic church and we are keeping it rolling. God is very busy in Cuerpo Vivo. It's exciting.
John Caubble called me this morning with a new project for this week. He asked that I shop for and put together 400 more compassion kits for the workers in Dubai. I hit both Walmarts and 1 Walgreens stores and purchased most of what I needed to get. I still have a few hundred more toothbruses and toothpaste to pick up and some flip flops for about 100 women. I cleaned off the shelves at both Walmarts for some of the items I was looking for. I filled 2 shopping carts at both stores. It was fun. I'll try to finish shopping in the morning by hitting all the Dollar stores in town and also going by Walmart to see if they have re-stocked. Then Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday will be spent putting the kits together. I'll be calling in reinforcements and having some fun! John asked that the kits be ready by Thursday. This will keep me out of trouble for a few days anyway...
I guess I should head off to bed for now. I think I'll listen to some Spanish praise music to put me in a quiet mood. I'm trying to immerse my brain in all the Spanish I can get. (gotta get ready to return to Nic!)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
I finally finished posting an entry for each day from my Nic journal. Whew! What a job. I did spell check the posts, but got tired of rereading them, so there are probably a lot grammar errors and such. Oh well, I'll correct them all later. I hope you enjoy reading the daily antics of our teams in Nic.
There were lots of professions of faith, but I didn't get totals. There were many at each Fiesta and Crusade night. Many of the church services produced salvations, too. That is the main focus of our ministry - saved souls. Giving people hope for their daily lives and physical needs is another priority. Some of the families don't even get one meal a day. Many desperately need clothing and other basic items. Everyone needs to hear how much Jesus loves them and that He is their only HOPE for this life and eternal life.
I've been back in Rogers for a week (tomorrow night). The time has went by fast. I got in on Saturday night and was blessed to attend two wonderful church services on Sunday morning. It was the first Sunday service for FBCR at the new facility. It was wonderful to have everyone in one service. I loved the worship. I then high-tailed it across town to the old building to worship with the Cuerpo Vivo congregation in the sanctuary for the first time. What a blessing to come in and just have church. No setup and rearranging and teardown. The kids were in real kid's rooms. The babies got to be in baby beds and not on the floor. We were all so thankful. God is so good to all of His people.
I've spent the week catching up on what's going on with both churches. I had a great meeting with John Caubble on Wednesday, discussing what needs to be planned and implimented at FBCR for local missions, what's going on with Cuerpo Vivo, and what's going on in my life and God's call for me in Nicaragua. It is so exciting to see God working in so many lives. He's such a busy guy and the least we can do is to get on board with Him and follow what His plans are for us.
Monday I got to have a yummy lunch with my friend, Avis. I just never get enough time to spend with this lovely lady. I need to make more of an effort to spend time with her.
I got to have a great visit with Sherry and Manuel Hulsey over lunch on Tuesday. We discussed the opportunities for me to be involved with Voice of Hope going forward. I'll be spending a lot of time there and I'm so grateful. I feel very at peace about God's call on my life for Nic. There is nothing like the feeling of being in the 'sweet spot' of God's will for your life.
Wednesday started with my meeting with John and then we had our monthly Staff prayer meeting. Afterward, 5 of us gals went to eat at Applebee's. It was very tasty.
Last night was the volunteer appreciation dinner for the wonderful people who volunteer at the River of Life Medical Clinic. October will mark the 10th year for the clinic. It's hard to believe that so many years have gone by. God has used that ministry to touch thousands of lives. The volunteers are real soldiers for Christ. I admire and appreciate them much.
Today, I got to have a quick haircut (so Carolyn could fix my chopping escapades in Nic) and then helped stuff bulletins at the church. It was fun to talk with Pauline, Maryann and Mary. I stopped in at the Food Pantry for a quick hello and then ran to Walmart (my first time since I've been back). I had lunch and a nap and then got on the computer to get some work done. I ordered some books from a Spanish website for Cuerpo Vivo classes. I hope I ordered the right thing! :) Deanna and I are just relaxing as usual this evening.
I'm so thankful for all that God allows me to do and experience.
He is worthy of so much more than I can give Him. I'm thankful that He accepts my meager attempts at Praise.
There were lots of professions of faith, but I didn't get totals. There were many at each Fiesta and Crusade night. Many of the church services produced salvations, too. That is the main focus of our ministry - saved souls. Giving people hope for their daily lives and physical needs is another priority. Some of the families don't even get one meal a day. Many desperately need clothing and other basic items. Everyone needs to hear how much Jesus loves them and that He is their only HOPE for this life and eternal life.
I've been back in Rogers for a week (tomorrow night). The time has went by fast. I got in on Saturday night and was blessed to attend two wonderful church services on Sunday morning. It was the first Sunday service for FBCR at the new facility. It was wonderful to have everyone in one service. I loved the worship. I then high-tailed it across town to the old building to worship with the Cuerpo Vivo congregation in the sanctuary for the first time. What a blessing to come in and just have church. No setup and rearranging and teardown. The kids were in real kid's rooms. The babies got to be in baby beds and not on the floor. We were all so thankful. God is so good to all of His people.
I've spent the week catching up on what's going on with both churches. I had a great meeting with John Caubble on Wednesday, discussing what needs to be planned and implimented at FBCR for local missions, what's going on with Cuerpo Vivo, and what's going on in my life and God's call for me in Nicaragua. It is so exciting to see God working in so many lives. He's such a busy guy and the least we can do is to get on board with Him and follow what His plans are for us.
Monday I got to have a yummy lunch with my friend, Avis. I just never get enough time to spend with this lovely lady. I need to make more of an effort to spend time with her.
I got to have a great visit with Sherry and Manuel Hulsey over lunch on Tuesday. We discussed the opportunities for me to be involved with Voice of Hope going forward. I'll be spending a lot of time there and I'm so grateful. I feel very at peace about God's call on my life for Nic. There is nothing like the feeling of being in the 'sweet spot' of God's will for your life.
Wednesday started with my meeting with John and then we had our monthly Staff prayer meeting. Afterward, 5 of us gals went to eat at Applebee's. It was very tasty.
Last night was the volunteer appreciation dinner for the wonderful people who volunteer at the River of Life Medical Clinic. October will mark the 10th year for the clinic. It's hard to believe that so many years have gone by. God has used that ministry to touch thousands of lives. The volunteers are real soldiers for Christ. I admire and appreciate them much.
Today, I got to have a quick haircut (so Carolyn could fix my chopping escapades in Nic) and then helped stuff bulletins at the church. It was fun to talk with Pauline, Maryann and Mary. I stopped in at the Food Pantry for a quick hello and then ran to Walmart (my first time since I've been back). I had lunch and a nap and then got on the computer to get some work done. I ordered some books from a Spanish website for Cuerpo Vivo classes. I hope I ordered the right thing! :) Deanna and I are just relaxing as usual this evening.
I'm so thankful for all that God allows me to do and experience.
He is worthy of so much more than I can give Him. I'm thankful that He accepts my meager attempts at Praise.
Nicaragua August 7, 2010
Saturday Last day in Nic
I woke up at 3am. Mary was softly snoring on and off and I was just laying there awake thinking about lots of things.
I got up about 4:40 and got dressed and ready to leave for the airport at 5am. I hugged Mary and Beth goodbye and they went back to bed. (their flights leave at noon and 1pm)
I walked across the street to the airport and got in line to check in at the Continental desk. It was 5:13am. It took 45 minutes to make it through the line. I met a man who was traveling with his daughter back to California after spending time on the east coast of Nic scuba diving. I got checked in and my suitcase weighed 49 pounds. whew! I went straight over to the immigration check in line, which was very long, but moving pretty well. After the bag xray and search, I ran to a small shop and bought a bottled water so that I could take my morning pills. I only got half of the water down and had to throw it away because they were boarding my row on the plane. One more search of carry-on bags and I'm all set. I get on the plane and settle in.
We took off promptly and had a smooth flight. The breakfast was less than desirable, but the 4 little pieces of fruit was good. I like the OJ, too. I dozed a little bit. We arrived in Houston 30 minutes early. I ran the gauntlet of immigration and customs and bag check-in and such. (I misunderstood the immigration person and thought she was asking me to pay $50 to enter back into the country. funny moment) Then I went strait to Chili's and ate a HUGE salad. Yay for veggies!! I called people to tell them that I was back in the states. My sister was very happy to hear it.
I walked around a lot since I had a 4 hour layover. I had a scoop of icecream, but it wasn't as good as the Eskimo icecream in Nic. :) I sat at some seats along a window and put my feet up on my carry-on bag and caught up writing in my journal. I would LOVE to have a nap right now... But I know I will sleep well tonight and I need to get up early tomorrow to hit both the FBC service and then run across town to the Cuerpo Vivo service.
When I talked to Deanna, she said that the Eatons had dropped the mission-mobile off in the driveway. How precious is that blessing!! She also said that Jet has been to the groomers and smells nice. I had dreamed the other day that I was hugging his nick. I hope he remembers me!
I miss seeing my Nic kids and I will pray for them daily until I can see them again.
I have a wonderful peace about being a part of Voice of Hope ministries and getting to come and go often to be in Nic. I am so thankful.
Time to put on some makeup so I will at least look awake. ha
I've been catching up on my journalling for the days when I just kind of bullet-pointed entries instead of writing paragraphs. There is so much I want to remember, but it's hard. Pics help.
Time to go find a bathroom near my gate and get ready to leave for the flight to Rogers. It dosn't feel like I've been gone 4 weeks. I find that time is relative when serving the Lord. His time is special.
We had to wait on the flight crew before we could board the plane. We left about 15 mintues late, but the plane was only about half full, so I got to spread out in 2 seats. Nice. I met a lady and her son who were travelling from Oregon to Rogers to visit her sister. I gave Isaac a couple of the plastic finger puppets I had in my backpack. He shared one of his silly-bands with me. It was in the shape of a van. It reminded me of the vans I had been riding in for the last 4 weeks in Nic. I gave them my card with info about the church services on it. It was nice meeting them.
Deanna picked me up at the airport and we came straight home. Jet met me at the door. He is so snuggly. It's good to be in my NA (North America) home for awhile. I'm ready to relax. But I'm ready to head back to Nic, too. God is so good to me!
I woke up at 3am. Mary was softly snoring on and off and I was just laying there awake thinking about lots of things.
I got up about 4:40 and got dressed and ready to leave for the airport at 5am. I hugged Mary and Beth goodbye and they went back to bed. (their flights leave at noon and 1pm)
I walked across the street to the airport and got in line to check in at the Continental desk. It was 5:13am. It took 45 minutes to make it through the line. I met a man who was traveling with his daughter back to California after spending time on the east coast of Nic scuba diving. I got checked in and my suitcase weighed 49 pounds. whew! I went straight over to the immigration check in line, which was very long, but moving pretty well. After the bag xray and search, I ran to a small shop and bought a bottled water so that I could take my morning pills. I only got half of the water down and had to throw it away because they were boarding my row on the plane. One more search of carry-on bags and I'm all set. I get on the plane and settle in.
We took off promptly and had a smooth flight. The breakfast was less than desirable, but the 4 little pieces of fruit was good. I like the OJ, too. I dozed a little bit. We arrived in Houston 30 minutes early. I ran the gauntlet of immigration and customs and bag check-in and such. (I misunderstood the immigration person and thought she was asking me to pay $50 to enter back into the country. funny moment) Then I went strait to Chili's and ate a HUGE salad. Yay for veggies!! I called people to tell them that I was back in the states. My sister was very happy to hear it.
I walked around a lot since I had a 4 hour layover. I had a scoop of icecream, but it wasn't as good as the Eskimo icecream in Nic. :) I sat at some seats along a window and put my feet up on my carry-on bag and caught up writing in my journal. I would LOVE to have a nap right now... But I know I will sleep well tonight and I need to get up early tomorrow to hit both the FBC service and then run across town to the Cuerpo Vivo service.
When I talked to Deanna, she said that the Eatons had dropped the mission-mobile off in the driveway. How precious is that blessing!! She also said that Jet has been to the groomers and smells nice. I had dreamed the other day that I was hugging his nick. I hope he remembers me!
I miss seeing my Nic kids and I will pray for them daily until I can see them again.
I have a wonderful peace about being a part of Voice of Hope ministries and getting to come and go often to be in Nic. I am so thankful.
Time to put on some makeup so I will at least look awake. ha
I've been catching up on my journalling for the days when I just kind of bullet-pointed entries instead of writing paragraphs. There is so much I want to remember, but it's hard. Pics help.
Time to go find a bathroom near my gate and get ready to leave for the flight to Rogers. It dosn't feel like I've been gone 4 weeks. I find that time is relative when serving the Lord. His time is special.
We had to wait on the flight crew before we could board the plane. We left about 15 mintues late, but the plane was only about half full, so I got to spread out in 2 seats. Nice. I met a lady and her son who were travelling from Oregon to Rogers to visit her sister. I gave Isaac a couple of the plastic finger puppets I had in my backpack. He shared one of his silly-bands with me. It was in the shape of a van. It reminded me of the vans I had been riding in for the last 4 weeks in Nic. I gave them my card with info about the church services on it. It was nice meeting them.
Deanna picked me up at the airport and we came straight home. Jet met me at the door. He is so snuggly. It's good to be in my NA (North America) home for awhile. I'm ready to relax. But I'm ready to head back to Nic, too. God is so good to me!
Nicaragua August 6, 2010
Friday
Up at 4:30 to plug in the coffeepot for the last time. (sigh) Did I mention that when I get up early like this I have to watch out for the sapos (toads) who come in the house at night? I sure don't want to step on one of them burgers!
The team had breakfast and is preparing to leave. There is nothing to do until after they leave and no where to sit, so I'm laying on my bed. I'm thinking about how much I enjoy this comfy spot. We are running out of water again this morning. I hope we get enough back to do the laundry.
Beth and I are having pancakes after the team leaves. Yum! No oatmeal today!
I'm sad about leaving, but happy about coming back in November. I'm very excited about working with Voice of Hope as much as possible.
The team left for the airport at 7:30am They took a pic of all the kids with Mary, Beth and I. After they were gone, we still didn't have water. Can't do laundry yet.
We worked on various parts of the house... cleaning out fridge and pantry, putting prizes together, packing stuff to stay and stuff to go. There wasn't much more to do, so I took a few little naps and read in between. I worked on an inventory list of what I was leaving at the house.
The water was slow in coming, so Beth got her clothes washed and then Mary washed hers. I gave up and put my dirty stuff in baggies in my suitcase. I'll have to take them home and then bring them back on the next trip. That shouldn't take up too much room.
I finally got a really quick shower and put on my summer dress. It felt good to be clean. We're all a little melancholy about leaving.
Finally, it was time to go at 3pm. We said goodbye to the cooks and cleaning ladies and Saturnino (the guard), and headed into León. It was rainy, so we only made a few stops. One was to a pharmacy to get more parasite pills for us to take after we got home to the states. Next, we stopped at German's house to drop off some ministry things that he will take charge of. While parked in the intersection, Danilo, Beth and Mary all got out of the van to walk to German's porch. Since they left their bags in the van, I stayed in it to keep things safe. While sitting there, I heard the side door slowly open and saw a man standing there. I jumped out of the van and slammed the door shut. Afterward, I found out that the man was actually Danilo's brother, Julio, and he was going to ride with us to Managua. How embarassing for me. He must have thought I was terribly rude!
My stomach was already queasy and I didn't want to make the hour and a half ride on just snacks, so we stopped by On the Run for a hot sandwich for the road. I got a combo and gave the fries to Danilo and the drink to Julio (hopefully, the drink made up for my bad manners). My stomach was much better after getting something hot in it.
We stopped in La Paz Centro to meet the Speigles to say goodbye and to get some keys that needed to go back to Rogers. It was a quick stop and we were on our way again. Danilo was trying to get to Managua to take care of some kind of business before 5pm. He was driving a little too fast and crazy for Mary's taste. It is always a rollercoaster ride on the roads with all the slow moving vehicles and animals. Danilo didn't make it in time for his errand, but we made it to the hotel just fine.
We checked into the hotel and ended up with a suite with an extra bed instead of a triple room or 2 doubles. It was really nice (especially by Nic standards). We turned on the a/c and went for dinner in the restaurant. I had lemon chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Yummy.
A quick shower and I'm ready for bed. Mary and I are sharing a kingsize bed. It's pretty comfy and I know I will sleep well tonight. I'm tired.
I'm sad to be leaving Nic in the morning, but it feels good to be part of the team and know that I'll return in November.
I'm so thankful to God for allowing me this privilege of serving here. I'm counting many blessings tonight.
Up at 4:30 to plug in the coffeepot for the last time. (sigh) Did I mention that when I get up early like this I have to watch out for the sapos (toads) who come in the house at night? I sure don't want to step on one of them burgers!
The team had breakfast and is preparing to leave. There is nothing to do until after they leave and no where to sit, so I'm laying on my bed. I'm thinking about how much I enjoy this comfy spot. We are running out of water again this morning. I hope we get enough back to do the laundry.
Beth and I are having pancakes after the team leaves. Yum! No oatmeal today!
I'm sad about leaving, but happy about coming back in November. I'm very excited about working with Voice of Hope as much as possible.
The team left for the airport at 7:30am They took a pic of all the kids with Mary, Beth and I. After they were gone, we still didn't have water. Can't do laundry yet.
We worked on various parts of the house... cleaning out fridge and pantry, putting prizes together, packing stuff to stay and stuff to go. There wasn't much more to do, so I took a few little naps and read in between. I worked on an inventory list of what I was leaving at the house.
The water was slow in coming, so Beth got her clothes washed and then Mary washed hers. I gave up and put my dirty stuff in baggies in my suitcase. I'll have to take them home and then bring them back on the next trip. That shouldn't take up too much room.
I finally got a really quick shower and put on my summer dress. It felt good to be clean. We're all a little melancholy about leaving.
Finally, it was time to go at 3pm. We said goodbye to the cooks and cleaning ladies and Saturnino (the guard), and headed into León. It was rainy, so we only made a few stops. One was to a pharmacy to get more parasite pills for us to take after we got home to the states. Next, we stopped at German's house to drop off some ministry things that he will take charge of. While parked in the intersection, Danilo, Beth and Mary all got out of the van to walk to German's porch. Since they left their bags in the van, I stayed in it to keep things safe. While sitting there, I heard the side door slowly open and saw a man standing there. I jumped out of the van and slammed the door shut. Afterward, I found out that the man was actually Danilo's brother, Julio, and he was going to ride with us to Managua. How embarassing for me. He must have thought I was terribly rude!
My stomach was already queasy and I didn't want to make the hour and a half ride on just snacks, so we stopped by On the Run for a hot sandwich for the road. I got a combo and gave the fries to Danilo and the drink to Julio (hopefully, the drink made up for my bad manners). My stomach was much better after getting something hot in it.
We stopped in La Paz Centro to meet the Speigles to say goodbye and to get some keys that needed to go back to Rogers. It was a quick stop and we were on our way again. Danilo was trying to get to Managua to take care of some kind of business before 5pm. He was driving a little too fast and crazy for Mary's taste. It is always a rollercoaster ride on the roads with all the slow moving vehicles and animals. Danilo didn't make it in time for his errand, but we made it to the hotel just fine.
We checked into the hotel and ended up with a suite with an extra bed instead of a triple room or 2 doubles. It was really nice (especially by Nic standards). We turned on the a/c and went for dinner in the restaurant. I had lemon chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Yummy.
A quick shower and I'm ready for bed. Mary and I are sharing a kingsize bed. It's pretty comfy and I know I will sleep well tonight. I'm tired.
I'm sad to be leaving Nic in the morning, but it feels good to be part of the team and know that I'll return in November.
I'm so thankful to God for allowing me this privilege of serving here. I'm counting many blessings tonight.
Nicaragua August 5, 2010
Thursday
Sad to wake up. It's the next to last day at teh team house. We had breakfast. I've been eating my instant oatmeal and my stomach has been much better.
Three people on the team are sick and staying back at the house. Some of the youth are queasy with headaches, but are going. We keep telling them to drink more water...
We did 2 Fiestas in Corinto. One at a school and one in a neighborhood. I was selfishly glad when they were over. I think I'm getting tired after 4 weeks.
We stopped at On the Run for the bathroom on our way to Monte Horeb (sewer pond village). We told the team to bring water and snacks this morning because we would not be back to the house for lunch until 2pm. Some followed our advice and some were starving.
It was so sweet to see people at Monte Horeb and be recognized as a friend. I got to hold baby Dariela again. She is the baby in the picture I took of Kearsten a few weeks ago and put on facebook. We gave out bags of baby clothes, candy and toiletries.
We came home for lunch and our last afternoon at the house. Christopher came home with us and he, Beth and I went for a walk on the beach. I picked up a lot more shells.
We were out of water, so I took a baby-wipe bath and got ready for church. Baby-wipe baths aren't too bad, but I don't enjoy bucket-flushing the toilet so much...
We went to Todopoderoso church tonight. They were having a youth service so it was good, but not as full as when the whole congregation is there. I like this church a lot. It happens to be German's church.
Tonight I met a couple named Scott and Bethany. They are in Nic for 2 weeks to prepare for moving here next year to be full time missionaries. We exchanged info so I can keep up with them and pray for their ministry, and hopefully, see them when I'm in Nic, too. It was an awesome encounter.
Hector was the translator for Chester. Chico sat between Beth and me so he could translate for me. He is a great guy and I'm so thankful to know him and to get to meet Elieth (I met Benjamin on my last trip). I look forward to spending more time with his family when I'm back in Nic.
There is a lot of rain tonight. We stopped at the Texaco station so the team could say goodbye to the translators. It was our turn to say goodbye, too, since we will be going into Managua tomorrow to spend the night. I just cried my eyes out over leaving my kids and all the translators and drivers. I am really loving these people. I can't wait to get back to Nic.
We got home and served dinner and went to bed really tired. And really blessed.
Sad to wake up. It's the next to last day at teh team house. We had breakfast. I've been eating my instant oatmeal and my stomach has been much better.
Three people on the team are sick and staying back at the house. Some of the youth are queasy with headaches, but are going. We keep telling them to drink more water...
We did 2 Fiestas in Corinto. One at a school and one in a neighborhood. I was selfishly glad when they were over. I think I'm getting tired after 4 weeks.
We stopped at On the Run for the bathroom on our way to Monte Horeb (sewer pond village). We told the team to bring water and snacks this morning because we would not be back to the house for lunch until 2pm. Some followed our advice and some were starving.
It was so sweet to see people at Monte Horeb and be recognized as a friend. I got to hold baby Dariela again. She is the baby in the picture I took of Kearsten a few weeks ago and put on facebook. We gave out bags of baby clothes, candy and toiletries.
We came home for lunch and our last afternoon at the house. Christopher came home with us and he, Beth and I went for a walk on the beach. I picked up a lot more shells.
We were out of water, so I took a baby-wipe bath and got ready for church. Baby-wipe baths aren't too bad, but I don't enjoy bucket-flushing the toilet so much...
We went to Todopoderoso church tonight. They were having a youth service so it was good, but not as full as when the whole congregation is there. I like this church a lot. It happens to be German's church.
Tonight I met a couple named Scott and Bethany. They are in Nic for 2 weeks to prepare for moving here next year to be full time missionaries. We exchanged info so I can keep up with them and pray for their ministry, and hopefully, see them when I'm in Nic, too. It was an awesome encounter.
Hector was the translator for Chester. Chico sat between Beth and me so he could translate for me. He is a great guy and I'm so thankful to know him and to get to meet Elieth (I met Benjamin on my last trip). I look forward to spending more time with his family when I'm back in Nic.
There is a lot of rain tonight. We stopped at the Texaco station so the team could say goodbye to the translators. It was our turn to say goodbye, too, since we will be going into Managua tomorrow to spend the night. I just cried my eyes out over leaving my kids and all the translators and drivers. I am really loving these people. I can't wait to get back to Nic.
We got home and served dinner and went to bed really tired. And really blessed.
Nicaragua August 4, 2010
Wednesday
We all woke up very sleepy, but ready for the Fiestas. When we stopped at On the Run for the bathroom and snacks, I got pics of all of the translators and I got a pic of my 5 kids, too.
We did our 2 Fiestas, which were good. One of the ladies on the team was always getting involved in praying over the people and didn't pay attention when we gathered the group to leave. She ended up getting left at the school and came riding up on the back of a motorcycle. It was an adventure and a very good object lesson for the youth to remember to stay with the group. Of course, the youth weren't the ones we had problems keeping up with. ha
At the second Fiesta, I sat in the van with one of the youth who was not feeling well. We chatted a little bit, but mostly I talked with Manuel. It's amazing how much you can communicate even when you don't speak very good Spanish. But we had a great conversation.
We got back to the house and had grilled chicken and mashed potatoes for lunch. Yum! (can you tell this is one of my favorite meals here?) I took a nap and sorted more of my stuff since I had a little time. I walked on the beach and called my sister Pam. She could hear the ocean in the background. I got my shower and got ready for church.
A BIG storm rolled in right when we got to Jericho church. It knocked out the electricity and the rain was soooo loud. One of my kid's, Chico, brought his wife, Elieth and son, Benjamin. I got to sit with them at church and we took pics of my little family. It was a special evening.
We got back to the house for hamburgers for dinner. Then we all gratefully went to bed. God is sooo good!
We all woke up very sleepy, but ready for the Fiestas. When we stopped at On the Run for the bathroom and snacks, I got pics of all of the translators and I got a pic of my 5 kids, too.
We did our 2 Fiestas, which were good. One of the ladies on the team was always getting involved in praying over the people and didn't pay attention when we gathered the group to leave. She ended up getting left at the school and came riding up on the back of a motorcycle. It was an adventure and a very good object lesson for the youth to remember to stay with the group. Of course, the youth weren't the ones we had problems keeping up with. ha
At the second Fiesta, I sat in the van with one of the youth who was not feeling well. We chatted a little bit, but mostly I talked with Manuel. It's amazing how much you can communicate even when you don't speak very good Spanish. But we had a great conversation.
We got back to the house and had grilled chicken and mashed potatoes for lunch. Yum! (can you tell this is one of my favorite meals here?) I took a nap and sorted more of my stuff since I had a little time. I walked on the beach and called my sister Pam. She could hear the ocean in the background. I got my shower and got ready for church.
A BIG storm rolled in right when we got to Jericho church. It knocked out the electricity and the rain was soooo loud. One of my kid's, Chico, brought his wife, Elieth and son, Benjamin. I got to sit with them at church and we took pics of my little family. It was a special evening.
We got back to the house for hamburgers for dinner. Then we all gratefully went to bed. God is sooo good!
Nicaragua August 3, 2010
Tuesday
Woke up at 4:11 again. hummm. I took the time to cut my hair a little bit. Keep in mind that I have no idea how to do this. I have some thinning scissors, so I just chop away without even looking at it in the mirror. I just want it to be thin and short and comfy! Carolyn will have to fix up the damage when I get back to Rogers. I ended up not getting the coffee plugged in until after Mary came downstairs. oops!
the team is loving the food. It's so nice to hear! It's so pleasant to have appreciative people around you.
On of the team members is sick today, so Beth stayed back with her. I helped run the 2 Fiestas and Mary headed up the street witnessing teams. Things went pretty well. The drivers went in one of the vans to grab some breakfast when we got to the first Fiesta and when we needed to move the vans, the drivers weren't there. So Eliazar and I carried the stuff to the right spot. The balloons had not been packed in the supplies, so Pastor Miguel came up with another game for the girls to do. It all works out.
We were supposed to go to El Zapote on the way home, but that got changed to later in the day, so we came home for tacos for lunch.
I laid down and dozed a little bit and then Beth and I took a walk along the beach. I picked up a few shells. I wasn't really wanting to bring a lot of shells home, but God makes such pretty little things, I couldn't resist some. It's so beautiful to see the difference in the sand and waves. Each wave makes a unique pattern in the sand as it drags the shell fragments back into the ocean. The waves are so beautiful and powerful.
I was a little disappointed to not get to go to El Zapote on the way to church tonight, but I'm going to stay at the house with Debra, who is sick, and Beth will video and the activities and Mary will take pics for me. Beth will do a better job of videoing than I would do anyway. It's all good.
After the team left I was planning on getting a shower and then doing a couple of loads of laundry and sorting/packing my suitcases and deciding what to leave here and what to take back to Rogers. I had the evening all planned out with productive things. I had just stepped into the shower when the power went out. It's been out now for a couple of hours. But it has started raining, so that has cooled down the air somewhat. Thank You Lord!
Debra is really puny from her stomach problems. She is mostly sleeping. I'm sitting in the doorway takingg advantage of the last of daylight. I'm trying to catch up on my joural as much as I can while I have the quiet time and a little light.
It's raining lightly and very peaceful and soothing. I'm enjoying this now because I know when the lights come back on, I'll get busy with tasks. I love the simplicity of life here and just truly relaxing. No TV. No car to run errands. No need to feel 'productive' all of the time. Simple life of serving others and worshipping God.
Debra is finally feeling better. Oh, I'm so glad. She is a new woman. :)
Mike asked me earlier when I want to come down next. I told him 'next week'. He asked if I can come in November. Of course! He said he would have Beth come in December. I asked if I could come down in December with a team. He was excited about that. So I guess I may get to come both times. I'm willing to be here all that I can be and all that I'm needed. I thank God that I get to come.
The lights didn't come back on until after 10pm. The team got home about 9:30 and we ate by candlelight and flashlight. No complaints. They are such troopers! Tonight everyone was super late getting showers and into bed. We will all be tired tomorrow! But ready to serve!
Woke up at 4:11 again. hummm. I took the time to cut my hair a little bit. Keep in mind that I have no idea how to do this. I have some thinning scissors, so I just chop away without even looking at it in the mirror. I just want it to be thin and short and comfy! Carolyn will have to fix up the damage when I get back to Rogers. I ended up not getting the coffee plugged in until after Mary came downstairs. oops!
the team is loving the food. It's so nice to hear! It's so pleasant to have appreciative people around you.
On of the team members is sick today, so Beth stayed back with her. I helped run the 2 Fiestas and Mary headed up the street witnessing teams. Things went pretty well. The drivers went in one of the vans to grab some breakfast when we got to the first Fiesta and when we needed to move the vans, the drivers weren't there. So Eliazar and I carried the stuff to the right spot. The balloons had not been packed in the supplies, so Pastor Miguel came up with another game for the girls to do. It all works out.
We were supposed to go to El Zapote on the way home, but that got changed to later in the day, so we came home for tacos for lunch.
I laid down and dozed a little bit and then Beth and I took a walk along the beach. I picked up a few shells. I wasn't really wanting to bring a lot of shells home, but God makes such pretty little things, I couldn't resist some. It's so beautiful to see the difference in the sand and waves. Each wave makes a unique pattern in the sand as it drags the shell fragments back into the ocean. The waves are so beautiful and powerful.
I was a little disappointed to not get to go to El Zapote on the way to church tonight, but I'm going to stay at the house with Debra, who is sick, and Beth will video and the activities and Mary will take pics for me. Beth will do a better job of videoing than I would do anyway. It's all good.
After the team left I was planning on getting a shower and then doing a couple of loads of laundry and sorting/packing my suitcases and deciding what to leave here and what to take back to Rogers. I had the evening all planned out with productive things. I had just stepped into the shower when the power went out. It's been out now for a couple of hours. But it has started raining, so that has cooled down the air somewhat. Thank You Lord!
Debra is really puny from her stomach problems. She is mostly sleeping. I'm sitting in the doorway takingg advantage of the last of daylight. I'm trying to catch up on my joural as much as I can while I have the quiet time and a little light.
It's raining lightly and very peaceful and soothing. I'm enjoying this now because I know when the lights come back on, I'll get busy with tasks. I love the simplicity of life here and just truly relaxing. No TV. No car to run errands. No need to feel 'productive' all of the time. Simple life of serving others and worshipping God.
Debra is finally feeling better. Oh, I'm so glad. She is a new woman. :)
Mike asked me earlier when I want to come down next. I told him 'next week'. He asked if I can come in November. Of course! He said he would have Beth come in December. I asked if I could come down in December with a team. He was excited about that. So I guess I may get to come both times. I'm willing to be here all that I can be and all that I'm needed. I thank God that I get to come.
The lights didn't come back on until after 10pm. The team got home about 9:30 and we ate by candlelight and flashlight. No complaints. They are such troopers! Tonight everyone was super late getting showers and into bed. We will all be tired tomorrow! But ready to serve!
Nicaragua August 2, 2010
Monday
Slept till the alarm at 5. Not feeling too great this morning. I don't think I drank enough water yesterday. But it's not raining, so I'm grateful. Time for Bible reading and then wake up the roomies.
Awesome!! God showed me a scripture that I had been trying to remember. I was skimming along in Isiah looking for it and then Susanne came along for coffee and we got to talking I mentioned the scripture and she remembered it, but couldn't recall the exact verses. While we were talking, it just jumped out off the page! Thank you Lord! It's Isaiah 54:1-6 (New Living Translation). 1 "Sing, O childless woman! Break forth into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, even though you never gave birth to a child. For the woman who could bear no children now has more than all the other women," says the LORD. 2 "Enlarge your house; build an addition; spread out your home! 3 For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will take over other nations and live in their cities. 4 "Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. The shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood will be remembered no more, 5 for your Creator will be your husband. The LORD Almighty is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth. 6 For the LORD has called you back from your grief -- as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband," says your God. The thing that resonates with me about these verses is that God is my Husband and He brings into my life many children to love. He has allowed me to love many children in ways that I would not have been able to if I had children of my own to raise. He has allowed me to be a step-mother to 3 precious boys for a part of their lives. He has allowed me to love and help train many wonderful youth through Acteens, Youth on Mission, Puppet Ministry and other ways in my church. He has allowed me to be a mother figure to many friends while I served in NYC. And He has allowed me to have a mothering relationship with new 'kids' in Nicaragua. He continually brings children to my heart throughout my years and travels around His world. I am thankful for all the love He allows me to give and receive. How fun to rediscover that scripture here in Nic.
The team is learning how to do Fiestas as we go along. They are willing to learn and do what is asked. It's fun to work with them. We are working in the Chinandega and Corinto area this week. Long drives, but nice towns and good churches to work with. We did 2 Fiestas and then headed back for lunch.
We have the evening free (since there are no church services on Monday nights), and since this team will not have a Fun day at the end of the week (they are leaving on Friday), we are going to tour León, shop in the park and have Eskimo icecream. Fun!!! We got home and had dinner and hung out. Beth and a few of the team went to a special conference of some kind in Nagarote, had dinner out and got home about 11pm.
It's bedtime and it feels like herding kittens to get all the youth in their beds. I'm glad that I have my own comfy spot. :)
Slept till the alarm at 5. Not feeling too great this morning. I don't think I drank enough water yesterday. But it's not raining, so I'm grateful. Time for Bible reading and then wake up the roomies.
Awesome!! God showed me a scripture that I had been trying to remember. I was skimming along in Isiah looking for it and then Susanne came along for coffee and we got to talking I mentioned the scripture and she remembered it, but couldn't recall the exact verses. While we were talking, it just jumped out off the page! Thank you Lord! It's Isaiah 54:1-6 (New Living Translation). 1 "Sing, O childless woman! Break forth into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, even though you never gave birth to a child. For the woman who could bear no children now has more than all the other women," says the LORD. 2 "Enlarge your house; build an addition; spread out your home! 3 For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will take over other nations and live in their cities. 4 "Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. The shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood will be remembered no more, 5 for your Creator will be your husband. The LORD Almighty is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth. 6 For the LORD has called you back from your grief -- as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband," says your God. The thing that resonates with me about these verses is that God is my Husband and He brings into my life many children to love. He has allowed me to love many children in ways that I would not have been able to if I had children of my own to raise. He has allowed me to be a step-mother to 3 precious boys for a part of their lives. He has allowed me to love and help train many wonderful youth through Acteens, Youth on Mission, Puppet Ministry and other ways in my church. He has allowed me to be a mother figure to many friends while I served in NYC. And He has allowed me to have a mothering relationship with new 'kids' in Nicaragua. He continually brings children to my heart throughout my years and travels around His world. I am thankful for all the love He allows me to give and receive. How fun to rediscover that scripture here in Nic.
The team is learning how to do Fiestas as we go along. They are willing to learn and do what is asked. It's fun to work with them. We are working in the Chinandega and Corinto area this week. Long drives, but nice towns and good churches to work with. We did 2 Fiestas and then headed back for lunch.
We have the evening free (since there are no church services on Monday nights), and since this team will not have a Fun day at the end of the week (they are leaving on Friday), we are going to tour León, shop in the park and have Eskimo icecream. Fun!!! We got home and had dinner and hung out. Beth and a few of the team went to a special conference of some kind in Nagarote, had dinner out and got home about 11pm.
It's bedtime and it feels like herding kittens to get all the youth in their beds. I'm glad that I have my own comfy spot. :)
Nicaragua August 1, 2010
Sunday
Woke up at 4:11, which is interesting if you know my missions history. Anyway, I got the coffee started and couldn't fall back to sleep, so I got my shower and packed my bag for church. My roomies got up at 6am. I talked with Mary this morning instead of Bible reading, but that's okay, as she is a wise woman. :)
Breakfast was good. No complaints! What a blessing to have a grateful team. They all seem to be troopers and ready for the excitement of being on the mission field.
We drove to church in Corinto (about an hour drive) and the service lasted a long time, then we drove home. It was a beautiful time of worship. We got back home for lunch about 2:30. We had beefsteak, rice, beans, cabbage slaw & tortilla. Pretty yummy by Nic standards. We were glad to get back for the bathrooms after the long trek to church!
I laid on my bed for about 1/2 hour to rest a little and then half of us left at 3:40 for church in Nagarote (another long drive). The service was good and then there was a long time of 'laying on hands' and praying. Mary and I went out to the vans to wait. I had accidently left my Bible in the van because I was on a phone call from Rogers when we parked. Fabio said that he found it and looked at it while I was in church. He liked that it is in English and Spanish. We'll have to get him a copy.
On the way through León, we had stopped at the roadside and bought some individual bags of chips for dinner. Mary and I are hilarious when we shop. Between my faltering Spanish and her body language, we get the job done!
We got home from church and put out dinner. Hamburgers and chips. Everyone loved it. How nice! I grabbed a shower and rested until the other vans came back from their churches, ate and then got their showers. After they were settled, we got to retire.
John Caubble texted me that FBCR was taking up offerings in all 3 services for school supplies for Northside School. I told him that I was praying for the last service in the old building that day. I know there were alot of emotions.
FBCR was supposed to have a special eveningg service at the new building tonight. Someone in Rogers who had my cell number called to find out why no one was at the old building. I was spending international fees explaining to the 'taxi' driver how to get to the new church. I noticed when I got home and turned my roaming back on that she had called 3 more times. interesting...
The pastor of the church in Corinto this morning made 3 points about what people will be doing in hell... 1-crying out to God, 2-remember scripture, 3-evangelizing to keep their loved ones out of there. What he said made sense and made me think. I didn't explain it very good here, though. He then showed us what he was going to do when he gets to heaven and sees the person who led him to the Lord - he ran full force across the stage and jumped into the translator's arms. It was very emotional. awesome.
Time for bed. I hope to sleep until 5am tomorrow. That would be sweet!
Thank You God for all things. I love You.
Woke up at 4:11, which is interesting if you know my missions history. Anyway, I got the coffee started and couldn't fall back to sleep, so I got my shower and packed my bag for church. My roomies got up at 6am. I talked with Mary this morning instead of Bible reading, but that's okay, as she is a wise woman. :)
Breakfast was good. No complaints! What a blessing to have a grateful team. They all seem to be troopers and ready for the excitement of being on the mission field.
We drove to church in Corinto (about an hour drive) and the service lasted a long time, then we drove home. It was a beautiful time of worship. We got back home for lunch about 2:30. We had beefsteak, rice, beans, cabbage slaw & tortilla. Pretty yummy by Nic standards. We were glad to get back for the bathrooms after the long trek to church!
I laid on my bed for about 1/2 hour to rest a little and then half of us left at 3:40 for church in Nagarote (another long drive). The service was good and then there was a long time of 'laying on hands' and praying. Mary and I went out to the vans to wait. I had accidently left my Bible in the van because I was on a phone call from Rogers when we parked. Fabio said that he found it and looked at it while I was in church. He liked that it is in English and Spanish. We'll have to get him a copy.
On the way through León, we had stopped at the roadside and bought some individual bags of chips for dinner. Mary and I are hilarious when we shop. Between my faltering Spanish and her body language, we get the job done!
We got home from church and put out dinner. Hamburgers and chips. Everyone loved it. How nice! I grabbed a shower and rested until the other vans came back from their churches, ate and then got their showers. After they were settled, we got to retire.
John Caubble texted me that FBCR was taking up offerings in all 3 services for school supplies for Northside School. I told him that I was praying for the last service in the old building that day. I know there were alot of emotions.
FBCR was supposed to have a special eveningg service at the new building tonight. Someone in Rogers who had my cell number called to find out why no one was at the old building. I was spending international fees explaining to the 'taxi' driver how to get to the new church. I noticed when I got home and turned my roaming back on that she had called 3 more times. interesting...
The pastor of the church in Corinto this morning made 3 points about what people will be doing in hell... 1-crying out to God, 2-remember scripture, 3-evangelizing to keep their loved ones out of there. What he said made sense and made me think. I didn't explain it very good here, though. He then showed us what he was going to do when he gets to heaven and sees the person who led him to the Lord - he ran full force across the stage and jumped into the translator's arms. It was very emotional. awesome.
Time for bed. I hope to sleep until 5am tomorrow. That would be sweet!
Thank You God for all things. I love You.
Nicaragua July 31, 2010
Saturday
Up at 4am to get the girls up. We are all sooo tired. I hate to see them go, but we have had a good 2 weeks. As much as they didn't want to leave Nic, they are ready to be home now. We got to the airport and got them checked in and I said goodbye at the security checkpoint. I made a quick trip through the check-in counters for the other airlines to make sure the team had gotten through okay. Then I headed back across the street to the hotel. I had the free breakfast in the restaurant and then napped until 9am and showered and left for the airport at 11am.
I enjoyed the alone time in the airport. It reminded me a little of being in NYC where I was alone most of the time. I ran into John Speigle and we chatted a while. It was a nice surprise.
I met up with Mike and German and the drivers. A group of 3 people who knew German were at the airport and had just missed some missionaries they had gifts for. They asked German if he knew any missionaries that they could give their homemade gifts to. German told them about me and they gave me the ceramic animals that they had painted. I told them that I would share the gifts with other missionaries. How neat to share in the blessing of people we don't know who were loving other missionaries who are also working for the Kingdom. Awesome!
We finally caught up with the incoming team and Mike was glad to see that it was made up of a lot of youth. There are thousands of people coming in to that small airport. Many of them are mission teams to work all over the country. It's nice to see.
We put the team on the vans and went to Tip Top to grab some chicken for lunch. I got to have a good discussion with some of the team. I enjoyed a grilled chicken breast, but the team really liked the fried chicken. One of the guys said that Tip Top 'could teach the Colonel a thing or two'. Ha
I rode in Fabio's van with the Youth Pastor and team leader. Fabio and I practiced English and Spanish together. It was very quiet in our van. Luggage makes good traveling companions.
We arrived at the team house and the team hit the beach and found the waves strong and the sand sticky and went through a bunch of towels in the first 30 minutes. Mary shared the house rules with the group. This is the first mission trip for most of the youth. They are really excited. We had sandwiches and chips for dinner and then went into León for a walk around the park and some Eskimo icecream.
We returned back home and I went to bed fairly early. I was ready for a good night's sleep in 'my own bed'. I love living at the team house.
God is good and I love Him so much!
Up at 4am to get the girls up. We are all sooo tired. I hate to see them go, but we have had a good 2 weeks. As much as they didn't want to leave Nic, they are ready to be home now. We got to the airport and got them checked in and I said goodbye at the security checkpoint. I made a quick trip through the check-in counters for the other airlines to make sure the team had gotten through okay. Then I headed back across the street to the hotel. I had the free breakfast in the restaurant and then napped until 9am and showered and left for the airport at 11am.
I enjoyed the alone time in the airport. It reminded me a little of being in NYC where I was alone most of the time. I ran into John Speigle and we chatted a while. It was a nice surprise.
I met up with Mike and German and the drivers. A group of 3 people who knew German were at the airport and had just missed some missionaries they had gifts for. They asked German if he knew any missionaries that they could give their homemade gifts to. German told them about me and they gave me the ceramic animals that they had painted. I told them that I would share the gifts with other missionaries. How neat to share in the blessing of people we don't know who were loving other missionaries who are also working for the Kingdom. Awesome!
We finally caught up with the incoming team and Mike was glad to see that it was made up of a lot of youth. There are thousands of people coming in to that small airport. Many of them are mission teams to work all over the country. It's nice to see.
We put the team on the vans and went to Tip Top to grab some chicken for lunch. I got to have a good discussion with some of the team. I enjoyed a grilled chicken breast, but the team really liked the fried chicken. One of the guys said that Tip Top 'could teach the Colonel a thing or two'. Ha
I rode in Fabio's van with the Youth Pastor and team leader. Fabio and I practiced English and Spanish together. It was very quiet in our van. Luggage makes good traveling companions.
We arrived at the team house and the team hit the beach and found the waves strong and the sand sticky and went through a bunch of towels in the first 30 minutes. Mary shared the house rules with the group. This is the first mission trip for most of the youth. They are really excited. We had sandwiches and chips for dinner and then went into León for a walk around the park and some Eskimo icecream.
We returned back home and I went to bed fairly early. I was ready for a good night's sleep in 'my own bed'. I love living at the team house.
God is good and I love Him so much!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Nicaragua July 30, 2010
Friday
Didn't have to start the coffee, but woke up at 4am anyway. Oh well. So tired this morning. I had a big bowl of instant oatmeal for my breakfast. My stomach is doing so much better.
Mike gave me the money for the hotel rooms, gas for the vans, meals for the drivers and translators. We set off for our fun day.
We stopped at On the Run one last time for the team to get snacks from 'their' store. Bethany got locked in the bathroom stall. I was starting to worry about her and then she made it out. whew! I bought a bag of cheetos and other snacks to share with the drivers and translators.
Oscar rode up front in my van and we had a nice chat. The middle seat seems to make the rider very sleepy. We took turns 'praying' and I would have loved a longer nap, myself.
The vans stopped at an overlook and took a group picture with the lake and volcanoes behind us. Then we drove to the hotel and dropped off the luggage and confirmed our rooms. Then on to the zipline. Kaylie and I opted to sit out of the zipline and Juan sat with us in one of the vans. Fabio was so gracious to keep the a/c on, but I didn't want to use up the gas. We were parked in the shade with the doors open, so it wasn't unbearable. Juan and I talked a lot about Spanish lessons and such. The time went by so fast.
We headed to Narcy's for lunch. It was great. But it seemed to take forever. Kearsten had ordered a kid's pizza that had a smile on it. When I took it's picture, it seemed to be grimmacing at me...
We arrived at the gringo market just before 4pm. We had just a little over an hour to shop. I was looking for a few things that Beth and Sherry were wanting to find. I did get some things for me. I had to buy a bag so I could carry all the little things. We gathered at the vans and the translators said goodbye to the team and took the bus back to León.
By the time we got back to the hotel, I was soooo exhausted. We took care of the room 'issues' and everyone got their luggage and left to find their rooms. I turned around to go with the girls to find our 2 rooms. Ooops, no Bethany or Kaylie. They had left their luggage with Kearsten and went to find their room. I was so tired and wanted so badly to go to my own room. I have to admit I was pretty grumpy when they finally showed back up. It turns out that the room they got was way out in the boonies of the rows of cabins. They had asked a porter to change their room. That was what was taking so long. They didn't like the second room either, but came back to find Kearsten and me. I was going to change their room for them, but a HUGE group was checking in. So, I gave them mine and Kearsten's room and she and I took the one in the boonies.
Kearsten and I got lost looking for the girls room. (the hotel is like a pac-man game of going back and forth between buildings) When we finally found the girl's room, the door had no handle and a guy was there working on it. They had actaully gotten locked inside their room and the key was stuck in the door. The windows were bolted shut and they couldn't figure out how to use the phone to call my room (which I was not in anyway, since I was lost in the maze of hallways). Finally, they got someone's attention and he went to the front desk for help. Turns out that they have to move the girls to a 4th room, which ends up right next to ours and it's an adjoining room!! woohoo! Oh thank You Lord! You knew we needed to be together and to be away from the team and everyone else for our last hours.
The team had reserved tables for themselves and us for 7:30pm. We didn't really want anything to eat, but felt obligated by ettiquette to go. We ended up eating little. I was so tired I didn't want to chew meat, so I got mushroom ravioli. The girls all shared one meal. Most of the time we listened to some of the team make fun or complain about things. Not my favorite way to spend the last evening with the girls. Finally, we went to our rooms and talked for a little while. I wish I could have had more time and energy to tell the girls just how much I love and appreciate them. We went to bed about 11pm. We had to get up about 4am for them to catch their plane. I went to sleep late and slept like a log!!
I was so proud of the girls and the way they handled themselves in many different situations. They were truly a blessing to me (and to Mary and Beth).
Didn't have to start the coffee, but woke up at 4am anyway. Oh well. So tired this morning. I had a big bowl of instant oatmeal for my breakfast. My stomach is doing so much better.
Mike gave me the money for the hotel rooms, gas for the vans, meals for the drivers and translators. We set off for our fun day.
We stopped at On the Run one last time for the team to get snacks from 'their' store. Bethany got locked in the bathroom stall. I was starting to worry about her and then she made it out. whew! I bought a bag of cheetos and other snacks to share with the drivers and translators.
Oscar rode up front in my van and we had a nice chat. The middle seat seems to make the rider very sleepy. We took turns 'praying' and I would have loved a longer nap, myself.
The vans stopped at an overlook and took a group picture with the lake and volcanoes behind us. Then we drove to the hotel and dropped off the luggage and confirmed our rooms. Then on to the zipline. Kaylie and I opted to sit out of the zipline and Juan sat with us in one of the vans. Fabio was so gracious to keep the a/c on, but I didn't want to use up the gas. We were parked in the shade with the doors open, so it wasn't unbearable. Juan and I talked a lot about Spanish lessons and such. The time went by so fast.
We headed to Narcy's for lunch. It was great. But it seemed to take forever. Kearsten had ordered a kid's pizza that had a smile on it. When I took it's picture, it seemed to be grimmacing at me...
We arrived at the gringo market just before 4pm. We had just a little over an hour to shop. I was looking for a few things that Beth and Sherry were wanting to find. I did get some things for me. I had to buy a bag so I could carry all the little things. We gathered at the vans and the translators said goodbye to the team and took the bus back to León.
By the time we got back to the hotel, I was soooo exhausted. We took care of the room 'issues' and everyone got their luggage and left to find their rooms. I turned around to go with the girls to find our 2 rooms. Ooops, no Bethany or Kaylie. They had left their luggage with Kearsten and went to find their room. I was so tired and wanted so badly to go to my own room. I have to admit I was pretty grumpy when they finally showed back up. It turns out that the room they got was way out in the boonies of the rows of cabins. They had asked a porter to change their room. That was what was taking so long. They didn't like the second room either, but came back to find Kearsten and me. I was going to change their room for them, but a HUGE group was checking in. So, I gave them mine and Kearsten's room and she and I took the one in the boonies.
Kearsten and I got lost looking for the girls room. (the hotel is like a pac-man game of going back and forth between buildings) When we finally found the girl's room, the door had no handle and a guy was there working on it. They had actaully gotten locked inside their room and the key was stuck in the door. The windows were bolted shut and they couldn't figure out how to use the phone to call my room (which I was not in anyway, since I was lost in the maze of hallways). Finally, they got someone's attention and he went to the front desk for help. Turns out that they have to move the girls to a 4th room, which ends up right next to ours and it's an adjoining room!! woohoo! Oh thank You Lord! You knew we needed to be together and to be away from the team and everyone else for our last hours.
The team had reserved tables for themselves and us for 7:30pm. We didn't really want anything to eat, but felt obligated by ettiquette to go. We ended up eating little. I was so tired I didn't want to chew meat, so I got mushroom ravioli. The girls all shared one meal. Most of the time we listened to some of the team make fun or complain about things. Not my favorite way to spend the last evening with the girls. Finally, we went to our rooms and talked for a little while. I wish I could have had more time and energy to tell the girls just how much I love and appreciate them. We went to bed about 11pm. We had to get up about 4am for them to catch their plane. I went to sleep late and slept like a log!!
I was so proud of the girls and the way they handled themselves in many different situations. They were truly a blessing to me (and to Mary and Beth).
Nicaragua July 29, 2010
Thursday
Woke up at 4am and started coffee and my day with a great shower. I need a shower for my heart and mind. I'm starting out with a bad attitude... critical, judgemental, ungrateful, uncooperative... Forgive me Lord. I do not have a merciful spirit or shine Your light in any way this morning. That is what I want to do most. The enemy is using this week to grab a hold of me. But You are bigger than all unrighteousness and You will overcome it for me. I love You Lord and that's all that matters.
Thank You for answering my prayers, Lord. (as You always do)
Mary, Sherry and I went to the store to buy more meat and produce. It was fun. We rode into town in one fo the vans with the team, changed to German's car at the stoplight and shopped at La Unión. German had called someone who drives a taxi to come and pick us up. We were told that he would be in a red taxi and that he would recognize Mary.
We walked outside and found a red taxi. Mary waved to the driver and he waved back, so Mary siad that he was the one. We ran over and started piling our stuff in the car. He seemed confused so I was trying to talk to him in my broken Spanish and asked if he knew Danilo and German. He kept giving me a confused expression. I'm trying to talk to him and Mary is telling me to ask certain questions. She kept trying to get me to remember him as a previous driver for us, but I had not seen him before. I had to shush her so I could complete a sentence. She saw that he didn't have a hand and thus realized that he was not the person she thought he was and she jumped out of the taxi and ran across the parking lot to another red taxi. The other driver said German's name and Mary started yelling German, German and running at him with all her speed. She had left Sherry and I just sitting in the first taxi with the confused driver. We were laughing our heads off. I kept saying "lo siento" (I'm sorry) to the driver and explaining that we were in the wrong taxi and were leaving him. It was so hilarious! Ricoberto turned out to be our correct taxi driver, so we moved all our bags into his taxi. We gave the first guy a tip and Mary gave him her ice cold pepsi. Poor guy.
On the ride back to the house, we were laughing so hard that we were crying. I had to keep turning around in the front seat to talk to Mary and Sherry and my leg kept hitting the gear shift. I kept apologizing. Mary said after the 3rd time that it was evident that it was not an accident any more. ha I talked to Ricoberto about his family and he spoke a little bit of English. He asked where we needed to go and we told him to just drive and we would tell him when to stop. He trusted us. We made it home just fine. It was so funny. We would just break out in uncontrollable laughter. No one found the story as funny as us, I guess you just had to be there.
The cooks were making grilled chicken when we got back. Oh man, it smelled great! I washed a load of clothes during the morning, which worked out great since I was going to be going on fun day and to Manauga with the girls for an overnight to catch their early flight home.
The lunch was so good. Chicken, mashed potatoes, slaw, rice, beans and tortilla. Sherry, Mary and I had a great long talk about stuff in general. We laughed a lot, too.
The team came home for lunch and rest. We are leaving at 3:30pm for clothing distribution at Monte Horeb (sewer pond village). Some of the people remembered my name and that touched my heart a lot. I got to hold baby Dariela for a short time. I would love it someday to make frequent visits to villages and have the kids run up to me for hugs. All because they can recognize Jesus in me. That's my dream.
This is the last night of the crusade for this team. We put some glow-stick bracelets on our arms and shared with some of the kids. The ushers had to surround our seating area when we ran out of glowsticks. Christopher is sick. He was a trooper, though. He spent some time talking with Bethany, Kaylie and Kearsten. They prayed with him. We got the Bibles to the invitation area on time tonight. It was a good last night.
We stopped at the Shell station so the group could say goodbye to the translators. It made me feel a part of the VOH ministry and not just a visiting missionary, because I knew I would see them next week. I was soooo tired on our way home. The girls have to pack up their stuff tonight so they can leave the house for the last time in the morning. I'm just packing an overnight bag.
The whole team is staying at the hotel across the street from the airport in Managua tomorrow night to catch early flights on Saturday. I'm going to say goodbye to the girls. I'll miss them so much. I've loved having them here.
I'm going to bed extremely tired, but very thankful.
Woke up at 4am and started coffee and my day with a great shower. I need a shower for my heart and mind. I'm starting out with a bad attitude... critical, judgemental, ungrateful, uncooperative... Forgive me Lord. I do not have a merciful spirit or shine Your light in any way this morning. That is what I want to do most. The enemy is using this week to grab a hold of me. But You are bigger than all unrighteousness and You will overcome it for me. I love You Lord and that's all that matters.
Thank You for answering my prayers, Lord. (as You always do)
Mary, Sherry and I went to the store to buy more meat and produce. It was fun. We rode into town in one fo the vans with the team, changed to German's car at the stoplight and shopped at La Unión. German had called someone who drives a taxi to come and pick us up. We were told that he would be in a red taxi and that he would recognize Mary.
We walked outside and found a red taxi. Mary waved to the driver and he waved back, so Mary siad that he was the one. We ran over and started piling our stuff in the car. He seemed confused so I was trying to talk to him in my broken Spanish and asked if he knew Danilo and German. He kept giving me a confused expression. I'm trying to talk to him and Mary is telling me to ask certain questions. She kept trying to get me to remember him as a previous driver for us, but I had not seen him before. I had to shush her so I could complete a sentence. She saw that he didn't have a hand and thus realized that he was not the person she thought he was and she jumped out of the taxi and ran across the parking lot to another red taxi. The other driver said German's name and Mary started yelling German, German and running at him with all her speed. She had left Sherry and I just sitting in the first taxi with the confused driver. We were laughing our heads off. I kept saying "lo siento" (I'm sorry) to the driver and explaining that we were in the wrong taxi and were leaving him. It was so hilarious! Ricoberto turned out to be our correct taxi driver, so we moved all our bags into his taxi. We gave the first guy a tip and Mary gave him her ice cold pepsi. Poor guy.
On the ride back to the house, we were laughing so hard that we were crying. I had to keep turning around in the front seat to talk to Mary and Sherry and my leg kept hitting the gear shift. I kept apologizing. Mary said after the 3rd time that it was evident that it was not an accident any more. ha I talked to Ricoberto about his family and he spoke a little bit of English. He asked where we needed to go and we told him to just drive and we would tell him when to stop. He trusted us. We made it home just fine. It was so funny. We would just break out in uncontrollable laughter. No one found the story as funny as us, I guess you just had to be there.
The cooks were making grilled chicken when we got back. Oh man, it smelled great! I washed a load of clothes during the morning, which worked out great since I was going to be going on fun day and to Manauga with the girls for an overnight to catch their early flight home.
The lunch was so good. Chicken, mashed potatoes, slaw, rice, beans and tortilla. Sherry, Mary and I had a great long talk about stuff in general. We laughed a lot, too.
The team came home for lunch and rest. We are leaving at 3:30pm for clothing distribution at Monte Horeb (sewer pond village). Some of the people remembered my name and that touched my heart a lot. I got to hold baby Dariela for a short time. I would love it someday to make frequent visits to villages and have the kids run up to me for hugs. All because they can recognize Jesus in me. That's my dream.
This is the last night of the crusade for this team. We put some glow-stick bracelets on our arms and shared with some of the kids. The ushers had to surround our seating area when we ran out of glowsticks. Christopher is sick. He was a trooper, though. He spent some time talking with Bethany, Kaylie and Kearsten. They prayed with him. We got the Bibles to the invitation area on time tonight. It was a good last night.
We stopped at the Shell station so the group could say goodbye to the translators. It made me feel a part of the VOH ministry and not just a visiting missionary, because I knew I would see them next week. I was soooo tired on our way home. The girls have to pack up their stuff tonight so they can leave the house for the last time in the morning. I'm just packing an overnight bag.
The whole team is staying at the hotel across the street from the airport in Managua tomorrow night to catch early flights on Saturday. I'm going to say goodbye to the girls. I'll miss them so much. I've loved having them here.
I'm going to bed extremely tired, but very thankful.
Nicaragua July 28, 2010
Wednesday
God woke me at 4:20 and started my day. The most interesting part of going to the dining room to plug in the coffee is watching out for toads. They hop around the house and I'm always afraid that I will step on one. I fixed my oatmeal for breakfast and hooked Debbie up with some hot water for hers.
Kaylie is feeling better and is going out to the Fiestas today. It's good to see her smiling again.
Holy Spirit I need you right beside me today. Satan is attacking and wanting me to be a person that I am not. I can only be a Christ-like person when I have Jesus filling me up. I can't do it on my own. Thank You for Your love and grace. Cover the whole team with a Holy glow today as we share You. Take away all strife and dissention and sickness and distraction. Lord, fill me today with so much of You that there is no room for anything else to even creep in. Glofiy Yourself today.
I got to spend some time praying with the girls this morning. I'm so proud of the wonderful Christian example they are. They (we all) are being stretched, challenged and grown in many ways. I remember something I read one day: You know if you have the heart of a servant by the way you react when you are treated by one. It's a very important thing to remember in all aspects of life. Please Lord, help me to be the person that You created me to be. I want that more than anything. I love You Lord, so much. May You be glorified in all things.
I went shopping with Mary and Sherry for food. We ran out of time and didn't get any icecream. But it was fun!
One of the vans had gotten stuck in mud due to the rain. The drivers are very good at getting the vans through all kinds of terrain. Fabio's van had a flat tire and the team was very impressed that the 3 drivers got it changed in very rapid time.
Some of the team visited a private clinic today. I saw it from the outside and it looked a million times better than the hospital. I'm glad that there are places that can give a little bit better care, even though it costs so much.
I got the chance to have some great conversations with different people today. (we travel a lot in the vans and it makes talks either difficult or easy) I got to spoke with Sherry, Joe, Juan and Christopher.
I called my friend Avis back in Rogers and wished her happy birthday.
At the crusade, Pastor Miguel told me that if I keep spending a lot time in Nicaragua, I will become a Nica. I told him that this is my desire.
We had left the Bibles in the van so we could get them at the beginning of the invitation time and have them ready to give out to those who made professions of faith. When we walked to the van to get them, the drivers were gone. We called and found out they were eating. They had to come running across the parking area. When Manuel told me about it, he could hardly talk because he was laughing so hard. I was trying to understand his Spanish and his giggling made it very difficult. Good times!!
God woke me at 4:20 and started my day. The most interesting part of going to the dining room to plug in the coffee is watching out for toads. They hop around the house and I'm always afraid that I will step on one. I fixed my oatmeal for breakfast and hooked Debbie up with some hot water for hers.
Kaylie is feeling better and is going out to the Fiestas today. It's good to see her smiling again.
Holy Spirit I need you right beside me today. Satan is attacking and wanting me to be a person that I am not. I can only be a Christ-like person when I have Jesus filling me up. I can't do it on my own. Thank You for Your love and grace. Cover the whole team with a Holy glow today as we share You. Take away all strife and dissention and sickness and distraction. Lord, fill me today with so much of You that there is no room for anything else to even creep in. Glofiy Yourself today.
I got to spend some time praying with the girls this morning. I'm so proud of the wonderful Christian example they are. They (we all) are being stretched, challenged and grown in many ways. I remember something I read one day: You know if you have the heart of a servant by the way you react when you are treated by one. It's a very important thing to remember in all aspects of life. Please Lord, help me to be the person that You created me to be. I want that more than anything. I love You Lord, so much. May You be glorified in all things.
I went shopping with Mary and Sherry for food. We ran out of time and didn't get any icecream. But it was fun!
One of the vans had gotten stuck in mud due to the rain. The drivers are very good at getting the vans through all kinds of terrain. Fabio's van had a flat tire and the team was very impressed that the 3 drivers got it changed in very rapid time.
Some of the team visited a private clinic today. I saw it from the outside and it looked a million times better than the hospital. I'm glad that there are places that can give a little bit better care, even though it costs so much.
I got the chance to have some great conversations with different people today. (we travel a lot in the vans and it makes talks either difficult or easy) I got to spoke with Sherry, Joe, Juan and Christopher.
I called my friend Avis back in Rogers and wished her happy birthday.
At the crusade, Pastor Miguel told me that if I keep spending a lot time in Nicaragua, I will become a Nica. I told him that this is my desire.
We had left the Bibles in the van so we could get them at the beginning of the invitation time and have them ready to give out to those who made professions of faith. When we walked to the van to get them, the drivers were gone. We called and found out they were eating. They had to come running across the parking area. When Manuel told me about it, he could hardly talk because he was laughing so hard. I was trying to understand his Spanish and his giggling made it very difficult. Good times!!
Nicaragua July 27, 2010
Tuesday
Kept waking up throughout the night to see if it was time to get up. Also, I was worrying over the relationships with some of the women on the team. I was wondering if I had offended someone. I went into their room to get a feel for the atmosphere so I could start the conversation. The Holy Spirit had already made things better. I got to chat a little bit about how they are doing. Thank You Lord.
It's so great to see Sherry this morning!
The team has pared down their schedule to something more manageable. Sometimes teams have big plans for what their agenda is and don't take into consideration the time it takes to get to the places, the culture and other things. It can't be all about the team. It's got to be about God's plans and what is appropriate for the ministry here. Part of VOH's responsibility is to help train the teams, no matter how many times they have been here. God has people for all kinds of cultures and work. We just need to realize what He has planned us for and to follow Him and His plans for us.
Kaylie is feeling much better. I'm so thankful. She is still weak, but better.
I'm going to grab a banana (we bought a lot at the request of the team, but they are not eating them and they don't stay more than a day or two here) and head for the van. Everyone is reminded to get their water bottles each time we leave and today they are reminded to eat a banana!
Kaylie went to the Youth conference and had a good time. She lost energy half way through and stayed home for the evening, but is feeling better.
One of the team members got really sick at his stomach after the Fiestas and we had to stop at the Texaco station for him. He was in a bad way. We finally got back to the house and got him some stomach meds. He was feeling great by the time to leave for the crusade. Thank You Lord for your healing power.
After lunch (meat, rice, beans & salad) a few of us took naps and the Youth went out to play. Mary and Sherry went food shopping to get some added items for the team.
We left for the crusade in the rain. But it was clear in La Paz Centro. The stadium had seats under a roof. When our team got up to go to the field for the invitation, most of the crowd got up and left. They thought it was over since we all got up. There will be a better plan for tomorrow night. If it's not raining, we won't have to sit under the shelter and can sit out on the field.
I got to sit by Debbie in the van tonight and we talked a lot about missions. On the way to the crusade we had squeezed the translators in our 2 vans with the team. The blue van was supposed to pick all of the translators up, but hadn't come yet and it was raining. It was cozy. We did get the chance to see Juan Pacheco's little girl. She is so precious! I really love all the translators. They are so sweet.
The Speigles were at the crusade tonight. They said that a set of keys was found in a suitcase given at El Zapote. The keyring had a card on it from a store in Rogers. It may have been left from the March trip. Hopefully, we can touch base later and I can get them from the Speigles and take them back to Rogers.
It's 11pm and everyone is in bed and lights are out. It's quiet and cool (for Nic) and peaceful. I had a great nap today, so I hope I can fall asleep soon.
I love being here and I hope that Mike and Sherry ask me to come and serve often. This is like home.
Well, better go to sleep for now. Thank You Lord for all things.
Kept waking up throughout the night to see if it was time to get up. Also, I was worrying over the relationships with some of the women on the team. I was wondering if I had offended someone. I went into their room to get a feel for the atmosphere so I could start the conversation. The Holy Spirit had already made things better. I got to chat a little bit about how they are doing. Thank You Lord.
It's so great to see Sherry this morning!
The team has pared down their schedule to something more manageable. Sometimes teams have big plans for what their agenda is and don't take into consideration the time it takes to get to the places, the culture and other things. It can't be all about the team. It's got to be about God's plans and what is appropriate for the ministry here. Part of VOH's responsibility is to help train the teams, no matter how many times they have been here. God has people for all kinds of cultures and work. We just need to realize what He has planned us for and to follow Him and His plans for us.
Kaylie is feeling much better. I'm so thankful. She is still weak, but better.
I'm going to grab a banana (we bought a lot at the request of the team, but they are not eating them and they don't stay more than a day or two here) and head for the van. Everyone is reminded to get their water bottles each time we leave and today they are reminded to eat a banana!
Kaylie went to the Youth conference and had a good time. She lost energy half way through and stayed home for the evening, but is feeling better.
One of the team members got really sick at his stomach after the Fiestas and we had to stop at the Texaco station for him. He was in a bad way. We finally got back to the house and got him some stomach meds. He was feeling great by the time to leave for the crusade. Thank You Lord for your healing power.
After lunch (meat, rice, beans & salad) a few of us took naps and the Youth went out to play. Mary and Sherry went food shopping to get some added items for the team.
We left for the crusade in the rain. But it was clear in La Paz Centro. The stadium had seats under a roof. When our team got up to go to the field for the invitation, most of the crowd got up and left. They thought it was over since we all got up. There will be a better plan for tomorrow night. If it's not raining, we won't have to sit under the shelter and can sit out on the field.
I got to sit by Debbie in the van tonight and we talked a lot about missions. On the way to the crusade we had squeezed the translators in our 2 vans with the team. The blue van was supposed to pick all of the translators up, but hadn't come yet and it was raining. It was cozy. We did get the chance to see Juan Pacheco's little girl. She is so precious! I really love all the translators. They are so sweet.
The Speigles were at the crusade tonight. They said that a set of keys was found in a suitcase given at El Zapote. The keyring had a card on it from a store in Rogers. It may have been left from the March trip. Hopefully, we can touch base later and I can get them from the Speigles and take them back to Rogers.
It's 11pm and everyone is in bed and lights are out. It's quiet and cool (for Nic) and peaceful. I had a great nap today, so I hope I can fall asleep soon.
I love being here and I hope that Mike and Sherry ask me to come and serve often. This is like home.
Well, better go to sleep for now. Thank You Lord for all things.
Nicaragua July 26, 2010
Monday
Woke up at 4:23am to plug in the coffee. Thank You Lord for waking me before the alarm. I hate alarms! Went ahead and got my shower and got dressed. There will be a lot of traffic through our bathroom this morning since no one could get showers last night.
Breakfast was yummy as usual. (although this team doesn't seem to appreciate the food like all the other teams do) I had some gallo pinto (beans and rice breakfast dish), pico bread and a little bit of fruit. My stomach is getting much better. I think that it's partly from eating the rice, but I will need to back off from that soon. I'm just not going to eat the eggs anymore. I'm not supposed to have many eggs anyway.
Kaylie was very sick at her stomach today. She stayed home and slept most of the day. She ate a 'taco' but immediately got sick. She has tried peanut butter and crackers, plain crackers and orange juice. Poor thing. I hope she feels better tomorrow.
I stayed at the house for the day to take care of Kaylie, do Beth's laundry and some team items. I studied some on the Forgotten God book, Spanish and read a few chapters of John while listening to it in Spanish.
I called Deanna to tell her that I am coming home early. I also called John Caubble, Glenda, Nana Ruth, Sandy, Mom and Jaime. I talked with John Speigle about not staying to work with them. He was gracious. I left a message for Brian D so he can get the wireless device that I need for my 'work' computer, which is getting sick and has lost wireless function. He'll have it for me by the time I get back to Rogers.
The team left this morning to do 3 Fiestas, a feeding at the dump, a radio spot, a leader conference and then stopped at La Unión for snacks. They didn't get back till 2:30 for lunch. The cook was wondering where they were because she tries to time the food so it will be fresh. No one let us know that they would be so late. But the food was still good.
With the exception of a few people who went to a special service tonight, everyone else had the evening free. Beth went to the service, Mike and Mary went to the airport to pick up Sherry.
I tried visiting with some of the ladies of the team this afternoon and evening. Some are very friendly and others treat us like the hired help who are crashing the master's party. Oh well, you meet all kinds on these teams. I'm enjoying the sweet ones.
The girls are really fitting in well with the Youth of the team and their leader. They are going to the conference with them tomorrow. Mo is good to include them in the group.
The translators asked about me today. I missed seeing them. I cherish each one. I hope I can get a pic of me with each one. What precious people!
Yasmina gave me her recipe for tacos today. So yummy! They are like giant taquitos with a great concoction of shredded chicken and some seasonings. Then you wrap them in a tortilla and fry them. I'm going to make them and bake them instead of frying. The mixture would be good on a tostada, too. I can't wait to make some!
It is so good to have Mike here. He really keeps the team moving and in line. I think the week will go much better with him here. I can't wait to see Sherry, too.
The team gathered to pray over the crusade and the opposition from Catholics and witchcraft. Rachel (the pastor's wife) invited us upstairs to pray with the team. I think some of the people felt we were intruding. It makes me just shake my head inside. But we were glad to pray for the team and the crusade and the people of Nicaragua.
There have been some storms this afternoon and evening. A lot of people were at the beach when it started lightning and thundering. Tonight it rained hard and the wind blew hard. So far we still have power. Thank You Lord.
Manuel hit a dog tonight and he was sad about it (unlike Danilo). We've hit 3 dogs in the last 2 weeks. They usually stay out the way.
I guess I should go to bed now. I have to get up and plug in the coffee pot & start my day in 6 hours. The shower in our room starts up at 4:30 and keeps going to be able to accommodate everyone.
Thank You Lord for letting me serve You another day.
Woke up at 4:23am to plug in the coffee. Thank You Lord for waking me before the alarm. I hate alarms! Went ahead and got my shower and got dressed. There will be a lot of traffic through our bathroom this morning since no one could get showers last night.
Breakfast was yummy as usual. (although this team doesn't seem to appreciate the food like all the other teams do) I had some gallo pinto (beans and rice breakfast dish), pico bread and a little bit of fruit. My stomach is getting much better. I think that it's partly from eating the rice, but I will need to back off from that soon. I'm just not going to eat the eggs anymore. I'm not supposed to have many eggs anyway.
Kaylie was very sick at her stomach today. She stayed home and slept most of the day. She ate a 'taco' but immediately got sick. She has tried peanut butter and crackers, plain crackers and orange juice. Poor thing. I hope she feels better tomorrow.
I stayed at the house for the day to take care of Kaylie, do Beth's laundry and some team items. I studied some on the Forgotten God book, Spanish and read a few chapters of John while listening to it in Spanish.
I called Deanna to tell her that I am coming home early. I also called John Caubble, Glenda, Nana Ruth, Sandy, Mom and Jaime. I talked with John Speigle about not staying to work with them. He was gracious. I left a message for Brian D so he can get the wireless device that I need for my 'work' computer, which is getting sick and has lost wireless function. He'll have it for me by the time I get back to Rogers.
The team left this morning to do 3 Fiestas, a feeding at the dump, a radio spot, a leader conference and then stopped at La Unión for snacks. They didn't get back till 2:30 for lunch. The cook was wondering where they were because she tries to time the food so it will be fresh. No one let us know that they would be so late. But the food was still good.
With the exception of a few people who went to a special service tonight, everyone else had the evening free. Beth went to the service, Mike and Mary went to the airport to pick up Sherry.
I tried visiting with some of the ladies of the team this afternoon and evening. Some are very friendly and others treat us like the hired help who are crashing the master's party. Oh well, you meet all kinds on these teams. I'm enjoying the sweet ones.
The girls are really fitting in well with the Youth of the team and their leader. They are going to the conference with them tomorrow. Mo is good to include them in the group.
The translators asked about me today. I missed seeing them. I cherish each one. I hope I can get a pic of me with each one. What precious people!
Yasmina gave me her recipe for tacos today. So yummy! They are like giant taquitos with a great concoction of shredded chicken and some seasonings. Then you wrap them in a tortilla and fry them. I'm going to make them and bake them instead of frying. The mixture would be good on a tostada, too. I can't wait to make some!
It is so good to have Mike here. He really keeps the team moving and in line. I think the week will go much better with him here. I can't wait to see Sherry, too.
The team gathered to pray over the crusade and the opposition from Catholics and witchcraft. Rachel (the pastor's wife) invited us upstairs to pray with the team. I think some of the people felt we were intruding. It makes me just shake my head inside. But we were glad to pray for the team and the crusade and the people of Nicaragua.
There have been some storms this afternoon and evening. A lot of people were at the beach when it started lightning and thundering. Tonight it rained hard and the wind blew hard. So far we still have power. Thank You Lord.
Manuel hit a dog tonight and he was sad about it (unlike Danilo). We've hit 3 dogs in the last 2 weeks. They usually stay out the way.
I guess I should go to bed now. I have to get up and plug in the coffee pot & start my day in 6 hours. The shower in our room starts up at 4:30 and keeps going to be able to accommodate everyone.
Thank You Lord for letting me serve You another day.
Nicaragua July 25, 2010
Sunday
I woke up wide awake at 2:30am and tried to read myself back to sleep. I was more concerned about keeping my reading light from shining in someones eyes. I finally gave up and laid there until I went back to sleep. Woke up at 5:30.
We're getting ready for church this morning. People in and out of our room for the bathroom. The girls are wearing their new dresses today. We are splitting into 3 groups to go to three churches. It will be fun.
The church our van went to was along the roadside. They walked us a little down the road to their new building that is under construction. They started it 7 years ago. It has 4 walls made of blocks, but no roof or floor yet. They are excited to get it finished, but don't have a clue as to how many more years it will take. The service was really nice. They asked if anyone from our group could help with the children's class. No one from the team volunteered, so Bethany, Kaylie and Kearsten went to help. They enjoyed it. The team did the message and testimonies. They prayed for everyone in the church. There is an interesting dynamic within this group. Chico, Iris and Joe were our translators for church.
We came back for lunch and then left for La Paz Centro for a 3pm service. The church wasn't open and we drove around until time for the evening services. Mike had arrived and he and German caught up with us in La Paz Centro. We drove to León Viejo (Old León) to look at some historic stuff, but a huge thunderstorm came up and we couldn't get out of the vans. We drove back to La Paz Centro and stopped at the house of one of Joe's friends to use her bathroom. Poor dear, I don't know if she realized we were bringing 30 people into her house. She was very gracious. The steps outside of the house were very slippery and Chico insisted on helping me to the van. I get treated so well in Nic. I love it.
We split into 3 groups again and went to 3 churches. Our group went to a church with only 6 members present. The rain had made the floors wet, so they were mopping as we went in. A couple of the girls sang, Tina gave her testimony and then Tom gave the message. It went fine.
When we got back home, the electricity was out. We had hamburgers and chips by candlelight. We went to bed really hot and sweaty. I hope the electricity comes back on soon. I'm getting up at 4:30am to plug in the big coffeepot so that Mary won't have to come down stairs just for that. I hope I can go back to sleep easy after that. Oh well, I need to be up about 5:30 anyway.
I found out that I will be going home on Aug 7 now instead of the 21st. The Speigles are busy with their other ministry connection and don't work with Voice of Hope now. I'm sad to not have those extra 2 weeks here. But it will be okay to go back home. It will save me some money, I can take care of my IRS opportunity and start working on the projects for FBCR for fall. (we have a big block party in Sept, getting the free meals project started, getting people in place for Thanksgiving meals, Christmas blessings, and Christmas Food Baskets, and a coat drive, etc.) It's all Kingdom work and it's all good. No matter where I'm serving.
I guess I should try to go to bed now. So hot and sticky. But Nicas feel this way all of the time. I'm blessed no matter what.
Thank You Lord.
I woke up wide awake at 2:30am and tried to read myself back to sleep. I was more concerned about keeping my reading light from shining in someones eyes. I finally gave up and laid there until I went back to sleep. Woke up at 5:30.
We're getting ready for church this morning. People in and out of our room for the bathroom. The girls are wearing their new dresses today. We are splitting into 3 groups to go to three churches. It will be fun.
The church our van went to was along the roadside. They walked us a little down the road to their new building that is under construction. They started it 7 years ago. It has 4 walls made of blocks, but no roof or floor yet. They are excited to get it finished, but don't have a clue as to how many more years it will take. The service was really nice. They asked if anyone from our group could help with the children's class. No one from the team volunteered, so Bethany, Kaylie and Kearsten went to help. They enjoyed it. The team did the message and testimonies. They prayed for everyone in the church. There is an interesting dynamic within this group. Chico, Iris and Joe were our translators for church.
We came back for lunch and then left for La Paz Centro for a 3pm service. The church wasn't open and we drove around until time for the evening services. Mike had arrived and he and German caught up with us in La Paz Centro. We drove to León Viejo (Old León) to look at some historic stuff, but a huge thunderstorm came up and we couldn't get out of the vans. We drove back to La Paz Centro and stopped at the house of one of Joe's friends to use her bathroom. Poor dear, I don't know if she realized we were bringing 30 people into her house. She was very gracious. The steps outside of the house were very slippery and Chico insisted on helping me to the van. I get treated so well in Nic. I love it.
We split into 3 groups again and went to 3 churches. Our group went to a church with only 6 members present. The rain had made the floors wet, so they were mopping as we went in. A couple of the girls sang, Tina gave her testimony and then Tom gave the message. It went fine.
When we got back home, the electricity was out. We had hamburgers and chips by candlelight. We went to bed really hot and sweaty. I hope the electricity comes back on soon. I'm getting up at 4:30am to plug in the big coffeepot so that Mary won't have to come down stairs just for that. I hope I can go back to sleep easy after that. Oh well, I need to be up about 5:30 anyway.
I found out that I will be going home on Aug 7 now instead of the 21st. The Speigles are busy with their other ministry connection and don't work with Voice of Hope now. I'm sad to not have those extra 2 weeks here. But it will be okay to go back home. It will save me some money, I can take care of my IRS opportunity and start working on the projects for FBCR for fall. (we have a big block party in Sept, getting the free meals project started, getting people in place for Thanksgiving meals, Christmas blessings, and Christmas Food Baskets, and a coat drive, etc.) It's all Kingdom work and it's all good. No matter where I'm serving.
I guess I should try to go to bed now. So hot and sticky. But Nicas feel this way all of the time. I'm blessed no matter what.
Thank You Lord.
Nicaragua July 24, 2010
Saturday
Slept pretty well. Stomach is getting better. Fell asleep listening to the Spanish Bible on my iPod. I started with Acts 1 and woke up in chapter 12. I hope it was sticking in my brain. Up early and having quiet time in the 'Upper Room' (the veranda upstairs). The ocean is beautiful this morning. I can hear the waves crashing, the birds singing... and the pig across the street squealing. (Life in Nic.) Beth went with the vans to pick up the next team. There is free wi-fi at the airport, so she can download a lot of stuff on her computer while she waits.
I'm really enjoying the "Forgotten God" book by Francis Chan. A new way of living for me. I like it. I enjoyed the chapter today. I read the corresponding scriptures in English and Spanish. A really good study time.
I listened to the Spanish Bible and read along for the entire book of Ephesians for this morning. I finished my laundry and got my shower. It's so much cooler to wear a dress around the house. I brought 5 'mumu' dresses that I had made. They are so cool and comfy.
The girls made pancakes for breakfast and Mary did devotions. It was a nice time together.
We did a little more work on getting the house ready for the team. Mary sent me and the girls to the pulperia (little store) down the street to get some chips for lunch. It was fun walking down there. I got the chance to take pics of things that I don't normally notice when we are driving to the house. It was so hot and of course, we drew attention on the street. I always have fun watching the guys watching the girls... The girls fixed grilled cheese sandwiches for themselves and a grilled peanut butter sandwich for me. Yum.
As the girls were finishing their laundry, they found a crab in the washer. It had went through the wash cycle and survived. Although, it was not happy and had chomped holes in Kaylies favorite tshirt. The girls squealed a lot when they found it.
My stomach has been hit and miss today. I hope it is healthy for this next week while we are out working.
My data plan on the phone is maxed out already. yikes! Glenda sent me a message that the certified letters that came while I'm gone are from the IRS. Blah! I'm glad that there won't be taxes in Heaven!
The girls decided that I needed my toenails painted and Kaylie graciously took on that task. Now that is true servanthood! ha
I called my sister Sandy and she was very glad to hear that I'm alright. She worries. We had a funny conversation about what it is like here. She thought I was living in a hut with dirt floors. I got to reassure her that we are in a house, with beds, tile floor, windows (no screens), water and electricity (most of the time), and share it with bugs, geckos, toads, crabs, etc. and that we saw a snake on one of our walks to a village.
I got on Beth's computer for a few minutes on Facebook and chatted with my friend Carol Jay in NYC when she popped up. fun.
Each team brings new attitudes and expectations. Some are easy to work with and some are a challenge. The main thing is for me to be the person God intends and to be used by Him in all circumstances. God is in control of all and I need only to allow Him to work and not get in His way. And I need to enjoy and explore this new relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Time for bed now. I can read a little and then have the girls do lights out at 10pm. We'll be getting up earlier now that another team is here for work. I hope I sleep well. I know I'll be thinking about the Holy Spirit right here beside me.
Slept pretty well. Stomach is getting better. Fell asleep listening to the Spanish Bible on my iPod. I started with Acts 1 and woke up in chapter 12. I hope it was sticking in my brain. Up early and having quiet time in the 'Upper Room' (the veranda upstairs). The ocean is beautiful this morning. I can hear the waves crashing, the birds singing... and the pig across the street squealing. (Life in Nic.) Beth went with the vans to pick up the next team. There is free wi-fi at the airport, so she can download a lot of stuff on her computer while she waits.
I'm really enjoying the "Forgotten God" book by Francis Chan. A new way of living for me. I like it. I enjoyed the chapter today. I read the corresponding scriptures in English and Spanish. A really good study time.
I listened to the Spanish Bible and read along for the entire book of Ephesians for this morning. I finished my laundry and got my shower. It's so much cooler to wear a dress around the house. I brought 5 'mumu' dresses that I had made. They are so cool and comfy.
The girls made pancakes for breakfast and Mary did devotions. It was a nice time together.
We did a little more work on getting the house ready for the team. Mary sent me and the girls to the pulperia (little store) down the street to get some chips for lunch. It was fun walking down there. I got the chance to take pics of things that I don't normally notice when we are driving to the house. It was so hot and of course, we drew attention on the street. I always have fun watching the guys watching the girls... The girls fixed grilled cheese sandwiches for themselves and a grilled peanut butter sandwich for me. Yum.
As the girls were finishing their laundry, they found a crab in the washer. It had went through the wash cycle and survived. Although, it was not happy and had chomped holes in Kaylies favorite tshirt. The girls squealed a lot when they found it.
My stomach has been hit and miss today. I hope it is healthy for this next week while we are out working.
My data plan on the phone is maxed out already. yikes! Glenda sent me a message that the certified letters that came while I'm gone are from the IRS. Blah! I'm glad that there won't be taxes in Heaven!
The girls decided that I needed my toenails painted and Kaylie graciously took on that task. Now that is true servanthood! ha
I called my sister Sandy and she was very glad to hear that I'm alright. She worries. We had a funny conversation about what it is like here. She thought I was living in a hut with dirt floors. I got to reassure her that we are in a house, with beds, tile floor, windows (no screens), water and electricity (most of the time), and share it with bugs, geckos, toads, crabs, etc. and that we saw a snake on one of our walks to a village.
I got on Beth's computer for a few minutes on Facebook and chatted with my friend Carol Jay in NYC when she popped up. fun.
Each team brings new attitudes and expectations. Some are easy to work with and some are a challenge. The main thing is for me to be the person God intends and to be used by Him in all circumstances. God is in control of all and I need only to allow Him to work and not get in His way. And I need to enjoy and explore this new relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Time for bed now. I can read a little and then have the girls do lights out at 10pm. We'll be getting up earlier now that another team is here for work. I hope I sleep well. I know I'll be thinking about the Holy Spirit right here beside me.
Nicaragua July 23, 2010
Friday
My stomach is really bad. I was up and down all night. My throat is a little sore, too. It's making me feel a little depressed. I want to feel good and energetic and ready to serve. Please Lord, help me to feel better.
I slept until 8am (that's late for down here) and had pancakes for breakfast. Stomach is hanging in there.
We stripped our beds and started getting all the beds in the house ready for the next team. The girls will be moving into mine and Beth's room today. This will be so fun! Time to get to work!!
The girls got all moved in. We are all set to co-habitate. We all fit in pretty well together. It will be nice to have an all-missionary room. We will be sharing our bathroom with about 6 other women next week.
We got our showers and headed into León to finish shopping for the next team, who arrives tomorrow. The cook went with us. First stop - the creamery for some crema. Second stop - the bakery for pico bread (sweet bread for breakfast). Beth and the girls spied a corner shop with some dresses, so Mary and I went to the bakery while they picked out some dresses. Then I joined them in the dress shop. Bethany, Kaylie and Beth all found a dress. Third stop - a housewares store for some glass coffee cups. I picked up a little contraption to hang 'delicates' on to dry and a little fold up seat that I can use as a table beside my lawnchair back home. Fourth stop - La Unión for groceries. We spent just under $500 and filled 5 carts. Fifth stop - lunch at Callejon buffet. I was feeling yucky and looking forward to grilled chicken and steamed veggies. By the time I got through the line, all I got was some rice and a potato ball. I felt so crappy that I just cried. It was just one of those moments. The girls had leftover veggies and I ate them. That tasted pretty good. I took some ginger pills and drank a bottle of water. Sixth stop - Eskimo for ice cream. I had the ladies pick me up a little clown cup of chocolate ice cream. This is the only calcium I get down here and the chocolate will perk up my mood. Seventh stop - drop off the cook (Yasmina) at her house. Eighth stop - Texaco for bags of ice. Then HOME!
The girls went out on the beach for a little while after they had moved the plastic tables and chairs upstairs. It was funny watching them maneuver those up the curving stairs. I laid on the bed for awhile and then sat on the patio with Mary and Beth.
Later, Mary and I went on a long beach walk. We went down to the rocks and cross south of the house. Some fishermen were using string to fish in the waves. They let me take their pictures. We saw some young guys throwing each other in the waves and trying to build a human pyramid. They let me take their pics, too. Mary and I started walking up the beach to the inlet so we could see the sunset on the water. I loved looking at the different patterns on the sand. The waves are mighty and miraculous. The sun kept hiding behind the sun, but I got some good pics, especially one of the girls in the distance with the sunset. So beautiful. We were tired when we made it back to the house.
We sat and talked and then Kaylie did devotions for the day. She did a good job. All the girls have done great on the devotions.
I fixed grilled peanut butter sandwiches for me and Bethany and Kaylie. Kearsten fixed instant oatmeal. After dinner I retired to journal. Beth and Mary went to bed early. The girls are hanging out upstairs and finishing the laundry of towels.
My stomach is a little better. I called Deanna in the late afternoon and she was going to an ABF class party and was going to ask them all to pray for me. I'm so thankful.
Deanna is already missing me. I hope that the times goes by quickly for her. Jet is so hot that he just lays around all day.
Well, I had better go to bed and read. I need to get used to getting up early for the next weeks.
God is good.
My stomach is really bad. I was up and down all night. My throat is a little sore, too. It's making me feel a little depressed. I want to feel good and energetic and ready to serve. Please Lord, help me to feel better.
I slept until 8am (that's late for down here) and had pancakes for breakfast. Stomach is hanging in there.
We stripped our beds and started getting all the beds in the house ready for the next team. The girls will be moving into mine and Beth's room today. This will be so fun! Time to get to work!!
The girls got all moved in. We are all set to co-habitate. We all fit in pretty well together. It will be nice to have an all-missionary room. We will be sharing our bathroom with about 6 other women next week.
We got our showers and headed into León to finish shopping for the next team, who arrives tomorrow. The cook went with us. First stop - the creamery for some crema. Second stop - the bakery for pico bread (sweet bread for breakfast). Beth and the girls spied a corner shop with some dresses, so Mary and I went to the bakery while they picked out some dresses. Then I joined them in the dress shop. Bethany, Kaylie and Beth all found a dress. Third stop - a housewares store for some glass coffee cups. I picked up a little contraption to hang 'delicates' on to dry and a little fold up seat that I can use as a table beside my lawnchair back home. Fourth stop - La Unión for groceries. We spent just under $500 and filled 5 carts. Fifth stop - lunch at Callejon buffet. I was feeling yucky and looking forward to grilled chicken and steamed veggies. By the time I got through the line, all I got was some rice and a potato ball. I felt so crappy that I just cried. It was just one of those moments. The girls had leftover veggies and I ate them. That tasted pretty good. I took some ginger pills and drank a bottle of water. Sixth stop - Eskimo for ice cream. I had the ladies pick me up a little clown cup of chocolate ice cream. This is the only calcium I get down here and the chocolate will perk up my mood. Seventh stop - drop off the cook (Yasmina) at her house. Eighth stop - Texaco for bags of ice. Then HOME!
The girls went out on the beach for a little while after they had moved the plastic tables and chairs upstairs. It was funny watching them maneuver those up the curving stairs. I laid on the bed for awhile and then sat on the patio with Mary and Beth.
Later, Mary and I went on a long beach walk. We went down to the rocks and cross south of the house. Some fishermen were using string to fish in the waves. They let me take their pictures. We saw some young guys throwing each other in the waves and trying to build a human pyramid. They let me take their pics, too. Mary and I started walking up the beach to the inlet so we could see the sunset on the water. I loved looking at the different patterns on the sand. The waves are mighty and miraculous. The sun kept hiding behind the sun, but I got some good pics, especially one of the girls in the distance with the sunset. So beautiful. We were tired when we made it back to the house.
We sat and talked and then Kaylie did devotions for the day. She did a good job. All the girls have done great on the devotions.
I fixed grilled peanut butter sandwiches for me and Bethany and Kaylie. Kearsten fixed instant oatmeal. After dinner I retired to journal. Beth and Mary went to bed early. The girls are hanging out upstairs and finishing the laundry of towels.
My stomach is a little better. I called Deanna in the late afternoon and she was going to an ABF class party and was going to ask them all to pray for me. I'm so thankful.
Deanna is already missing me. I hope that the times goes by quickly for her. Jet is so hot that he just lays around all day.
Well, I had better go to bed and read. I need to get used to getting up early for the next weeks.
God is good.
Nicaragua July 22, 2010
Thursday
Oatmeal for breakfast. Stomach is really bad today. I finally took a stomach pill from Mary. I did the devotions this morning. I used some excerpts from the book I'm reading called "Love as a Way of Life".
We worked on sorting and packing the rest of the donated clothing for today's giveaway at El Zapote. We got really hot and sweaty while working, so humid. Good thing it's just us girls so we can wear shorts and tanks and camis at the house.
The girls went out on the beach for a while. I did a video tour of the mission house and the beach. I just stood there watching the waves. So beautiful today. Blue skies, white clouds, hot sun, cool breeze, powerful waves. It was very nice.
Beth made chicken quesadillas for lunch and then we packed the van. We finished the last day of VBS at El Zapote and then gave out the clothing. It was busy and a little crazy at times.
The girls are having a good time and are working very hard. They are enjoying being interns and seeing the background of the ministry. Good blessings for them.
After El Zapote, we went to La Unión to pick up some personal things and to use the bathroom. Then we went out to eat. We ate outside of some restaurants and I got Tip Top grilled chicken breast and everyone else got Hollywood Pizza. I loved my chicken, but I have to say that it was killing me to see that gooey melted cheese. They said that the pizza was very good.
On the way home, another dog got in front of the van and we teased Danilo about killing one dog a day. I had asked Danilo at dinner about all his girlfriends. He got embarrassed. He is so fun to tease.
When we got home, I took my shower and was ready for bed at 8pm. Our work in the communities is over for the week. It's been a grand week. Thank You Lord.
Oatmeal for breakfast. Stomach is really bad today. I finally took a stomach pill from Mary. I did the devotions this morning. I used some excerpts from the book I'm reading called "Love as a Way of Life".
We worked on sorting and packing the rest of the donated clothing for today's giveaway at El Zapote. We got really hot and sweaty while working, so humid. Good thing it's just us girls so we can wear shorts and tanks and camis at the house.
The girls went out on the beach for a while. I did a video tour of the mission house and the beach. I just stood there watching the waves. So beautiful today. Blue skies, white clouds, hot sun, cool breeze, powerful waves. It was very nice.
Beth made chicken quesadillas for lunch and then we packed the van. We finished the last day of VBS at El Zapote and then gave out the clothing. It was busy and a little crazy at times.
The girls are having a good time and are working very hard. They are enjoying being interns and seeing the background of the ministry. Good blessings for them.
After El Zapote, we went to La Unión to pick up some personal things and to use the bathroom. Then we went out to eat. We ate outside of some restaurants and I got Tip Top grilled chicken breast and everyone else got Hollywood Pizza. I loved my chicken, but I have to say that it was killing me to see that gooey melted cheese. They said that the pizza was very good.
On the way home, another dog got in front of the van and we teased Danilo about killing one dog a day. I had asked Danilo at dinner about all his girlfriends. He got embarrassed. He is so fun to tease.
When we got home, I took my shower and was ready for bed at 8pm. Our work in the communities is over for the week. It's been a grand week. Thank You Lord.
Nicaragua July 21, 2010
Wednesday
Another wet morning. But it's partly sunny though. Beth fixed breakfast and Kearsten did devotions. I sat on the veranda for a few minutes. It's really wet in and around the house. EVERYTHING stays damp!
My stomach is still sketchy. I'm so thankful that it has not been 'emergent' while we are out serving. (no bathrooms) I'm being good with my oatmeal this week. I hope it straightens up soon. I just want to be able to serve at my best capacity.
The girls were up late giggling last night. They were very sleepy this morning.
I called Deanna yesterday and called the church today. Glenda will take care of my certified mail. Nana Ruth is going to move some money to my bank account. It's so nice to have friends take care of me back home.
The girls worked on sorting and packing prizes for kids. Beth put the women's bags together. I bounced back and forth helping. We listened to music on my iPod.
The sun is out for now. Very nice. I'm going to attempt cutting my hair. ahhhhhh~!!! Well, the haircut turned out good. yay
The visit to the hospital was heart wrenching, although I was expecting worse. Even so, it was horrible to think of people being treated there. You have to bring your own sheets (if you own any), the lunch cart was gross, the rooms are crammed with beds, it's very nasty with roaches and mice and birds inside the building. The gurneys were all rusted and the pads on them (if they had one) were brown and black and rotted out in places. We went to the new moms and gave them some packets with baby stuff. Then we went to the children's area. (Mary had to go outside because it bothers her so much) We found baby Milagro from El Zapote village. Beth and I got to hold her. She is such a precious baby. As we prayed over her, roaches were crawling across her bed. There was a lady with a child in the next bed. She had live chickens in a straw bag beneath the bed. Very moving visit.
We went to El Zapote for VBS. We had about 90 kids. The girls did a good job. I took lots of pictures and video. We used the 2 rooms of the abandoned school.
We came back to the house to rest and eat dinner. The girls went on a walk on the beach and then had a little nap. Beth made fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I ate the left over hamburger and the potatoes. yum.
I prepared a message in case we were asked to speak. It took me almost an hour. I used some scripture that I had prepared for tomorrow's devotions.
Church tonight was at Jericho Church. Christopher was my translator. I made the message too complicated with too much scripture. But we made it through. Pastor Calderon said (in English) "it good". There were a few amens throughout, although I saw Mary's eyes glaze over a few times.
On the way home, we accidentally hit a stray dog on the highway. Danilo thought it strange that we cared so much for the dog.
I worked on my devotion for tomorrow (a new one) and then journaled. Time for bed now. God is good - All the time!
Another wet morning. But it's partly sunny though. Beth fixed breakfast and Kearsten did devotions. I sat on the veranda for a few minutes. It's really wet in and around the house. EVERYTHING stays damp!
My stomach is still sketchy. I'm so thankful that it has not been 'emergent' while we are out serving. (no bathrooms) I'm being good with my oatmeal this week. I hope it straightens up soon. I just want to be able to serve at my best capacity.
The girls were up late giggling last night. They were very sleepy this morning.
I called Deanna yesterday and called the church today. Glenda will take care of my certified mail. Nana Ruth is going to move some money to my bank account. It's so nice to have friends take care of me back home.
The girls worked on sorting and packing prizes for kids. Beth put the women's bags together. I bounced back and forth helping. We listened to music on my iPod.
The sun is out for now. Very nice. I'm going to attempt cutting my hair. ahhhhhh~!!! Well, the haircut turned out good. yay
The visit to the hospital was heart wrenching, although I was expecting worse. Even so, it was horrible to think of people being treated there. You have to bring your own sheets (if you own any), the lunch cart was gross, the rooms are crammed with beds, it's very nasty with roaches and mice and birds inside the building. The gurneys were all rusted and the pads on them (if they had one) were brown and black and rotted out in places. We went to the new moms and gave them some packets with baby stuff. Then we went to the children's area. (Mary had to go outside because it bothers her so much) We found baby Milagro from El Zapote village. Beth and I got to hold her. She is such a precious baby. As we prayed over her, roaches were crawling across her bed. There was a lady with a child in the next bed. She had live chickens in a straw bag beneath the bed. Very moving visit.
We went to El Zapote for VBS. We had about 90 kids. The girls did a good job. I took lots of pictures and video. We used the 2 rooms of the abandoned school.
We came back to the house to rest and eat dinner. The girls went on a walk on the beach and then had a little nap. Beth made fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I ate the left over hamburger and the potatoes. yum.
I prepared a message in case we were asked to speak. It took me almost an hour. I used some scripture that I had prepared for tomorrow's devotions.
Church tonight was at Jericho Church. Christopher was my translator. I made the message too complicated with too much scripture. But we made it through. Pastor Calderon said (in English) "it good". There were a few amens throughout, although I saw Mary's eyes glaze over a few times.
On the way home, we accidentally hit a stray dog on the highway. Danilo thought it strange that we cared so much for the dog.
I worked on my devotion for tomorrow (a new one) and then journaled. Time for bed now. God is good - All the time!
Nicaragua July 20, 2010
Tuesday
Woke up early with what I hope is the last of my stomach problems for now. I want to feel good and strong and energetic to show God's light with every breath.
I'm not getting a chance to study my Spanish lessons much. I need to make it more of a priority. Fill me with Spanish words today, please Lord.
Beth made breakfast for us and then we all worked on sorting baby clothes. Kearsten worked on putting baby/momma kits together for the hospital visit.
Bethany did our devotions for today. It was about Paul and Apollos - everyone working together; God does it all; we plant the seeds as He calls us to do. After that we went back to work on the clothing. I sat on the upstairs veranda with Mary a little while. It is really humid today.
Beth fixed taquitos for lunch and the girls loved them. I had leftover pineapple chicken and mashed potatoes.
We took showers and got the VBS stuff ready and in the van. All the trashbags of balloons looked pretty funny. There was hardly any room for us!
On the way into León, it started raining. It had quit by the time we got to the Stop Light to pick up the translators, but the streets were flooded. It's amazing how fast the water builds up.
It was muddy at the village, but okay. We had to borrow a shovel from someone to remove some animal poop, but other than that, we were good to go. Story time is a big hit and the craft for today was paperplate & bean tamborines. The game was trying to pop the balloon tied to everyone's ankles. Pretty crazy. I got some good pics and videos.
We gave out some of the baby/toddler hats that I had brought down. It was so fun to see the kids with the brightly colored hats. I love taking pictures of the kids.
Before we arrived at VBS, we stopped at the park in León and bought a few souvenirs. I got a Nic shirt and a ring with a cross & the Lord's Prayer in Spanish printed on it. We stopped by the artisan shop, too. It was raining on us while we shopped, but we didn't take too long anyway.
After VBS, we got home and had hamburgers and fries (I had Chex mix). It was tasty.
We left for church in the rain. The service was awesome! Joe is the worship leader and he really makes you want to celebrate Jesus! Kaylie gave her testimony and Beth "preached". Our translators were Christopher and Hector. Hector was very nervous. I even said a few Spanish words out loud to help out. :) Mary spoke a few words at the end of the service. We loved being there. It was the first church that I attended on my first trip to Nic in March. Cool! I got to meet Joe's fiancé Marsela. She sings with the praise team. She's very sweet. I'm so happy for them. Joe said he would make a cd of music for me. I can't wait!!
On the way home we saw a man on a horse carrying a pig, who was just laying across the front of the saddle. You see some strange things on the road.
We got home in the rain and put on our jammies to get cozy. Mary and Beth both went to sleep quickly. The girls came over to my (and Beth's) room to visit. They have figured out who is going to sleep in each bunk next week when we move them into our room.
Today has been a great day and tomorrow will be good, too! God is so good!!
Woke up early with what I hope is the last of my stomach problems for now. I want to feel good and strong and energetic to show God's light with every breath.
I'm not getting a chance to study my Spanish lessons much. I need to make it more of a priority. Fill me with Spanish words today, please Lord.
Beth made breakfast for us and then we all worked on sorting baby clothes. Kearsten worked on putting baby/momma kits together for the hospital visit.
Bethany did our devotions for today. It was about Paul and Apollos - everyone working together; God does it all; we plant the seeds as He calls us to do. After that we went back to work on the clothing. I sat on the upstairs veranda with Mary a little while. It is really humid today.
Beth fixed taquitos for lunch and the girls loved them. I had leftover pineapple chicken and mashed potatoes.
We took showers and got the VBS stuff ready and in the van. All the trashbags of balloons looked pretty funny. There was hardly any room for us!
On the way into León, it started raining. It had quit by the time we got to the Stop Light to pick up the translators, but the streets were flooded. It's amazing how fast the water builds up.
It was muddy at the village, but okay. We had to borrow a shovel from someone to remove some animal poop, but other than that, we were good to go. Story time is a big hit and the craft for today was paperplate & bean tamborines. The game was trying to pop the balloon tied to everyone's ankles. Pretty crazy. I got some good pics and videos.
We gave out some of the baby/toddler hats that I had brought down. It was so fun to see the kids with the brightly colored hats. I love taking pictures of the kids.
Before we arrived at VBS, we stopped at the park in León and bought a few souvenirs. I got a Nic shirt and a ring with a cross & the Lord's Prayer in Spanish printed on it. We stopped by the artisan shop, too. It was raining on us while we shopped, but we didn't take too long anyway.
After VBS, we got home and had hamburgers and fries (I had Chex mix). It was tasty.
We left for church in the rain. The service was awesome! Joe is the worship leader and he really makes you want to celebrate Jesus! Kaylie gave her testimony and Beth "preached". Our translators were Christopher and Hector. Hector was very nervous. I even said a few Spanish words out loud to help out. :) Mary spoke a few words at the end of the service. We loved being there. It was the first church that I attended on my first trip to Nic in March. Cool! I got to meet Joe's fiancé Marsela. She sings with the praise team. She's very sweet. I'm so happy for them. Joe said he would make a cd of music for me. I can't wait!!
On the way home we saw a man on a horse carrying a pig, who was just laying across the front of the saddle. You see some strange things on the road.
We got home in the rain and put on our jammies to get cozy. Mary and Beth both went to sleep quickly. The girls came over to my (and Beth's) room to visit. They have figured out who is going to sleep in each bunk next week when we move them into our room.
Today has been a great day and tomorrow will be good, too! God is so good!!
Nicaragua July 19, 2010
Monday
We were up at 6:30am. I washed a load of clothes and had some quiet time and reading/study time. I'm enjoying the book "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. I looked up some of the verses that were referenced and decided that they would make a good devotion for my turn this week. We had breakfast at 7:45 and devotions today were by Beth.
The girls split into 2 VBS teams: Mary, Bethany & Kaylie are the story & Bible verse team, Beth, Kearsten & I are the crafts & rec team. Each group worked on preparing our stuff for VBS for 4 days. We packed up the prizes and supplies.
I'm resting a little and reading. My stomach is not feeling very well. My liver isn't really happy with me right now. But I'll make it! I'm glad that this week we do not have a team and it's a little bit slower schedule. Time for a shower and to get my backpack ready for the day. It's going to be a fun afternoon.
The feeding was great. I love that little village and Pastor Calderon and his wife and team who do the feedings everywhere. There were some cute babies and some of the 'cool' young guys posed for some video. I took some footage of the girls helping with the feeding. I also got some footage of Pastor Calderon preaching to the crowd and also of German explaining to the people about the plan this week for the well.
The moms let the kids eat part of their food at the feeding and then they save the rest for later. The dis are so hungry and want to eat it all at one time (which we would consider normal), but the moms want to save some so the kids will have something to eat later. It's so sad.
Beth took some donated baseball equipment to Pastor Calderon. There is a great opportunity for a sports ministry. There are so many opps for so many kinds of help. I wish we could do it all.
We went to Monte Horeb (the sewer pond village) to start our 2 day VBS. We weren't sure how many kids would be there and quite a few showed up. We were early and the kids were finishing their meager lunches and getting bathed so they could come. It was a big deal to them to have something to do.
I took some random pics of the area; a sow and piglets, dracula dog, etc. Nicas don't understand our interest in animals, especially when we think dogs are cute. Here, animals are just something you co-exist with (or eat).
We split the kids into 2 groups by age. One group started with story time and Bible verse and the other group started with crafts and rec. It worked out pretty well. Christopher and Hector were our translators for the week. We presented the Gospel and gave out candy at the end.
We got back to the house about 3:30p. The girls and I went on a beach walk. I took some pics of these lovely ladies. They bless me so much.
Beth fixed pineapple chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner. Bethany fixed a salad. We finished off the bread from the La Unión bakery. We put strawberry jam on it and called it Nic Strawberry Shortcake.
The girls cleaned up the kitchen and then worked on VBS stuff till evening. They blew up dozens of balloons for the games for tomorrow. (Have I mentioned that I HATE balloons?) The breeze was moving them all over the house. They even turned corners and ended up in the kitchen! spooky!
Beth and I went to bed early. My stomach was still not happy. But God will get me through.
I chatted with Deanna a little bit on the phone. She will be getting some alone time while I'm gone. I'm sure she can use it after having grandkids for the summer. :) I do miss her and Jet. Praying blessings over her.
We were up at 6:30am. I washed a load of clothes and had some quiet time and reading/study time. I'm enjoying the book "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. I looked up some of the verses that were referenced and decided that they would make a good devotion for my turn this week. We had breakfast at 7:45 and devotions today were by Beth.
The girls split into 2 VBS teams: Mary, Bethany & Kaylie are the story & Bible verse team, Beth, Kearsten & I are the crafts & rec team. Each group worked on preparing our stuff for VBS for 4 days. We packed up the prizes and supplies.
I'm resting a little and reading. My stomach is not feeling very well. My liver isn't really happy with me right now. But I'll make it! I'm glad that this week we do not have a team and it's a little bit slower schedule. Time for a shower and to get my backpack ready for the day. It's going to be a fun afternoon.
The feeding was great. I love that little village and Pastor Calderon and his wife and team who do the feedings everywhere. There were some cute babies and some of the 'cool' young guys posed for some video. I took some footage of the girls helping with the feeding. I also got some footage of Pastor Calderon preaching to the crowd and also of German explaining to the people about the plan this week for the well.
The moms let the kids eat part of their food at the feeding and then they save the rest for later. The dis are so hungry and want to eat it all at one time (which we would consider normal), but the moms want to save some so the kids will have something to eat later. It's so sad.
Beth took some donated baseball equipment to Pastor Calderon. There is a great opportunity for a sports ministry. There are so many opps for so many kinds of help. I wish we could do it all.
We went to Monte Horeb (the sewer pond village) to start our 2 day VBS. We weren't sure how many kids would be there and quite a few showed up. We were early and the kids were finishing their meager lunches and getting bathed so they could come. It was a big deal to them to have something to do.
I took some random pics of the area; a sow and piglets, dracula dog, etc. Nicas don't understand our interest in animals, especially when we think dogs are cute. Here, animals are just something you co-exist with (or eat).
We split the kids into 2 groups by age. One group started with story time and Bible verse and the other group started with crafts and rec. It worked out pretty well. Christopher and Hector were our translators for the week. We presented the Gospel and gave out candy at the end.
We got back to the house about 3:30p. The girls and I went on a beach walk. I took some pics of these lovely ladies. They bless me so much.
Beth fixed pineapple chicken and mashed potatoes for dinner. Bethany fixed a salad. We finished off the bread from the La Unión bakery. We put strawberry jam on it and called it Nic Strawberry Shortcake.
The girls cleaned up the kitchen and then worked on VBS stuff till evening. They blew up dozens of balloons for the games for tomorrow. (Have I mentioned that I HATE balloons?) The breeze was moving them all over the house. They even turned corners and ended up in the kitchen! spooky!
Beth and I went to bed early. My stomach was still not happy. But God will get me through.
I chatted with Deanna a little bit on the phone. She will be getting some alone time while I'm gone. I'm sure she can use it after having grandkids for the summer. :) I do miss her and Jet. Praying blessings over her.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Nicaragua July 18, 2010
Sunday
Up at 7am, breakfast at 7:30am and left for church at 8:30am.
Kearsten is better and really enjoyed the service at Rosa de Sáron church. There was a North American speaker. A 100 year old woman was celebrating her birthday and accepted Christ. The church sang a birthday song. German translated for us.
We stopped at La Unión for VBS supplies and bread for lunch. AND to use the bathroom.
We came home for a yummy lunch fixed by Beth and the girls. Chicken with a gravy made with soup, rice, cabbage salad, and bread. It was great! Kearsten and I cleaned up the kitchen.
I rested on the bed and chatted with Beth a little, then journaled. A mosquito decided to snack on me. I hope it doesn't have any buddies!
Sr Sapo (toad) is in our shower. As long as he doesn't make any sudden moves, I'm alright.
I really need to be working on Spanish lessons. I'm using it so much less here than I do in Rogers. Hopefully, next week will be different since we won't have a lot of translators speaking English. I really want to practice. I think I'll break out the Spanish book now.
Well, the Spanish book didn't make it out after all. But I did learn the words to 2 Spanish kid's songs that we use in the Fiestas. And the girls worked on more of the VBS stuff.
We got ready for church and left at 5pm (after waking Danilo up from his nap). We stopped at Eskimo for ice cream before church. Yum!
We went to German's church tonight and it is one of the most welcoming churches I have ever been in. It was awesome.
I was asked to give my testimony and Beth was asked to preach. It was great! I talked about family and also living my life so that people will notice something different about me and ask about it. Also, talked about them being ready to answer when people ask what makes Christians so joyful. This will be a simple goal for me to always think about.
Time for bed. Thank for this day Lord.
Up at 7am, breakfast at 7:30am and left for church at 8:30am.
Kearsten is better and really enjoyed the service at Rosa de Sáron church. There was a North American speaker. A 100 year old woman was celebrating her birthday and accepted Christ. The church sang a birthday song. German translated for us.
We stopped at La Unión for VBS supplies and bread for lunch. AND to use the bathroom.
We came home for a yummy lunch fixed by Beth and the girls. Chicken with a gravy made with soup, rice, cabbage salad, and bread. It was great! Kearsten and I cleaned up the kitchen.
I rested on the bed and chatted with Beth a little, then journaled. A mosquito decided to snack on me. I hope it doesn't have any buddies!
Sr Sapo (toad) is in our shower. As long as he doesn't make any sudden moves, I'm alright.
I really need to be working on Spanish lessons. I'm using it so much less here than I do in Rogers. Hopefully, next week will be different since we won't have a lot of translators speaking English. I really want to practice. I think I'll break out the Spanish book now.
Well, the Spanish book didn't make it out after all. But I did learn the words to 2 Spanish kid's songs that we use in the Fiestas. And the girls worked on more of the VBS stuff.
We got ready for church and left at 5pm (after waking Danilo up from his nap). We stopped at Eskimo for ice cream before church. Yum!
We went to German's church tonight and it is one of the most welcoming churches I have ever been in. It was awesome.
I was asked to give my testimony and Beth was asked to preach. It was great! I talked about family and also living my life so that people will notice something different about me and ask about it. Also, talked about them being ready to answer when people ask what makes Christians so joyful. This will be a simple goal for me to always think about.
Time for bed. Thank for this day Lord.
Nicaragua July 17, 2010
Friday
Awakened by team around 6am. Fruit and pico bread for breakfast. Team pic and then they left around 7am. They were a fun team. I'm so glad that I got to meet and work with them.
The girls are still asleep. I worked on sorting through my suitcases and such. We started pulling sheets and towels from the old team so we could get them all washed up.
The cleaning ladies came at 8ish and cleaned the room for the girls to move into. We got them settled in.
Kearsten is still upset and calling home off and on all day. She'll do better, though.
We worked on separating VBS stuff and other supplies. It's rainy and gloomy.
We got cleaned up and went to Leon for grocery shopping for our week of 6 ladies. We won't have the cooks here, so we can fix our own meals. Beth is going to cook most of the meals. We went to La Unión, the bakery and open market.
We got back home and worked more on the VBS stuff for the week. Beth made spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. The girls cleaned up the kitchen. I worked on laundry and towels. We sat around and chatted a lot.
I prayed with Kearsten and got her tucked in bed. She is doing better. I talked with Bethany and Kaylie about next week and they are excited and ready to be servants.
I'm going to read a little bit and then go to sleep. It will be nice to rest up a little after having the team last week.
There are 2 toads in our room. I wish they would hop on out of here!
I want to be a blessing to You Lord. I love You.
Awakened by team around 6am. Fruit and pico bread for breakfast. Team pic and then they left around 7am. They were a fun team. I'm so glad that I got to meet and work with them.
The girls are still asleep. I worked on sorting through my suitcases and such. We started pulling sheets and towels from the old team so we could get them all washed up.
The cleaning ladies came at 8ish and cleaned the room for the girls to move into. We got them settled in.
Kearsten is still upset and calling home off and on all day. She'll do better, though.
We worked on separating VBS stuff and other supplies. It's rainy and gloomy.
We got cleaned up and went to Leon for grocery shopping for our week of 6 ladies. We won't have the cooks here, so we can fix our own meals. Beth is going to cook most of the meals. We went to La Unión, the bakery and open market.
We got back home and worked more on the VBS stuff for the week. Beth made spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner. The girls cleaned up the kitchen. I worked on laundry and towels. We sat around and chatted a lot.
I prayed with Kearsten and got her tucked in bed. She is doing better. I talked with Bethany and Kaylie about next week and they are excited and ready to be servants.
I'm going to read a little bit and then go to sleep. It will be nice to rest up a little after having the team last week.
There are 2 toads in our room. I wish they would hop on out of here!
I want to be a blessing to You Lord. I love You.
Nicaragua July 16, 2010
Friday
Up at 6pm for breakfast. Devotions by Bobby. Part of the team went to do the Zip line and shopping. The rest of us are going into Leon later for shopping.
A few of us worked on supplies and getting the empty room ready for the girls from my home church who are going to be interns for 2 weeks. Bethany, Kaylie and Kearsten are coming in tonight.
I'm having some liver issues and I'm hoping to stay ahead of it. It's hard with the limited foods we get here. Most everything I eat, including the crackers are not good for me. But God will keep me healthy in His amazing power as He sees fit. I'm relaxing on the bed and reading and journaling.
I really need to have an attitude adjustment. I need to fill up with the Holy Spirit. I want to bless You today, Lord.
Our group went to Leon and stopped by a cellular store, La Unión and then had a nice lunch in town. We went to the market. pee-uuu!! I bought 3 flyswatter that look like hands. We stopped by a little artisan shop. Rain, Rain, Rain!!! We came back to the house and I got a little nap.
I left at 5pm with Danilo for the airport. We picked up his girlfriend to join us for the ride. A major street in Managua was closed and we got lost. We ended up at the Oriental Market, which is one of the most dangerous areas in Central America according to German. We kept driving around and calling German. Finally, he had Danilo pull over and German met us. I got in the car with German's family and we went to the airport.
Fabio (another driver) met us at the airport with his van and we waited for the girls. Ishmael and Maria Angel (German's kids) are so cute, and his wife Joanna is very sweet. We sat in the food court area until the plane landed.
German and I went to the big window and watched where people collect their luggage and go through customs. I saw the girls and gave them a big wave. We all got excited. They finally got their bags and came through the doors. German and Fabio grabbed the bags and off we went to the van.
We stopped at On the Run nearby so the girls could get some food. Kaylie and I split a combo and we gave Fabio the drink. We chatted all the way to the house during the 1.5 hour drive. It was dark and rainy, so you couldn't see any of the countryside.
When we got back home, it was kind of rowdy with the team getting ready to leave the next morning. They were having fun. It had rained all evening and was pretty damp. We made the girls beds and finally everyone went to sleep.
About 12:30am, Kearsten came and woke me up. She was very upset. She was not feeling well and she was very homesick. She couldn't stop crying. I laid in her bunk bed with her, and we talked and prayed. Finally, we called her parents. It was determined that she could take a pill to help her sleep and I laid with her until 3:00am. She got a little sleep. Bless her heart. She was so tired and it was pretty gloomy to arrive at pitch dark in the rain. But God has great plans for her. It will be worth it! His plans always are!
Up at 6pm for breakfast. Devotions by Bobby. Part of the team went to do the Zip line and shopping. The rest of us are going into Leon later for shopping.
A few of us worked on supplies and getting the empty room ready for the girls from my home church who are going to be interns for 2 weeks. Bethany, Kaylie and Kearsten are coming in tonight.
I'm having some liver issues and I'm hoping to stay ahead of it. It's hard with the limited foods we get here. Most everything I eat, including the crackers are not good for me. But God will keep me healthy in His amazing power as He sees fit. I'm relaxing on the bed and reading and journaling.
I really need to have an attitude adjustment. I need to fill up with the Holy Spirit. I want to bless You today, Lord.
Our group went to Leon and stopped by a cellular store, La Unión and then had a nice lunch in town. We went to the market. pee-uuu!! I bought 3 flyswatter that look like hands. We stopped by a little artisan shop. Rain, Rain, Rain!!! We came back to the house and I got a little nap.
I left at 5pm with Danilo for the airport. We picked up his girlfriend to join us for the ride. A major street in Managua was closed and we got lost. We ended up at the Oriental Market, which is one of the most dangerous areas in Central America according to German. We kept driving around and calling German. Finally, he had Danilo pull over and German met us. I got in the car with German's family and we went to the airport.
Fabio (another driver) met us at the airport with his van and we waited for the girls. Ishmael and Maria Angel (German's kids) are so cute, and his wife Joanna is very sweet. We sat in the food court area until the plane landed.
German and I went to the big window and watched where people collect their luggage and go through customs. I saw the girls and gave them a big wave. We all got excited. They finally got their bags and came through the doors. German and Fabio grabbed the bags and off we went to the van.
We stopped at On the Run nearby so the girls could get some food. Kaylie and I split a combo and we gave Fabio the drink. We chatted all the way to the house during the 1.5 hour drive. It was dark and rainy, so you couldn't see any of the countryside.
When we got back home, it was kind of rowdy with the team getting ready to leave the next morning. They were having fun. It had rained all evening and was pretty damp. We made the girls beds and finally everyone went to sleep.
About 12:30am, Kearsten came and woke me up. She was very upset. She was not feeling well and she was very homesick. She couldn't stop crying. I laid in her bunk bed with her, and we talked and prayed. Finally, we called her parents. It was determined that she could take a pill to help her sleep and I laid with her until 3:00am. She got a little sleep. Bless her heart. She was so tired and it was pretty gloomy to arrive at pitch dark in the rain. But God has great plans for her. It will be worth it! His plans always are!
Nicaragua July 15, 2010
Thursday
Woke up early. Retaining way too much fluid. Trying to drink a bottle of water before breakfast. Need to "purify" my body and my spirit. It's so hard to catch up when I get behind on drinking water. It sneaks up on you fast.
Everyone is really tired, but it's our last work day. Everyone is pumped and excited to continue the work that God sent them here to do.
"Amos 4:12b Prepare to meet thy God" was written on the backs of the ushers' tshirts at the crusade. They were from many churches and many denominations. Some were more charismatic, some ladies had lace head coverings (and jean skirts). All were working together for the Kingdom.
I love the Kingdom work attitude here. Not like back home where it's more about 'reaching people' for 'our' church. Here, it's gathering people to God's family and His Kingdom. So basic and true to God's purpose for our lives.
Blessings to the Pastors and workers who have to go through so much more than we do to 'encounter' a lost person, to have church together, even just to survive. I am humbled in their shadow of dedication.
We are going to do 3 Fiestas back to back, a radio program and also Pastor's conference this morning. I'm going to try to video some of the activities today.
My stomach is kind of queazy, so I got some ritz crackers and orange juice. Riding in the vans all day long can get to you.
I got to go to the radio station again today. It was good to ride in the back of the truck again instead of in the van. It helped my stomach. Jessica was a lot of fun at the radio station. I videoed her speaking and singing and the place in general. I also videoed the engine of the truck (which has some strange parts that I know did not come with the truck when new!). They guys thought I was loca. Then got embarassed when they realized that I could understand them. I agreed that I am loca.
We got back to the church and waited with the guys for the vans.
We hit On the Run and then went home for lunch, shower and rest. Leaving at 3pm for Leon and then the crusade.
Walked around Central Park in Leon and bought a bag. Had ice cream at Eskimo. Stopped at On the Run and then picked up Iris on the way to the crusade. She is going to translate Beth's testimony and is scared to death. In fact, she is trembling. I prayed with her in the van.
At the crusade site, we all prayed together in a big group, then we split into smaller groups and prayer walked the area.
A trio from the team sang a song, Beth gave her testimony and Buddy preached the message.
German's family was at the crusade. I took lots of pics of kids. It started sprinkling just as the crusade was over.
We stopped at On the Run and one van stayed behind with the translators while the rest of us went on to the house for dinner (which was chicken spaghetti with chopped up weenies). Interesting, but not bad.
I took a shower and relaxed. Glad I don't have to get up early tomorrow. Love being here. Thank you God.
Woke up early. Retaining way too much fluid. Trying to drink a bottle of water before breakfast. Need to "purify" my body and my spirit. It's so hard to catch up when I get behind on drinking water. It sneaks up on you fast.
Everyone is really tired, but it's our last work day. Everyone is pumped and excited to continue the work that God sent them here to do.
"Amos 4:12b Prepare to meet thy God" was written on the backs of the ushers' tshirts at the crusade. They were from many churches and many denominations. Some were more charismatic, some ladies had lace head coverings (and jean skirts). All were working together for the Kingdom.
I love the Kingdom work attitude here. Not like back home where it's more about 'reaching people' for 'our' church. Here, it's gathering people to God's family and His Kingdom. So basic and true to God's purpose for our lives.
Blessings to the Pastors and workers who have to go through so much more than we do to 'encounter' a lost person, to have church together, even just to survive. I am humbled in their shadow of dedication.
We are going to do 3 Fiestas back to back, a radio program and also Pastor's conference this morning. I'm going to try to video some of the activities today.
My stomach is kind of queazy, so I got some ritz crackers and orange juice. Riding in the vans all day long can get to you.
I got to go to the radio station again today. It was good to ride in the back of the truck again instead of in the van. It helped my stomach. Jessica was a lot of fun at the radio station. I videoed her speaking and singing and the place in general. I also videoed the engine of the truck (which has some strange parts that I know did not come with the truck when new!). They guys thought I was loca. Then got embarassed when they realized that I could understand them. I agreed that I am loca.
We got back to the church and waited with the guys for the vans.
We hit On the Run and then went home for lunch, shower and rest. Leaving at 3pm for Leon and then the crusade.
Walked around Central Park in Leon and bought a bag. Had ice cream at Eskimo. Stopped at On the Run and then picked up Iris on the way to the crusade. She is going to translate Beth's testimony and is scared to death. In fact, she is trembling. I prayed with her in the van.
At the crusade site, we all prayed together in a big group, then we split into smaller groups and prayer walked the area.
A trio from the team sang a song, Beth gave her testimony and Buddy preached the message.
German's family was at the crusade. I took lots of pics of kids. It started sprinkling just as the crusade was over.
We stopped at On the Run and one van stayed behind with the translators while the rest of us went on to the house for dinner (which was chicken spaghetti with chopped up weenies). Interesting, but not bad.
I took a shower and relaxed. Glad I don't have to get up early tomorrow. Love being here. Thank you God.
Nicaragua July 14, 2010
Wednesday
The fans came on in the middle of the night. How wonderful! We were up at 5am and had breakfast and devotions (by Ralph) and got ready for the day.
1 group went to do a women's conference at a church, where they did a little message for women, gave gifts and drew numbers for haircuts by one of the team members.
1 group went to do the 2 Fiestas in 2 sites.
Adam and I went to the radio station. We rode in the back of the little red truck that is famous for breaking down on Ralph and Seth. We held on to the rails and did some moves that we called 'Nicaraguan surfing' and reminded me of riding the subway in NYC. I loved it! Adam was very nervous about the radio and afraid that he would miss the Fiestas. I shared with him about calming down and letting God have His way. Adam is a jewel of a youth. When we got to the radio station, we sat around and talked with the guys there until time for our 'spot'. I took a lot of pictures of trees and flowers. The guys thought I was a little weird. Adam gave his testimony and I chatted just a little. I wish we would have said more about the crusade, but it's hard to think at times like that. I loved the ride back to the church in the little red truck.
When we got back to the church, Danielle was still cutting hair. It was stifling hot in the church and Danielle was very sick the night before and that morning. She is such a trooper!!
We all got back to the house for lunch, which was kind of meatloaf, beans in a ball, rice, salad, mashed potatoes and tortilla.
After lunch, I rested in our room for a while. Beth had a migraine and needed to rest in a quiet place.
We planned on leaving at 3pm so we can stop in Leon for a while before the crusade. Oooops! No one told the drivers that we wanted to leave early! The drivers and one van are gone. They were needed by German to do some things to prepare for the crusade. Beth called them and they rushed back. While we waited, some of the team sat upstairs on the veranda and sang praise songs. The neighbors sat outside on their patio and sang along, too.
We left for Leon and stopped at the bakery for pico bread. Then we went to La Unión for coffee, etc to take home.
The crusade was great!! I loved the music and all the crowds. A quick stop at On the Run and home for a late dinner.
The cannelloni were in the oven, but were kind of cold from sitting there for hours, so I skipped dinner. I had eaten most of a bag of Chex Mix in the afternoon, so I wasn't all that hungry. It was too late for me to eat anyway, because of meds. I need to lose a few pounds anyway.
Beth told me some more items that are needed for next week, so I gave up texting Kaylie and called her instead. Bless her heart for getting these things last minute. I called and asked Nana Ruth to give her the Walmart card tomorrow.
Going to bed with a sodium headache. Feet are swelled, but I'm not too tired. Remembering that Hixel and I juggled the container of 30 eggs all evening in the van. It was so funny.
I hope I get good sleep and have sweet dreams.
God is so good.
The fans came on in the middle of the night. How wonderful! We were up at 5am and had breakfast and devotions (by Ralph) and got ready for the day.
1 group went to do a women's conference at a church, where they did a little message for women, gave gifts and drew numbers for haircuts by one of the team members.
1 group went to do the 2 Fiestas in 2 sites.
Adam and I went to the radio station. We rode in the back of the little red truck that is famous for breaking down on Ralph and Seth. We held on to the rails and did some moves that we called 'Nicaraguan surfing' and reminded me of riding the subway in NYC. I loved it! Adam was very nervous about the radio and afraid that he would miss the Fiestas. I shared with him about calming down and letting God have His way. Adam is a jewel of a youth. When we got to the radio station, we sat around and talked with the guys there until time for our 'spot'. I took a lot of pictures of trees and flowers. The guys thought I was a little weird. Adam gave his testimony and I chatted just a little. I wish we would have said more about the crusade, but it's hard to think at times like that. I loved the ride back to the church in the little red truck.
When we got back to the church, Danielle was still cutting hair. It was stifling hot in the church and Danielle was very sick the night before and that morning. She is such a trooper!!
We all got back to the house for lunch, which was kind of meatloaf, beans in a ball, rice, salad, mashed potatoes and tortilla.
After lunch, I rested in our room for a while. Beth had a migraine and needed to rest in a quiet place.
We planned on leaving at 3pm so we can stop in Leon for a while before the crusade. Oooops! No one told the drivers that we wanted to leave early! The drivers and one van are gone. They were needed by German to do some things to prepare for the crusade. Beth called them and they rushed back. While we waited, some of the team sat upstairs on the veranda and sang praise songs. The neighbors sat outside on their patio and sang along, too.
We left for Leon and stopped at the bakery for pico bread. Then we went to La Unión for coffee, etc to take home.
The crusade was great!! I loved the music and all the crowds. A quick stop at On the Run and home for a late dinner.
The cannelloni were in the oven, but were kind of cold from sitting there for hours, so I skipped dinner. I had eaten most of a bag of Chex Mix in the afternoon, so I wasn't all that hungry. It was too late for me to eat anyway, because of meds. I need to lose a few pounds anyway.
Beth told me some more items that are needed for next week, so I gave up texting Kaylie and called her instead. Bless her heart for getting these things last minute. I called and asked Nana Ruth to give her the Walmart card tomorrow.
Going to bed with a sodium headache. Feet are swelled, but I'm not too tired. Remembering that Hixel and I juggled the container of 30 eggs all evening in the van. It was so funny.
I hope I get good sleep and have sweet dreams.
God is so good.
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