Wow! Can’t believe it’s the end of April already. I look at the date every day for work purposes, but it doesn’t sink in that time is marching on. I’ve been back in Nica for 2 months now. It really is home for me so the time doesn’t register in my mind. I like living one day at a time. I hope to be better about making the best of each day.
Thursday was a busy day going to La Quimera to visit the Feeding Center. We got current pics and info on 35 of the kids who have been sponsored for the feeding program. It was great to talk with Darling, too.
It was after 1pm when we got back to the Mission House, so we had lunch and then worked on the computer more until time for the Sewing Class with the ladies from Rose of Sharon church. Those ladies were ready to get started and many came early. I’m letting them unpack the machines so that they can be confident in setting them up, so it’s not as hard for me to prepare for class now.
The ladies finished making their aprons and started cutting out fabric to make elastic waist skirts. They had a blast! They said they are ready to make some skirts with zippers now. I hate sewing in zippers. I’m going to let them have at it and enjoy themselves! Ha
I did more computer work until time for my shower and bedtime. So much to get done. I’m bad about keeping charging along and getting tired and stressed without making myself take breaks and do fun things. I’m working on rewiring my brain about that.
Mary has been going to different churches in the evenings to speak about Evangelism. She is having fun. The people are loving having her there. Jaasiel and Hixel have been translating for her. Friday night, she led the van driver to the Lord! Way to go Mary!!
Friday was a day of catch up for Mayela and me regarding the Feeding Centers. We had a quick meeting with Pastor Marvin and then he wanted to meet with German privately. We are going through some transitions with a couple of the Feeding Centers. Lots to talk about and pray about. Mayela and I did a lot of computer work for most of the day.
After lunch, we all rode over to take Lydia home so I could take pictures of her home that we have been doing construction on. It was great to see it. She is so thankful for all the work. She received the Lord while we were gone in January. She’s part of our VOH family in more ways than one!
After the stop at Lydia’s, we went to get ice cream. Since ice cream is not good for my liver, I opted to be a good girl and treat myself to a new pair of sandals from one of my favorite shops. They only cost $5 US, so I bought 2 pair. When I got back to the ice cream shop, they were not serving to anyone because of a water problem. So we all jumped back in the KIA and went back to the Mission House. It was sooooo hot and miserable. It’s a lot more humid now that we are getting closer to the rainy season (winter). I’m so thankful to have air conditioning in my room for sleeping!!
Today, I started sewing classes with Juana’s kids. Maria, who is 21, has learning disabilities and I was praying that she could understand my limited Spanish. Francisco, who is about 8 or so, was on hand to help explain things and he wanted to learn to sew, also. Maria had taken some classes using a treadle machine. She knew her way around making a skirt. She did a great job. We understood each other pretty well and she wasn’t shy for long. Francisco was a hoot! He made a denim bag to carry his books and balls and stuff in. He was so excited! Juana wants to learn to sew also, so she will start learning on Saturdays after she finishes her work. I like having the class on Saturdays, when it’s relatively quieter around here. Also, I don’t have to pay a translator for now, so it’s great!
It was so humid today that even though it was 9:30am and I was only standing still teaching sewing, I was soaked through to my skin from sweat. My hair was completely wet. It was crazy.
I got some laundry done and then got a shower so that Mary and I could go to Suyapa, one of our favorite restaurants out on the beach, for lunch. It was a beautiful day to drive out there. It was sooooo stifling hot, but we were thankful for the AC in the KIA for the drive. There was a nice breeze coming in from the ocean to cool us in the outdoor dining room. Very pleasant.
On the way back from the restaurant, we got stopped at a Police checkpoint. They just set up wherever they want to. Usually, they are just checking documents and looking for things wrong so they can extract bribes from people. I told him first thing that my Spanish was limited. He looked pleased (like I was an easy mark). This did allow me to play dumb about bribes. I showed him my drivers’ license and the documents for the car. He asked about the documents and I told him that the car belongs to the VOH ministry. I offered to have a co-worker who is Nica get on the phone to answer any of his questions. He didn’t want that. I think he saw the chance for his bribe going out the window. I asked if everything was okay and he wiggled his hand as if to say ‘maybe, maybe not’. When I still didn’t offer a bribe and did offer again to call my Nica friend, he stood there thinking. Finally, he asked me about the emergency triangle that you are supposed to have in your vehicle. Once I figured out what he was asking about, I say Oh Yes! It’s in the back. Do you want to see it? He looked disappointed and said no. He finally let us go on. As long as I can call German (or another VOH friend) I don’t worry too much about the authorities down here. Mary was mad at the policeman for his checkpoint and everything, but we did fine and drove on home for some relaxation. I emailed Mike to tell him about it and said we didn’t need any bail money – yet. Haha
We rested and messed around in our rooms for the rest of the afternoon. Alberto came to my door and was asking me something. He mumbles and runs all of his words together. I have the hardest time understanding him. If I don’t understand the first time, he keeps saying the same thing over and over again. I started guessing what he was trying to say. After about 10 guesses, he suggested I call Lesly and have her translate over the phone. She didn’t answer, so I called German and he took care of it for me. Alberto was telling me the ‘book’ version of a question that only need one sentence. Lesly called back to see what I needed. I told her and we both got big laugh out of it. At least I didn’t think he said ‘there’s a watermelon in the tank’ this time! Haha
I was thinking yesterday that I have driven more in the last month here in Nica than I do in 6 months in the states. I don’t even own a car any more. Sometimes it’s surprising to me to think that I’m driving through this crazy town with one way streets, no street signs, a few stop lights (that don’t work, by the way), crazy taxi drivers, crazier motorcyclist and bicycle riders, horse drawn carts, old buses and little truck buses, and it feels as natural as driving in the states now. I’m not getting lost much anymore, since I’m going mostly to the same places weekly. When I go somewhere different, I have Lesly or Mayela with me. Sometimes, I enjoy walking or riding in the taxi, though, so that I don’t have to think about traffic and parking. It’s all good.
Well, it’s time to call it a night. I’m looking forward to some good sleep tonight. I had to fight myself from taking a nap this afternoon because it was too late in the day. I think I’ll sleep like a baby. I’m looking forward to going to church at La Quimera tomorrow.
God is so good. The days aren’t easy, but they are blessed because they are a gift from Him!!
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