Last day of 2010. I'm so blessed to get to spend it here in Nicaragua. I love being here to begin the new year.
Today we held 2 Fiestas. Both in areas that we have not worked in before. Alfonso Cortez and Ruben Dario neighborhoods. Both fiestas went well. We were running out of candy after the first fiesta, so we took up a collection and bought some more at a little pulperia (local one room store) to get us through the second fiesta. You can't have a fiesta de caramelos without the caramelos!!! There were 173 salvations today. Everyone seemed very happy to have us there. The team enjoyed working there, too. I tried to get lots of pictures, especially of the babies! I love the babies!
We stopped off at the Pedrera neighborhood again today so the guys on the team could visit with someone who was needing to get an eye exam. Yesterday was our first time to do a fiesta in that neighborhood. When the kids saw our van pull up today, they got so excited and ran to get their friends. Pastor Chet, Jase and Pacheco were the only ones who got out of the van to visit the man down the street. The rest of us stayed inside the cool van. Some of the kids kept waving and one girl mouthed something to me, but I couldn't figure out what she was saying. I got out of the van to talk with them. She was asking my name. One of the other kids said Biki!! I was surprised they remembered me from just one visit. But I guess I do stand out somewhat down here. :) Anyway, I explained why we were there and that we were not doing another fiesta today. I got them talking and laughing and singing. I grabbed my camera from the van and took some pics and video of them singing. It was so fun. After about 15 minutes, the guys came back and we left. One man had asked me for a Bible and a lady said that she was Christiano. The man had to leave, so when we were ready to depart, I got 2 New Testaments out of the van and gave them to the lady (Ana) to share with the guy (I forget his name now). I really enjoyed just getting to talk with the kids.
We got back to the house for lunch about 12:30pm. We had meat and veggies, rice and beans, slaw and tortillas. It was yummy. Then we had plenty of time for resting and even a nap.
I worked on the computer some, called my sister to see what her latest report from the doctors was, read a little, then took about an hour nap. It was wonderful! Then I woke up and worked on downloading pictures from my camera. I need to upload them to facebook, but it takes a while with the slow internet, so I'll probably work on it tomorrow and Sunday.
We got ready for church and had dinner (canalones - YUM) and then headed into León. We stopped at Eskimo for icecream. Mary and I haven't been there in over a week! We were ready!!!
We headed over to the church a little early. Danilo said it was only about 10 minutes, so we could wait some more, but we were done eating our icecream, and the team could be talking with the congregation instead of just sitting at Eskimo. It's a good thing we went ahead and left, because it took 20 minutes to get there with all the roads being closed down for New Year's celebrations. Lots of piñatas, balloons, tables & chairs and 'viejos'. There is a custom here to stuff clothes to look like old men, kind of like scarecrows, for new year's. They represent old. You set them at your house or a party, then at midnight, you explode them with fireworks. As we were driving home from church tonight we saw many different ones sitting out as people were getting ready to celebrate.
Church service was nice this evening. We went to Jericho church where Pastor Calderon (the main cooking team for our feedings) is the pastor. They asked that our team preach during the 2 hour service between 7 and 9pm, when they were going to celebrate the Lord's Supper. They were also going to have 2 other services back-to-back until the new year. Tony preached the message and Pacheco translated. It was good. Pastor Miguel and his wife and youngest daughter, Hasiel came, too. German and his family met us there. The Lord's supper service was nice. I was very moved to celebrate Jesus' sacrifice and love for me on this special night in this special country. At the end of the service, Pastor Calderon and his wife came forward to be prayed over by the church. They held hands and kneeled and people raised a hand toward them and prayed blessings over them. It was lovely.
At church, I ran into one of the guys who worked at a feeding. He speaks English and gave me his email address and name for facebook. I haven't taken the time to contact him and he also apologized for not contacting me yet. It was nice to see him again. We promised to write.
After church, we came home about 9:30 and sent Danilo and Saturnino home to celebrate with their families. The men of the team are our guards for tonight. :)
By the way, Jeremy wasn't with us tonight to translate because he was at his church being anointed as a pastor. We had thought about going there after our service ended, but decided to come on home. The roads were crazy with closings and it would take a long time to get there, get parked and go into the already in progress service. I know a couple of the guys on the team were disappointed, but it just wasn't practical to go. We will be seeing Jeremy on Sunday and Monday, so they will get to congratulate him then. I, too, wish we could be at every important celebration for the everyone one of our VOH family here, but it's just not possible. They know that we love them, though.
I'm so thankful for all that God has allowed in my life for 2010. It amazes me to revisit some of the experiences that He has brought me to and through. And, oh, the people He has brought across my path. He is glorious. He is so generous with His blessings. And I know that I have not given Him the honor and glory that He deserves.
I don't usually make new year's resolutions, but my desire for 2011 is to love God more, show Him reverence and honor in more of my life, share Him more with more people, love and encourage my fellow Christians, saturate myself in the Word more, and work on my Spanish so that I can share Him in 2 languages. God is my everything. He's all I need. I'm so blessed to be His child.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
December 30, 2010
It's late and I'm tired, but I want to post for today while it is still today. :0
Got up early and prepared for the day. I had to miss the devotions this morning to take care of some emails for projects back in AR. I did get to eat my cold oatmeal. The smell of the cook's breakfast is to tempting, but I know I need to be sticking to my oatmeal for now.
We went to the Concrete Pit to do an early morning Fiesta. It went really well. It's the 3rd time we have been there, but the first time for a Fiesta. Having a small team still offers challenges to cover the parts for the drama, but Danilo and German helped out, too, so that most of the team could street witness. Mary was Sinbox Sally and I got a video of her performance. It was great until Pacheco was portraying a Pastor and leading her through the Salvation prayer. They both got so tickled that they almost couldn't finish. Pastor Miguel was not looking too happy about it. But they finally made it through. Everything went fine after that. I told Mary I was going to blackmail her with the video. :)
Then we went to another new area called Antenor Sandino. We had a fairly good turnout there. Little Hope, who is 7, was Sinbox Sally and did a good job. Pastor Miguel was his silly self with the kids and they all love him. It isn't the same without his son Eliezar, who is working fulltime to support a wife and baby on the way. Beth and I always called Eliezar "Sapito" for little toad, because we called Pastor Miguel "Sapo" for toad, because they did an action song about a Sapo. Anyway, I miss Sapito. I got some good pics of kids, especially the babies, who I love. It was a very successful morning of Fiestas with 163 salvations. We had 94 salvations yesterday.
We then stopped at On the Run for a quick bathroom break and to get drinks. Then we went to La Unión for what Mary and I thought would be a quick stop to pick us the items for the next 2 day's meals. It was almost as bad as a Wednesday, which is worse than a Saturday! Anyway, there were no carts or wire baskets to be had when we walked in. They were all being used. There were people everywhere! We got tickets at the chicken meat counter and at the beef meat counter and then stood in line at the cheese counter. We had 30+ people ahead of us in the beef line (and we only needed 3 pounds of ground beef) and about 15 people ahead of us in the chicken line (all for just 3 chicken breasts). While in the cheese line, Mary noticed some wrapped chicken breasts and ground beef packages nearby. They had today's date on them, but they were handy. So we chucked the tickets for the meat counter and got the packages. After waiting about 5 minutes in the cheese counter, we found out that they were out of the kind of cheese that the cook had asked for. We decided to get the cheese and crema at 'the house of cheese' on the way home. So we took our little wire basket, that Mary had gotten from somewhere (I hope she didn't hurt anyone and take theirs away) and took our items to the front to check out. It was packed up front. We finally got through. The team was patiently waiting in the van. We stopped and got the crema and cheese and then headed for home to eat lunch, which was waiting on us.
After a good lunch of chicken spaghetti (Nicaraguan style), rice, beans, slaw and tortilla, we all decided to walk on the beach for a little while. Actually, 2 of the guys ran, but they're crazy. We found some interesting sea shells. I hadn't been on the beach for about a week, so I enjoyed the walk.
After some computer time, I got a quick shower and dressed for church tonight. We had to eat dinner at 4pm so we could leave at 4:30 to drive to the church. We weren't terribly hungry since we finished lunch at 1pm, but it was good and we filled up our tummies before heading out for a long evening.
It took about 45 minutes to get to Nagarote, once we picked up the translators and German and Pastor Miguel. The church was big and nice. The music was fantastic. I sat by myself so that I could listen to the Spanish without being in earshot of the translators in the congregation. I also enjoyed consentrating on Chet and Pacheco's team of Pastor and translator. They were preaching a message tonight!!! It was really good.
On the van ride home, there were jokes being told. Few were very funny. But the fellowship was fun. We got home right about 10pm and everyone retired to their rooms. As soon as I get this post done, I'm going to sleep. We have another busy morning tomorrow of Fiestas. They are in new places, so that's always interesting to see the effect of the team on the area. We also are going to visit a man who we met today who needs some help with something about glasses. I didn't get the whole story, but I'm sure it's an interesting one. Then we get to have lunch, rest time and then we will spend all evening in 2 back-to-back church services. It was be great and we get to ring in the New Year here in Nic! yay!
I'm enjoying the team and getting out to do the Fiestas. I always love going to the different churches. I'm glad there are service somewhere almost every night of the week. A lot of variety and a lot of lovely Christian brothers and sisters. I'm so thankful to my Lord and Father for all They share in this life. I pray They are glorified in everything we do!
Got up early and prepared for the day. I had to miss the devotions this morning to take care of some emails for projects back in AR. I did get to eat my cold oatmeal. The smell of the cook's breakfast is to tempting, but I know I need to be sticking to my oatmeal for now.
We went to the Concrete Pit to do an early morning Fiesta. It went really well. It's the 3rd time we have been there, but the first time for a Fiesta. Having a small team still offers challenges to cover the parts for the drama, but Danilo and German helped out, too, so that most of the team could street witness. Mary was Sinbox Sally and I got a video of her performance. It was great until Pacheco was portraying a Pastor and leading her through the Salvation prayer. They both got so tickled that they almost couldn't finish. Pastor Miguel was not looking too happy about it. But they finally made it through. Everything went fine after that. I told Mary I was going to blackmail her with the video. :)
Then we went to another new area called Antenor Sandino. We had a fairly good turnout there. Little Hope, who is 7, was Sinbox Sally and did a good job. Pastor Miguel was his silly self with the kids and they all love him. It isn't the same without his son Eliezar, who is working fulltime to support a wife and baby on the way. Beth and I always called Eliezar "Sapito" for little toad, because we called Pastor Miguel "Sapo" for toad, because they did an action song about a Sapo. Anyway, I miss Sapito. I got some good pics of kids, especially the babies, who I love. It was a very successful morning of Fiestas with 163 salvations. We had 94 salvations yesterday.
We then stopped at On the Run for a quick bathroom break and to get drinks. Then we went to La Unión for what Mary and I thought would be a quick stop to pick us the items for the next 2 day's meals. It was almost as bad as a Wednesday, which is worse than a Saturday! Anyway, there were no carts or wire baskets to be had when we walked in. They were all being used. There were people everywhere! We got tickets at the chicken meat counter and at the beef meat counter and then stood in line at the cheese counter. We had 30+ people ahead of us in the beef line (and we only needed 3 pounds of ground beef) and about 15 people ahead of us in the chicken line (all for just 3 chicken breasts). While in the cheese line, Mary noticed some wrapped chicken breasts and ground beef packages nearby. They had today's date on them, but they were handy. So we chucked the tickets for the meat counter and got the packages. After waiting about 5 minutes in the cheese counter, we found out that they were out of the kind of cheese that the cook had asked for. We decided to get the cheese and crema at 'the house of cheese' on the way home. So we took our little wire basket, that Mary had gotten from somewhere (I hope she didn't hurt anyone and take theirs away) and took our items to the front to check out. It was packed up front. We finally got through. The team was patiently waiting in the van. We stopped and got the crema and cheese and then headed for home to eat lunch, which was waiting on us.
After a good lunch of chicken spaghetti (Nicaraguan style), rice, beans, slaw and tortilla, we all decided to walk on the beach for a little while. Actually, 2 of the guys ran, but they're crazy. We found some interesting sea shells. I hadn't been on the beach for about a week, so I enjoyed the walk.
After some computer time, I got a quick shower and dressed for church tonight. We had to eat dinner at 4pm so we could leave at 4:30 to drive to the church. We weren't terribly hungry since we finished lunch at 1pm, but it was good and we filled up our tummies before heading out for a long evening.
It took about 45 minutes to get to Nagarote, once we picked up the translators and German and Pastor Miguel. The church was big and nice. The music was fantastic. I sat by myself so that I could listen to the Spanish without being in earshot of the translators in the congregation. I also enjoyed consentrating on Chet and Pacheco's team of Pastor and translator. They were preaching a message tonight!!! It was really good.
On the van ride home, there were jokes being told. Few were very funny. But the fellowship was fun. We got home right about 10pm and everyone retired to their rooms. As soon as I get this post done, I'm going to sleep. We have another busy morning tomorrow of Fiestas. They are in new places, so that's always interesting to see the effect of the team on the area. We also are going to visit a man who we met today who needs some help with something about glasses. I didn't get the whole story, but I'm sure it's an interesting one. Then we get to have lunch, rest time and then we will spend all evening in 2 back-to-back church services. It was be great and we get to ring in the New Year here in Nic! yay!
I'm enjoying the team and getting out to do the Fiestas. I always love going to the different churches. I'm glad there are service somewhere almost every night of the week. A lot of variety and a lot of lovely Christian brothers and sisters. I'm so thankful to my Lord and Father for all They share in this life. I pray They are glorified in everything we do!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
December 29, 2010
We've had a good work day, today. Up by 6am for breakfast. I had some cold oatmeal, but the team had eggs, fruit, beans, rice, sweet bread. They seemed to enjoy it.
We got ready and had devotions. Then we left at 7:30am for the rondevous at the stoplight in León at 8am. We picked up German and Jeremy and Juan, our translators, and also Michael, one of Juan's English students that Mary and I got to work with one day. He is coming along to get his feet wet as a translator. His biggest desire is to translate the Word of God and lead people to Christ. Amen, brother!! He is such a sweet kid.
We headed off to the Sewer Pond. We met up with Pastor Miguel there. We did our Fiesta there and the whole team participated in the drama, since there are only 6 of them. Pastor Chet was wonderful as the Strongman. We had a lot of fun. It was nice to be back there with so many familiar faces. After the Sewer Pond, we went to the next little village, where we have given out some food, but never really had a chance to do a Fiesta before. We didn't have a huge turnout, and some of them were actually from the Sewer Pond. But we did the Fiesta and shared the Gospel. We only had 2 people from the team to do the drama, so Chuck had to be the Strongman, Drunk, and Singer himself. The kids really got into his performance, though, and it was great. We finished up that Fiesta and packed up to head home. I didn't get a count on the total salvations today. I'll have to ask Pastor Miguel later.
On the way home, we stopped at a Cell store to get Chet's Nica phone working. That took a while and some of the team got out of the van and walked down the street to buy some fruit. They met a homeless man begging on the street. They stopped and witnessed to him for a very long time. They gave him a New Testament, which he leaned up on the wall. Hopefully, he set it there because he treasures it, and not because he's trying to sell it. :)
We then stopped at a bus stop to meet a couple of ladies from the Sewer Pond, who wanted German and Mary and I to meet a lady with 4 kids (one has menangitis and needs something like Peadisure to survive on) and a newborn. The other 2 kids are probably 4 and 5. Her husband left her and she had no where to live. So a friend let her build a one room shack on her property. it's structure is tree limbs with black plastic as walls. There is a full size bed that all 5 of them sleep in. They wanted us to see her home and to meet her and the kids to see if there is anything we could do for her. We gave her $15 out of our pockets to help buy formula for the baby and special needs girl, and told her that we would pray about what, if anything else, we could do. She let us take her family picture to share with prayer partners and potential supporters. Bless her heart.
It was a long walk to her house and we had to pass a slaughterhouse to get there. Peeuuu!! I took a picture of large intestines that were blown up (by mouth) and hung in coils over some lines to dry. Amazing. We were glad to get back to the van. My heart breaks for people who have to live in these circumstances. There is so much need and only so much that we can individually do. It's in God's hands to show us who to reach out to and how to do it.
When we first got to the Sewer Pond area for the Fiesta, Hope, the 7 year old girl on the team, broke out in tears. She was so overwhelmed with how these people, especially the kids, live. Bless her sweet heart. She was my prize-giver-outer for the games at the Fiesta. She did a good job. By the second place, she was warming up to the kids more.
We finally made it home for lunch at 1pm. It was shredded beef with onions and peppers and a brown gravy, rice, beans, cabbage slaw and a tortilla. Yum! Then we had down time until dinner and evening church.
I sat on my bed and researched some books for Juan Pacheco to use for his school. It was very peaceful and I had to struggle not to take a nap! Mary came and got me and we went to talk to the cook about what items we needed to buy at the store for the next few days. We have so much crazy conversation with our Spanish and English. We got it all figured out for the rest of the team's stay and when we would buy the items. Hopefully, we got it right. :)
Dinner was hamburgers and then we headed off to church at 6pm. We went to Cristo Viene church, which is in the next little town over and is where Saturnino (our guard) and his family go. It's a medium size building with bright yellow and white decor. As all churches here, they have the molded plastic lawn-type chairs to sit in. I love it when they have the kid's sized chairs, too.
We were greeted very warmly when we got there. Freddy, Araceliz (our cleaning lady)'s son, met me at the door and said in very clear English "Hello Vickie". He wants to learn English so much. He is very good at picking up words. I wish we could have the time to work with him on it. Maybe someday... We felt very much welcome at the church. I think it's one of my favorite ones! The service was long, like most here, about 2 hours. There was a lot of singing and praying and singing and praying, testimony, singing and praying, testimony, singing and praying, sermon, singing and praying, etc. Mary spoke on behalf of VOH. She is getting very comfortable with that. I'm glad for her. I think it does her heart good, too. She invited everyone in the congregation to come to AR to her church. :) One of the team members gave his testimony. Pastor Chet gave the message and German translated. It was a really good message on forgiveness.
I sat by myself a row in front of the team, partly because it was the only seat I saw when we walked in and I also like to sit apart from the translators in the congregation so that I can try to understand what's being said myself. I enjoyed that very much tonight. Oh how I wish I could dunk my head in Spanish and have it all sink it! But it's getting better every day.
There were some young boys gathered around the large windows of the church to listen to what the North Americans had to say. A couple of the guys from the team took a translator with them outside during the service and spoke with the boys. One young man, Michael, age 13, gave his life to Christ tonight. The Pastor brought him up to the front to pray with Pastor Chet and Jas, the young team member who gave his testimony, also prayed with him. It was very special.
We got back home and the team had share time and we all retired to our rooms. It's been a good day. God is blessing in His way and His time. I'm enjoying the team.
But I'm not enjoying the clock ticking away. It feels so strange to be leaving next week. But I know that God has lots planned for me to do each day of my life and I'm ready for the challenge. I trust Him and His plans. I'm excited to see what each day brings. He is awesome and so worthy of praise and honor and celebration!
We got ready and had devotions. Then we left at 7:30am for the rondevous at the stoplight in León at 8am. We picked up German and Jeremy and Juan, our translators, and also Michael, one of Juan's English students that Mary and I got to work with one day. He is coming along to get his feet wet as a translator. His biggest desire is to translate the Word of God and lead people to Christ. Amen, brother!! He is such a sweet kid.
We headed off to the Sewer Pond. We met up with Pastor Miguel there. We did our Fiesta there and the whole team participated in the drama, since there are only 6 of them. Pastor Chet was wonderful as the Strongman. We had a lot of fun. It was nice to be back there with so many familiar faces. After the Sewer Pond, we went to the next little village, where we have given out some food, but never really had a chance to do a Fiesta before. We didn't have a huge turnout, and some of them were actually from the Sewer Pond. But we did the Fiesta and shared the Gospel. We only had 2 people from the team to do the drama, so Chuck had to be the Strongman, Drunk, and Singer himself. The kids really got into his performance, though, and it was great. We finished up that Fiesta and packed up to head home. I didn't get a count on the total salvations today. I'll have to ask Pastor Miguel later.
On the way home, we stopped at a Cell store to get Chet's Nica phone working. That took a while and some of the team got out of the van and walked down the street to buy some fruit. They met a homeless man begging on the street. They stopped and witnessed to him for a very long time. They gave him a New Testament, which he leaned up on the wall. Hopefully, he set it there because he treasures it, and not because he's trying to sell it. :)
We then stopped at a bus stop to meet a couple of ladies from the Sewer Pond, who wanted German and Mary and I to meet a lady with 4 kids (one has menangitis and needs something like Peadisure to survive on) and a newborn. The other 2 kids are probably 4 and 5. Her husband left her and she had no where to live. So a friend let her build a one room shack on her property. it's structure is tree limbs with black plastic as walls. There is a full size bed that all 5 of them sleep in. They wanted us to see her home and to meet her and the kids to see if there is anything we could do for her. We gave her $15 out of our pockets to help buy formula for the baby and special needs girl, and told her that we would pray about what, if anything else, we could do. She let us take her family picture to share with prayer partners and potential supporters. Bless her heart.
It was a long walk to her house and we had to pass a slaughterhouse to get there. Peeuuu!! I took a picture of large intestines that were blown up (by mouth) and hung in coils over some lines to dry. Amazing. We were glad to get back to the van. My heart breaks for people who have to live in these circumstances. There is so much need and only so much that we can individually do. It's in God's hands to show us who to reach out to and how to do it.
When we first got to the Sewer Pond area for the Fiesta, Hope, the 7 year old girl on the team, broke out in tears. She was so overwhelmed with how these people, especially the kids, live. Bless her sweet heart. She was my prize-giver-outer for the games at the Fiesta. She did a good job. By the second place, she was warming up to the kids more.
We finally made it home for lunch at 1pm. It was shredded beef with onions and peppers and a brown gravy, rice, beans, cabbage slaw and a tortilla. Yum! Then we had down time until dinner and evening church.
I sat on my bed and researched some books for Juan Pacheco to use for his school. It was very peaceful and I had to struggle not to take a nap! Mary came and got me and we went to talk to the cook about what items we needed to buy at the store for the next few days. We have so much crazy conversation with our Spanish and English. We got it all figured out for the rest of the team's stay and when we would buy the items. Hopefully, we got it right. :)
Dinner was hamburgers and then we headed off to church at 6pm. We went to Cristo Viene church, which is in the next little town over and is where Saturnino (our guard) and his family go. It's a medium size building with bright yellow and white decor. As all churches here, they have the molded plastic lawn-type chairs to sit in. I love it when they have the kid's sized chairs, too.
We were greeted very warmly when we got there. Freddy, Araceliz (our cleaning lady)'s son, met me at the door and said in very clear English "Hello Vickie". He wants to learn English so much. He is very good at picking up words. I wish we could have the time to work with him on it. Maybe someday... We felt very much welcome at the church. I think it's one of my favorite ones! The service was long, like most here, about 2 hours. There was a lot of singing and praying and singing and praying, testimony, singing and praying, testimony, singing and praying, sermon, singing and praying, etc. Mary spoke on behalf of VOH. She is getting very comfortable with that. I'm glad for her. I think it does her heart good, too. She invited everyone in the congregation to come to AR to her church. :) One of the team members gave his testimony. Pastor Chet gave the message and German translated. It was a really good message on forgiveness.
I sat by myself a row in front of the team, partly because it was the only seat I saw when we walked in and I also like to sit apart from the translators in the congregation so that I can try to understand what's being said myself. I enjoyed that very much tonight. Oh how I wish I could dunk my head in Spanish and have it all sink it! But it's getting better every day.
There were some young boys gathered around the large windows of the church to listen to what the North Americans had to say. A couple of the guys from the team took a translator with them outside during the service and spoke with the boys. One young man, Michael, age 13, gave his life to Christ tonight. The Pastor brought him up to the front to pray with Pastor Chet and Jas, the young team member who gave his testimony, also prayed with him. It was very special.
We got back home and the team had share time and we all retired to our rooms. It's been a good day. God is blessing in His way and His time. I'm enjoying the team.
But I'm not enjoying the clock ticking away. It feels so strange to be leaving next week. But I know that God has lots planned for me to do each day of my life and I'm ready for the challenge. I trust Him and His plans. I'm excited to see what each day brings. He is awesome and so worthy of praise and honor and celebration!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
December 28, 2010
My last Tuesday here. (we fly out next Tuesday)
I got up early and washed my sheets (which took less than an hour to dry on the clothesline) and another load of laundry. I made a big pan of oatmeal for this week. I put the last of my walnuts and cranberries in it. I still have flaxseeds and sunflower seeds left. I'll have to figure out what to do with them.
I sat upstairs on the veranda (the upper room) and did some Bible Study in a rocking chair. My view was the ocean. beautiful. I've been reading through the New Testament again and marking special passages that speak to me while I'm here in Nic. I don't think I'll make it all the way through, but I'm making good progress. I love it.
We found out the that team coming in at noon, was delayed until 3pm. That meant that I had time for my last afternoon nap. I took my shower, put clean sheets on the bed, had tuna for lunch and laid down to sleep. I was so excited about my last nap that I couldn't go to sleep! I would read a little and get sleepy and then when I put the book down, I would start thinking of a million things. I rested for a while, but never did go to sleep. Which is just as well, since I need to go to sleep at a decent time tonight to get up early for the rest of our ministry days.
The team was delayed even longer and didn't make it here until after 6pm. We fed them sandwiches and chips and cookies. We discussed Fiestas a little about our schedule. They were very tired from a long travel day. Mandy and I worked on getting the prizes and candy ready for the Fiestas tomorrow. Everyone went to their rooms about 8pm.
We will be doing 7 Fiestas, 1 feeding and 5 church services over the next 6 days (Jan 1st will be the day off, since German says that Nicas all take New Years Day off, even the chickens don't lay eggs). We'll use that day to go into León and let everyone shop a little (hoping stores and the vendors at the park are open), get coffee from La Unión to take back home, eat out, etc. We'll be ending on Monday with a Fiesta and a feeding. It will be a nice week.
The beach is getting busy with people coming for the holidays. New Year's Eve is supposed to be a big day. Lots of partying on the beach. It's quite different from the usual quiet days that we experience here. There are already lots more noise as the houses near us have vacation renters and the beach stays busy even after dark. There are even a couple of four wheelers that go rip roaring back and forth. I hope they don't run over anyone. I'm sure we'll hear plenty of fireworks this week, especially on Friday and Saturday. They love their fireworks here.
I've been getting emails and facebook messages about things I need to take care of when I get back to AR. It will be nice to be busy with projects there, too. I'm praying about what my future transportation will be like. God knows where I need to be and when and how. I trust Him to show me interesting ways to meet with people and plan my schedule to His agenda.
The Caubbles made it to Dubai today. Very loooong flights. I don't like flying over 3 or 4 hours at a time, so I admire them for making it. I know they are so excited to be in there new Home country and starting their mission duties. I know the Phillips are very happy to have them there, too.
I guess I had better go to bed now. I'm so thankful for all God allows me to do and where He allows me to go. I pray that I glorify Him with my life and my heart.
I got up early and washed my sheets (which took less than an hour to dry on the clothesline) and another load of laundry. I made a big pan of oatmeal for this week. I put the last of my walnuts and cranberries in it. I still have flaxseeds and sunflower seeds left. I'll have to figure out what to do with them.
I sat upstairs on the veranda (the upper room) and did some Bible Study in a rocking chair. My view was the ocean. beautiful. I've been reading through the New Testament again and marking special passages that speak to me while I'm here in Nic. I don't think I'll make it all the way through, but I'm making good progress. I love it.
We found out the that team coming in at noon, was delayed until 3pm. That meant that I had time for my last afternoon nap. I took my shower, put clean sheets on the bed, had tuna for lunch and laid down to sleep. I was so excited about my last nap that I couldn't go to sleep! I would read a little and get sleepy and then when I put the book down, I would start thinking of a million things. I rested for a while, but never did go to sleep. Which is just as well, since I need to go to sleep at a decent time tonight to get up early for the rest of our ministry days.
The team was delayed even longer and didn't make it here until after 6pm. We fed them sandwiches and chips and cookies. We discussed Fiestas a little about our schedule. They were very tired from a long travel day. Mandy and I worked on getting the prizes and candy ready for the Fiestas tomorrow. Everyone went to their rooms about 8pm.
We will be doing 7 Fiestas, 1 feeding and 5 church services over the next 6 days (Jan 1st will be the day off, since German says that Nicas all take New Years Day off, even the chickens don't lay eggs). We'll use that day to go into León and let everyone shop a little (hoping stores and the vendors at the park are open), get coffee from La Unión to take back home, eat out, etc. We'll be ending on Monday with a Fiesta and a feeding. It will be a nice week.
The beach is getting busy with people coming for the holidays. New Year's Eve is supposed to be a big day. Lots of partying on the beach. It's quite different from the usual quiet days that we experience here. There are already lots more noise as the houses near us have vacation renters and the beach stays busy even after dark. There are even a couple of four wheelers that go rip roaring back and forth. I hope they don't run over anyone. I'm sure we'll hear plenty of fireworks this week, especially on Friday and Saturday. They love their fireworks here.
I've been getting emails and facebook messages about things I need to take care of when I get back to AR. It will be nice to be busy with projects there, too. I'm praying about what my future transportation will be like. God knows where I need to be and when and how. I trust Him to show me interesting ways to meet with people and plan my schedule to His agenda.
The Caubbles made it to Dubai today. Very loooong flights. I don't like flying over 3 or 4 hours at a time, so I admire them for making it. I know they are so excited to be in there new Home country and starting their mission duties. I know the Phillips are very happy to have them there, too.
I guess I had better go to bed now. I'm so thankful for all God allows me to do and where He allows me to go. I pray that I glorify Him with my life and my heart.
Monday, December 27, 2010
December 27, 2010
Monday evening. Only one more week here in Nic. It doesn't seem possible. It feels strange to think about leaving. These last weeks have felt like we live here fulltime and have felt just right. This is the last night with just me and Mary here. Hmmm...
We got up this morning and headed to the bus stop just down the road. We always get there early, since we don't know exactly what time they will actually come by. They do a pretty good job of being on schedule - give or take 15-20 minutes... Anyway, we sit on the curb outside a tiny store and listen for the bus to come rumbling by. They usually blast their horn a few times as they are coming down our road. Then we stand by the road and they stop for us. We like to catch them as they are arriving, so that we can get a seat before too many people from Poneloya get on at the end of the road. But this morning, they didn't announce their arrival with the horn and the bus was quieter than some of the more run down ones, so we didn't get to the road in time to flag them down. So we just sat back down and waited about 30 minutes until they came back down the street.
As we were getting on the bus, which was full, there was a family of 5, who were spread out over 2 seats, one seat on the left of the bus, and one seat on the right. The man and 2 little kids jumped up from the left seat and moved them all over to squish into the seat on the right side with the rest of his family. We thanked him profusely, thinking that he was wanting to give us a place to sit down. As I was scooting into the seat, I noticed something semi-liquid running down the floor towards the back of the bus. It seems the little girl in the seat in front of us had just thrown up her pink candy. The mom, sick child and sister got off at the next stop, with the little girl still clutching the rest of her big wad of pink candy in her hand. And no one moved to sit in that seat, needless to say... Thank goodness that the windows were down on the bus! We just tried to keep our shoes out of it as much as possible. That was our excitement for the last bus trip going into town.
At the bus stop in León, we found a taxi right away (a legal one) and he took us to La Unión grocery store. We use that as a good dropping off place for taxis since it is well known and close to a lot of what we want to do downtown. Our first order of business was to go to the little shopping area next door, where Tip Top Chicken restaurant is located, to use the public restrooms. They aren't great, but better than most choices in town. They were locked up, but when one of the guys from Tip Top saw us (they recognize us from eating so much), he got the key and opened them up for us. When we were through, he locked them back up again, until the regular opening time. It's nice to have friends in the right places...
We walked around looking in stores, walked to the park and shopped a little at the vendors tents, and just had a nice time. Mary found a ring with the Lord's Prayers in Spanish on it that she had been looking for (I had gotten one back in March) to wear on a chain. I found some more of the woven little bags that I'm finding tons of uses for. There were a couple of murals on walls that I was wanting to get pictures of, so we walked around a few blocks.
We started to get hungry and decided to eat at Tip Top (of course) and headed that way. German was wanting to meet up with us to give us the printed copy of the team schedule, so he found us at Tip Top. We had him go to a little kiosk close by and pick up some churros like he had gotten before. They were yummy! That was our dessert! On the way to Tip Top, we stopped at La Unión grocery store to buy a package of crackers to eat with our salads at Tip Top. The guard at the door is very friendly to us and always tries to find us a table. We sat inside today, by a window. The waiter, who knows us by now, too, asked if the sun coming in the window was bothering us. There were no shades that he could pull, and we didn't see anything he could do about it, so we just said no. But then he moved one of their big floor signs (about 6' tall and 4' wide) to cover the window and shade us. How nice! We always try to tip him well. It pays off!
We enjoyed our lunch and then stopped at the kiosk and got more churros to bring home. Then we set out to find a taxi to take us to the bus stop. It's pretty easy to find a taxi in the busy areas. And sometimes we end up sharing one, because the drivers like to have all the seats of their tiny cars filled at all times. We rode with a lady who was getting out at a part of the market area that we had not been to before, so it was fun to see it. Then we made it to the bus stop. Actually, the driver whizzed past it and I think he was going to take us all the way to Poneloya instead to the bus. We had him turn around and drop us at the bus.
Our ride home on the bus was memorable, since we rode standing up the whole way. The best process for getting a seat on a bus going out of the town is to arrive at least 30 minutes early and sit on the bus as it fills up. Today, we rode standing and it seemed like a little longer than the usual 35 minute ride home. With all the starting and stopping and with all the people standing in the aisle, it was making me carsick. Luckily, we made it close to the house and we got off. It was a nice day for a ride and as always, the breeze coming in through the open windows was nice. Most importantly, we were on a totally different bus than the puke bus, which was probably still riding back and forth with nastiness baking in the sun. :)
We got home a little before 2pm and I laid down to read and take a nap, one of my last here. Mary read in her rocking chair. For dinner, Mary finished off her left over salad and I had some soup and crackers. We enjoyed our time of quiet this evening.
It's hard to believe that the team will be here late tomorrow afternoon. It's been just the 2 of us for about 5 weeks now. We'll feed the team sandwiches and chips for dinner, sort through the supplies they bring, get everything ready for Fiestas for the week, get to know them and help them get settled in. Jasmina (the cook) will be here bright and early (5am) starting on Wed to prepare our meals. We'll be back to the normal routine again. Then, way too quickly, it will be time to leave.
My friends, the Caubbles, left today for the long, long flight to Dubai, where they will be living and serving as Missionaries for the next 2 years. I'll be going over to work with them a little this next year. It will be great to see them. I know they are excited to finally be on their way. I pray for safe travel, healthy bodies, no jet lag and many, many blessings.
Some of my friends in NYC have posted pictures of the huge amounts of snow that they received over the last few days. My friend Jenny, made snow angels. How fun! I don't think I have ever been as cold as the winters in NYC. Probably because I was out on the streets as part of life there. I remember Jenny used to think my big puffy coat was funny. But it sure was warm! When I left there, I gave that coat to a friend who worked at one of the soup kitchen/shelters that I volunteered at. I hope it is still keeping her just as warm.
My friends, the Janes, made a cute little video for me and posted it on facebook. Elizabeth is playing the piano and Will is playing the violin. It is precious! I love that family soooo much! I can't wait to get back and see them. Phillip is crawling now. And there are 2 new pets in the family. What fun I will have visiting them!
I guess I should go to sleep now. How thankful I am that God allows me to be in this place at this time. I love the busy times and I love the quiet times. I've enjoyed getting to relax and study these past weeks. And also, so serve others a few days a week and to have time to fellowship with our VOH family. I've been so blessed. And I will fall asleep a happy woman. Thank You Lord.
We got up this morning and headed to the bus stop just down the road. We always get there early, since we don't know exactly what time they will actually come by. They do a pretty good job of being on schedule - give or take 15-20 minutes... Anyway, we sit on the curb outside a tiny store and listen for the bus to come rumbling by. They usually blast their horn a few times as they are coming down our road. Then we stand by the road and they stop for us. We like to catch them as they are arriving, so that we can get a seat before too many people from Poneloya get on at the end of the road. But this morning, they didn't announce their arrival with the horn and the bus was quieter than some of the more run down ones, so we didn't get to the road in time to flag them down. So we just sat back down and waited about 30 minutes until they came back down the street.
As we were getting on the bus, which was full, there was a family of 5, who were spread out over 2 seats, one seat on the left of the bus, and one seat on the right. The man and 2 little kids jumped up from the left seat and moved them all over to squish into the seat on the right side with the rest of his family. We thanked him profusely, thinking that he was wanting to give us a place to sit down. As I was scooting into the seat, I noticed something semi-liquid running down the floor towards the back of the bus. It seems the little girl in the seat in front of us had just thrown up her pink candy. The mom, sick child and sister got off at the next stop, with the little girl still clutching the rest of her big wad of pink candy in her hand. And no one moved to sit in that seat, needless to say... Thank goodness that the windows were down on the bus! We just tried to keep our shoes out of it as much as possible. That was our excitement for the last bus trip going into town.
At the bus stop in León, we found a taxi right away (a legal one) and he took us to La Unión grocery store. We use that as a good dropping off place for taxis since it is well known and close to a lot of what we want to do downtown. Our first order of business was to go to the little shopping area next door, where Tip Top Chicken restaurant is located, to use the public restrooms. They aren't great, but better than most choices in town. They were locked up, but when one of the guys from Tip Top saw us (they recognize us from eating so much), he got the key and opened them up for us. When we were through, he locked them back up again, until the regular opening time. It's nice to have friends in the right places...
We walked around looking in stores, walked to the park and shopped a little at the vendors tents, and just had a nice time. Mary found a ring with the Lord's Prayers in Spanish on it that she had been looking for (I had gotten one back in March) to wear on a chain. I found some more of the woven little bags that I'm finding tons of uses for. There were a couple of murals on walls that I was wanting to get pictures of, so we walked around a few blocks.
We started to get hungry and decided to eat at Tip Top (of course) and headed that way. German was wanting to meet up with us to give us the printed copy of the team schedule, so he found us at Tip Top. We had him go to a little kiosk close by and pick up some churros like he had gotten before. They were yummy! That was our dessert! On the way to Tip Top, we stopped at La Unión grocery store to buy a package of crackers to eat with our salads at Tip Top. The guard at the door is very friendly to us and always tries to find us a table. We sat inside today, by a window. The waiter, who knows us by now, too, asked if the sun coming in the window was bothering us. There were no shades that he could pull, and we didn't see anything he could do about it, so we just said no. But then he moved one of their big floor signs (about 6' tall and 4' wide) to cover the window and shade us. How nice! We always try to tip him well. It pays off!
We enjoyed our lunch and then stopped at the kiosk and got more churros to bring home. Then we set out to find a taxi to take us to the bus stop. It's pretty easy to find a taxi in the busy areas. And sometimes we end up sharing one, because the drivers like to have all the seats of their tiny cars filled at all times. We rode with a lady who was getting out at a part of the market area that we had not been to before, so it was fun to see it. Then we made it to the bus stop. Actually, the driver whizzed past it and I think he was going to take us all the way to Poneloya instead to the bus. We had him turn around and drop us at the bus.
Our ride home on the bus was memorable, since we rode standing up the whole way. The best process for getting a seat on a bus going out of the town is to arrive at least 30 minutes early and sit on the bus as it fills up. Today, we rode standing and it seemed like a little longer than the usual 35 minute ride home. With all the starting and stopping and with all the people standing in the aisle, it was making me carsick. Luckily, we made it close to the house and we got off. It was a nice day for a ride and as always, the breeze coming in through the open windows was nice. Most importantly, we were on a totally different bus than the puke bus, which was probably still riding back and forth with nastiness baking in the sun. :)
We got home a little before 2pm and I laid down to read and take a nap, one of my last here. Mary read in her rocking chair. For dinner, Mary finished off her left over salad and I had some soup and crackers. We enjoyed our time of quiet this evening.
It's hard to believe that the team will be here late tomorrow afternoon. It's been just the 2 of us for about 5 weeks now. We'll feed the team sandwiches and chips for dinner, sort through the supplies they bring, get everything ready for Fiestas for the week, get to know them and help them get settled in. Jasmina (the cook) will be here bright and early (5am) starting on Wed to prepare our meals. We'll be back to the normal routine again. Then, way too quickly, it will be time to leave.
My friends, the Caubbles, left today for the long, long flight to Dubai, where they will be living and serving as Missionaries for the next 2 years. I'll be going over to work with them a little this next year. It will be great to see them. I know they are excited to finally be on their way. I pray for safe travel, healthy bodies, no jet lag and many, many blessings.
Some of my friends in NYC have posted pictures of the huge amounts of snow that they received over the last few days. My friend Jenny, made snow angels. How fun! I don't think I have ever been as cold as the winters in NYC. Probably because I was out on the streets as part of life there. I remember Jenny used to think my big puffy coat was funny. But it sure was warm! When I left there, I gave that coat to a friend who worked at one of the soup kitchen/shelters that I volunteered at. I hope it is still keeping her just as warm.
My friends, the Janes, made a cute little video for me and posted it on facebook. Elizabeth is playing the piano and Will is playing the violin. It is precious! I love that family soooo much! I can't wait to get back and see them. Phillip is crawling now. And there are 2 new pets in the family. What fun I will have visiting them!
I guess I should go to sleep now. How thankful I am that God allows me to be in this place at this time. I love the busy times and I love the quiet times. I've enjoyed getting to relax and study these past weeks. And also, so serve others a few days a week and to have time to fellowship with our VOH family. I've been so blessed. And I will fall asleep a happy woman. Thank You Lord.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
December 26, 2010
Sunday night. So relaxed. Ready to fall asleep...
The day started quiet. I mention this a lot, because after Tuesday, we will be getting up at 5am-ish for the team to have breakfast.
I spent a lot of time reading in the New Testament this morning. I'm trying to reread as much of it as possible these last weeks here. I didn't even study Spanish or take a nap today. Just Bible reading.
We snacked for breakfast and lunch. Then we got ready for German to bring Jasmina (the cook) out to discuss the menu for next week and to check out our staples in the pantry. Then we all left about 3:30 and headed in to León to buy groceries for the first few days for the team. We took a cooler to put the meat in, since we were going to be going to church afterward.
It took about an hour at La Unión. We had a cart full. I picked out some things for myself to purchase, especially for the next few days. I was very saddened to see that they had run out of liquid fudge snack pack pudding. Oh my! I had to settle on vanilla. I hope it's worth it. I was really looking forward to the chocolate. It takes them a very long time to restock something - like weeks. They probably won't have any more chocolate until after we leave. (and I don't usually eat it at home when I'm trying to be healthy) Too bad. I also got some 'organic' cashews. The thing I like about them is that they don't have any salt on them. I also got some tuna, soup and crackers. I think I'm set until the team comes in. I've pretty much run out of my instant stuff that I brought from home. Which is good, because it all has preservatives and stuff in it that I shouldn't be eating anyway. :)
We had bought 2 round watermelons at the store and the boy who put the groceries in the van set them in the floor. As we were driving, they were rolling around the van. Mary was chasing them and it was hilarious! Every time I looked back there, she was in a different seat in the van. It was kind of like that game where animals pop up through these holes and you have to bonk them on the head. I never knew where she was going to pop up. We've tried putting a melon in German's motorcycle helmet before, if it fits. We had a nylon insulated bag that was big enough for one and it kept it from rolling around. The last time we bought one and it rolled around, it fell out of the van and cracked open on the road. Since it was in a bag, we just brought it on into the house and tried to salvage it. We may have to find something to rig up as a melon car seat from now on. :)
We had a great time at Jericho church tonight. Mary gave a testimony about our getting to be here for 2 months over the holidays. It's so nice to see her more comfortable talking in front of the congregations. During the service, German translated for her and I tried to just listen on my own so I could practice my listening skills. I can catch quite a bit of what is being said. Sometimes I have to hear 2 or 3 sentences to get the context and then I can follow along. Jericho church is one of our favorite churches to go to.
Tonight, when they announced that we were going to take up the offering, a little lady from across the aisle came over and asked for a gift of a little money so that she could put it in the offering. German had 2 one dollar bills in his hand, and I just had a 20 córdova bill in mine, so German gave her one of his one dollar bills. As they were taking up the offering I looked over to see what she actually put in the offering bag. And I felt a little guilty for looking. But I noticed that she put in a coin. I looked over at German and he was watching her, too and we both started laughing. She had kept the one dollar bill (about 20 córdovas) and put in a coin worth about 5 córdovas). Oh well, it's between her and God about keeping what she had asked us for to use as an offering. She had blessed me by kissing my shoulder for handing her the money. And, besides, it was German's dollar bill to begin with. :)
After church, we went to Tip Top Chicken restaurant to grab a late dinner. That took a while, as there were no tables for a little while and service was slow as usual. But it was yummy. German always makes me laugh and the three of us had a good time.
We went to German's inlaws' house and picked up his wife and 2 kids, who rode out to the team house to drop us off. Ishmael likes to sit on his papa's lap and help drive. His favorite thing is to beep the horn. He has to put his whole little body into it to push hard enough. Mariangel always sits quietly with her sweet little smile. It was good to see Joana. I thanked her for letting us borrow German to run us around. We've tried not to use him too much on the holidays, so that he can have time with the family.
Tomorrow we will ride the bus into town for the last time. We'll probably grab lunch somewhere (we are getting very full of chicken!) or maybe an icecream cone or maybe both! and walk around the park and take some more pics of town. We really don't have much of an agenda. The last day of our retreat. We start working with the team on Tuesday afternoon.
it's been so wonderful to be here these weeks. It will feel strange to be back in NW Arkansas, and then to visit my family in Indiana for a week. I'll be coming back here for about 10 days in March, when the youth from my home church comes down. Then I won't be back until mid-May, but I'll get to stay for 3 months. I sure love it here.
Well, it's time to go to sleep. We're going to try to catch the 9am bus, which means we try to be at the stop by 8:30, cuz you never know what timetable the bus is actually running on.
I'm going to sleep with a full stomach and a full heart. God is so gracious and loving. And I am so thankful.
The day started quiet. I mention this a lot, because after Tuesday, we will be getting up at 5am-ish for the team to have breakfast.
I spent a lot of time reading in the New Testament this morning. I'm trying to reread as much of it as possible these last weeks here. I didn't even study Spanish or take a nap today. Just Bible reading.
We snacked for breakfast and lunch. Then we got ready for German to bring Jasmina (the cook) out to discuss the menu for next week and to check out our staples in the pantry. Then we all left about 3:30 and headed in to León to buy groceries for the first few days for the team. We took a cooler to put the meat in, since we were going to be going to church afterward.
It took about an hour at La Unión. We had a cart full. I picked out some things for myself to purchase, especially for the next few days. I was very saddened to see that they had run out of liquid fudge snack pack pudding. Oh my! I had to settle on vanilla. I hope it's worth it. I was really looking forward to the chocolate. It takes them a very long time to restock something - like weeks. They probably won't have any more chocolate until after we leave. (and I don't usually eat it at home when I'm trying to be healthy) Too bad. I also got some 'organic' cashews. The thing I like about them is that they don't have any salt on them. I also got some tuna, soup and crackers. I think I'm set until the team comes in. I've pretty much run out of my instant stuff that I brought from home. Which is good, because it all has preservatives and stuff in it that I shouldn't be eating anyway. :)
We had bought 2 round watermelons at the store and the boy who put the groceries in the van set them in the floor. As we were driving, they were rolling around the van. Mary was chasing them and it was hilarious! Every time I looked back there, she was in a different seat in the van. It was kind of like that game where animals pop up through these holes and you have to bonk them on the head. I never knew where she was going to pop up. We've tried putting a melon in German's motorcycle helmet before, if it fits. We had a nylon insulated bag that was big enough for one and it kept it from rolling around. The last time we bought one and it rolled around, it fell out of the van and cracked open on the road. Since it was in a bag, we just brought it on into the house and tried to salvage it. We may have to find something to rig up as a melon car seat from now on. :)
We had a great time at Jericho church tonight. Mary gave a testimony about our getting to be here for 2 months over the holidays. It's so nice to see her more comfortable talking in front of the congregations. During the service, German translated for her and I tried to just listen on my own so I could practice my listening skills. I can catch quite a bit of what is being said. Sometimes I have to hear 2 or 3 sentences to get the context and then I can follow along. Jericho church is one of our favorite churches to go to.
Tonight, when they announced that we were going to take up the offering, a little lady from across the aisle came over and asked for a gift of a little money so that she could put it in the offering. German had 2 one dollar bills in his hand, and I just had a 20 córdova bill in mine, so German gave her one of his one dollar bills. As they were taking up the offering I looked over to see what she actually put in the offering bag. And I felt a little guilty for looking. But I noticed that she put in a coin. I looked over at German and he was watching her, too and we both started laughing. She had kept the one dollar bill (about 20 córdovas) and put in a coin worth about 5 córdovas). Oh well, it's between her and God about keeping what she had asked us for to use as an offering. She had blessed me by kissing my shoulder for handing her the money. And, besides, it was German's dollar bill to begin with. :)
After church, we went to Tip Top Chicken restaurant to grab a late dinner. That took a while, as there were no tables for a little while and service was slow as usual. But it was yummy. German always makes me laugh and the three of us had a good time.
We went to German's inlaws' house and picked up his wife and 2 kids, who rode out to the team house to drop us off. Ishmael likes to sit on his papa's lap and help drive. His favorite thing is to beep the horn. He has to put his whole little body into it to push hard enough. Mariangel always sits quietly with her sweet little smile. It was good to see Joana. I thanked her for letting us borrow German to run us around. We've tried not to use him too much on the holidays, so that he can have time with the family.
Tomorrow we will ride the bus into town for the last time. We'll probably grab lunch somewhere (we are getting very full of chicken!) or maybe an icecream cone or maybe both! and walk around the park and take some more pics of town. We really don't have much of an agenda. The last day of our retreat. We start working with the team on Tuesday afternoon.
it's been so wonderful to be here these weeks. It will feel strange to be back in NW Arkansas, and then to visit my family in Indiana for a week. I'll be coming back here for about 10 days in March, when the youth from my home church comes down. Then I won't be back until mid-May, but I'll get to stay for 3 months. I sure love it here.
Well, it's time to go to sleep. We're going to try to catch the 9am bus, which means we try to be at the stop by 8:30, cuz you never know what timetable the bus is actually running on.
I'm going to sleep with a full stomach and a full heart. God is so gracious and loving. And I am so thankful.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
December 25, 2010
Christmas Day!
Woke up early and had to think about it being Christmas Day before it actually sunk in.
The sun was shining beautifully, the waves were crashing, birds were singing, the fans were whirring, it was so pleasant to just lay in my bed and talk with Jesus.
Things are so much simpler here in Nic. The processes to get through each day are more difficult than the US, but there are fewer distractions and expectations here than in the US, too. Less pressure to have the 'perfect' Christmas with just the right decorations, a large variety and an over abundance of food, impressive gifts, fancy clothes... It has been so refreshing to just spend time with people. Giving them attention and caring. Celebrating our Lord and Savior together. I love it.
We had asked Araceliz (our cleaning lady) to come by today for a quick visit. We gave her a few gifts for the family and some groceries for Christmas. She is very quiet and shy and very sweet. We also gave Saturnino his Christmas goodies today. His family is sweet. We were blessed to have them join us for the dinner last Tuesday. I would love to get to know everyone's family better. It feels so natural to have them be part of our work down here. Part of the VOH extended family.
Mary and I had a very quiet day today. We made calls to our families in the states. We read, studied and rested. For dinner, we sent Saturnino (our guard) on his bike to a restaurant (Suyapa) in the next little town down the beach (Las Peñitas) to bring back some Christmas dinner takeout. We bought him a dinner, too. I think he enjoyed getting to chat with the workers at the restaurant while waiting on our dinners. He takes really good care of us here at the house. We enjoyed the food very much, grilled chicken and veggies, rice (of course) and a little pasta salad. So good! I enjoyed a little snack pack liquid fudge pudding for my dessert. I was all set!
I've been working on Spanish verbs and grammar very diligently these last few days. Some of it is sticking. Some is slipping out my ears, I think. I pray each day for God to help it make sense in my little pea brain. It's coming along. It's times like these that I wish I would have paid more attention to grammar in English classes in school. Now I have to go back and figure out verb tenses, how to diagram a sentence and everything so that I can relate it to Spanish. Even though sentence structure is different in Spanish, I still need to understand participles and all that stuff and then build on it with the extra Spanish grammar. It's slowly making sense. I'll probably still talk like a little kid for a while, but I'm really trying hard. Mary said today that she is so hungry to learn more. She's working at it very hard. I'm proud of her. Maybe by the rapture, we'll have it figured out. :)
My jaw/tooth/earache has been coming and going. When it hits it seems to be stronger. I'm so thankful when it goes away. I'm definitely getting this thing checked out when I get back home. We were noticing that 99% of my mosquito bites are on my left leg. It's the left side of my face giving me trouble. Maybe there is something going on with half my body. hmmmm....
We're going to enjoy our last few days of solitude before the team comes on Tuesday. Tomorrow morning we get to sleep in since we are going to evening church. We'll also pick up some of the groceries for the team meals next week. Monday, we plan on taking the bus into town to enjoy the park and get an ice cream. Maybe we'll eat at Tip Top again. We're figuring out downtown pretty well. It will look a lot different without all the vendors for Christmas. There are a few things I would like to get pics of downtown. We'll probably just walk around a while. Then we'll take the bus back home for the last time. That has been fun.
The house next door is rented out for the weekend and probably for the next week. They have a small pool, which is good for swimming, since the ocean waves are so rough. It sounds like teenage kids playing in the pool. There is not really the concept of personal space and quietness here. It doesn't bother me and kind of reminds me of nyc. When you live where there are a lot of people in a small area, you get used to blocking out distractions. I got to where jackhammers didn't even phase me anymore. Here, you hear the neighbors' music and conversations and laughter and you don't mind it. Back in the suburbs I'll find myself irritated that I can hear the bass beating through the windows of someone's car at a stoplight. Silly.
I'm so thankful that my precious Lord was born to make the sacrifice for my salvation. I'm so thankful that He allowed me to accept Him as my Savior and Lord. I'm so thankful that He forgives me and claims me no matter what I do. I'm so thankful that He loves me just as I am and will never let me go. I'm so thankful that I will be allowed to spend eternity with Him. I'm so thankful to have Christmas Day to honor and celebrate Him. He is Worthy.
Woke up early and had to think about it being Christmas Day before it actually sunk in.
The sun was shining beautifully, the waves were crashing, birds were singing, the fans were whirring, it was so pleasant to just lay in my bed and talk with Jesus.
Things are so much simpler here in Nic. The processes to get through each day are more difficult than the US, but there are fewer distractions and expectations here than in the US, too. Less pressure to have the 'perfect' Christmas with just the right decorations, a large variety and an over abundance of food, impressive gifts, fancy clothes... It has been so refreshing to just spend time with people. Giving them attention and caring. Celebrating our Lord and Savior together. I love it.
We had asked Araceliz (our cleaning lady) to come by today for a quick visit. We gave her a few gifts for the family and some groceries for Christmas. She is very quiet and shy and very sweet. We also gave Saturnino his Christmas goodies today. His family is sweet. We were blessed to have them join us for the dinner last Tuesday. I would love to get to know everyone's family better. It feels so natural to have them be part of our work down here. Part of the VOH extended family.
Mary and I had a very quiet day today. We made calls to our families in the states. We read, studied and rested. For dinner, we sent Saturnino (our guard) on his bike to a restaurant (Suyapa) in the next little town down the beach (Las Peñitas) to bring back some Christmas dinner takeout. We bought him a dinner, too. I think he enjoyed getting to chat with the workers at the restaurant while waiting on our dinners. He takes really good care of us here at the house. We enjoyed the food very much, grilled chicken and veggies, rice (of course) and a little pasta salad. So good! I enjoyed a little snack pack liquid fudge pudding for my dessert. I was all set!
I've been working on Spanish verbs and grammar very diligently these last few days. Some of it is sticking. Some is slipping out my ears, I think. I pray each day for God to help it make sense in my little pea brain. It's coming along. It's times like these that I wish I would have paid more attention to grammar in English classes in school. Now I have to go back and figure out verb tenses, how to diagram a sentence and everything so that I can relate it to Spanish. Even though sentence structure is different in Spanish, I still need to understand participles and all that stuff and then build on it with the extra Spanish grammar. It's slowly making sense. I'll probably still talk like a little kid for a while, but I'm really trying hard. Mary said today that she is so hungry to learn more. She's working at it very hard. I'm proud of her. Maybe by the rapture, we'll have it figured out. :)
My jaw/tooth/earache has been coming and going. When it hits it seems to be stronger. I'm so thankful when it goes away. I'm definitely getting this thing checked out when I get back home. We were noticing that 99% of my mosquito bites are on my left leg. It's the left side of my face giving me trouble. Maybe there is something going on with half my body. hmmmm....
We're going to enjoy our last few days of solitude before the team comes on Tuesday. Tomorrow morning we get to sleep in since we are going to evening church. We'll also pick up some of the groceries for the team meals next week. Monday, we plan on taking the bus into town to enjoy the park and get an ice cream. Maybe we'll eat at Tip Top again. We're figuring out downtown pretty well. It will look a lot different without all the vendors for Christmas. There are a few things I would like to get pics of downtown. We'll probably just walk around a while. Then we'll take the bus back home for the last time. That has been fun.
The house next door is rented out for the weekend and probably for the next week. They have a small pool, which is good for swimming, since the ocean waves are so rough. It sounds like teenage kids playing in the pool. There is not really the concept of personal space and quietness here. It doesn't bother me and kind of reminds me of nyc. When you live where there are a lot of people in a small area, you get used to blocking out distractions. I got to where jackhammers didn't even phase me anymore. Here, you hear the neighbors' music and conversations and laughter and you don't mind it. Back in the suburbs I'll find myself irritated that I can hear the bass beating through the windows of someone's car at a stoplight. Silly.
I'm so thankful that my precious Lord was born to make the sacrifice for my salvation. I'm so thankful that He allowed me to accept Him as my Savior and Lord. I'm so thankful that He forgives me and claims me no matter what I do. I'm so thankful that He loves me just as I am and will never let me go. I'm so thankful that I will be allowed to spend eternity with Him. I'm so thankful to have Christmas Day to honor and celebrate Him. He is Worthy.
Friday, December 24, 2010
December 24, 2010
It's Christmas Eve. What a special day. And even more special to be in Nicaragua today. To be celebrating with friends and (Nica) family. Away from the US type of commercial holiday. Giving to others, enjoying fellowship, loving our Savior. I am truly blessed.
I started off the day with some reading, then Bible Study, then Spanish study, a large load of laundry (which dried on the clothesline in under 2 hours), beans and rice for brunch, shower and then ready to leave at 1:30pm. It was a really nice morning and early afternoon.
German picked us up and quickly asked for 2 water bottles. He was rambling about someone charging for something and I couldn't make out what he meant, but I grabbed 2 extra water bottles and put them in the van. Mary and I loaded up and we took off for León. What German was talking about is that the police checkpoint, which is usually unmanned except for holiday time, was stopping people and charging them to enter into the Poneloya (where the house is) and Las Peñitas areas (because they are beach areas). Even though he was picking up people who actually live here (us), they wanted to charge him. So he talked them into a 'payoff' of 2 water bottles. As we were driving through the checkpoint towards town, he slowed down and handed the officer the water bottles. Debt paid.
We made it into town and stopped at La Unión to pick up a couple of items that German needed and Mary grabbed some eggs and cookies to put in Saturnino and Araceliz's Christmas goody bags. I stayed in the van, which was parked right in front of the store. While they were inside, the parking lot guard came and told me to move the van. I explained in Spanish that I couldn't drive it (confidentially, I would try if it were an emergency, but I didn't see this as an emergency). He said that it was blocking the ramp for the carts of groceries to be wheeled out to the cars by the baggers. I told him that the driver was hurrying back out. He still wanted me to move the van, so I played like a dumb Gringa and told him I didn't understand Spanish. Shame on me, but I didn't want to move the van, and I knew German and Mary would be right out. Once they came and got in the van, we pulled out and the guard saw German was the driver (German knows half of the population of León) and waved hello to him really big. I guess he got over being mad...
We went to Pastor Miguel's little church in the countryside. They were starting their small service in the church building (which is a roof, metal support posts and a dirt floor). Looking up, you could see a Winnie the Pooh piñata hanging from the rafters. The kids were all sitting in their small plastic chairs in the front of the small congregation. We had some a cappella songs for the kids and then Pastor Miguel did a sweet message for them. After that, Mary spoke on our behalf, telling them that we were glad to be there for Christmas with them. Then it was time to let the games begin...
The chairs were all moved to the sides of the 'building' and the kids took turns hitting Pooh with a stick. Some bigger boys were pulling him up and down and swinging him around. It was not easy for the kids to get a good swing. I got some video of it on my camera. Finally, Pooh was beheaded, after losing and arm and a leg. The kids grabbed the candy. They all sat back down and refreshments were passed out to everyone. We were included. They have really yummy bread and rolls at the bakeries here (no preservatives or additives) and the sandwich was a fresh roll with a little mayo and mustard on it and a very thin slice of meat that looked like salami. It was so thin you could probably read through it. It was tasty, though. They also passed out cups of pepsi (Mary's favorite) and orange soda. I stuck with my usual bottled water that I carry with me at all times.
A little boy, named Alfredo, sat next to me and was so sweet. He let me take his picture and told me he is 5 years old. His mom was not there, but his 9 year old sister was. Alfredo offered me one of his pieces of candy. He didn't have much, but he insisted that I take it. He wanted very much to share with me. Then he gave me the last few bites of his sandwich, even though I had my own. What a sweet little boy!
After refreshments, it was time to line up and receive some toys. These were things that we had left from our toy distribution earlier in the week. It was great to see these kids get some stuff, too. They were appreciative and happy. Alfredo got a little baggie with a few McDonald's type toys. One was a motorcycle with a plastic figure riding it. He was very happy with it and proudly showed it to me. There were 2 other small toys in the bag. He was also handed a small baggy with about 6 pieces of candy in it. He opened it to get a piece out and then needed help in tie-ing the bag back. Mary handed me her empty styrofoam cup to put the candy in. But Alfredo wanted to give the perfectly useful cup to his sister. So I tied the baggie the best I could. He was happy.
It humbles me to see how people with so little are so thankful for whatever they get. They live with not enough of anything and they share what little they have. What wonderful attitudes. (not every place is like that) Today was special for me.
We loaded back up in the van and ran an errand with German to see some people for about 10 minutes. We gave some friends a ride back into León with us and then stopped at On the Run to get drinks and use the bathroom. German had asked us earlier if we wanted to stop and get a coke and that he would buy. But I had my water and Mary had her pepsi from the house. We told German to go ahead and stop and get himself something, but he didn't want to stop just for him. So when we stopped this time, German was happy to get his coke and had it safely nestled in the drink caddy on the dash of the van. When we stopped kind of quick, my backpack fell in the floor. I grabbed it and accidentally knocked German's coke can out of the holder and into the floor. He lost over half of the soda. I felt so bad. He had wanted that coke so much. He said maybe this was God telling him that he didn't need the whole can or he would get fat. ha We've had a good time laughing lately...
German took us to Joe's house and dropped us off. It was about 5pm, I think. We had met Joe's parents at church. Since Joe calls me Mami Vickie, the whole family does, too, even his real Mom and Dad. Shortly after we got there, a parade (the posada) came down the street. It was kids (with adults walking a long the sides) dressed in costumes to portray Joseph and Mary going to the Inn. They walk down the street to a designated house and then are offered refreshments. Kind of like our Christmas carolling for cookies and hot chocolate. Of course, I got some pics of this, too.
We sat around talking and then we heard some drums going. There was a Tall Lady group just around the block. We walked down there to see them. I got some video of them doing their routine. They posed for a picture for me, too. Then we went back to Joe's and sat in rockers outside on the front porch. His street is a busy one way street that heads downtown about 7 blocks away. He says that usually there are people with tables and chairs out on the sidewalks and street and music going and lots going on all the time. But since it is Christmas Eve, everyone goes downtown. We saw a lot of people walking by. You could hear music from many different houses. It was like the old days in Mayberry, but with a Latin beat. There were a couple more Tall Lady groups going by. One of the Tall Ladies danced with Mary. The short Nica man shook my hand (with his stuffed rubber gloved hand-eww) and they went on down the road.
Some of Joe's extended family came for dinner. Marcela came by taxi, which took a while to travel across town with all the goings on in downtown. Joe's pastor and his daughter joined us, too. We had quite a full table and I failed to get a picture of everyone. I think I was too interested in the food and forgot. It was probably about 8pm or so when we ate. They had asked if we wanted chicken from the factory or India chicken (raised in their backyard). Mary and I opted to try both. I personally loved the India chicken, it was very dark meat, even darker than turkey legs. Both kinds of chicken was prepared the typical Nica way for Christmas, with vegetables, green and black olives, prunes and a yummy mild-almost bbq flavored sauce. We also had rice and salad with a great vinegar and chunky onion/pepper dressing to spoon over it, and some great bakery bread. Mary didn't like her India chicken, so I got to eat both of the legs of India chicken, plus the small breast portion of factory chicken. Yummo! Despite the old commercial, we had no room for jello, when they asked if we wanted gelatin for our dessert. I was very content with the chicken. Throughout dinner, we could hear the neighbor's music. It was a mixture of American carols and Nicaraguan tunes, all in Spanish, of course. One of the children's songs almost sounded like the Chipmonks.
Joe and Marcela opened their gifts from us and then we looked at some pics of the family that were taken when Joe and Lizbeth were growing up. What fun! Joe's cousin, Carlos, was hilarious. While we were chatting with Joe outside at the beginning of the visit, Joe's Mom and sister were sitting with Carlos. He was pretending to translate what we were saying. Of course, he was making the whole thing up. Joe kept cracking up and then telling us what Carlos said. Mary told Carlos, through body language, that she was keeping her eyes on him and watching him. They kept doing that gesture to each other through out the evening.
We hated to eat and run, but it was about 9:30 and we were pretty tired. Joe's Mom looked pretty tired after cooking all day. Joe was going to take us home in his Dad's truck. Marcela was going with us. We were thinking that it would be a tight fit for the four of us in the cab of the little truck. Mary and I were telling everyone goodbye and then Joe said that the whole family was going with us. We were going to ride in the back of the truck (which had a tarp tied over a metal frame). We sat on benches on either side. The back end was open and the front part of the tarp was open a little above the cab of the truck. Joe's Mom, Dad and Marcela rode in the cab. 8 of us rode in the back. I took pics of us. We were having fun joking around and laughing. Joe said that this is how they go to church all the time. They have a lot of fun together.
We made it to the team house and they let us out. Everyone got out of the truck and we said our goodbyes again. Joe's Mom said in English "Mami Vickie, Good night". I gave her a thumbs up for her English. I really enjoyed being with them. Carlos said he was going to practice his English and he told me to keep practicing my Spanish. I look forward to seeing him again. He is quite the character!
It was fun to be in their home. Joe and his sister were both born there and have lived there all their lives. Joe is 26 and Lizbeth is 17. He loves the neighborhood and has such wonderful memories of being a kid there. I would love to live in a neighborhood like that, myself.
It's been a wonderful Christmas Eve. Now it's time to go to sleep. It's almost Christmas Day, actually. I'm quite content, both physically and emotionally. Spiritually, I'm overflowing with love for my Jesus. Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Savior.
I started off the day with some reading, then Bible Study, then Spanish study, a large load of laundry (which dried on the clothesline in under 2 hours), beans and rice for brunch, shower and then ready to leave at 1:30pm. It was a really nice morning and early afternoon.
German picked us up and quickly asked for 2 water bottles. He was rambling about someone charging for something and I couldn't make out what he meant, but I grabbed 2 extra water bottles and put them in the van. Mary and I loaded up and we took off for León. What German was talking about is that the police checkpoint, which is usually unmanned except for holiday time, was stopping people and charging them to enter into the Poneloya (where the house is) and Las Peñitas areas (because they are beach areas). Even though he was picking up people who actually live here (us), they wanted to charge him. So he talked them into a 'payoff' of 2 water bottles. As we were driving through the checkpoint towards town, he slowed down and handed the officer the water bottles. Debt paid.
We made it into town and stopped at La Unión to pick up a couple of items that German needed and Mary grabbed some eggs and cookies to put in Saturnino and Araceliz's Christmas goody bags. I stayed in the van, which was parked right in front of the store. While they were inside, the parking lot guard came and told me to move the van. I explained in Spanish that I couldn't drive it (confidentially, I would try if it were an emergency, but I didn't see this as an emergency). He said that it was blocking the ramp for the carts of groceries to be wheeled out to the cars by the baggers. I told him that the driver was hurrying back out. He still wanted me to move the van, so I played like a dumb Gringa and told him I didn't understand Spanish. Shame on me, but I didn't want to move the van, and I knew German and Mary would be right out. Once they came and got in the van, we pulled out and the guard saw German was the driver (German knows half of the population of León) and waved hello to him really big. I guess he got over being mad...
We went to Pastor Miguel's little church in the countryside. They were starting their small service in the church building (which is a roof, metal support posts and a dirt floor). Looking up, you could see a Winnie the Pooh piñata hanging from the rafters. The kids were all sitting in their small plastic chairs in the front of the small congregation. We had some a cappella songs for the kids and then Pastor Miguel did a sweet message for them. After that, Mary spoke on our behalf, telling them that we were glad to be there for Christmas with them. Then it was time to let the games begin...
The chairs were all moved to the sides of the 'building' and the kids took turns hitting Pooh with a stick. Some bigger boys were pulling him up and down and swinging him around. It was not easy for the kids to get a good swing. I got some video of it on my camera. Finally, Pooh was beheaded, after losing and arm and a leg. The kids grabbed the candy. They all sat back down and refreshments were passed out to everyone. We were included. They have really yummy bread and rolls at the bakeries here (no preservatives or additives) and the sandwich was a fresh roll with a little mayo and mustard on it and a very thin slice of meat that looked like salami. It was so thin you could probably read through it. It was tasty, though. They also passed out cups of pepsi (Mary's favorite) and orange soda. I stuck with my usual bottled water that I carry with me at all times.
A little boy, named Alfredo, sat next to me and was so sweet. He let me take his picture and told me he is 5 years old. His mom was not there, but his 9 year old sister was. Alfredo offered me one of his pieces of candy. He didn't have much, but he insisted that I take it. He wanted very much to share with me. Then he gave me the last few bites of his sandwich, even though I had my own. What a sweet little boy!
After refreshments, it was time to line up and receive some toys. These were things that we had left from our toy distribution earlier in the week. It was great to see these kids get some stuff, too. They were appreciative and happy. Alfredo got a little baggie with a few McDonald's type toys. One was a motorcycle with a plastic figure riding it. He was very happy with it and proudly showed it to me. There were 2 other small toys in the bag. He was also handed a small baggy with about 6 pieces of candy in it. He opened it to get a piece out and then needed help in tie-ing the bag back. Mary handed me her empty styrofoam cup to put the candy in. But Alfredo wanted to give the perfectly useful cup to his sister. So I tied the baggie the best I could. He was happy.
It humbles me to see how people with so little are so thankful for whatever they get. They live with not enough of anything and they share what little they have. What wonderful attitudes. (not every place is like that) Today was special for me.
We loaded back up in the van and ran an errand with German to see some people for about 10 minutes. We gave some friends a ride back into León with us and then stopped at On the Run to get drinks and use the bathroom. German had asked us earlier if we wanted to stop and get a coke and that he would buy. But I had my water and Mary had her pepsi from the house. We told German to go ahead and stop and get himself something, but he didn't want to stop just for him. So when we stopped this time, German was happy to get his coke and had it safely nestled in the drink caddy on the dash of the van. When we stopped kind of quick, my backpack fell in the floor. I grabbed it and accidentally knocked German's coke can out of the holder and into the floor. He lost over half of the soda. I felt so bad. He had wanted that coke so much. He said maybe this was God telling him that he didn't need the whole can or he would get fat. ha We've had a good time laughing lately...
German took us to Joe's house and dropped us off. It was about 5pm, I think. We had met Joe's parents at church. Since Joe calls me Mami Vickie, the whole family does, too, even his real Mom and Dad. Shortly after we got there, a parade (the posada) came down the street. It was kids (with adults walking a long the sides) dressed in costumes to portray Joseph and Mary going to the Inn. They walk down the street to a designated house and then are offered refreshments. Kind of like our Christmas carolling for cookies and hot chocolate. Of course, I got some pics of this, too.
We sat around talking and then we heard some drums going. There was a Tall Lady group just around the block. We walked down there to see them. I got some video of them doing their routine. They posed for a picture for me, too. Then we went back to Joe's and sat in rockers outside on the front porch. His street is a busy one way street that heads downtown about 7 blocks away. He says that usually there are people with tables and chairs out on the sidewalks and street and music going and lots going on all the time. But since it is Christmas Eve, everyone goes downtown. We saw a lot of people walking by. You could hear music from many different houses. It was like the old days in Mayberry, but with a Latin beat. There were a couple more Tall Lady groups going by. One of the Tall Ladies danced with Mary. The short Nica man shook my hand (with his stuffed rubber gloved hand-eww) and they went on down the road.
Some of Joe's extended family came for dinner. Marcela came by taxi, which took a while to travel across town with all the goings on in downtown. Joe's pastor and his daughter joined us, too. We had quite a full table and I failed to get a picture of everyone. I think I was too interested in the food and forgot. It was probably about 8pm or so when we ate. They had asked if we wanted chicken from the factory or India chicken (raised in their backyard). Mary and I opted to try both. I personally loved the India chicken, it was very dark meat, even darker than turkey legs. Both kinds of chicken was prepared the typical Nica way for Christmas, with vegetables, green and black olives, prunes and a yummy mild-almost bbq flavored sauce. We also had rice and salad with a great vinegar and chunky onion/pepper dressing to spoon over it, and some great bakery bread. Mary didn't like her India chicken, so I got to eat both of the legs of India chicken, plus the small breast portion of factory chicken. Yummo! Despite the old commercial, we had no room for jello, when they asked if we wanted gelatin for our dessert. I was very content with the chicken. Throughout dinner, we could hear the neighbor's music. It was a mixture of American carols and Nicaraguan tunes, all in Spanish, of course. One of the children's songs almost sounded like the Chipmonks.
Joe and Marcela opened their gifts from us and then we looked at some pics of the family that were taken when Joe and Lizbeth were growing up. What fun! Joe's cousin, Carlos, was hilarious. While we were chatting with Joe outside at the beginning of the visit, Joe's Mom and sister were sitting with Carlos. He was pretending to translate what we were saying. Of course, he was making the whole thing up. Joe kept cracking up and then telling us what Carlos said. Mary told Carlos, through body language, that she was keeping her eyes on him and watching him. They kept doing that gesture to each other through out the evening.
We hated to eat and run, but it was about 9:30 and we were pretty tired. Joe's Mom looked pretty tired after cooking all day. Joe was going to take us home in his Dad's truck. Marcela was going with us. We were thinking that it would be a tight fit for the four of us in the cab of the little truck. Mary and I were telling everyone goodbye and then Joe said that the whole family was going with us. We were going to ride in the back of the truck (which had a tarp tied over a metal frame). We sat on benches on either side. The back end was open and the front part of the tarp was open a little above the cab of the truck. Joe's Mom, Dad and Marcela rode in the cab. 8 of us rode in the back. I took pics of us. We were having fun joking around and laughing. Joe said that this is how they go to church all the time. They have a lot of fun together.
We made it to the team house and they let us out. Everyone got out of the truck and we said our goodbyes again. Joe's Mom said in English "Mami Vickie, Good night". I gave her a thumbs up for her English. I really enjoyed being with them. Carlos said he was going to practice his English and he told me to keep practicing my Spanish. I look forward to seeing him again. He is quite the character!
It was fun to be in their home. Joe and his sister were both born there and have lived there all their lives. Joe is 26 and Lizbeth is 17. He loves the neighborhood and has such wonderful memories of being a kid there. I would love to live in a neighborhood like that, myself.
It's been a wonderful Christmas Eve. Now it's time to go to sleep. It's almost Christmas Day, actually. I'm quite content, both physically and emotionally. Spiritually, I'm overflowing with love for my Jesus. Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Savior.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas Eve Eve.
We've passed out all of our gifts, including the ones to the translators and voh staff.
We'll have a few things to do tomorrow and then we'll just relax here at the house for Christmas.
I love spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with just me and Jesus. It will be different being here with Mary this year. She is spending her first Christmas without her mother and brother and it is hard for her. Christmas music makes her sad, so I listen to my iPod in my room. We bought some funny blue sequined elf hats with lights, but I doubt that we are festive enough to enjoy them. I'll probably enjoy my quiet time with Jesus and celebrate in my own way.
Today, German picked us up about 9:30 and we went to Juan Pacheco's English school to have our class for the translators. We got started later than planned since we had to wait on some of them to get there. Mary taught part of it and I did the ending. They were appreciative of getting to hear what VOH believes as a ministry and to be discipled. I told them that I would send them the Spanish version of all 4 classes (we only did 101 today), so that they could strengthen their walk, and also be able to use the material in discipling others.
The translators are happy working with VOH. They said that we are different than other groups they translate for, even other ministries. They feel like a part of a family. I told them how much I love hearing them all laugh in the vans when we are working together. They always have a good time and they make the teams feel welcome, too. They do a good job for us.
After the class, we went to get diesel for the van. We had to go to 3 different stations before we found one that had any. That was strange. Then we went back to On the Run to use the bathroom and get sandwiches for lunch. We ate in the van as we drove to Pastor Miguel's house to drop off some extra toys for him to give out at the 2 churches he works with. He jumped in the van to ride out to the house to drop Mary and I off and then to keep German company on the ride back in to town.
Once we got back home, I came to my room and took a good long nap. My tooth, ear and jaw are killing me this afternoon and evening. Sleeping is a catch 22 situation. If I can escape into sleep, I don't notice it. But while sleeping, I clench my jaw and that makes the pain horrible when I wake up. I am thankful that it didn't hurt much today, until we got home. It's been bad all evening and I hope that I can sleep tonight. I'm so thankful for when it doesn't hurt.
Joe called German to make plans for Mary and I for tomorrow. He's one of my Nica sons. He and Marcela couldn't make it to the dinner on Tuesday, since Marcela just had surgery a few weeks ago. Joe was not able to come to the class today and I missed a couple of calls from him (crazy cell phone), so he called German to work out the details. We get to go have dinner with their family tomorrow night! I'm so excited!
German will pick us up about 1:30 tomorrow to attend a special Christmas event with Pastor Miguel's church from 2-4pm. Then German will drop us off at Joe's family's house and we'll hang out with them until dinner about 6:30p. Joe will get us a taxi to bring us home tomorrow night. It will be so fun. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with them. How special that they would invite us. Christmas Eve is the big celebration with family here, even more so than Christmas Day.
I'm growing weary of the drama of some of the personalities of these past weeks. I am very much comfortable being alone. I think that's way I do so well being single. Dealing with caustic personalities can wear me down to a nub. I don't think it helps that I'm not feeling well. It's probably, also, why I clench my teeth so much in my sleep lately. I read a lot of scripture that spoke volumes to me last night and this morning. I wrote some of it down and carried it with me today to pull out and read when necessary. It was like taking a dose of medicine when needed. I cling to the grace that God allows for when I am weak, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes I have to separate myself from a situation and recharge in that grace of His. I especially look forward to Christmas Day with my Lord.
I got a message from a friend back home telling me that Miss Juanita fell and broke her back. I called Kenneta's cell phone and found her in Miss Juanitas room yesterday. I got the chance to tell Miss Juanita hello and to be careful! I told her that she doesn't bounce as well as she used to. I look forward to visiting her when I get back to Rogers. She's such a sweet lady.
My sister Pam said that the surgeon had good news for her. There was NO cancer in the lymph nodes! Praise God!!! She will see the oncologist next and will be put on anti-hormones for awhile, to try to keep the cancer from coming back. She will also see her radiologist to check the skin around where they will be doing the radiation treatments, then another visit to make the preparations for the treatments. Then she will have 33 radiation treatments over about 7 weeks. Hopefully, and prayerfully, that will take care of everything. She sounds very good. I can tell in her voice that she is feeling better and she says that after the doctor's report, she can sleep better, too. She is so thankful. I'm thankful for all the prayers that have been raised in her behalf. Keep them coming!!
I seem to be going to sleep earlier and earlier these nights. It gets dark by 6:30. If I sit downstairs with Mary, I get bug bit. So I come to my room and close the door to try to keep the bugs away from my light (we keep the 'hallway' light on to attract them and for security). Also, I can listen to my Christmas music in my room at night. Sitting here on the bed makes it very convenient to lay down and read and fall asleep. We'll be getting up early with the team starting on Wednesday, so I might as well get used to going to be early now. We all know that I can use some 'beauty sleep'.
I'm thankful to my God for all His love, provision, direction, protection, forgiveness, grace and mercy. Some days I need it more than others and I know where to go for it. He is my One and Only.
We've passed out all of our gifts, including the ones to the translators and voh staff.
We'll have a few things to do tomorrow and then we'll just relax here at the house for Christmas.
I love spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with just me and Jesus. It will be different being here with Mary this year. She is spending her first Christmas without her mother and brother and it is hard for her. Christmas music makes her sad, so I listen to my iPod in my room. We bought some funny blue sequined elf hats with lights, but I doubt that we are festive enough to enjoy them. I'll probably enjoy my quiet time with Jesus and celebrate in my own way.
Today, German picked us up about 9:30 and we went to Juan Pacheco's English school to have our class for the translators. We got started later than planned since we had to wait on some of them to get there. Mary taught part of it and I did the ending. They were appreciative of getting to hear what VOH believes as a ministry and to be discipled. I told them that I would send them the Spanish version of all 4 classes (we only did 101 today), so that they could strengthen their walk, and also be able to use the material in discipling others.
The translators are happy working with VOH. They said that we are different than other groups they translate for, even other ministries. They feel like a part of a family. I told them how much I love hearing them all laugh in the vans when we are working together. They always have a good time and they make the teams feel welcome, too. They do a good job for us.
After the class, we went to get diesel for the van. We had to go to 3 different stations before we found one that had any. That was strange. Then we went back to On the Run to use the bathroom and get sandwiches for lunch. We ate in the van as we drove to Pastor Miguel's house to drop off some extra toys for him to give out at the 2 churches he works with. He jumped in the van to ride out to the house to drop Mary and I off and then to keep German company on the ride back in to town.
Once we got back home, I came to my room and took a good long nap. My tooth, ear and jaw are killing me this afternoon and evening. Sleeping is a catch 22 situation. If I can escape into sleep, I don't notice it. But while sleeping, I clench my jaw and that makes the pain horrible when I wake up. I am thankful that it didn't hurt much today, until we got home. It's been bad all evening and I hope that I can sleep tonight. I'm so thankful for when it doesn't hurt.
Joe called German to make plans for Mary and I for tomorrow. He's one of my Nica sons. He and Marcela couldn't make it to the dinner on Tuesday, since Marcela just had surgery a few weeks ago. Joe was not able to come to the class today and I missed a couple of calls from him (crazy cell phone), so he called German to work out the details. We get to go have dinner with their family tomorrow night! I'm so excited!
German will pick us up about 1:30 tomorrow to attend a special Christmas event with Pastor Miguel's church from 2-4pm. Then German will drop us off at Joe's family's house and we'll hang out with them until dinner about 6:30p. Joe will get us a taxi to bring us home tomorrow night. It will be so fun. I'm looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with them. How special that they would invite us. Christmas Eve is the big celebration with family here, even more so than Christmas Day.
I'm growing weary of the drama of some of the personalities of these past weeks. I am very much comfortable being alone. I think that's way I do so well being single. Dealing with caustic personalities can wear me down to a nub. I don't think it helps that I'm not feeling well. It's probably, also, why I clench my teeth so much in my sleep lately. I read a lot of scripture that spoke volumes to me last night and this morning. I wrote some of it down and carried it with me today to pull out and read when necessary. It was like taking a dose of medicine when needed. I cling to the grace that God allows for when I am weak, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes I have to separate myself from a situation and recharge in that grace of His. I especially look forward to Christmas Day with my Lord.
I got a message from a friend back home telling me that Miss Juanita fell and broke her back. I called Kenneta's cell phone and found her in Miss Juanitas room yesterday. I got the chance to tell Miss Juanita hello and to be careful! I told her that she doesn't bounce as well as she used to. I look forward to visiting her when I get back to Rogers. She's such a sweet lady.
My sister Pam said that the surgeon had good news for her. There was NO cancer in the lymph nodes! Praise God!!! She will see the oncologist next and will be put on anti-hormones for awhile, to try to keep the cancer from coming back. She will also see her radiologist to check the skin around where they will be doing the radiation treatments, then another visit to make the preparations for the treatments. Then she will have 33 radiation treatments over about 7 weeks. Hopefully, and prayerfully, that will take care of everything. She sounds very good. I can tell in her voice that she is feeling better and she says that after the doctor's report, she can sleep better, too. She is so thankful. I'm thankful for all the prayers that have been raised in her behalf. Keep them coming!!
I seem to be going to sleep earlier and earlier these nights. It gets dark by 6:30. If I sit downstairs with Mary, I get bug bit. So I come to my room and close the door to try to keep the bugs away from my light (we keep the 'hallway' light on to attract them and for security). Also, I can listen to my Christmas music in my room at night. Sitting here on the bed makes it very convenient to lay down and read and fall asleep. We'll be getting up early with the team starting on Wednesday, so I might as well get used to going to be early now. We all know that I can use some 'beauty sleep'.
I'm thankful to my God for all His love, provision, direction, protection, forgiveness, grace and mercy. Some days I need it more than others and I know where to go for it. He is my One and Only.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Got up this morning early to get ready for the toy/gift distribution. Had cold grilled leftover chicken from last night for my breakfast. Yum!!
German picked us up about 8:30 and we met a few of the translators and Pastor Miguel at the stoplight. Joe (one of my Nica sons) brought me, Mary and German each a set of little houses that can be used as bookends or whatever. He said they were made in La Paz Centro and he had to ride his bike to get them and hurry to get back to the stoplight in time. I love mine because Joe gave them to me. Mary loves hers because she has other little houses to go with them. German shared some tearful thoughts and revelations with us and said that the little houses represent his house that he is building and a bright new year. We had some awesome moments and a few tears in the van this morning. We are a family that supports and loves each other. I'm humbled to know them all.
We arrived at the Sewer Ponds and gathered all the families around. Pastor Miguel had made a list of families, including the ages of their kids ages 7 and under, when we were there a few weeks ago teaching classes. It was a little chaotic, but everyone got gifts and we had fun giving them out. Joe, Hixel, Oscar, Chico, Gilda, Miguel, Mary, German and I were on hand to take care of everyone. We took lots of pictures and even got a group shot of everyone.
I made sure to get a picture of Dariela and her father. I have a pic from the summer where I'm holding her as a little baby. She is growing up into a bigger baby girl. Her dad had seen me on the street one day after I got off the bus and he stopped to talk to me. I mentioned that in an earlier post. It was fun to see him again. And Dariela is sooo cute!
When we first got out of the van, some of the ladies called out hello and some of the kids came up to give me hugs. It was so nice to start building little relationships with them. They are always so happy for us to come.
After leaving the Sewer Ponds, we stopped at On the Run to use the bathroom and get some drinks. Then we headed over to the Concrete Pit to distribute toys/gifts there. We finally got everyone gathered and Miguel started going through his list with the lady who seems to be the head of the neighborhood. It was total chaos there and we finally got a gift for everyone. We took lots of pics there, too.
It was 12:30 when we finished, so we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Callejon, and I treated us all to lunch. It is a treat to me to get to eat there and I was blessed for us to all go together. I had my favorite, churrasco, a steak with a chimichurri sauce. Yum!
Then we dropped everyone off so they could go home to their families. German ran Mary and I over to Radio Shack to see if they had one of those photo card readers for the computer. They didn't, but I did get a flash drive so that I can save Mary's pics on it for her. We then stopped at the bookstore/office supply store that we had visited a week or so ago, to pick up another notebook for Mary and I wanted a couple of smaller ones. Then we stopped by the stoplight to get a watermelon from a nice fruit stand. As German was walking back across the street to the van with our melon, he popped into a store on the corner. He found one of those card readers for me. Yay! I had just been thinking to myself that I shouldn't be too disappointed that I couldn't download my pics right away (I had left my camera USB cord at home), since it hasn't been too many years ago that you had to wait a week for your film to develop and print. After that talk with myself, God blessed me with a card reader after all! Thank You Lord!!!
As we were driving home, German said he was getting sleepy. I was in the mood for a nap myself, but refrained once we got home. I got on the computer to download the pics. Mary went over the pages that she is going to teach tomorrow. German pulled the van up to an angle and he and Saturnino worked on checking out the brakes on the van. None of us got our nap, but that was okay.
I worked on sorting some leftover toys so that we can take them to Miguel tomorrow to give as Christmas gifts to the 2 churches that he works with. Mary and I also finished filling the bags for the translators and their families with gifts. We'll take them with us tomorrow to the class and give them out. Then our Christmas duties will be done.
I had some of the great cabbage slaw from last night and a piece of grilled chicken for dinner. Yummy! I've had way over my portion of protein for today! I came up to my room about 6:30 and took a shower and turned on some Christmas music, opened up my Spanish verb workbook, uploaded pics to facebook, and enjoyed my evening.
I'm actually ready to read and go to sleep early. We had an early start and busy day. It feels good to be tired and clean and ready for bed. I hope I can sleep through the night tonight. Last night I was grinding my teeth in my sleep and woke up about midnight with such pain in my left jaw from my teeth all the way up through my ear to my temple. Oh man, did it hurt! I got up and took some aspirins, put stuff on my tooth to numb it and held back tears as I laid still on my pillow and held back the tears as I prayed for my Father and Healer to take the pain away. It hasn't bothered me too much today and I hope that it will leave me alone tonight. If not, I know that God will get me through it. I am definitely going to the dentist and doctor to fix my teeth and my ear when I get back home. Hope it doesn't cost too much, or I'll have pain in my wallet! ha
God takes care of me in many ways. Some I don't even realize. I know He is always there for me. I am so thankful to Him. I don't deserve His attention at all. I pray that I live each day in the way He has planned and that I can bless someone in His name.
German picked us up about 8:30 and we met a few of the translators and Pastor Miguel at the stoplight. Joe (one of my Nica sons) brought me, Mary and German each a set of little houses that can be used as bookends or whatever. He said they were made in La Paz Centro and he had to ride his bike to get them and hurry to get back to the stoplight in time. I love mine because Joe gave them to me. Mary loves hers because she has other little houses to go with them. German shared some tearful thoughts and revelations with us and said that the little houses represent his house that he is building and a bright new year. We had some awesome moments and a few tears in the van this morning. We are a family that supports and loves each other. I'm humbled to know them all.
We arrived at the Sewer Ponds and gathered all the families around. Pastor Miguel had made a list of families, including the ages of their kids ages 7 and under, when we were there a few weeks ago teaching classes. It was a little chaotic, but everyone got gifts and we had fun giving them out. Joe, Hixel, Oscar, Chico, Gilda, Miguel, Mary, German and I were on hand to take care of everyone. We took lots of pictures and even got a group shot of everyone.
I made sure to get a picture of Dariela and her father. I have a pic from the summer where I'm holding her as a little baby. She is growing up into a bigger baby girl. Her dad had seen me on the street one day after I got off the bus and he stopped to talk to me. I mentioned that in an earlier post. It was fun to see him again. And Dariela is sooo cute!
When we first got out of the van, some of the ladies called out hello and some of the kids came up to give me hugs. It was so nice to start building little relationships with them. They are always so happy for us to come.
After leaving the Sewer Ponds, we stopped at On the Run to use the bathroom and get some drinks. Then we headed over to the Concrete Pit to distribute toys/gifts there. We finally got everyone gathered and Miguel started going through his list with the lady who seems to be the head of the neighborhood. It was total chaos there and we finally got a gift for everyone. We took lots of pics there, too.
It was 12:30 when we finished, so we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Callejon, and I treated us all to lunch. It is a treat to me to get to eat there and I was blessed for us to all go together. I had my favorite, churrasco, a steak with a chimichurri sauce. Yum!
Then we dropped everyone off so they could go home to their families. German ran Mary and I over to Radio Shack to see if they had one of those photo card readers for the computer. They didn't, but I did get a flash drive so that I can save Mary's pics on it for her. We then stopped at the bookstore/office supply store that we had visited a week or so ago, to pick up another notebook for Mary and I wanted a couple of smaller ones. Then we stopped by the stoplight to get a watermelon from a nice fruit stand. As German was walking back across the street to the van with our melon, he popped into a store on the corner. He found one of those card readers for me. Yay! I had just been thinking to myself that I shouldn't be too disappointed that I couldn't download my pics right away (I had left my camera USB cord at home), since it hasn't been too many years ago that you had to wait a week for your film to develop and print. After that talk with myself, God blessed me with a card reader after all! Thank You Lord!!!
As we were driving home, German said he was getting sleepy. I was in the mood for a nap myself, but refrained once we got home. I got on the computer to download the pics. Mary went over the pages that she is going to teach tomorrow. German pulled the van up to an angle and he and Saturnino worked on checking out the brakes on the van. None of us got our nap, but that was okay.
I worked on sorting some leftover toys so that we can take them to Miguel tomorrow to give as Christmas gifts to the 2 churches that he works with. Mary and I also finished filling the bags for the translators and their families with gifts. We'll take them with us tomorrow to the class and give them out. Then our Christmas duties will be done.
I had some of the great cabbage slaw from last night and a piece of grilled chicken for dinner. Yummy! I've had way over my portion of protein for today! I came up to my room about 6:30 and took a shower and turned on some Christmas music, opened up my Spanish verb workbook, uploaded pics to facebook, and enjoyed my evening.
I'm actually ready to read and go to sleep early. We had an early start and busy day. It feels good to be tired and clean and ready for bed. I hope I can sleep through the night tonight. Last night I was grinding my teeth in my sleep and woke up about midnight with such pain in my left jaw from my teeth all the way up through my ear to my temple. Oh man, did it hurt! I got up and took some aspirins, put stuff on my tooth to numb it and held back tears as I laid still on my pillow and held back the tears as I prayed for my Father and Healer to take the pain away. It hasn't bothered me too much today and I hope that it will leave me alone tonight. If not, I know that God will get me through it. I am definitely going to the dentist and doctor to fix my teeth and my ear when I get back home. Hope it doesn't cost too much, or I'll have pain in my wallet! ha
God takes care of me in many ways. Some I don't even realize. I know He is always there for me. I am so thankful to Him. I don't deserve His attention at all. I pray that I live each day in the way He has planned and that I can bless someone in His name.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
I remember when we picked this date for our dinner for the VOH workers. It seemed a long way off. Now it's here and almost gone. Time is clicking away.
Our day started out pretty quiet. I went through the tubs of toys and gifts again, so that I could stretch the kids stuff just a little bit further for tomorrow's distribution. I was also looking for a sack of ink pens that Mary and I have misplaced. We have never been able to find them. I'm sure they are in a really crazy place. Anyway...
I had a quick breakfast of skillet toast with peanut butter on it. The cook was here to start fixing the food for tonight's dinner and I didn't want to get in her way.
Mary and I spent many hours studying our Spanish lessons today. We just snacked for lunch since we were saving our appetites for the yummy dinner tonight. We kept chugging away at our lessons. We finally got cleaned up and ready to meet any early arriving guests. Everyone ended up coming about 4:30. So no one was early. But that's okay.
The guests arrived in waves, as they took the hourly buses from León. It was so wonderful to see the families. For those of you who are reading this that have been here to work with VOH, I'm going to list the guests, because you will recognize some of the people you worked with.
Chico, wife and son
Juan Pacheco (solo because his wife is due very soon with his 2nd child, a son)
Rydder, wife and son
Jassiel & son
Hixel, husband & son
Jeremy & wife
Oscar & son
German & kids
Araceliz (cleaning lady), husband & 2 sons
Pastor Miguel, wife, daughter, son (Sapito) & daughter-in-law
Saturnino (guard), wife & 3 daughters
Yasmina (cook), Me & Mary
What a great bunch!
The only ones who could not make it are Chrisopher & family, because Chris is working in Managua all week, and Joe & Marcela, because Marcel cannot travel by bus yet so soon after her surgery. We met with Christopher's family on Sunday, and plan to meet with Joe and Marcela in town soon.
Our dinner was grilled chicken, rice (of course), beans (of course), tortillas (of course), cabbage slaw & Tang (of course). We had a funny challenge with the chicken. The gas grill was not working well and it just wasn't getting hot enough to cook the chicken. So, Yasmina & Saturnino decided to take the gas tank off and use the grill with (Nica) charcoal. It worked out great once we got it burning. We were putting pieces of papers in there and plastic sacks (they do that alot here) and Mary even brought a trash can and we rummaged through it for burnable material. Once the fire got going, it was great. The cook does a wonderful job on the chicken. (I'm thankful that there was some left over for the next few days!!!)
Mary and I ran around and took family pictures on both of our cameras. I loved meeting the kids, and of course, I loved seeing my 2 grandsons, Chico's son Benjamin and Hixel's son Alexander. We got out a couple of soccer balls for the kids to play with. They were adorable.
After dinner, Pastor Miguel wanted to have a special prayer for the group and the ministry. It was so sweet. Mary spoke of behalf of VOH and I said a few words and German spoke, too. We really appreciate the VOH extended family. The wives said that it was nice for us to include them in this family dinner. They are left a home for long days when we have the translators working with us. We want them to know how much we appreciate their patience and sacrifice during those busy weeks.
Since German came in his van, he was able to take a lot of the people back to León with him. That was nice that they didn't have to scramble to catch the 6:30 bus. We said goodbye to everyone and then Mary and I started cleaning up the joint. We put leftovers in the fridge and washed up the pans. We had used disposable plates, cups and cutlery to eat on, so that cut down on the dish washing. After Saturnino took his family home, he came back and took care of the grill and some other clean up. We had the place looking pretty spiffy before 8pm. Araceliz is probably thinking that she will have to clean up after the dinner when she gets here tomorrow to clean. She will be pleasantly surprised!!
This afternoon we found a very colorful crab who had come in from the beach. It was reddish and black in color. I took a pic on my phone and Mary grabbed her camera. Saturnino took it out for us. It probably ended up being lunch for one of the stray dogs that run around. Speaking of dogs, there are two male dogs that look just alike. One has a broken front leg and I call him Hoppy and the other one Happy, since they are always playing so well together. After observing Happy on the beach yesterday, Mary has decided that Happy is gay. She cracks me up.
She was watching her ants carry cracker crumbs to their home today. She was also spraying ants in the house with bug spray. Those poor ants are so confused by her!
Tomorrow, German is picking Mary and me up at 8:30am to meet some of the translators at the stoplight at 9. We will then go to the Sewer Ponds and Concrete Pit to pass out toys/gifts. It will be fun to be with our friends tomorrow. We haven't had a team in almost a month, so we haven't worked with the translators during that time. We love spending time with them.
On Thursday, we will be having a class for the translators and also giving them their Christmas gifts from me and Mary. That will be fun, too.
Then it will be Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, a day of rest on Monday, and then our next team comes in on Tuesday. From then on it will be very busy until we leave with the team on Jan 4. Time will surely fly then!
Time to sign off with my tummy full and my heart overflowing. God has blessed me with some wonderful friends and I'm so thankful.
Our day started out pretty quiet. I went through the tubs of toys and gifts again, so that I could stretch the kids stuff just a little bit further for tomorrow's distribution. I was also looking for a sack of ink pens that Mary and I have misplaced. We have never been able to find them. I'm sure they are in a really crazy place. Anyway...
I had a quick breakfast of skillet toast with peanut butter on it. The cook was here to start fixing the food for tonight's dinner and I didn't want to get in her way.
Mary and I spent many hours studying our Spanish lessons today. We just snacked for lunch since we were saving our appetites for the yummy dinner tonight. We kept chugging away at our lessons. We finally got cleaned up and ready to meet any early arriving guests. Everyone ended up coming about 4:30. So no one was early. But that's okay.
The guests arrived in waves, as they took the hourly buses from León. It was so wonderful to see the families. For those of you who are reading this that have been here to work with VOH, I'm going to list the guests, because you will recognize some of the people you worked with.
Chico, wife and son
Juan Pacheco (solo because his wife is due very soon with his 2nd child, a son)
Rydder, wife and son
Jassiel & son
Hixel, husband & son
Jeremy & wife
Oscar & son
German & kids
Araceliz (cleaning lady), husband & 2 sons
Pastor Miguel, wife, daughter, son (Sapito) & daughter-in-law
Saturnino (guard), wife & 3 daughters
Yasmina (cook), Me & Mary
What a great bunch!
The only ones who could not make it are Chrisopher & family, because Chris is working in Managua all week, and Joe & Marcela, because Marcel cannot travel by bus yet so soon after her surgery. We met with Christopher's family on Sunday, and plan to meet with Joe and Marcela in town soon.
Our dinner was grilled chicken, rice (of course), beans (of course), tortillas (of course), cabbage slaw & Tang (of course). We had a funny challenge with the chicken. The gas grill was not working well and it just wasn't getting hot enough to cook the chicken. So, Yasmina & Saturnino decided to take the gas tank off and use the grill with (Nica) charcoal. It worked out great once we got it burning. We were putting pieces of papers in there and plastic sacks (they do that alot here) and Mary even brought a trash can and we rummaged through it for burnable material. Once the fire got going, it was great. The cook does a wonderful job on the chicken. (I'm thankful that there was some left over for the next few days!!!)
Mary and I ran around and took family pictures on both of our cameras. I loved meeting the kids, and of course, I loved seeing my 2 grandsons, Chico's son Benjamin and Hixel's son Alexander. We got out a couple of soccer balls for the kids to play with. They were adorable.
After dinner, Pastor Miguel wanted to have a special prayer for the group and the ministry. It was so sweet. Mary spoke of behalf of VOH and I said a few words and German spoke, too. We really appreciate the VOH extended family. The wives said that it was nice for us to include them in this family dinner. They are left a home for long days when we have the translators working with us. We want them to know how much we appreciate their patience and sacrifice during those busy weeks.
Since German came in his van, he was able to take a lot of the people back to León with him. That was nice that they didn't have to scramble to catch the 6:30 bus. We said goodbye to everyone and then Mary and I started cleaning up the joint. We put leftovers in the fridge and washed up the pans. We had used disposable plates, cups and cutlery to eat on, so that cut down on the dish washing. After Saturnino took his family home, he came back and took care of the grill and some other clean up. We had the place looking pretty spiffy before 8pm. Araceliz is probably thinking that she will have to clean up after the dinner when she gets here tomorrow to clean. She will be pleasantly surprised!!
This afternoon we found a very colorful crab who had come in from the beach. It was reddish and black in color. I took a pic on my phone and Mary grabbed her camera. Saturnino took it out for us. It probably ended up being lunch for one of the stray dogs that run around. Speaking of dogs, there are two male dogs that look just alike. One has a broken front leg and I call him Hoppy and the other one Happy, since they are always playing so well together. After observing Happy on the beach yesterday, Mary has decided that Happy is gay. She cracks me up.
She was watching her ants carry cracker crumbs to their home today. She was also spraying ants in the house with bug spray. Those poor ants are so confused by her!
Tomorrow, German is picking Mary and me up at 8:30am to meet some of the translators at the stoplight at 9. We will then go to the Sewer Ponds and Concrete Pit to pass out toys/gifts. It will be fun to be with our friends tomorrow. We haven't had a team in almost a month, so we haven't worked with the translators during that time. We love spending time with them.
On Thursday, we will be having a class for the translators and also giving them their Christmas gifts from me and Mary. That will be fun, too.
Then it will be Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, a day of rest on Monday, and then our next team comes in on Tuesday. From then on it will be very busy until we leave with the team on Jan 4. Time will surely fly then!
Time to sign off with my tummy full and my heart overflowing. God has blessed me with some wonderful friends and I'm so thankful.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Whew, these days are flying by. We'll be leaving 2 weeks from tomorrow. I can't believe it! We have one more week with just me and Mary and then a team arrives on Dec 28. We will work with them for the week and then leave when they do on Jan 4. I'll be back home in AR and freezing my petunias off wondering what happened!!
We stayed at the house today and worked many hours on our Spanish lessons. Mary did some laundry and I washed my sheets. We each felt a little under the weather, so we had naps. Then we walked on the beach for a while at sunset. We took our showers and then sat down for more studying. We've just been snacking on whatever we are hungry for. We haven't really cooked a meal here for days. When we are in town, we usually eat a meal at a restaurant. So it all evens out nicely.
We are having dinner here tomorrow with some friends, so Mary is cooking 2 big pots of beans to have them ready for the cook to finish up tomorrow. We'll have rice, slaw, grilled chicken and tortillas. Yum! The beans smelled so good tonight, I could have dived in for a bowl, but it was too late to be eating much. It will smell good tomorrow, though! I've missed the cook. She is so patient with me when I'm speaking Spanish with her. The last time she was here was when the Thanksgiving team was here. My ears were so bad that I couldn't hear much of anything. The cook was sweet to write down her part of our conversations for me. My ears are much better now, so hopefully, I'll be able to understand her better.
Mary was watching her pet ants again today. They had found a dead beetle type bug in the house and she watched 2 ants try to carry the bug. They were having a really hard time. Then we saw them by the door. They had called in reinforcements. They were going pretty fast. I think it had something to do with the fact that Araceliz, the cleaning lady, had a broom in use. Anyway, Mary was wondering how they were going to get the bug down the step that is about 3" or so. It turns out that they just fell over the edge. They regrouped and took off with the bug towards their home under the plant near the clothesline. They were still moving at a very good pace. I went to hang up my sheets on the clothesline and Mary yelled that I was stepping on some of the ants. oops. She talks sweet to them as long as they stay outside. She's warned them that if they step into the kitchen, they are gonners!
Today as we walked along the beach, there was a man and woman sitting on a rock and he was playing a guitar. I took a pic with my phone. He actually sang very well. They were friendly. It was such a sweet moment. We hadn't been on the beach for a few days and there was a lot of sand moved around and swept away by waves. It's still amazing to me every time we go out there. There were hardly any shells on the beach until we got to the south end, and still then, not too many. Mary has gotten quite a few nice ones to take home.
I can't remember if I mentioned that yesterday we rode the bus with a live chicken. It reminded me of this summer when we visited the ICU (sort of) wing for children at the hospital here in León. It's a very nasty place and not sanitary at all. It breaks Mary's heart and she can't go inside much anymore. Anyway, as we were visiting baby Milagro (from El Sapote) in the ICU, there were cockroaches crawling across her little, nasty bed. Under the bed to the right of us was a live chicken in a straw bag that the mother had set there while she was holding her baby. So sad to think of the conditions here.
Also, yesterday, as we were walking down the street from the bus to catch a taxi, someone came along side of me and tapped my shoulder. I knew Mary was on the right of me, so I wondered who it could be. Turned out that it was a man from the Sewer Pond village that recognized me. His daughter's name is Dariela, and I had gotten to hold her twice this summer when we were doing ministry there. I hadn't seen him on our last jaunts there. Perhaps he has a job now. Anyway, he seemed pleased that I remembered him and his baby daughter. He was on a bike and asked where we were going. I told him the grocery store. He said goodbye and rode off. Not much of a conversation, but I was very happy to see him. And it is so nice to be recognized by people. It makes me know that our presence here is making a difference for them, even in little ways.
It's hard to believe that Christmas is just a few days away. We'll probably be in town a little bit this week as we give out toys on Wednesday to the kids at the Sewer Pond and Concrete Pit areas. We'll probably try to go into town on the bus on Thursday. We'll probably stay here at the house on Friday and Saturday, since the 24th is the big celebration with families here and Christmas day is a holiday. (Our last excursion into town, just the 2 of us, will be next Monday.) We'll probably have Saturnino go to a restaurant in the next little beach town on his bike and bring us back dinner to eat here at the house either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We have to find out when they are open for sure. Christmas is bittersweet for Mary this year, since her mother and one of her brothers went to be with the Lord earlier this year. I listen to Christmas music in my room at night because it bothers her to hear it. So far, the decorations in town haven't bothered her too much. I think it's because the hot weather here is so different that Christmas back home in AR. It will be a quiet Christmas and that suits me fine. I always like to spend the day by myself with Jesus, so being here just the 2 of us will be sweet.
I guess I should go to bed now. There's much to do tomorrow. My sweet, clean sheets are calling my name. ahhhh
We stayed at the house today and worked many hours on our Spanish lessons. Mary did some laundry and I washed my sheets. We each felt a little under the weather, so we had naps. Then we walked on the beach for a while at sunset. We took our showers and then sat down for more studying. We've just been snacking on whatever we are hungry for. We haven't really cooked a meal here for days. When we are in town, we usually eat a meal at a restaurant. So it all evens out nicely.
We are having dinner here tomorrow with some friends, so Mary is cooking 2 big pots of beans to have them ready for the cook to finish up tomorrow. We'll have rice, slaw, grilled chicken and tortillas. Yum! The beans smelled so good tonight, I could have dived in for a bowl, but it was too late to be eating much. It will smell good tomorrow, though! I've missed the cook. She is so patient with me when I'm speaking Spanish with her. The last time she was here was when the Thanksgiving team was here. My ears were so bad that I couldn't hear much of anything. The cook was sweet to write down her part of our conversations for me. My ears are much better now, so hopefully, I'll be able to understand her better.
Mary was watching her pet ants again today. They had found a dead beetle type bug in the house and she watched 2 ants try to carry the bug. They were having a really hard time. Then we saw them by the door. They had called in reinforcements. They were going pretty fast. I think it had something to do with the fact that Araceliz, the cleaning lady, had a broom in use. Anyway, Mary was wondering how they were going to get the bug down the step that is about 3" or so. It turns out that they just fell over the edge. They regrouped and took off with the bug towards their home under the plant near the clothesline. They were still moving at a very good pace. I went to hang up my sheets on the clothesline and Mary yelled that I was stepping on some of the ants. oops. She talks sweet to them as long as they stay outside. She's warned them that if they step into the kitchen, they are gonners!
Today as we walked along the beach, there was a man and woman sitting on a rock and he was playing a guitar. I took a pic with my phone. He actually sang very well. They were friendly. It was such a sweet moment. We hadn't been on the beach for a few days and there was a lot of sand moved around and swept away by waves. It's still amazing to me every time we go out there. There were hardly any shells on the beach until we got to the south end, and still then, not too many. Mary has gotten quite a few nice ones to take home.
I can't remember if I mentioned that yesterday we rode the bus with a live chicken. It reminded me of this summer when we visited the ICU (sort of) wing for children at the hospital here in León. It's a very nasty place and not sanitary at all. It breaks Mary's heart and she can't go inside much anymore. Anyway, as we were visiting baby Milagro (from El Sapote) in the ICU, there were cockroaches crawling across her little, nasty bed. Under the bed to the right of us was a live chicken in a straw bag that the mother had set there while she was holding her baby. So sad to think of the conditions here.
Also, yesterday, as we were walking down the street from the bus to catch a taxi, someone came along side of me and tapped my shoulder. I knew Mary was on the right of me, so I wondered who it could be. Turned out that it was a man from the Sewer Pond village that recognized me. His daughter's name is Dariela, and I had gotten to hold her twice this summer when we were doing ministry there. I hadn't seen him on our last jaunts there. Perhaps he has a job now. Anyway, he seemed pleased that I remembered him and his baby daughter. He was on a bike and asked where we were going. I told him the grocery store. He said goodbye and rode off. Not much of a conversation, but I was very happy to see him. And it is so nice to be recognized by people. It makes me know that our presence here is making a difference for them, even in little ways.
It's hard to believe that Christmas is just a few days away. We'll probably be in town a little bit this week as we give out toys on Wednesday to the kids at the Sewer Pond and Concrete Pit areas. We'll probably try to go into town on the bus on Thursday. We'll probably stay here at the house on Friday and Saturday, since the 24th is the big celebration with families here and Christmas day is a holiday. (Our last excursion into town, just the 2 of us, will be next Monday.) We'll probably have Saturnino go to a restaurant in the next little beach town on his bike and bring us back dinner to eat here at the house either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We have to find out when they are open for sure. Christmas is bittersweet for Mary this year, since her mother and one of her brothers went to be with the Lord earlier this year. I listen to Christmas music in my room at night because it bothers her to hear it. So far, the decorations in town haven't bothered her too much. I think it's because the hot weather here is so different that Christmas back home in AR. It will be a quiet Christmas and that suits me fine. I always like to spend the day by myself with Jesus, so being here just the 2 of us will be sweet.
I guess I should go to bed now. There's much to do tomorrow. My sweet, clean sheets are calling my name. ahhhh
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A very quiet day.
Woke up and had quiet time with my sweet Lord.
Snacked on left-over pancakes (plain and cold, yum) from yesterday.
Got ready for our trip into town to meet Christopher (one of our translators) and his wife, Evelyn and her son Isaac for lunch.
Mary and I caught the 12pm bus, which was actually very early today. It was packed and we stood in the aisle until we got to the end of our street. Then we had to get off to let most of the riders off for their day at the beach. We got back on and found a seat. It wasn't too awfully packed on the way into town. Although, a lady with a live chicken got on and we found that interesting. We grabbed a (legal) taxi to Tip Top Chicken restaurant and waited for Chris' family. There were a ton of people there. A huge group of about 25-30 from a church in Texas was taking up a fourth of the outside tables. Mary and I grabbed a table and held it. There is an armed guard/doorman who has gotten to know us since we eat there a lot. He made sure we got a table. The weather was nice to sit outside.
We had a great lunch and had lots of fun conversation in English and Spanish. Evelyn understands some English, but not a whole lot. Mary is doing well with her studies, but still needs most things translated. I'm about half and half. So we were translating everything into both languages for everyone. Christopher was asking me to translate what Mary said in English to Spanish to see how I was progressing. We laughed a lot and had a really nice time. It was good to spend time with just them, so we could get to know Evelyn better. Isaac is very shy and I finally got a hold of him and found his tickle spots.
Chris told us a lot about his job as a customer service agent for Bank One in the US. The office is in Managua (about 2 hours away). He has such funny stories. He is doing really well at his job. He is finishing up his training period. He is a very good person for customer service. If all goes well, and his job is secure, they will probably move there after Evelyn goes back to her work after the baby is born in a few weeks. She will be off for a month or so for maternity leave and then she can request a transfer to Managua. She works in a law office here in León. We'll see what the future holds for them. I know it's hard right now for Chris to be gone all week and only home on the weekends. But it would be costly and hard on him to travel back and forth every day right now. They make a cute little family. I'm proud of Chris for trying to be a godly man of the house. I enjoy speaking with Evelyn, too. She is very sweet.
We all said goodbye and then Mary and I ran into La Unión grocery store, next door, for a plastic bag for her leaking leftovers and for me to try to find some ground cloves for my aching tooth. She got her bag and I could only find cloves that were like the stems you put into a ham. I didn't think it would be good to stick the cloves between my teeth, so I skipped them.
We then grabbed a taxi to the bus stop. That bus was full and we split up to get seats. Then that bus left early today also. I'm glad we got there when we did. It was like they were just waiting for us to leave. ha! The bus was full, but no standing in the aisle, so we had great airflow with the windows down. I just love that.
There were some really cute kids on the buses and again, today. They enjoyed looking out as we traveled down the road. We've really enjoyed riding the buses these last two weeks. We just don't ride them after dark. It would probably be okay, but we don't want to push our luck.
We got home about 4pm and I opted to lay down on my bed with a book. We didn't go for our sunset walk on the beach. My tooth and ear seem to hurt in tandem and I felt like I was getting a headcold and scratchy throat today. How weird to think of that in 80 degree weather. Anyway, I lounged and read and Mary sat in her rocker and read. I had some soup, cheetos and snack pack pudding for dinner. Mary finished off her leftovers from Tip Top. We talked for awhile and then I came back up to my room to get on the computer.
It feels a lot later than it is. It always does here since the house is open and the light and dark are so noticeable. The house to our south, which is attached to ours and separated by a concrete wall, has some weekend (or weekly) renters. That house has a swimming pool, which is so treasured by the occupants, since the waves on the beach aren't good for swimming. I can hear them all in the pool having fun. It sounds like they will be good and tired tonight.
Christmas is just a week away. I try to imagine everyone back home being cold and rushing around to finish up shopping and preparing their homes for family and friends to visit. The big celebration here is on Christmas Eve. I think there may even be fireworks again. (they have fireworks for everything) Everyone pretty much rests on Christmas Day. Mary and I will have a quiet day, I'm sure. I love quiet Christmas Days with my Lord.
Today was the last Sunday for my friends, John, Leslie, Jonathan & Jered Caubble to attend FBC Rogers. They are heading off to spend the week with family and friends in Wynne AR, then leaving on the 27th to move to Dubai as missionaries. I'm so excited for them. I know this is a bittersweet time for them. I can't wait to visit and work with them in Dubai sometime next year.
Giving up everything to follow God's call seems crazy by worldly standards, but when you are in the midst of it, nothing else seems clear at all. Looking through God's perspective on your life makes His will seem in focus and everything else appears to be on the fringe. I'm thankful for the peace and discernment He allows during those times when my life seems upside down compared to everyone else. I'm thankful to be available when He calls. I'm humbled that He would call me at all. I am blessed to be His child.
Woke up and had quiet time with my sweet Lord.
Snacked on left-over pancakes (plain and cold, yum) from yesterday.
Got ready for our trip into town to meet Christopher (one of our translators) and his wife, Evelyn and her son Isaac for lunch.
Mary and I caught the 12pm bus, which was actually very early today. It was packed and we stood in the aisle until we got to the end of our street. Then we had to get off to let most of the riders off for their day at the beach. We got back on and found a seat. It wasn't too awfully packed on the way into town. Although, a lady with a live chicken got on and we found that interesting. We grabbed a (legal) taxi to Tip Top Chicken restaurant and waited for Chris' family. There were a ton of people there. A huge group of about 25-30 from a church in Texas was taking up a fourth of the outside tables. Mary and I grabbed a table and held it. There is an armed guard/doorman who has gotten to know us since we eat there a lot. He made sure we got a table. The weather was nice to sit outside.
We had a great lunch and had lots of fun conversation in English and Spanish. Evelyn understands some English, but not a whole lot. Mary is doing well with her studies, but still needs most things translated. I'm about half and half. So we were translating everything into both languages for everyone. Christopher was asking me to translate what Mary said in English to Spanish to see how I was progressing. We laughed a lot and had a really nice time. It was good to spend time with just them, so we could get to know Evelyn better. Isaac is very shy and I finally got a hold of him and found his tickle spots.
Chris told us a lot about his job as a customer service agent for Bank One in the US. The office is in Managua (about 2 hours away). He has such funny stories. He is doing really well at his job. He is finishing up his training period. He is a very good person for customer service. If all goes well, and his job is secure, they will probably move there after Evelyn goes back to her work after the baby is born in a few weeks. She will be off for a month or so for maternity leave and then she can request a transfer to Managua. She works in a law office here in León. We'll see what the future holds for them. I know it's hard right now for Chris to be gone all week and only home on the weekends. But it would be costly and hard on him to travel back and forth every day right now. They make a cute little family. I'm proud of Chris for trying to be a godly man of the house. I enjoy speaking with Evelyn, too. She is very sweet.
We all said goodbye and then Mary and I ran into La Unión grocery store, next door, for a plastic bag for her leaking leftovers and for me to try to find some ground cloves for my aching tooth. She got her bag and I could only find cloves that were like the stems you put into a ham. I didn't think it would be good to stick the cloves between my teeth, so I skipped them.
We then grabbed a taxi to the bus stop. That bus was full and we split up to get seats. Then that bus left early today also. I'm glad we got there when we did. It was like they were just waiting for us to leave. ha! The bus was full, but no standing in the aisle, so we had great airflow with the windows down. I just love that.
There were some really cute kids on the buses and again, today. They enjoyed looking out as we traveled down the road. We've really enjoyed riding the buses these last two weeks. We just don't ride them after dark. It would probably be okay, but we don't want to push our luck.
We got home about 4pm and I opted to lay down on my bed with a book. We didn't go for our sunset walk on the beach. My tooth and ear seem to hurt in tandem and I felt like I was getting a headcold and scratchy throat today. How weird to think of that in 80 degree weather. Anyway, I lounged and read and Mary sat in her rocker and read. I had some soup, cheetos and snack pack pudding for dinner. Mary finished off her leftovers from Tip Top. We talked for awhile and then I came back up to my room to get on the computer.
It feels a lot later than it is. It always does here since the house is open and the light and dark are so noticeable. The house to our south, which is attached to ours and separated by a concrete wall, has some weekend (or weekly) renters. That house has a swimming pool, which is so treasured by the occupants, since the waves on the beach aren't good for swimming. I can hear them all in the pool having fun. It sounds like they will be good and tired tonight.
Christmas is just a week away. I try to imagine everyone back home being cold and rushing around to finish up shopping and preparing their homes for family and friends to visit. The big celebration here is on Christmas Eve. I think there may even be fireworks again. (they have fireworks for everything) Everyone pretty much rests on Christmas Day. Mary and I will have a quiet day, I'm sure. I love quiet Christmas Days with my Lord.
Today was the last Sunday for my friends, John, Leslie, Jonathan & Jered Caubble to attend FBC Rogers. They are heading off to spend the week with family and friends in Wynne AR, then leaving on the 27th to move to Dubai as missionaries. I'm so excited for them. I know this is a bittersweet time for them. I can't wait to visit and work with them in Dubai sometime next year.
Giving up everything to follow God's call seems crazy by worldly standards, but when you are in the midst of it, nothing else seems clear at all. Looking through God's perspective on your life makes His will seem in focus and everything else appears to be on the fringe. I'm thankful for the peace and discernment He allows during those times when my life seems upside down compared to everyone else. I'm thankful to be available when He calls. I'm humbled that He would call me at all. I am blessed to be His child.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
It's been an interesting day.
The days of the week don't mean much here unless we have an event/appointment planned. Even Sunday is different this week, since we went to church tonight instead of Sunday morning. And last Sunday, we went to evening church. While it's just Mary and I here, we have been doing our ministry on various days and going into town on various days and staying home to work on other days...
We went to town yesterday and had a wonderful time exploring and wandering around. It felt like a Saturday to me.
Today we got up and neither of us felt 100%. Mary's stomach was a little messed up and I felt like I was coming down with the flu or something. I washed a load of clothes and hung them to dry on the line. Then I fixed some pancakes for breakfast (plain-no butter or syrup) and then I went back to bed at 11am and slept until 1pm. I just felt so washed out and no energy.
We both got cleaned up about 3pm and hung out until German picked us up at 4:30. We both felt like it had been a long day. It's the first time what we have felt that way here. I think it was because we didn't feel well. We snacked a little (neither of us was very hungry, and that's not normal for me!) and then headed into town.
First stop was La Unión for some groceries for dinner with friends on Tuesday night. Then we went to the Eskimo ice cream shop for a treat. I didn't even get ice cream... not normal!! Then we walked over a block to a small pick up truck on the side of the road. The guy sells video DVDs from the back of his truck. German says he's the best in town. Many people were coming to buy some. They only cost 50 córdovas, which is about $2.50, so German bought a couple and I bought a couple. They are in Spanish with English subtitles, so I consider them reference/practice material for my Spanish studies. :)
Then we went to church a little early so that we could talk to the Pastor about a few things. We took 13 Spanish Bibles to him for their church plant in Posoltega. We also asked if we could bring the team to their church on Sunday Jan 2 and then to Posoltega on Monday Jan 3 to do a feeding. The Pastor was very thankful. His son Jeremy translates for us sometimes and this is the church that German attends.
We then enjoyed a great service. I like the music. I always do here in Nic. Mary gave her testimony and did a great job. I enjoyed the Pastor's message very much. German said it was what he was really needing to hear right now, too. I enjoy trying to understand what is being said. I still don't catch it all, but I can tell that I'm getting better at recognizing more words and following the context of the sentences.
Church here in Nic usually lasts 2+ hours. The first hour is usually music and the congregation stands up the whole time. I always think about the folks back home and how they would riot if they had to stand for an hour of music. And then sit for another hour of message. Here, people are thankful to get to do that. Humble and grateful. What a combination!
After church, we went past German's in-laws house to see if his wife and kids wanted to ride with us out to the team house to drop off Mary and me. But she was in the middle of visiting with her mother and wanted to stay there. I got a nice kiss and hug from Mariangel, German's daughter who is turning 8 on Monday. Ishmael, his 18 month son still holds back and stays in Mamás arms, but he got a huge smile on his face when he saw his daddy. He's such a cutie. I wish we could have had time to chat with Johana. Maybe one of these days we will have some more time.
We laughed and joked all the way home from town. I love hearing German laugh. And Mary and I can be pretty funny most of the time. Even the Pastor said tonight that Mary looked a funny person. Then he explained that he meant that she looked like she had good character. Things can get mixed up in translation, but I think he had her pegged.
We got home about 9:30 and unloaded the groceries from the van. German said to call him tomorrow if we needed anything. We're planning on riding the bus into town to meet with Christopher and Evelyn and Isaac for lunch at Tip Top. It will be a nice day. We'll catch the bus home, so we will be gone most of the afternoon, including travel time.
I'm feeling better this evening and Mary said that she started feeling better about mid-day, so maybe whatever we felt like we were coming down with was a fast mover.
We laughed that getting home at 9:30 was past our bedtime, since we retire to our rooms by around 8pm most nights. I know we will sleep well tonight. We have had a great afternoon and evening. We have praised the Lord and been taught a good message. We have laughed and talked and just enjoyed being around other Christians. I'm so thankful for this time. And thankful for the Creator of Time. :)
The days of the week don't mean much here unless we have an event/appointment planned. Even Sunday is different this week, since we went to church tonight instead of Sunday morning. And last Sunday, we went to evening church. While it's just Mary and I here, we have been doing our ministry on various days and going into town on various days and staying home to work on other days...
We went to town yesterday and had a wonderful time exploring and wandering around. It felt like a Saturday to me.
Today we got up and neither of us felt 100%. Mary's stomach was a little messed up and I felt like I was coming down with the flu or something. I washed a load of clothes and hung them to dry on the line. Then I fixed some pancakes for breakfast (plain-no butter or syrup) and then I went back to bed at 11am and slept until 1pm. I just felt so washed out and no energy.
We both got cleaned up about 3pm and hung out until German picked us up at 4:30. We both felt like it had been a long day. It's the first time what we have felt that way here. I think it was because we didn't feel well. We snacked a little (neither of us was very hungry, and that's not normal for me!) and then headed into town.
First stop was La Unión for some groceries for dinner with friends on Tuesday night. Then we went to the Eskimo ice cream shop for a treat. I didn't even get ice cream... not normal!! Then we walked over a block to a small pick up truck on the side of the road. The guy sells video DVDs from the back of his truck. German says he's the best in town. Many people were coming to buy some. They only cost 50 córdovas, which is about $2.50, so German bought a couple and I bought a couple. They are in Spanish with English subtitles, so I consider them reference/practice material for my Spanish studies. :)
Then we went to church a little early so that we could talk to the Pastor about a few things. We took 13 Spanish Bibles to him for their church plant in Posoltega. We also asked if we could bring the team to their church on Sunday Jan 2 and then to Posoltega on Monday Jan 3 to do a feeding. The Pastor was very thankful. His son Jeremy translates for us sometimes and this is the church that German attends.
We then enjoyed a great service. I like the music. I always do here in Nic. Mary gave her testimony and did a great job. I enjoyed the Pastor's message very much. German said it was what he was really needing to hear right now, too. I enjoy trying to understand what is being said. I still don't catch it all, but I can tell that I'm getting better at recognizing more words and following the context of the sentences.
Church here in Nic usually lasts 2+ hours. The first hour is usually music and the congregation stands up the whole time. I always think about the folks back home and how they would riot if they had to stand for an hour of music. And then sit for another hour of message. Here, people are thankful to get to do that. Humble and grateful. What a combination!
After church, we went past German's in-laws house to see if his wife and kids wanted to ride with us out to the team house to drop off Mary and me. But she was in the middle of visiting with her mother and wanted to stay there. I got a nice kiss and hug from Mariangel, German's daughter who is turning 8 on Monday. Ishmael, his 18 month son still holds back and stays in Mamás arms, but he got a huge smile on his face when he saw his daddy. He's such a cutie. I wish we could have had time to chat with Johana. Maybe one of these days we will have some more time.
We laughed and joked all the way home from town. I love hearing German laugh. And Mary and I can be pretty funny most of the time. Even the Pastor said tonight that Mary looked a funny person. Then he explained that he meant that she looked like she had good character. Things can get mixed up in translation, but I think he had her pegged.
We got home about 9:30 and unloaded the groceries from the van. German said to call him tomorrow if we needed anything. We're planning on riding the bus into town to meet with Christopher and Evelyn and Isaac for lunch at Tip Top. It will be a nice day. We'll catch the bus home, so we will be gone most of the afternoon, including travel time.
I'm feeling better this evening and Mary said that she started feeling better about mid-day, so maybe whatever we felt like we were coming down with was a fast mover.
We laughed that getting home at 9:30 was past our bedtime, since we retire to our rooms by around 8pm most nights. I know we will sleep well tonight. We have had a great afternoon and evening. We have praised the Lord and been taught a good message. We have laughed and talked and just enjoyed being around other Christians. I'm so thankful for this time. And thankful for the Creator of Time. :)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday night already. This week has flown by.
Mary and I seem to retire to our rooms earlier and earlier each night. She reads and I get on the computer and then read. It feels good to stretch out on the bed.
We had a good day today. We caught the 9am bus into León. It was a not-so-old retired school bus. The seats were pretty much in tact and comfy. It always feels so good to feel the wind coming in the windows as we travel down the road. We make a lot of stops to pick people up and there is usually a ton of people standing in the aisle, so the wind doesn't come in constantly, but it's nice when it does.
People carry all kinds of stuff on the bus. Big plastic tubs of food to sell, bags and what looks like 5 gallon buckets of food items, produce, fish, etc. It's always fun to people watch. Mary especially enjoys watching the kids. We've seen some really cute babies!
We rode the bus in to town, grabbed a taxi to take us to our favorite block of retail; La Unión grocery store (although we didn't buy any groceries this time), Tip Top Chicken restaurant, central park with lots of vendors, and the blocks in between that have more vendors everyday as we get close to Christmas. We walked around a lot. German called to meet us so he could give us come money that was wired down from the US. He asked if we wanted him to drive us around. We said no, we are ready for the adventure of shopping. It was nice to take our time and just walk the streets and see everything. We ran into Pastor Miguel on his motorcycle at one corner. It was good to see him. He was wearing a t-shirt from Mary's church. We chatted very quickly and then we were on our way to the park.
The stores were interesting. Many small stores (just one room) and a few big ones. One store had tons of toys and clothes and household items. The strange thing was that everything was priced in US Dollars. Mary and I bought ourselves some Christmas hats to wear on Christmas. They are like elf hats, except they are blue sequined with battery operated light up stars. They were only $1. We'll take our picture and post it on fb as our Christmas card photo! We saw lots of little Christmas trees, plastic decorations for the walls and doors, lights, etc. It was sooo much fun to look around. I was quite pleased to buy a measuring cup to use when I make my instant food that I brought from the states. I got home and realized it's all metric. ha I'll have to convert it and mark the side with measurements for cups, etc.
We ate lunch at Tip Top and took advantage of the restrooms before grabbing a taxi back to the bus stop on the edge of town. We were so proud of ourselves. ha It reminded me of NYC, except I can actually understand the drivers here since they speak Spanish and who knew what language your NYC taxi driver would be speaking! All in all, we were gone about 6 hours.
We snacked for supper and Mary got on the computer to catch up on facebook. I sorted through my precious purchases for the day, while Mary studied a little more on Spanish. Then she came up to her room to read and I'm back on the computer. I'm listening to Christmas music on my iPod with my little portable speaker. It's rather nice.
I've done some correspondence and now I'm going to study a little bit and then read and probably go to sleep early. My tooth was hurting really badly last night and it has been hit and miss today. At the moment, it's okay, so I hope I can have a pain-free night.
Mike sent a couple of emails tonight. We got confirmation on how many are coming on the next team Dec 28. There will only be 6 people, so we'll only need 1 van and just a couple of translators. Beth won't be coming down afterall, since she has a student visiting her until mid-January. She's changing her ticket to fly down in March when the Spring Break team from FBC Rogers (my home church) comes down. Tomorrow, Mary and I will discuss with German the plans for the team. Mary and I have things pretty much ready for them already. It will be an easy week. Then we all leave on the same day, Jan 4. It will be here before we know it.
My friends, the Caubbles, will be leaving for Dubai in about a week and a half. I said my goodbyes to John before I left for Nic. They will be gone when I get back to Rogers, but the plan is for me to get to go to Dubai and serve with them in 2011. I'm looking forward to that. I'm so excited for them. I'm praying for these last days in the US as they spend Christmas with family and friends.
Going to bed now, even though it's before 9pm. Going to relax and read. And count my many blessings...
Mary and I seem to retire to our rooms earlier and earlier each night. She reads and I get on the computer and then read. It feels good to stretch out on the bed.
We had a good day today. We caught the 9am bus into León. It was a not-so-old retired school bus. The seats were pretty much in tact and comfy. It always feels so good to feel the wind coming in the windows as we travel down the road. We make a lot of stops to pick people up and there is usually a ton of people standing in the aisle, so the wind doesn't come in constantly, but it's nice when it does.
People carry all kinds of stuff on the bus. Big plastic tubs of food to sell, bags and what looks like 5 gallon buckets of food items, produce, fish, etc. It's always fun to people watch. Mary especially enjoys watching the kids. We've seen some really cute babies!
We rode the bus in to town, grabbed a taxi to take us to our favorite block of retail; La Unión grocery store (although we didn't buy any groceries this time), Tip Top Chicken restaurant, central park with lots of vendors, and the blocks in between that have more vendors everyday as we get close to Christmas. We walked around a lot. German called to meet us so he could give us come money that was wired down from the US. He asked if we wanted him to drive us around. We said no, we are ready for the adventure of shopping. It was nice to take our time and just walk the streets and see everything. We ran into Pastor Miguel on his motorcycle at one corner. It was good to see him. He was wearing a t-shirt from Mary's church. We chatted very quickly and then we were on our way to the park.
The stores were interesting. Many small stores (just one room) and a few big ones. One store had tons of toys and clothes and household items. The strange thing was that everything was priced in US Dollars. Mary and I bought ourselves some Christmas hats to wear on Christmas. They are like elf hats, except they are blue sequined with battery operated light up stars. They were only $1. We'll take our picture and post it on fb as our Christmas card photo! We saw lots of little Christmas trees, plastic decorations for the walls and doors, lights, etc. It was sooo much fun to look around. I was quite pleased to buy a measuring cup to use when I make my instant food that I brought from the states. I got home and realized it's all metric. ha I'll have to convert it and mark the side with measurements for cups, etc.
We ate lunch at Tip Top and took advantage of the restrooms before grabbing a taxi back to the bus stop on the edge of town. We were so proud of ourselves. ha It reminded me of NYC, except I can actually understand the drivers here since they speak Spanish and who knew what language your NYC taxi driver would be speaking! All in all, we were gone about 6 hours.
We snacked for supper and Mary got on the computer to catch up on facebook. I sorted through my precious purchases for the day, while Mary studied a little more on Spanish. Then she came up to her room to read and I'm back on the computer. I'm listening to Christmas music on my iPod with my little portable speaker. It's rather nice.
I've done some correspondence and now I'm going to study a little bit and then read and probably go to sleep early. My tooth was hurting really badly last night and it has been hit and miss today. At the moment, it's okay, so I hope I can have a pain-free night.
Mike sent a couple of emails tonight. We got confirmation on how many are coming on the next team Dec 28. There will only be 6 people, so we'll only need 1 van and just a couple of translators. Beth won't be coming down afterall, since she has a student visiting her until mid-January. She's changing her ticket to fly down in March when the Spring Break team from FBC Rogers (my home church) comes down. Tomorrow, Mary and I will discuss with German the plans for the team. Mary and I have things pretty much ready for them already. It will be an easy week. Then we all leave on the same day, Jan 4. It will be here before we know it.
My friends, the Caubbles, will be leaving for Dubai in about a week and a half. I said my goodbyes to John before I left for Nic. They will be gone when I get back to Rogers, but the plan is for me to get to go to Dubai and serve with them in 2011. I'm looking forward to that. I'm so excited for them. I'm praying for these last days in the US as they spend Christmas with family and friends.
Going to bed now, even though it's before 9pm. Going to relax and read. And count my many blessings...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Another good day in Nic.
Mary and I stayed at the house today and worked.
This morning we had breakfast (oatmeal and peanutbutter toast for me; coffee and crunchy cheetos for Mary) and then Mary did some laundry. Then we both hit the books for Spanish studies. Mid-morning, we got together in front of the computer for some online classes for Mary. She's enjoying the website. She is doing really well. We reviewed some grammar and then jumped into verbs. We worked on it together until lunchtime. I had some pasta and chocolate chip cookies. Mary had ramen noodles and a sandwich made from the rest of her restaurant chicken from yesterday. We are such gourmets!
After lunch, I worked on packing up the rest of the gift bags for the ladies at the Concrete Pit. Then we got some gift bags ready for some special friends here in Nic. We are all ready to play Santa next week. And we have stuff ready for the team to use when they arrive in a week and a half.
We grazed a little more for dinner and then hit the Spanish books again. We knew it was getting time to rest our brains when Mary was looking up a Spanish word and couldn't find it in her Spanish-English dictionary. Then we realized that she was looking in the English portion. As Oliver used to ask me when I had thought too long about Spanish "is it beating your brains out?", I asked Mary the same thing. We have had some good laughs while studying.
I have a terrible toothache (which has been bothering me off and on for a few months) and had to come upstairs to doctor it and stretch out on the bed. Luckily, this is my favorite position for working on the computer! :0
I've been trying to follow news on the CNN website and others, but I get bored with it sometimes. It sounds like there are some pretty bad winter storms in the US. I won't worry too much about it until we fly back on Jan 4. Hopefully, it will just be cold then.
Everyone I'm tracking with health problems seem to be holding their own. I know I've mentioned this many times, but I'm so glad to be able to follow their progress on the computer.
We didn't walk on the beach today, but I remembered that we ran into Wilbur yesterday. He's the resident salesman of all things souvenir and overpriced. He is quite the businessman when we have teams here. The only people on the beach these past weeks has been locals who have come on holidays, and a few tourists. Wilbur saw Mary and I walking down on the south end of the beach and rode his bicycle over to say hello. He shook my hand and I asked him in English "how's business?". He slowly shook his head and responded in Spanish "mal", meaning bad. I guess he has hit a recession in his shell necklace retail business. We'll see him around when the next team comes, I'm sure.
Sometimes, Mary puts crumbs from bread or chips on the courtyard downstairs. There is a colony of ants who live under a plant by the wall near the clothesline. We have watched them carry pieces of food anywhere from the size of a small pencil eraser to as big as a (almost whole) pringle chip. She was taking clothes off the line and yelled for me to look. I looked over the balcony from upstairs and I could actually see about 8 pieces of chips of various sizes (dime size, 3/4 of a chip, quarter size, etc) all marching across the courtyard to their little hole near the plant. It sometimes looks like a tiny parade.
The teeny ants are the hardest workers. The bigger ants try to take the crumbs away from them. We are rooting for the teeny ants. Once a team got the large chip to the plant, they seemed to have trouble getting it up the little ant hill. Mary pushed on the chip with her finger to break it into more manageable pieces. Before long, they had all the pieces down the whole. I suggested that she share her Pespi with them so they could have a party, but Mary doesn't share those Pepsis with anyone. :) She did help the teeny ants by flicking away some of the big ants.
Now, ants who dare to cross the threshold of our kitchen are another story. I often hear Mary in the kitchen spraying ant killer and calling out "die you dirty bugger".
This whole scenario reminds me of how we as a society sometimes treat each other. We'll help you along only if you stay within the boundaries that we have set for you. But what gives us the right to set those boundaries? And how are we to know the difference if the 'rules' are arbitrary? Who gets to make the rules? God said to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. And to love each other as ourselves. Good standards, for sure.
But, I don't want ants in my food either, so I'll let Mary keep attacking them if they don't follow our boundaries. :)
Deanna made it home from her 2 weeks with Jake and Elaine in Las Vegas and San Francisco. I can't wait to hear all about it. I'm glad she is home and can relax and enjoy the animals. I think Kennon (the grandson who house-sat) spoiled the pets just enough. I know Deanna will enjoy getting back into her routine and catching up with her friends and family. I miss her.
We are getting up early to take the bus into town again tomorrow. German offers to drive us in the van, but we enjoy the adventure of the bus. I told him not to worry, if we need him, even if it's just to tell somewhere where we want to go, we'll call. Who knows what kind of trouble we might get into!
Time to doctor my tooth a little more and go to sleep early. I am blessed.
Mary and I stayed at the house today and worked.
This morning we had breakfast (oatmeal and peanutbutter toast for me; coffee and crunchy cheetos for Mary) and then Mary did some laundry. Then we both hit the books for Spanish studies. Mid-morning, we got together in front of the computer for some online classes for Mary. She's enjoying the website. She is doing really well. We reviewed some grammar and then jumped into verbs. We worked on it together until lunchtime. I had some pasta and chocolate chip cookies. Mary had ramen noodles and a sandwich made from the rest of her restaurant chicken from yesterday. We are such gourmets!
After lunch, I worked on packing up the rest of the gift bags for the ladies at the Concrete Pit. Then we got some gift bags ready for some special friends here in Nic. We are all ready to play Santa next week. And we have stuff ready for the team to use when they arrive in a week and a half.
We grazed a little more for dinner and then hit the Spanish books again. We knew it was getting time to rest our brains when Mary was looking up a Spanish word and couldn't find it in her Spanish-English dictionary. Then we realized that she was looking in the English portion. As Oliver used to ask me when I had thought too long about Spanish "is it beating your brains out?", I asked Mary the same thing. We have had some good laughs while studying.
I have a terrible toothache (which has been bothering me off and on for a few months) and had to come upstairs to doctor it and stretch out on the bed. Luckily, this is my favorite position for working on the computer! :0
I've been trying to follow news on the CNN website and others, but I get bored with it sometimes. It sounds like there are some pretty bad winter storms in the US. I won't worry too much about it until we fly back on Jan 4. Hopefully, it will just be cold then.
Everyone I'm tracking with health problems seem to be holding their own. I know I've mentioned this many times, but I'm so glad to be able to follow their progress on the computer.
We didn't walk on the beach today, but I remembered that we ran into Wilbur yesterday. He's the resident salesman of all things souvenir and overpriced. He is quite the businessman when we have teams here. The only people on the beach these past weeks has been locals who have come on holidays, and a few tourists. Wilbur saw Mary and I walking down on the south end of the beach and rode his bicycle over to say hello. He shook my hand and I asked him in English "how's business?". He slowly shook his head and responded in Spanish "mal", meaning bad. I guess he has hit a recession in his shell necklace retail business. We'll see him around when the next team comes, I'm sure.
Sometimes, Mary puts crumbs from bread or chips on the courtyard downstairs. There is a colony of ants who live under a plant by the wall near the clothesline. We have watched them carry pieces of food anywhere from the size of a small pencil eraser to as big as a (almost whole) pringle chip. She was taking clothes off the line and yelled for me to look. I looked over the balcony from upstairs and I could actually see about 8 pieces of chips of various sizes (dime size, 3/4 of a chip, quarter size, etc) all marching across the courtyard to their little hole near the plant. It sometimes looks like a tiny parade.
The teeny ants are the hardest workers. The bigger ants try to take the crumbs away from them. We are rooting for the teeny ants. Once a team got the large chip to the plant, they seemed to have trouble getting it up the little ant hill. Mary pushed on the chip with her finger to break it into more manageable pieces. Before long, they had all the pieces down the whole. I suggested that she share her Pespi with them so they could have a party, but Mary doesn't share those Pepsis with anyone. :) She did help the teeny ants by flicking away some of the big ants.
Now, ants who dare to cross the threshold of our kitchen are another story. I often hear Mary in the kitchen spraying ant killer and calling out "die you dirty bugger".
This whole scenario reminds me of how we as a society sometimes treat each other. We'll help you along only if you stay within the boundaries that we have set for you. But what gives us the right to set those boundaries? And how are we to know the difference if the 'rules' are arbitrary? Who gets to make the rules? God said to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. And to love each other as ourselves. Good standards, for sure.
But, I don't want ants in my food either, so I'll let Mary keep attacking them if they don't follow our boundaries. :)
Deanna made it home from her 2 weeks with Jake and Elaine in Las Vegas and San Francisco. I can't wait to hear all about it. I'm glad she is home and can relax and enjoy the animals. I think Kennon (the grandson who house-sat) spoiled the pets just enough. I know Deanna will enjoy getting back into her routine and catching up with her friends and family. I miss her.
We are getting up early to take the bus into town again tomorrow. German offers to drive us in the van, but we enjoy the adventure of the bus. I told him not to worry, if we need him, even if it's just to tell somewhere where we want to go, we'll call. Who knows what kind of trouble we might get into!
Time to doctor my tooth a little more and go to sleep early. I am blessed.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wow, it's the middle of December! Time is going fast.
Today was nice. We woke up and got ready to go into town. We caught the 9:00 (ish) bus. It takes about 50 minutes to get to town after we get on it, but only about 35 minutes to get home. On the way there, we go through another little beach town called Las Peñitas. It stretches along the beach to the south of us and has some little inns and restaurants. Then we come back out to the highway and head east. We stop along the way to pick up people waiting along the road.
The bus was really packed in tight today. Mary and I could wait until the bus comes back down our road to get on, but we might not get a seat, so we grab it when it comes into the little town and sit patiently at the end of the road at the official stop. There was someone with loud music today. It always feel a little festive on the bus. Friends talking, sometimes music, stopping every 5-10 minutes or so, stopping and starting. You just get on and go with the flow.
When we got to the stop in León, we were the last ones off the bus, even though we were in the front seat. There were soooo many people on the bus today. It was like a clown car unloading. At one point, I thought people must be entering through the back door and walking down the aisle to get off in front. Always an interesting experience. We like riding the bus.
After German picked us up, we went to La Unión for some groceries. Then we went to eat lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant. It was very nice in Nic standards. We were the only ones there at 11:10am. Mary thought that might mean that it wasn't very good, since no one was eating. German said it is a nice restaurant for dates and special occasions, and that small children are not encouraged to attend. It was very pleasant for lunch. Cloth tablecloths and napkins, waterglasses, etc. It was expensive for Nic, but was only about $7 per person. I was happy to treat everyone. I love being able to go different places and try different things. I loved going there.
After lunch, we stopped by the used book vendor who sets up on the sidewalk (literally) on the corner. He sells books for $2, and even though that pains Mary to spend that much, it's cheaper than we have found anywhere else so far. We also walked around some outdoor shops quickly. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more that vendors are setting up on the streets. German took us to a place where there were some vendors from Masaya (where the Gringo market is). I bought a couple of leather items and also a Spanish Monopoly game. How fun!!!
We went through part of the open market, looking for candy to give out to the kids at the Sewer Pond for Christmas. German said we could do better getting big bags at La Unión, so we'll pick the candy up when we go to town again on Friday.
We returned to the van and since we were driving past Eskimo, Mary said we had to stop for an icecream cone. Well, inflation has hit and the cono jumbo (giant waffle cone with 2 dips) has went from 20 córdabas to 30, which in USD is about $1.50. We were stunned at the huge jump in a matter of a few days. But we still think it's a lot cheaper than Braums! Needless to say, we were stuffed by the time we made it back to the house. It was a nice shopping day.
I laid on my bed and read for a little while, until I dozed off. I was trying to download an update for my computer, but because the internet is slow, after 1.5 hours, it still hadn't loaded. I'll try again some other time.
We went for our 4:30 walk on the beach. We get back about 5:45 or so. We've noticed that they sun is setting a little bit later each day. Again today, we saw how different the beach was from Monday. The waves were staying way out today. And at the north end of the beach, there was a lot of sand missing. The hill was leveled off and we could see the houses from the water's edge. Usually, we just see the tree tops. We also saw a hole in the sand about 3" wide. Probably a large crab hole. There was a small fish tail sticking out of the top. I didn't have my camera, so I didn't get a pic. It was funny to look at.
After getting back home, I jumped in the shower and settled in with the computer to catch up on some people who are battling (and winning) some health challenges. I'm so thankful to be able to get on line to follow their progress. I also called my sister Pam to see how she is doing. She sounded pretty good. Still sore and still tired of only laying on her back, but she's getting there. She's still a little worried about the results of the test on her lymph nodes. Hopefully, those results will be back next week. She has appointments with all her doctors (4) in the next 2 weeks. I appreciate everyone's prayers for her.
When we were at La Unión today, we found Cheetos! They have them every once in a while, and had been out for weeks. We stocked up today! We were very excited! Mary has a special friend that works as a sacker at the store. His name is Ricardo. He always takes good care of us! He's her favorite. She always tips him more than the others. He's quite the cutie, too!
I miss watching the news on tv. I try to follow CNN on line, but it's not the same. It takes a while for the stories to download and I get impatient. I guess if anything earth-shattering happens, I'll hear about it one way or another.
Tomorrow is another work day here at the house. And we'll spend some quality time on Spanish lessons, for both of us. Mary wants to start putting sentences together, so we will be delving into the world of Spanish verbs soon. Pray for us people! It's not going to be pretty! :) But it is a big hurdle and big stepping stone to move on. With God's grace, we'll make it through a few sessions. I'm going to put Mary on a couple of websites that have good interactive lessons. I hope it will be easier for her than just a book. She's trying very hard and I'm proud of her.
I also need to get lessons ready for the class that we will do with the Translators next week. I'll work on that tomorrow, too.
I got word today that I'll continue to receive support from FBC Rogers for 2011. I get $8,000 per year from the church and I depend on God to encourage individuals to support me to make up the difference for living expenses. God has provided a wonderful place for me to live for free with my friend Deanna. I'm so thankful for that! I borrowed a vehicle from the Eatons for the last 18 months, and that helped tremendously. I won't have a vehicle when I get back in January, but it works out fine since I will work from home most of the time. When I meet with people, I'll ask for a ride. It will work out fine. I'm thankful that my personal bills are covered by the support (life insurance, health insurance, tax payments, medicines, groceries, etc). God always makes it balance out just fine. And He provides house/pet/kid/granny-sitting jobs when I need to make extra money. I'm very thankful for the way He takes care of me, especially when He gets others involved. He's a good provider.
It's only 9pm, but I'm ready to call it a night. I think I need my beauty sleep!
Thank You Lord for all Your blessings today. Thank You for allowing me to be here in Nic right now and for the relationships You are building for me. Thank You for the ministry that VOH has here and for the people who work hard to reach the Nica people for You. Show us all what You have planned for us each day. Help us to be ready and willing to serve in the way that YOU have planned.
Today was nice. We woke up and got ready to go into town. We caught the 9:00 (ish) bus. It takes about 50 minutes to get to town after we get on it, but only about 35 minutes to get home. On the way there, we go through another little beach town called Las Peñitas. It stretches along the beach to the south of us and has some little inns and restaurants. Then we come back out to the highway and head east. We stop along the way to pick up people waiting along the road.
The bus was really packed in tight today. Mary and I could wait until the bus comes back down our road to get on, but we might not get a seat, so we grab it when it comes into the little town and sit patiently at the end of the road at the official stop. There was someone with loud music today. It always feel a little festive on the bus. Friends talking, sometimes music, stopping every 5-10 minutes or so, stopping and starting. You just get on and go with the flow.
When we got to the stop in León, we were the last ones off the bus, even though we were in the front seat. There were soooo many people on the bus today. It was like a clown car unloading. At one point, I thought people must be entering through the back door and walking down the aisle to get off in front. Always an interesting experience. We like riding the bus.
After German picked us up, we went to La Unión for some groceries. Then we went to eat lunch at a Mediterranean restaurant. It was very nice in Nic standards. We were the only ones there at 11:10am. Mary thought that might mean that it wasn't very good, since no one was eating. German said it is a nice restaurant for dates and special occasions, and that small children are not encouraged to attend. It was very pleasant for lunch. Cloth tablecloths and napkins, waterglasses, etc. It was expensive for Nic, but was only about $7 per person. I was happy to treat everyone. I love being able to go different places and try different things. I loved going there.
After lunch, we stopped by the used book vendor who sets up on the sidewalk (literally) on the corner. He sells books for $2, and even though that pains Mary to spend that much, it's cheaper than we have found anywhere else so far. We also walked around some outdoor shops quickly. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more that vendors are setting up on the streets. German took us to a place where there were some vendors from Masaya (where the Gringo market is). I bought a couple of leather items and also a Spanish Monopoly game. How fun!!!
We went through part of the open market, looking for candy to give out to the kids at the Sewer Pond for Christmas. German said we could do better getting big bags at La Unión, so we'll pick the candy up when we go to town again on Friday.
We returned to the van and since we were driving past Eskimo, Mary said we had to stop for an icecream cone. Well, inflation has hit and the cono jumbo (giant waffle cone with 2 dips) has went from 20 córdabas to 30, which in USD is about $1.50. We were stunned at the huge jump in a matter of a few days. But we still think it's a lot cheaper than Braums! Needless to say, we were stuffed by the time we made it back to the house. It was a nice shopping day.
I laid on my bed and read for a little while, until I dozed off. I was trying to download an update for my computer, but because the internet is slow, after 1.5 hours, it still hadn't loaded. I'll try again some other time.
We went for our 4:30 walk on the beach. We get back about 5:45 or so. We've noticed that they sun is setting a little bit later each day. Again today, we saw how different the beach was from Monday. The waves were staying way out today. And at the north end of the beach, there was a lot of sand missing. The hill was leveled off and we could see the houses from the water's edge. Usually, we just see the tree tops. We also saw a hole in the sand about 3" wide. Probably a large crab hole. There was a small fish tail sticking out of the top. I didn't have my camera, so I didn't get a pic. It was funny to look at.
After getting back home, I jumped in the shower and settled in with the computer to catch up on some people who are battling (and winning) some health challenges. I'm so thankful to be able to get on line to follow their progress. I also called my sister Pam to see how she is doing. She sounded pretty good. Still sore and still tired of only laying on her back, but she's getting there. She's still a little worried about the results of the test on her lymph nodes. Hopefully, those results will be back next week. She has appointments with all her doctors (4) in the next 2 weeks. I appreciate everyone's prayers for her.
When we were at La Unión today, we found Cheetos! They have them every once in a while, and had been out for weeks. We stocked up today! We were very excited! Mary has a special friend that works as a sacker at the store. His name is Ricardo. He always takes good care of us! He's her favorite. She always tips him more than the others. He's quite the cutie, too!
I miss watching the news on tv. I try to follow CNN on line, but it's not the same. It takes a while for the stories to download and I get impatient. I guess if anything earth-shattering happens, I'll hear about it one way or another.
Tomorrow is another work day here at the house. And we'll spend some quality time on Spanish lessons, for both of us. Mary wants to start putting sentences together, so we will be delving into the world of Spanish verbs soon. Pray for us people! It's not going to be pretty! :) But it is a big hurdle and big stepping stone to move on. With God's grace, we'll make it through a few sessions. I'm going to put Mary on a couple of websites that have good interactive lessons. I hope it will be easier for her than just a book. She's trying very hard and I'm proud of her.
I also need to get lessons ready for the class that we will do with the Translators next week. I'll work on that tomorrow, too.
I got word today that I'll continue to receive support from FBC Rogers for 2011. I get $8,000 per year from the church and I depend on God to encourage individuals to support me to make up the difference for living expenses. God has provided a wonderful place for me to live for free with my friend Deanna. I'm so thankful for that! I borrowed a vehicle from the Eatons for the last 18 months, and that helped tremendously. I won't have a vehicle when I get back in January, but it works out fine since I will work from home most of the time. When I meet with people, I'll ask for a ride. It will work out fine. I'm thankful that my personal bills are covered by the support (life insurance, health insurance, tax payments, medicines, groceries, etc). God always makes it balance out just fine. And He provides house/pet/kid/granny-sitting jobs when I need to make extra money. I'm very thankful for the way He takes care of me, especially when He gets others involved. He's a good provider.
It's only 9pm, but I'm ready to call it a night. I think I need my beauty sleep!
Thank You Lord for all Your blessings today. Thank You for allowing me to be here in Nic right now and for the relationships You are building for me. Thank You for the ministry that VOH has here and for the people who work hard to reach the Nica people for You. Show us all what You have planned for us each day. Help us to be ready and willing to serve in the way that YOU have planned.
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