A funny thing happened when I came out of my room on Saturday morning. I had slept in until about 7:30 (after seeing the FBC Rogers team off to the airport at 3:30am). I came out of my room and saw one of the drivers here. Danilo was supposed to drop off the van and go home. I asked what he was doing and he said that the married couple didn’t get on the plane and were waiting at the hotel across from the airport for him to pick them up and bring them back here. I immediately checked my phones and sure enough, I had missed calls while I was asleep. I called Mike and apologized for missing the calls and he said he had missed them on his phone, too. Finally, Rusty had contacted Charlie Brown in the states and Charlie had sent us emails and facebook messages. How crazy!
It turns out that the tickets for Rusty and Lynn were issued with a return date of the 26th instead of the 23rd. Oh my! We put clean sheets on their bed and waited for them to arrive. Since we had extra staff that day to clean the rooms, Erika was working and cooked lunch for us. We had arroz aguado, one of my favorites. I called Danilo and used his phone to speak to Rusty. I let them know that they could have lunch with us and not to stop on the road and spend money on food. They got here about 1 or so and got settled back into their room.
We had a great time of talking about what the Lord is up to in their lives and just relaxed a little bit. Buster decided to swim with Rusty and lounged on the raft with him. The Hulsey’s had invited us over for dinner and then the plans got changed a couple of times and we ended up meeting them at Al Carbón restaurant, one of my favorites (I have lots of favorites). It was a fun evening of chatting and eating and relaxing. It was nice for them to see how things are here when there aren’t 30+ extra North Americans and 20+ VOH staff running around. ☺
Sunday morning, we all get ready for church and Rusty preached. It was a nice time. Then we went to Mike and Sherry’s for lunch. It was a very nice time of relaxing and talking and Manuel entertained us and we all had a great time. We got back to the team house and Rusty and Lynn swam and then watched a movie while I did a make-up lesson with Freddy on the English Bible Study. I finished up some laundry and then got in the pool with Rusty and Lynn. It was a good day.
On Monday, I got some computer stuff done in the morning. Franklin came by to pick up his Bible that I had the team bring down. Bryan and Marcela stopped by. Then Rusty and Lynn went with the Hulsey’s to run some errands and see some houses and sites around León. The Praise band came to practice and they had some extra musicians who were great!
Lesbia came for the Women’s Bible Study, but since it is Holy Week, none of the other ladies came. So we just visited a little bit. Erika wanted to redo my toes since she didn’t like the bows that she had experimented with. I never turn her down! I did some more Bible Study and then some of the English Bible Study Group came over. Since it’s Holy Week, we won’t meet on Friday, so I didn’t want the Monday group to get too far ahead. We reviewed and talked with a new student. It’s awesome to see how much the students have taken in. They are so dedicated!
Rusty and Lynn had went into Managua and stayed at the hotel across from the airport for their early departure tomorrow. I watched a video and called it a night.
I spent most of the week taking care of communication with future teams, working on lesson plans for the 2 Bible Studies that I teach, organized some stuff in my new binders that the team brought me, burned some cds, etc. It was a quiet week and I definitely didn’t want to get out and drive too much on Holy Week. They block of streets at what seems like random whims.
Bryan was going to borrow the projector to show the Passion of the Christ video to 2 of the churches. I had him scared to death about taking care of it. I got to chat with Sherry a bit while it’s quiet. She wants to go over the procedures for the Feeding Center tracking to see about taking some of the burden off of me. She helped for a couple of hours on one small part of the procedures and then declared new procedures which will be much less labor intensive. Okay by me!!!
I went to get my haircut, but wasn’t sure about the streets. So I waited until the workers were ready to leave and asked Jorge to drive me. We took the workers to their requested stops and then I kept the van to drive home (since the streets weren’t too bad). I loved my haircut. It feels so good being very, very short! I got back to the team house and took a quick dip in the pool. That was very nice!
On Wednesday and Thursday, I prepared and sent 75 letters via email to some of our Feeding Center sponsors. I have gotten lots of calls from friends and English students. I love getting to help them practice their English. But I want to practice my Spanish, too!
Friday was prep day for the Easter celebration with the VOH workers on Sat. Sherry boiled about 12 dozen eggs. Mike, Manuel and I helped eat some of the cracked ones. We all had to do our part! Manuel and I stuffed coins and candy in a couple of hundred eggs. Sherry baked a few cakes. I took a nap while they swam. It was a good day!
I worked on Bible Study notes for classes and emails and facebook updates and blog updates. I did some hand sewing in the evening while watching some videos. I really enjoyed my evening!
Saturday!!! The VOH Family Easter Party! We had so much fun! Everyone, including the adults love to hunt for the eggs. Sherry and I hid the eggs while Mike kept Manuel and Francisco busy. Buster had to be sequestered because we found out last year that he likes to hunt eggs, too. I helped the kids (and some adults) dye most of the 12 dozen eggs and the kids swam while waiting on everyone to get here. (always late in Nica) Then we had a crazy time of gathering the eggs. It didn’t take long! The adults were allowed to choose 2 stuffed plastic eggs with prizes. Some got $20 US, some got Nica money, some got packages of Oreo cookies, some got rice/beans/sugar. They all loved it! Then there was more swimming while Mike grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. Sherry had made baked beans and we had chips, buns and all the trimmings. Soda was a big hit and the cakes were delicious! Everyone enjoyed the meal. There was more swimming and then everyone started going home. German took a group home in the back of our new truck. I put a video of them driving off on my facebook page. In fact, I put a lot of pics and videos of the day on my facebook page. The Hulsey’s left and Buster and I retired to my room for a nap. It was 2:39pm and the perfect time for a nap!
I did some laundry, made some phone calls, uploaded the pics and videos and watched a video. It was a great day! I love being able to spend time with everyone down here. They are all so special. God has truly blessed me!!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
March 17-23, 2013 Spring Break Missions
I love the Spring Break Mission week because for the past few years, it has been a team of Youth and Adults from FBC Rogers AR and FBC Yukon OK. I love getting to see friends and these groups are fantastic to work with!
Even though we got to bed late (1am) everyone got up early and had breakfast and then we had to reset the common area for church service. We had a joint service with some of our church plants and we bussed in some of the people. We had 36 team members here, plus translators. It was a great crowd! Some of the folks from La Quimera brought cakes to celebrate my birthday (again). I am really blessed!
Nate (Youth Pastor at FBCY) and some of his team ministered to the Nica youth boys under a big shade tree. Some of the Youth on his team also took the Nica youth girls under another tree and ministered to them. FBCR had some volunteers who helped to teach the kids at another area. It was a packed house and a lot going on. Poor Buster (the dog) had to be sequestered, but even he was excited! After service, we had baptisms in the pool. Many people from the different churches, mainly La Quimera, were baptized. It was wonderful.
After everyone left for home, we reset the common area to feed the team their lunch. Then we had orientation with the team, packing of prizes and other supplies needed for the Fiestas and VBS sessions for the week, sorting of the ministry supplies brought to us, sorting of donated clothing, etc. A very busy time for everyone! A little rest followed, and then everyone split into groups for evening worship in different churches and then came back for dinner and bedtime. It was a great first day!
Monday morning was crazy busy with everyone getting their assignments (12 translators and 4 drivers plus all the VOH staff). Even though the team is here for a jam-packed week of ministry, the usual stuff still has to go on. The Feeding Centers still feed over 600 lunch each day M-F, the meat and produce still needs to be bought weekly for the Feeding Centers, and the team house needs to be cleaned and organized and groceries bought often! I spent most of my time with the team, but also helped out with regular VOH stuff (like helping Lesly buy groceries, etc).
One of the FBCR team members (Abby) has spent her last 3 birthdays here in Nica. Also, this year, one of the adults (Deborah) and 2 of our staff (Mayela and German) shared birthdays this same week. Sherry baked some cakes and we all had a yummy time!
Everyday was so packed with ministry and teams coming and going. It was like a huge square dance. As usual, everything changes on a dime here, but the teams were very good at going with the flow. They were wonderful to work with! I was very hot hot HOT!!! We didn’t have any casualties, though! Everyone kept drinking lots of water and looking for shade. The pool got quite the workout, too. We were thankful that we didn’t have any water issues here at the house. (even though we did have some plumbing issues that just goes with an older place in a third world country). Everyone was good sports about it all.
We did 21 Fiestas, 4 VBS sessions, 1 afternoon of construction, 7 worship services, 1 delivery of food and evangelism to the folks living at the dump, visits to 5 Feeding Centers, a LOT of street evangelism, had a picnic dinner at sunset on the beach, had a picnic dinner at a worksite, changed for church in a convenience store and numerous other things that I can’t recall at this moment. It was a very busy and fun week. 614 people accepted Christ this week. Some of the team shared their testimonies for the first time ever. There were many blessings flowing all over us! God has been good to us!
On Friday morning, the FBC Yukon team packed up their luggage and both teams loaded onto 4 vans for our Fun Day in Masaya and Managua. I went this time since our 4 designated translators had never went on our Fun Day excursion before. (going on Fun Day is not all that much fun for the staff after many trips. But I enjoyed going with these teams!) We dropped the FBCY luggage at the hotel across from the airport. Then headed to the canopy tour (zip line). It was a total of 4 hours between the team house and the canopy tour. Thankfully, we got there and got right on it and did not have to wait on any big groups before us. Most of the teams zipped. The rest of us rested at the nice tables and chairs on the covered porch.
Then we headed to Managua for lunch. The construction on the highway was very slow and we hit it many times. But everyone was in good cheer. (they had no clue that we were being slowed down so much. All part of the experience for them!) We had lunch at Narcy’s. Part of it is a chicken (and other things) restaurant and part is Pappa John’s Pizza. Yummy! But like all restaurants in Nica, very slow. Part of the group had finished and gotten back on the vans while part of us were still waiting on our food. 2 of the translators actually took their food to go and ate it on the vans. But it was all okay.
We went to Catarina to shop. It’s beautiful there. In the background is a lake made from an extinct volcano. It’s a great picture spot. We took one overall group photo and then a photo of each team. I had each team make a quick video for Mary. She loved it, by the way. Everyone had 1 hour to shop. They were ready when the hour was up.
We made our way back to the hotel across from the airport and said goodbye to the Yukon group. It was 5:45pm. We were doing pretty good on time, considering we were slowed down by 2 stops at the hotel and then the road construction. On the way back to León it got a little more interesting. The AC in one of the vans quit, but everyone was great about that. I think they were happy that they could spread out in the 4 vans after leaving the 14 people at the hotel. Also on the way home, one of the vans (the one I was in) started overheating. It’s a desolate road between Managua and León, with few towns and they are small. God allowed the van to make it to Nagarote to the Palí store, where we bought water for the radiator. We then made it to the next town of La Paz Centro, where we stopped at a little gas station and put in more water, gassed up the vans and moved all the people to the 3 good vans. I sent Freddy, one of the translators with the driver in the sick van, so that I could talk to him in English to know what was going on. Danilo and the other drivers were in contact with German throughout the day, as usual, so I knew that we were going to be stranded or anything like that.
We made it back to León at 10pm. Super long day. Super long ride back from Managua. We stopped at La Unión and some people went into the grocery store to buy coffee to take home, some of the team went to Tip Top (which was extremely slow) for take out and most of the team went to Burger King (which was very fast!) and got their dinners to go. We got back to the team house, ate, and the team packed for the return trip to Managua the next morning. It was a very long day, but everyone had fun. Like I said, this is a great team to work with!
We all settled down around midnight and got up to load the vans at 3am. The team left at 3:30am for the airport. Buster and I went back to bed. He was sad to see the team leave, but I think he was ready for some peace and quiet and just chase the neighbors and their dogs and wrestle with our cat. He’s a pretty good host for the teams, though. I started missing the teams immediately. Can’t wait until they come back next Spring Break!
Friday, March 29, 2013
March 10-16, 2013
Sunday: a pretty sweet and restful day. I helped to set up for church and then really enjoyed the service. Afterward, I had pizza (delivered) with the Hulsey’s. I took a nap while they swam and then I took a dip myself after the sun went down a little bit. A swim after a nap is wonderful! I called my sister Pam and did some email stuff. I pinned more aprons while watching a video. A very nice day!
Monday: I made some Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks in English and Spanish, which fit with both of the Bible Studies that I teach. Bryan and Marcela brought me a birthday present, a book titled “Cartas a Dios” (letters to God) in Spanish. What a neat present! I love it! I did more computer stuff in the morning.
Both Bible Studies went well. I love getting to teach these classes. I learn so much and I enjoy seeing the students learning as well. It makes for a long day, though. I relaxed by watching a video and updating phone numbers in my Nica phone.
Tuesday: I did some major printing in my room. I’m thankful that I could bring down a printer from the states. More emails and messages to the people coming on the Spring Break team. I spent a few hours sewing and loved it! It’s like therapy for me!
We had Tuesday night church and I played with the kids. Thankfully, some crayons and coloring sheets take care of it! I can’t really teach a lesson to them since the sound is so loud from ‘big’ church. But the kids don’t mind. I watched a video and worked on even more aprons!
Wednesday: For some reason this day was very emotional for me. I think being tired, hot, stressed and overworked was taking its toll. I put way too much pressure on myself sometimes and it catches up with me! I did a lot of computer work and had many, many people sending messages asking for info and such. It was non-stop and stressful. I had a long talk with Lesly and one with Jaasiel. I couldn’t keep from crying most of the day. Silly girl!
Band practice was pleasant as always. I’m so blessed to get to hear them play and practice so much. It soothes my soul. I was still weepy and decided not to go to Bible Study because I was so blubbery. I needed to chill! Then German called and said that the guys who work on our website were coming and I had to sit in the office with them. Well, that set off another pity party! I took my computer and sat in the office for over 2 hours and they guys never showed up! I guess God showed me what happens to people who feel sorry for themselves! I finally just went to bed!
Thursday: I worked on my Bible Study, which I was behind on, but just ‘happened’ to read what I needed for that day! I worked on personal receipts and was reminded how blessed I am to be able to live and serve here. Sherry and I had a long chat in my room and we both cried to relieve stress. It was a good ‘girl’ time and we both felt better. I got some more work done in the afternoon. Then I took myself out to dinner at Al Carbón restaurant (one of my favorite nice places here). I ran into Tamara and a group from her ministry. We said hello and exchanged hugs and I went back to my date with Jesus. I loved that time alone with good food and focus on Jesus. I realized I hadn’t left the team house in 6 days. I think I need to get out more often! I’m so thankful that no matter what happens during my day, I have Jesus with me!
Friday: we found out that one of the young men (leaders) of the La Quimera church passed away from kidney problems that he was having. I just love that little family. I knew that I had a pic or two on my computer, so I searched until I found one of him singing at a church service. I printed it off and laminated it for his wife. I sent it with Pastor Bryan. My heart just broke for his wife and little girl.
We had English Bible Study Group. Bismarck couldn’t come, but called. It was unusual for him to miss! Leyla (a new student) stayed afterward for some catch up lessons. Oscar Danilo also stayed for a chat and for some prayer. I find that God puts me in a place of mentoring with these students. I pray for discernment and compassion to minister to them as God wills. They all have a special place in my heart!
I went in the afternoon to help Lesly buy groceries for the team. This takes many hours. We were very tired by the time we got back. I made some pasta for dinner and watched a video before bed. Looking forward to the teams coming on Saturday!
Saturday: I caught up on my laundry, sewed all morning (8 aprons, 8 tablecloths, 2 covers for water-coolers) and loved it. It’s my therapy! Since workers were here to get the place ready for the teams arriving late, Erika was on hand to start some of the food and to also make lunch for us workers. We had Indo Viejo for lunch. I loved it! I also steamed some calabasa squash and cut up some tomatoes for lunch. We don’t eat much in the way of veggies here and I need to supplement the meals sometimes! Erika was shocked that I was cooking the squash in the microwave. They all loved it, though. I’m going to make it more often!
Danilo picked me up in the afternoon to head to Managua early to stop by PriceSmart. Sherry wanted some things and I wanted to load up on more juice and stuff. It was crazy in there! We finally made our way to the airport and had dinner at Subway. Then we waited on the teams to arrive at 8:30pm and 9:40pm. By the time we got back to the team house and had a very quick ‘house rules meeting’, it was 1am when we got in bed! It’s great to have everyone here, though!
Monday: I made some Fruit of the Spirit bookmarks in English and Spanish, which fit with both of the Bible Studies that I teach. Bryan and Marcela brought me a birthday present, a book titled “Cartas a Dios” (letters to God) in Spanish. What a neat present! I love it! I did more computer stuff in the morning.
Both Bible Studies went well. I love getting to teach these classes. I learn so much and I enjoy seeing the students learning as well. It makes for a long day, though. I relaxed by watching a video and updating phone numbers in my Nica phone.
Tuesday: I did some major printing in my room. I’m thankful that I could bring down a printer from the states. More emails and messages to the people coming on the Spring Break team. I spent a few hours sewing and loved it! It’s like therapy for me!
We had Tuesday night church and I played with the kids. Thankfully, some crayons and coloring sheets take care of it! I can’t really teach a lesson to them since the sound is so loud from ‘big’ church. But the kids don’t mind. I watched a video and worked on even more aprons!
Wednesday: For some reason this day was very emotional for me. I think being tired, hot, stressed and overworked was taking its toll. I put way too much pressure on myself sometimes and it catches up with me! I did a lot of computer work and had many, many people sending messages asking for info and such. It was non-stop and stressful. I had a long talk with Lesly and one with Jaasiel. I couldn’t keep from crying most of the day. Silly girl!
Band practice was pleasant as always. I’m so blessed to get to hear them play and practice so much. It soothes my soul. I was still weepy and decided not to go to Bible Study because I was so blubbery. I needed to chill! Then German called and said that the guys who work on our website were coming and I had to sit in the office with them. Well, that set off another pity party! I took my computer and sat in the office for over 2 hours and they guys never showed up! I guess God showed me what happens to people who feel sorry for themselves! I finally just went to bed!
Thursday: I worked on my Bible Study, which I was behind on, but just ‘happened’ to read what I needed for that day! I worked on personal receipts and was reminded how blessed I am to be able to live and serve here. Sherry and I had a long chat in my room and we both cried to relieve stress. It was a good ‘girl’ time and we both felt better. I got some more work done in the afternoon. Then I took myself out to dinner at Al Carbón restaurant (one of my favorite nice places here). I ran into Tamara and a group from her ministry. We said hello and exchanged hugs and I went back to my date with Jesus. I loved that time alone with good food and focus on Jesus. I realized I hadn’t left the team house in 6 days. I think I need to get out more often! I’m so thankful that no matter what happens during my day, I have Jesus with me!
Friday: we found out that one of the young men (leaders) of the La Quimera church passed away from kidney problems that he was having. I just love that little family. I knew that I had a pic or two on my computer, so I searched until I found one of him singing at a church service. I printed it off and laminated it for his wife. I sent it with Pastor Bryan. My heart just broke for his wife and little girl.
We had English Bible Study Group. Bismarck couldn’t come, but called. It was unusual for him to miss! Leyla (a new student) stayed afterward for some catch up lessons. Oscar Danilo also stayed for a chat and for some prayer. I find that God puts me in a place of mentoring with these students. I pray for discernment and compassion to minister to them as God wills. They all have a special place in my heart!
I went in the afternoon to help Lesly buy groceries for the team. This takes many hours. We were very tired by the time we got back. I made some pasta for dinner and watched a video before bed. Looking forward to the teams coming on Saturday!
Saturday: I caught up on my laundry, sewed all morning (8 aprons, 8 tablecloths, 2 covers for water-coolers) and loved it. It’s my therapy! Since workers were here to get the place ready for the teams arriving late, Erika was on hand to start some of the food and to also make lunch for us workers. We had Indo Viejo for lunch. I loved it! I also steamed some calabasa squash and cut up some tomatoes for lunch. We don’t eat much in the way of veggies here and I need to supplement the meals sometimes! Erika was shocked that I was cooking the squash in the microwave. They all loved it, though. I’m going to make it more often!
Danilo picked me up in the afternoon to head to Managua early to stop by PriceSmart. Sherry wanted some things and I wanted to load up on more juice and stuff. It was crazy in there! We finally made our way to the airport and had dinner at Subway. Then we waited on the teams to arrive at 8:30pm and 9:40pm. By the time we got back to the team house and had a very quick ‘house rules meeting’, it was 1am when we got in bed! It’s great to have everyone here, though!
March 3-9, 2013
Sunday: German and I went to church at Monte Horeb. On the way there, we stopped by Augusto Sandino Feeding Center to check on the progress and take some pics. After church, I did some laundry, Believing God Bible Study, emails, computer work on upcoming teams, updated my blog and watched a video. It was a very nice day.
Monday: started the day with computer work and printing off items. Lots of emails and fb messages. After lunch, I prepared to teach classes. The Women’s Bible Study Leadership Training class was great. I love these ladies. Freddy came by 1 hour early this evening to practice the books of the Bible in English and for me to practice them in Spanish. He’s a special guy and I’m so glad to have him in class. I think that God is going to do some very special things in his life.
English Bible Study Class was a lot of fun. I was surprised by some of the students that have had to miss due to working. They came with snacks to celebrate my upcoming birthday. They sang to me. It was so fun! I am so blessed to know some great people!
I finished the night with emails about the upcoming teams and by pinning aprons to sew for the cooks. I love having ‘hand work’ to do while watching videos in the evening.
Tuesday: I love being able to track my bank account (and having friends who take care of my banking for me in AR) and to use the internet to pay my tithe, lodging donation and spending money transfers to VOH. I’m spoiled by the convenience!
Jaasiel went with me to the government office to get an extension on my VISA. The man there took care of my paperwork and said for me to come back on April 1 so that I could save 500 córdovas (about $25 US) on the overall fee. What a nice guy! We went to the French bakery for a treat and then to La Unión for a few groceries and then grabbed a taxi back home. While walking down the street, I heard my name and looked around. There was Danilo driving a city bus waving to me! How fun to get to see him!
Back at the team house, Jaasiel and Mayela worked on a welcome banner for the church service area. I worked on emails and feeding center kid’s records. Then we all helped get the place set up for the first Tuesday night Worship Service. The service was a lot of fun. It’s so great to have services here at the team house. We have some logistic issues to work out, but it will be great. German was so happy with everything that he just kept laughing and smiling and even giggling all evening after the service. Saturnino was our Pastor for the night and he did an Awesome job! Whew! After everyone left, German and I went out for dinner at Tip Top. It was a really nice evening.
Wednesday: I worked on Believing God Bible Study homework and Alberto did the devotions for the VOH workers. About 9am, Sherry, Lesly, Jaasiel, Mayela, Erika, Aracelys, Coco and I left with Edmundo for a Girls Day Out in Managua. It was so fun! Aracelys and Coco had never been outside of León before. We went to Metro Centro (mall) and the 3 of the ladies were scared of the escalators. They had never seen such contraptions! We had lunch at TGIFridays. It was delicious! I got a yummy piece of warm brownie cake with a candle and had to do the birthday chicken dance. Lol. Then we went to PriceSmart and picked up some groceries. Coco and Aracelys went back to the van to wait. They didn’t feel comfortable in that big place. We all had an awesome day.
I was so tired and a little sick to my stomach after the drive home, so I was going to skip Bible Study. When I got on fb to send a message to Tamara, I saw a message from her that so many were going to be missing, that the study was postponed. What a relief! I wouldn’t be behind from that night! I practiced guitar and then watched a video and went to bed.
Thursday: Jorge led devotions for the VOH staff. Mike taught a Pastor/Leader Training class with Jaasiel as translator. I love getting to sit at my ‘office’ (table outside my door) and listen to Bible stuff in both languages!
I worked on the computer all morning and called Deanna to check on her and to let her know that I had ordered a bunch of stuff from Amazon.com and Walmart.com that would be delivered to her house and that someone would pick it up to bring to Nica on the Spring Break trip. It was good to talk with Deanna. I miss her. I also had a phone call from Estefanie, whose sister had some alarming medical tests. I promised to pray for the family and felt so bad that I couldn’t hug Estefanie at that moment. She is so dear to me.
I bought the plane tickets for my May 23rd return to Nica and Aug 6th trip to the states.
In the afternoon, I rode with German to San Jacinto to take a few pics of some property. On the ride, he ‘dictated’ some notes for the schedule for the Spring Break team. I made the notes and didn’t even get carsick. That was a God thing!
I got home and did some computer stuff, took pics of the beautiful painting at our entrance (pics are on facebook) declaring our property as Iglesia Pan de Vida, Ministerio Voz de Esperanza, with an awesome handpainted emblem of a dove and listing our service hours. I then pinned more aprons while watching a video. Another awesome day!
Friday: After the devotions, the staff had a birthday party for me!!! They had flowers delivered (unusual in Nica), a Hello Kitty cake, a piñata and lots of laughs! I’m very blessed!
During the English Bible Study Group, Bismarck accepted Christ! How awesome! The afternoon was spent working on Bible Study and Children’s Ministry materials. Then Jorge, Lesly, Jaasiel, Mayela, Manuel and I went to Chinandega for a concert. Miel San Marcos is a group from Guatamela and they are sooo good! We had a blast! It was very late when we got back home. I was beat from standing up for hours, but it was worth it! I bought a cd and a songbook. Fun!
Saturday: It was my birthday! 56 years old. I thought it was hilarious to turn 50. 56 just sounds silly. I spent the day at the team house resting and doing laundry, making phone calls and studying. A nap was in order and it was very HOT! I updated my blog. I’m always so far behind on my blog!
It’s been a great week of getting to celebrate my birthday in many ways with many people (over 150 on facebook!). I’m truly a blessed woman!
Monday: started the day with computer work and printing off items. Lots of emails and fb messages. After lunch, I prepared to teach classes. The Women’s Bible Study Leadership Training class was great. I love these ladies. Freddy came by 1 hour early this evening to practice the books of the Bible in English and for me to practice them in Spanish. He’s a special guy and I’m so glad to have him in class. I think that God is going to do some very special things in his life.
English Bible Study Class was a lot of fun. I was surprised by some of the students that have had to miss due to working. They came with snacks to celebrate my upcoming birthday. They sang to me. It was so fun! I am so blessed to know some great people!
I finished the night with emails about the upcoming teams and by pinning aprons to sew for the cooks. I love having ‘hand work’ to do while watching videos in the evening.
Tuesday: I love being able to track my bank account (and having friends who take care of my banking for me in AR) and to use the internet to pay my tithe, lodging donation and spending money transfers to VOH. I’m spoiled by the convenience!
Jaasiel went with me to the government office to get an extension on my VISA. The man there took care of my paperwork and said for me to come back on April 1 so that I could save 500 córdovas (about $25 US) on the overall fee. What a nice guy! We went to the French bakery for a treat and then to La Unión for a few groceries and then grabbed a taxi back home. While walking down the street, I heard my name and looked around. There was Danilo driving a city bus waving to me! How fun to get to see him!
Back at the team house, Jaasiel and Mayela worked on a welcome banner for the church service area. I worked on emails and feeding center kid’s records. Then we all helped get the place set up for the first Tuesday night Worship Service. The service was a lot of fun. It’s so great to have services here at the team house. We have some logistic issues to work out, but it will be great. German was so happy with everything that he just kept laughing and smiling and even giggling all evening after the service. Saturnino was our Pastor for the night and he did an Awesome job! Whew! After everyone left, German and I went out for dinner at Tip Top. It was a really nice evening.
Wednesday: I worked on Believing God Bible Study homework and Alberto did the devotions for the VOH workers. About 9am, Sherry, Lesly, Jaasiel, Mayela, Erika, Aracelys, Coco and I left with Edmundo for a Girls Day Out in Managua. It was so fun! Aracelys and Coco had never been outside of León before. We went to Metro Centro (mall) and the 3 of the ladies were scared of the escalators. They had never seen such contraptions! We had lunch at TGIFridays. It was delicious! I got a yummy piece of warm brownie cake with a candle and had to do the birthday chicken dance. Lol. Then we went to PriceSmart and picked up some groceries. Coco and Aracelys went back to the van to wait. They didn’t feel comfortable in that big place. We all had an awesome day.
I was so tired and a little sick to my stomach after the drive home, so I was going to skip Bible Study. When I got on fb to send a message to Tamara, I saw a message from her that so many were going to be missing, that the study was postponed. What a relief! I wouldn’t be behind from that night! I practiced guitar and then watched a video and went to bed.
Thursday: Jorge led devotions for the VOH staff. Mike taught a Pastor/Leader Training class with Jaasiel as translator. I love getting to sit at my ‘office’ (table outside my door) and listen to Bible stuff in both languages!
I worked on the computer all morning and called Deanna to check on her and to let her know that I had ordered a bunch of stuff from Amazon.com and Walmart.com that would be delivered to her house and that someone would pick it up to bring to Nica on the Spring Break trip. It was good to talk with Deanna. I miss her. I also had a phone call from Estefanie, whose sister had some alarming medical tests. I promised to pray for the family and felt so bad that I couldn’t hug Estefanie at that moment. She is so dear to me.
I bought the plane tickets for my May 23rd return to Nica and Aug 6th trip to the states.
In the afternoon, I rode with German to San Jacinto to take a few pics of some property. On the ride, he ‘dictated’ some notes for the schedule for the Spring Break team. I made the notes and didn’t even get carsick. That was a God thing!
I got home and did some computer stuff, took pics of the beautiful painting at our entrance (pics are on facebook) declaring our property as Iglesia Pan de Vida, Ministerio Voz de Esperanza, with an awesome handpainted emblem of a dove and listing our service hours. I then pinned more aprons while watching a video. Another awesome day!
Friday: After the devotions, the staff had a birthday party for me!!! They had flowers delivered (unusual in Nica), a Hello Kitty cake, a piñata and lots of laughs! I’m very blessed!
During the English Bible Study Group, Bismarck accepted Christ! How awesome! The afternoon was spent working on Bible Study and Children’s Ministry materials. Then Jorge, Lesly, Jaasiel, Mayela, Manuel and I went to Chinandega for a concert. Miel San Marcos is a group from Guatamela and they are sooo good! We had a blast! It was very late when we got back home. I was beat from standing up for hours, but it was worth it! I bought a cd and a songbook. Fun!
Saturday: It was my birthday! 56 years old. I thought it was hilarious to turn 50. 56 just sounds silly. I spent the day at the team house resting and doing laundry, making phone calls and studying. A nap was in order and it was very HOT! I updated my blog. I’m always so far behind on my blog!
It’s been a great week of getting to celebrate my birthday in many ways with many people (over 150 on facebook!). I’m truly a blessed woman!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
February 24 - March 2, 2013
Sunday morning I woke up to voices outside under the rancho. I opened my curtains to see a group of people who I didn’t know was coming over! It was a group from a church who were having a Baptism service and then swimming in the pool. The Pastor is one of my new students in the English Bible Study and it was good to see him! I always enjoy listening to the music and preaching when there is a service here. I was very happy!
I have a ton of work to do on the tracking reports for the Feeding Centers as well as planning some stuff for a couple of the teams coming. So I’m trying to get as much done ahead of time on my teaching notes for the classes as I can. I’m making pretty good progress, but it’s time consuming. I love being able to check things off of my to-do list! Especially, when it’s huge chunks of work at a time.
Edmundo and Saturnino are taking turns covering for Alberto (our guard/gatekeeper) while he is on vacation. I ordered Tip Top Chicken for us to be delivered for our lunch/dinner. I love being able to treat the workers when I can.
I did a lot of laundry while catching up the rest of the 2 weeks worth of Bible Study that I’m attending on Wednesday nights. The rest of the day swam, napped and watched a video. Pretty sweet day!!
I wish there were 2 of me or maybe even 3 sometimes. I have more stuff to do than one person can accomplish most of the time. But I love all of it and wouldn’t change a thing, except for having more time to do it all!!
Monday’s classes went great. I’m always tired by the end of the night, but I’m also pumped! What better way to spend time than talking about God’s Word??? I love all the students and we have a great time of discussion. God is teaching me so much through preparing for the classes. It’s awesome!
I’ve been ordering more stuff via internet for the March team to bring down to me. They may have to add some team members just to carry the stuff! Haha It really is a blessing to have them bring stuff that I need.
Tuesday evening, I sat in the office while 2 guys worked on our website. They speak very little English and I don’t speak Computer in either language, so it was funny! I did get the chance to sit at an unused computer and communicate through facebook and email. I also got the chance to research another new project (making scrub hats for the Feeding Center cooks to wear in place of the dreaded hairnets). Now, if I could just find the time to sew them up!
We have started having devotions each morning at 8am for all VOH workers who are on site. We take turns leading. Today was Saturnino’s turn and that man can PREACH!!!
Alberto returned from vacation and was checking to make sure the place was to his liking. Of course, we had a crew here all week repairing the thatched roof of the rancho, so it was a crazy mess everywhere! I usually work on a table outside my room (my office with a view), but it was too dirty and dusty there, so I crammed into the office with 4 other people. The next day, I worked at a table way down the long covered porch. But I did get a lot accomplished, despite the chaos. That was a blessing! I got to have a long message to and from Mary in the states. We miss her down here. But she would have gone crazy this week with all the dirty chaos! She would have been trying to clean it all up! Lol It will be good to have her back down here in May!
The Husley’s spent the day in Managua running errands and they picked up a basketball goal for Manuel. There was band practice in the afternoon and men working on putting together the basketball goal and people dodging the mess falling from the rancho roof. Quite the day! I left by taxi for my Bible Study. I had a great time and met some more of the ladies. When I got home, German was here and I got to have a nice chat with him. Then it was time for a video and bed. Another great day!
Thursday morning, I got word that a sweet baby boy named Parke Henry Gibson went to be with Jesus. Parke was a very special guy. He was a miracle baby in the fact that he lived longer than the 2 day-2 week expectancy. He lived 7 weeks and his story touched many, many people.
It was a very busy day for me and I loved it! Erika wanted to paint my toes (ladybugs this time) so I read through a curriculum presentation while she was at work. Love to multi-task! I got so much accomplished this week, I can’t believe it! God has blessed my days tremendously!
German was free for the evening, so we went to have Chinese food for dinner. We split a meal including appetizers and soup and it was yummy and fun. Then we walked over to a café and had frozen coffee. I love coffee, but don’t drink it because of the caffeine. So why, do you ask, did I drink coffee at 8pm?? I don’t know, but I was wide awake for a while! Lol
Friday was my turn for leading devotions. I shared a little bit about my testimony and history. I got emotional, especially when I think about how God has allowed me to be here with all these wonderful people.
I taught class in the morning and then after lunch, I joined Lesly on running some errands. I dropped off the originals for all my classes in March to get printed. Then I picked up books for us VOH ladies to do the Beth Moore study that I get to do on Wednesday nights. We priced some hammocks for the team house and then ran Lesly’s errands. I had them drop me off back at the printers and I waited for the copies to get finished. I ended up having to call Edmundo to come and get me because my copies filled an entire paper box and I couldn’t carry it and hail a taxi at the same time. LOL
I had a lovely quiet night on Friday and then a restful Saturday. I made some pancakes for me and Alberto. I got to work on the tracking reports for the Feeding Center (a daunting job). I treated myself to a nap and a swim with Buster. After some guitar practice and printing more song lyrics, I joined German for a quick run to Eskimo for ice cream. What a fun day!
I have a ton of work to do on the tracking reports for the Feeding Centers as well as planning some stuff for a couple of the teams coming. So I’m trying to get as much done ahead of time on my teaching notes for the classes as I can. I’m making pretty good progress, but it’s time consuming. I love being able to check things off of my to-do list! Especially, when it’s huge chunks of work at a time.
Edmundo and Saturnino are taking turns covering for Alberto (our guard/gatekeeper) while he is on vacation. I ordered Tip Top Chicken for us to be delivered for our lunch/dinner. I love being able to treat the workers when I can.
I did a lot of laundry while catching up the rest of the 2 weeks worth of Bible Study that I’m attending on Wednesday nights. The rest of the day swam, napped and watched a video. Pretty sweet day!!
I wish there were 2 of me or maybe even 3 sometimes. I have more stuff to do than one person can accomplish most of the time. But I love all of it and wouldn’t change a thing, except for having more time to do it all!!
Monday’s classes went great. I’m always tired by the end of the night, but I’m also pumped! What better way to spend time than talking about God’s Word??? I love all the students and we have a great time of discussion. God is teaching me so much through preparing for the classes. It’s awesome!
I’ve been ordering more stuff via internet for the March team to bring down to me. They may have to add some team members just to carry the stuff! Haha It really is a blessing to have them bring stuff that I need.
Tuesday evening, I sat in the office while 2 guys worked on our website. They speak very little English and I don’t speak Computer in either language, so it was funny! I did get the chance to sit at an unused computer and communicate through facebook and email. I also got the chance to research another new project (making scrub hats for the Feeding Center cooks to wear in place of the dreaded hairnets). Now, if I could just find the time to sew them up!
We have started having devotions each morning at 8am for all VOH workers who are on site. We take turns leading. Today was Saturnino’s turn and that man can PREACH!!!
Alberto returned from vacation and was checking to make sure the place was to his liking. Of course, we had a crew here all week repairing the thatched roof of the rancho, so it was a crazy mess everywhere! I usually work on a table outside my room (my office with a view), but it was too dirty and dusty there, so I crammed into the office with 4 other people. The next day, I worked at a table way down the long covered porch. But I did get a lot accomplished, despite the chaos. That was a blessing! I got to have a long message to and from Mary in the states. We miss her down here. But she would have gone crazy this week with all the dirty chaos! She would have been trying to clean it all up! Lol It will be good to have her back down here in May!
The Husley’s spent the day in Managua running errands and they picked up a basketball goal for Manuel. There was band practice in the afternoon and men working on putting together the basketball goal and people dodging the mess falling from the rancho roof. Quite the day! I left by taxi for my Bible Study. I had a great time and met some more of the ladies. When I got home, German was here and I got to have a nice chat with him. Then it was time for a video and bed. Another great day!
Thursday morning, I got word that a sweet baby boy named Parke Henry Gibson went to be with Jesus. Parke was a very special guy. He was a miracle baby in the fact that he lived longer than the 2 day-2 week expectancy. He lived 7 weeks and his story touched many, many people.
It was a very busy day for me and I loved it! Erika wanted to paint my toes (ladybugs this time) so I read through a curriculum presentation while she was at work. Love to multi-task! I got so much accomplished this week, I can’t believe it! God has blessed my days tremendously!
German was free for the evening, so we went to have Chinese food for dinner. We split a meal including appetizers and soup and it was yummy and fun. Then we walked over to a café and had frozen coffee. I love coffee, but don’t drink it because of the caffeine. So why, do you ask, did I drink coffee at 8pm?? I don’t know, but I was wide awake for a while! Lol
Friday was my turn for leading devotions. I shared a little bit about my testimony and history. I got emotional, especially when I think about how God has allowed me to be here with all these wonderful people.
I taught class in the morning and then after lunch, I joined Lesly on running some errands. I dropped off the originals for all my classes in March to get printed. Then I picked up books for us VOH ladies to do the Beth Moore study that I get to do on Wednesday nights. We priced some hammocks for the team house and then ran Lesly’s errands. I had them drop me off back at the printers and I waited for the copies to get finished. I ended up having to call Edmundo to come and get me because my copies filled an entire paper box and I couldn’t carry it and hail a taxi at the same time. LOL
I had a lovely quiet night on Friday and then a restful Saturday. I made some pancakes for me and Alberto. I got to work on the tracking reports for the Feeding Center (a daunting job). I treated myself to a nap and a swim with Buster. After some guitar practice and printing more song lyrics, I joined German for a quick run to Eskimo for ice cream. What a fun day!
February 16-23, 2013
After the team left for the airport, I got to work on study materials for the Women’s Bible Study class. I also did some computer work and tried to get my mind on what needed to be done first. There is never a lack of work for me and I love it. I just fret sometimes over whether I’m being efficient!
I was going with the band to play at a special service at San Jacinto. Jorge said I could ride with them and we loaded up the bigger van and left at 3pm. At 3:05pm, a belt broke on the van (at the end of our street) and we had to tow the van back to the team house and switch to 2 different vans. LOL We picked up the band members and huge speakers and headed off to San Jacinto.
The worship service was at an intersection of 2 small dirt streets. A single light bulb was rigged up in a tree. We set up and had wonderful music and some great preaching from Pastor Yader. It was hard to see anything with just the one light, so when I wanted to take pics of the crowd, I just pointed my phone and clicked. Some turned out good and some I deleted. It was such a surprise to see what actually came out on the screen!
We got back to town and gassed up the vans, unpacked the instruments and then I treated the band to Chinese food. Everything was closing up, so we got our food to go and each ate at our own houses. But it was really good and I had a blast hanging out with the band while waiting on our food. It was a great day!
I couldn’t get FBC Rogers On-line, and I had a wonderful time at worship the night before, so I decided to stay at the team house on Sunday morning.
I did a bunch of laundry (including donated clothes from the team) and did a bunch of work on the computer. Lots of communication every day. But I love it.
Sherry and Manuel arrived today and Mike brought Manuel over for some swimming. It was so good to see him!
Mondays are always busy with 2 classes to teach in the afternoon and evening. I try to accomplish as much as I can in the mornings. It’s busy around the team house on Monday mornings, too. Besides the workers all arriving first thing, the supervisors at the feeding centers come to get food for the day. Lesly goes to buy the cheese and produce for the week for the feeding centers. It’s very busy and fun.
The classes went great and I got to watch a video before bed. Speaking of bed, Buster ran under my bed (amongst the plastic tubs) and took up residence for the night. I gave up on getting him out and he peacefully slept there all night. He’s so funny!
Tuesday was a good day to catch up. I also got to call Deanna back in Rogers for a chat. Jorge took me to run errands, including buying nylon strings for my guitar. While at the little music store, I bought a tambourine for the Monte Horeb church. Jorge took me to another music store here in León, but their prices were higher. It was good to see another store, though.
I printed off some song lyrics and watched a video about guitar chords that my friend Areyson posted on my fb page. Then practiced a little bit, watched a video and hit the sack. Another good day!
Wednesday was a very fun day! German had a staff meeting with the workers and then Lesly went with me to buy some supplies and run other errands. Then I was dropped off at Tamara’s house to meet up with some of the ladies from the North American Women’s Bible Study. (sounds official, but it’s just a group of North American missionaries who get together for Bible Study and prayer and encouragement) We all went to Suyapa beach and had lunch. It was so fun!
When I got back to the team house, Freddy was using the computer so I talked to him for a little bit. The band was practicing, which while it’s great to hear the music, it is hard to have a conversation! So I spent time in my room and watched the first video for the Bible Study (I’m behind 2 weeks) and did days 1-3 of the homeword. It was great!
Thursday started with computer work and then Yanina came to study the lesson for WBSLT for the week. 2 weeks a month, she has to miss the Monday class due to her work schedule, so we make it up on Thursday mornings. I like getting that one on one time with her.
I got to spend time chatting with Mike, German and Sherry. I changed my return flight to the US to accommodate my new summer schedule. I called my sister Sandy for a few minutes and I got to Skype with my other sister Pam. I got the chance to run to the grocery store, sewing store and buy a couple of shirts. Edmundo dropped me off for shopping while he drove Mayela to the bus terminal. I love getting to shop by myself sometimes.
The band was practicing, so I ordered pizza for everyone, but I ate in my room doing computer stuff. I ordered some clothes from Walmart.com and the March team is bringing them down to me. So handy!!!
Friday morning, I taught the English Bible Study Group. We’ve gained some new students, including a Pastor, who I say is keeping me honest in my teaching! Haha
A bunch more computer work and a visit from my friend Freddy. I treated Jorge, Lesly, Jaasiel and Mayela to Eskimo ice cream. It’s so hit down here right now, the ice cream is even better than usual! I swam in the pool at sunset with Buster (the dog) and got some good exercise. It was a very good day!
Saturday is a wonderful day for me when we don’t have teams. It is very quiet here with just me and Alberto, usually. I get things done that need a lot of concentration. I also get to take a nap or two!
I finally got my payment to go through for my PO Box in Rogers. Sometimes it is very easy to handle business and buy things via the internet. Sometimes, not so much. But I’m grateful none the less.
I got the chance to chat with Sherry a little bit, take 2 naps (mid morning and afternoon), watch the 2nd Bible Study video and do more homework, swim with the dog again, practice guitar, visit with Lesly and Bruno for a short time while they waited on Jorge to get back with the band instruments, watch a video and go to bed. Ahhhh, Saturday!
God is so good to me to allow me to live and serve here. I can’t image doing anything else or living anywhere else right now. There is plenty of work and plenty of fun and blessings. Many people are hungry to hear the Word. It’s awesome! I am blessed.
I was going with the band to play at a special service at San Jacinto. Jorge said I could ride with them and we loaded up the bigger van and left at 3pm. At 3:05pm, a belt broke on the van (at the end of our street) and we had to tow the van back to the team house and switch to 2 different vans. LOL We picked up the band members and huge speakers and headed off to San Jacinto.
The worship service was at an intersection of 2 small dirt streets. A single light bulb was rigged up in a tree. We set up and had wonderful music and some great preaching from Pastor Yader. It was hard to see anything with just the one light, so when I wanted to take pics of the crowd, I just pointed my phone and clicked. Some turned out good and some I deleted. It was such a surprise to see what actually came out on the screen!
We got back to town and gassed up the vans, unpacked the instruments and then I treated the band to Chinese food. Everything was closing up, so we got our food to go and each ate at our own houses. But it was really good and I had a blast hanging out with the band while waiting on our food. It was a great day!
I couldn’t get FBC Rogers On-line, and I had a wonderful time at worship the night before, so I decided to stay at the team house on Sunday morning.
I did a bunch of laundry (including donated clothes from the team) and did a bunch of work on the computer. Lots of communication every day. But I love it.
Sherry and Manuel arrived today and Mike brought Manuel over for some swimming. It was so good to see him!
Mondays are always busy with 2 classes to teach in the afternoon and evening. I try to accomplish as much as I can in the mornings. It’s busy around the team house on Monday mornings, too. Besides the workers all arriving first thing, the supervisors at the feeding centers come to get food for the day. Lesly goes to buy the cheese and produce for the week for the feeding centers. It’s very busy and fun.
The classes went great and I got to watch a video before bed. Speaking of bed, Buster ran under my bed (amongst the plastic tubs) and took up residence for the night. I gave up on getting him out and he peacefully slept there all night. He’s so funny!
Tuesday was a good day to catch up. I also got to call Deanna back in Rogers for a chat. Jorge took me to run errands, including buying nylon strings for my guitar. While at the little music store, I bought a tambourine for the Monte Horeb church. Jorge took me to another music store here in León, but their prices were higher. It was good to see another store, though.
I printed off some song lyrics and watched a video about guitar chords that my friend Areyson posted on my fb page. Then practiced a little bit, watched a video and hit the sack. Another good day!
Wednesday was a very fun day! German had a staff meeting with the workers and then Lesly went with me to buy some supplies and run other errands. Then I was dropped off at Tamara’s house to meet up with some of the ladies from the North American Women’s Bible Study. (sounds official, but it’s just a group of North American missionaries who get together for Bible Study and prayer and encouragement) We all went to Suyapa beach and had lunch. It was so fun!
When I got back to the team house, Freddy was using the computer so I talked to him for a little bit. The band was practicing, which while it’s great to hear the music, it is hard to have a conversation! So I spent time in my room and watched the first video for the Bible Study (I’m behind 2 weeks) and did days 1-3 of the homeword. It was great!
Thursday started with computer work and then Yanina came to study the lesson for WBSLT for the week. 2 weeks a month, she has to miss the Monday class due to her work schedule, so we make it up on Thursday mornings. I like getting that one on one time with her.
I got to spend time chatting with Mike, German and Sherry. I changed my return flight to the US to accommodate my new summer schedule. I called my sister Sandy for a few minutes and I got to Skype with my other sister Pam. I got the chance to run to the grocery store, sewing store and buy a couple of shirts. Edmundo dropped me off for shopping while he drove Mayela to the bus terminal. I love getting to shop by myself sometimes.
The band was practicing, so I ordered pizza for everyone, but I ate in my room doing computer stuff. I ordered some clothes from Walmart.com and the March team is bringing them down to me. So handy!!!
Friday morning, I taught the English Bible Study Group. We’ve gained some new students, including a Pastor, who I say is keeping me honest in my teaching! Haha
A bunch more computer work and a visit from my friend Freddy. I treated Jorge, Lesly, Jaasiel and Mayela to Eskimo ice cream. It’s so hit down here right now, the ice cream is even better than usual! I swam in the pool at sunset with Buster (the dog) and got some good exercise. It was a very good day!
Saturday is a wonderful day for me when we don’t have teams. It is very quiet here with just me and Alberto, usually. I get things done that need a lot of concentration. I also get to take a nap or two!
I finally got my payment to go through for my PO Box in Rogers. Sometimes it is very easy to handle business and buy things via the internet. Sometimes, not so much. But I’m grateful none the less.
I got the chance to chat with Sherry a little bit, take 2 naps (mid morning and afternoon), watch the 2nd Bible Study video and do more homework, swim with the dog again, practice guitar, visit with Lesly and Bruno for a short time while they waited on Jorge to get back with the band instruments, watch a video and go to bed. Ahhhh, Saturday!
God is so good to me to allow me to live and serve here. I can’t image doing anything else or living anywhere else right now. There is plenty of work and plenty of fun and blessings. Many people are hungry to hear the Word. It’s awesome! I am blessed.
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