After the group left at 3:30am, I slept until 9:30am. I never do that here! I was needing it I guess and I felt very relaxed!
I got a lot of work done on the computer; communication with teams coming, rescheduling meetings, preparing for classes, etc.
I got a message from my niece to call my sister Sandy. My cousin, Kim had died. She was only 47 years old. She had been having a lot of trouble with blood clots for some time. She had been in and out of the hospital for pain. She was actually in the hospital at the time and the doctors wanted to amputate her leg. She didn’t want that. She ended up dying while there. My extended family is not real close, but I was sad to miss the funeral. Ever since my Dad died last year, I feel the need to be available to his side of the family, even though they are in Indiana and I live in Nica (and AR when in the states). I’m friends with a couple of cousins on facebook now. It’s interesting to think about relationships.
Charlie was out with the Medical team and called in their numbers (patients and salvations) each night. I kept busy with my regular work, which would be tedious to list, but keeps me busy and happy.
The Medical team saw a total of 234 patients and 64 salvations for the week. They were in a fairly remote area on the northwest coast of Nica. From the beach, they could see El Salvador and Honduras at the same time. They got to stay in a descent hotel at night and have great food. They worked long hours and blessed many people. They returned to the Team House on Thursday night.
I had went to visit my friend Kelly and get the video camera that I had left for the ministry. Jeremy had taken it home with him while I was in the states. It was nice to visit with Kelly, even though she was not feeling too great. The flu (head and chest kind) seems to be going around down here. I charged up the video camera and its extra battery so that the Rogers Medical team can take it on their trip next week.
On Friday, the Eastside Medical team had Fun Day. They went for some hot shaves and haircuts. A manly version of mani-pedis, I think. Then they went to town for some shopping and sightseeing.
I taught the English Bible Study Group class for the students who come on Friday morning instead of Monday nights. I love it!
I got to go with the Medical team to Suyapa for dinner. Many of them ordered lobster. The platters were full of 4-5 lobster tails. Looked good! I got my usual grilled fish filet and boiled potatoes and steamed veggies. I did splurge and get a shrimp coctail. Still, my meal only costs about $12. Not bad!
I said goodbye to the team in case I didn’t wake up when they leave at 3:30am. I spend more time on communication. A friend is helping me research a plan for jewelry making here for the women to make some money for groceries for their families. Also, a friend wanted an overview of our ministry and what I do here to share with some preschoolers in my home church.
I’m also corresponding with 2 ladies coming in Feb on a construction trip. The ladies will work with me doing VBS 4 days for the kids at Monte Horeb. I’m communicating with the 2 teams coming for Spring Break in March. There are 2 different teams of ladies coming to serve in October and we’re starting to get our plans together for that. So I have a lot of emails and messages coming and going. I try to be organized about it all. Sometimes I get things confused. That’s where my different colored folders and my to-lists come in handy. Haha
Anyway, the team did leave at 3:30am. I woke up just as they were driving out of our gate. I waved, but probably no one saw me. I promptly went back to sleep.
Having the Medical team here was great. I barely got to see them, since they were remote most of the time, but it was nice to get to meet new people and go to church with them. We are always blessed by teams.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Crosslife Construction Team: January 8-15, 2013
The team arrived in the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan 8. Yay! There were some familiar faces and some new ones! It’s all guys (construction) and Buster seemed happy! They will be building a structure for the church at Tomas Borgé (the old Dump). It’s our biggest Feeding Center and Pastor Bryan is doing a great job with the church.
The team brought all kinds of tools and supplies for building this week. They also brought some stuff for the ministry. I helped to sort and organize the stuff. It always feels like Christmas when we receive things from the states!
Mike got the chance to talk one on one with many of the team. That doesn’t always get to happen when there are bigger teams. We took the guys to get ice cream and came back to the team house and hung around and chatted. So much fun! It’s good to have them here. I can tell they are full of God’s love for the people here and happy to be on this trip to put up a church structure! What a blessing to me to get to be here with them.
The first 2 days were slow and kind of frustrating because of equipment problems and such. But the team had a good attitude and God made ways to get things done! The team generously bought a new generator for the ministry when our old one bit the dust for the last time!
The guys came home for lunch and then went back out each afternoon. It was very hot work. Some of them were wearing long pants and long sleeves, depending on their assigned task (2 were welders) and I felt so sorry for them in the heat! They always had great attitudes, though!
Some of them went street witnessing while the others worked on the building. Since we have been in the community so much, many are Christians, but there were still some who God appointed to accept Christ that week!
I had made some banners last fall that the churches use for special events in the churches. I needed some dowels for hanging and carrying them. Saturnino took on the project of making these dowel rods for me. Now, I would have just went and bought some broom handles (available, but expensive), but Saturnino bought a piece of wood, cut it into 2” strips (with the circular saw we received from the team), whittled the strips into round dowels. What a worker!
One of the guys on the team has a hobby/ministry of making plaques and such. Their website is “God’s Word in Wood”. He had made some neat wooden plaques for the church celebration. I had been looking for a logo for our Iglesia Pan de Vida churches and Richard’s artwork was just perfect! I’ll be using his artwork for my banners and make one for each of our churches. I’m excited!
The Iglesia Pan de Vida at Tomas Borgé community now has a large structure (steel posts and tin roof) that will hold many, many people underneath its shelter. It will provide shade during the dry season and keep the people dry during the raining season. What an awesome blessing from God!
I couldn’t tell the team enough how blessed I was to have them here with us. It was very tranquil and relaxing each night. They ate like North American men, which was how Erika, our cook, described it. She was happy that they liked her food and they told her often how great it was.
The guys were so sweet to the workers and pleasant to be around. They came in each day and washed their own dirty work clothes and were pretty low maintenance for us. What a dream team! Ha!
We had another team overlap in their time here. The Medical group from Eastside Baptist in Paragould AR came in on Saturday and spent Sunday with all of us and then left early on Monday morning.
Sunday church services were in 3 different churches. San Jacinto (also a stop at La Quimera), Monte Horeb, and Anución Celestial (a new connection for VOH). I enjoyed getting to hear the team share testimonies and messages. I’m always blessed by the teams and our Nica churches. God is so good to let us experience His love in many different ways.
The celebration service was awesome. The VOH Praise Band played and I always love hearing them. I got to stand off to myself and have my own time of praise and worship. The team was interspersed throughout the group of people (standing room only, I might add). There was singing and dancing and praying and praising and it was awesome.
The 2 teams (Crosslife Construction and Eastside Medical) were all guys. Miss Mary would be so jealous that she missed being here with all these guys! Lol Buster was in heaven with all the males, though.
The teams spent their Sunday evening (after churches) having a time of sharing and praising together. I went to my room to let the ‘guys’ have their special time. I could hear them laugh every once in a while and I could hear them singing. It was nice.
I love seeing God bring together His servants, even if it’s for just a few days in a different country. We’ll all be together in Heaven one day and we will already know each other!
The Medical team left at 5:30am on Monday for their remote mission. The Crosslife team went out and did Fiestas on Monday morning and afternoon. They had a wonderful time! I stayed at the team house to teach my classes, so I missed out on the dinner at Suyapa on the beach with the team. But I got to spend time with them in the evening. They blessed me so much with their presence this week. I don’t think the teams realize how much they are ministering to us as well as to the Nica people. God sends us just what we need.
There were 205 people who accepted Christ as God worked through the Crosslife Construction Team. And many people will be drawn to and blessed by the church in Tomas Borgé. All are parts to the puzzle that God has planned for this world of His.
Can’t wait to have the Crosslife Construction team back again in a couple of months!
The team brought all kinds of tools and supplies for building this week. They also brought some stuff for the ministry. I helped to sort and organize the stuff. It always feels like Christmas when we receive things from the states!
Mike got the chance to talk one on one with many of the team. That doesn’t always get to happen when there are bigger teams. We took the guys to get ice cream and came back to the team house and hung around and chatted. So much fun! It’s good to have them here. I can tell they are full of God’s love for the people here and happy to be on this trip to put up a church structure! What a blessing to me to get to be here with them.
The first 2 days were slow and kind of frustrating because of equipment problems and such. But the team had a good attitude and God made ways to get things done! The team generously bought a new generator for the ministry when our old one bit the dust for the last time!
The guys came home for lunch and then went back out each afternoon. It was very hot work. Some of them were wearing long pants and long sleeves, depending on their assigned task (2 were welders) and I felt so sorry for them in the heat! They always had great attitudes, though!
Some of them went street witnessing while the others worked on the building. Since we have been in the community so much, many are Christians, but there were still some who God appointed to accept Christ that week!
I had made some banners last fall that the churches use for special events in the churches. I needed some dowels for hanging and carrying them. Saturnino took on the project of making these dowel rods for me. Now, I would have just went and bought some broom handles (available, but expensive), but Saturnino bought a piece of wood, cut it into 2” strips (with the circular saw we received from the team), whittled the strips into round dowels. What a worker!
One of the guys on the team has a hobby/ministry of making plaques and such. Their website is “God’s Word in Wood”. He had made some neat wooden plaques for the church celebration. I had been looking for a logo for our Iglesia Pan de Vida churches and Richard’s artwork was just perfect! I’ll be using his artwork for my banners and make one for each of our churches. I’m excited!
The Iglesia Pan de Vida at Tomas Borgé community now has a large structure (steel posts and tin roof) that will hold many, many people underneath its shelter. It will provide shade during the dry season and keep the people dry during the raining season. What an awesome blessing from God!
I couldn’t tell the team enough how blessed I was to have them here with us. It was very tranquil and relaxing each night. They ate like North American men, which was how Erika, our cook, described it. She was happy that they liked her food and they told her often how great it was.
The guys were so sweet to the workers and pleasant to be around. They came in each day and washed their own dirty work clothes and were pretty low maintenance for us. What a dream team! Ha!
We had another team overlap in their time here. The Medical group from Eastside Baptist in Paragould AR came in on Saturday and spent Sunday with all of us and then left early on Monday morning.
Sunday church services were in 3 different churches. San Jacinto (also a stop at La Quimera), Monte Horeb, and Anución Celestial (a new connection for VOH). I enjoyed getting to hear the team share testimonies and messages. I’m always blessed by the teams and our Nica churches. God is so good to let us experience His love in many different ways.
The celebration service was awesome. The VOH Praise Band played and I always love hearing them. I got to stand off to myself and have my own time of praise and worship. The team was interspersed throughout the group of people (standing room only, I might add). There was singing and dancing and praying and praising and it was awesome.
The 2 teams (Crosslife Construction and Eastside Medical) were all guys. Miss Mary would be so jealous that she missed being here with all these guys! Lol Buster was in heaven with all the males, though.
The teams spent their Sunday evening (after churches) having a time of sharing and praising together. I went to my room to let the ‘guys’ have their special time. I could hear them laugh every once in a while and I could hear them singing. It was nice.
I love seeing God bring together His servants, even if it’s for just a few days in a different country. We’ll all be together in Heaven one day and we will already know each other!
The Medical team left at 5:30am on Monday for their remote mission. The Crosslife team went out and did Fiestas on Monday morning and afternoon. They had a wonderful time! I stayed at the team house to teach my classes, so I missed out on the dinner at Suyapa on the beach with the team. But I got to spend time with them in the evening. They blessed me so much with their presence this week. I don’t think the teams realize how much they are ministering to us as well as to the Nica people. God sends us just what we need.
There were 205 people who accepted Christ as God worked through the Crosslife Construction Team. And many people will be drawn to and blessed by the church in Tomas Borgé. All are parts to the puzzle that God has planned for this world of His.
Can’t wait to have the Crosslife Construction team back again in a couple of months!
January 8-14, 2013
I got up early and started on some laundry. I didn’t have much to do, but when we have teams here, the cleaning ladies are busy washing towels and stuff for the team, so I want to get mine caught up before the team arrives.
The vans were leaving for the airport, so I grabbed a ride with Edmundo to drop me off at the haircutting place. It was nice to see my stylist. She asked me if I like to look like a boy, since I always get my hair cut so short. Lol I grabbed a taxi back to the team house in time for lunch.
Mike was teaching Pastor/Leader Training for our 4 churches and there were 11 people in attendance. This was great! (I teach the women leaders and children’s leaders on Mondays). This shows the amount of interest in learning and training that the Pastors and men of the church have in serving. We served lunch to them and then Mike finished the training. It was a great day!
I sent an email to someone possibly interested in coming to Nica to work with the children. I would love to have some help with the Children’s Ministry. We’ll see what God has planned for us!
I’ll report on the team on another post, but for this post, I’ll share what I got to do during the week.
I made some phone calls and sent some messages to let people know that the English Bible Study Group class would be repeated on Friday mornings, for those who cannot make it on Monday nights. I’ve set up a FB page for the group, too.
I chatted with Deanna, altered some pants for Lesly, sewed up 2 more aprons for the cooks, worked with Estefanie on translation notes for the WBSLT classes on Mondays, met with Carlos (in Spanish by myself, I might add), chatted with Richard on the team who makes lovely wood plaques, ran errands, prepped for classes, sent lots of communication to coming teams, practiced guitar, studied and helped with what I could to make the team’s visit go well.
We had ice cream a lot this week. The team worked long, hot days putting up trusses and a roof. They deserved the treat!
Going to the grocery store for the teams is fun, if you like long trips to the grocery store. We usually have to make 2 or 3 trips within the week, depending on the size of the team. Each of the 2 trips this week consisted of 4-5 grocery carts full. We will them up and park them until we are ready to check out. (Buying food for bigger teams will be more like getting 5-6 carts of food every 2 days). Our grocery store loves us!
I ran around with the team part of the time. I was glad to get to go to church with them. We split into 3 groups for church. I also got to escort a few of the guys to buy souvenirs for family. I took them to my favorite vendors, who usually give me a good discount. They took good care of my friends!
The team had worked very hard, especially after the first few days of frustrating problems and delays, and got the structure completed in time for the celebration service on Sunday afternoon. What fun! I was crying during part of the singing. It is so awesome to just be here where God is at work and to be a part of it is indescribable!
The team went out and did some Fiestas on Monday and then went to Suyapa for dinner. I had to teach my classes, so I stayed here at the team house. I got to spend some time with them in the evening and say goodbye.
Buster knew that they were leaving because of them packing their suitcases and staging them at the end of our covered porch. He walked around so sad with his head low. He even slept on top of their suitcases all night. I think he really liked having this ‘mens’ team.
They team left at 3:30am. I woke up to say goodbye. I went back to bed and slept until 9:30am! Wow! I woke up feeling great!
It was a great week!
The vans were leaving for the airport, so I grabbed a ride with Edmundo to drop me off at the haircutting place. It was nice to see my stylist. She asked me if I like to look like a boy, since I always get my hair cut so short. Lol I grabbed a taxi back to the team house in time for lunch.
Mike was teaching Pastor/Leader Training for our 4 churches and there were 11 people in attendance. This was great! (I teach the women leaders and children’s leaders on Mondays). This shows the amount of interest in learning and training that the Pastors and men of the church have in serving. We served lunch to them and then Mike finished the training. It was a great day!
I sent an email to someone possibly interested in coming to Nica to work with the children. I would love to have some help with the Children’s Ministry. We’ll see what God has planned for us!
I’ll report on the team on another post, but for this post, I’ll share what I got to do during the week.
I made some phone calls and sent some messages to let people know that the English Bible Study Group class would be repeated on Friday mornings, for those who cannot make it on Monday nights. I’ve set up a FB page for the group, too.
I chatted with Deanna, altered some pants for Lesly, sewed up 2 more aprons for the cooks, worked with Estefanie on translation notes for the WBSLT classes on Mondays, met with Carlos (in Spanish by myself, I might add), chatted with Richard on the team who makes lovely wood plaques, ran errands, prepped for classes, sent lots of communication to coming teams, practiced guitar, studied and helped with what I could to make the team’s visit go well.
We had ice cream a lot this week. The team worked long, hot days putting up trusses and a roof. They deserved the treat!
Going to the grocery store for the teams is fun, if you like long trips to the grocery store. We usually have to make 2 or 3 trips within the week, depending on the size of the team. Each of the 2 trips this week consisted of 4-5 grocery carts full. We will them up and park them until we are ready to check out. (Buying food for bigger teams will be more like getting 5-6 carts of food every 2 days). Our grocery store loves us!
I ran around with the team part of the time. I was glad to get to go to church with them. We split into 3 groups for church. I also got to escort a few of the guys to buy souvenirs for family. I took them to my favorite vendors, who usually give me a good discount. They took good care of my friends!
The team had worked very hard, especially after the first few days of frustrating problems and delays, and got the structure completed in time for the celebration service on Sunday afternoon. What fun! I was crying during part of the singing. It is so awesome to just be here where God is at work and to be a part of it is indescribable!
The team went out and did some Fiestas on Monday and then went to Suyapa for dinner. I had to teach my classes, so I stayed here at the team house. I got to spend some time with them in the evening and say goodbye.
Buster knew that they were leaving because of them packing their suitcases and staging them at the end of our covered porch. He walked around so sad with his head low. He even slept on top of their suitcases all night. I think he really liked having this ‘mens’ team.
They team left at 3:30am. I woke up to say goodbye. I went back to bed and slept until 9:30am! Wow! I woke up feeling great!
It was a great week!
January 6-7, 2013
Sunday I worked on classes, feeding center stuff, children’s ministry, communication (VOH and personal) and chatted with Mike about things. I got a lot done and enjoyed sitting here at my work area (table outside my room) listening to the breeze and animals and other sounds, and looking at the sunshine and feeling the warmth. It’s so good to be back ‘home’.
Monday morning was wonderful! I got to see the workers and spend some time talking with them. I gave them their surprises that I had brought back from the states. I still had stuff to organize in my room. It was a good morning.
After lunch, we had a staff meeting with all workers about some changes. We also talked about the details for the team coming on Tuesday.
Then it was time for my first class with the Women’s Bible Study Leadership Training. Estefanie had made calls last week to remind the ladies of the first class. I was excited to see who was coming. Some of the ladies I knew and some were new to me. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with this leadership in the churches down here!
We prayed together and then had an overview of the course. We will be taking this study a lot slower than it was originally intended (partly due to having to repeat everything in both languages), but it’s going to be really good! I explained how the class should be conducted, attendance, prayer journal, curriculum, etc. They ladies are up for the task and excited! I gave Bibles to 2 of the ladies and promised one to another. The other ladies had nice Bibles to teach from. We had a great time of sharing ideas and planning and praying together. When class broke up, they each wanted to talk with me and thank me for this opportunity to learn and teach about God to their churches. I’m so happy that God is working it out for this process of the ladies teaching in their own churches. I gave the ladies money for their transportation home.
Estefanie left to run an errand before the next class. I rested a little bit, grabbed a snack and then got ready for the next class.
At 6pm on Mondays, I lead a class called “Foundations”, a basic study of the Bible, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Church, Baptism, etc… This class is taught in English. The students are some of our translators and many of the English students that I have had the privilege of working with over the last two years (through Pacheco’s English Academy). I was very interested to see who all could come to the class.
We had 8 students the first night and I loved having each and everyone of them here! We had an overview and then went through the introductory lesson. I was concerned that it might be too much, but everyone was keeping up and asking for help with words they didn’t yet know in English. They really paid attention and said that they loved the class. I’m thrilled! I’m learning right a long with them. It’s a good study!
In the middle of our class I received a planned Skype call from the FBC Yukon OK team who are coming in March. I let the students say hi and then took the computer to the office for Mike and I to talk to the team. We can’t wait to have them here. Part of the group have been here before, but most are first-timers. I know that Nate will have them prepared well. It was fun getting to see baby Mollie on the screen, too!
Our 2 hour class ended and everyone was in a great mood. I love being with my Nica friends! They went on their way to some fun and I put all my teaching stuff away and relaxed. I was so blessed by the day.
Mondays will be full by having both classes on the same day, but I think it works out well for many reasons.
I got the chance to talk to Mike a little more before he left for the evening. The construction team from Crosslife Church comes in the morning and I’ll not get the chance to talk much with Mike after that.
It’s so good to be here in Nica, where God has plans for me to serve Him. I’m very blessed!
Monday morning was wonderful! I got to see the workers and spend some time talking with them. I gave them their surprises that I had brought back from the states. I still had stuff to organize in my room. It was a good morning.
After lunch, we had a staff meeting with all workers about some changes. We also talked about the details for the team coming on Tuesday.
Then it was time for my first class with the Women’s Bible Study Leadership Training. Estefanie had made calls last week to remind the ladies of the first class. I was excited to see who was coming. Some of the ladies I knew and some were new to me. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with this leadership in the churches down here!
We prayed together and then had an overview of the course. We will be taking this study a lot slower than it was originally intended (partly due to having to repeat everything in both languages), but it’s going to be really good! I explained how the class should be conducted, attendance, prayer journal, curriculum, etc. They ladies are up for the task and excited! I gave Bibles to 2 of the ladies and promised one to another. The other ladies had nice Bibles to teach from. We had a great time of sharing ideas and planning and praying together. When class broke up, they each wanted to talk with me and thank me for this opportunity to learn and teach about God to their churches. I’m so happy that God is working it out for this process of the ladies teaching in their own churches. I gave the ladies money for their transportation home.
Estefanie left to run an errand before the next class. I rested a little bit, grabbed a snack and then got ready for the next class.
At 6pm on Mondays, I lead a class called “Foundations”, a basic study of the Bible, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Church, Baptism, etc… This class is taught in English. The students are some of our translators and many of the English students that I have had the privilege of working with over the last two years (through Pacheco’s English Academy). I was very interested to see who all could come to the class.
We had 8 students the first night and I loved having each and everyone of them here! We had an overview and then went through the introductory lesson. I was concerned that it might be too much, but everyone was keeping up and asking for help with words they didn’t yet know in English. They really paid attention and said that they loved the class. I’m thrilled! I’m learning right a long with them. It’s a good study!
In the middle of our class I received a planned Skype call from the FBC Yukon OK team who are coming in March. I let the students say hi and then took the computer to the office for Mike and I to talk to the team. We can’t wait to have them here. Part of the group have been here before, but most are first-timers. I know that Nate will have them prepared well. It was fun getting to see baby Mollie on the screen, too!
Our 2 hour class ended and everyone was in a great mood. I love being with my Nica friends! They went on their way to some fun and I put all my teaching stuff away and relaxed. I was so blessed by the day.
Mondays will be full by having both classes on the same day, but I think it works out well for many reasons.
I got the chance to talk to Mike a little more before he left for the evening. The construction team from Crosslife Church comes in the morning and I’ll not get the chance to talk much with Mike after that.
It’s so good to be here in Nica, where God has plans for me to serve Him. I’m very blessed!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
January 3-5, 2013
I woke up each morning to the sounds of birds, roosters, horses and carts, trucks, Buster barking, people working around the house. It feels so good.
On Thursday, I got to see Alberto, Saturnino, Lesly, Jaasiel, Aracelys, Erika, Jorge and Edmundo. I started unpacking my suitcases, which were full of ministry stuff and gifts for everyone. I visited with Lesly and Jaasiel while they were working in the office. We all had lunch together (rice and beans, fried cheese, tostones). I had rice and beans only and loved it! Everyone got their work done and then went home in the mid afternoon.
On Friday, it was business as usual. Mike got here the night before and came to work in the office and to have some meetings. Mayela came back to work, too. I enjoyed lunch with the gang and we had rice and beans and some ground beef with lime. It was very good! Erika is trying to find some other dishes to prepare for the teams that are tasty for North Americans and also affordable. I like everything she cooks!
Estefanie came over to meet with me on plans for the classes that we are starting on Monday. She brought her 15 year old cousin, who speaks English and we had a great time teasing Estefanie.
For dinner, I made some salmon patties and shared with Alberto. I had made them before and he had never had them. He likes them, so I’ll probably share with him every time I make them.
I read a bit, practiced guitar, watched a video, showered and hit the bed.
Saturday, I slept until 8:30am. How wonderful! I started working on some VOH stuff and then Mike came over to work in the office. We chatted a little about different stuff going on with the ministry. There are lots of new opportunities coming along. God is really blessing. There are also things to deal with that are bumps in the road. But God is in charge and we need to be faithful to listen to Him and to do what He leads us to do.
I was going to get my haircut today, but my phone wouldn’t let me call out, so I didn’t get the chance to call Edwin (taxi). I decided that I would wait until Tuesday, my next day with some free time.
Mike left about noon and offered to drop me uptown, but I had decided to just hang out here. I got here Wed pm and haven’t left the premises at all. I think I’m recovering from all of the running of the last month in the states! I did quit working on ‘work’ and did some personal stuff.
I asked Alberto to order a veggie pizza to be delivered and I shared it with him. It was very good. We sat and talked a lot about the US. He always wants to know what I think about the economy and politics and stuff. With my limited Spanish and lack of interest on the subject, we don’t have long conversations. Haha Actually, we talk a lot. He tends to mumble and I have a hard time understanding him with my hearing loss, but we make it happen.
After a nice nap, I swam for a little bit for some exercise. Buster likes to swim with people and he kept jumping in and out of the pool. He is so funny.
The cat, which no likes, had somehow gotten out of our property and was on the other side if the chainlink fence between us and the priest’s house. This happened before I left in early December. No one went to get it and it stayed next to the fence most of the time. Lesly would feed it through the fence. It was getting skinny. On Friday, it appeared in our property again. All the workers were amazed. I guess it got skinny enough to get through the fence. It has done nothing but eat and sleep constantly since it got back! I guess we sound cruel, but you would have to know this cat to be able to pass judgment. Anyway, last night I kept hearing bumping around outside under the rancho. I looked to see what critter might be out there. It was Buster and the cat wrestling and playing. Then they took off walking down the patio like buds. Oh brother!
It’s been a good couple of days. I have gotten a lot of work done and still had time to rest and relax. My cold is pretty much gone and even though I didn’t know how exhausted I was from my US travels, I can feel myself getting refreshed.
God is good and faithful and generous and awesome. I’m so glad that He watches out for me!
On Thursday, I got to see Alberto, Saturnino, Lesly, Jaasiel, Aracelys, Erika, Jorge and Edmundo. I started unpacking my suitcases, which were full of ministry stuff and gifts for everyone. I visited with Lesly and Jaasiel while they were working in the office. We all had lunch together (rice and beans, fried cheese, tostones). I had rice and beans only and loved it! Everyone got their work done and then went home in the mid afternoon.
On Friday, it was business as usual. Mike got here the night before and came to work in the office and to have some meetings. Mayela came back to work, too. I enjoyed lunch with the gang and we had rice and beans and some ground beef with lime. It was very good! Erika is trying to find some other dishes to prepare for the teams that are tasty for North Americans and also affordable. I like everything she cooks!
Estefanie came over to meet with me on plans for the classes that we are starting on Monday. She brought her 15 year old cousin, who speaks English and we had a great time teasing Estefanie.
For dinner, I made some salmon patties and shared with Alberto. I had made them before and he had never had them. He likes them, so I’ll probably share with him every time I make them.
I read a bit, practiced guitar, watched a video, showered and hit the bed.
Saturday, I slept until 8:30am. How wonderful! I started working on some VOH stuff and then Mike came over to work in the office. We chatted a little about different stuff going on with the ministry. There are lots of new opportunities coming along. God is really blessing. There are also things to deal with that are bumps in the road. But God is in charge and we need to be faithful to listen to Him and to do what He leads us to do.
I was going to get my haircut today, but my phone wouldn’t let me call out, so I didn’t get the chance to call Edwin (taxi). I decided that I would wait until Tuesday, my next day with some free time.
Mike left about noon and offered to drop me uptown, but I had decided to just hang out here. I got here Wed pm and haven’t left the premises at all. I think I’m recovering from all of the running of the last month in the states! I did quit working on ‘work’ and did some personal stuff.
I asked Alberto to order a veggie pizza to be delivered and I shared it with him. It was very good. We sat and talked a lot about the US. He always wants to know what I think about the economy and politics and stuff. With my limited Spanish and lack of interest on the subject, we don’t have long conversations. Haha Actually, we talk a lot. He tends to mumble and I have a hard time understanding him with my hearing loss, but we make it happen.
After a nice nap, I swam for a little bit for some exercise. Buster likes to swim with people and he kept jumping in and out of the pool. He is so funny.
The cat, which no likes, had somehow gotten out of our property and was on the other side if the chainlink fence between us and the priest’s house. This happened before I left in early December. No one went to get it and it stayed next to the fence most of the time. Lesly would feed it through the fence. It was getting skinny. On Friday, it appeared in our property again. All the workers were amazed. I guess it got skinny enough to get through the fence. It has done nothing but eat and sleep constantly since it got back! I guess we sound cruel, but you would have to know this cat to be able to pass judgment. Anyway, last night I kept hearing bumping around outside under the rancho. I looked to see what critter might be out there. It was Buster and the cat wrestling and playing. Then they took off walking down the patio like buds. Oh brother!
It’s been a good couple of days. I have gotten a lot of work done and still had time to rest and relax. My cold is pretty much gone and even though I didn’t know how exhausted I was from my US travels, I can feel myself getting refreshed.
God is good and faithful and generous and awesome. I’m so glad that He watches out for me!
January 2, 2013
Travel Day!
I got up early and was ready to leave by 8:00am. Deanna went to the Wellness Center to walk, so we said our goodbyes and I waited on my ride.
My pharmacy didn’t have all my meds for 6 months for Nica before New Year’s, so Debbie delivered the meds to me personally before 9am. What great service!
My friend Cathy came to get me for breakfast and then the ride to the airport. We had a nice breakfast of French toast and hot tea at Village Inn. Then it was off to the airport. We got the chance to talk a lot about Nica and the next women’s team that she is bringing down in October. Also, we talked about our families and the holidays. It’s always so nice to spend time with her!
My traveling was great for the whole day. No problems with any flights. My layover in ATL was just right – long enough for a hot meal and bathroom breaks and rest, without being too long. I was comfortable on both of my flights. The cold medicine made me just sleepy enough to doze a little bit. I got to Managua and Jorge was waiting for me. Now, the ride from Managua to León was another matter! I get car sick easily, but sometimes can handle it. This night was not one of those times. I think because of the darkness, I couldn’t get my body accustomed to the motion. Maybe since I had been in 2 planes earlier it had some thing to do with it, too. Anyway, I was soooo sick at my stomach! I had to lay the seat down and will myself not to throw up. I just wanted the hour and a half ride to end. I knew if I had to stop to throw up, it would just add more time to the trip. I was praying like crazy! We finally made it to the team house and I was soooo thrilled!
Alberto and Buster met me at the team house. I got my stuff into the room and immediately started feeling better from not being in a moving car! I didn’t have to unpack anything, since I live here, so I just got out some jammies and hit the bed! I slept sooooo good all night! When I woke up (as I often do throughout the night) I just went right back to sleep. It was wonderful! It was so good to be back ‘home’ in Nica!
I got up early and was ready to leave by 8:00am. Deanna went to the Wellness Center to walk, so we said our goodbyes and I waited on my ride.
My pharmacy didn’t have all my meds for 6 months for Nica before New Year’s, so Debbie delivered the meds to me personally before 9am. What great service!
My friend Cathy came to get me for breakfast and then the ride to the airport. We had a nice breakfast of French toast and hot tea at Village Inn. Then it was off to the airport. We got the chance to talk a lot about Nica and the next women’s team that she is bringing down in October. Also, we talked about our families and the holidays. It’s always so nice to spend time with her!
My traveling was great for the whole day. No problems with any flights. My layover in ATL was just right – long enough for a hot meal and bathroom breaks and rest, without being too long. I was comfortable on both of my flights. The cold medicine made me just sleepy enough to doze a little bit. I got to Managua and Jorge was waiting for me. Now, the ride from Managua to León was another matter! I get car sick easily, but sometimes can handle it. This night was not one of those times. I think because of the darkness, I couldn’t get my body accustomed to the motion. Maybe since I had been in 2 planes earlier it had some thing to do with it, too. Anyway, I was soooo sick at my stomach! I had to lay the seat down and will myself not to throw up. I just wanted the hour and a half ride to end. I knew if I had to stop to throw up, it would just add more time to the trip. I was praying like crazy! We finally made it to the team house and I was soooo thrilled!
Alberto and Buster met me at the team house. I got my stuff into the room and immediately started feeling better from not being in a moving car! I didn’t have to unpack anything, since I live here, so I just got out some jammies and hit the bed! I slept sooooo good all night! When I woke up (as I often do throughout the night) I just went right back to sleep. It was wonderful! It was so good to be back ‘home’ in Nica!
January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!!
I woke up feeling really crappy and had some oatmeal and went right back to bed. I slept until about noon. I think I was worse off than people waking up with hangovers from the night before! Ha
I worked a little more on packing and rested in between. I talked myself out of one last Walmart run, which is very unusual for me before leaving for Nica, but I had actually bought a lot of what I needed to take when I got back the first part of December. Yay for me.
I did go by Walgreen’s to get some vitamins that I was missing and some cold meds. I can’t take many over the counter ones, but I found some to help take the edge off.
I then went to Mercy Hospital to drop off my loaner car to Michael and Vickie Brown. Michael was in ICU at the time and I told Vickie that I would leave the car in the parking lot for her. I needed to take the keys up to a family member. I ran into Debbie Pledger in the elevator. Her husband, Craig was in ICU after having emergency gallbladder surgery. I got to see Craig for a few minutes. Then I ran into Vickie in the hall and I got to say hi to Michael, too. Those were unexpected, but happy surprises for me!
I was having dinner with my friend Billy, so I had him pick me up at the hospital. We went to eat dinner at a buffet. I had 2 plates of veggies!!! I also enjoyed some roast beef and roast chicken. All things that are either expensive, hard to get or hard to chew in Nica! Ha
I got home and finished up packing and went to bed. Thankfully, my flight is not until noon the next day, so I don’t have to get up too awfully early. I took some cold meds and hit the sack! I was thankful for the day!
I woke up feeling really crappy and had some oatmeal and went right back to bed. I slept until about noon. I think I was worse off than people waking up with hangovers from the night before! Ha
I worked a little more on packing and rested in between. I talked myself out of one last Walmart run, which is very unusual for me before leaving for Nica, but I had actually bought a lot of what I needed to take when I got back the first part of December. Yay for me.
I did go by Walgreen’s to get some vitamins that I was missing and some cold meds. I can’t take many over the counter ones, but I found some to help take the edge off.
I then went to Mercy Hospital to drop off my loaner car to Michael and Vickie Brown. Michael was in ICU at the time and I told Vickie that I would leave the car in the parking lot for her. I needed to take the keys up to a family member. I ran into Debbie Pledger in the elevator. Her husband, Craig was in ICU after having emergency gallbladder surgery. I got to see Craig for a few minutes. Then I ran into Vickie in the hall and I got to say hi to Michael, too. Those were unexpected, but happy surprises for me!
I was having dinner with my friend Billy, so I had him pick me up at the hospital. We went to eat dinner at a buffet. I had 2 plates of veggies!!! I also enjoyed some roast beef and roast chicken. All things that are either expensive, hard to get or hard to chew in Nica! Ha
I got home and finished up packing and went to bed. Thankfully, my flight is not until noon the next day, so I don’t have to get up too awfully early. I took some cold meds and hit the sack! I was thankful for the day!
December 30-31, 2012
Sunday, the 30th, found me feeling a little under the weather. This whole month of December had me going 90 miles an hour almost every day and I think it all caught up with me. I stayed home and watched FBC Rogers live online, which was nice.
I rested all day, which made Deanna very happy. She has been fussing at me to slow down and she was glad to see me take her advice, even if it was for just one or two days! I did some computer work and piddled a little bit with packing for Nica. But for the most part, I read, watched some tv, made some phone calls and napped.
New Year’s Eve, I got a little bit of work done and then had lunch with my friend Glenda, who is coming to Nica in a few weeks. I also picked up some Christmas cards from the church and got to chat quickly with my friend Julio (who I will always call Jeff). Anyway, it was a nice visit. Glenda had printed off a huge report for me that I had emailed to her and I was very thankful for that favor!
I ran to the bank to get cash to carry to Nica. I just happened to remember that it was the last day that the bank would be open before I left. Oops! Then I ran to the post office to mail some packages and to check my PO box. I had a few Christmas cards in there and I also had a couple of sweet checks as gifts. How wonderful! People bless me so much with prayers and support. I wish I could find a way to show them how much it means to me.
I went home and chilled for New Year’s Eve. The count down shows didn’t really interest me much, so I spent a lot of time watching the Food Network and HGTV. ☺ I made it until 11pm, but then just went to bed. I was still feeling kind of yucky and I was looking forward to sleeping in the next morning.
I usually spend New Year’s Eve by myself, reflecting over the past year. I didn’t feel up to going over my personal calendar for the year, but I did just sit and talk with God about the things that stood out most in my memory. He is forever Faithful and I’ll love Him forever.
I rested all day, which made Deanna very happy. She has been fussing at me to slow down and she was glad to see me take her advice, even if it was for just one or two days! I did some computer work and piddled a little bit with packing for Nica. But for the most part, I read, watched some tv, made some phone calls and napped.
New Year’s Eve, I got a little bit of work done and then had lunch with my friend Glenda, who is coming to Nica in a few weeks. I also picked up some Christmas cards from the church and got to chat quickly with my friend Julio (who I will always call Jeff). Anyway, it was a nice visit. Glenda had printed off a huge report for me that I had emailed to her and I was very thankful for that favor!
I ran to the bank to get cash to carry to Nica. I just happened to remember that it was the last day that the bank would be open before I left. Oops! Then I ran to the post office to mail some packages and to check my PO box. I had a few Christmas cards in there and I also had a couple of sweet checks as gifts. How wonderful! People bless me so much with prayers and support. I wish I could find a way to show them how much it means to me.
I went home and chilled for New Year’s Eve. The count down shows didn’t really interest me much, so I spent a lot of time watching the Food Network and HGTV. ☺ I made it until 11pm, but then just went to bed. I was still feeling kind of yucky and I was looking forward to sleeping in the next morning.
I usually spend New Year’s Eve by myself, reflecting over the past year. I didn’t feel up to going over my personal calendar for the year, but I did just sit and talk with God about the things that stood out most in my memory. He is forever Faithful and I’ll love Him forever.
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