Man, was I tired today!! I was so excited to have the internet usb connection last night and to get to download some stuff, that I was jumping up all night when I would wake up to roll over in bed. I would check to see that the downloads were still going. I know I will sleep very well tonight!
Hopefully, the wireless, ‘stronger’ internet will finally get installed this week. They keep saying ‘tomorrow’, but that started over 2 weeks ago. I’m thankful for what we have and will be even more grateful for the better one!
Spanish class was good this morning, but I could tell I wasn’t thinking at 100% due to being tired and also being pre-occupied with conversations that I was having during the morning with FBCRogers. I always hate having to deal with support and stuff. I just want to serve and forget the worldly stuff. Fortunately, living as a missionary is pretty much at the bottom of the material world, so there’s not a lot to handle. Just praying for God to show me how He wants me to involve people in the ministry by giving them the opportunity to help.
Juan was pre-occupied with some stuff, too, but we had a good class anyway. He said that he can tell a difference every day in my usage of all those silly verb tenses. ☺
Juan said that Jonathan and Salvador, the guys in the English class I help with, have job interviews in Managua using their English skills. I hope they get the jobs, if it’s God’s will, but I will miss them!
I walked to and from class today, which made me even more tired, but it felt good to get the exercise. I had lunch and then sat a visited a little bit with Mary, Sherry, Joceline and Leslie.
We prepared everything for the Sewing class and had a great time with those 10 ladies. They learned how to make little drawstring bags by sewing them by hand. Oscar was here to video a little bit of the class for our VOH ministry video. Mary was taken by surprised and a little worried about what she looked like, but we all look like we’ve been busy and could use some freshening up most of the time. No worries.
After the ladies left, Mike and German returned from Managua. The Hulsey’s took Joceline home with them to babysit Manuel tonight so they could have a date night. Mary and I had tuna for dinner and then went to our rooms. I had a ton of correspondence to take care of and Mary watched part of a movie on Manuel’s computer. Joceline came home and got all tucked into her room. Alberto had me catch Buster for him so he could tuck Buster into bed for the night.
Mike said that internet has been a problem all over Nicaragua today, but I got on it this evening on my computer. It was good to get some correspondence done about ministry opps for December and for the coming year.
I watched 2 episodes of Army Wives on my computer and now am ready for bed. I’m so thankful for all of God’s blessings. And tonight I’m especially thankful for the blessing of rest! Goodnight!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011 NICARAGUA
Woke up early and was ready to start the day. Very good night’s sleep.
I got up and did some Chronological Bible ready/study. Then I reviewed Spanish a little before getting breakfast and a shower.
I was planning on walking to class, but German came by to do an errand and was leaving soon and asked if I wanted a ride. I haven’t had the chance to spend much time with him and talk since we are all so busy with our own parts of the ministry. So I decided to accept the ride. A bonus was that we went by his house to pick up his wife and I got to see Ishmael and Mariangel (and Joanna’s mother, who was going to babysit) for a little while. I miss them a lot. Our schedules haven’t allowed us to all be together for weeks.
I got to class right on time, and of course, Juan was late, but it gave me more time for review. Not having class all last week made me a little rusty, but happy for the things that are sticking to my brain. We had a great class, discussing many things in Spanish, like what all the team did last week, how Mary is, etc. I had taken some Christmas Carols to translate and we worked on a couple. I spent more time trying to explain the carols than on translating them into Spanish. I’m becoming more aware that North America has lots of frivolous stuff that the rest of the world doesn’t deal with, especially for holidays, and even more so for Christmas. It makes me even more aware of how far western culture has deviated from the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, here, they worship Mary for Christmas and put Jesus on a backburner, so there are challenges wherever you go to spread the Gospel.
I walked home from class and Sherry had made taco salad for lunch. Taco salad is more of a North American food, but everyone here likes it. Me especially.
Mike and I met for a little bit about administrative stuff for the ministry and the plans for the future of the Women’s Ministry here. We also talked about my future and the options for my financial support. Sherry, Manuel and Joceline went swimming, Leslie looked over the notes for this week’s Women’s Bible study, Mary read a book and Mike worked on his computer. It was a very peaceful afternoon.
Mary was itching to get out of the house for a while, since she doesn’t go anywhere except church, Bible studies and out to eat with the group. She and I had planned on going shopping to buy flip flops this afternoon, but the meeting with Mike took a little longer than anticipated. But Sherry, Mary, Joceline and I ran downtown for about an hour and got flip flops and then some ice cream. We walked to La Unión grocery store and the girls bought cold sodas while I ran into the sewing notions/craft store next door. I got some ribbon and another crochet hook. Leslie’s husband, Jorge, picked us up in his taxi and brought us home. We had a quick dinner of snacks and then it was time for the VOH weekly Bible study.
While at the park downtown, we ran into Joe and Marcela. It was so good to get some hugs!! I can’t wait until we can spend some time together.
Oscar came to the study and I teased him about smelling extra nice for tonight. Joceline is his girlfriend and now that she is living here, he is putting his best foot forward. Manuel, Mike and Sherry’s son, is in love with Joceline and is planning on marrying her. He has told Oscar in no uncertain terms that Oscar is out of the running and to find another girl. On Joceline’s cell phone, she had a picture of her and Oscar as the wallpaper. Manuel deleted it. He gets serious about his ‘girlfriends’, but luckily, he changes girlfriends often, especially when teams come down, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Jaasiel said that Manuel did very well in his schoolwork today. He had a week off last week, too, since the team was here and Jaasiel worked as a translator for us. His new medication is slowly kicking in to make him more focused and even out his emotions. Meds and prayers are the order of the day. It’s good to see his sweet smile with those cute little dimples.
VOH Bible study was good and Oscar and German joined Mary, Sherry, Mike and me. Jonathan and Salvadore weren’t here and I missed seeing them.
I messed around with some crafty stuff this evening while downloading stuff on my computer. I downloaded some Christmas songs from iTunes, which would normally take a few seconds per song. Here it took about 5 minutes per song. Then overnight I downloaded app updates for my phone.
The internet company, which was supposed to show up 2 weeks ago, then last week, then yesterday morning, is supposedly coming this morning. We will have ‘higher than what we have now’ speed internet and it will be wireless. That means I can get on it any time and since I don’t have to use the usb connector, I can use my printer while still on the net. It will be almost like normal! Ha
I was thinking about anything unusual that I saw today, keeping in mind that unusual is a very relative term down here. One thing sticks out in my mind. There was a guy in a wheel chair that had been rigged up with the pedal part of a bicycle for him to use with his arms to get around. You could tell that it was home made.
Another funny thing is that there is a guy at the corner by the ice cream shop who takes it upon himself to direct traffic with a very loud whistle. Everyone ignores him and he never helps the situation at all, but he’s very serious about his self appointed job.
All in all, it has been a great day. I love all the blessings.
I got up and did some Chronological Bible ready/study. Then I reviewed Spanish a little before getting breakfast and a shower.
I was planning on walking to class, but German came by to do an errand and was leaving soon and asked if I wanted a ride. I haven’t had the chance to spend much time with him and talk since we are all so busy with our own parts of the ministry. So I decided to accept the ride. A bonus was that we went by his house to pick up his wife and I got to see Ishmael and Mariangel (and Joanna’s mother, who was going to babysit) for a little while. I miss them a lot. Our schedules haven’t allowed us to all be together for weeks.
I got to class right on time, and of course, Juan was late, but it gave me more time for review. Not having class all last week made me a little rusty, but happy for the things that are sticking to my brain. We had a great class, discussing many things in Spanish, like what all the team did last week, how Mary is, etc. I had taken some Christmas Carols to translate and we worked on a couple. I spent more time trying to explain the carols than on translating them into Spanish. I’m becoming more aware that North America has lots of frivolous stuff that the rest of the world doesn’t deal with, especially for holidays, and even more so for Christmas. It makes me even more aware of how far western culture has deviated from the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, here, they worship Mary for Christmas and put Jesus on a backburner, so there are challenges wherever you go to spread the Gospel.
I walked home from class and Sherry had made taco salad for lunch. Taco salad is more of a North American food, but everyone here likes it. Me especially.
Mike and I met for a little bit about administrative stuff for the ministry and the plans for the future of the Women’s Ministry here. We also talked about my future and the options for my financial support. Sherry, Manuel and Joceline went swimming, Leslie looked over the notes for this week’s Women’s Bible study, Mary read a book and Mike worked on his computer. It was a very peaceful afternoon.
Mary was itching to get out of the house for a while, since she doesn’t go anywhere except church, Bible studies and out to eat with the group. She and I had planned on going shopping to buy flip flops this afternoon, but the meeting with Mike took a little longer than anticipated. But Sherry, Mary, Joceline and I ran downtown for about an hour and got flip flops and then some ice cream. We walked to La Unión grocery store and the girls bought cold sodas while I ran into the sewing notions/craft store next door. I got some ribbon and another crochet hook. Leslie’s husband, Jorge, picked us up in his taxi and brought us home. We had a quick dinner of snacks and then it was time for the VOH weekly Bible study.
While at the park downtown, we ran into Joe and Marcela. It was so good to get some hugs!! I can’t wait until we can spend some time together.
Oscar came to the study and I teased him about smelling extra nice for tonight. Joceline is his girlfriend and now that she is living here, he is putting his best foot forward. Manuel, Mike and Sherry’s son, is in love with Joceline and is planning on marrying her. He has told Oscar in no uncertain terms that Oscar is out of the running and to find another girl. On Joceline’s cell phone, she had a picture of her and Oscar as the wallpaper. Manuel deleted it. He gets serious about his ‘girlfriends’, but luckily, he changes girlfriends often, especially when teams come down, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Jaasiel said that Manuel did very well in his schoolwork today. He had a week off last week, too, since the team was here and Jaasiel worked as a translator for us. His new medication is slowly kicking in to make him more focused and even out his emotions. Meds and prayers are the order of the day. It’s good to see his sweet smile with those cute little dimples.
VOH Bible study was good and Oscar and German joined Mary, Sherry, Mike and me. Jonathan and Salvadore weren’t here and I missed seeing them.
I messed around with some crafty stuff this evening while downloading stuff on my computer. I downloaded some Christmas songs from iTunes, which would normally take a few seconds per song. Here it took about 5 minutes per song. Then overnight I downloaded app updates for my phone.
The internet company, which was supposed to show up 2 weeks ago, then last week, then yesterday morning, is supposedly coming this morning. We will have ‘higher than what we have now’ speed internet and it will be wireless. That means I can get on it any time and since I don’t have to use the usb connector, I can use my printer while still on the net. It will be almost like normal! Ha
I was thinking about anything unusual that I saw today, keeping in mind that unusual is a very relative term down here. One thing sticks out in my mind. There was a guy in a wheel chair that had been rigged up with the pedal part of a bicycle for him to use with his arms to get around. You could tell that it was home made.
Another funny thing is that there is a guy at the corner by the ice cream shop who takes it upon himself to direct traffic with a very loud whistle. Everyone ignores him and he never helps the situation at all, but he’s very serious about his self appointed job.
All in all, it has been a great day. I love all the blessings.
Sunday, November 27, 2011 NICARAGUA
A nice quiet night. No one here but Mary, me, Jocelina (not sure about how to spell her name yet), Alberto and Buster the dog. I miss having the team here, but it was nice to get so much done today, too.
Since we had been at church many times this week, Mike said we would be staying home today. I spent some good time doing Bible study this morning and loved it. I then started doing some much needed laundry. I ended up doing 2 loads of clothes plus stripping my bed and even washing the sheet/bedspread and pillow shams that I made. Everything is all put back where it belongs and it feels good.
I also worked on my notes for the Women’s Bible study this week. We will be studying Mary over the next 4 weeks. I’m excited to see how the ladies react to some of the truths in the Bible that don’t line up with their Catholic upbringing. It should be good for some interesting discussion time.
I also studied a few hours on Spanish. I was reading some of my notes (I’ve filled 2 notebooks so far) and read stuff that I forgot we even discussed. No wonder my brain is crazy. Too much stuff in it!
For dinner, I fixed a baked potato and some cream of mushroom soup. It was yummy. I had trail mix for dessert.
I spent another few hours on the internet looking up info about projects for our ladies to work on in sewing class for the next few months. I can get drawn in and lose track of time doing that. But it’s been a fun day.
I’m pretty tired and I need to get up early tomorrow for extra hours in Spanish class, so this will be short.
We said goodbye to Steve Wood and his family this morning. Jocelina moved into her room this afternoon. Next Sunday our intern from FBCRogers will arrive for 3 weeks and then on Thursday, Talon, our intern from El Dorado AR will arrive for a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to have them here and get geared up for the big December team.
Mike says we’re having a staff meeting about Dec and the future, etc., after lunch tomorrow. I’ll scurry home from Spanish class to be ready. Then I think Mary and I may go down town for a little bit. She wants to get some flip flops and Monday afternoon is about our only free time to do so.
I grabbed a quick shower, my second one today, so that I would be fresh and clean for my clean sheets. I think I hear them calling my name…
Since we had been at church many times this week, Mike said we would be staying home today. I spent some good time doing Bible study this morning and loved it. I then started doing some much needed laundry. I ended up doing 2 loads of clothes plus stripping my bed and even washing the sheet/bedspread and pillow shams that I made. Everything is all put back where it belongs and it feels good.
I also worked on my notes for the Women’s Bible study this week. We will be studying Mary over the next 4 weeks. I’m excited to see how the ladies react to some of the truths in the Bible that don’t line up with their Catholic upbringing. It should be good for some interesting discussion time.
I also studied a few hours on Spanish. I was reading some of my notes (I’ve filled 2 notebooks so far) and read stuff that I forgot we even discussed. No wonder my brain is crazy. Too much stuff in it!
For dinner, I fixed a baked potato and some cream of mushroom soup. It was yummy. I had trail mix for dessert.
I spent another few hours on the internet looking up info about projects for our ladies to work on in sewing class for the next few months. I can get drawn in and lose track of time doing that. But it’s been a fun day.
I’m pretty tired and I need to get up early tomorrow for extra hours in Spanish class, so this will be short.
We said goodbye to Steve Wood and his family this morning. Jocelina moved into her room this afternoon. Next Sunday our intern from FBCRogers will arrive for 3 weeks and then on Thursday, Talon, our intern from El Dorado AR will arrive for a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to have them here and get geared up for the big December team.
Mike says we’re having a staff meeting about Dec and the future, etc., after lunch tomorrow. I’ll scurry home from Spanish class to be ready. Then I think Mary and I may go down town for a little bit. She wants to get some flip flops and Monday afternoon is about our only free time to do so.
I grabbed a quick shower, my second one today, so that I would be fresh and clean for my clean sheets. I think I hear them calling my name…
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Almost 10pm and I’m comfortably relaxing in my room. The team from Eastside Baptist Church, Paragould AR, left this morning. We worked a little cleaning around the house. I did some Bible study and then I grabbed a nap and put laundry away, ate left overs for lunch and dinner, then showered, got on the computer and then watched a few episodes of Army Wives on the computer.
I’m very relaxed and comfy and ready to go to sleep.
It has been a really good week. We start back to the regular routine next week. I’ll be in Spanish class Mon-Thurs, teach sewing on Tues afternoon, teach Bible study on Wed and Fri afternoons and help with the English class on Thurs afternoon.
Time is going to really fly by these last 5 weeks.
Buster the dog is having to get used to just Me and Mary and Alberto being here at night. No team for him to play with. Maybe he’ll catch up on his napping, too.
We are taking it easy tomorrow since we’ve been so busy this week. We’ve been to so many church services this week, that Mike said we could take the morning off. I’ll spend a few hours on Bible study and will enjoy my time with the Lord.
I also need to be studying on Spanish to prepare for class on Monday.
I have decided that I will work on sewing the Bible bags for the ladies at ROSCC church over the next few weeks and give them to the ladies right before Christmas. I am going to pace myself a little bit on the workload.
I need to get projects lined out for the Sewing class ladies to work on while I’m gone during Jan and half of Feb.
It really does feel like I’m preparing for ‘vacation’ in the states and returning ‘home’ to Nica in a couple of months. I like that feeling.
I’m waiting to find out what my support will look like from FBC Rogers, so that I can put together my newsletter and support letter for the end of the year. I know that God will provide for me. I’m just waiting to see how He has it planned and what I need to do to pull it together.
German is going to find out next week about getting some of my meds here in Nica. That will be cheaper and also I won’t have to buy 3 months worth at a time. The change/possible loss of health insurance at the end of Dec will help to determine my options. There are some definite advantages to getting the meds here. Like price, availability, etc. We’ll see.
We’re getting ready for a big team the week before Christmas, who will build a church at the Sewer Pond neighborhood. At the same time, I’ll be turning over the reigns of the Bible studies and Sewing class to Leslie, our fulltime translator, to keep things going while we’re in the states.
I had a really great blessing today. While getting passports for the team out of my safe, I realized that the little bag that I keep my passport in felt more full than just my passport. I looked inside and there was an envelope from my bank back in the states with some money that I had put aside and forgot about. I was so happy to find it! What a blessing!!! I love it when God surprises me like that!
Well, bed is calling my name. Looking forward to a restful night and I’m so thankful to sleep in peace that comes from knowing God.
I’m very relaxed and comfy and ready to go to sleep.
It has been a really good week. We start back to the regular routine next week. I’ll be in Spanish class Mon-Thurs, teach sewing on Tues afternoon, teach Bible study on Wed and Fri afternoons and help with the English class on Thurs afternoon.
Time is going to really fly by these last 5 weeks.
Buster the dog is having to get used to just Me and Mary and Alberto being here at night. No team for him to play with. Maybe he’ll catch up on his napping, too.
We are taking it easy tomorrow since we’ve been so busy this week. We’ve been to so many church services this week, that Mike said we could take the morning off. I’ll spend a few hours on Bible study and will enjoy my time with the Lord.
I also need to be studying on Spanish to prepare for class on Monday.
I have decided that I will work on sewing the Bible bags for the ladies at ROSCC church over the next few weeks and give them to the ladies right before Christmas. I am going to pace myself a little bit on the workload.
I need to get projects lined out for the Sewing class ladies to work on while I’m gone during Jan and half of Feb.
It really does feel like I’m preparing for ‘vacation’ in the states and returning ‘home’ to Nica in a couple of months. I like that feeling.
I’m waiting to find out what my support will look like from FBC Rogers, so that I can put together my newsletter and support letter for the end of the year. I know that God will provide for me. I’m just waiting to see how He has it planned and what I need to do to pull it together.
German is going to find out next week about getting some of my meds here in Nica. That will be cheaper and also I won’t have to buy 3 months worth at a time. The change/possible loss of health insurance at the end of Dec will help to determine my options. There are some definite advantages to getting the meds here. Like price, availability, etc. We’ll see.
We’re getting ready for a big team the week before Christmas, who will build a church at the Sewer Pond neighborhood. At the same time, I’ll be turning over the reigns of the Bible studies and Sewing class to Leslie, our fulltime translator, to keep things going while we’re in the states.
I had a really great blessing today. While getting passports for the team out of my safe, I realized that the little bag that I keep my passport in felt more full than just my passport. I looked inside and there was an envelope from my bank back in the states with some money that I had put aside and forgot about. I was so happy to find it! What a blessing!!! I love it when God surprises me like that!
Well, bed is calling my name. Looking forward to a restful night and I’m so thankful to sleep in peace that comes from knowing God.
Friday, November 25, 2011 NICARAGUA
It’s the day after Thanksgiving in the states and a day called Black Friday. I usually think of this day with very tired feelings from shopping. But this year I’m thinking of it as a day with very tired feelings from being here in Nica.
The pastor here to do the conference for church leaders on the book of Revelation, was going to mention to the audience something about this being Black Friday. He had told one of the translators that it is called Black Friday because people get up when it’s still dark to go shopping. I explained to the translators that it is really called Black Friday because of the fact that retailers acknowledge that this one day of shopping is so huge that it usually puts their books in the ‘black’ instead of the ‘red’ for the year. Chico said that what the pastor told him made more sense. Oh brother. Anyway, both translators decided that the term Black Friday sounded too ominous to say and wouldn’t translate into this culture, so they went with the idea of it being a big shopping day. Sometimes it’s just hard to explain the western culture.
Today was the team’s Fun Day. We had breakfast and then Leslie and I took the team shopping downtown for some souvenirs. We all ate at Tip Top Chicken and then headed back to the Mission House for a few hours.
While we were walking around and then waiting on the others to finish shopping, I had the chance to talk to a young lady about Christ. I could understand about 90% of what she was saying. She believes she will go to heaven by doing what is right and good and that she didn’t really need North Americans to tell her about her religion. I think we got on better ground, but I still don’t think that she is a Christian. I didn’t want to push her away with more talk, since I was getting in deep enough that I needed a translator to help out, so we agreed that I could pray for her. I hope that the seeds were planted deep and that she will be open to the next person to come along and share about Christ.
We got back to the Mission House in time for the group to catch the Arkansas/LSU ballgame on the internet. Unfortunately, the electricity had been out since right after we left this morning. That meant that the internet was knocked out, too. Two of the guys were very distraught about it. I came into my room to start studying my notes for this coming week’s Bible study and after a while I heard my little microwave beep and knew that the power was back on. I hollered out my door that it was on and the two guys almost killed themselves jumping back to the computer. It was soon time to leave for the afternoon activities. Since we only had one van today, I opted to stay at the Mission House and wait for the second trip to Poneloya. Sherry took the group past their house and then on to the beach. They went by Suyapa restaurant to pre-order their meals, and then went to walk along the beach. Kelton came back to pick up me, Mike, Steve and his family after the conference was over. We all met at Suyapa and had dinner. It was really good and I enjoyed it very much. Kelton was the only person there who can’t speak English, so I sat with him and tried to keep up a conversation. Manuel was sitting beside me and kept having me to tell Kelton things. I’m sure that Kelton thinks my Spanish is very weird, since most of the things that Manuel said were off the wall. It was funny. I think Kelton had a good time anyway.
While I was waiting at the Mission House this afternoon, I got to get on the internet a little bit. It’s only the second time this week that I could get on it. The team has kept the cable very busy. The last 2 days I have lost the international data capability on my phone, which I how I usually keep up with emails and facebook. I haven’t got to post on facebook much this week. I thought I would get the chance to get on it this afternoon, but Mike needed the internet connection right away when he got back from the conference. Maybe I’ll get to use it tomorrow. I hope they get our permanent internet hooked up here at the house this coming week. It will be wonderful when they do!
The team is having their last sharetime tonight. I can hear them singing and laughing and then quiet while they are praying. We will really miss them. They have been a great team to work with. They have blessed us very much. It’s been great to be able to be here at the new Mission House, too. It’s worked out well.
They will be leaving for the airport about 9:30am tomorrow. After they leave, I’ll probably go for a long walk and then get cleaned up and take a nap! I have lots of studying to do to prepare the Bible study on Mary for the coming 4 weeks. Then it will be time to go back to the states for a while. Time is flying by!!
I also need to study some Spanish this weekend, too, to prepare for next week’s classes. I’ll be doing extra time each morning to make up for being off this week. I’m hoping it will continue to stick to my brain. I’m so anxious to learn it and to be able to use it without having to hesitate so much. I know God will make it happen for me. I’ll keep working hard.
I’m nice and tired tonight. That seems to be a recurrent theme for me. But it’s good to be physically tired. It feels good not to be stressed, too. I am very busy but love everything that God allows me to do. He is awesome!
The pastor here to do the conference for church leaders on the book of Revelation, was going to mention to the audience something about this being Black Friday. He had told one of the translators that it is called Black Friday because people get up when it’s still dark to go shopping. I explained to the translators that it is really called Black Friday because of the fact that retailers acknowledge that this one day of shopping is so huge that it usually puts their books in the ‘black’ instead of the ‘red’ for the year. Chico said that what the pastor told him made more sense. Oh brother. Anyway, both translators decided that the term Black Friday sounded too ominous to say and wouldn’t translate into this culture, so they went with the idea of it being a big shopping day. Sometimes it’s just hard to explain the western culture.
Today was the team’s Fun Day. We had breakfast and then Leslie and I took the team shopping downtown for some souvenirs. We all ate at Tip Top Chicken and then headed back to the Mission House for a few hours.
While we were walking around and then waiting on the others to finish shopping, I had the chance to talk to a young lady about Christ. I could understand about 90% of what she was saying. She believes she will go to heaven by doing what is right and good and that she didn’t really need North Americans to tell her about her religion. I think we got on better ground, but I still don’t think that she is a Christian. I didn’t want to push her away with more talk, since I was getting in deep enough that I needed a translator to help out, so we agreed that I could pray for her. I hope that the seeds were planted deep and that she will be open to the next person to come along and share about Christ.
We got back to the Mission House in time for the group to catch the Arkansas/LSU ballgame on the internet. Unfortunately, the electricity had been out since right after we left this morning. That meant that the internet was knocked out, too. Two of the guys were very distraught about it. I came into my room to start studying my notes for this coming week’s Bible study and after a while I heard my little microwave beep and knew that the power was back on. I hollered out my door that it was on and the two guys almost killed themselves jumping back to the computer. It was soon time to leave for the afternoon activities. Since we only had one van today, I opted to stay at the Mission House and wait for the second trip to Poneloya. Sherry took the group past their house and then on to the beach. They went by Suyapa restaurant to pre-order their meals, and then went to walk along the beach. Kelton came back to pick up me, Mike, Steve and his family after the conference was over. We all met at Suyapa and had dinner. It was really good and I enjoyed it very much. Kelton was the only person there who can’t speak English, so I sat with him and tried to keep up a conversation. Manuel was sitting beside me and kept having me to tell Kelton things. I’m sure that Kelton thinks my Spanish is very weird, since most of the things that Manuel said were off the wall. It was funny. I think Kelton had a good time anyway.
While I was waiting at the Mission House this afternoon, I got to get on the internet a little bit. It’s only the second time this week that I could get on it. The team has kept the cable very busy. The last 2 days I have lost the international data capability on my phone, which I how I usually keep up with emails and facebook. I haven’t got to post on facebook much this week. I thought I would get the chance to get on it this afternoon, but Mike needed the internet connection right away when he got back from the conference. Maybe I’ll get to use it tomorrow. I hope they get our permanent internet hooked up here at the house this coming week. It will be wonderful when they do!
The team is having their last sharetime tonight. I can hear them singing and laughing and then quiet while they are praying. We will really miss them. They have been a great team to work with. They have blessed us very much. It’s been great to be able to be here at the new Mission House, too. It’s worked out well.
They will be leaving for the airport about 9:30am tomorrow. After they leave, I’ll probably go for a long walk and then get cleaned up and take a nap! I have lots of studying to do to prepare the Bible study on Mary for the coming 4 weeks. Then it will be time to go back to the states for a while. Time is flying by!!
I also need to study some Spanish this weekend, too, to prepare for next week’s classes. I’ll be doing extra time each morning to make up for being off this week. I’m hoping it will continue to stick to my brain. I’m so anxious to learn it and to be able to use it without having to hesitate so much. I know God will make it happen for me. I’ll keep working hard.
I’m nice and tired tonight. That seems to be a recurrent theme for me. But it’s good to be physically tired. It feels good not to be stressed, too. I am very busy but love everything that God allows me to do. He is awesome!
Thursday, November 24, 2011 NICARAGUA
Thanksgiving Day. I spent that holiday last year here, too. I love it. We went out to Las Quimeras and held a morning VBS time and then were there to pray over the feeding of kids. It was a beautiful day. Sunny, but not too hot, with a slight breeze. The kids had fun and the team enjoyed working with them and also going street witnessing. More than one of the team members mentioned how appreciative the kids (and even adults) were to get to color with crayons, make a paperbag puppet, play simple games and just have fun. I was happy to get to help cut up some of the vegetables for the lunch that was served to the kids. I am so happy to see the simple, but new and very functional outdoor kitchen at the church. It’s a lean-to built up against part of one of the walls. It has a tin roof and the supports are made of tree limbs. The cooking area is made up of cement blocks that make 3 spots for putting fires and setting large pots. There is a work table for chopping food. The ladies were quite happy to work in the new kitchen. They were from the Women’s Bible study group and it was fun to get to see them 3 times this week! We mostly stayed out of their way, but felt happy to be there.
We came back to the Mission House and had lunch. Sherry had planned a special lunch since it was Thanksgiving dinner. We had grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese (made with boxes of velveeta cheese that she had brought from the states), slaw and corn. It was very good. She had baked some cakes for us, too.
After lunch, everyone relaxed in their own ways. I laid down on my bed and had a little snooze. Mary woke me up about 15 minutes before we left for church service.
We went back out to Las Quimeras church for a special service. The lady Pastor from the Telica church, along with some others from that little church, were present. The team had purchased 40 chairs for the Telica church, so we took them with us and presented them to the Pastor. They were very glad to get them.
Pastor Marvin was there from Rose of Sharon CC church, along with his mom and dad and the little praise band. It was nice to see them. It was a good service with lovely music and the message and testimony were brought by the team. Very good jobs by everyone.
We got back to the Mission House about 7:30pm and had dinner, a traditional daily Nicaraguan meal: beans, rice, fried plantain, fried cheese and tortilla.
Mike talked a little bit to the group and thanked them for the great work they did this week. Tomorrow is fun day and the group is having a fun time tonight talking and laughing under the rancho and I can hear them from my room. I’m going to miss having them here.
I’ll be going with the group to go shopping tomorrow morning, along with Leslie. We’ll eat at either Tip Top Chicken or Hollywood Pizza, which are side by side. Then we’ll come back to hang out at the Mission House and then about 3:30pm go to the beach and to Suyapa for an early dinner. It will be a fun day.
Usually, we are exhausted at the end of a team ministry week, but being here at the Mission House and having a great team to work with has made this week very fun and enjoyable. I haven’t had to go out with the team for Fiestas since I’m still carrying on the Bible Studies and Sewing Class, so it has been a lot easier on me than in the past. It is such a blessing to have Leslie to be in charge of Fiestas and the VBS today.
The stars were beautiful tonight. Since there are few lights and no tall buildings, even in town, it was easy to see the start. Leslie and Jaasiel asked if I think we have the same stars in the US. I said no, these are prettier. Haha
I’m ready to head to bed for now. It’s been a good day. I did get the chance to call one of my sisters and my mom early this morning before we left for Las Quimeras. I was waiting until later in the day to call my other sister and my dad, but when I had the chance, we were out of cell range and then I fell asleep in the afternoon when at the Mission House and didn’t get them called. I’ll try tomorrow.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is truly thankful for God being in their lives. I know I am.
We came back to the Mission House and had lunch. Sherry had planned a special lunch since it was Thanksgiving dinner. We had grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese (made with boxes of velveeta cheese that she had brought from the states), slaw and corn. It was very good. She had baked some cakes for us, too.
After lunch, everyone relaxed in their own ways. I laid down on my bed and had a little snooze. Mary woke me up about 15 minutes before we left for church service.
We went back out to Las Quimeras church for a special service. The lady Pastor from the Telica church, along with some others from that little church, were present. The team had purchased 40 chairs for the Telica church, so we took them with us and presented them to the Pastor. They were very glad to get them.
Pastor Marvin was there from Rose of Sharon CC church, along with his mom and dad and the little praise band. It was nice to see them. It was a good service with lovely music and the message and testimony were brought by the team. Very good jobs by everyone.
We got back to the Mission House about 7:30pm and had dinner, a traditional daily Nicaraguan meal: beans, rice, fried plantain, fried cheese and tortilla.
Mike talked a little bit to the group and thanked them for the great work they did this week. Tomorrow is fun day and the group is having a fun time tonight talking and laughing under the rancho and I can hear them from my room. I’m going to miss having them here.
I’ll be going with the group to go shopping tomorrow morning, along with Leslie. We’ll eat at either Tip Top Chicken or Hollywood Pizza, which are side by side. Then we’ll come back to hang out at the Mission House and then about 3:30pm go to the beach and to Suyapa for an early dinner. It will be a fun day.
Usually, we are exhausted at the end of a team ministry week, but being here at the Mission House and having a great team to work with has made this week very fun and enjoyable. I haven’t had to go out with the team for Fiestas since I’m still carrying on the Bible Studies and Sewing Class, so it has been a lot easier on me than in the past. It is such a blessing to have Leslie to be in charge of Fiestas and the VBS today.
The stars were beautiful tonight. Since there are few lights and no tall buildings, even in town, it was easy to see the start. Leslie and Jaasiel asked if I think we have the same stars in the US. I said no, these are prettier. Haha
I’m ready to head to bed for now. It’s been a good day. I did get the chance to call one of my sisters and my mom early this morning before we left for Las Quimeras. I was waiting until later in the day to call my other sister and my dad, but when I had the chance, we were out of cell range and then I fell asleep in the afternoon when at the Mission House and didn’t get them called. I’ll try tomorrow.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is truly thankful for God being in their lives. I know I am.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 NICARAGUA
Just realized that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. How funny to not be thinking about it. I was aware that it is ‘this week’ and ‘this Thursday’, but it still didn’t connect in my head. I like the Thanksgiving holiday, but I also am glad to be away from all the stress of people trying to make it a ‘perfect’ holiday.
This morning I went for a walk with Steve, the visiting Pastor here to do a conference. We walked down to Todopoderoso church and back. Probably 4 miles. We stopped in at the ‘gym’, a House of the Bible book store and a health food kind of store on the way. We enjoyed it.
I did a little bit of work getting things in order and then got my much needed shower. The team got back when I was finishing up and we all had a good lunch of simmered beef steak with onions and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and beans. Very yummy! As all the meals are!
We had some down time and some of the team napped and some swam in the pool and some sat around and talked. Charlie (the team leader) was asking me for a list of items that they can get for us and send down. So I talked with him a little bit about that list.
Mary, Leslie and I left for the Women’s Bible Study in Las Quimeras and we had a very good class today. We finished up the study on Eve today and then Mary talked to them about Evangelizing and their favorite verses and such. We had some new women come starting today. It’s good to see the ministry grow in that community.
When we finished the Bible study, we thought that Danilo was just going to pick us up after he dropped part of the team off at the church in Malpaisillo and then take us to the church to meet up with the group. Instead, we got out to the van and there were all but one of the translators and German. There wasn’t room in the other van for everyone and there wasn’t enough time for Danilo to make multiple runs, so they came to get us and the service was almost half over already and the ride there is 30 minutes. So German made the decision for us to just go to the Mission House and call it a night. The funny thing is that all the translators, except Jeremy were missing from church. It’s only funny to us, I guess…
We got home and had some tacos. These are giant taquitos with a chicken filling. I can’t have the fried food, so Claudia and Lydia gave me some before frying. Since the meat filling is already cooked, it’s like having a chicken salad wrap. Yummy! We also had beans, rice and salad.
I was sitting outside under the rancho on my computer, but the mosquitoes were attacking me, so I’ve moved inside my room. They have gotten the internet back up, so I’m going to take advantage of some downloading time tonight! At least until the team gets back.
Danilo drove Leslie home (or at least partway) and then picked up Pacheco to come to translate for Steve tonight at Rose of Sharon CC church. It was good to see Juan. I really miss seeing him 4 times a week. I told him that I studied a little bit today. I really want to concentrate on all my Spanish so that we can charge ahead on Monday. Being out of class for 11 days is not good!
The team has had over 150 salvations this week so far. Tomorrow is VBS and a feeding at Las Quimeras church and then a worship service tomorrow night there. That will be the last ministry time for the team. Friday will be their fun day around here in León and at the beach in Poneloya.
I was thinking about one of the women at the Bible study today. She had a hurt big toe. Instead of a bandaid, she had wrapped her toe in a leaf and tied it with a string. How much we take for granted having bandaids!
I’ll go to bed tonight thinking about all the things that I’m thankful for. I try to do that as much as possible, but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the states, I’ll make a special effort to do so.
First of all, I’m thankful for my God and my Savior. I’m thankful for the life as a missionary. I’m thankful for Voice of Hope Minsitries and I’m thankful for the people of León Nicaragua that I have grown to love. That’s a pretty good start.
PS Another thing to be thankful for…
The team (Eastside Baptist Church from Paragould AR) just called me out to sit in on their share time and presented me with $640 to buy Bibles for the Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon CC church! Praise God! All these women have been praying for God to send them Bibles and this wonderful group has answered that prayer! I’m so excited and THANKFUL!!! Woohoo! Now I’ll get busy making the Bible bags! These ladies will be sooo surprised! God, You are so good!
This morning I went for a walk with Steve, the visiting Pastor here to do a conference. We walked down to Todopoderoso church and back. Probably 4 miles. We stopped in at the ‘gym’, a House of the Bible book store and a health food kind of store on the way. We enjoyed it.
I did a little bit of work getting things in order and then got my much needed shower. The team got back when I was finishing up and we all had a good lunch of simmered beef steak with onions and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and beans. Very yummy! As all the meals are!
We had some down time and some of the team napped and some swam in the pool and some sat around and talked. Charlie (the team leader) was asking me for a list of items that they can get for us and send down. So I talked with him a little bit about that list.
Mary, Leslie and I left for the Women’s Bible Study in Las Quimeras and we had a very good class today. We finished up the study on Eve today and then Mary talked to them about Evangelizing and their favorite verses and such. We had some new women come starting today. It’s good to see the ministry grow in that community.
When we finished the Bible study, we thought that Danilo was just going to pick us up after he dropped part of the team off at the church in Malpaisillo and then take us to the church to meet up with the group. Instead, we got out to the van and there were all but one of the translators and German. There wasn’t room in the other van for everyone and there wasn’t enough time for Danilo to make multiple runs, so they came to get us and the service was almost half over already and the ride there is 30 minutes. So German made the decision for us to just go to the Mission House and call it a night. The funny thing is that all the translators, except Jeremy were missing from church. It’s only funny to us, I guess…
We got home and had some tacos. These are giant taquitos with a chicken filling. I can’t have the fried food, so Claudia and Lydia gave me some before frying. Since the meat filling is already cooked, it’s like having a chicken salad wrap. Yummy! We also had beans, rice and salad.
I was sitting outside under the rancho on my computer, but the mosquitoes were attacking me, so I’ve moved inside my room. They have gotten the internet back up, so I’m going to take advantage of some downloading time tonight! At least until the team gets back.
Danilo drove Leslie home (or at least partway) and then picked up Pacheco to come to translate for Steve tonight at Rose of Sharon CC church. It was good to see Juan. I really miss seeing him 4 times a week. I told him that I studied a little bit today. I really want to concentrate on all my Spanish so that we can charge ahead on Monday. Being out of class for 11 days is not good!
The team has had over 150 salvations this week so far. Tomorrow is VBS and a feeding at Las Quimeras church and then a worship service tomorrow night there. That will be the last ministry time for the team. Friday will be their fun day around here in León and at the beach in Poneloya.
I was thinking about one of the women at the Bible study today. She had a hurt big toe. Instead of a bandaid, she had wrapped her toe in a leaf and tied it with a string. How much we take for granted having bandaids!
I’ll go to bed tonight thinking about all the things that I’m thankful for. I try to do that as much as possible, but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the states, I’ll make a special effort to do so.
First of all, I’m thankful for my God and my Savior. I’m thankful for the life as a missionary. I’m thankful for Voice of Hope Minsitries and I’m thankful for the people of León Nicaragua that I have grown to love. That’s a pretty good start.
PS Another thing to be thankful for…
The team (Eastside Baptist Church from Paragould AR) just called me out to sit in on their share time and presented me with $640 to buy Bibles for the Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon CC church! Praise God! All these women have been praying for God to send them Bibles and this wonderful group has answered that prayer! I’m so excited and THANKFUL!!! Woohoo! Now I’ll get busy making the Bible bags! These ladies will be sooo surprised! God, You are so good!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011 NICARAGUA
Had a great morning! Woke up early and took my bloodpressure medicine so that I could walk later in the morning without getting a bad sunburn (a side effect of the meds). I did my Bible study in the conference room where we have drinks set up for the team to buy (since we don’t stop at the convenience store anymore). This way they can find me as they are finishing breakfast and getting packed up for the Fiestas that morning. We had yummy scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and oatmeal today. I really enjoyed it.
After the team left, I went for a good long walk to downtown. I don’t know for sure how far it is, but I think I ended up walking about 5-6 miles all together. It felt sooo good. I didn’t take my little backpack, but just put my 2 phones and some Nica money in my pockets. I carried my water bottle and wore a baseball cap.
As I was walking past Texaco, I noticed German on the his motorcycle talking on the phone. I waved hello and kept going. By the time I got to Pacheco’s school, German pulled up on the motorcycle and said that I sure walk fast. I told him it was an exercise walk. He asked where I was going and I told him downtown. He asked if I wanted a ride and I said no that I wanted to walk. He said REALLY??? And I said again that it was for exercise. Haha
He left and I saw Pacheco coming out of his school heading for a taxi. We spoke for just a couple of minutes. I got to practice my verb tenses on him. That made him smile. I miss having Spanish class this week. Hope I don’t forget anything.
My first stop was Plaza del Carmen, where I love to look at pretty stuff and buy sandals. I got a neat pair today that looked like they had every decoration available all put on one pair of sandals. (I later removed some of the special effects and now they are more subdued. They are very comfortable, which is why I bought them. You can get sandals here for $5-6 US. Not bad.
I went to the fabric store where I have started a little friendship with a guy who works there. Through our business dealings, he has told me that he wants to learn English. I had told him I would bring him a flyer from Pacheco’s school and I kept forgetting to put it in my bag. So today I had one in my pocket. I found him and gave him the flyer and he was very thankful. I hope he takes advantage of the special free first level. I think he would be a very good student.
I then stopped at another fabric store and found some very cheap cotton to make the linings, pockets and straps for the Bible bags. I walked over to La Unión and went to the sewing notions/crafts store there and got spools of white thread and some pins for the ladies in Sewing class. Then I walked back to the Mission House. It was a good long and hot walk, but I did like the Nicaraguans and kept to the shade where possible.
I really enjoyed my walk and hope to get to do it lots more.
I got back to the Mission House and consolidated some of the team stuff so that the conference room would be ready to have the Sewing class in it later in the afternoon. I helped with things around the place a little bit and then got my shower. Just as I was getting dressed, the team got back from the 2 Fiestas. We had a wonderful lunch of canalones, my favorite! I got to do some laundry for a couple of people for the team and then started getting stuff ready for the Sewing class.
The class was very good. The ladies learned about cutting out simple patterns, pinning the pattern pieces on the fabric, cutting the pieces out, putting the pieces together and pinning them and then hand sewing the pieces together. They were making the little Kleenex holders that I’ve been making out of my scraps of fabric left from other projects. They did really well. Mary had them laughing a lot. Leslie is a great translator and she is learning to sew right a long with the ladies.
Due to the bus schedule, we’ve decided to change the time of the class to 2-4pm instead of 3-5pm. This suits Mary and I well, too. The ladies left for the bus to Las Quimeras and Mary and I returned to chatting with the team.
We had hamburgers and frozen French fries for dinner. Since I can’t eat the fries, I opted for eating some leftovers that Sherry let me have for my fridge. I had cold meatloaf (a favorite) and some potato salad. It was good.
I started feeling really tired so I sat in my rocker for about 20 minutes before getting ready for church. My back is hurting a little bit tonight. I think it’s from all the bending over to cut out sewing projects and then sitting at the sewing machine so much. I also was bending and lifting in unusual ways when organizing all the stuff in the conference room earlier. I’m getting way too out of shape. Need to exercise more!
This afternoon, Breken (on of the guys on the team, who happens to be an assistant manager at a gym in the states) went with Chico (translator) and another guy on the team to the gym not far into town. It’s a little place, dirt floor, with exercise equipment setting around. They worked out a little bit and witnessed to some guys there. 2 of the guys were Christians, 2 accept Christ and 1 guy wasn’t ready to make a decision yet. Then they walked down to Texaco and talked to some more people. 1 person accepted Christ there. They had a good afternoon. I sent my camera with them and they got some good pictures for me.
Tonight the team split into 2 groups and went to churches. I went with the group to Oscar’s church. It was my second time there. The Pastor’s wife recognized me and that it was my second time. I really like that church. It’s very peaceful, even though the worship is loud and strong. You can feel the Holy Spirit there. TL gave his testimony and it was very moving. Breck preached because his son had misplaced his notes for tonight. It was a very good service. At the end many of the congregation came forward to be prayed over by us. They the entire church circled us to pray for us. The Pastor kept saying to squeeze into a tighter circle. Just another example of how there is no personal space in Nica! It was lovely, though, and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
We got back to the Mission House and got settled in. The team surrounded Mary and prayed for her and her family, especially her great-grand daughter, Bristol, who is in Children’s Hospital in Little Rock AR, because she kept having trouble breathing (a problem she has had since being a preemie). She had stopped breathing on the way to the hospital. Very scary for a 3 month old! Mary gave her daughter my US cell number and my email address, since I can be reached immediately on both. Our internet is down here at the house, so my phone is a great blessing. I told Mary that I would leave it on loud ring and let her know if there was any word. She said she hopes not to see me tonight. Me, too. I pray that the Doctor’s figure out what is going on in Bristol’s little body and can fix it. That is, if God doesn’t heal her first.
I’m very tired and going to sleep now. It’s been a very good day and I’m thankful for so many things. God is good. And I am blessed.
After the team left, I went for a good long walk to downtown. I don’t know for sure how far it is, but I think I ended up walking about 5-6 miles all together. It felt sooo good. I didn’t take my little backpack, but just put my 2 phones and some Nica money in my pockets. I carried my water bottle and wore a baseball cap.
As I was walking past Texaco, I noticed German on the his motorcycle talking on the phone. I waved hello and kept going. By the time I got to Pacheco’s school, German pulled up on the motorcycle and said that I sure walk fast. I told him it was an exercise walk. He asked where I was going and I told him downtown. He asked if I wanted a ride and I said no that I wanted to walk. He said REALLY??? And I said again that it was for exercise. Haha
He left and I saw Pacheco coming out of his school heading for a taxi. We spoke for just a couple of minutes. I got to practice my verb tenses on him. That made him smile. I miss having Spanish class this week. Hope I don’t forget anything.
My first stop was Plaza del Carmen, where I love to look at pretty stuff and buy sandals. I got a neat pair today that looked like they had every decoration available all put on one pair of sandals. (I later removed some of the special effects and now they are more subdued. They are very comfortable, which is why I bought them. You can get sandals here for $5-6 US. Not bad.
I went to the fabric store where I have started a little friendship with a guy who works there. Through our business dealings, he has told me that he wants to learn English. I had told him I would bring him a flyer from Pacheco’s school and I kept forgetting to put it in my bag. So today I had one in my pocket. I found him and gave him the flyer and he was very thankful. I hope he takes advantage of the special free first level. I think he would be a very good student.
I then stopped at another fabric store and found some very cheap cotton to make the linings, pockets and straps for the Bible bags. I walked over to La Unión and went to the sewing notions/crafts store there and got spools of white thread and some pins for the ladies in Sewing class. Then I walked back to the Mission House. It was a good long and hot walk, but I did like the Nicaraguans and kept to the shade where possible.
I really enjoyed my walk and hope to get to do it lots more.
I got back to the Mission House and consolidated some of the team stuff so that the conference room would be ready to have the Sewing class in it later in the afternoon. I helped with things around the place a little bit and then got my shower. Just as I was getting dressed, the team got back from the 2 Fiestas. We had a wonderful lunch of canalones, my favorite! I got to do some laundry for a couple of people for the team and then started getting stuff ready for the Sewing class.
The class was very good. The ladies learned about cutting out simple patterns, pinning the pattern pieces on the fabric, cutting the pieces out, putting the pieces together and pinning them and then hand sewing the pieces together. They were making the little Kleenex holders that I’ve been making out of my scraps of fabric left from other projects. They did really well. Mary had them laughing a lot. Leslie is a great translator and she is learning to sew right a long with the ladies.
Due to the bus schedule, we’ve decided to change the time of the class to 2-4pm instead of 3-5pm. This suits Mary and I well, too. The ladies left for the bus to Las Quimeras and Mary and I returned to chatting with the team.
We had hamburgers and frozen French fries for dinner. Since I can’t eat the fries, I opted for eating some leftovers that Sherry let me have for my fridge. I had cold meatloaf (a favorite) and some potato salad. It was good.
I started feeling really tired so I sat in my rocker for about 20 minutes before getting ready for church. My back is hurting a little bit tonight. I think it’s from all the bending over to cut out sewing projects and then sitting at the sewing machine so much. I also was bending and lifting in unusual ways when organizing all the stuff in the conference room earlier. I’m getting way too out of shape. Need to exercise more!
This afternoon, Breken (on of the guys on the team, who happens to be an assistant manager at a gym in the states) went with Chico (translator) and another guy on the team to the gym not far into town. It’s a little place, dirt floor, with exercise equipment setting around. They worked out a little bit and witnessed to some guys there. 2 of the guys were Christians, 2 accept Christ and 1 guy wasn’t ready to make a decision yet. Then they walked down to Texaco and talked to some more people. 1 person accepted Christ there. They had a good afternoon. I sent my camera with them and they got some good pictures for me.
Tonight the team split into 2 groups and went to churches. I went with the group to Oscar’s church. It was my second time there. The Pastor’s wife recognized me and that it was my second time. I really like that church. It’s very peaceful, even though the worship is loud and strong. You can feel the Holy Spirit there. TL gave his testimony and it was very moving. Breck preached because his son had misplaced his notes for tonight. It was a very good service. At the end many of the congregation came forward to be prayed over by us. They the entire church circled us to pray for us. The Pastor kept saying to squeeze into a tighter circle. Just another example of how there is no personal space in Nica! It was lovely, though, and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
We got back to the Mission House and got settled in. The team surrounded Mary and prayed for her and her family, especially her great-grand daughter, Bristol, who is in Children’s Hospital in Little Rock AR, because she kept having trouble breathing (a problem she has had since being a preemie). She had stopped breathing on the way to the hospital. Very scary for a 3 month old! Mary gave her daughter my US cell number and my email address, since I can be reached immediately on both. Our internet is down here at the house, so my phone is a great blessing. I told Mary that I would leave it on loud ring and let her know if there was any word. She said she hopes not to see me tonight. Me, too. I pray that the Doctor’s figure out what is going on in Bristol’s little body and can fix it. That is, if God doesn’t heal her first.
I’m very tired and going to sleep now. It’s been a very good day and I’m thankful for so many things. God is good. And I am blessed.
Monday, November 21, 2011 NICARAGUA
10pm and it’s time for bed. It’s been a good day. The team went to do a Fiesta this morning and the 4 ladies went with me to do the Women’s Conference at Rose of Sharon Country Club church. Someone asked me how they came up with the name Country Club. It’s actually the name of the community (made up of cement block, tree limbs, plastic, tin houses) that doesn’t look at all like what you would call a Country Club in the states.
The conference was good. We were celebrating being women and having fun after finishing our month long study on Eve. The ladies from the team painted all the ladies’ fingernails. We had a song, 4 testimonies and a game. Then we had a raffle and gave out lots of prizes. We had 65 women all together. It was great! About 20 of them were first time visitors to the church. Most of the Friday Bible study group was there and many of the women from the church joined us. Pastor Marvin was very excited! We got everyone’s names. We are praying that the visitors will come to the Sunday services, Friday Women’s Bible studies and Friday night Women’s Worship Service. I had a good time seeing my friends there. They are a very loving bunch of people.
After the conference ended, Pastor Marvin took us on a tour of the neighborhood. We came across lots of kids going to the church for their one meal of the day. We then met back at the church and waited for the rest of the team to get there to do a Fiesta with the kids while waiting for their lunch. The ROSCC ladies were cooking over the open fires in the outdoor, lean-to kitchen that I got to help in before. They were very gracious to allow us to come and get in their way.
The Fiesta there was fun and the team has some good drama people on it. The kids bring their own bowl/plate and cup. It gets a little hectic trying to figure out who belongs to each set, but the kids know theirs and are very orderly in getting their food. Our team felt that things were a bit disorganized and being North Americans wanted to ‘fix’ the process. I explained that we were in their way and although their process is not like ours, it works for them and we need to be respectful of letting them do their work. It was very humbling for the team to see how people in this community live and eat. I’m very proud of the work that the church does for the community. There are 5 ladies who cook all morning 5 days a week to provide the lunch for these 140 kids. I’m making them each a new apron to show our appreciation.
We left the feeding and came back to the Mission House for lunch. It was grilled chicken (with Claudia’s special marinade), Sherry’s potato salad, mixed steamed veggies and beans. Yummy!!
We had down time for a little while and a few people got in the pool with Manuel and had some fun. Then about 3pm we took the team into town to tour the Cathedral, have ice cream, look at the old market and visit the grocery store. We came back to the Mission House about 5pm and had dinner. I broke off long enough to go to buy the fabric for the 5 aprons and to get a couple more plastic storage containers for my shelf. I found out that the name of the guy at the fabric store that I have started conversations with (because he wants to learn English and I am practicing my Spanish on him) is named Bismark. I told him that I would bring him a flyer for the first level of Juan’s English Academy for free. I need to try to get back to his store sometime soon. Hopefully this week! At least on Saturday after the team leaves. He said that he is familiar with Juan’s school and knows who Juan is. I think he will be another great student like Jonathan and Salvador. He’s really hungry to learn English.
We had a light dinner tonight and it was good. Tuna or ham & cheese sandwiches, salad and fruit salad. I enjoyed it very much. It helped to offset that candy bar and ice cream that I had earlier. Ooops.
Tonight a part of the team went to church tonight at Rose of Sharon Panteleon church to a youth worship service. The rest of us stayed back and visited and talked about serving in missions. It was a nice evening.
I had the chance to use the internet cable this evening, but wouldn’t you know it, the service was not working right and I couldn’t get on the internet! Argh. At least I have my phone to check emails and facebook on. I’m thankful for that.
I will stay back tomorrow morning and not go to the Fiestas since I have a class to teach in the afternoon and church tomorrow night. After the team leaves in the morning, I’ll go for my good exercise walk. I can’t wait! It’s been too long since I’ve had the chance to do that.
I’m looking forward to the Sewing class tomorrow. We are going to teach them how to cut out a simple pattern for tissue covers and to pin the pieces together and to hand sew them. It will be a good first project. We are trying to find many things for them to do by hand, since they will only have access to the sewing machine once a week when they come in here.
I can’t believe that December is less than 2 weeks away. Thanksgiving is this Thursday, but it’s hard to notice down here. Sherry is fixing a special meal for us, but it won’t be turkey. It’s fine by me. I’ll fix a turkey dinner when I’m back in the states. Maybe I’ll talk my sister into fixing one when I’m in IN in February, too. Ha
Guess I better go to bed now. I need my beauty sleep today especially! It’s scary when I look in the mirror sometimes! Haha I’m glad that God looks at my inside!
The conference was good. We were celebrating being women and having fun after finishing our month long study on Eve. The ladies from the team painted all the ladies’ fingernails. We had a song, 4 testimonies and a game. Then we had a raffle and gave out lots of prizes. We had 65 women all together. It was great! About 20 of them were first time visitors to the church. Most of the Friday Bible study group was there and many of the women from the church joined us. Pastor Marvin was very excited! We got everyone’s names. We are praying that the visitors will come to the Sunday services, Friday Women’s Bible studies and Friday night Women’s Worship Service. I had a good time seeing my friends there. They are a very loving bunch of people.
After the conference ended, Pastor Marvin took us on a tour of the neighborhood. We came across lots of kids going to the church for their one meal of the day. We then met back at the church and waited for the rest of the team to get there to do a Fiesta with the kids while waiting for their lunch. The ROSCC ladies were cooking over the open fires in the outdoor, lean-to kitchen that I got to help in before. They were very gracious to allow us to come and get in their way.
The Fiesta there was fun and the team has some good drama people on it. The kids bring their own bowl/plate and cup. It gets a little hectic trying to figure out who belongs to each set, but the kids know theirs and are very orderly in getting their food. Our team felt that things were a bit disorganized and being North Americans wanted to ‘fix’ the process. I explained that we were in their way and although their process is not like ours, it works for them and we need to be respectful of letting them do their work. It was very humbling for the team to see how people in this community live and eat. I’m very proud of the work that the church does for the community. There are 5 ladies who cook all morning 5 days a week to provide the lunch for these 140 kids. I’m making them each a new apron to show our appreciation.
We left the feeding and came back to the Mission House for lunch. It was grilled chicken (with Claudia’s special marinade), Sherry’s potato salad, mixed steamed veggies and beans. Yummy!!
We had down time for a little while and a few people got in the pool with Manuel and had some fun. Then about 3pm we took the team into town to tour the Cathedral, have ice cream, look at the old market and visit the grocery store. We came back to the Mission House about 5pm and had dinner. I broke off long enough to go to buy the fabric for the 5 aprons and to get a couple more plastic storage containers for my shelf. I found out that the name of the guy at the fabric store that I have started conversations with (because he wants to learn English and I am practicing my Spanish on him) is named Bismark. I told him that I would bring him a flyer for the first level of Juan’s English Academy for free. I need to try to get back to his store sometime soon. Hopefully this week! At least on Saturday after the team leaves. He said that he is familiar with Juan’s school and knows who Juan is. I think he will be another great student like Jonathan and Salvador. He’s really hungry to learn English.
We had a light dinner tonight and it was good. Tuna or ham & cheese sandwiches, salad and fruit salad. I enjoyed it very much. It helped to offset that candy bar and ice cream that I had earlier. Ooops.
Tonight a part of the team went to church tonight at Rose of Sharon Panteleon church to a youth worship service. The rest of us stayed back and visited and talked about serving in missions. It was a nice evening.
I had the chance to use the internet cable this evening, but wouldn’t you know it, the service was not working right and I couldn’t get on the internet! Argh. At least I have my phone to check emails and facebook on. I’m thankful for that.
I will stay back tomorrow morning and not go to the Fiestas since I have a class to teach in the afternoon and church tomorrow night. After the team leaves in the morning, I’ll go for my good exercise walk. I can’t wait! It’s been too long since I’ve had the chance to do that.
I’m looking forward to the Sewing class tomorrow. We are going to teach them how to cut out a simple pattern for tissue covers and to pin the pieces together and to hand sew them. It will be a good first project. We are trying to find many things for them to do by hand, since they will only have access to the sewing machine once a week when they come in here.
I can’t believe that December is less than 2 weeks away. Thanksgiving is this Thursday, but it’s hard to notice down here. Sherry is fixing a special meal for us, but it won’t be turkey. It’s fine by me. I’ll fix a turkey dinner when I’m back in the states. Maybe I’ll talk my sister into fixing one when I’m in IN in February, too. Ha
Guess I better go to bed now. I need my beauty sleep today especially! It’s scary when I look in the mirror sometimes! Haha I’m glad that God looks at my inside!
Sunday, November 20, 2011 NICARAGUA
Almost time for bed. It’s been a good day of worship. We split into 3 groups (2 for the team from AR and 1 for the Wood family) and went to 3 churches this morning. Then we came home and had a yummy lunch of meatloaf (Sherry taught the cooks), mashed potatoes (they still don’t understand that North Americans eat A LOT and we ran out of spuds), salad and bread. Pretty good.
Mike held orientation at 1pm and we showed the team how to do the drama for the Fiestas. Everyone always thinks that it’s silly, but even thought it won’t work in the states (NAs think they are too sophisticated for this) the cheesy overacting works great down here.
The ladies on the team worked with me a little bit to get some drawstring bags done and filled with candy for the women at the conference tomorrow. Carla, one of the ladies, said that her grandmother gave her a sewing machine, intending to teach her to sew, but Carla was never really interested and her machine is like new. She is donating it to our sewing ministry. She will take it to Fayetteville when she picks up her kids from her mom and her mom will get it to FBC Rogers for me. I’ll get it down here. It will only cost us the $40 extra baggage fee on the flight. Woohoo! We can use all the machines that we can get! Anyway, Carla helped me pin some straps for a couple of aprons today. She said that she is learning to sew whether she wants to or not. Haha..
The group split into 3 groups again this evening and went to 3 more churches. I stayed back to help Sherry with the meals and to finish sewing for tomorrow. I’ve got everything done and my room cleaned up from the sewing mess for now. It feels good.
I got to go the little church in Telica that we are going to help from now on. We will start a Women’s Bible study group there and help start Sunday School classes. Pastor Sergio will help out as Pastor until God sends one. A lady Pastor has been leading worship until now, but she feels convicted that a man should be in that role. She is a Chemistry teacher at one of the schools. Her name is Fanny (not sure of spelling). My grandmother’s name was Fanny, too. We had a great time worshiping there and one of the teenage boys sang a beautiful song. He has a good voice and you could tell his heart was in the worship. I enjoyed it very much. One of the students on our team gave his testimony and one of the adults gave the message. It was very good. The church asked if we would pray over them and we obliged. They had cooked food for us to join them, but we explained that we had to pick up the rest of our group and come back to the Mission House. How wonderful of them to want to share with us!
Before the service, TL and his wife Carla and I got the chance to meet Raymon. He’s an older gentleman and the church meets in the front part of his house. His daughter is the lady ‘Pastor’. German was our translator and he was tied up with our speakers and the Pastors. So I tried to interpret with my limited Spanish. We did pretty good. We had about a 15 minute conversation about religion, Catholicism (TL and his wife are former Catholics), the need for trained leaders in the church, etc. Raymon and I agreed that even though my Spanish abilities were limited, God made the communication work. I told him that the heart of Voice of Hope Ministry is to train Pastors and leaders and make good foundations for the churches. He was so pleased that we are going to start working with them. I can’t wait to start the Women’s Bible study and also to see those beautiful, attentive kids in Sunday School. I felt that this place is already a part of my heart and a part of our Voice of Hope family.
My time will be even more full once we begin the Women’s Bible studies in the 2 new locations. That will make 4 afternoons a week for Bible study and 1 afternoon for Sewing classes. I plan on continuing my Spanish classes 4 mornings a week until summer. I will be one busy girl! But God will give me the strength to make it happen. It’s all in His strength and His timing. I’m glad to be a part of it.
I’ve been really bad about time management and haven’t gotten to do my exercise walking in quite a long time. Walking to class 4 mornings a week is only about 1 mile there and 1 mile back. And it’s not a good exercise walk. I don’t want to be too stinky when I get there and when I walk home at noon, it’s too hot to push too hard. I haven’t been very good about my arm exercises with weights either. Back in Rogers, I would do the arm stuff while watching the nightly news. I don’t have TV here and don’t have a regular pattern before bedtime. I need to figure something out. I’m backsliding very quickly and I don’t like that!!! I’m busy a lot, but that doesn’t count like a good workout. And sitting at the sewing machine these long hours is taking its toll on my backside. Ha I’ll have to alternate sewing with working out. I’ll figure it out somehow.
I’m ready for a good night’s sleep in my cleaned up and uncluttered (for now) room tonight. This week will be fun with the team. It’s so peaceful here at the new place. You can feel God’s presence and calming spirit.
Well, time to go to bed now. I can still hear Buster outside barking at the team as they relax under the rancho. He’s such a funny dog. Alberto said that he doesn’t cry anymore at nighttime. He’s gotten used to sleeping in Alberto’s little house. They are buds. Even though Buster still barks at Alberto when he’s walking around the grounds. This dog thinks he’s the boss of everyone. He’s a blessing.
So many blessings around here. I’m thankful.
Mike held orientation at 1pm and we showed the team how to do the drama for the Fiestas. Everyone always thinks that it’s silly, but even thought it won’t work in the states (NAs think they are too sophisticated for this) the cheesy overacting works great down here.
The ladies on the team worked with me a little bit to get some drawstring bags done and filled with candy for the women at the conference tomorrow. Carla, one of the ladies, said that her grandmother gave her a sewing machine, intending to teach her to sew, but Carla was never really interested and her machine is like new. She is donating it to our sewing ministry. She will take it to Fayetteville when she picks up her kids from her mom and her mom will get it to FBC Rogers for me. I’ll get it down here. It will only cost us the $40 extra baggage fee on the flight. Woohoo! We can use all the machines that we can get! Anyway, Carla helped me pin some straps for a couple of aprons today. She said that she is learning to sew whether she wants to or not. Haha..
The group split into 3 groups again this evening and went to 3 more churches. I stayed back to help Sherry with the meals and to finish sewing for tomorrow. I’ve got everything done and my room cleaned up from the sewing mess for now. It feels good.
I got to go the little church in Telica that we are going to help from now on. We will start a Women’s Bible study group there and help start Sunday School classes. Pastor Sergio will help out as Pastor until God sends one. A lady Pastor has been leading worship until now, but she feels convicted that a man should be in that role. She is a Chemistry teacher at one of the schools. Her name is Fanny (not sure of spelling). My grandmother’s name was Fanny, too. We had a great time worshiping there and one of the teenage boys sang a beautiful song. He has a good voice and you could tell his heart was in the worship. I enjoyed it very much. One of the students on our team gave his testimony and one of the adults gave the message. It was very good. The church asked if we would pray over them and we obliged. They had cooked food for us to join them, but we explained that we had to pick up the rest of our group and come back to the Mission House. How wonderful of them to want to share with us!
Before the service, TL and his wife Carla and I got the chance to meet Raymon. He’s an older gentleman and the church meets in the front part of his house. His daughter is the lady ‘Pastor’. German was our translator and he was tied up with our speakers and the Pastors. So I tried to interpret with my limited Spanish. We did pretty good. We had about a 15 minute conversation about religion, Catholicism (TL and his wife are former Catholics), the need for trained leaders in the church, etc. Raymon and I agreed that even though my Spanish abilities were limited, God made the communication work. I told him that the heart of Voice of Hope Ministry is to train Pastors and leaders and make good foundations for the churches. He was so pleased that we are going to start working with them. I can’t wait to start the Women’s Bible study and also to see those beautiful, attentive kids in Sunday School. I felt that this place is already a part of my heart and a part of our Voice of Hope family.
My time will be even more full once we begin the Women’s Bible studies in the 2 new locations. That will make 4 afternoons a week for Bible study and 1 afternoon for Sewing classes. I plan on continuing my Spanish classes 4 mornings a week until summer. I will be one busy girl! But God will give me the strength to make it happen. It’s all in His strength and His timing. I’m glad to be a part of it.
I’ve been really bad about time management and haven’t gotten to do my exercise walking in quite a long time. Walking to class 4 mornings a week is only about 1 mile there and 1 mile back. And it’s not a good exercise walk. I don’t want to be too stinky when I get there and when I walk home at noon, it’s too hot to push too hard. I haven’t been very good about my arm exercises with weights either. Back in Rogers, I would do the arm stuff while watching the nightly news. I don’t have TV here and don’t have a regular pattern before bedtime. I need to figure something out. I’m backsliding very quickly and I don’t like that!!! I’m busy a lot, but that doesn’t count like a good workout. And sitting at the sewing machine these long hours is taking its toll on my backside. Ha I’ll have to alternate sewing with working out. I’ll figure it out somehow.
I’m ready for a good night’s sleep in my cleaned up and uncluttered (for now) room tonight. This week will be fun with the team. It’s so peaceful here at the new place. You can feel God’s presence and calming spirit.
Well, time to go to bed now. I can still hear Buster outside barking at the team as they relax under the rancho. He’s such a funny dog. Alberto said that he doesn’t cry anymore at nighttime. He’s gotten used to sleeping in Alberto’s little house. They are buds. Even though Buster still barks at Alberto when he’s walking around the grounds. This dog thinks he’s the boss of everyone. He’s a blessing.
So many blessings around here. I’m thankful.
Saturday, November 19, 2011 NICARAGUA
It’s only 9pm and I am soooo tired. I have been sewing and working on things for the Women’s Conference on Monday all day today. I also got all my sheets and towels washed up for the week.
The team from Eastside Baptist Church in Paragould AR got here about 3:30pm. It was good to see Charlie Brown and to meet his new wife Lisa. They brought lots of good ministry supplies and really blessed us bunches!!! They even brought printer ink! Charlie is a great team leader. I think we are all going to have a great week.
This is the first time that Claudia has cooked for a North American team. It’s customary here for your one main meal to be lunch. Breakfast is pinto gallo (beans and rice) and then you have a big lunch. Then for dinner, you just have left-overs or some kind of snack. When Sherry saw that just one pot of meat was fixed for this group of mostly guys, she hurried up and had Claudia fix chicken and veggies as well. Claudia and Lydia only had 45 minutes to get it ready, but they did great! We always have a time of a learning curve with new cooks, since they are not used to people eating as much as North Americans do. You could tell that both cooks were exhausted today. Bless their hearts. I hope they both will hang in there.
Anna and Grace Wood (from the family that is also here this week for a conference) helped me with some of the gifts for the Women’s Conference on Monday. They folded and stuffed Kleenex into the fabric tissue holders that I had made. They also put drawstrings into the little bags that I’ve been sewing like a crazy woman. They want to help with more, so I’m sewing more little bags. Grace (teenager) wants to help me make some knotted bracelets, too. I hope we have time to work on them this week with all that is going on. It will be fun.
I also cut out 16 more Bible bags today. I sewed up 2 so that I could have 5 ready for Wednesday for the new ladies at Las Quimeras. I cut out 2 aprons to sew up for door prizes for Monday’s Women’s Conference. I am so tired of sewing for today, but I love it!
I found some Singer sewing machines at PriceSmart in Managua. They have off brand ones here in León and I would rather have a major brand so that I can get accessories and parts. They are the same price as the ones here in León, so I think they will be the best bet. I’m just waiting on God to bring on the donations to buy them. The sewing ministry is really going to make a big difference in some of these ladies lives. I’m so glad that God created me with a heart for sewing and crafts. How awesome to get to do that as a ministry!
Saturnino make my little shelf to put on top of my table. It’s 7” high, 12” deep and 22” long. Alberto kept asking me if it is a stool for my feet. I told him no, but that is a good idea! This shelf will let me put the printer on top and have room underneath for desk-type accessories. When you live in a small space you have to go verticle!!!
I was thrilled to get a new handle for my toilet. I’m still very happy about it. But now I am dealing with a leak where the supply line goes into the tank. My bathroom floor floods about once a day. At least it’s clean water, though. Saturnino will have to work on it for me again on Monday.
Charlie was very excited to see the new Mission House. He likes it very much. He knows how much it means to the ministry to have a good place for the teams to stay. I think everyone will love it. It’s not new or fancy, but by Nica standards it’s pretty nice. There are all kinds of ‘issues’ since it’s an older building and in a third world country, but it’s just right for me!
The team went to church tonight to hear Steve preach. We don’t usually send the team out on the day that they arrive, but since Steve was going to be preaching, Mike thought it was a good idea. Sherry took Manuel home. Mary and I stayed here at the Mission House to take care of some things. I think they are all back now. I heard them for just a little bit going to their rooms and now it’s all quiet. I’m sure they are beat. Charlie said they left Paragould at 2:00am this morning. They will sleep good tonight!
Speaking of sleeping, I’m headed to my bed now. Fresh sheets, a relaxing (cold) shower and a couple of aspirins, and I’m all set.
Tomorrow we will split up to go to 2 churches in the morning and then 2 in the evening. I love it when we have teams and get to go to different churches all week long.
Well, better hit the hay. What a blessed day.
The team from Eastside Baptist Church in Paragould AR got here about 3:30pm. It was good to see Charlie Brown and to meet his new wife Lisa. They brought lots of good ministry supplies and really blessed us bunches!!! They even brought printer ink! Charlie is a great team leader. I think we are all going to have a great week.
This is the first time that Claudia has cooked for a North American team. It’s customary here for your one main meal to be lunch. Breakfast is pinto gallo (beans and rice) and then you have a big lunch. Then for dinner, you just have left-overs or some kind of snack. When Sherry saw that just one pot of meat was fixed for this group of mostly guys, she hurried up and had Claudia fix chicken and veggies as well. Claudia and Lydia only had 45 minutes to get it ready, but they did great! We always have a time of a learning curve with new cooks, since they are not used to people eating as much as North Americans do. You could tell that both cooks were exhausted today. Bless their hearts. I hope they both will hang in there.
Anna and Grace Wood (from the family that is also here this week for a conference) helped me with some of the gifts for the Women’s Conference on Monday. They folded and stuffed Kleenex into the fabric tissue holders that I had made. They also put drawstrings into the little bags that I’ve been sewing like a crazy woman. They want to help with more, so I’m sewing more little bags. Grace (teenager) wants to help me make some knotted bracelets, too. I hope we have time to work on them this week with all that is going on. It will be fun.
I also cut out 16 more Bible bags today. I sewed up 2 so that I could have 5 ready for Wednesday for the new ladies at Las Quimeras. I cut out 2 aprons to sew up for door prizes for Monday’s Women’s Conference. I am so tired of sewing for today, but I love it!
I found some Singer sewing machines at PriceSmart in Managua. They have off brand ones here in León and I would rather have a major brand so that I can get accessories and parts. They are the same price as the ones here in León, so I think they will be the best bet. I’m just waiting on God to bring on the donations to buy them. The sewing ministry is really going to make a big difference in some of these ladies lives. I’m so glad that God created me with a heart for sewing and crafts. How awesome to get to do that as a ministry!
Saturnino make my little shelf to put on top of my table. It’s 7” high, 12” deep and 22” long. Alberto kept asking me if it is a stool for my feet. I told him no, but that is a good idea! This shelf will let me put the printer on top and have room underneath for desk-type accessories. When you live in a small space you have to go verticle!!!
I was thrilled to get a new handle for my toilet. I’m still very happy about it. But now I am dealing with a leak where the supply line goes into the tank. My bathroom floor floods about once a day. At least it’s clean water, though. Saturnino will have to work on it for me again on Monday.
Charlie was very excited to see the new Mission House. He likes it very much. He knows how much it means to the ministry to have a good place for the teams to stay. I think everyone will love it. It’s not new or fancy, but by Nica standards it’s pretty nice. There are all kinds of ‘issues’ since it’s an older building and in a third world country, but it’s just right for me!
The team went to church tonight to hear Steve preach. We don’t usually send the team out on the day that they arrive, but since Steve was going to be preaching, Mike thought it was a good idea. Sherry took Manuel home. Mary and I stayed here at the Mission House to take care of some things. I think they are all back now. I heard them for just a little bit going to their rooms and now it’s all quiet. I’m sure they are beat. Charlie said they left Paragould at 2:00am this morning. They will sleep good tonight!
Speaking of sleeping, I’m headed to my bed now. Fresh sheets, a relaxing (cold) shower and a couple of aspirins, and I’m all set.
Tomorrow we will split up to go to 2 churches in the morning and then 2 in the evening. I love it when we have teams and get to go to different churches all week long.
Well, better hit the hay. What a blessed day.
Friday, November 18, 2011 NICARAGUA
It’s been a long and full day. I went to bed at 9pm last night and woke up for good at 6am. I got some Bible study done and had my quiet time. Then I put some clothes in the washer. It always makes me happy to get a chance to do my laundry. Seems like I’m so busy, that the chances are few and far between. After the first load, I walked to my favorite Librería to get some stickers and some notebooks. Then I caught a taxi downtown to price some things at the market in Central Park and then to buy some fabric. (the taxi driver was funny and I could tell my Spanish is getting better when I could understand his speech about how some of the roads were closed and they weren’t even working on them since they were perfectly good roads. We noticed later that there was cross country bikers coming through with escorts, so that’s why some of the roads were closed.) I also stopped in to get a couple more plastic storage containers for my sewing/craft supplies. Then I hightailed it back to the Mission House to do more laundry and other things.
A funny thing that I realized on my way home in the taxi is that there was a car on the main road, just past our street, that had burned to the ground and it was still sitting on the road. The thing was toast. The tires were burnt completely off. All that was left was metal. There was a guy trying to get something off of the burned out shell. The weird thing is that I didn’t even notice that car when I walked down the road earlier. Must have been traffic keeping my attention. So weird that I didn’t see it!
I finally got the chance to work on my notes for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church. I would just get my mind clear on a thought and someone would call my name for something. My Spanish is not the best yet, but sometimes I’m the best option for translating to the staff. There was a lot going on to get ready for the team tomorrow and I was running from one conversation to another as well as helping Mary on the computer. I got a lot of exercise jumping out of my chair. HA
Leslie and Jorge went shopping for the groceries for the team. It took 2 trips in Chinchin, our little van. They stopped for lunch here at the Mission House in between. They finished up about 2:30 and then rested until we left for the church at 3:30pm. Poor Jorge was tuckered out!
Claudia fixed yummy chicken and veggies for lunch. Of course, beans and rice were the side items along with a tortilla. Good stuff. I warmed some up for dinner tonight, too.
Coco’s sister, Lydia, came over with Coco to talk to Sherry about working this week as a cook’s helper for Claudia. She is nice and Coco came with her. Coco was wearing one of her ‘new’ blouses that we gave her on Monday. Sherry said that Coco is so happy with her stuff. I asked Coco if she needed me to alter any of the clothes, but she said they are all just right. It’s so good to make her happy. Coco is going to come and help Aracelys with the cleaning this week while the team is here. It’s good to have jobs for them. They are all hard workers, too.
Jorge drove Chinchin to take us to Bible study this afternoon. There is a really steep hill and big ditch from the road to the drive into the area where the church is. Chinchin is small and lightweight. I was sitting up front with Jorge and Mary and Leslie were sitting in the first seats behind us. Jorge got the van hung up because the rearend was so light. So he had Mary and Leslie move to the back seat. That didn’t help. So he had me move to the back seat also. That didn’t help. 2 guys in a truck stopped to help push. That helped just a little bit, but we were still too light. There was a lady with her 2 kids walking down the road and Jorge had them get in the van, too. We finally made it across the ditch and up the hill. It’s a good thing that the lady was going to the Bible study, too, because that’s where she ended up! We were all laughing.
We had a great Bible study today and finished up talking about Eve. Mary gave her testimony and told the ladies that she would be speaking to them for part of each class time for the next 5 weeks about witnessing. They enjoyed her talk. It’s a great group of ladies and I enjoy being with them every Friday.
Right after we got started with the class, Leslie and I were sitting in chairs in front of the semi-circle of ladies. Mary was among them. Pastor Marvin tried to discreetly bring us drinks. He had 2 bottles of water (for me and Mary) and a Pepsi for Leslie. Mary turned down the water and then when she saw that he gave Leslie the Pepsi, she interrupted the class to get the Pepsi. It was very funny. Leslie tried to explain how much Mary loves Pepsi. We’ll be laughing about that for a long time to come!
After the class, the Women’s Ministry leaders came to ask if we could start teaching sewing classes to their ladies. We told them that we are praying for money to buy more sewing machines so that we can have bigger classes. They are adding it to their prayer lists, along with money to buy Bibles for their group.
We got back to the Mission House and the family coming for a conference this week was here with Mike. We had passed German on the road as he was walking, which was really weird to see. I think he may have come back for Chinchin when he saw we were back. I honestly can’t remember.
Manuel had dressed like Usher today and enjoyed it when I kept calling him that. He really wants to dress like Justin Beiber, but it was harder to come up with that exact outfit. Usher was easy with a v-neck white tshirt, jeans, necklace and sunglasses. Manuel had went to Managua with Mike and German today. He had a pretty good time.
The Wood family were tired and hungry, but glad to be here. The Hulsey’s took them to dinner while Mary and I went to our rooms to relax for the evening.
I got the chance to hem a dress, put away laundry, check emails, paint my toenails and watch a couple more episodes of Army Wives on my computer. I’m getting to used to that luxury and need to break the habit!
Tomorrow I’ll finish my laundry and wash my sheets and spend most of the day sewing. I have a lot of sewing to get done before Monday and then some that needs to be done by Wednesday. I don’t plan on leaving the house all day long. I would love to catch a nap if possible before the team gets here about 5 or 6pm. Then it will be busy!
Since we have the family here now, we’ll have breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by the cooks for the next week. Yum!
Anna, the wife of the Wood family that arrived today, asked what I missed about the US since I mostly live here now. I told her not a thing. I feel complete and totally at home here. This is exactly where God wants me to be at this moment in my life. I really feel grounded here. What a good feeling!
I’m going to try to live the challenge that I expressed to the ladies at the Bible study this afternoon… to pray to God each day to show me how to live out the plans that He has for my life and to fulfill the purpose that He created me for. A good thing to think about every day.
A funny thing that I realized on my way home in the taxi is that there was a car on the main road, just past our street, that had burned to the ground and it was still sitting on the road. The thing was toast. The tires were burnt completely off. All that was left was metal. There was a guy trying to get something off of the burned out shell. The weird thing is that I didn’t even notice that car when I walked down the road earlier. Must have been traffic keeping my attention. So weird that I didn’t see it!
I finally got the chance to work on my notes for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church. I would just get my mind clear on a thought and someone would call my name for something. My Spanish is not the best yet, but sometimes I’m the best option for translating to the staff. There was a lot going on to get ready for the team tomorrow and I was running from one conversation to another as well as helping Mary on the computer. I got a lot of exercise jumping out of my chair. HA
Leslie and Jorge went shopping for the groceries for the team. It took 2 trips in Chinchin, our little van. They stopped for lunch here at the Mission House in between. They finished up about 2:30 and then rested until we left for the church at 3:30pm. Poor Jorge was tuckered out!
Claudia fixed yummy chicken and veggies for lunch. Of course, beans and rice were the side items along with a tortilla. Good stuff. I warmed some up for dinner tonight, too.
Coco’s sister, Lydia, came over with Coco to talk to Sherry about working this week as a cook’s helper for Claudia. She is nice and Coco came with her. Coco was wearing one of her ‘new’ blouses that we gave her on Monday. Sherry said that Coco is so happy with her stuff. I asked Coco if she needed me to alter any of the clothes, but she said they are all just right. It’s so good to make her happy. Coco is going to come and help Aracelys with the cleaning this week while the team is here. It’s good to have jobs for them. They are all hard workers, too.
Jorge drove Chinchin to take us to Bible study this afternoon. There is a really steep hill and big ditch from the road to the drive into the area where the church is. Chinchin is small and lightweight. I was sitting up front with Jorge and Mary and Leslie were sitting in the first seats behind us. Jorge got the van hung up because the rearend was so light. So he had Mary and Leslie move to the back seat. That didn’t help. So he had me move to the back seat also. That didn’t help. 2 guys in a truck stopped to help push. That helped just a little bit, but we were still too light. There was a lady with her 2 kids walking down the road and Jorge had them get in the van, too. We finally made it across the ditch and up the hill. It’s a good thing that the lady was going to the Bible study, too, because that’s where she ended up! We were all laughing.
We had a great Bible study today and finished up talking about Eve. Mary gave her testimony and told the ladies that she would be speaking to them for part of each class time for the next 5 weeks about witnessing. They enjoyed her talk. It’s a great group of ladies and I enjoy being with them every Friday.
Right after we got started with the class, Leslie and I were sitting in chairs in front of the semi-circle of ladies. Mary was among them. Pastor Marvin tried to discreetly bring us drinks. He had 2 bottles of water (for me and Mary) and a Pepsi for Leslie. Mary turned down the water and then when she saw that he gave Leslie the Pepsi, she interrupted the class to get the Pepsi. It was very funny. Leslie tried to explain how much Mary loves Pepsi. We’ll be laughing about that for a long time to come!
After the class, the Women’s Ministry leaders came to ask if we could start teaching sewing classes to their ladies. We told them that we are praying for money to buy more sewing machines so that we can have bigger classes. They are adding it to their prayer lists, along with money to buy Bibles for their group.
We got back to the Mission House and the family coming for a conference this week was here with Mike. We had passed German on the road as he was walking, which was really weird to see. I think he may have come back for Chinchin when he saw we were back. I honestly can’t remember.
Manuel had dressed like Usher today and enjoyed it when I kept calling him that. He really wants to dress like Justin Beiber, but it was harder to come up with that exact outfit. Usher was easy with a v-neck white tshirt, jeans, necklace and sunglasses. Manuel had went to Managua with Mike and German today. He had a pretty good time.
The Wood family were tired and hungry, but glad to be here. The Hulsey’s took them to dinner while Mary and I went to our rooms to relax for the evening.
I got the chance to hem a dress, put away laundry, check emails, paint my toenails and watch a couple more episodes of Army Wives on my computer. I’m getting to used to that luxury and need to break the habit!
Tomorrow I’ll finish my laundry and wash my sheets and spend most of the day sewing. I have a lot of sewing to get done before Monday and then some that needs to be done by Wednesday. I don’t plan on leaving the house all day long. I would love to catch a nap if possible before the team gets here about 5 or 6pm. Then it will be busy!
Since we have the family here now, we’ll have breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by the cooks for the next week. Yum!
Anna, the wife of the Wood family that arrived today, asked what I missed about the US since I mostly live here now. I told her not a thing. I feel complete and totally at home here. This is exactly where God wants me to be at this moment in my life. I really feel grounded here. What a good feeling!
I’m going to try to live the challenge that I expressed to the ladies at the Bible study this afternoon… to pray to God each day to show me how to live out the plans that He has for my life and to fulfill the purpose that He created me for. A good thing to think about every day.
Thursday, November 17, 2011 NICARAGUA
It’s only 8:30pm and I’m ready for bed. Ha! That’s what a day of 6 hours traveling in the van and another 5 hours of shopping and eating will do to a body! I’m comfortably tired, though, so I’m not complaining.
We left this morning with Danilo as our driver. Mary, Sherry, Leslie and I went to Masaya (3 hours away) for shopping at a market to buy things that the team might like to purchase when they come. We will no longer be driving that far on ‘Fun Days’ for the teams and want to make sure that they have good, affordable options for souvenir shopping. Between our little store here at the Mission House and the vendors at the Central Park here in León, they should be happy.
We had a late lunch at Narcy’s and enjoyed it very much. Narcy’s is a chicken restaurant adjacent to a Pappa John’s Pizza place. You can order from both menus. I had a calzone with mushrooms, black olives and chicken. Yum. Sherry and Mary shared a Hawaiian pizza. Leslie had some chicken tacos and Danilo ordered a special of hot wings. Danilo is a stout guy and when his plate came out we all laughed, because it looked like a child’s portion. We shared our stuff with him. We had also ordered cheese sticks, but they came out as part of our meal instead of as an appetizer. We also ordered 2 Nacatamales to try them out. Leslie (nica) does not like them, but Danilo does. Sherry and I loved them and Mary liked them okay. They are a lot like Mexican tamales, but have specific stuff in them. I love any kind of tamales, so I was very happy!
We were driving German’s new (used) van and got stopped by the police twice because we had no license plates and the temporary papers were expired. Both times, the police were going to take us to the Police station and keep the van, but a little bribe money got us on our way. Sherry was ready to have a stern talk with German and Mike for sending us off in a vehicle with expired papers. Thankfully, we didn’t get stopped any more the rest of the day. It could have gotten expensive!
After lunch, we went to PriceSmart in Managua. We stocked up on some things and I was tickled to find snack packs of craisins and some trailmix. I also got some granola bars, soup and some snack pack pudding. I priced a Singer sewing machine there and am thinking about getting it for myself for Christmas, if God provides the money. The little sewing machine that I brought down is great and we use it for sewing classes. But we need to buy more machines and the one at PriceSmart is a Singer and not a strange brand like the ones in León, which the ministry will still buy for the classes. Anyway, I’m praying about this nice Singer model.
We had a nice drive home and I dozed off a little bit. It was nice riding in German’s van (even if it is a police magnet). We got back to the Mission House and unloaded all our stuff. Danilo has only been to this place once before, so we asked him to drive on in. Before he picked up and dropped off at the little gate and parked by the street. While we were unloading the van, Buster (the miniature Doberman puppy the size of my foot) came running up. In the darkness it was hard to tell what he was. I think Danilo might have thought that he was a rat or something, by the look on his face! He asked me if it was a little dog (with an incredulous lilt to his voice). When I said yes, he just laughed and said that Buster would protect us.
Mike and Manuel had ran to Tip Top Chicken while we were gone and came back to the Mission House shortly after we got back. I gave Manuel a little keychain for his surprise from me. I’m sure he’s wanting some keys to go on it.
I settled into my room and had some chicken noodle soup for dinner. Then I did a little bit of sewing.
Mike left me the internet cable, so I’ve been updating my blog, downloading Iva May commentary for my daily Bible study and returning emails. We are supposed to have internet here at the Mission House by the end of the week. So far we’ve had 2 people show up but the internet has not materialized yet. Oh well, I’m thankful to get to use the cable sometimes!
I’m going to get up early tomorrow and through some clothes into the washer. I haven’t been able to wash for almost 2 weeks. My schedule keeps me gone a lot and this past week, the washer was busy with the 45 sets of sheets and towels from the group over the weekend. I’m looking forward to some clean duds!
While the clothes are washing, I’m going to head downtown to pick up some more fabric that I need to sew up this weekend and also to pick up some things from a bookstore. Then I’ll head back here to help get the place ready for the team. One family who is coming to do a conference next week is arriving tomorrow. Then the team from Paragould AR comes in on Saturday afternoon.
I can’t wait to have a team here! It’s gonna be great! Can’t wait to see how many people come to Christ next week.
Better go for now and finish downloading stuff while I can.
Things are really busy here and I love everything that God allows me to do. I am so blessed.
We left this morning with Danilo as our driver. Mary, Sherry, Leslie and I went to Masaya (3 hours away) for shopping at a market to buy things that the team might like to purchase when they come. We will no longer be driving that far on ‘Fun Days’ for the teams and want to make sure that they have good, affordable options for souvenir shopping. Between our little store here at the Mission House and the vendors at the Central Park here in León, they should be happy.
We had a late lunch at Narcy’s and enjoyed it very much. Narcy’s is a chicken restaurant adjacent to a Pappa John’s Pizza place. You can order from both menus. I had a calzone with mushrooms, black olives and chicken. Yum. Sherry and Mary shared a Hawaiian pizza. Leslie had some chicken tacos and Danilo ordered a special of hot wings. Danilo is a stout guy and when his plate came out we all laughed, because it looked like a child’s portion. We shared our stuff with him. We had also ordered cheese sticks, but they came out as part of our meal instead of as an appetizer. We also ordered 2 Nacatamales to try them out. Leslie (nica) does not like them, but Danilo does. Sherry and I loved them and Mary liked them okay. They are a lot like Mexican tamales, but have specific stuff in them. I love any kind of tamales, so I was very happy!
We were driving German’s new (used) van and got stopped by the police twice because we had no license plates and the temporary papers were expired. Both times, the police were going to take us to the Police station and keep the van, but a little bribe money got us on our way. Sherry was ready to have a stern talk with German and Mike for sending us off in a vehicle with expired papers. Thankfully, we didn’t get stopped any more the rest of the day. It could have gotten expensive!
After lunch, we went to PriceSmart in Managua. We stocked up on some things and I was tickled to find snack packs of craisins and some trailmix. I also got some granola bars, soup and some snack pack pudding. I priced a Singer sewing machine there and am thinking about getting it for myself for Christmas, if God provides the money. The little sewing machine that I brought down is great and we use it for sewing classes. But we need to buy more machines and the one at PriceSmart is a Singer and not a strange brand like the ones in León, which the ministry will still buy for the classes. Anyway, I’m praying about this nice Singer model.
We had a nice drive home and I dozed off a little bit. It was nice riding in German’s van (even if it is a police magnet). We got back to the Mission House and unloaded all our stuff. Danilo has only been to this place once before, so we asked him to drive on in. Before he picked up and dropped off at the little gate and parked by the street. While we were unloading the van, Buster (the miniature Doberman puppy the size of my foot) came running up. In the darkness it was hard to tell what he was. I think Danilo might have thought that he was a rat or something, by the look on his face! He asked me if it was a little dog (with an incredulous lilt to his voice). When I said yes, he just laughed and said that Buster would protect us.
Mike and Manuel had ran to Tip Top Chicken while we were gone and came back to the Mission House shortly after we got back. I gave Manuel a little keychain for his surprise from me. I’m sure he’s wanting some keys to go on it.
I settled into my room and had some chicken noodle soup for dinner. Then I did a little bit of sewing.
Mike left me the internet cable, so I’ve been updating my blog, downloading Iva May commentary for my daily Bible study and returning emails. We are supposed to have internet here at the Mission House by the end of the week. So far we’ve had 2 people show up but the internet has not materialized yet. Oh well, I’m thankful to get to use the cable sometimes!
I’m going to get up early tomorrow and through some clothes into the washer. I haven’t been able to wash for almost 2 weeks. My schedule keeps me gone a lot and this past week, the washer was busy with the 45 sets of sheets and towels from the group over the weekend. I’m looking forward to some clean duds!
While the clothes are washing, I’m going to head downtown to pick up some more fabric that I need to sew up this weekend and also to pick up some things from a bookstore. Then I’ll head back here to help get the place ready for the team. One family who is coming to do a conference next week is arriving tomorrow. Then the team from Paragould AR comes in on Saturday afternoon.
I can’t wait to have a team here! It’s gonna be great! Can’t wait to see how many people come to Christ next week.
Better go for now and finish downloading stuff while I can.
Things are really busy here and I love everything that God allows me to do. I am so blessed.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 NICARAGUA
I was very tired when I woke up this morning about 6am. But I couldn’t go back to sleep so I just laid in bed talking to God and thinking about all that I have to be thankful for. A pleasant way to pass the time.
I walked to Spanish class this morning and on the way, I talked to Charlie Brown, who is leading a team down here next week. It was good to talk with him and we went over some details for the ministry that they are going to do here. They’ll be here on Saturday. Can’t wait.
Spanish class was good. It was an extended 3 hour class today. Juan added the Subjunctive mood of the Present Tense. Aaaaaaaakkk! He held the book up with the title page for that chapter and wielded it like a threat. It was funny. It’s a confusing part of Spanish grammar that isn’t used in English. I don’t like it, but I’ll conquer it! It was a good class, never the less. While he had to run and pick up his daughter from preschool, Jackie (a lady who helps out at the school in the mornings) chatted with me in Spanish. It was fun. I can tell that I’m understanding more and more of the language. I still have a long way to go, but I’m getting there.
After class, it was overcast so it was cool enough to enjoy the walk home. Bazar Jerry had not closed for lunch yet when I by, so I popped in to get Mary some thread she was needing.
We had spaghetti and salad for lunch. Then Sherry filled me in on some decisions that were made this morning. I’m gone to class 4 mornings a week, so I miss some of the little meetings.
I rested for about 30 minutes and then got ready for the Bible study at Las Quimeras church. Due to the taxi costing so much, Mike decided to take us and he and Sherry sat in the van while Mary, Leslie and I did the class. Manuel played with some of the kids.
It was a good class. We had a few new people and some of the regulars had to miss. We made a sign that says “Gracias por las Biblias” and the ladies signed it. Then they held it up and I took a picture of them. I’ll post that picture on Facebook to thank those who donated money for the Bibles that we were able to give out at Las Quimeras.
Carlos was supposed to come by the Mission House this evening to talk to me about getting more Bibles, but it was raining and he rides a motorcycle, so he had to reschedule for tomorrow morning. I fixed a little bit of dinner and then sewed a few more drawstring bags for Monday. I also pinned a skirt for Sherry (from fabric cut off of a long dress that Mary is hemming for her). I hemmed up a skirt that I had cut off for myself, too. Then I watched a few more episodes of Army Wives cds on my computer.
Now it’s time for bed and I’m comfortably tired and ready for a good night’s sleep. We’re going to Masaya tomorrow to buy souvenir stuff for the teams and also stopping at PriceSmart for groceries. It will be a long day, but fun.
Danilo is driving Sherry, Mary, Leslie and I. Manuel will stay with Mike and German here in León to get more work done for the team. Mike says he feels sorry for Danilo having to put up with us women all day. But I think Danilo is going to enjoy it. He’s a good guy.
I don’t have another Spanish class for 11 days, due to skipping tomorrow and then not having class next week because of the team. I’m going to study everyday to keep up and I can’t wait to have the next class. This was my fourth week and I can’t believe how much we have covered. I’m loving it. Well, everything but Subjunctive mood. Ha
I’m going to get off of here for now so I can get to sleep by 11pm. I need to be ready early tomorrow so I can meet with Carlos about the Bibles before we take off for Masaya. I’m looking forward to some sweet dreams!
I walked to Spanish class this morning and on the way, I talked to Charlie Brown, who is leading a team down here next week. It was good to talk with him and we went over some details for the ministry that they are going to do here. They’ll be here on Saturday. Can’t wait.
Spanish class was good. It was an extended 3 hour class today. Juan added the Subjunctive mood of the Present Tense. Aaaaaaaakkk! He held the book up with the title page for that chapter and wielded it like a threat. It was funny. It’s a confusing part of Spanish grammar that isn’t used in English. I don’t like it, but I’ll conquer it! It was a good class, never the less. While he had to run and pick up his daughter from preschool, Jackie (a lady who helps out at the school in the mornings) chatted with me in Spanish. It was fun. I can tell that I’m understanding more and more of the language. I still have a long way to go, but I’m getting there.
After class, it was overcast so it was cool enough to enjoy the walk home. Bazar Jerry had not closed for lunch yet when I by, so I popped in to get Mary some thread she was needing.
We had spaghetti and salad for lunch. Then Sherry filled me in on some decisions that were made this morning. I’m gone to class 4 mornings a week, so I miss some of the little meetings.
I rested for about 30 minutes and then got ready for the Bible study at Las Quimeras church. Due to the taxi costing so much, Mike decided to take us and he and Sherry sat in the van while Mary, Leslie and I did the class. Manuel played with some of the kids.
It was a good class. We had a few new people and some of the regulars had to miss. We made a sign that says “Gracias por las Biblias” and the ladies signed it. Then they held it up and I took a picture of them. I’ll post that picture on Facebook to thank those who donated money for the Bibles that we were able to give out at Las Quimeras.
Carlos was supposed to come by the Mission House this evening to talk to me about getting more Bibles, but it was raining and he rides a motorcycle, so he had to reschedule for tomorrow morning. I fixed a little bit of dinner and then sewed a few more drawstring bags for Monday. I also pinned a skirt for Sherry (from fabric cut off of a long dress that Mary is hemming for her). I hemmed up a skirt that I had cut off for myself, too. Then I watched a few more episodes of Army Wives cds on my computer.
Now it’s time for bed and I’m comfortably tired and ready for a good night’s sleep. We’re going to Masaya tomorrow to buy souvenir stuff for the teams and also stopping at PriceSmart for groceries. It will be a long day, but fun.
Danilo is driving Sherry, Mary, Leslie and I. Manuel will stay with Mike and German here in León to get more work done for the team. Mike says he feels sorry for Danilo having to put up with us women all day. But I think Danilo is going to enjoy it. He’s a good guy.
I don’t have another Spanish class for 11 days, due to skipping tomorrow and then not having class next week because of the team. I’m going to study everyday to keep up and I can’t wait to have the next class. This was my fourth week and I can’t believe how much we have covered. I’m loving it. Well, everything but Subjunctive mood. Ha
I’m going to get off of here for now so I can get to sleep by 11pm. I need to be ready early tomorrow so I can meet with Carlos about the Bibles before we take off for Masaya. I’m looking forward to some sweet dreams!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 NICARAGUA
Another great day! Went to Spanish class at 9am instead of 10am so that we could make up some time for me being gone to Masaya on Thursday. It was a good class. Talked about verbs (as usual) but also reviewed different types of pronouns and objects. I wish I would have paid more attention in English grammar classes, so that I wouldn’t have to try so hard to remember it now so that I can associate it to Spanish. Ah, we always think we know best when we’re young. Kind of like how we think we will never use math skills when we grow up either. Ha
Anyway, it was a great class. We had a long discussion (all in Spanish) about how I feel living and serving here in Nica (almost full time). I am exactly where God wants me to be. Juan was asking if I miss many things from the states. I truly don’t miss anything personally. I just sometimes think of things that would make the ministry more effective if we had those items here. The only things that I have been craving are hummus and HGTV. LOL other than that, I’m good with cold showers, no TV, walking to many of the places I need to go, riding in dilapidated taxis, wearing bug spray as cologne and sunscreen as moisturizer. I love my room and am very comfortable here. I haven’t felt this ‘at home’ in a long, long time.
My health has been very good, considering the chronic problems I have. And the sinus infection/cold is about all gone. I’ve been keeping up with my vitamins and supplements and feel pretty good most of the time. I could probably slow down a little bit and get more rest, but I’ll work on that over time. I’m very content with the life that God is allowing me to have.
Juan and his daughter Kati and I took a fieldtrip today at class. We walked a few blocks away to another House of the Bible store to price Bibles for the ladies at ROSCC church Bible study. I wasn’t impressed with the selection or the prices, and think I will probably keep buying the ones that I get from Carlos, but I did find a kid’s devotional book in Spanish and bought it for myself. I will have fun reading each day’s Bible story all year round.
On the way to class I stopped at the Librería and bought some pens for the ladies Bible study, as well as a nice notebook for Pastor Sergio, a big eraser for myself, and some large pieces of paper for the sewing class. On the way home I stopped in at the second hand clothing store that Mary and I like. Partly to look for a green top to go with a green skirt I just bought, and partly to get in the shade for a few minutes. (It’s getting too hot to walk home from class at noon) The owner was so happy to see me. She should be, I spend money in there often. They have nice used clothing for a good price and their store is very clean and organized. Keep in mind that it’s the front part of their house and the size of my bedroom. Her name is Melonia and she asked me lots of questions about where I live and what I do, etc. I was surprised at how much better my Spanish is while speaking with her. Anyway, I told her all about Voice of Hope Ministry and what we do. It was great to talk with her.
I got home for lunch and we had churrazco (steak with chimichurri sauce), mashed potatoes, corn and salad. Yum! Then I chatted with Mary, Sherry and Leslie about some plans for the sewing classes and other ministry stuff.
Soon it was time for the ladies from Las Quimeras to get here for the sewing class. It takes them 45 minutes to ride the bus into town and across to the Mission House. We have a 2 hour class and then they have another 45 minute bus ride home. Bless their hearts! At least the ministry pays their bus fare for them. We had fun at the class. We ended up with 9 ladies (including Leslie, who is our translator, but also wants to learn how to sew). We went over the basics. Then we watched the dvd that came with the sewing machine and then they got to try their hand at sewing a little bit. They each took a turn. We gave them each a couple of needs and some thread and a piece of fabric to take home and practice on. They are excited and we are, too! We’re all praying for 2 more sewing machines so that they can all get busy learning and making things for their families as well as maybe making things to sell to provide groceries for their families.
It started to rain before class was over and we let them leave early to catch the bus back to Las Quimeras. I hope they made it home safely and didn’t get too wet. I’m very excited about their classes. I know this is going to be a great ministry.
Mary got ready to go and babysit for Manuel tonight at the Hulsey’s house. I heated up some left over Nica chop suey from last night. Then I got busy cutting out some fabric to make drawstring bags for the women’s conference on Monday. Last night I sewed up 32 tissue holders (for a lady’s purse or backpack) and tonight I cut out 30 drawstring bags. If I can get them sewed up tomorrow evening, I’ll just have about another 50 items to get done by Monday.
We have a family of 4 coming on Friday afternoon for the week, to do a conference. We also have the team coming in on Saturday afternoon. It’s gonna get busy around here! I love it. Also, I’ll still be doing the 2 Women’s Bible studies on Wed and Friday, as well as the Women’s Conference on Monday. We’ll still have the Tuesday sewing class. But I’ll be working with the team and won’t have Spanish class in the mornings, but Juan is translating for us and we wouldn’t have class anyway. I know that the week is going to fly by!
I’m going to get off of here for now. I’m tired and need my beauty sleep. Ha
I hope to find time tomorrow evening to get some laundry done. Otherwise, I’m going to have to go back to the used clothing store and buy something clean to wear!
I hope that everyone back in the states is getting ready for Thanksgiving and having a great time preparing to be with family. Nica is exactly where I want to be for the holidays. I’m thankful for that!!!
Anyway, it was a great class. We had a long discussion (all in Spanish) about how I feel living and serving here in Nica (almost full time). I am exactly where God wants me to be. Juan was asking if I miss many things from the states. I truly don’t miss anything personally. I just sometimes think of things that would make the ministry more effective if we had those items here. The only things that I have been craving are hummus and HGTV. LOL other than that, I’m good with cold showers, no TV, walking to many of the places I need to go, riding in dilapidated taxis, wearing bug spray as cologne and sunscreen as moisturizer. I love my room and am very comfortable here. I haven’t felt this ‘at home’ in a long, long time.
My health has been very good, considering the chronic problems I have. And the sinus infection/cold is about all gone. I’ve been keeping up with my vitamins and supplements and feel pretty good most of the time. I could probably slow down a little bit and get more rest, but I’ll work on that over time. I’m very content with the life that God is allowing me to have.
Juan and his daughter Kati and I took a fieldtrip today at class. We walked a few blocks away to another House of the Bible store to price Bibles for the ladies at ROSCC church Bible study. I wasn’t impressed with the selection or the prices, and think I will probably keep buying the ones that I get from Carlos, but I did find a kid’s devotional book in Spanish and bought it for myself. I will have fun reading each day’s Bible story all year round.
On the way to class I stopped at the Librería and bought some pens for the ladies Bible study, as well as a nice notebook for Pastor Sergio, a big eraser for myself, and some large pieces of paper for the sewing class. On the way home I stopped in at the second hand clothing store that Mary and I like. Partly to look for a green top to go with a green skirt I just bought, and partly to get in the shade for a few minutes. (It’s getting too hot to walk home from class at noon) The owner was so happy to see me. She should be, I spend money in there often. They have nice used clothing for a good price and their store is very clean and organized. Keep in mind that it’s the front part of their house and the size of my bedroom. Her name is Melonia and she asked me lots of questions about where I live and what I do, etc. I was surprised at how much better my Spanish is while speaking with her. Anyway, I told her all about Voice of Hope Ministry and what we do. It was great to talk with her.
I got home for lunch and we had churrazco (steak with chimichurri sauce), mashed potatoes, corn and salad. Yum! Then I chatted with Mary, Sherry and Leslie about some plans for the sewing classes and other ministry stuff.
Soon it was time for the ladies from Las Quimeras to get here for the sewing class. It takes them 45 minutes to ride the bus into town and across to the Mission House. We have a 2 hour class and then they have another 45 minute bus ride home. Bless their hearts! At least the ministry pays their bus fare for them. We had fun at the class. We ended up with 9 ladies (including Leslie, who is our translator, but also wants to learn how to sew). We went over the basics. Then we watched the dvd that came with the sewing machine and then they got to try their hand at sewing a little bit. They each took a turn. We gave them each a couple of needs and some thread and a piece of fabric to take home and practice on. They are excited and we are, too! We’re all praying for 2 more sewing machines so that they can all get busy learning and making things for their families as well as maybe making things to sell to provide groceries for their families.
It started to rain before class was over and we let them leave early to catch the bus back to Las Quimeras. I hope they made it home safely and didn’t get too wet. I’m very excited about their classes. I know this is going to be a great ministry.
Mary got ready to go and babysit for Manuel tonight at the Hulsey’s house. I heated up some left over Nica chop suey from last night. Then I got busy cutting out some fabric to make drawstring bags for the women’s conference on Monday. Last night I sewed up 32 tissue holders (for a lady’s purse or backpack) and tonight I cut out 30 drawstring bags. If I can get them sewed up tomorrow evening, I’ll just have about another 50 items to get done by Monday.
We have a family of 4 coming on Friday afternoon for the week, to do a conference. We also have the team coming in on Saturday afternoon. It’s gonna get busy around here! I love it. Also, I’ll still be doing the 2 Women’s Bible studies on Wed and Friday, as well as the Women’s Conference on Monday. We’ll still have the Tuesday sewing class. But I’ll be working with the team and won’t have Spanish class in the mornings, but Juan is translating for us and we wouldn’t have class anyway. I know that the week is going to fly by!
I’m going to get off of here for now. I’m tired and need my beauty sleep. Ha
I hope to find time tomorrow evening to get some laundry done. Otherwise, I’m going to have to go back to the used clothing store and buy something clean to wear!
I hope that everyone back in the states is getting ready for Thanksgiving and having a great time preparing to be with family. Nica is exactly where I want to be for the holidays. I’m thankful for that!!!
Monday, November 14, 2011 NICARAGUA
Almost time for bed again. I’m feeling better this evening. This morning was kind of rough, but I can tell that it’s getting better each day.
I walked to class this morning, instead of taking a taxi like I felt like doing, because it was cooler and overcast. Also, I needed to stop at Basar Jerry and at the Librería and at the corner to get money exchanged. I hate to waste a cooler morning by taking a taxi. Getting to walk when it’s more comfortable is something that I don’t take for granted. ☺
I got some more cord for the little drawstring bags that I’m going to sew for the Women’s Conference next Monday. Also, I got some elastic for the skirts for the sewing class and some medium safety pins. I’ve been looking for medium ones for a few weeks now. Funny how you have to search and hope to find things. We take way too much for granted in the states. But I like getting to stop in and visit the ladies at the stores. I priced some satin cord and some satin ribbon, too, for future projects.
I bought 40 notebooks at the Librería for the ladies at ROSCC Bible study. I was weighted down as I carried them to class with me. After class I relented to taking a taxi home. It was well worth it.
Spanish class was very good. Juan said I am doing really great. That’s good to hear because I still think I’m doing badly, but I can tell that I’m making progress. We are trying to cram all the learning we can into these 2 months and there is very little time between ‘getting’ something and then moving on to more that I don’t know. But it’s all worth the hard work. Juan is a very encouraging teacher, too. He always has such a big smile when I get a really hard thing correct. He’s a blessing.
We had Nicaraguan chicken chop suey for lunch and it was good. Then Leslie and I talked and decided that we didn’t need to go to the other market today, since I had bought fabric on Sunday and the elastic today. I really want to go walk around and look at stuff, but I decided to do the responsible thing and stay here this afternoon and start cutting out and sewing some of the stuff for Monday.
I finished up Coco’s skirts and got all her shirts together. She was so surprised tonight when we gave her the new wardrobe. She couldn’t believe it was for her. She doesn’t get anything new ever and most of her clothes don’t fit. It was a blessing for Sherry, Mary and me to do this for her.
Our VOH Bible study was good tonight. Sherry, Mary, German, Oscar, Jonathan, Salvador and I attended. Mike always has good messages. Mary got to meet Jonathan and Salvador tonight. I sure have missed them! I didn’t get to see them at all last week since I had so much going on. I won’t see them in English class this week or next week either. And we will not have our Bible study on Monday night because the team will be here.
I’m going to miss them! They are doing so great with their English. They said that Teacher (Juan) told them what a good job they are doing and he told them that I’m doing well, too. We are in the same boat wanting to learn as fast as we can. Just in different languages.
I got an email from my niece and she filled me in on the wedding plans so far. It will be here before we know it! I’ll wait and buy my dress when I get back to the states or maybe even when I get to IN in Feb. I guess it will be a good excuse to buy a new dress.
Buster, the dog, lives here at the Team House most of the time now. He sleeps in Alberto’s little house. He is such a funny dog. Not much bigger than my foot, but he thinks that he is ferocious. He barks a lot at Alberto and won’t let him pick him up. I have to catch him and hand him to Alberto. It’s funny. Alberto cooks scrambled eggs for Buster every morning (as Sherry used to do) and then feeds him canned dog food each night. He stays in Alberto’s room a lot and barks because he wants out with people. I don’t know how he will do with the teams. We’ll see.
After everyone left tonight, I came in my room and sewed for about hour and a half. Then I opted to get on the computer to do my blog. We should have internet here at the Mission House by the end of the week. Woohoo!!!
After writing this update, I need to study my Spanish lesson for about an hour and then I’m off to dream land.
I’m off to dream land and I feel so blessed today. Thank you Lord.
I walked to class this morning, instead of taking a taxi like I felt like doing, because it was cooler and overcast. Also, I needed to stop at Basar Jerry and at the Librería and at the corner to get money exchanged. I hate to waste a cooler morning by taking a taxi. Getting to walk when it’s more comfortable is something that I don’t take for granted. ☺
I got some more cord for the little drawstring bags that I’m going to sew for the Women’s Conference next Monday. Also, I got some elastic for the skirts for the sewing class and some medium safety pins. I’ve been looking for medium ones for a few weeks now. Funny how you have to search and hope to find things. We take way too much for granted in the states. But I like getting to stop in and visit the ladies at the stores. I priced some satin cord and some satin ribbon, too, for future projects.
I bought 40 notebooks at the Librería for the ladies at ROSCC Bible study. I was weighted down as I carried them to class with me. After class I relented to taking a taxi home. It was well worth it.
Spanish class was very good. Juan said I am doing really great. That’s good to hear because I still think I’m doing badly, but I can tell that I’m making progress. We are trying to cram all the learning we can into these 2 months and there is very little time between ‘getting’ something and then moving on to more that I don’t know. But it’s all worth the hard work. Juan is a very encouraging teacher, too. He always has such a big smile when I get a really hard thing correct. He’s a blessing.
We had Nicaraguan chicken chop suey for lunch and it was good. Then Leslie and I talked and decided that we didn’t need to go to the other market today, since I had bought fabric on Sunday and the elastic today. I really want to go walk around and look at stuff, but I decided to do the responsible thing and stay here this afternoon and start cutting out and sewing some of the stuff for Monday.
I finished up Coco’s skirts and got all her shirts together. She was so surprised tonight when we gave her the new wardrobe. She couldn’t believe it was for her. She doesn’t get anything new ever and most of her clothes don’t fit. It was a blessing for Sherry, Mary and me to do this for her.
Our VOH Bible study was good tonight. Sherry, Mary, German, Oscar, Jonathan, Salvador and I attended. Mike always has good messages. Mary got to meet Jonathan and Salvador tonight. I sure have missed them! I didn’t get to see them at all last week since I had so much going on. I won’t see them in English class this week or next week either. And we will not have our Bible study on Monday night because the team will be here.
I’m going to miss them! They are doing so great with their English. They said that Teacher (Juan) told them what a good job they are doing and he told them that I’m doing well, too. We are in the same boat wanting to learn as fast as we can. Just in different languages.
I got an email from my niece and she filled me in on the wedding plans so far. It will be here before we know it! I’ll wait and buy my dress when I get back to the states or maybe even when I get to IN in Feb. I guess it will be a good excuse to buy a new dress.
Buster, the dog, lives here at the Team House most of the time now. He sleeps in Alberto’s little house. He is such a funny dog. Not much bigger than my foot, but he thinks that he is ferocious. He barks a lot at Alberto and won’t let him pick him up. I have to catch him and hand him to Alberto. It’s funny. Alberto cooks scrambled eggs for Buster every morning (as Sherry used to do) and then feeds him canned dog food each night. He stays in Alberto’s room a lot and barks because he wants out with people. I don’t know how he will do with the teams. We’ll see.
After everyone left tonight, I came in my room and sewed for about hour and a half. Then I opted to get on the computer to do my blog. We should have internet here at the Mission House by the end of the week. Woohoo!!!
After writing this update, I need to study my Spanish lesson for about an hour and then I’m off to dream land.
I’m off to dream land and I feel so blessed today. Thank you Lord.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011 NICARAGUA
Due to circumstances beyond our control… we weren’t able to go to church this morning. Mary and I got to hear some of the music and ceremony here at the Mission House that the Women/Teen girls’ conference was having. I spent a lot of time on my personal Bible study this morning and enjoyed the time with the Lord.
Sherry joined Mary and I for some shopping around and lunch. It was nice to get out and walk around and look at second hand clothing stores. We each found a few pieces and had a nice lunch at Tip Top Chicken. We then caught a taxi and went to Maxi Palí to look around. It’s owned by Walmart and is kind of a step up from their other grocery stores of regular Palí and La Unión. We had fun walking around and looking at stuff. Mary and I got some little baskets that have wheels and pull handle. We liked just walking around with the baskets. ☺
While downtown, I bought some fabric for the sewing class that starts on Tuesday. I still need to get some elastic, so I’ll have to stop by Basar Jerry tomorrow on my way to class. I also need to stop by the Librería and let her know that I want to buy 40 notebooks by Friday. These will be for the ladies at ROSCC church. I don’t have the money to get their Bibles yet, but I’m going to give them the notebooks and pens this week.
While out today, I got a call from Juan and he said that he picked up a new student, I believe for the 8-10am timeslot, so my classes will be the usual 10a-12p this week. We had decided to add an extra hour each day, but that will not happen now. We’ll talk tomorrow about how to work in the extra hours. I think I will have to miss class on Thursday, too, because we need to go to Masaya before the team comes on Saturday. But it will all work out okay.
When through downtown, we got a taxi and headed back to the Mission House about 2pm. The conference was still going on and I had a sinus headache, so I laid down in my room for a while and Mary and Sherry visited in Mary’s room. Mike and Manuel came over to finalize money and stuff with the leader of the conference. Then the Hulsey’s went home.
The conference ended at 6pm, but the praise music and worship kept going until about 7:30pm. It’s nice and quiet again.
I studied on Spanish verbs for a while and then fixed some soup for dinner. I nuked a couple of small potatoes to add to the veggie soup and it was pretty good. I packed my meds/vitamins for the next 2 weeks and then studied a little more Spanish. Then I watched 2 more episodes of Army Wives on my computer.
Now I’m ready for bed and praying to wake up with a clear head. My headache is better and I’m not as stuffy. I actually feel worse now that my antibiotics are through. Hmmmm
It’s been beautiful weather. No rain for days and days. It will soon be drying out for 6 months. I have to say that I’m enjoying not having the continuous rain like in October. But I’m sure I’ll complain about it being too hot and dry soon. ☺
Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and then a great Spanish class and then lunch and then Leslie and I are planning on going to a market here in León that I haven’t been to so I can look for some more supplies and storage containers. Then I’ve got lots of sewing to do tomorrow afternoon before the VOH Bible study.
Time to start another busy week and I love it.
The team comes in on Saturday. Woohoo!!
God is good!
Sherry joined Mary and I for some shopping around and lunch. It was nice to get out and walk around and look at second hand clothing stores. We each found a few pieces and had a nice lunch at Tip Top Chicken. We then caught a taxi and went to Maxi Palí to look around. It’s owned by Walmart and is kind of a step up from their other grocery stores of regular Palí and La Unión. We had fun walking around and looking at stuff. Mary and I got some little baskets that have wheels and pull handle. We liked just walking around with the baskets. ☺
While downtown, I bought some fabric for the sewing class that starts on Tuesday. I still need to get some elastic, so I’ll have to stop by Basar Jerry tomorrow on my way to class. I also need to stop by the Librería and let her know that I want to buy 40 notebooks by Friday. These will be for the ladies at ROSCC church. I don’t have the money to get their Bibles yet, but I’m going to give them the notebooks and pens this week.
While out today, I got a call from Juan and he said that he picked up a new student, I believe for the 8-10am timeslot, so my classes will be the usual 10a-12p this week. We had decided to add an extra hour each day, but that will not happen now. We’ll talk tomorrow about how to work in the extra hours. I think I will have to miss class on Thursday, too, because we need to go to Masaya before the team comes on Saturday. But it will all work out okay.
When through downtown, we got a taxi and headed back to the Mission House about 2pm. The conference was still going on and I had a sinus headache, so I laid down in my room for a while and Mary and Sherry visited in Mary’s room. Mike and Manuel came over to finalize money and stuff with the leader of the conference. Then the Hulsey’s went home.
The conference ended at 6pm, but the praise music and worship kept going until about 7:30pm. It’s nice and quiet again.
I studied on Spanish verbs for a while and then fixed some soup for dinner. I nuked a couple of small potatoes to add to the veggie soup and it was pretty good. I packed my meds/vitamins for the next 2 weeks and then studied a little more Spanish. Then I watched 2 more episodes of Army Wives on my computer.
Now I’m ready for bed and praying to wake up with a clear head. My headache is better and I’m not as stuffy. I actually feel worse now that my antibiotics are through. Hmmmm
It’s been beautiful weather. No rain for days and days. It will soon be drying out for 6 months. I have to say that I’m enjoying not having the continuous rain like in October. But I’m sure I’ll complain about it being too hot and dry soon. ☺
Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and then a great Spanish class and then lunch and then Leslie and I are planning on going to a market here in León that I haven’t been to so I can look for some more supplies and storage containers. Then I’ve got lots of sewing to do tomorrow afternoon before the VOH Bible study.
Time to start another busy week and I love it.
The team comes in on Saturday. Woohoo!!
God is good!
Saturday, November 12, 2011 NICARAGUA
Almost 11pm. Just getting on the computer tonight. After a long day going to Managua and shopping a little bit, we got back about 5pm. The Oriental Market is huge (about 5 acres) of little shops all crammed together in a very disorganized manner. It was crazy! But we found some good deals on things for the team house. We ate lunch at the food court of a mall and then headed home. I only bought one thing and that was as we were leaving the mall. It was a cell phone tassel that I wanted to get to use as a pattern to make more. It was a beautiful day, though.
I had some cream of mushroom soup and a tortilla for dinner and worked for about 4 hours on making 6 more Bible bags for the ladies at Las Quimeras church. Now I can start on another project tomorrow!
While sewing, I watched the Jesus Film in English and then watched it again in Spanish. I then watched 2 episodes of Army Wives (that Sherry loaned me). I took a break to help Mary put together her new wardrobe contraption for her room. It didn’t take long at all, since I’ve put 2 together twice for myself. She’s tickled with hers.
I’m going to try to copy some cds for the ROSCC church to use with their children’s service. Hope I can do it correctly.
I am really beat, but I can’t believe how much I got accomplished this evening. God blessed me with good time management!
I can’t believe that the team comes next Saturday! It will be fun to see how they like the new place. It will be great to have a crazy ministry week schedule, too!
I’ll be hopping all week as I’m doing 3 hours of Spanish class each morning, instead of 2, teaching 2 Bible studies, starting Sewing classes, helping with English class and trying to get about 100 drawstring bags made before the next Monday (21st). I also need to get some bracelets made in the next 2 weeks so that we can start the jewelry classes the week after the team leaves. But I’m loving it so much!
This is going to be short because I’m ready for bed and the women/teen-girls, who are having a retreat here this weekend, finished up their very loud praise music time. It’s so quiet now. Yay!!
Mary and I are going to take a taxi downtown tomorrow for lunch and to do a little shopping for supplies for the sewing class and for next week’s Bible classes. The retreat ends at 6pm tomorrow, so it will be good to be out and about while they are here. I don’t mind staying in my room since I have my computer, sewing machine and plenty of Spanish lessons to memorize, but I think Mary gets a little stir crazy. Luckily, we don’t rent out the facility too often.
Ok, going to bed now.
Thank you Lord for your blessings. I’m thankful as always.
I had some cream of mushroom soup and a tortilla for dinner and worked for about 4 hours on making 6 more Bible bags for the ladies at Las Quimeras church. Now I can start on another project tomorrow!
While sewing, I watched the Jesus Film in English and then watched it again in Spanish. I then watched 2 episodes of Army Wives (that Sherry loaned me). I took a break to help Mary put together her new wardrobe contraption for her room. It didn’t take long at all, since I’ve put 2 together twice for myself. She’s tickled with hers.
I’m going to try to copy some cds for the ROSCC church to use with their children’s service. Hope I can do it correctly.
I am really beat, but I can’t believe how much I got accomplished this evening. God blessed me with good time management!
I can’t believe that the team comes next Saturday! It will be fun to see how they like the new place. It will be great to have a crazy ministry week schedule, too!
I’ll be hopping all week as I’m doing 3 hours of Spanish class each morning, instead of 2, teaching 2 Bible studies, starting Sewing classes, helping with English class and trying to get about 100 drawstring bags made before the next Monday (21st). I also need to get some bracelets made in the next 2 weeks so that we can start the jewelry classes the week after the team leaves. But I’m loving it so much!
This is going to be short because I’m ready for bed and the women/teen-girls, who are having a retreat here this weekend, finished up their very loud praise music time. It’s so quiet now. Yay!!
Mary and I are going to take a taxi downtown tomorrow for lunch and to do a little shopping for supplies for the sewing class and for next week’s Bible classes. The retreat ends at 6pm tomorrow, so it will be good to be out and about while they are here. I don’t mind staying in my room since I have my computer, sewing machine and plenty of Spanish lessons to memorize, but I think Mary gets a little stir crazy. Luckily, we don’t rent out the facility too often.
Ok, going to bed now.
Thank you Lord for your blessings. I’m thankful as always.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011 NICARAGUA
Another great day. I love Fridays. Almost every Friday, I have a break from morning Spanish classes. I got up early (since Manuel spent the night and he gets up with the roosters) and had cereal and jumped on the computer since I had the iternet cable. I was downloading some instructions for making jewelry when the Hulsey’s got here, so I gave the cable to Mike to use.
Mike took Mary and I to the little second hand store that I stop at on my home to and from Spanish class. She liked it much better than the stores that we went to downtown yesterday. We both found tons of bargains. By the time we finished shopping, the Husley’s were coming back to the Mission House, so they picked us up.
I worked on some notes for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and then we had lunch. Then I worked a little more on the notes and sorted out clothes for Coco. She is going to be so happy when she sees what all we have for her. I also sorted out the clothes that I bought for me that needed altering.
I laid down for about a half hour and then got my shower and dressed for the Bible Study. Jorge took us today and Oscar joined us to video class.
We arrived a little early (which is unusual for us, unfortunately) and they were putting ceramic tiles on the stage and front part of the church. They had also put blocks up to the ceiling in that area. The rest of the church still has walls up about ¾ of the way and is open at the top for air circulation. The tiles look very nice. The workers kept going and it was rather noisy, but you get used to just keeping on with what you are doing. On the other side of the church, a man was using a chain saw to cut up some huge tree trunks that they use for firewood for the feeding of children during the week. Noise everywhere, but God made it possible for us to hear each other.
Before the class started, Oscar videoed some interviews with the leaders of the Women’s Ministry. It was fun talking with them. Leslie translated for me and for them, so that anyone watching the video could understand in their own language. It was fun. The ladies also were very good about answering questions today, too. I think I should bring Oscar and his camera more often! I love the ladies at that church and I’m so excited for their hearts to reach their neighborhoods.
I got back to the Mission House about 5:45pm and Mary was reading under the rancho. We fixed some leftovers for dinner and went to our rooms about 6pm. We are renting the place to a Christian group for the weekend, so Mary and I will spend the evenings in our rooms and we are going to Managua all day tomorrow and church on Sunday morning. It won’t be inconvenient at all.
I spent a lot of time in my room tonight sewing and at the same time, watching the Disney movie, Tangled, on my computer in Spanish. Then when I was doing some hemming, I watched 2 episodes of Army Wives (season 3) which Sherry loaned me. It was different and fun. I usually only have Spanish praise music playing in the evenings. I like having something to look at.
I cleaned out my little backpack that I carry around and got it ready for tomorrow’s trip to the Oriental Market in Managua. I put a large cloth bag in it to carry some of my purchases. I have no idea what we will find, but I’m ready!!
I have my sewing and mending and hemming and altering all caught up as of tonight. The next thing on my sewing agenda is to make more Bible bags for the ladies at Las Quimeras church and to start making about 100 small drawstring bags for the Women’s Conference at ROSCC church which will be a week from Monday. In a few weeks, I’ll start making the 40+ Bible bags for the ladies of ROSCC church. Whew!
I also need to start making some samples of knotted projects like bracelets, keychains and bookmarks, so that I can teach some of the ladies how to make them. We will be starting the sewing classes next Tuesday with about 7 women from Las Quimeras. We’re getting busier and busier, but it’s all wonderful work and God is allowing me to do the things I love. In other words, He’s putting into place His plan for me to do the things that He has made me love to do. Funny how your perspective on that changes when you remember that He is control, huh?
Well, better go to bed for now. Big day tomorrow.
I’m just so blessed!
Mike took Mary and I to the little second hand store that I stop at on my home to and from Spanish class. She liked it much better than the stores that we went to downtown yesterday. We both found tons of bargains. By the time we finished shopping, the Husley’s were coming back to the Mission House, so they picked us up.
I worked on some notes for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and then we had lunch. Then I worked a little more on the notes and sorted out clothes for Coco. She is going to be so happy when she sees what all we have for her. I also sorted out the clothes that I bought for me that needed altering.
I laid down for about a half hour and then got my shower and dressed for the Bible Study. Jorge took us today and Oscar joined us to video class.
We arrived a little early (which is unusual for us, unfortunately) and they were putting ceramic tiles on the stage and front part of the church. They had also put blocks up to the ceiling in that area. The rest of the church still has walls up about ¾ of the way and is open at the top for air circulation. The tiles look very nice. The workers kept going and it was rather noisy, but you get used to just keeping on with what you are doing. On the other side of the church, a man was using a chain saw to cut up some huge tree trunks that they use for firewood for the feeding of children during the week. Noise everywhere, but God made it possible for us to hear each other.
Before the class started, Oscar videoed some interviews with the leaders of the Women’s Ministry. It was fun talking with them. Leslie translated for me and for them, so that anyone watching the video could understand in their own language. It was fun. The ladies also were very good about answering questions today, too. I think I should bring Oscar and his camera more often! I love the ladies at that church and I’m so excited for their hearts to reach their neighborhoods.
I got back to the Mission House about 5:45pm and Mary was reading under the rancho. We fixed some leftovers for dinner and went to our rooms about 6pm. We are renting the place to a Christian group for the weekend, so Mary and I will spend the evenings in our rooms and we are going to Managua all day tomorrow and church on Sunday morning. It won’t be inconvenient at all.
I spent a lot of time in my room tonight sewing and at the same time, watching the Disney movie, Tangled, on my computer in Spanish. Then when I was doing some hemming, I watched 2 episodes of Army Wives (season 3) which Sherry loaned me. It was different and fun. I usually only have Spanish praise music playing in the evenings. I like having something to look at.
I cleaned out my little backpack that I carry around and got it ready for tomorrow’s trip to the Oriental Market in Managua. I put a large cloth bag in it to carry some of my purchases. I have no idea what we will find, but I’m ready!!
I have my sewing and mending and hemming and altering all caught up as of tonight. The next thing on my sewing agenda is to make more Bible bags for the ladies at Las Quimeras church and to start making about 100 small drawstring bags for the Women’s Conference at ROSCC church which will be a week from Monday. In a few weeks, I’ll start making the 40+ Bible bags for the ladies of ROSCC church. Whew!
I also need to start making some samples of knotted projects like bracelets, keychains and bookmarks, so that I can teach some of the ladies how to make them. We will be starting the sewing classes next Tuesday with about 7 women from Las Quimeras. We’re getting busier and busier, but it’s all wonderful work and God is allowing me to do the things I love. In other words, He’s putting into place His plan for me to do the things that He has made me love to do. Funny how your perspective on that changes when you remember that He is control, huh?
Well, better go to bed for now. Big day tomorrow.
I’m just so blessed!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011 NICARAGUA
I’ve been fighting a splitting headache all evening. It’s not getting any better and I think being on the computer is making it worse. So I’ll make this short and sweet.
This morning I got up and headed for class. I stopped on the way at Bazaar Jerry for some crochet thread for some projects for the ladies in our Tuesday classes which will start next week. I want to make some sample projects for them to see. Lizabeth called me by name 2 or 3 times while I was there. I was thinking how sweet it was to hear my name coming from her. I guess because I’m here. Then I was thinking about how sweet it is that God calls my name every time He speaks to me and that I take that for granted. I’m going to try to remember that and it will bring a smile to my face when I’m talking to Him.
I also stopped at Mundo Escolar Librería, my favorite little paper & supply store for some binder clamps that I will need for the projects. I also picked up a mini stapler to carry in my book bag. I enjoy seeing that sweet girl who works in there. I think she enjoys seeing me come to shop, too, since I spend a little money in there often.
I stopped by the Texaco station and bought a cold bottled water, because I knew I would end up drinking all of the water in my backpack during class. I then stopped at the corner and exchanged some more money. That guy is getting used to seeing me 2 or 3 times a week. He probably wonders why I don’t exchange more money at one time instead of coming so often. Oh well…
I made it to class a little early and reviewed until Juan got there. We had a very good class. I grabbed a taxi for the trip home, since I knew I would be out in the sun in the afternoon. We had the most delicious Canelones today. Claudia had seen them being made before, but this was her first time to make them. They were sensational! I’m her biggest cheerleader!
After lunch, Mike took Leslie, Mary and me to downtown for some shopping. Leslie helped Mike negotiate a refrigerator for the Mission House, so we would have plenty of room for the food for the teams. Then he and Manuel ran errands while Mary, Leslie and I ran around to different clothing and second-hand stores. We found some shirts for Coco so that she can have a new little wardrobe along with the skirts that I made for her. I bought a pretty top for myself. Mary found a few things for herself, too. Then we stopped at La Unión and I picked up a few groceries for my room. We grabbed a taxi for home and Leslie headed to her house.
When Mary and I arrived at the Mission House, the Hulsey’s were leaving. Alberto said they were coming back to drop off Manuel for an overnight with us. Mary and I sat outside and had dinner (I had cold Canelones and Mary had chocolate cake) and we waited for Manuel to arrive.
Buster the dog is now a resident of the Mission House and he thinks he is really big stuff. He will sleep in Alberto’s little house at night and he runs all over the place barking at everything. He took off with my flipflop this evening. I didn’t notice until I was ready to put my shoes back on (I had put my feet in a chair to relax). That little stinker had taken off with the shoe and left it in the yard. I then put the shoes in the seat with my feet and he still tried to take the shoes. Little stinker!
Manuel had dinner and then sang to Mary and me and then played his drums. Mary showed him some cds of the kids in the children’s home that Voice of Hope runs in Honduras. We had popcorn for a snack and then all retired to our rooms. Manuel is sleeping in Mary’s room to protect her.
Alberto’s daughter from Costa Rica and son Carlos from here, along with Carlos’ 2 boys are coming tomorrow to visit with Alberto and swim in the pool. Manuel will enjoy swimming with them.
I’m going to enjoy having the morning free. I have some sewing and craft projects to get done this weekend. Tomorrow afternoon is Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and Saturday we are supposed to go to Managua for the day. So, I’ll have limited time to get things done, but I hope to be home on Sunday afternoon to finish some stuff up.
Tomorrow night, we have 40+ people coming to stay at the Mission House for a retreat. They will use the rooms, kitchen (to cook all their own meals) and the pool. Mary and I will be gone on Saturday and part of Sunday, so we won’t really notice them too much. I’ll be spending time in my room sewing anyway, so I don’t mind having them here. It’s nice to hear people on property sometimes. It’s a blessing to church groups to use the Mission House and it helps us to pay the rent! I love using what God gives us to bless others. And return God blesses us through it all.
Next week will be busy with extra hours for Spanish classes, 2 Women’s Bible studies and the beginning of the sewing classes on Tuesday. There’s just not enough time to get everything done! But I bet if I ask God to tweak my schedule He will make it just right!
Time to go to bed and get rid of this headache. I sure do like my room and the new table. Everything is fitting just perfectly. I’m very thankful.
This morning I got up and headed for class. I stopped on the way at Bazaar Jerry for some crochet thread for some projects for the ladies in our Tuesday classes which will start next week. I want to make some sample projects for them to see. Lizabeth called me by name 2 or 3 times while I was there. I was thinking how sweet it was to hear my name coming from her. I guess because I’m here. Then I was thinking about how sweet it is that God calls my name every time He speaks to me and that I take that for granted. I’m going to try to remember that and it will bring a smile to my face when I’m talking to Him.
I also stopped at Mundo Escolar Librería, my favorite little paper & supply store for some binder clamps that I will need for the projects. I also picked up a mini stapler to carry in my book bag. I enjoy seeing that sweet girl who works in there. I think she enjoys seeing me come to shop, too, since I spend a little money in there often.
I stopped by the Texaco station and bought a cold bottled water, because I knew I would end up drinking all of the water in my backpack during class. I then stopped at the corner and exchanged some more money. That guy is getting used to seeing me 2 or 3 times a week. He probably wonders why I don’t exchange more money at one time instead of coming so often. Oh well…
I made it to class a little early and reviewed until Juan got there. We had a very good class. I grabbed a taxi for the trip home, since I knew I would be out in the sun in the afternoon. We had the most delicious Canelones today. Claudia had seen them being made before, but this was her first time to make them. They were sensational! I’m her biggest cheerleader!
After lunch, Mike took Leslie, Mary and me to downtown for some shopping. Leslie helped Mike negotiate a refrigerator for the Mission House, so we would have plenty of room for the food for the teams. Then he and Manuel ran errands while Mary, Leslie and I ran around to different clothing and second-hand stores. We found some shirts for Coco so that she can have a new little wardrobe along with the skirts that I made for her. I bought a pretty top for myself. Mary found a few things for herself, too. Then we stopped at La Unión and I picked up a few groceries for my room. We grabbed a taxi for home and Leslie headed to her house.
When Mary and I arrived at the Mission House, the Hulsey’s were leaving. Alberto said they were coming back to drop off Manuel for an overnight with us. Mary and I sat outside and had dinner (I had cold Canelones and Mary had chocolate cake) and we waited for Manuel to arrive.
Buster the dog is now a resident of the Mission House and he thinks he is really big stuff. He will sleep in Alberto’s little house at night and he runs all over the place barking at everything. He took off with my flipflop this evening. I didn’t notice until I was ready to put my shoes back on (I had put my feet in a chair to relax). That little stinker had taken off with the shoe and left it in the yard. I then put the shoes in the seat with my feet and he still tried to take the shoes. Little stinker!
Manuel had dinner and then sang to Mary and me and then played his drums. Mary showed him some cds of the kids in the children’s home that Voice of Hope runs in Honduras. We had popcorn for a snack and then all retired to our rooms. Manuel is sleeping in Mary’s room to protect her.
Alberto’s daughter from Costa Rica and son Carlos from here, along with Carlos’ 2 boys are coming tomorrow to visit with Alberto and swim in the pool. Manuel will enjoy swimming with them.
I’m going to enjoy having the morning free. I have some sewing and craft projects to get done this weekend. Tomorrow afternoon is Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and Saturday we are supposed to go to Managua for the day. So, I’ll have limited time to get things done, but I hope to be home on Sunday afternoon to finish some stuff up.
Tomorrow night, we have 40+ people coming to stay at the Mission House for a retreat. They will use the rooms, kitchen (to cook all their own meals) and the pool. Mary and I will be gone on Saturday and part of Sunday, so we won’t really notice them too much. I’ll be spending time in my room sewing anyway, so I don’t mind having them here. It’s nice to hear people on property sometimes. It’s a blessing to church groups to use the Mission House and it helps us to pay the rent! I love using what God gives us to bless others. And return God blesses us through it all.
Next week will be busy with extra hours for Spanish classes, 2 Women’s Bible studies and the beginning of the sewing classes on Tuesday. There’s just not enough time to get everything done! But I bet if I ask God to tweak my schedule He will make it just right!
Time to go to bed and get rid of this headache. I sure do like my room and the new table. Everything is fitting just perfectly. I’m very thankful.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 NICARAGUA
I had to stop and think what day it is today. The only thing that clued me in was the Bible study at Las Quimeras church. Getting too busy and the days are running together!
I felt a little better this morning. I’m so thankful for antibiotics! I got ready for my early Spanish class. Carlos brought 10 more Bibles over for me. I’m so thankful for the donation by Jamie Hill and his church. It’s so important to provide Bibles to these ladies. Anyway, Carlos brought them over early before I left for class.
Mary took custody of my room key since I needed to leave the room open for Aracelys to clean today. Since I’ve been going to class earlier than usual, she has not been able to clean for me and I had lots of dust and threads from sewing. It was heavenly to come home to a clean smelling room today!
I walked to class and stopped by the Basar Jerry for some particular thread. Then I proceeded to walk to the Mundo Escolar Librería to buy the notebooks and pens for the ladies Bible study. I just love stopping in that store. The lady seems happy to see me too, since I’m always buying stuff in there!
I made it to class a few minutes late, but Juan was later than me, so I reviewed some before he got there. We had a great 3 hour class today. We worked on verb tenses and I’m trying to get them to make more sense to me. I’m making headway. I think it would have been easier if I hadn’t had to learn so many of them at the same time. Also, I’m still working on memorizing the 400 verbs he gave me. I’m about 50% on those. We had some great conversations in Spanish and enough variety in his teaching style that it makes the 3 hours fly by. Tomorrow will only be 2 hours, as usual, but I know it will be very beneficial, as well.
As I was walking home, Mike and Sherry came along in the van. They pulled over and picked me up. Leslie was with them. We got to the house and waited for lunch to be ready. Manuel had done really well in school this morning. He is enjoying having Jaasiel as a teacher. His meds are good in the morning, but by afternoon, he has a hard time with emotions sometimes. We’re praying that things will calm down for him as the med changes kick in.
Lunch was good, but I ate way too much rice. Saturnino, Alberto, Leslie and I sat together and I enjoyed catching most of what they were saying in Spanish. It’s encouraging to me to get better each day.
Leslie and I put the Bibles and bags together for the Bible study ladies who haven’t received theirs yet. Then I got changed for the class.
Mike had bought some raw wood tables and I picked one out for my room. It’s rectangular and fits perfectly in the corner of my room designated as my desk/sewing area. Saturnino had treated it for termites and stained it with our special Nica stain. It looks nice, but I cover it with a long table cloth anyway. I paid Mike for it so that it would be mine and the ministry wouldn’t have to foot the bill. It was quite a bargain. I’m very happy with it! Now I have room to leave my printer on it and still have room to sew. Yay! Since it isn’t as wide as the square plastic table I had in here, I could move my bed down the wall about 5 more inches. This gave my rocking chair space more room and I love that, too. I’m quite cozy. I guess I should take some pictures and post them on fb sometime soon, since I’ve been here 7 weeks now and I guess you could say I’m settled in.
The Bible study at Las Quimeras was very good. We had 19 out of the 22 today. Sherry talked to Pastor Sergio about 6-7 women that he would recommend to start our sewing class next week. I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait for them to start working on stuff for themselves, their families and stuff to sell to the North Americans as souvenirs. What a blessing!
We got home and I baked a potato and added it to my split pea soup for dinner. Yum! I had chocolate pudding for dessert.
I’ve spent most of the evening on the computer, since Mike left the internet cable for me. Mary tried to get on the computer they left here for her to use, but couldn’t get it to work right. I’m not familiar enough with it to help much. She didn’t want to mess with my computer, so she’ll wait until tomorrow when Mike can help her to check her facebook and emails. She was going to call her daughter tonight on her cell phone.
I called my sister Sandy this morning as I was walking to class. I don’t get good signal down here all the time, so I haven’t called the states much over the last weeks. I need to be better about that.
I guess I should get off of here, study a little more Spanish and go to bed.
I’m thankful that I’m feeling better. I’m so glad that I could bring those antibiotics down here (just in case).
Looking forward to tomorrow and all that God brings my way!
I felt a little better this morning. I’m so thankful for antibiotics! I got ready for my early Spanish class. Carlos brought 10 more Bibles over for me. I’m so thankful for the donation by Jamie Hill and his church. It’s so important to provide Bibles to these ladies. Anyway, Carlos brought them over early before I left for class.
Mary took custody of my room key since I needed to leave the room open for Aracelys to clean today. Since I’ve been going to class earlier than usual, she has not been able to clean for me and I had lots of dust and threads from sewing. It was heavenly to come home to a clean smelling room today!
I walked to class and stopped by the Basar Jerry for some particular thread. Then I proceeded to walk to the Mundo Escolar Librería to buy the notebooks and pens for the ladies Bible study. I just love stopping in that store. The lady seems happy to see me too, since I’m always buying stuff in there!
I made it to class a few minutes late, but Juan was later than me, so I reviewed some before he got there. We had a great 3 hour class today. We worked on verb tenses and I’m trying to get them to make more sense to me. I’m making headway. I think it would have been easier if I hadn’t had to learn so many of them at the same time. Also, I’m still working on memorizing the 400 verbs he gave me. I’m about 50% on those. We had some great conversations in Spanish and enough variety in his teaching style that it makes the 3 hours fly by. Tomorrow will only be 2 hours, as usual, but I know it will be very beneficial, as well.
As I was walking home, Mike and Sherry came along in the van. They pulled over and picked me up. Leslie was with them. We got to the house and waited for lunch to be ready. Manuel had done really well in school this morning. He is enjoying having Jaasiel as a teacher. His meds are good in the morning, but by afternoon, he has a hard time with emotions sometimes. We’re praying that things will calm down for him as the med changes kick in.
Lunch was good, but I ate way too much rice. Saturnino, Alberto, Leslie and I sat together and I enjoyed catching most of what they were saying in Spanish. It’s encouraging to me to get better each day.
Leslie and I put the Bibles and bags together for the Bible study ladies who haven’t received theirs yet. Then I got changed for the class.
Mike had bought some raw wood tables and I picked one out for my room. It’s rectangular and fits perfectly in the corner of my room designated as my desk/sewing area. Saturnino had treated it for termites and stained it with our special Nica stain. It looks nice, but I cover it with a long table cloth anyway. I paid Mike for it so that it would be mine and the ministry wouldn’t have to foot the bill. It was quite a bargain. I’m very happy with it! Now I have room to leave my printer on it and still have room to sew. Yay! Since it isn’t as wide as the square plastic table I had in here, I could move my bed down the wall about 5 more inches. This gave my rocking chair space more room and I love that, too. I’m quite cozy. I guess I should take some pictures and post them on fb sometime soon, since I’ve been here 7 weeks now and I guess you could say I’m settled in.
The Bible study at Las Quimeras was very good. We had 19 out of the 22 today. Sherry talked to Pastor Sergio about 6-7 women that he would recommend to start our sewing class next week. I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait for them to start working on stuff for themselves, their families and stuff to sell to the North Americans as souvenirs. What a blessing!
We got home and I baked a potato and added it to my split pea soup for dinner. Yum! I had chocolate pudding for dessert.
I’ve spent most of the evening on the computer, since Mike left the internet cable for me. Mary tried to get on the computer they left here for her to use, but couldn’t get it to work right. I’m not familiar enough with it to help much. She didn’t want to mess with my computer, so she’ll wait until tomorrow when Mike can help her to check her facebook and emails. She was going to call her daughter tonight on her cell phone.
I called my sister Sandy this morning as I was walking to class. I don’t get good signal down here all the time, so I haven’t called the states much over the last weeks. I need to be better about that.
I guess I should get off of here, study a little more Spanish and go to bed.
I’m thankful that I’m feeling better. I’m so glad that I could bring those antibiotics down here (just in case).
Looking forward to tomorrow and all that God brings my way!
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