We were all tired on Sunday morning (going to bed after 1am), but everyone was happy to get up and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and have breakfast. Some of the team spread out for quiet time around the team house. It was a nice morning.
Since it was a small team (11 people) we all went to church together at Monte Horeb. (this is the community and VOH church/Feeding Center that HBC has committed to support and will be working at this week). It was a small, but sweet gathering.
We went back to the team house for lunch, orientation, prep work, rest and then went to church service at Tomas Borgé neighborhood. Lynette got to share her testimony with the kid’s class and Charmain played with the kids (her specialty). Pastor David gave the message.
I fell in love with Charmain and Lynette immediately. They are the 2 ladies on the construction team of 9 men. We are going to do VBS in the mornings and then participate in other adventures throughout the week while the guys are working hard on building the church walls, stage and floor.
Each day of the week was pretty similar to the next with just a few exceptions. The guys headed to the worksite early each morning. They were amazed at how much work there is to do here because it is all by hand. No machines or pre-fabbed materials. They learned a lot! Us girls held VBS each morning, even though school is in and we didn’t have a lot of kids. We altered our plans a little bit, but had great fun with the kids who could come.
Monday afternoon, the ladies joined me and the Women’s Bible Study Leaders Training class. It was a great time of sharing. In the evening, I taught the English Bible Study class while the team went to get ice cream. When they returned to the team house, they joined the class for some share time. It was a big hit with everyone!
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights we held special services called a Campaign (like revival in the states). The VOH Praise band played and it was great! We set up electric wires in the trees across the street in front of the church. Unfortunately, they had to trim some of our VBS shade branches, but it was great to have the light for the service. Chairs were set up in the street. We carried a bunch of chairs back and forth between the team house and church each night. The messages by Pastor David were great. So were the music and testimonies. There was a salvation, rededication, baby dedication, leader blessing and lots of prayer. I always enjoy worshipping here in Nica, especially at special services like these. The team loved it, too!
Charmain and Lynette and I did some extra stuff during the week. One morning, we rode with Jorge to deliver produce to the San Jacinto and La Quimera Feeding Centers. They got to visit all 4 VOH churches, for a few minutes anyway.
On Thursday, the ladies joined me in taking handmade valentines, candy and salvation bracelets to the people living at the dump. It was a short visit once we got there and they needed to get back to ‘scratching in the trash’, but I got to share Jesus with 4 people. Now Heaven will be welcoming Manuel, Maria, Sasón Javier and Vicenta one day!!! When we got back, I asked Mike if we can plan another ministry time at the dump with the March team. He gave his blessing and I’m excited!
Erika painted all the ladies’ toes, which she loves to do. Charmain had never had a pedicure before. We all felt pampered and Erika was happy to have more toes to practice on! She is getting quite good!
On Tuesday night, Freddy, one of the EBSG students got the opportunity to translate for Pastor David at the Campaign. He did very well. He loves to translate and he loves ministry. German said that Freddy will be one of our regular translators from now on. I’m thrilled!
Each afternoon and evening I spent hours downloading pics and videos of the ministry activities onto facebook. It kept me really busy but I love sharing what God is doing!!
One afternoon the ladies got to go through a little bit of the central market as we searched for 150 bowls for the kids at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center. The team was donating them. It took stops at a couple of stores and lots of waiting time, but we got the job done. The kids were really blessed with the bowls! The things we take for granted in the states are treasures here. It is such a blessing to be able to give to the people here.
The team had brought some handmade pillowcase dresses and some tshirts to give away. We had fun sharing these with some of the kids.
Friday was Fun Day. It’s also one of the EBSG classes. Since the Monday class spent time with the team instead of doing a lesson, I wanted the Friday class to get to do the same. So Estefanie called all the students to meet us downtown. The students got to help the North Americans by translating for them and guiding them through sightseeing and souvenir shopping. There were more students than team members so every NA got to have their own personal guide/translator! Michael is a former English student that I worked with at Pacheco’s English academy. He came for the first time for EBSG and met up with us downtown. He and I got to hang out together and catch up and it was great. We all had lunch at Tip Top, said goodbye to the students and then headed back to the team house because the team wanted to work more on the church. They poured the stage floor and part of the church floor. Mayela, Jaasiel and Estefanie helped. I had to loan people socks and shoes. It was funny. They worked hard, though.
Friday evening was spent at the beach and eating dinner at Suyapa restaurant at sunset. It was yummy and fun. Then the team prepared to leave the next day.
Saturday morning, everyone had breakfast and finished packing. They left for the airport about 9am. Buster waved goodbye from my arms. He is going to miss the team. He’s turned into a real people-dog.
I loved the time I got to spend with the team. It’s so wonderful to get to make new friends and work together for the Kingdom. Even if we don’t see each other this side of Heaven, we know that we will be together again one day.
What a blessed week! Oh, and the team brought me some wonderful personal wish list items! Nuts, chocolate, crossword puzzle books, canned salmon, black olives… I am all set up to be pampered for awhile!!!
God is so good! The church at Monte Horeb is an oasis from the heat (and weather during rainy season) and a beacon for the community to come and rest in the shelter of God’s love and hear His Word. HBC of New Iberia LA is a wonderful partner for VOH, Pator Eddy and the people of Monte Horeb community.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
February 2-9, 2013
This week was spent catching up and preparing to be busy with the next team who arrive late on the 9th. I’ve done a lot of prepping for classes and spent many hours in communication with people. Love it all!
The classes went wonderful. The women are so dedicated to being good leaders in their churches! And the English students are eating up the Bible Study!
Sunday morning I watched FBC Rogers on-line. It was very good as always! One of our translators, who I met last year when I helped teach his English class at the academy, is moving to Panama to live and work. His mother, sister and her fiancé live there already. Jonathan will always have a special place in my heart. He is excited about his new adventure, but he gets a little teary eyed when talking about how VOH has been like a family to him. He is always welcome to be here and work with us! I took Jonathan to dinner at Suyapa restaurant on the beach. We got to talk a lot and it was a very wonderful evening with someone I would be proud to have as a real son. His mother is visiting León for a few weeks, so when I took him home (where he lives with his other sister and brothers) I got to meet her. It’s always a treat for me to meet family members of my friends!
Monday. The usual stuff, mostly teaching classes in the afternoon and evening. I ordered a bunch of pizza for the English Bible Study Group and we had lots left over so that I could share it with the workers for lunch. And of course, I had it cold for breakfast!
Jassiel worked hard this week helping me put together lesson plans for the Children’s Ministries in each of our VOH churches. I’m thankful for her help! Tuesday afternoon I treated the gang to ice cream at Eskimo again. We love those little outings! ☺ the evening was spent working on receipts, computer work, watching a video, practicing guitar and resting.
I took Estefanie out for an early dinner to Al Carbón (one of my favorite restaurants) for an early birthday present. It was great to spend time together talking about things other than work. I did a lot of personal business on the computer for the week. It’s nice to be able to do that, but it’s difficult sometimes being in a thirdworld country and taking care of the stuff in the U.S. I am blessed to have someone who deposits my checks monthly and another person who monitors my PO Box mail.
There was another night of band practice to get ready for the Campaign (revival) services next week with the team. I love to hear the band! I looked up some nail art designs to share with Erika and pinned them to my Pinterest account. I rarely get on there, but when I do I’m on there for hours! It was nice to hear the band playing while doing it. It was a great treat for my ‘off work’ time!
Friday. EBSG was good. We had some new students! After lunch I took a nap and then went to the copy place to prepare for next week. Jaasiel went with me. We dropped off the printing originals and while waiting, we walked over to Pan y Paz (French bakery) for a snack and some chatting. Fun! She went on home and I walked back to get the copies, buy some phone minutes and then grabbed a taxi back home. I ordered pizza for the band practice and made some phone calls before the music started. It was a great day and night!
Saturday. I got up early to get my laundry done before the team gets in for the week. We water the dirt here in the dry season to keep the dust from blowing. I was walking to the laundry area outside an adjacent building and I slipped and did my own version of the splits right into the mud. Nothing was hurt but my pride. I had mud all over me! German and Alberto helped me get up and I walked straight into my shower to rinse off the mud and wash myself, too. So funny! I made a bunch of phone calls to the states to check in with everyone. Erika was here working to prepare for the team, so when she got done working, she painted my toes again. (I know, I’m spoiled). While she did that, I downloaded the lyrics to some praise songs for my guitar practice. Then I had a nap and then worked on the next month’s worth of lessons for WBSLT classes. It was a good day!
Left with Jorge and Lesly for Managua about 6pm. Edmundo was driving the other van and we all met up at the MetroCentro (large mall in Managua). We ate at the food court. I had Quizno’s sandwich and soup. Yum! The team will arrive about 10:30pm. It will be a long night. Glad I got that nap in! LOL We had lots of time after dinner to do whatever we wanted, but there was really nothing we wanted to do. So we spent about an hour sitting in the front of the van with our feet on the dash talking. It was nice, really. Then we needed to leave the mall parking lot, so we met at the On the Run convenience store near the airport. We went in for drinks and the bathroom. Then it was time to head to the airport. We got the team and crammed into the 2 vans and headed off to León. It was so fun to get to talk to them!
Everyone got into their rooms about 1am. They are happy to be here. We are happy to have them. They were happy with the accommodations (especially since everyone got a bottom bunk because there were only 11 people). I could tell already that the week was going to be good! God is so good to us! It’s such a pleasure to work for Him!
The classes went wonderful. The women are so dedicated to being good leaders in their churches! And the English students are eating up the Bible Study!
Sunday morning I watched FBC Rogers on-line. It was very good as always! One of our translators, who I met last year when I helped teach his English class at the academy, is moving to Panama to live and work. His mother, sister and her fiancé live there already. Jonathan will always have a special place in my heart. He is excited about his new adventure, but he gets a little teary eyed when talking about how VOH has been like a family to him. He is always welcome to be here and work with us! I took Jonathan to dinner at Suyapa restaurant on the beach. We got to talk a lot and it was a very wonderful evening with someone I would be proud to have as a real son. His mother is visiting León for a few weeks, so when I took him home (where he lives with his other sister and brothers) I got to meet her. It’s always a treat for me to meet family members of my friends!
Monday. The usual stuff, mostly teaching classes in the afternoon and evening. I ordered a bunch of pizza for the English Bible Study Group and we had lots left over so that I could share it with the workers for lunch. And of course, I had it cold for breakfast!
Jassiel worked hard this week helping me put together lesson plans for the Children’s Ministries in each of our VOH churches. I’m thankful for her help! Tuesday afternoon I treated the gang to ice cream at Eskimo again. We love those little outings! ☺ the evening was spent working on receipts, computer work, watching a video, practicing guitar and resting.
I took Estefanie out for an early dinner to Al Carbón (one of my favorite restaurants) for an early birthday present. It was great to spend time together talking about things other than work. I did a lot of personal business on the computer for the week. It’s nice to be able to do that, but it’s difficult sometimes being in a thirdworld country and taking care of the stuff in the U.S. I am blessed to have someone who deposits my checks monthly and another person who monitors my PO Box mail.
There was another night of band practice to get ready for the Campaign (revival) services next week with the team. I love to hear the band! I looked up some nail art designs to share with Erika and pinned them to my Pinterest account. I rarely get on there, but when I do I’m on there for hours! It was nice to hear the band playing while doing it. It was a great treat for my ‘off work’ time!
Friday. EBSG was good. We had some new students! After lunch I took a nap and then went to the copy place to prepare for next week. Jaasiel went with me. We dropped off the printing originals and while waiting, we walked over to Pan y Paz (French bakery) for a snack and some chatting. Fun! She went on home and I walked back to get the copies, buy some phone minutes and then grabbed a taxi back home. I ordered pizza for the band practice and made some phone calls before the music started. It was a great day and night!
Saturday. I got up early to get my laundry done before the team gets in for the week. We water the dirt here in the dry season to keep the dust from blowing. I was walking to the laundry area outside an adjacent building and I slipped and did my own version of the splits right into the mud. Nothing was hurt but my pride. I had mud all over me! German and Alberto helped me get up and I walked straight into my shower to rinse off the mud and wash myself, too. So funny! I made a bunch of phone calls to the states to check in with everyone. Erika was here working to prepare for the team, so when she got done working, she painted my toes again. (I know, I’m spoiled). While she did that, I downloaded the lyrics to some praise songs for my guitar practice. Then I had a nap and then worked on the next month’s worth of lessons for WBSLT classes. It was a good day!
Left with Jorge and Lesly for Managua about 6pm. Edmundo was driving the other van and we all met up at the MetroCentro (large mall in Managua). We ate at the food court. I had Quizno’s sandwich and soup. Yum! The team will arrive about 10:30pm. It will be a long night. Glad I got that nap in! LOL We had lots of time after dinner to do whatever we wanted, but there was really nothing we wanted to do. So we spent about an hour sitting in the front of the van with our feet on the dash talking. It was nice, really. Then we needed to leave the mall parking lot, so we met at the On the Run convenience store near the airport. We went in for drinks and the bathroom. Then it was time to head to the airport. We got the team and crammed into the 2 vans and headed off to León. It was so fun to get to talk to them!
Everyone got into their rooms about 1am. They are happy to be here. We are happy to have them. They were happy with the accommodations (especially since everyone got a bottom bunk because there were only 11 people). I could tell already that the week was going to be good! God is so good to us! It’s such a pleasure to work for Him!
January 28 - February 1, 2013
Monday started out with a staff meeting led by German. (Mike left on Sunday to head back to AR to be with Sherry and Manuel while Manuel is in the program at Children’s Hospital/UAMS). I grabbed a ride with the van running to buy the produce for the feeding centers. I stopped at the printer/copier place to make lots of handouts for the classes for this week. I walked over to the nearby Librería (bookstore) to buy some office supplies and grabbed a taxi home. I did some computer work and team communication before lunch.
I taught the Women’s Bible Study Leadership Training class in the afternoon and then got back on communication stuff until time for the English Bible Study Group. I loved teaching both classes, by the way. I always do. A few more emails, a video and then it was bedtime!
Tuesday I got the chance to chat with German about the ministry and bring him up to speed on what I’m doing so that he can have a better understanding of it, since it’s kind of extra for VOH. He has some connections that will help me out with the Handcrafts Ministry Project, so I’m thrilled we that had the talk!
I did more of the usual computer work. I love the stuff I work on and my ‘office’ is a table outside of my room. I sit on the big covered porch that runs the length of this building and attaches to the rancho (thatch covered meeting area). I see trees, hear all kinds of animals and see the workers. It’s the best office I have ever had!
I got an email from someone whose mother and father had sponsored 2 kids in honor of their grandchildren for Christmas. It was nice to get to converse with her. They want to stay in touch with the kids. Fun!
The praise band came to the team house for practice. Jorge heads up that part of the ministry. I was happily surprised to see Lesly and Bruno joining him! We got to have lots of fun together while listening to the band. Bruno, age 2, jumped on the trampoline and played drums with his daddy. I brought him a bowl and wooden spoon, but he was having none of that! He wanted to play the real drums. Lol I was inspired to practice my guitar after they left. ☺
On Wednesday, I got the pleasure of meeting a new friend downtown and we went to a French bakery. Yum! We talked for a couple of hours and then had lunch together at Tip Top. We walked around and she showed me some stores that she buys sewing supplies from. We stopped at a pet store (unusual) and saw the cutest pug/sharpei puppies! We walked to her house and I got to meet a couple of her kids. Then I walked a few blocks and got my haircut, stopped at the grocery and then grabbed a taxi home. It was supposed to be a morning visit, but ended up all day! I loved it though!
I swam a little bit and did more correspondence and phone calls and ordered more books from Amazon.com for my Kindle. I LOVE having my Kindle down here! It is the best thing for traveling and living here! It was a good day!
Thursday morning I met with Yanina for her WBSLT make-up class. She is very devoted to the women in her community. I like her a lot and I am thrilled to get to work with her since I know that she is serious about ministering to those women.
I finished burning cds for the Children’s Ministry in each VOH church. And then I had a make up class for Oscar Canales, who is the newest English Bible Study student. He is hungry to improve his English and translate the Word! I worked on lots of correspondence in the afternoon and did some laundry. It was another great day!
Friday morning started off with the English Bible Study Group. We had 4 students for the morning class. Between the 2 classes (Monday pm and Friday am, we now have about 13 students!) Glenda had asked me to take a photo of Bismarck and send it to her. She had shared her testimony with him when here.
I had commissioned Saturnino to make a new shelf for my room. It is an open long rectangular box with a support/divider in the middle. It fits above my bed between my 2 bookcases (see facebook for photos). It is perfect and he hung it up for me today! I love it! I put all my personal study books and resources on it. (I keep my reading books on my Kindle). My 2 bookcases are now dedicated to the ‘work’ I do… Bible Studies in English and Spanish, Feeding Center files, Children’s Minsitry, Personal files, etc. I love my room! Almost every square inch of wall is organized and functional. I learned to use space wisely when living in NYC!
Erika tried out a new design on my toenails and I love it! I worked on organizing my shelves and stuff while listening to Spanish praise music. The praise band practiced again tonight and I was a very happy camper! What a wonderful day and blessed week!
I taught the Women’s Bible Study Leadership Training class in the afternoon and then got back on communication stuff until time for the English Bible Study Group. I loved teaching both classes, by the way. I always do. A few more emails, a video and then it was bedtime!
Tuesday I got the chance to chat with German about the ministry and bring him up to speed on what I’m doing so that he can have a better understanding of it, since it’s kind of extra for VOH. He has some connections that will help me out with the Handcrafts Ministry Project, so I’m thrilled we that had the talk!
I did more of the usual computer work. I love the stuff I work on and my ‘office’ is a table outside of my room. I sit on the big covered porch that runs the length of this building and attaches to the rancho (thatch covered meeting area). I see trees, hear all kinds of animals and see the workers. It’s the best office I have ever had!
I got an email from someone whose mother and father had sponsored 2 kids in honor of their grandchildren for Christmas. It was nice to get to converse with her. They want to stay in touch with the kids. Fun!
The praise band came to the team house for practice. Jorge heads up that part of the ministry. I was happily surprised to see Lesly and Bruno joining him! We got to have lots of fun together while listening to the band. Bruno, age 2, jumped on the trampoline and played drums with his daddy. I brought him a bowl and wooden spoon, but he was having none of that! He wanted to play the real drums. Lol I was inspired to practice my guitar after they left. ☺
On Wednesday, I got the pleasure of meeting a new friend downtown and we went to a French bakery. Yum! We talked for a couple of hours and then had lunch together at Tip Top. We walked around and she showed me some stores that she buys sewing supplies from. We stopped at a pet store (unusual) and saw the cutest pug/sharpei puppies! We walked to her house and I got to meet a couple of her kids. Then I walked a few blocks and got my haircut, stopped at the grocery and then grabbed a taxi home. It was supposed to be a morning visit, but ended up all day! I loved it though!
I swam a little bit and did more correspondence and phone calls and ordered more books from Amazon.com for my Kindle. I LOVE having my Kindle down here! It is the best thing for traveling and living here! It was a good day!
Thursday morning I met with Yanina for her WBSLT make-up class. She is very devoted to the women in her community. I like her a lot and I am thrilled to get to work with her since I know that she is serious about ministering to those women.
I finished burning cds for the Children’s Ministry in each VOH church. And then I had a make up class for Oscar Canales, who is the newest English Bible Study student. He is hungry to improve his English and translate the Word! I worked on lots of correspondence in the afternoon and did some laundry. It was another great day!
Friday morning started off with the English Bible Study Group. We had 4 students for the morning class. Between the 2 classes (Monday pm and Friday am, we now have about 13 students!) Glenda had asked me to take a photo of Bismarck and send it to her. She had shared her testimony with him when here.
I had commissioned Saturnino to make a new shelf for my room. It is an open long rectangular box with a support/divider in the middle. It fits above my bed between my 2 bookcases (see facebook for photos). It is perfect and he hung it up for me today! I love it! I put all my personal study books and resources on it. (I keep my reading books on my Kindle). My 2 bookcases are now dedicated to the ‘work’ I do… Bible Studies in English and Spanish, Feeding Center files, Children’s Minsitry, Personal files, etc. I love my room! Almost every square inch of wall is organized and functional. I learned to use space wisely when living in NYC!
Erika tried out a new design on my toenails and I love it! I worked on organizing my shelves and stuff while listening to Spanish praise music. The praise band practiced again tonight and I was a very happy camper! What a wonderful day and blessed week!
January 26-27, 2013
Saturday morning I woke up and started washing some of the ‘toxic’ laundry that the remote team had donated for us. This stuff was NASTY!! Mud and other substances caked on clothes and shoes, stuffed in plastic trash bags and setting for a few days until it got back to civilization and the washing machine. Yuk! I can only say that I was glad that I only had to wash it and not be the ones who had to wear it up on that mountain!!! It took 3 wash cycles to get clean. Whew!
I made some phone calls, wrote some emails, read a book, practiced guitar and started a very boring movie (now I know why it was only $5 at Walmart).
Saturdays are my day to catch up on anything that requires a lot of concentration and quiet. I know it’s working on what most people would consider a day off, but I love what I do and I love getting to do certain things on these quiet Saturdays.
Sunday morning I watched FBCR on-line. Loved it. I took an early nap and then spend most of the day on the computer. I had lots of communication to work on for the VBS portion of the upcoming team, communication with a few teams coming in March and October, personal business, etc.
Buster went for a late afternoon swim with me. He’s the weirdest dog!! He got tired of dog-paddling around, so he swam up to me and crawled up on my should for a rest. Lol
It was a good day. I love that I get to live here. God has blessed me greatly.
I made some phone calls, wrote some emails, read a book, practiced guitar and started a very boring movie (now I know why it was only $5 at Walmart).
Saturdays are my day to catch up on anything that requires a lot of concentration and quiet. I know it’s working on what most people would consider a day off, but I love what I do and I love getting to do certain things on these quiet Saturdays.
Sunday morning I watched FBCR on-line. Loved it. I took an early nap and then spend most of the day on the computer. I had lots of communication to work on for the VBS portion of the upcoming team, communication with a few teams coming in March and October, personal business, etc.
Buster went for a late afternoon swim with me. He’s the weirdest dog!! He got tired of dog-paddling around, so he swam up to me and crawled up on my should for a rest. Lol
It was a good day. I love that I get to live here. God has blessed me greatly.
January 19-26, 2013
Saturday. An exciting day for me. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time! The team from FBC Rogers AR (my home church) flies in today for their remote medical mission. My friend Glenda is coming with them and is going to stay with me at the team house and is going to help us with feeding center, women’s Bible study, English Bible study and other stuff. I can’t wait!!
Also, this is the morning that Jorge and I go to Managua early and pick out my new guitar. Woohoo!!! We went to 3 music stores until I found the perfect guitar for me. Jorge did some wheeling and dealing and I got everything I needed for the what was the original price of just the guitar. The nylon bag was the perfect thing for me, too, because it has a V embroidered on it! It was a random selection of bags and there was ‘my’ bag!!! I was so happy!!
After meeting up with Mike, German, the translators and drivers for the trip, we went to the airport and met up with the team. We all went to lunch in Tipitapa (which is outside of Managua and on the way to the remote site). I took quick videos on my iPhone of the team interviews to send to FBCR for use in their service. Then the remote team took off for Rio Blanco and Jorge, Glenda and I took off for PriceSmart (like Sam’s club) to stock up on some groceries for my room. We got back to the team house about 6pm and I ordered pizza for Alberto, Glenda and I for dinner. Glenda and I talked a bit and then we went to bed.
Sunday. I was not feeling well, so we stayed at the team house. We slept passed 9am, so we didn’t catch the live service on line for FBCR, but we both needed the sleep and rest. Glenda hung out with me as I organized my PriceSmart purchases and the stuff that she brought down for me. We had showers and naps and then had Tip Top Chicken delivered for us and Alberto. Glenda and I got in the pool for some exercise and chatting. I practiced my guitar and then we went to bed early.
I still felt pretty sick on Monday and Glenda gave me the Zpak that she had brought from the states. I was very thankful. We went to get copies made for the Women’s Bible Study class and then organized donated clothes for our VOH churches. The women from class loved having Glenda with us and I think she liked it, too. Lesbia brought me pretty clay plate that was decorated for my room. We had a great time with the English Bible Study students that night. One of the guys is married to a girl named Glenda, so that was a connection for them! Glenda also brought some bi-lingual New Testaments and the students each got one. It was a fun night of sharing!
Tuesday. I woke up sick and cranky! I tried to be sweet, but I felt so awful! Glenda and I rode with Pastor Bryan to deliver produce to the feeding Centers in San Jacinto, La Quimera and Monte Horeb. (after having to ride in the front seat all together for 2 days due to various items being in the back of the van, we all crowded back into the front and were almost back to town before we realized that we had emptied the back of the van and could have been riding in comfort for the last half hour! Lol)
We went to Augusto Sandino neighborhood to register the kids for the new feeding center. We got to help with the piñata and snacks after the kids’ info and pictures were taken. It was fun. This feeding center should start up in March. We are trusting God for the resources to make it happen and He is faithful!
I took care of some computer business in the afternoon and then Glenda and I went to Suyapa restaurant on the beach for an early dinner. It was very nice and relaxing. It has been wonder to have Glenda here to talk with. She has been ministering to me greatly. We swam a little more before retiring to our rooms. I worked on my January receipts for taxes, watched a video and practiced guitar. I was still sick, but feeling better.
Wednesday. I did some computer work and made some phone calls. I called Sherry in the states and passed the phone around so the workers could say hi. We’ve missed her down here!
Erika (our cook) loves to do pedicures and is learning new designs. I bring her polish and tools and such from the states so she can have a little side business. She loves to practice! Glenda and I got our toes painted and Mayela, who is a masseuse on the side, gave us both neck/should/back massages. I took a photo of Glenda getting the full treatment and posted how she was suffering for Jesus!
Jorge drove us and Lesly, Jaasiel and Mayela to town. I got a few things at La Unión grocery store and then treated everyone to Eskimo ice cream! We dropped everyone off at the home/bus terminal. Lesly and Jorge were last and I took over driving from there. Glenda and I stopped at Salmon, another grocery store, so that I could get my carrot/orange juice that I love. I did some more computer work, phone calls and laundry. Glenda and I talked a lot more and I can’t say enough what a blessing she has been for me! We had a nice evening and then retired for the night.
Thursday. I called my sister in the states to catch up and then met with Yanina for her make-up lesson for Women’s Bible study class (due to work, she has to miss Monday afternoons 2 x week, so we make it up on Thursday am.). I splurged for groceries so that we could have arroz aguado (one of my favorite meals) for lunch. We also got to have ice cream sundaes! In the afternoon I did a lot of communication/computer work. Glenda and I swam again and I watched a video before bed. It’s been fun and relaxing for us both.
Friday. I gave Glenda a tour of the sewing room and explained our handcrafts ministry project that we are trying to get on its feet. Bismarck came for the English Bible Study class. (the same lesson is taught on Monday nights and Friday mornings, so that the students can pick the one that fits their schedule for that week).
After lunch, Jorge drove Lesly, Bruno (their son), Glenda and me to Managua. We met up with the FBCR team at the hotel across from the airport. The team had been very remote and had lots of crazy stories to tell about the trip. After saying goodbye to the team and leaving them in luxury (Nica version) at the hotel for the night, German, Mike and Charlie joined us for the ride back to León. We stopped at McDonald’s for ice cream for Lesly and a happy meal for Bruno. I was treating the family. But Lesly was embarrassed because the bosses were with us and I found out later that she had only ordered a happy meal for Bruno and she and Jorge split a hamburger meal. She didn’t even get the ice cream! They went out and ate in the hot van. Crazy girl! Mike asked me “am I that mean that people would be afraid of me?” lol Anyway, we got back to León and everyone split up. Charlie and I went for Tip Top for dinner (there was nothing I could eat at McDonald’s). We had a nice visit and he prepared to leave at 3:30am for the airport.
It was a great week for me, with the exception of being sick part of it. I was so blessed to have Glenda with me and I was excited that she got to see 3 of our 4 churches and feeding centers, be a part of the registration of the 5th feeding center, set in on my classes and meet my special friends. She was a big hit with everyone. I’m praying her back down here in October with the Women’s Minsitry team!!
God is so good to us all. Allowing us His perspective on this world if we will only ask and be open to see it. His love is all around and we have only to reach out to feel it. Awesome.
Also, this is the morning that Jorge and I go to Managua early and pick out my new guitar. Woohoo!!! We went to 3 music stores until I found the perfect guitar for me. Jorge did some wheeling and dealing and I got everything I needed for the what was the original price of just the guitar. The nylon bag was the perfect thing for me, too, because it has a V embroidered on it! It was a random selection of bags and there was ‘my’ bag!!! I was so happy!!
After meeting up with Mike, German, the translators and drivers for the trip, we went to the airport and met up with the team. We all went to lunch in Tipitapa (which is outside of Managua and on the way to the remote site). I took quick videos on my iPhone of the team interviews to send to FBCR for use in their service. Then the remote team took off for Rio Blanco and Jorge, Glenda and I took off for PriceSmart (like Sam’s club) to stock up on some groceries for my room. We got back to the team house about 6pm and I ordered pizza for Alberto, Glenda and I for dinner. Glenda and I talked a bit and then we went to bed.
Sunday. I was not feeling well, so we stayed at the team house. We slept passed 9am, so we didn’t catch the live service on line for FBCR, but we both needed the sleep and rest. Glenda hung out with me as I organized my PriceSmart purchases and the stuff that she brought down for me. We had showers and naps and then had Tip Top Chicken delivered for us and Alberto. Glenda and I got in the pool for some exercise and chatting. I practiced my guitar and then we went to bed early.
I still felt pretty sick on Monday and Glenda gave me the Zpak that she had brought from the states. I was very thankful. We went to get copies made for the Women’s Bible Study class and then organized donated clothes for our VOH churches. The women from class loved having Glenda with us and I think she liked it, too. Lesbia brought me pretty clay plate that was decorated for my room. We had a great time with the English Bible Study students that night. One of the guys is married to a girl named Glenda, so that was a connection for them! Glenda also brought some bi-lingual New Testaments and the students each got one. It was a fun night of sharing!
Tuesday. I woke up sick and cranky! I tried to be sweet, but I felt so awful! Glenda and I rode with Pastor Bryan to deliver produce to the feeding Centers in San Jacinto, La Quimera and Monte Horeb. (after having to ride in the front seat all together for 2 days due to various items being in the back of the van, we all crowded back into the front and were almost back to town before we realized that we had emptied the back of the van and could have been riding in comfort for the last half hour! Lol)
We went to Augusto Sandino neighborhood to register the kids for the new feeding center. We got to help with the piñata and snacks after the kids’ info and pictures were taken. It was fun. This feeding center should start up in March. We are trusting God for the resources to make it happen and He is faithful!
I took care of some computer business in the afternoon and then Glenda and I went to Suyapa restaurant on the beach for an early dinner. It was very nice and relaxing. It has been wonder to have Glenda here to talk with. She has been ministering to me greatly. We swam a little more before retiring to our rooms. I worked on my January receipts for taxes, watched a video and practiced guitar. I was still sick, but feeling better.
Wednesday. I did some computer work and made some phone calls. I called Sherry in the states and passed the phone around so the workers could say hi. We’ve missed her down here!
Erika (our cook) loves to do pedicures and is learning new designs. I bring her polish and tools and such from the states so she can have a little side business. She loves to practice! Glenda and I got our toes painted and Mayela, who is a masseuse on the side, gave us both neck/should/back massages. I took a photo of Glenda getting the full treatment and posted how she was suffering for Jesus!
Jorge drove us and Lesly, Jaasiel and Mayela to town. I got a few things at La Unión grocery store and then treated everyone to Eskimo ice cream! We dropped everyone off at the home/bus terminal. Lesly and Jorge were last and I took over driving from there. Glenda and I stopped at Salmon, another grocery store, so that I could get my carrot/orange juice that I love. I did some more computer work, phone calls and laundry. Glenda and I talked a lot more and I can’t say enough what a blessing she has been for me! We had a nice evening and then retired for the night.
Thursday. I called my sister in the states to catch up and then met with Yanina for her make-up lesson for Women’s Bible study class (due to work, she has to miss Monday afternoons 2 x week, so we make it up on Thursday am.). I splurged for groceries so that we could have arroz aguado (one of my favorite meals) for lunch. We also got to have ice cream sundaes! In the afternoon I did a lot of communication/computer work. Glenda and I swam again and I watched a video before bed. It’s been fun and relaxing for us both.
Friday. I gave Glenda a tour of the sewing room and explained our handcrafts ministry project that we are trying to get on its feet. Bismarck came for the English Bible Study class. (the same lesson is taught on Monday nights and Friday mornings, so that the students can pick the one that fits their schedule for that week).
After lunch, Jorge drove Lesly, Bruno (their son), Glenda and me to Managua. We met up with the FBCR team at the hotel across from the airport. The team had been very remote and had lots of crazy stories to tell about the trip. After saying goodbye to the team and leaving them in luxury (Nica version) at the hotel for the night, German, Mike and Charlie joined us for the ride back to León. We stopped at McDonald’s for ice cream for Lesly and a happy meal for Bruno. I was treating the family. But Lesly was embarrassed because the bosses were with us and I found out later that she had only ordered a happy meal for Bruno and she and Jorge split a hamburger meal. She didn’t even get the ice cream! They went out and ate in the hot van. Crazy girl! Mike asked me “am I that mean that people would be afraid of me?” lol Anyway, we got back to León and everyone split up. Charlie and I went for Tip Top for dinner (there was nothing I could eat at McDonald’s). We had a nice visit and he prepared to leave at 3:30am for the airport.
It was a great week for me, with the exception of being sick part of it. I was so blessed to have Glenda with me and I was excited that she got to see 3 of our 4 churches and feeding centers, be a part of the registration of the 5th feeding center, set in on my classes and meet my special friends. She was a big hit with everyone. I’m praying her back down here in October with the Women’s Minsitry team!!
God is so good to us all. Allowing us His perspective on this world if we will only ask and be open to see it. His love is all around and we have only to reach out to feel it. Awesome.
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