The day started with prayer with the interns and some work on the team house. I got the chance to get some computer work done. I love it when it’s quiet! I even got a morning nap in!
The girls and I ran around town for a little bit. I took them to Pan y Paz French Bakery. They fell in love! We stopped in at La Unión and then got back to the team house to welcome the team later in the day.
My sweet friend Estefanie came over with her cousin form Costa Rica. José is one of my favorite people, even though I have only gotten to spend a few days with him. I was so happy to get to see him again!
Sunday was a day of worship and work. I also got to spend time talking with some friends and emailing a lot. What would we do without technology??!!
The team of 25 had a busy week of 10 worship services, 8 fiestas/street evangelism, 4 days of VBS, 2 feeding center visits, 5 days of construction and 358 salvations!! It was hot and tiring, but the team was great and enjoyed it very much!
I did my usual thing of helping Johana with feeding center stuff, doing the feeding center tracking on the computer, working on plans for the October teams (who are focusing on Women’s Ministry), eating out when I got the chance, doing laundry and just having a blast being here.
I’m still doing the Believing God Bible Study and am almost to the end. It has been so wonderful. The timing of when I could actually spend time on it was perfect for what I was going through on any given day. God is so faithful!
I bought my plane tickets for my return to Nica on Aug 29 and departure to the US on Dec 3. That’s a big chunk of change, but it’s better now that I fly less often and stay here longer.
One exciting thing that happened during the week was a frog jumped into my room! I’m so glad that a team member saw it happen and got that stinker out! I would have had a heart attack (literally) if I would have found it on my own. Oh my!!! I hate those things!
One of our workers (and new Pastor) Saturnino has a daughter who is very, very sick. She has had a problem with bleeding from a hemangioma since she was 4 years old. She is now 12. She was in the hospital again and the doctors say they can’t do anything more for her. She has had surgeries in the past. The hospital ran out of blood for her. German’s wife, Johana went to the hospital to give blood. We all have been praying for a miracle for her. Saturnino’s wife is pregnant now and I worry about her being so stressed over Ivania’s sickness. We really want to keep that family in our prayers. Saturnino said she is doing a little better and the doctors let her go home for now. Praying for a miracle!
Saturday was a day of flipping the rooms for the next team and resting a bit. I did get the chance to take the interns out for dinner. We are exploring different restaurants. I want them to have a blast while they are here and to see all of León that they can.
I finally got the time to call Deanna and check in with her. She is ready for me to get back ‘home’ to her house. I have to say that I have missed her very much! I can’t wait to get back to that sanctuary of love that she provides for me. It will be a quick visit of only 3 weeks, but it will be wonderful!
God is so good to take care of me. He has shown me so many things these past 2 months. Some have been very hard to endure, but He is faithful and has been right beside me (and before me and behind me and supporting me…) all along. I love Him so much!!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sunday, July 14, 2013
July 7-12, 2013 special team
Special Team
This week was very special with a few people from different churches coming and going and overlapping. It was a great change of pace!
We had Ralph, Connie and their son Seth, Buddy, Ashley and their son Cody, Joni and Stan, Lynn & Rusty, Lindsey, and the 3 interns from FBC Rogers. Some people were scheduled on different days due to cost of flights, some missed their flights and had to come a day later, etc. Cody even extended his ticket to stay an extra week as an intern!
It was a low key week as far as fiestas and even having a schedule written in, well, written at all. Lol we had a lovely week of fellowship, 7 fiestas/street evangelism events, 5 worship services, 5 feeding center visits, 5 days of construction, 2 clothing giveaways and 205 salvations.
On Friday afternoon, we dedicated the new house for Aracely’s family. It was a beautiful time. She was in tears the whole time. It was a 8 year plan for them and they had been buying materials brick by brick and putting the walls up as they could afford over the last 7 years. It was a huge blessing for them to see it all finished. While we were at their house, there was a strong downpour of rain. We could confirm that the roof was watertight! We had ridden in our school bus, so there was a couple of guys who thought we were the public transportation (which is old school buses). They got on and we took them back into León with us. It was a father and son both named Marvin. Rusty shared the Gospel with them and they accepted Christ right there on the ride back into town!
We went to worship service at Agusto Cesar Sandino church, which has the new Pastor Saturnino. The rain had quit and we had lovely music a cappella and also with Buddy playing his guitar. I loved the service. Then it was back to the team house for dinner.
During the week, Lindsey got to go with Johana and I to one of the feeding centers and take lots of pictures of the kids and see the feeding center from cooking to serving. The kids loved her blonde hair. She is so pretty and they called her Barbie.
All in all, it was a wonderful week and we had lots of fun serving and being blessed by the crazy schedule and lovely atmosphere. I love it when God takes our plans and makes them His!!! After all, HE’s the one who has it all figured out! We just get in his way sometimes! But He is patient and forgiving. Love Him!!!
This week was very special with a few people from different churches coming and going and overlapping. It was a great change of pace!
We had Ralph, Connie and their son Seth, Buddy, Ashley and their son Cody, Joni and Stan, Lynn & Rusty, Lindsey, and the 3 interns from FBC Rogers. Some people were scheduled on different days due to cost of flights, some missed their flights and had to come a day later, etc. Cody even extended his ticket to stay an extra week as an intern!
It was a low key week as far as fiestas and even having a schedule written in, well, written at all. Lol we had a lovely week of fellowship, 7 fiestas/street evangelism events, 5 worship services, 5 feeding center visits, 5 days of construction, 2 clothing giveaways and 205 salvations.
On Friday afternoon, we dedicated the new house for Aracely’s family. It was a beautiful time. She was in tears the whole time. It was a 8 year plan for them and they had been buying materials brick by brick and putting the walls up as they could afford over the last 7 years. It was a huge blessing for them to see it all finished. While we were at their house, there was a strong downpour of rain. We could confirm that the roof was watertight! We had ridden in our school bus, so there was a couple of guys who thought we were the public transportation (which is old school buses). They got on and we took them back into León with us. It was a father and son both named Marvin. Rusty shared the Gospel with them and they accepted Christ right there on the ride back into town!
We went to worship service at Agusto Cesar Sandino church, which has the new Pastor Saturnino. The rain had quit and we had lovely music a cappella and also with Buddy playing his guitar. I loved the service. Then it was back to the team house for dinner.
During the week, Lindsey got to go with Johana and I to one of the feeding centers and take lots of pictures of the kids and see the feeding center from cooking to serving. The kids loved her blonde hair. She is so pretty and they called her Barbie.
All in all, it was a wonderful week and we had lots of fun serving and being blessed by the crazy schedule and lovely atmosphere. I love it when God takes our plans and makes them His!!! After all, HE’s the one who has it all figured out! We just get in his way sometimes! But He is patient and forgiving. Love Him!!!
June 29- July 6, 2013 Highland BC
Highland Baptist Church, New Iberia LA
This is one of my all time favorite teams. I just love this church. You can feel such a peace and unity in the teams when they come here. I can only imagine how sweet the atmosphere is at their church in LA.
One of the friends I met through NYC is the Youth Pastor and it’s always so wonderful to see him. God has networked people and churches through all of us and it’s fun to see how connected we all are when we get a glimpse of the big picture of God’s plans. How enormous His plans are and how they would blow our minds if we are shown too much at a time! Lol
This week was fun. There were 30 on the team plus Nick as an intern. Tori came on Monday to be an intern for 2 weeks, so she joined the mix starting on Tues. There were 11 church services, 8 fiestas/street evangelism events, 4 days of VBS, a pastor’s conference, 3 feeding center visits and 4 days of construction. There were a total of 602 salvations for the week.
Everyone had a great time serving together and there was a lot of sharing and worshiping at the team house at night. The team went to the volcano to zip line for their fun day. They got back in time for a late dinner of pizza after shopping.
I was busy going with Johana to work on cleaning up some files for the feeding centers and also helped Lesly with team grocery shopping and errands. I had a ton of computer work to do and kept very busy myself.
It was hard to say goodbye to Nick. He did get to meet the 3 new interns coming from FBC Rogers AR (my home church) and he was sad not to get to stay and work with them. But after 5 weeks, he needed to get back home. He is really missed, though!
It was a lovely week and I was very blessed.
This is one of my all time favorite teams. I just love this church. You can feel such a peace and unity in the teams when they come here. I can only imagine how sweet the atmosphere is at their church in LA.
One of the friends I met through NYC is the Youth Pastor and it’s always so wonderful to see him. God has networked people and churches through all of us and it’s fun to see how connected we all are when we get a glimpse of the big picture of God’s plans. How enormous His plans are and how they would blow our minds if we are shown too much at a time! Lol
This week was fun. There were 30 on the team plus Nick as an intern. Tori came on Monday to be an intern for 2 weeks, so she joined the mix starting on Tues. There were 11 church services, 8 fiestas/street evangelism events, 4 days of VBS, a pastor’s conference, 3 feeding center visits and 4 days of construction. There were a total of 602 salvations for the week.
Everyone had a great time serving together and there was a lot of sharing and worshiping at the team house at night. The team went to the volcano to zip line for their fun day. They got back in time for a late dinner of pizza after shopping.
I was busy going with Johana to work on cleaning up some files for the feeding centers and also helped Lesly with team grocery shopping and errands. I had a ton of computer work to do and kept very busy myself.
It was hard to say goodbye to Nick. He did get to meet the 3 new interns coming from FBC Rogers AR (my home church) and he was sad not to get to stay and work with them. But after 5 weeks, he needed to get back home. He is really missed, though!
It was a lovely week and I was very blessed.
June 22-28, 2013 Crosslife Church
Crosslife Church from El Dorado AR is one of our long-time supporters. They brought the biggest team that we have had so far. 59 people came and we were busting at the seams, but we made it work! Building 5 new showers, toilet, sink units helped with the extra people. We had people everywhere!
Counting the interns, VOH staff, translators, drivers, etc., the ladies were cooking for over 120 servings per meal. It was crazy! The washing dishes seemed never ending. Refilling the freezer with water bottles was a 3 time a day chore. Keeping the large water bottles on the dispensers was a multiple times a day event, too. It was a challenge, but it was great!
There were 12 church services, 15 fiestas/street evangelism events, 4 school visits, 2 days of VBS, 5 feeding center visits, 3 days of dentistry for 74 people and 5 days of construction (the support poles and roof were put on the church at ACS). There were 1,356 salvations that week! It was a very busy and fruitful week!
The interns were hustling like crazy, but it was good to be back at the team house for every meal. We snuck away a couple of times for some free time and devotions and sharing. I so enjoyed this group of interns! While the team went on a fun day, I took the interns downtown and we had a blast. We hit the coffee shop a lot. I don’t usually drink coffee, even though I love it, but I think I had 3 mochaccinos that week! Lol
It was fun and a wonderful blessing to have this team here. It’s always fun to see people who have been here before, especially when they are friends on facebook!
6 of the interns left with the team on Saturday. Only Nick is left for one more week to work with his home church who arrived Saturday night. I started missing Calen, Fred, Rachel, Adam, Kyle and Morgan before they even got out of León! I pray for them and wish them the very best that God has in store for them!
God blesses me with friends from all over the place! He is so sweet to me!
Counting the interns, VOH staff, translators, drivers, etc., the ladies were cooking for over 120 servings per meal. It was crazy! The washing dishes seemed never ending. Refilling the freezer with water bottles was a 3 time a day chore. Keeping the large water bottles on the dispensers was a multiple times a day event, too. It was a challenge, but it was great!
There were 12 church services, 15 fiestas/street evangelism events, 4 school visits, 2 days of VBS, 5 feeding center visits, 3 days of dentistry for 74 people and 5 days of construction (the support poles and roof were put on the church at ACS). There were 1,356 salvations that week! It was a very busy and fruitful week!
The interns were hustling like crazy, but it was good to be back at the team house for every meal. We snuck away a couple of times for some free time and devotions and sharing. I so enjoyed this group of interns! While the team went on a fun day, I took the interns downtown and we had a blast. We hit the coffee shop a lot. I don’t usually drink coffee, even though I love it, but I think I had 3 mochaccinos that week! Lol
It was fun and a wonderful blessing to have this team here. It’s always fun to see people who have been here before, especially when they are friends on facebook!
6 of the interns left with the team on Saturday. Only Nick is left for one more week to work with his home church who arrived Saturday night. I started missing Calen, Fred, Rachel, Adam, Kyle and Morgan before they even got out of León! I pray for them and wish them the very best that God has in store for them!
God blesses me with friends from all over the place! He is so sweet to me!
June 15-21, 2013 Three churches
Crusade in Telica
This week was special in the that we had 3 different churches represented, 2 for the first time here. Central Baptist Church of Jonesboro AR, Victory Way Baptist of VA and Shenandoah Heights Baptist Church of VA. There were 42 total team members, plus the 7 interns.
There were 5 church services, 16 fiestas/street evangelism events, 8 school visits, 3 conferences, 5 feeding center visits, 3 crusade services, 7 radio/tv broadcasts and 4 days of construction! There was a total of 1,526 salvations for the week!
We had people coming and going everywhere! It was very exciting!
I got the blessing of going with the women to the Women’s Conference one morning. It was fun to get to bond a little bit with some of the ladies on the team. Also, the host church was very welcoming. We had a raffle and gave away some nice body lotions and stuff. Then the grand prize was a bicycle! The lady who won it was soooo happy! For here in Nica, that’s like winning a car!
There was a little bit of sickness for a couple of people and I stayed back at the team house instead of going to the crusade a couple of nights to watch over them. I even got the blessing of cleaning up one person’s dinner after he made it ‘to’ the bathroom, but not to the commode! A missionary has to be ready for everything!
I helped Lesly with grocery buying and other errands as needed. After the team would leave for ministry, I would help clean up after them and fill the freezer with water bottles, fill the coke box, etc. Also, with everyone gone, I could get good internet signal, so I got a lot of work done on the computer.
I got the chance to run and get a quick haircut one afternoon. I got a little yucky stomach myself for a few days, but a few doses of Cipro knocks that right out!
It was fun to have this team here. It seems like the weeks go by soooo fast. But it’s a blessing every week for us!
This week was special in the that we had 3 different churches represented, 2 for the first time here. Central Baptist Church of Jonesboro AR, Victory Way Baptist of VA and Shenandoah Heights Baptist Church of VA. There were 42 total team members, plus the 7 interns.
There were 5 church services, 16 fiestas/street evangelism events, 8 school visits, 3 conferences, 5 feeding center visits, 3 crusade services, 7 radio/tv broadcasts and 4 days of construction! There was a total of 1,526 salvations for the week!
We had people coming and going everywhere! It was very exciting!
I got the blessing of going with the women to the Women’s Conference one morning. It was fun to get to bond a little bit with some of the ladies on the team. Also, the host church was very welcoming. We had a raffle and gave away some nice body lotions and stuff. Then the grand prize was a bicycle! The lady who won it was soooo happy! For here in Nica, that’s like winning a car!
There was a little bit of sickness for a couple of people and I stayed back at the team house instead of going to the crusade a couple of nights to watch over them. I even got the blessing of cleaning up one person’s dinner after he made it ‘to’ the bathroom, but not to the commode! A missionary has to be ready for everything!
I helped Lesly with grocery buying and other errands as needed. After the team would leave for ministry, I would help clean up after them and fill the freezer with water bottles, fill the coke box, etc. Also, with everyone gone, I could get good internet signal, so I got a lot of work done on the computer.
I got the chance to run and get a quick haircut one afternoon. I got a little yucky stomach myself for a few days, but a few doses of Cipro knocks that right out!
It was fun to have this team here. It seems like the weeks go by soooo fast. But it’s a blessing every week for us!
June 9-14, 2013 Ronnie Hill Crusade
Ronnie Hill Crusade in Chinandega
Ronnie always brings a team made up of people from different churches who come together here to work hard for the week. It’s interesting for us to see the dynamics of the team. We are used to teams where everyone knows each other (usually from the same church). It’s really fun to see everyone coming together as one big team.
A Ronnie Hill week is one of the most busy that we have all year. The team goes morning, afternoon and evening every day. There is very little ‘down’ time. Since the ministry area was in Chinandega (about an hour away), the team left right after breakfast with supplies for many Fiestas, school visits, conferences, tv & radio spots, as well as street evangelism. Lunch was prepared here at the team house and delivered to the team at a church in Chinandega. Dinner was delivered the same way. Then the team stayed for the evening’s crusade services.
The team was tired each night, but very excited to see what God was doing in Chinandega. On a few nights, a few of the team members needed to stay back to rest. I liked getting to spend time with them one-on-one.
The Interns were awesome! They not only prepared all of the ministry supplies each night, they also served the meals and cleaned up after. Then when they got back to the team house, they put all the dinner stuff away. In addition to all of that, they also washed dishes after breakfast and manned the VOH store when the team was on the premises and managed to be sweet and cheerful! They didn’t get hardly any rest at all. I called them Ninjas and each morning we would have a prayer together to cover them for the hard day’s work. (At the end we did some Ninja chops with our hands, just because I’m silly and like to have fun!)
The Interns and I managed to cover our 4 weeks devotion lessons over 3 weeks of the month of July. I truly loved having those times together with them. They encouraged me so much. We had lovely share time. God blessed me with those wonderful young people!
Anyway… back to the crusade week. There were 37 people on the team and 7 interns. 17 churches services were attended, plus 3 crusade services. There were 32 fiestas/street evangelism events, 16 school visits, 3 conferences, 2 feeding center visits and 7 radio/tv broadcasts. There were a total of 3,547 salvations that week. What an awesome week!
God blessed the team, the ministry, the churches and the people of Chinandega beyond measure! He is Awesome!
Ronnie always brings a team made up of people from different churches who come together here to work hard for the week. It’s interesting for us to see the dynamics of the team. We are used to teams where everyone knows each other (usually from the same church). It’s really fun to see everyone coming together as one big team.
A Ronnie Hill week is one of the most busy that we have all year. The team goes morning, afternoon and evening every day. There is very little ‘down’ time. Since the ministry area was in Chinandega (about an hour away), the team left right after breakfast with supplies for many Fiestas, school visits, conferences, tv & radio spots, as well as street evangelism. Lunch was prepared here at the team house and delivered to the team at a church in Chinandega. Dinner was delivered the same way. Then the team stayed for the evening’s crusade services.
The team was tired each night, but very excited to see what God was doing in Chinandega. On a few nights, a few of the team members needed to stay back to rest. I liked getting to spend time with them one-on-one.
The Interns were awesome! They not only prepared all of the ministry supplies each night, they also served the meals and cleaned up after. Then when they got back to the team house, they put all the dinner stuff away. In addition to all of that, they also washed dishes after breakfast and manned the VOH store when the team was on the premises and managed to be sweet and cheerful! They didn’t get hardly any rest at all. I called them Ninjas and each morning we would have a prayer together to cover them for the hard day’s work. (At the end we did some Ninja chops with our hands, just because I’m silly and like to have fun!)
The Interns and I managed to cover our 4 weeks devotion lessons over 3 weeks of the month of July. I truly loved having those times together with them. They encouraged me so much. We had lovely share time. God blessed me with those wonderful young people!
Anyway… back to the crusade week. There were 37 people on the team and 7 interns. 17 churches services were attended, plus 3 crusade services. There were 32 fiestas/street evangelism events, 16 school visits, 3 conferences, 2 feeding center visits and 7 radio/tv broadcasts. There were a total of 3,547 salvations that week. What an awesome week!
God blessed the team, the ministry, the churches and the people of Chinandega beyond measure! He is Awesome!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
June 1-8, 2013
The June Interns started arriving, some on Saturday and some on Sunday. It will be a great time of serving with them!
I tried to fit in one last week of Women’s Bible Study and English Bible Study while we don’t have teams. There was sickness among the women, but most of the leaders got to meet. I will miss them greatly while we take a break during our busy team time. We had a small class for the English Bible Study and I cherished every minute of it!
Pastor Marvin, a former colleague, stopped by to ask about using the team house. He also said that he had some women’s underwear that had been donated and wanted to know if I would like to have the remainder of the shipment to give to my women’s ministry ladies. I said of course! However, I don’t know if that will ever appear. It’s a nice offer, though.
I contracted a very bad sinus infection that hit me in just one day! It was quick and strong. I was so thankful that my doctor had sent me to Nica with a Zpak. I started it the 2nd day and the illness still put me in bed for a couple of days. I think it was God’s way of letting me have time totally alone through the difficulties of the week. When I got to the place that I felt better after every nap, I couldn’t wait to go back to sleep so I could wake up feeling better! Lol I’m so thankful for good health! I don’t want to take it for granted.
The girl interns worked on sewing (they are learning) and made some bean bags for toys and also worked on some aprons for the cooks. It was also a time for them to trouble-shoot the sewing machines to find out which ones need attention after the long time of storage.
There was a lot of computer work on the feeding center files (as usual) and some nice conversations with ministry people. I spent a lot of time resting from the sinus infection that kicked my booty. I watched some videos, read, did Bible study and prayed. I got the chance to get some much needed communication done.
There was more construction done on Saturnino’s house and we had a small celebration service to bless the home and the family. It was such a treat!
I’m so thankful for what God shows me every day. Sometimes it is difficult, but it’s all for my benefit to grow me closer to Him. That’s all I care about.
He is my Creator, Provider, Redeemer, Savior and Faithful Friend. I am blessed.
I tried to fit in one last week of Women’s Bible Study and English Bible Study while we don’t have teams. There was sickness among the women, but most of the leaders got to meet. I will miss them greatly while we take a break during our busy team time. We had a small class for the English Bible Study and I cherished every minute of it!
Pastor Marvin, a former colleague, stopped by to ask about using the team house. He also said that he had some women’s underwear that had been donated and wanted to know if I would like to have the remainder of the shipment to give to my women’s ministry ladies. I said of course! However, I don’t know if that will ever appear. It’s a nice offer, though.
I contracted a very bad sinus infection that hit me in just one day! It was quick and strong. I was so thankful that my doctor had sent me to Nica with a Zpak. I started it the 2nd day and the illness still put me in bed for a couple of days. I think it was God’s way of letting me have time totally alone through the difficulties of the week. When I got to the place that I felt better after every nap, I couldn’t wait to go back to sleep so I could wake up feeling better! Lol I’m so thankful for good health! I don’t want to take it for granted.
The girl interns worked on sewing (they are learning) and made some bean bags for toys and also worked on some aprons for the cooks. It was also a time for them to trouble-shoot the sewing machines to find out which ones need attention after the long time of storage.
There was a lot of computer work on the feeding center files (as usual) and some nice conversations with ministry people. I spent a lot of time resting from the sinus infection that kicked my booty. I watched some videos, read, did Bible study and prayed. I got the chance to get some much needed communication done.
There was more construction done on Saturnino’s house and we had a small celebration service to bless the home and the family. It was such a treat!
I’m so thankful for what God shows me every day. Sometimes it is difficult, but it’s all for my benefit to grow me closer to Him. That’s all I care about.
He is my Creator, Provider, Redeemer, Savior and Faithful Friend. I am blessed.
May 23-31, 2013
Travel Day! I got up and had my suitcases ready for my pick up. Deanna and Jet kept me company while waiting for Cathy to come and get me. Michael and Vickie Brown were coming to get their car back and I was thrilled when they pulled up before Cathy and I left. I got to hug their necks and see them for a short time.
Cathy and I had breakfast at Mimi’s Café and it was delicious! We talked more about the upcoming Women’s team that will be ministering to women in Nica in October. I’m excited to see who all God is planning for this trip!
My flights were uneventful. While waiting at the airport, I got the chance to update blog posts. I had a wonderful lunch at TGI Fridays at the ATL airport. I grabbed a chai tea latte, too. A special treat for me!
On the flight between NWA and ATL, there was a boy of about 8 years old traveling to visit his dad for the summer. He was traveling alone (with the supervision of the flight attendants). He was placed next to me and we had a nice little conversation. He was so polite and sweet. He looked over the card with the safety information on it and listened intently to the instructions that were demonstrated. He asked me where they keep the parachutes. Ah… they don’t have parachutes on the plane. He asked me how do the passengers get out of the plane in an emergency. Ah… they walk down the steps. ????? I didn’t know what to tell him and thought it best to just make him comfortable and secure. Sorry for the fib Lord… The little guy took a nice nap and we made it to ATL in no time. He thanked me for being so nice and talking to him on the trip. What a nice treat for me to get to sit beside him!
I arrived at the team house just as the team was returning from the last night of the crusade services. It was so good to see the translators and to some of the team members that I knew from previous trips. I was ready to get settled into my room.
Friday was fun day for the team and they went various places for sightseeing and shopping. 2 of the ladies on the team were hairstylists and they stayed at the team house and did hair ALL day long! They were cutting and/or coloring hair constantly! I was blessed to get a much needed trim, myself. I gave out some of the gifts that I had brought to the workers and went to bed by 8pm!
The rest of the days were spent getting settled in and having one last round of classes for the Women’s Bible Study and English Bible Study Group.
We got to help a little with some construction work at Saturnino’s house. Rusty and Lynn Branson arrived from the states and we spent the rest of the week relaxing, doing construction and hanging out.
During this time, the enemy attacked me fiercely through people that I had to be around 24/7. It went on for many days and there was a lot of hurt for me. God showed me that He was by my side through it all, but it was very difficult! My reputation was damaged by lies and there was never a time of accountability for all involved. It reminded me very much of the same type of circumstances around an ugly divorce. But I know WHO I am in Christ and to WHOM I belong. God’s opinion of me is the top of the list and no one else’s matters. But, being human, it does hurt when I’m treated unfairly and justice is not fulfilled. I trust God that He knows my heart and that He will make known to others that my heart is pure. Sometimes the trials we go through are very tough. But, my God is tougher!!!
Mother’s Day in Nica was celebrated on Thursday. I had been invited to speak at a special women’s service on Friday night. I invited Mary and Lynn to join me. We gave our testimonies and enjoyed the service very much. After the service, we had a lovely dinner sitting at the ‘Pastor’s table’. It was a very nice and blessed night.
It had been quite the week, but God was shining brighter in my heart than ever before. He is my anchor and I’m so thankful for Him!
Cathy and I had breakfast at Mimi’s Café and it was delicious! We talked more about the upcoming Women’s team that will be ministering to women in Nica in October. I’m excited to see who all God is planning for this trip!
My flights were uneventful. While waiting at the airport, I got the chance to update blog posts. I had a wonderful lunch at TGI Fridays at the ATL airport. I grabbed a chai tea latte, too. A special treat for me!
On the flight between NWA and ATL, there was a boy of about 8 years old traveling to visit his dad for the summer. He was traveling alone (with the supervision of the flight attendants). He was placed next to me and we had a nice little conversation. He was so polite and sweet. He looked over the card with the safety information on it and listened intently to the instructions that were demonstrated. He asked me where they keep the parachutes. Ah… they don’t have parachutes on the plane. He asked me how do the passengers get out of the plane in an emergency. Ah… they walk down the steps. ????? I didn’t know what to tell him and thought it best to just make him comfortable and secure. Sorry for the fib Lord… The little guy took a nice nap and we made it to ATL in no time. He thanked me for being so nice and talking to him on the trip. What a nice treat for me to get to sit beside him!
I arrived at the team house just as the team was returning from the last night of the crusade services. It was so good to see the translators and to some of the team members that I knew from previous trips. I was ready to get settled into my room.
Friday was fun day for the team and they went various places for sightseeing and shopping. 2 of the ladies on the team were hairstylists and they stayed at the team house and did hair ALL day long! They were cutting and/or coloring hair constantly! I was blessed to get a much needed trim, myself. I gave out some of the gifts that I had brought to the workers and went to bed by 8pm!
The rest of the days were spent getting settled in and having one last round of classes for the Women’s Bible Study and English Bible Study Group.
We got to help a little with some construction work at Saturnino’s house. Rusty and Lynn Branson arrived from the states and we spent the rest of the week relaxing, doing construction and hanging out.
During this time, the enemy attacked me fiercely through people that I had to be around 24/7. It went on for many days and there was a lot of hurt for me. God showed me that He was by my side through it all, but it was very difficult! My reputation was damaged by lies and there was never a time of accountability for all involved. It reminded me very much of the same type of circumstances around an ugly divorce. But I know WHO I am in Christ and to WHOM I belong. God’s opinion of me is the top of the list and no one else’s matters. But, being human, it does hurt when I’m treated unfairly and justice is not fulfilled. I trust God that He knows my heart and that He will make known to others that my heart is pure. Sometimes the trials we go through are very tough. But, my God is tougher!!!
Mother’s Day in Nica was celebrated on Thursday. I had been invited to speak at a special women’s service on Friday night. I invited Mary and Lynn to join me. We gave our testimonies and enjoyed the service very much. After the service, we had a lovely dinner sitting at the ‘Pastor’s table’. It was a very nice and blessed night.
It had been quite the week, but God was shining brighter in my heart than ever before. He is my anchor and I’m so thankful for Him!
May 17-22, 2013
Back in Rogers to prepare for my return to Nica.
Lots of errands, more medical appointments, more shopping and more dinner dates. I start feeling a little bit ill and have to cool it for a day or so, but I get pretty much everything done that I had planned.
I did get to spend some time having lunch with the wife of one of the team members from the Crosslife construction team in January. Carol met me at Las Palmas and we had a yummy lunch and she gave me a sweet bag that she had sewn as an example for our sewing ministry.
I also got to meet with the July Interns who are coming from FBC Rogers. The kids have all be to Nica at least once and know the drill. Part of the Moms have been there, so it was an easy meeting. It will be so fun to have them serving in Nica this summer!
I finished reading the book that I want to use for devotions with the Interns this summer. It’s easy reading since we won’t have a lot of time for study. It will be a good conversation starter for us all.
I had some meetings and some dinner dates with people and finished up my duties for the states. I packed and repacked and repacked again! I try so hard to get every allowable ounce in the suitcases! It stresses me out! That’s what comes from worrying about ‘stuff’. But it’s okay… it’s ministry stuff I’m trying to get down there.
On Wednesday (22nd) I ran the last of the errands and treated myself to a Route 66 Rootbeer at Sonic. I didn’t realize that it was happy hour, and I was pleasantly surprised to only have to pay a pittance for that huge drink!
Now, all set for Nica! I feel exhausted, both physically and emotionally/spiritually, and I know it will be a crazy 2 ½ months back in Nica with the teams. I was glad to get to do all of the things that God allowed while in the states for 3 weeks. What a whirlwind! Maybe I will be able to relax in August! ☺
Lots of errands, more medical appointments, more shopping and more dinner dates. I start feeling a little bit ill and have to cool it for a day or so, but I get pretty much everything done that I had planned.
I did get to spend some time having lunch with the wife of one of the team members from the Crosslife construction team in January. Carol met me at Las Palmas and we had a yummy lunch and she gave me a sweet bag that she had sewn as an example for our sewing ministry.
I also got to meet with the July Interns who are coming from FBC Rogers. The kids have all be to Nica at least once and know the drill. Part of the Moms have been there, so it was an easy meeting. It will be so fun to have them serving in Nica this summer!
I finished reading the book that I want to use for devotions with the Interns this summer. It’s easy reading since we won’t have a lot of time for study. It will be a good conversation starter for us all.
I had some meetings and some dinner dates with people and finished up my duties for the states. I packed and repacked and repacked again! I try so hard to get every allowable ounce in the suitcases! It stresses me out! That’s what comes from worrying about ‘stuff’. But it’s okay… it’s ministry stuff I’m trying to get down there.
On Wednesday (22nd) I ran the last of the errands and treated myself to a Route 66 Rootbeer at Sonic. I didn’t realize that it was happy hour, and I was pleasantly surprised to only have to pay a pittance for that huge drink!
Now, all set for Nica! I feel exhausted, both physically and emotionally/spiritually, and I know it will be a crazy 2 ½ months back in Nica with the teams. I was glad to get to do all of the things that God allowed while in the states for 3 weeks. What a whirlwind! Maybe I will be able to relax in August! ☺
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