I woke up this morning feeling so much better than yesterday. I was still queasy and felt a little weak, but much better. I didn’t have to take any food to Monte Horeb Feeding Center, which is good, since I didn’t have keys to the vehicle left here and the KIA, which I do have a key to, was at the Hulsey’s still. Auxiliodoro came by to pick up the meat bones for the soup they will serve at the feeding center today. She got to have a quick bite of breakfast before grabbing a taxi back to the feeding center.
Sometimes the Mission House (a former hotel) is used for Pastor’s meetings. I think they may be quarterly or something like that. Anyway, today’s meeting wasn’t held here because of us having a team. But a few pastor’s showed up by mistake. Luckily, the alternate location was just down the street, so it wasn’t too inconvenient.
One of the Pastor’s who showed up was 107 years old. He has been preaching for over 80 years. He uses a cane to walk, but he is in good shape otherwise. What a treat to meet him!
The team had a great day of Fiestas, visiting another Feeding Center and doing some construction. They relaxed on the grounds here and played in the pool. One of the team members is a beautician and also sings like an angel. She has been blessing us with her voice all week. Today she blessed many of us with free haircuts. It’s been so fun!
Mayela and I went to Monte Horeb Feeding Center to check in with the ladies and go over records. Then we ran some errands and were back by 1pm. I got my laundry done and started packing for my trip. It feels so weird to go away from here for just one week. I’m taking 2 suitcases (stuffed inside each other), my carryon and a backpack. I plan to bring lots of stuff back in those empty suitcases. I’ve got my shopping list for the states all ready!
I’ll spend the day tomorrow (Wed) with the team for their Fun Day in Masaya, Granada, Managua and that area. Then they will drop me off at the hotel across from the Managua airport on their way back to León. I’ll spend the night there and catch my early flight on Thursday morning.
I told Manuel that I would be going to the states and I would see him in 1 week. He wanted to know if he could sleep in my bed while I’m away. Haha. I asked what he would like for me to bring him back from the states and he said something with Justin Beiber on it. I have a list of things that some of my Nica friends want me to bring back, too. It will be fun shopping for them.
I’m going to go to be a little early tonight so I can be up and ready early in the morning. So glad to spend some ‘alone’ time with the Lord while traveling. He’s the best companion!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Sunday started out normal with the team leaving for worship at Rose of Sharon church in town. I love the music there, but it’s so loud that it really gives my bad ear a fit for the rest of the day. I went with Sherry to La Quimera church instead. We took some food for the Feeding Center and settled in for worship. It was raining hard and the noise of it hitting the tin roof was deafening. But they have gotten the electric fixed up and have 3 light bulbs hanging through the one room building.
Pastor Brian had and Darling were leading singing with everyone and then, since they couldn’t take the kids outside, they moved them to the front of the church to do their story and color a picture. Brian moved his pulpit to the middle to give his sermon. He started praying for God make the rain stop and asked us to join in on the prayer. Then he said we weren’t praying in faith and prayed some more. Then he said we weren’t praying in power and prayed some more. Then the rain stopped. We were all smiling! He started his sermon, but was distracted a little because the 60+ kids were loud. They decided to more the kids to the outside under a tree like usual. Once they all filed out and got under the tree, it started pouring rain and again and the kids came running back inside. It was crazy. Poor Brian was perplexed and really wanted to share his message.
A little later, 2 guys brought an injured (and drunk) young man to the church and got the attention of the man’s brother, who was in the congregation. It turns out that the young man had gotten into a drunken fight and someone stabbed him in the side of his stomach. Taking injured people to hospitals is a tricky thing here, especially for gringos to be involved. Sherry and I finally convinced Pastor Brian and his wife to let us take the injured man and his brother to the little hospital in nearby Telica. There was an old ambulance (minus lights and probably no siren either) parked there, but the clinic was mostly for consults and not for emergencies. But they were talked into seeing the injured guy. His wound wasn’t too bad and I think they believed Pastor Brian’s story about how they showed up at the church.
Sherry, Brian and I went back to the church, which was pretty much over from the confusion. We said goodbye to everyone and headed back to León. We were almost back to the city when we saw the ambulance pass us. I guess they took him to a regular hospital. It’s best if we North Americans stay out of these things, so we’ll have to ask Pastor Brian how everything turned out. Quite an interesting morning.
The team had a great time at their church and we all settled in for a yummy lunch. Then it was rest and relaxation and then an early supper and then off to worship at Todopoderoso church. I stayed home and worked on my personal Bible study for a few hours instead of going to church, even though I love going to Todopoderoso, where my Nica son (unofficial) is the son of the Sr Pastor and is the Worship Pastor. The music kills my ear and I can’t hear for the rest of the day. So I missed out on that. But I really enjoyed my time in Bible Study.
I went to bed early, feeling exceptionally tired. About 2am I woke up very nauseas and threw up. I am not a dainty vomiter, so I’m sure that the people in the next room were probably awakened too. Sorry. I dozed for another hour and got sick again. I finally dozed a little more and then just stayed awake reading.
I’ve felt yucky all day today and laid in my room reading. Bread, crackers, dry cereal and a steamed potato have been my meals today. So far so good, although I’m still queasy. I’m hoping it all goes away by tomorrow. I have so much to do to get ready to leave on Wed. I’ve asked for prayers and I know that God will heal me quickly if it’s His decision.
This morning I did run food over to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center. They now have a room with a locking door to store the food, so I won’t have to take it every day. Pastor Pedro came by this morning for his meat and produce for Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. Pastor Brian came by for his meat for the day. It’s crazy sometimes keeping up with everything, but we’re so glad to have the food to feed the children.
Mary went with the team this evening to dinner at Suyapa restaurant on the beach. I couldn’t face a real meal or even sitting upright that long. I know they are all having a great meal. I’m glad that they got to do that.
Tomorrow will be busy for me to finish tying up some loose ends and getting laundry washed and a few duds packed for my trip to Indiana. I can’t believe the time is here already.
I’m so thankful to my precious Savior for always being with me every minute of the day. And I’m glad that He helps remind me that He is. I sometimes take my focus off of Him and that’s when things get rocky. But He IS my Rock!
Pastor Brian had and Darling were leading singing with everyone and then, since they couldn’t take the kids outside, they moved them to the front of the church to do their story and color a picture. Brian moved his pulpit to the middle to give his sermon. He started praying for God make the rain stop and asked us to join in on the prayer. Then he said we weren’t praying in faith and prayed some more. Then he said we weren’t praying in power and prayed some more. Then the rain stopped. We were all smiling! He started his sermon, but was distracted a little because the 60+ kids were loud. They decided to more the kids to the outside under a tree like usual. Once they all filed out and got under the tree, it started pouring rain and again and the kids came running back inside. It was crazy. Poor Brian was perplexed and really wanted to share his message.
A little later, 2 guys brought an injured (and drunk) young man to the church and got the attention of the man’s brother, who was in the congregation. It turns out that the young man had gotten into a drunken fight and someone stabbed him in the side of his stomach. Taking injured people to hospitals is a tricky thing here, especially for gringos to be involved. Sherry and I finally convinced Pastor Brian and his wife to let us take the injured man and his brother to the little hospital in nearby Telica. There was an old ambulance (minus lights and probably no siren either) parked there, but the clinic was mostly for consults and not for emergencies. But they were talked into seeing the injured guy. His wound wasn’t too bad and I think they believed Pastor Brian’s story about how they showed up at the church.
Sherry, Brian and I went back to the church, which was pretty much over from the confusion. We said goodbye to everyone and headed back to León. We were almost back to the city when we saw the ambulance pass us. I guess they took him to a regular hospital. It’s best if we North Americans stay out of these things, so we’ll have to ask Pastor Brian how everything turned out. Quite an interesting morning.
The team had a great time at their church and we all settled in for a yummy lunch. Then it was rest and relaxation and then an early supper and then off to worship at Todopoderoso church. I stayed home and worked on my personal Bible study for a few hours instead of going to church, even though I love going to Todopoderoso, where my Nica son (unofficial) is the son of the Sr Pastor and is the Worship Pastor. The music kills my ear and I can’t hear for the rest of the day. So I missed out on that. But I really enjoyed my time in Bible Study.
I went to bed early, feeling exceptionally tired. About 2am I woke up very nauseas and threw up. I am not a dainty vomiter, so I’m sure that the people in the next room were probably awakened too. Sorry. I dozed for another hour and got sick again. I finally dozed a little more and then just stayed awake reading.
I’ve felt yucky all day today and laid in my room reading. Bread, crackers, dry cereal and a steamed potato have been my meals today. So far so good, although I’m still queasy. I’m hoping it all goes away by tomorrow. I have so much to do to get ready to leave on Wed. I’ve asked for prayers and I know that God will heal me quickly if it’s His decision.
This morning I did run food over to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center. They now have a room with a locking door to store the food, so I won’t have to take it every day. Pastor Pedro came by this morning for his meat and produce for Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. Pastor Brian came by for his meat for the day. It’s crazy sometimes keeping up with everything, but we’re so glad to have the food to feed the children.
Mary went with the team this evening to dinner at Suyapa restaurant on the beach. I couldn’t face a real meal or even sitting upright that long. I know they are all having a great meal. I’m glad that they got to do that.
Tomorrow will be busy for me to finish tying up some loose ends and getting laundry washed and a few duds packed for my trip to Indiana. I can’t believe the time is here already.
I’m so thankful to my precious Savior for always being with me every minute of the day. And I’m glad that He helps remind me that He is. I sometimes take my focus off of Him and that’s when things get rocky. But He IS my Rock!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
It’s Saturday evening and I’ve finished dinner (canalones, YUM) and am ready for a shower and to spend time reading before bed.
The team from Parkside Baptist Church arrived on Thursday evening. It was nice to see a few familiar faces. They got all settled in to their rooms and we prepared to start ministry week that is a little different from most, since it starts on Friday and the team leaves on Thursday of next week.
I started Thursday by taking food to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center and then coming back to the Mission House for some computer work. Then Mayela and I went to Noah’s Ark Feeding Center to gather info and get updates. After lunch, I worked a little more on the feeding center computer work before the ladies from Rose of Sharon church arrived for their Sewing class.
Sewing class was very fun and very hot and sweaty! It was pretty miserable, actually. We may have to break down and turn on the AC in that room. I hope the units really do work and we don’t burn down the place. We had 6 fans on and the doors and windows open, but it was stifling and the fans just make it harder to cut out patterns and thread needles, etc. But we made it through with lots of laughs and fun. Sister Teresa made a new apron with lace that she had brought with her. She gave the apron to me as a gift. It was such a nice thing to do! I have a picture of her wearing it and a picture of me wearing it standing beside her. She is very sweet. The other ladies worked on shorts (for sleeping in) and more skirts. I sent them all home with extra fabric to make more items of their choosing. We won’t have class again until the first Thursday in June (since I will be out of the country for a week) so I’m interested to see just what they might come up with to make for themselves by hand at home.
Friday morning the team went out to do some Fiestas and I took food to Monte Horeb Feeding Center again. Then I ran by Salmon grocery store to buy some more of my favorite drinks (V8 Splash juice blends). I worked on the computer all morning until Mayela was ready to return to the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. We had a productive day there and were glad to get back to the Mission House about 1:15. The team had already had lunch and then planned on an excursion to the beach at 2pm. They had fun and came back for church.
After church on Friday night, the team came back for dinner and right when we were serving up the food, the electricity went out. A few of the team members brought flashlights (we tell all teams to do so) and a few used the flashlight app on their cell phones and we served and ate dinner. After eating, the team started singing praise songs in harmony and it was beautiful. I was in my room reading and I usually am very successful at blocking out sound, but the music was so pretty that I didn’t want to miss it. So I put down my book and just sat back in my rocker with head back and eyes closed and rocked and praised God with the music.
I grabbed my shower by flashlight and then decided that 2 hours without power was not good for the refrigerators that hold the food for the team. We have a small generator, but no gas. So I had Manuel (one of our hired drivers) go with me to the gas station to get a jug of gas. I normally would go by myself, but it was night and very dark and I felt more secure taking him with me. We drove the KIA SUV and he thought it was cute, but didn’t like driving an automatic. While at the gas station, we saw Oscar, Josselin and Axel. They were walking down the street to take Axel home to his mama’s house. The electricity was out all over our part of town. The gas station uses generators so we were able to pump our little bit of gas.
On the way home, the power came back on. I was very glad and I was very happy that we now have the gas needed to run the generator for the next outage, which could come at any time.
Saturday (today), the team left for more Fiestas and I got a lot of work done on the computer trying to catch up and also get ahead because of my upcoming trip to the states this coming week. After lunch, which surprised the team since we had meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn, some of the team went to town to shop around the park. I went along since I wanted to pick up something for my new great-niece (I’m saying it’s a girl until the doctor proves me wrong), and to look at fabric at my favorite stores. It started raining on us and we got drenched. Even though the park and downtown is only 4+ miles away, there was not a drop of rain at the Mission House. Just hot and muggy. Juan and Jaasiel, two of our translators, sat with me in my room and we looked through some of the movies that Mary and I have been buying at our favorite video store. We had a nice visit.
The team left for church tonight and will eat dinner when they get back. I’m ready for a shower now and thankful for a wonderful day.
I can’t believe I’ll be leaving the Mission House on Wednesday morning and flying to the states on Thursday morning. The week in the states will go by just as quickly, I’m sure! I’ve got my shopping list ready and am taking empty suitcases to bring back lots of ministry supplies.
Just a few more weeks and our summer of teams starts. It will be so busy and so wonderful. I can’t wait to see what God brings each day.
The team from Parkside Baptist Church arrived on Thursday evening. It was nice to see a few familiar faces. They got all settled in to their rooms and we prepared to start ministry week that is a little different from most, since it starts on Friday and the team leaves on Thursday of next week.
I started Thursday by taking food to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center and then coming back to the Mission House for some computer work. Then Mayela and I went to Noah’s Ark Feeding Center to gather info and get updates. After lunch, I worked a little more on the feeding center computer work before the ladies from Rose of Sharon church arrived for their Sewing class.
Sewing class was very fun and very hot and sweaty! It was pretty miserable, actually. We may have to break down and turn on the AC in that room. I hope the units really do work and we don’t burn down the place. We had 6 fans on and the doors and windows open, but it was stifling and the fans just make it harder to cut out patterns and thread needles, etc. But we made it through with lots of laughs and fun. Sister Teresa made a new apron with lace that she had brought with her. She gave the apron to me as a gift. It was such a nice thing to do! I have a picture of her wearing it and a picture of me wearing it standing beside her. She is very sweet. The other ladies worked on shorts (for sleeping in) and more skirts. I sent them all home with extra fabric to make more items of their choosing. We won’t have class again until the first Thursday in June (since I will be out of the country for a week) so I’m interested to see just what they might come up with to make for themselves by hand at home.
Friday morning the team went out to do some Fiestas and I took food to Monte Horeb Feeding Center again. Then I ran by Salmon grocery store to buy some more of my favorite drinks (V8 Splash juice blends). I worked on the computer all morning until Mayela was ready to return to the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. We had a productive day there and were glad to get back to the Mission House about 1:15. The team had already had lunch and then planned on an excursion to the beach at 2pm. They had fun and came back for church.
After church on Friday night, the team came back for dinner and right when we were serving up the food, the electricity went out. A few of the team members brought flashlights (we tell all teams to do so) and a few used the flashlight app on their cell phones and we served and ate dinner. After eating, the team started singing praise songs in harmony and it was beautiful. I was in my room reading and I usually am very successful at blocking out sound, but the music was so pretty that I didn’t want to miss it. So I put down my book and just sat back in my rocker with head back and eyes closed and rocked and praised God with the music.
I grabbed my shower by flashlight and then decided that 2 hours without power was not good for the refrigerators that hold the food for the team. We have a small generator, but no gas. So I had Manuel (one of our hired drivers) go with me to the gas station to get a jug of gas. I normally would go by myself, but it was night and very dark and I felt more secure taking him with me. We drove the KIA SUV and he thought it was cute, but didn’t like driving an automatic. While at the gas station, we saw Oscar, Josselin and Axel. They were walking down the street to take Axel home to his mama’s house. The electricity was out all over our part of town. The gas station uses generators so we were able to pump our little bit of gas.
On the way home, the power came back on. I was very glad and I was very happy that we now have the gas needed to run the generator for the next outage, which could come at any time.
Saturday (today), the team left for more Fiestas and I got a lot of work done on the computer trying to catch up and also get ahead because of my upcoming trip to the states this coming week. After lunch, which surprised the team since we had meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn, some of the team went to town to shop around the park. I went along since I wanted to pick up something for my new great-niece (I’m saying it’s a girl until the doctor proves me wrong), and to look at fabric at my favorite stores. It started raining on us and we got drenched. Even though the park and downtown is only 4+ miles away, there was not a drop of rain at the Mission House. Just hot and muggy. Juan and Jaasiel, two of our translators, sat with me in my room and we looked through some of the movies that Mary and I have been buying at our favorite video store. We had a nice visit.
The team left for church tonight and will eat dinner when they get back. I’m ready for a shower now and thankful for a wonderful day.
I can’t believe I’ll be leaving the Mission House on Wednesday morning and flying to the states on Thursday morning. The week in the states will go by just as quickly, I’m sure! I’ve got my shopping list ready and am taking empty suitcases to bring back lots of ministry supplies.
Just a few more weeks and our summer of teams starts. It will be so busy and so wonderful. I can’t wait to see what God brings each day.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Well, I haven’t posted in 10 days. Not like me, but it’s been busy and I’ve just let time get away from me.
Since I do a lot of the same things every day, I can condense a lot of the last 10 days together.
Every Mon-Fri morning, I take food to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center for the ladies to cook. I go back at 12:30p to pick up the box and any food items that need to be brought back and stored here. In between those two trips, Mayela and I visit another Feeding Center, either La Quimera or Noah’s Ark to get pics and info about the kids. Some mornings we stay at the Mission House to work on the Feeding Center documents on the computer.
Wednesday afternoons I teach Women’s Bible Study at La Quimera church, Thursday afternoons I teach Sewing Class here for the Rose of Sharon ladies, Friday afternoons I was teaching Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon Church. Estefanie translates for me for the Women’s Bible Studies and Mayela translates for me for the Sewing Classes.
Monday nights, Mary and I babysit Manuel here at the Mission House so that Sherry and Mike can have some quality time together. We picked Monday nights because it’s the one afternoon/evening that Mary and I both have as ‘free time’. Mary teaches Sewing Class on Tuesday afternoons and Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons.
So you can see that we are constantly coming and going. That doesn’t even include the Hulsey’s schedule or German, Jeremy, Lesly, Mayela, Jaasiel and Jorge! We’re always trying to keep up with vehicles, too.
Last week, Mayela and I visited a Feeding Center in El Tanque. This community is off the highway about 1.5 miles. The problem we had finding it came about because the road sign pointing the way to the turn off road was missing. We ended up stopping and asking someone, who sent us back the way we came. When we couldn’t find the landmark they talked about, we stopped and asked some police at a checkpoint. They didn’t have any idea where the community was. Then we stopped and asked another person and he pointed to a road about .1 of a mile back the way we came and said ‘turn at the cow’. Haha. We got the lady pastor on the phone and she talked us through the turns the rest of the way to the feeding center, which is at someone’s house for now. It was a good morning of visiting with the volunteers and the kids. We think we can find the turnoff again, even though I’m sure that the cow has moved! Haha
One morning, when I was running errands with Lesly, I asked about the Post Office, since they don’t deliver mail here. She took me there and we talked to 2 ladies who work there. You can send mail to the states for a fee and it will take about 17 days to get there. You can have mail sent here from the states for a fee and it takes about 3 weeks. Of course, your package/envelope will be opened when you pick it up at the post office. It’s not a secure or sure way of doing things, but it’s open!
One evening, the Speigels, another missionary family here in León, came by the Mission House so that I could give them some things that I brought from the states. It’s only taken us 2 months to touch base. Our schedules are crazy. It was nice to see them for a few minutes. We had planned to have dinner, but I was too wiped out from my day and one of their kids was a little sick. We promised to get together sometime in June.
Mary and I are making aprons for all of the volunteer cooks at the feeding centers. It’s been fun to mass produce them. It seems like I mass produce most everything I make anymore. It will be fun to give them out to the ladies.
We had our last Bible Study class at Rose of Sharon Church last Friday. The ladies threw me a party with a piñata. They had been planning on this party before I left in Dec but didn’t have the money. Then they planned it for my return in Feb but didn’t have the money then either. The timing worked out great to have it at the end of our session. Those ladies are great and I will miss them on Fridays. I still get to see quite a few of them for Sewing class on Thursdays, though.
Mary and I have went on small shopping trips occasionally. Fabric and sewing supplies, sandals, ice cream, used clothes, video store… We get around okay.
Feeding Centers, Bible Studies and Construction keep us pretty busy on a weekly basis. Planning for the teams and crusades for this summer keeps Mike, German and Jeremy hopping. And then there are the weeks when the teams are here. That’s busy!
We’re so thankful for all that God allows us to do here. It’s such a blessing to live here and share Jesus and as many blessings as we can.
I’m trying to be more disciplined in my eating, workouts and all around health decisions. It’s very hard, but I have to get my strength from God. I sure can’t do it by myself! I’m so glad that He cares about every little detail about me!
Since I do a lot of the same things every day, I can condense a lot of the last 10 days together.
Every Mon-Fri morning, I take food to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center for the ladies to cook. I go back at 12:30p to pick up the box and any food items that need to be brought back and stored here. In between those two trips, Mayela and I visit another Feeding Center, either La Quimera or Noah’s Ark to get pics and info about the kids. Some mornings we stay at the Mission House to work on the Feeding Center documents on the computer.
Wednesday afternoons I teach Women’s Bible Study at La Quimera church, Thursday afternoons I teach Sewing Class here for the Rose of Sharon ladies, Friday afternoons I was teaching Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon Church. Estefanie translates for me for the Women’s Bible Studies and Mayela translates for me for the Sewing Classes.
Monday nights, Mary and I babysit Manuel here at the Mission House so that Sherry and Mike can have some quality time together. We picked Monday nights because it’s the one afternoon/evening that Mary and I both have as ‘free time’. Mary teaches Sewing Class on Tuesday afternoons and Bible Study on Wednesday afternoons.
So you can see that we are constantly coming and going. That doesn’t even include the Hulsey’s schedule or German, Jeremy, Lesly, Mayela, Jaasiel and Jorge! We’re always trying to keep up with vehicles, too.
Last week, Mayela and I visited a Feeding Center in El Tanque. This community is off the highway about 1.5 miles. The problem we had finding it came about because the road sign pointing the way to the turn off road was missing. We ended up stopping and asking someone, who sent us back the way we came. When we couldn’t find the landmark they talked about, we stopped and asked some police at a checkpoint. They didn’t have any idea where the community was. Then we stopped and asked another person and he pointed to a road about .1 of a mile back the way we came and said ‘turn at the cow’. Haha. We got the lady pastor on the phone and she talked us through the turns the rest of the way to the feeding center, which is at someone’s house for now. It was a good morning of visiting with the volunteers and the kids. We think we can find the turnoff again, even though I’m sure that the cow has moved! Haha
One morning, when I was running errands with Lesly, I asked about the Post Office, since they don’t deliver mail here. She took me there and we talked to 2 ladies who work there. You can send mail to the states for a fee and it will take about 17 days to get there. You can have mail sent here from the states for a fee and it takes about 3 weeks. Of course, your package/envelope will be opened when you pick it up at the post office. It’s not a secure or sure way of doing things, but it’s open!
One evening, the Speigels, another missionary family here in León, came by the Mission House so that I could give them some things that I brought from the states. It’s only taken us 2 months to touch base. Our schedules are crazy. It was nice to see them for a few minutes. We had planned to have dinner, but I was too wiped out from my day and one of their kids was a little sick. We promised to get together sometime in June.
Mary and I are making aprons for all of the volunteer cooks at the feeding centers. It’s been fun to mass produce them. It seems like I mass produce most everything I make anymore. It will be fun to give them out to the ladies.
We had our last Bible Study class at Rose of Sharon Church last Friday. The ladies threw me a party with a piñata. They had been planning on this party before I left in Dec but didn’t have the money. Then they planned it for my return in Feb but didn’t have the money then either. The timing worked out great to have it at the end of our session. Those ladies are great and I will miss them on Fridays. I still get to see quite a few of them for Sewing class on Thursdays, though.
Mary and I have went on small shopping trips occasionally. Fabric and sewing supplies, sandals, ice cream, used clothes, video store… We get around okay.
Feeding Centers, Bible Studies and Construction keep us pretty busy on a weekly basis. Planning for the teams and crusades for this summer keeps Mike, German and Jeremy hopping. And then there are the weeks when the teams are here. That’s busy!
We’re so thankful for all that God allows us to do here. It’s such a blessing to live here and share Jesus and as many blessings as we can.
I’m trying to be more disciplined in my eating, workouts and all around health decisions. It’s very hard, but I have to get my strength from God. I sure can’t do it by myself! I’m so glad that He cares about every little detail about me!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Thursday, May 2, 2012
Woke up early and did a workout video in my room before getting ready for the day. I miss my walking every morning, but time and weather don’t permit that opportunity right now. I haven’t went on 4 mile walks in forever! Oh how I miss them!
I took food to the Feeding Center at Monte Horeb then came back to the Mission House for some computer work. At 12:30pm I went back to Monte Horeb to pick up stuff after the feeding was over. It’s so hot and humid right now!
We had some trouble with the electricity going on and off in the afternoon. The problem with that is when it comes back on, it can surge. Not a good thing. So we cancelled the sewing class for the afternoon. It was so hot and humid that a person couldn’t stand to sit still at the machines anyway. Ugh
Mike and Sherry and Manuel arrived at 8pm. I know they are glad to be back in Nica! I got some studying done and watched a movie on my computer before bed. It was a good day.
Friday, May 3, 2012
I dropped food off at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center and then picked up stuff at noon again. It’s nice to get to see the ladies there, especially Auxiliodoro.
The Hulsey’s arrived at the Mission House by mid-morning. We had a meeting together to discuss schedules for the summer teams. Lesly, Mayela, German and Jeremy joined Mary, Mike, Sherry and I for the meeting. It was so nice to get info flowing.
We all went out own ways to get work done. Lunch was very tasty! Then we met again at 2pm for a meeting with all the workers, including Alberto, Saturnino, Aracelys, Lydia and the rest of us. Then just the core VOH staff met for a while. There’s lots of changes, growth and adjustments as the ministry grows and God blesses us!
Mayela and I went to do the Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon church. It was a good gathering. It is so hot and humid right now that it’s miserable to sit still and miserable to move around. I’m thankful that the ladies are so faithful to come to the study. I dropped Mayela off at the Bus Terminal and then stopped off at On the Run to buy more of my favorite V8 Splash Orange/Carrot juice. Yum!
Saturday, May 4, 2012
I got up and stripped my bed to wash my sheets. Little did I know that it would be mid afternoon before I would actually make it to the washing machine! Ha
Juana’s kids came over for another sewing lesson. Francisco started making some shorts and Maria picked out a dress pattern. It took most of the day to sew up the dress, but we got it done. Maria had also made some little drawstring bags from scraps of material that I had sent home with her last week. I’ll see if anyone on the team wants to buy the bags. I’ll probably buy many myself and give as gifts. Maria is very proud that she can make something to help support her family.
The Husley’s got here before noon and Sherry made some yummy taco salad for lunch. The Hulsey’s spent some time in the pool and Mary and I relaxed a little, too. We all went to dinner at Suyapa on the beach. It was very good. I was very tired and ready to get my clean sheets back on the bed and all my clean laundry put away and hit the sack! I watched a movie and went to sleep. It was a good day.
Sunday, May 5, 2012
I was awakened by the chairs being set up under the rancho for a church service here at the Mission House. The church was doing a Baptism service in our pool. The worship music was very nice to listen to while waiting for the Hulsey’s to get here. We all went to church together at La Quimera and Pastor Brian did a good job as always. It’s a pleasure to be a part of that church and community. God blesses us by letting us participate in what he is doing there.
We stopped at On the Run for lunch. I had my favorite Monterrey chicken sandwich. We got back to the Mission House and Sherry made a chocolate cake. I rested for a bit and then took a nap. It started raining, so the Hulsey’s went home for naps, too.
Our internet was down all day and evening, so I found other things to work on. It’s nice sometimes to not be able to work. That seems to be the only way that God can get me to discipline my time to have some ‘me’ time.
I worked on my notes for the next session of Women’s Bible study. It took me until 9pm to get them all typed up in English. I still need to add the scripture in Spanish and then Estefanie is going to help me translate it into Spanish for handouts for the ladies. I watched my last episode of Castle and then went to bed. It was a good day.
Woke up early and did a workout video in my room before getting ready for the day. I miss my walking every morning, but time and weather don’t permit that opportunity right now. I haven’t went on 4 mile walks in forever! Oh how I miss them!
I took food to the Feeding Center at Monte Horeb then came back to the Mission House for some computer work. At 12:30pm I went back to Monte Horeb to pick up stuff after the feeding was over. It’s so hot and humid right now!
We had some trouble with the electricity going on and off in the afternoon. The problem with that is when it comes back on, it can surge. Not a good thing. So we cancelled the sewing class for the afternoon. It was so hot and humid that a person couldn’t stand to sit still at the machines anyway. Ugh
Mike and Sherry and Manuel arrived at 8pm. I know they are glad to be back in Nica! I got some studying done and watched a movie on my computer before bed. It was a good day.
Friday, May 3, 2012
I dropped food off at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center and then picked up stuff at noon again. It’s nice to get to see the ladies there, especially Auxiliodoro.
The Hulsey’s arrived at the Mission House by mid-morning. We had a meeting together to discuss schedules for the summer teams. Lesly, Mayela, German and Jeremy joined Mary, Mike, Sherry and I for the meeting. It was so nice to get info flowing.
We all went out own ways to get work done. Lunch was very tasty! Then we met again at 2pm for a meeting with all the workers, including Alberto, Saturnino, Aracelys, Lydia and the rest of us. Then just the core VOH staff met for a while. There’s lots of changes, growth and adjustments as the ministry grows and God blesses us!
Mayela and I went to do the Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon church. It was a good gathering. It is so hot and humid right now that it’s miserable to sit still and miserable to move around. I’m thankful that the ladies are so faithful to come to the study. I dropped Mayela off at the Bus Terminal and then stopped off at On the Run to buy more of my favorite V8 Splash Orange/Carrot juice. Yum!
Saturday, May 4, 2012
I got up and stripped my bed to wash my sheets. Little did I know that it would be mid afternoon before I would actually make it to the washing machine! Ha
Juana’s kids came over for another sewing lesson. Francisco started making some shorts and Maria picked out a dress pattern. It took most of the day to sew up the dress, but we got it done. Maria had also made some little drawstring bags from scraps of material that I had sent home with her last week. I’ll see if anyone on the team wants to buy the bags. I’ll probably buy many myself and give as gifts. Maria is very proud that she can make something to help support her family.
The Husley’s got here before noon and Sherry made some yummy taco salad for lunch. The Hulsey’s spent some time in the pool and Mary and I relaxed a little, too. We all went to dinner at Suyapa on the beach. It was very good. I was very tired and ready to get my clean sheets back on the bed and all my clean laundry put away and hit the sack! I watched a movie and went to sleep. It was a good day.
Sunday, May 5, 2012
I was awakened by the chairs being set up under the rancho for a church service here at the Mission House. The church was doing a Baptism service in our pool. The worship music was very nice to listen to while waiting for the Hulsey’s to get here. We all went to church together at La Quimera and Pastor Brian did a good job as always. It’s a pleasure to be a part of that church and community. God blesses us by letting us participate in what he is doing there.
We stopped at On the Run for lunch. I had my favorite Monterrey chicken sandwich. We got back to the Mission House and Sherry made a chocolate cake. I rested for a bit and then took a nap. It started raining, so the Hulsey’s went home for naps, too.
Our internet was down all day and evening, so I found other things to work on. It’s nice sometimes to not be able to work. That seems to be the only way that God can get me to discipline my time to have some ‘me’ time.
I worked on my notes for the next session of Women’s Bible study. It took me until 9pm to get them all typed up in English. I still need to add the scripture in Spanish and then Estefanie is going to help me translate it into Spanish for handouts for the ladies. I watched my last episode of Castle and then went to bed. It was a good day.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The last time I posted was Saturday and here it is Wednesday already! I’m getting bad about this! Ha
Sunday was nice. We went to La Quimera church and Pastor Brian was in rare form! There were 78 people there and many were standing. Lots of kids are coming and it’s awesome to see them! Pastor Brian loves praise music and he tries to get the congregation moving in their worship. He got Mary up on the stage to help demonstrate some moves. I got I on video on my camera and posted it on my facebook page. She did a great job!! We hope to bring more chairs out there this week. It’s so wonderful to see the church doing so well.
We stopped and got sandwiches at On the Run on the way home. They messed up Mary’s order but she took it anyway. I love my usual monterrey chicken sandwich. I made a baked potato and it was a great meal. I took a nice nap.
I had to fight myself all day long not to work. I’m trying to turn over a new leaf and take time to relax. It’s hard, but I do feel better for it.
Monday, Mayela and I went to Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. Things are coming together finally for our records and sponsor book. We came back to the house about 1pm and had lunch. I ran Mary over to Monte Horeb to touch base with the ladies there about their first Bible Study coming up on Wednesday. Then I brought her back and picked up Mayela and we ran to town to do some errands and buy some items for the Feeding Center at Monte Horeb.
I dropped Mayela off at the movies to meet up with her kids. Then I headed back to the Mission House. On the way, I stopped at my favorite used clothing store and bought some capris. I made it home and worked on the computer and then ate leftovers for dinner and watched a movie before bed.
Tuesday was a holiday here, like our Labor Day in the states. We thought we would have a nice quiet day, but the Youth from one of the larger churches here used the place for a retreat. I spent most of the time in my room working. Mary helped me for a few hours sorting and bagging up food items for the Feeding Center at Monte Horeb. We got a lot done. Mary helped me hem some pieces of fabric to make covers for the big pots of food at the Feeding Centers. I cut out 7 aprons to stitch up for some of the volunteer cooks. Another movie night and early to bed.
Today, Auxiliodoro met me here at the Mission House at 8am to check out the food that Mary and I had prepared for transport to the Feeding Center. We picked out what was needed for today’s meal and then I dropped her and the food off at the FC. I came back to the Mission House and Mayela and I worked on getting stuff ready for our visit to Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. We ran by the copy store on the way there and then spent about an hour getting more pics of the kids. We left there in time to meet Auxiliodoro and the other volunteers at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center and to bring the box of food items not needed back to the Mission House. It was about 1:30 when Mayela and I had lunch and then we prepared for the Women’s Bible Study in the afternoon at La Quimera. We left about 3:15 for the drive out there.
We had a small class today, only 6, but it was a good class with lots of participation and fun. Martha prayed to receive Christ in her heart today. She’s been going through a process for a while and finally decided to do it. You can see Jesus shining in her face! We were all so happy!!
After the Bible Study, I drove Mayela to the Bus Terminal and then stopped at Maxi Palí for food items for tomorrow’s meals and some stuff for myself. I was waiting for about 20 minutes to get minutes on my phone. I was talking with a customer service rep and we began talking about learning other languages. Her husband speaks English pretty well and works as a Tourism guide. I told her about my friend Juan Pacheco, who has an English Academy. She knows Juan and said her husband has worked with him. Small world! I really enjoyed talking with her and it made the wait more bearable.
I ran by the video store and since I had time and the place was pretty empty (6 people would be wall to wall), I looked through every drama and action dvd they had. I bought quite a few (they are under $1.50).
I made it home by 7:30 and was starving. I was so happy to see the internet guys here! Our modem went POP when the storm came through the other night. It was a miracle for them to come so quickly! I was so happy! I ate some left over mashed potatoes and corn for dinner and grabbed a shower. After some time on facebook and posting this, I’m going to watch a video and go to bed.
The Hulsey’s get back tomorrow night. It was be good to have them back! I know they are ready to be here!
There’s lots going on in the ministry and we need all hands on deck!
God is good and I love serving Him!!!
Sunday was nice. We went to La Quimera church and Pastor Brian was in rare form! There were 78 people there and many were standing. Lots of kids are coming and it’s awesome to see them! Pastor Brian loves praise music and he tries to get the congregation moving in their worship. He got Mary up on the stage to help demonstrate some moves. I got I on video on my camera and posted it on my facebook page. She did a great job!! We hope to bring more chairs out there this week. It’s so wonderful to see the church doing so well.
We stopped and got sandwiches at On the Run on the way home. They messed up Mary’s order but she took it anyway. I love my usual monterrey chicken sandwich. I made a baked potato and it was a great meal. I took a nice nap.
I had to fight myself all day long not to work. I’m trying to turn over a new leaf and take time to relax. It’s hard, but I do feel better for it.
Monday, Mayela and I went to Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. Things are coming together finally for our records and sponsor book. We came back to the house about 1pm and had lunch. I ran Mary over to Monte Horeb to touch base with the ladies there about their first Bible Study coming up on Wednesday. Then I brought her back and picked up Mayela and we ran to town to do some errands and buy some items for the Feeding Center at Monte Horeb.
I dropped Mayela off at the movies to meet up with her kids. Then I headed back to the Mission House. On the way, I stopped at my favorite used clothing store and bought some capris. I made it home and worked on the computer and then ate leftovers for dinner and watched a movie before bed.
Tuesday was a holiday here, like our Labor Day in the states. We thought we would have a nice quiet day, but the Youth from one of the larger churches here used the place for a retreat. I spent most of the time in my room working. Mary helped me for a few hours sorting and bagging up food items for the Feeding Center at Monte Horeb. We got a lot done. Mary helped me hem some pieces of fabric to make covers for the big pots of food at the Feeding Centers. I cut out 7 aprons to stitch up for some of the volunteer cooks. Another movie night and early to bed.
Today, Auxiliodoro met me here at the Mission House at 8am to check out the food that Mary and I had prepared for transport to the Feeding Center. We picked out what was needed for today’s meal and then I dropped her and the food off at the FC. I came back to the Mission House and Mayela and I worked on getting stuff ready for our visit to Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. We ran by the copy store on the way there and then spent about an hour getting more pics of the kids. We left there in time to meet Auxiliodoro and the other volunteers at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center and to bring the box of food items not needed back to the Mission House. It was about 1:30 when Mayela and I had lunch and then we prepared for the Women’s Bible Study in the afternoon at La Quimera. We left about 3:15 for the drive out there.
We had a small class today, only 6, but it was a good class with lots of participation and fun. Martha prayed to receive Christ in her heart today. She’s been going through a process for a while and finally decided to do it. You can see Jesus shining in her face! We were all so happy!!
After the Bible Study, I drove Mayela to the Bus Terminal and then stopped at Maxi Palí for food items for tomorrow’s meals and some stuff for myself. I was waiting for about 20 minutes to get minutes on my phone. I was talking with a customer service rep and we began talking about learning other languages. Her husband speaks English pretty well and works as a Tourism guide. I told her about my friend Juan Pacheco, who has an English Academy. She knows Juan and said her husband has worked with him. Small world! I really enjoyed talking with her and it made the wait more bearable.
I ran by the video store and since I had time and the place was pretty empty (6 people would be wall to wall), I looked through every drama and action dvd they had. I bought quite a few (they are under $1.50).
I made it home by 7:30 and was starving. I was so happy to see the internet guys here! Our modem went POP when the storm came through the other night. It was a miracle for them to come so quickly! I was so happy! I ate some left over mashed potatoes and corn for dinner and grabbed a shower. After some time on facebook and posting this, I’m going to watch a video and go to bed.
The Hulsey’s get back tomorrow night. It was be good to have them back! I know they are ready to be here!
There’s lots going on in the ministry and we need all hands on deck!
God is good and I love serving Him!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)