Sunday, October 28, 2012

October 27-28, 2012

The ladies left for the airport at 3am. I got up to say goodbye and give hugs. It’s bittersweet to see them go. I know they are anxious to get back to their real world and I know that they were touched and changed by all they did and saw this week. I also know that many Nica women were touched by them. God worked through this team in many ways. It’s been so special. After the ladies left through the gate, I was back in bed and probably asleep before they left León. I was happy to have them here and also happy to be staying here myself in my ‘home’.

Once we all got up for the morning, Mary, Sue and I took turns getting our laundry done. I worked on the computer a bit. We sorted through the ministry stuff left. I got a nap.

The Husley’s came over and Sherry got some very much missed pool time. Manuel kept us entertained. We had left-overs for lunch and dinner. It was a nice quiet day.


Sunday:
We got up and went to church at Monte Horeb. Pastor Eddy let Manuel help lead the worship music. We had forgotten Manuel’s tambourine and had to make a quick u-turn to go back and get it. Manuel has great rhythm and he does a good job helping Pastor Eddy. I enjoy hearing Eddy because he speaks clearly and somewhat slowly. Sue said she could understand him, too. We don’t get every word, but most of it. We had a few funny moments at church with dogs and kids. It was a nice service and I loved being there.

We ate lunch at Tip Top Chicken and stopped in at La Unión grocery store. Then we headed to the team house. Manuel swam and then played the drums while Sue sang with him. He’s enjoying having a new audience! I grabbed a quick nap and worked on the computer.

It’s been a nice quiet day and we are ready to hit the salt mine tomorrow.
I’m counting my many blessings and I’m so thankful to my God.

October 26, 2012

Fun Day!!!

Normally, we take a new team to Masaya, the zip line, Granada and such for their fun day. It’s a very long day (longer than a work day, usually) and more fun for youth. We thought that the ladies would appreciate their Fun Day being spent here in León, shopping, lunch in town, etc. And we were right. Everyone enjoyed the day.

We had breakfast and then left for the market at Estación, shopped at Plaza del Carmen and then had lunch at El Callejon (a small restaurant that we love). Then we did more souvenir shopping downtown, walked around a small park with a mural as Estefanie told about the history, looked at the cathedral (which was closed due to construction and upkeep), walked through more shops and then went to the La Unión grocery store (for great coffee to take back home).

We went back to the team house for rest, packing and swimming. Then we took everyone out to Suyapa restaurant at Las Peñitas beach. The ladies got to walk along the beach and take some pics and enjoy themselves. Dinner was very tasty, as always.

After dinner, Sherry drove us over to their house so the ladies could see where they live. (Mike couldn’t go with us for dinner.) The yellow van and all of us needed to go back to the team house. Sherry and Mike needed to end up at their house. Instead of having them drive both of their vans across town (and keep Manuel up past his bedtime), I volunteered to drive the yellow bus home. Now, I can drive a standard vehicle and I can drive a big van and I can drive in Nica. I just have not wanted to do all three of those things at the same time. But it was night time and I knew there would be less traffic. So I volunteered. It was very funny when I took off the parking break and couldn’t find the gas pedal (which was way over to the right – it felt like it was under the radio!). We backwards a little bit and I’m famous for backing into a tree here. But that was the only scary part. Mary said Mike’s face was so funny to look at. I bet he was very scared! But the yellow bus is not hard to drive and we made it home fine. Mary was my co-pilot and I knew if she wasn’t screaming that I was doing okay. ☺

We got back to the team house for the last night in Nica. We had share time and Devotion.

Then the ladies got their stuff ready for departure and went to bed for a couple hours sleep before getting on the van at 3am the next morning.

I was sorry to think about them leaving, but I was so blessed to have them here this past week. Mary and I enjoyed them very much! Sue, who is from a different church, fit right in. We all had a blast and laughed and cried together throughout the week.

I truly was blessed by this week of Women Blessing Women. I can’t wait for the 2 different teams coming next October. I hope we have many more teams like these. There is much discipleship to be done here in Nica. These women have a special place in my heart and it thrills me to have women from the states come and love on them. I’m beyond words to explain how I feel.

God is so good!

October 24-25, 2012

Ministry Week!

Wednesday & Thursday:

The Women’s Conferences were held at Monte Horeb church and Noah’s Ark church. The same rotation as before worked for these, also, for the 2 days. The ladies also stayed a little bit after to see the Feeding Centers at each church.

Everyone met back at the team house for lunch. The ladies are loving the food. It has been pretty yummy!

After lunch on Wednesday, Mike and Sherry and Manuel joined us to teach everyone how to do a Fiesta, especially the Sinbox Sally Drama. We all went to a neighborhood called Carlos Nuñez and held a Fiesta. Everyone did a great job with their parts. There were over 50 salvations! The ladies liked doing the Fiesta. We’ll have to plan lots more of them when they come back next year!

After the Fiesta, we took everyone to a new neighborhood that has requested that VOH consider them for a church plant and feeding center. It’s by the little local airport (mostly crop-dusting type planes), not far from the team house. The two community leaders (both ladies) met with us. It was a neat time together. We all prayed over the land and asked God to direct us with HIS plans. I can’t wait to see what He will do!

Thursday, after lunch, we held a Fiesta at the Old Dump neighborhood. We drove in on a road that took us up above the neighborhood (by an old fort) so that the team could look down on all the land and also get a glimpse of parts of León and the surrounding volcanoes. The Fiesta was a big hit. We all had so much fun! There were 66 salvations!

We then stopped for ice cream and then went to the team house for a light dinner of chicken salad and tuna salad. Quite the combo with the ice cream, but it was good!

We then went to Todopoderoso church for our last night of worship. Church was fantastic. It’s the Youth service and there is always very lively music. I was brought to tears (as usual) by the song “Precioso Jesús”. I love it! We had 5 testimonies and I spoke a little bit, too. It was very impactful to hear the ladies sharing details about their lives to these teens and young adults. We loved being there.

The ladies said goodbye to the translators with promises of staying in touch on facebook. It was a very sweet week working with them all.

We got back to the team house and had share time and Devotion. It was very relaxing to know that breakfast would be at 8am instead of 7am, and that we were going to have a more quiet day for our Fun Day in León. We had a total 193 salvations for the week. That was wonderful since we only had 2 Fiestas and 2 chances at street witnessing. Most of the ladies at the conferences and church services were Christians. I think hundreds of people have been blessed this week. God is good and faithful!

October 22-23, 2012

Ministry Week!

Monday and Tuesday:

We started the Women’s Conferences at the first 2 churches. Team A went to San Jacinto church and Team B went to La Quimera church on Monday and then they switched churches on Tuesday.

4 ladies on each team spoke about their part of the Armor of God. We had games to start with and snacks to end the 2 hour conferences. Each lady was given a notebook, pen and bookmark which had the Armor of God attributes in Spanish.

Each group also stayed afterward to see the Feeding Centers in action. Since the kids kind of come in shifts to the centers, it’s not a huge gathering all at once, but the ladies got to meet the cooks and visit with some of the kids. The ladies also fell in loved Pastor Brian and Pastor Yader.

We all arrived back to the team house for lunch. It rained Monday afternoon, so our side trip to see a possible new church plant site at Posoltega was cancelled. We stayed at the house and rested, had dinner and enjoyed Devotion time.

Tuesday after lunch, the whole group went to the Tomas Borge neighborhood (aka the Old Dump) to do some prayer walking and street evangelism. It’s the sight of our newest Feeding Center and church plant. The ladies enjoyed seeing the neighborhood and talking with the people. We only had about an hour to spend there and then we came back to the team house to get ready for church.

One van went to San Jacinto church and the other to La Quimera church. It started storming on the way out there. The service at La Quimera was rained out and the team returned home.

It had quit raining at San Jacinto, which is farther east. We met together in a small area outside the tiny church building. We couldn’t all fit in the church and there was no light. The bigger outdoor area, where we held the conferences was too muddy. We ended up having a wonderful time of worship, even in the dark. The Pastor’s son led some kids in 2 ‘dramas’ which were songs with motions. They were wonderful. We shared testimonies with the congregation. We were all moved by the service and there were 5 salvations. God is good!

When we got back to the team house, Pastor Brian and his wife, Marcela, were there with a lady from the church. They had heard that it was Stacy’s birthday and had made a cake. They drove to the team house to deliver it to her. How sweet!

We prepared for Fiestas, had dinner and Devotion time. What a sweet day!

October 21, 2012

Ministry Week!!!

Sunday:
We woke up and everyone loved seeing the surroundings in daylight. They loved the trees and the team house. We had a nice breakfast and then headed off to church.

One van went to Oscar’s church and another to Jaasiel’s church. These are two of our translators and we love visiting their churches. A special friend and translator, who could only work one day with us, Katty, came and played guitar and sang in the service I was in. It was wonderful. 2 ladies in each group gave their testimonies. The translators helped with the message by the Pastors. I was blessed to be asked to pray over the children in the church that I attended. It was a beautiful morning.

We had lunch and then orientation for the ladies. We put all of the dinning tables together and made an assembly-line to put the gift bags for the Women’s Conferences (200+ bags) and new mama gift bags (20+) all together for the week.

The ladies got to rest, swim and do whatever they felt like until church time. One van left for an earlier worship time and ate dinner afterward. The other van ate first and then went to a later worship time at a church near the end of our street. Our church had a drunk guy passed out inside when we arrived. The other church had some wild spiritual stuff going on. I think we all got a glimpse of ‘other worship’ experiences that night!

After getting back home, we had share time and devotion and then retired for the evening. It’s so great to have all the women here!

October 20, 2012

It seems weird that this date is here already. It’s been a milestone in my mind for over a year. It’s the date that the Ladies’ Mission Team from FBC Rogers is coming to serve the women of Nica. Cathy Krupka and I have been praying over this and planning it for a long time. It’s finally here!!!

Mary and I did some stuff around the house and then we left for the airport about 3:30pm. In Managua, we stopped at PriceSmart and I got my own membership card. We picked up some personal grocery items and I got the snacks for the Women’s conferences.

German and Jose met Edmundo, Mary and I at the store and then we went to the Central Mall food court for dinner. I enjoyed a Quiznos roast beef sandwich and soup. Yummy! Mary got a whopper from Burger King. She opened her sandwich to center her tomato and we all laughed when we saw the size of her hamburger. It must have been a child-sized patty because it was barely larger than the little slice of tomato. She was so mad. She said next time she’s going to get a Quiznos sandwich!

We took both vans and arrived at the airport to wait for the 3 flights that were bringing the team of 9. I saw Cathy and the ladies getting their luggage and tubs and going through Customs and then to us. It was wonderful to see them all! We sent the ladies (7 of them on that flight) in the yellow van to the team house with Mary to get situated. The luggage went into the other van that German, Jose, Laura, Sue & I would ride in, once their flights got in.

I missed seeing Laura coming through the door because I was told her flight was later. We kept missing each other going inside and out. I finally found her. She was tired (she had used some frequent flyer miles and had 2 layovers), but was happy to see us. Sue came in shortly after and we all headed to the team house about an hour behind the first van.

Everyone got settled in to their rooms and we were in bed by about 11pm. It was so good to have everyone here! I couldn’t wait for the ministry week to begin!

October 19, 2012

Mary and I got the chance to travel out to the newest Feeding Center for Voice of Hope. It is a neighborhood named Tomas Borge, but locals call it the Old Dump, because it’s where the dump used to be and then the garbage was covered up with dirt and leveled off and now houses (aka shacks) are being built there and hundreds of families will live there. On problem is that the water well has to be dug really deep to get past the ‘bad dirt’. Some people in the neighborhood dug 300 meters down by hand and the water is not good. An organization called Living Water is helping us with a real & deep well. It will be good to for the people living there to get descent water. Also, the Feeding Center won’t have to haul water in each day.

We had the best time going around and talking with people in the community. They are taking such pride in their new homesteads. Their lots are small and their houses are mostly tree limbs and black plastic for walls. Some have cardboard and some even have some pieces of wood. They just use whatever they can get their hands on. Some have planted some flowers and other plants and made some rock boarders. I’m so proud of these people and happy for them. It’s a new start in life for them.

We ran into many Christians as we were talking to those we ran into along the streets. They are happy to have the Feeding Center there and the promise of the new Church building. Mary and I both got a very good feeling about the neighborhood.

The Feeding Center is providing lunch 5 days a week for 206 kids a day right now. There are many more to feed and we’re praying for partners to help make this grow to reach all the kids.

We had a yummy lunch of Nica meatballs and rice and beans. Mary and I loved it!

German had a meeting with us all. The Nica team is working very well together and each person has their own area of responsibility. Everyone pitches in to help the others when needed. The ministry is growing and getting more structured all the time. God is blessing.

Jaasiel and Lesly went to La Unión to buy groceries for the team coming on Saturday. Mary and I stole a ride with them and kept Jorge and the van with us as we went to Eskimo for Mary’s birthday ice cream. We bribed Jorge in staying with us by buying his treat. We went back and got the girls and headed back to the team house.

I downloaded to Facebook the pictures of the Old Dump neighborhood and sent some emails. We just had snack type food for dinner and relaxed. It was a good day!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

October 25, 2012

It's the middle of the week with the Women's Team from FBC Rogers. It's been a great week and I've been so busy with them, that I haven't had the time to post. I promise to catch up this weekend!

Just know that Jesus is being shared, God is being glorified and many lives are being changed (including ours!).

I'm so thankful that God allows me to be a part of this ministry here in Nicaragua at this time in my life. I couldn't imagine doing anything different!

Check out my Facebook page for updates and photos of what is going on this week. the link is at the top of this page.

Keep praying for the people of Nicaragua and VOH ministry and our teams!

Bendiciones!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

October 18, 2012

This morning I woke up fine. I wake up a lot during the night. I usually wonder where I am because I have moved around so much in the last 2 months. Too many beds to get used to…

I stripped my bed this morning to wash the sheets and have a wonderfully fresh bed for tonight. They were working on the water pump on one of the tanks, so I didn’t get to finish washing them until later, but I did get them put back on the bed before bedtime!

Mary and I went by taxi to La Unión grocery store. We picked up some personal groceries, changed some money and bought phone minutes. It was fun. On the way back to the team house, we stopped at a store and I bought 225 notebooks for us to use at the women’s conference next week. Edwin, our favorite taxi driver helped me load them into the car. I gave him extra money for waiting for me and helping to carry the stuff. He’s a very nice guy.

I had brought back from the states a couple of hats from NYC. I gave one to Alberto and Saturnino. They really liked them.

Saturnino fixed my broken toilet and I was very grateful. He works so hard and I appreciate him so very much!

After lunch of rice mix, Mayela and I met about the changes to the Feeding Centers. Mary sat in on the meeting to know about things, too. The three of us will go tomorrow morning to work on documents at the newest Feeding Center at the old Dump. This one got started right after I left for the states, so I’m anxious to see it in action!

I did some emails and computer work and then left with Mayela to up town. I went to get a haircut from my favorite stylists in Nica. She said that she thought I was out of the country since I hadn’t been in. I told her I just got back Tuesday night and couldn’t wait to see her! I grabbed a taxi home and got settled in for the night.

I got a shower and then put the sheets back on my bed. I had a dinner of baked potato and then a snack of peanut butter and apples. Yum!

I’ve spent the last 4 hours updating over 3 weeks of blog posts. I’m ready to read and go to bed now! But it sure feels good to get caught up!

I’m so thankful to be here and serve God how ever He asks.

What a mighty and powerful and smart and loving and awesome and…. God we serve!

October 17, 2012

It was great waking up in my Nica room. There aren’t many loud birds in the early mornings right now. Maybe because it’s winter here (hot and rainy). Oh well, it’s nice not to have them waking me up!

After some oatmeal for breakfast and lots of hugs with the workers I settled down to unpacking my suitcases. It didn’t take long at all.

German and all of us had a meeting regarding the women’s team that is coming in next Saturday. Everything looks fine except for not getting to have one of the translators that I had asked for. I’m actually pretty bummed that she was not asked to work with us. I was depending on her to lead worship. But it’s not my decision to make, so we’ll do fine. I can’t wait to see her sometime later, though!

We had lunch of fried chicken (which I had to pass on, but it looked good!), rice and beans. I really enjoyed the rice and beans. We had a lot of fun talking and laughing. It was nice.

I gave the workers the special things that I had brought back for them. I love getting to bless them with things they hope for and it’s easy for me to get them in the states.

I spent some time on the computer working on the women’s trip, helping Oliver with details for the flights for himself and Jaime in November, and various other projects.

I fixed tuna sandwiches from my grocery stash in my room and watched a video on my computer. I actually went to bed at 9pm to read and fall asleep early. What a great day!

October 16, 2012

My morning was nice. Not too rushed. Just finishing up getting ready to spend the next 2 months in Nica. I felt so peaceful. I know it’s all the prayers that are going up for me from new and old friends after GIC. I’m thankful.

I said goodbye to Deanna as she left for Women’s Bible study work day. I packed the car with my luggage and drove to my friend Vickie’s house to pick her up. She had loaned me her car for the 3 weeks I was back in AR. It was such a blessing that I can’t even describe it! We drove to the airport and she let me out. She took a picture of me with all my luggage and put it on facebook. Haha

I got checked in with no problems. Security was fine. I then had a couple of hours before my flight, so I went to a restaurant and had brunch. It was grand.

My flight was fine. There weren’t any people in the exit rows, so the flight attendant let me move to one of those seats. I stretched out my legs and took a little snooze.

I’m flying Delta mostly now and am getting used to the Atlanta airport a little bit more. I had a nice late lunch at TGI Fridays, since I didn’t think I would get much dinner later. I made some phone calls and messed around on facebook and email on my phone.

My flight to Managua was fine. The last 30 minutes I met the guy sharing my row. He is from Barcelona and came from visiting his mom in LA to visit his dad in León. We are going to meet up for coffee or something. I want to introduce him to some of my guy friends here and maybe they can start a short time friendship while he is in town. It was fun to meet him anyway.

I got to the airport and there was no one to pick me up. I was a little concerned that maybe they forgot I was coming in. Mary was coming a little bit later on another flight. My Nica phone was not working and all my Nica numbers are in it. I finally got a hold of Mike and we texted back and forth. My ride was on his way and stuck in traffic. I was okay with waiting once I knew they were actually coming to get me. Once Jorge arrived, he put my luggage in the van and then I treated us both to some food while we waited for Mary. She arrived and we left for León.

It was 10:30 León time (11:30 bodyclock time) when we arrived at the team house. By 11pm, Mary and I were both tucked soundly in our rooms. I slept very well in my familiar bed. It felt good to be back.

I’m thankful for all that God does for me and provides for me. He is pretty awesome!

October 15, 2012

My last day in Arkansas for a few months. It feels strange to be going back to Nica tomorrow and not be stressed about packing and all the things that go along with leaving my room in order and such. But I had to get many of those things done before GIC started, so I’m ahead of the game. I’m so peaceful about it all that I wonder if I will forget to go to the airport! Haha

I do have errands to run, so I got some laundry caught up (from my week of staying with Cathy during GIC), picked up meds, had lunch (and ran into a friend who God put in my path for a specific project), stopped by SoundArt to buy some musical stuff, Cook’s Health Food Store, Post Office, gas station, Walmart, visit with my friend Donna, Chick-Fil-A for one last lemonade, Walgreens for a flu shot and then home to finish up packing and have rootbeer floats with Deanna.

While in the Walmart Vision Center to visit Donna, I ran into Betty and James Wilson, veteran missionaries from church. Donna was with a customer and I was just sitting at one of the little tables, so I invited them in to sit and visit. Donna joined us when through with her customer and we had a grand time. It was like it was my living room full of friends!

I went to bed late, but happy and ready to be back in Nica.

It’s hard to travel back and forth sometimes, especially if I stay in the states too long. These past 2 months have really been full of events and people. By the time I land in Nica on Tuesday night, I will have been on 10 planes in the last 2 months. That’s a little too many planes and too many days of living out of my suitcases on various excursions! I think I need to slow down a little bit!

I ended my day with a phone call to my dear friend Nana Ruth. She has some major changes going on in her life right now. I wish I could be there to spend more time with her, but I’m where God wants me to be and that’s where Nana Ruth would want me to be.

I’m truly blessed with many friends from all walks of life and different places in my life. They all help to make me the person that I am. I’m thankful to God for every moment and every person. Even though tough moments. He knows me, because He created me. He knows His plans for me. I’m thankful to be His.

October 14, 2012

2012 Global Impact Celebration (GIC)
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR

Day 5

It’s Sunday and the last day of the conference!

I got up early to pack all my stuff since I would be staying in my room at Deanna’s that evening. I skipped my usual oatmeal and went by McDonalds for an Egg McMuffin as a treat! I got to church about 7:30am and found my first room for speaking. I got to share in an 8am class, worship at 9am, share in the 10:15 and 11am classes, too. It was a long morning, but fun.

Then we had a quick box lunch from a nice restaurant and a debriefing time. Then it was time to pack up my display. My sweet friend, Avis helped me. I felt a great sigh of relief that I had made it through the week. I had started the week on antibiotics and not feeling great. I ended up tired, but refreshed and very happy.

I got to Deanna’s and the ladies were all at a baby shower. The guys were headed to Cabella’s for some outdoor shopping. I laid down on the sofa in the den and caught a quick nap. After everyone returned and their car was packed, I brought my stuff in and got it all put away. I was very tired, but I wanted to have it done before bedtime.

I went to have dinner at my friends, the Janes family. Debbie and Kevin and Richard also joined us. We had very yummy veggie chibatta paninis, blackbean salsa salad, s’mores and apples drizzled with caramel. It was soo good. We spent part of the time sitting outside around the fire pit. I was thinking how peaceful it was to do that and why don’t we do that sometimes in Nica. Then I remembered that the wood is such a valuable commodity for cooking that it would be wasteful to burn it for any other reason. But the fellowship was fun. Miriam gave us a puppet show which was a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood. (Grandma lived in a condo, etc.)

I really enjoyed my time with everyone. I love that family!

I thought back over the past week and I believe that God was truly glorified and praised. I believe that He touched many hearts to ‘go’, ‘send’, ‘support’ and ‘pray’ for missions all over the world.

How wonderful that He allows us to be a part of what He is doing!! We are truly blessed!

October 13, 2012

2012 Global Impact Celebration (GIC)
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR

Day 4

Another early morning, but good!

9am was the Children’s event for some of the missionaries. It was a hoot. This was for kids grades 1-5. There weren’t too many kids there, but we had a grand time. There was a rally time all together. PJ, the children’s Pastor, had the kids line up in 2 lines and they cheered us on like a football team as our names were called and we ran between the rows of kids to the stage. The kids were very attentive and we had lots of fun.

Then we went to our assigned rooms for the breakout sessions. I taught the kids the ‘sapo’ song. It’s a fun song with motions that the kids in Nica sing about a frog. I used some hand-drawn pictures for prompts and wrote the Spanish words for those items (Mr frog, Mrs frog, river, green, friend, Jesus) on the board. We all did the song a few times, getting fast and faster. It was fun. Then I had copied some pages with all the icons and Spanish words on them for the kids to take home as coloring sheets. We had 4 rotations of kids. Some asked some great questions. One boy asked about toys and games that the Nica kids play with. I explained that they mostly play with sticks, rocks, play tag and climb trees. He then commented “imagine a world without electronics!!” It was funny. The kids were great.

We ended the kid’s event with another rally. They called all the missionaries up on the stage. Then we played a game called “will it float?”. There was a video that showed various items and we had to guess if they would float in a pool or not. The kids got to coach us on the answers. If the answer was yes, we were to stand on the left side of the stage. If the answer was no, we stood on the right side. It was crazy. One item was a sealed bag of pancake mix. It floated. The next was a big bag of dog food. It floated. The last was a giant jar of pickles. It sank. I got 2 of three right. It really was fun. We all left feeling good from laughing.

Next was the Women’s luncheon. I had worn a colorful skirt and bright top with a necklace and bracelet made form painted coconut shells for the kid’s event. I went ahead and wore it to the luncheon. Everyone loved it. They asked if I wore it in Nica. I told them that mostly I wear capris and tank tops in Nica. Haha

The Women’s luncheon was lovely. We had taco salad and I really enjoyed it. A trio sang a beautiful song. Lisa (Pastor’s wife) interviewed Esther (from India) and it was a very moving talk. Esther sang a beautiful country gospel song and we couldn’t believe it was her voice. She sounded COUNTRY! It was sweet.

I then changed into jeans and went to run a couple more errands and then visted Nana Ruth for a little bit. It was heavenly to lay on her sofa and chat!

Then it was back to the church for a potluck dinner with a couple of classes. I only knew a few people in the group so it was nice to meet new people. We had a nice discussion. They all gathered around me and prayed for me. One lady prayed Romans 10:15 (how beautiful are the feet that bring the Good News). Afterward, I told her that I have that scripture reference tattooed on my ankle. We thought that was special. It made a special bond for us.

I got back to Cathy’s house before her group was finished, so I sat in and listened to the Hurley’s talk about their work with For All Mankind Ministry in Dubai and India. It was raining hard, but slowed down before everyone had to leave. We found out later that there was a F1 tornado hit on the other side of town that evening. I was glad to have gotten back to Cathy’s instead of driving through it.

I was ready for bed and couldn’t believe that there was just one more day of the conference left. I also couldn’t believe that I would be leaving for Nica within a few days. I was all out of whack on my timing. God had allowed me to be so peaceful that I was afraid that I was forgetting something! Haha

Another peaceful night. God is gracious!

October 12, 2012

2012 Global Impact Celebration (GIC)
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR

Day 3

I love getting to stay at Cathy’s house. I always like staying there when I house/dog sit. It’s even better with Cathy at home!

I got to the church a little early for the 11am Staff luncheon. It was nice to chat with some of the staff that I hadn’t seen yet. Our speaker was from the Arkansas Children’s Home. He had a great presentation of all of the services for many types of people. I enjoyed it very much.

At my table was a John Ambra from Guidestone. That organization does the insurance and retirement stuff for many churches and missionaries. I have been on an extension of the group plan at FBC that I had when I was on staff. I have been paying the premium myself, but have had the great benefit of being under a group plan. That situation will end on Dec 31, 2012, so I had been concerned about finding other health coverage that I could afford. The group plan was costing me $300 per month. I figured I would have to pay $500-600 a month for really bad coverage on my own. But God had worked out a miracle for me last week. I was able to change to a ‘retiree group plan’ since I’m 55 years old. I will have the same good coverage that I have now, and the premium will be $450 per month. It’s a lot of money, but it’s good coverage and much better than I was anticipating.

After the luncheon, I told John that I really appreciated that Guidestone had a plan that I could benefit from. It was a lifesaver for me and major stress reliever. He said he would pass that info on to the main office. A little while later, he stopped me in the hall and asked if he could video my thanks on his phone. I said sure and we taped me explaining how much I appreciated Guidestone working things out for me. I hope that many, many people will be benefited by this and other plans. I’m so thankful for a Christian company that is trying to take care of God’s workers in their difference situations.

One of the sweet girls from the puppet/creative ministries team is Stephanie. She is in college now and asked if her friend could interview me for her class project. It is a combination of photography and writing. I was thrilled. I love telling what God is doing in my life, in Nica and everywhere! We had fun and I was very blessed by these two sweet girls.

I ran to Walmart to pick up the last of the items that I was going to bring back to my Nica friends. Then I met the Hulseys, Charlie Brown and 3 couples from my ‘host’ Adult Bible Fellowship class for dinner at Golden Corral. It was good food and great conversation. We then headed to the church for some ABF breakout sessions sharing about our ministries. One of the guys had driven their little sportscar. He put the top down and gave Manuel (Mike and Sherry’s son) a ride to the church. They even drove around the parking lot a few times. Manuel thought he was big stuff! It was fun to see him.

I got to speak to people from a couple of classes. We had fun laughing and talking. It was a dessert fellowship, so there was lots of yummy sweets. I had eaten too much dinner (not stuffed, but full) so I didn’t partake of the sweets. It was a good tradeoff though, because I had lots of meat and veggies at dinner. Anyway, the fellowship was even sweeter!

I got back to Cathy’s and was very tired. It was nice to just put on my jammies and jump in bed. I was very thankful for God’s provision of peace and just enough energy to get through the week! He is Faithful!

October 11, 2012

2012 Global Impact Celebration (GIC)
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR

Day 2

At 10am, all the missionaries met with prayer partners in the sanctuary for special prayer time. I got to pray with Gene and ML Engle. It was very nice.

Then we went to the Senior Adult Luncheon. I just love hanging out with that group! I want to be just like them when I grow up! The speaker was from The Jesus Film ministry and his talk and video were very moving. I had tears in my eyes for sure!

Right after the luncheon, we went back to the sanctuary for a special time of talking with the 1st-5th grade kids from the FBC Christian School. It was fun to hear some of the other missionaries talk about their ministry. Mike and I split time for VOH. Mike gave some general info about the ministry and I chatted a little bit more on the kid’s level about what we do. It worked out well. I really enjoyed the kid’s questions for Ramesh and Esther from India. One child wanted to know why they weren’t wearing shoes. It’s out of respect of the holy ground of the church and also to show respect to your host. Another child wanted to know what kind of food they eat in India. Then a kid asked if they had a Walmart. The answer was no and the follow up question was ‘when are you going to get one?’ haha. John Hurley did a great job explaining about the compassion kits for Dubai. On the way back to the classrooms, the kids were allowed to come by our displays. I gave them all a prayer card with my picture on it so that they could remember to pray for me. I love those prayers!!! It was quite fun!

I ran over to visit with Deanna for a few minutes. I didn’t have enough time to go to Cathy’s and rest and then get back to the church. So visiting Deanna for about 30 minutes was just what I needed!

Back to the church for a cookout of hotdogs and hamburgers. I sat at a table with Jaime, Oliver and their wives. We had a lot of fun talking and laughing. I just love them so much! I’m glad that I get to work with them more in the next year.

We ended the evening back in the sanctuary for some interviewing of part of the missionaries. Lots of fun and information. Mike was on stage and when it came to his turn, he said ‘yes, I’m the man that Vickie works with’. He had been asked that so many times it drove him crazy. I’ve been back to the church more in the last couple of years than they Hulsey’s have. Besides working on staff for a few years, many people know me and they put me, Nicaragua and the Hulsey’s together in their minds. It was funny! I’m so glad that Mike and Sherry, Manuel and Charlie Brown got to be there for the conference. Many people got to meet Mike for the first time and many finally got to talk to him. It was great.

We went out to our displays and people came around and talked to us some more. I loved the time of fellowship. Another great evening of praising God for what He is doing in His great big world!

October 8-10, 2012

2012 Global Impact Celebration (GIC)
First Baptist Church, Rogers AR

Day 1

What a great week!

On Monday and Tuesday, I was finishing up moving some things to storage, packing things for my return to Nicaragua after GIC and packing to stay with my friend Cathy during GIC. Deanna’s daughter, son-in-law and grandkids were coming from their mission church in Las Vegas and staying at the house, so I thought it a good idea to stay with Cathy to give them all room. Also, Cathy and I got the chance to talk a little bit about the upcoming women’s team to Nica that Cathy is leading.

Monday, I picked up some antibiotics for the sinus infection that I ended up with after dog and cat sitting for a week. But it was worth it. I had fun with the critters. Not to mention that I made some good money to put towards my trip back to Nica!

Tuesday, I had breakfast at the Treviño’s home and videoed something for Cuerpo Vivo church. It was very fun. I then went to the church and covered for Cathy in the prayer room for an hour. The time went by sooo fast. I made a quick trip to Hobby Lobby for more fabric for my display. I ended up working on display stuff until 11pm, and then thankfully went to bed.

Wednesday afternoon was registration and display set-up time. I had been frantically trying to print off some newsletter handouts and some pictures to put on my display. I’m not very technically savvy, so I was having issues. I ended up taking the file for the handouts to Office Depot and paying a pretty penny to have 200 sets made. They did turn out pretty nice, so I guess it was worth it. But I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off all day. Since I didn’t have the pics to put on my display boards, I ended up doing plans B, C, D… But everything turned out pretty good. I had a TV monitor to show my slides of random Nica pics, explanations of what I do in Nica, some material for the Feeding Center sponsorship project, various items handmade in Nica, business cards and prayer cards. I also had a sign-up sheet for people wanting to be added to my email list. It turned out pretty nice, even if it wasn’t plan A.

We had a quick orientation dinner for the Missionaries and then the Kick-off Celebration started in the sanctuary. It was fun to see friends who are serving as missionaries in various parts of the world. We also had some veteran missionaries in the congregation and they were recognized as well. The FBC Children’s Choir did a great job singing in Swahili. After a great message by a special guest speaker, the missionaries manned their display tables and everyone came by to see our stuff and chat about our ministries. It was a wonderful time of fellowship!

It was 10pm by the time I headed off to Cathy’s on the other side of town. I was very tired, but very peaceful now that the stress of getting everything done was over. I felt very blessed to be a part of FBC Rogers and the GIC conference.

God was truly glorified and praised!

October 1-7, 2012

Monday morning and I start off by taking my packed suitcase and bag of special food to house/dog/cat sit for my friend Alice. She lives in a very nice house in a gated community and I had fun meeting one of the gate keepers! I got settled in with the pooches and then went out to run errands.

I met with Neomi at Deanna’s house to give her some things that I was ready to pass along. It is always nice to see her. I packed up the car with boxes and tubs for storage.

I then headed south to Springdale to put some stuff in my donated storage unit. I was so tired and didn’t want to have to make that trip, but my time is so limited, that every moment counts. I bribed myself into going by having an early dinner at AQ Chicken restaurant on the way back. I can’t have their wonderful fried chicken, but I had a delicious meal of grilled chicken and sweet potato casserole. It was heavenly!

On the way back to Rogers, I called and then met with my friend Leslie, who had some Avon for me. It was wonderful to see her little girl Jenna. What a cutie! Then it was back to the dogs and settling in for the night at my sitting job. It was a good day.

On Tuesday, I ran by Deanna’s to use my computer and then made a quick trip to Walmart. I had lunch with Janalyn at Abuelos Restaruant and it was a blessing for me to be able to treat her to lunch! We had a great time and the food was good! I ran back to the church, then back to Deanna’s for some more computer work and then Nana Ruth and I had a nice early dinner at Red Lobster. I just love getting to see everyone and also to get to eat at these yummy places! I was back home early with the critters.

On Wednesday, I headed back to Deanna’s for some more computer time. I had lunch with Kellie at Chutny’s Indian restaurant. It was great! Then I met Noemi and Genesis over at Deanna’s for a few minutes. Genesis is very afraid of dogs, but likes Jet. I then ran some errands and had an early dinner and went back to the critters. My allergies are starting to kick in since the 2 dogs and 1 cat sleep in the bed with me. I’ll have to watch that!

Thursday started with me back at Deanna’s for computer work then I had a lunch meeting with the Hulsey’s at Olive Garden. It’s kind of our special place to eat. It was so good to see Manuel. He is doing great on his new medication. He was fun. I took a bunch of stuff to storage in Springdale and grabbed a large lemonade from Chick-Fil-A.

Friday morning I ran by the old FBC building on Olive street to visit the volunteers at the Food Pantry and Friday Meals. It’s always fun to see everyone working there. I got caught helping the janitor figure out what to do with some stuff and was late to my lunch date with Deborah Seay. But she was very understanding. We had a great chat and plan to do it again. She is still acclimating back to Arkansas after living in Hong Kong for the past few years. We had lots to share with each other and God gave us that time to minister to each other. It was sweet.

I had a mammogram appointment and it went very fast and easy. I was only out of my car a total of 30 minutes! Everything was fine on the mammogram and I was happy. I called to report to my sister, Pam, who had breast cancer 2 years ago. She was glad to hear of my good report.

My allergies were really bothering me, so I ran some errands, grabbed some quick takeout and went home to be with the critters. I went to bed early.

On Saturday, I went home to Deanna’s about 3pm, after Alice got back from her trip. I was in time to join Deanna and Amy to go to a 60th wedding reception for some friends of ours, the Barbees. It was very special. I then ran to Walmart for some items and stopped in to visit my friend Donna at the Vision Center. I always enjoy chatting with her.

Sunday was a great day. Because of GIC next weekend, this was my last Sunday at Cuerpo Vivo until December. God has really been ministering to me through Pastor Jaime’s sermons lately. Just what I need at the right time! The chuch came forward to pray for me. It was so special.

I stopped for lunch at my favorite Chinese restaurant. I saw a young lady who seemed to be trying to get the most food that she could from the takeout box. She looked like she was sick. I felt compelled to give her money to buy another take out box. I thought that she might be trying to feed many people from that one meal. When I gave her the money she said that God must have spoken to me. Yes, He did. I was blessed to help her.

Later in the afternoon, I went to a Missions committee meeting at FBCR. It was informative and I appreciated getting to meet Jim Shaw, who came on staff after I left the staff to work full time in Nica. I was ready for bed and to try to knock out my allergy symptoms. I had talked with my doctor (Bob) at the meeting and he said he would call me in a prescription for some antibiotics on Monday. What a blessing to go to church with your doctor! Not to mention that he prays for me, too!

Yes, I am blessed!

September 27-30, 2012

Thursday, My flight back to Arkansas was good. I got to spread out in a whole row of seats since the plane was not full on a week day. Cathy picked me up at the airport and took me to my friend Vickie’s house to pick up her car for the next 3 weeks. What a blessing!

I ran to Walmart for some groceries and then got back to Deanna’s house and my AR home! So good to see Jet and even the cat Lucy Alice! Deanna is always a warm welcome for my heart! I’m truly blessed to get to live with her when I’m in the states!

Friday morning I went to the FBC Rogers church to chat with a couple of the preschool classes about being a missionary in Nica. That was a hoot! I also got to visit with Glenda, who will be coming to Nica for a week in January.

The rest of Friday was busy with a visit to the Lifeway Christian store, lunch at Maria’s restaurant (where I ran into Koenia and Wayne and talked a little about them bringing a team to Nica), I got a haircut, ran by the post office to check my PO Box and then went home to Deanna’s and made some phone calls.

Saturday, I stayed home and worked on my room, packing and sorting and then getting on the computer a lot to prepare for the upcoming GIC – Missions conference at FBC Rogers. It was a good day. I even snuck in a little nap!

Sunday morning I went to speak to one of the Ladies’ Bible study classes that helps to support me. It was fun to visit with them. Then I hightailed it over to the Spanish church Cuerpo Vivo for worship service. I was so thankful to have the use of a car so that I could be at both churches that morning.

There is so much on my plate for the next few weeks. Sometimes I get overwhelmed. I also have many things that need decisions made. I pray for guidance for them all.

I’m thankful that God allows me to have this crazy life. Sometimes I think it would much easier if I lived a ‘normal’ life of a secular job with all the security of benefits and such. But I love doing what God calls me to do. He is faithful in all things. I’ll keep doing what He says all the days of my life. One day He will sit me down to stay in one place more, but until then, I’ll keep moving!!! I’m thankful that He makes the plans and not me!

Monday, October 15, 2012

will update soon!!!

Ok, I know that I haven't posted for a few weeks. God has kept me so busy doing things to write about, that my cup is running over!!!

I PROMISE to catch up soon!

AND I promise to get the website built and maintained.

I'm excited to share all I can in any way that I can. I'm just not very technically savvy and run in to some roadblocks along the way.

Please know that I have been blessed beyond measure these last few weeks. I have visited family and friends in Indiana and New York City, as well as Arkansas, of course! The GIC (Global Impact Celebration = Missions conference) at First Baptist Church of Rogers (my home church) was wonderful last week.

It is so rejuvenating to share about what God is doing and what He allows me to be a part of. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to share with many adults and kids! It was amazing to be prayed over, too. God works through His people and I'm thankful for all of the people who have promised to help me 'go' to serve. These partners are as much of the 'team' as I am. Thank you financial and prayer support!

To God be the Glory!!

talk to you soon!
v