August 2015

The month of August is a whirl in my mind.  I was so sick for the whole month, that everything seemed to be on auto pilot.  I really felt God speaking to me about many things during this time.   Partly about relying on Him for every single need – physical, mental, spiritual. 

I’ve always wanted to build and run the ministry in a way that is preparing it to be ‘owned’ and directed by my Nica counterparts.   Being out of pocket for weeks made me realize that I have been a little lax in keeping to that plan of action.  A renewed dedication to delegation, training and empowering has been ignited.  A more focus seeking of God’s plan and direction is springing forth.  Out of ashes are many blessings.

Jasmina was here for a couple of weeks while working for some ministries here in León and El Viejo.  Her mother joined us for one evening.  Mostly they are here just for sleeping, as her work days are long.  Also, Sofi and Victoria and I retire to my room right after dinner for some video watching and family time.  Our evenings are pretty quiet.  But we like them that way!

Veronica carried on the classes with help from Enia and some volunteer teachers.  Sofi kept the house running.  I had some visits from fellow missionaries who travel back and forth to and from the states.  Mostly I stayed in the house and tried to get my health and strength back.  I had to quit taking my morning exercise walks, because just walking the 5 blocks to the grocery store would make my bp plummet.  I miss my time out on the streets in the early mornings, getting some exercise and some sun.  But I still spend my special quiet time with God, it just happens in my rocking chair in my room now. 

The Co-Op ladies have been very busy all month working on items to sell at the Ferria on the 29^th.  This is the first event like this that the Casa Albierta organization has hosted.  We are very excited to be a part of it.

I went to the immigration office to extend my tourist visa for another 3 months.  I was once again denied (because I have done it so much in the last few years).  They want me to get my residency.  I’m working in it.  But it takes lots of time, hassle and money and will not be completed for probably another year.  Until then, I have to leave Nica every 3 months.  It’s expensive to fly to the states every time, so this month I opted to join some fellow missionaries in a trek to Costa Rica via bus.  What an experience!!

The bus ticket is only $58 round trip.  Not bad.  The bus is a nice charter type bus with a/c, reclining seats, bathroom, etc.  For normal people, it’s not a bad trip.  For someone who gets carsick – not so much.  We made the trip from León to Managua in 2 hours.  Then we boarded the bus and left about 11:30am.  Before we got out of the city, we were stopped by the police and everyone was taken off the bus and frisked.  Then we got back on the bus and headed out.  The highway riding to the border was not too bad.  It took about 5 hours or so and was pretty straight.  The bus has curtains on all four sides (the driver is sectioned off in front) and it was difficult for my stomach not getting to see where we were going.  The stop at the Nica border gave us time to stand and walk around for a while.  During that time, the bus people (who had collected our passports and money on the bus) took care of processing our documents for leaving Nica.  There were people selling some souvenirs, exchanging money, selling refreshments.  Mostly we just people watched. 

As we boarded the bus, our passports were given back to us.  Then we rode a few minutes until we reached the Costa Rica border facility.  We all got off the bus again.   There was a fee for here and some kind of process to enter Costa Rica, but I actually can’t remember much about it.  All of the stops (going and coming) seem to merge in my mind.  Once we were back on, we road a kind of winding highway for about an hour till we got to Liberia.  We were dropped off on the side of the highway and walked to our hotels.  I was pretty nauseous and was so glad to be walking and not riding!

After Tamara’s family got settled in their hotel rooms, we headed out to find my little hotel.  It was about a mile of walking into the center of town.  I loved my little hotel.  It reminded me a little of a 50’s motor lodge décor.  Old wood, tile, etc.  But it was very clean.  I had a room with 2 double beds, tv, cable, a/c, wi/fi and bathroom.  There was a pool and garden area, too.  Breakfast was free (gallo pinto, eggs, salchicha, bread).   All for just $35 per night.  I was pleased and didn’t mind the walk to the stores and restaurants.  We all had dinner and Tamara’s boys walked me home and I gave them money to stop at McDonalds on the way back to their hotel for ice cream.

We had one free day in CR.  I had a leisurely breakfast, watched CNN in English on TV, and then met Tamara’s family at a store that was running a half off sale.  We shopped a little bit and then split up at lunch time.  I had a nice lunch at a little Chinese restaurant on the way back to my hotel.  Then I just rested, read, watched TV, and enjoyed the a/c.  I had dinner at the little hotel dining room that night.  I actually got steak (that I could chew) and mashed potatoes for under $10.  It was very relaxing.

I left my hotel at 9:00am for the bus stop.  Tamara’s family met me there shortly after.  Our bus didn’t end up picking us up till close to noon.  As soon as we were on the bus, I started feeling car sick and this lasted the 8 hours until we were back to Managua.  We had the usual stop at the CR border, then at the Nica border, were had to bring our luggage to be inspected.  When the officials saw our US passports, they waved us on.  That was so surprising.  We are used to being treated differently here in Central America, but it’s usually in a bad way – waiting longer, more hassle, etc.  After we got back on the bus and started pulling out of the border facility, our bus was stopped and someone with a Salvadorian passport was pulled off the bus and searched, including all of his stuff.  They even inspected very closely his iron.  It took about 30 minutes.  He was fine and said that he is used to the treatment when he travels because of being Salvadorian.  Another thing we take for granted in the US, moving about and having rights.  We should appreciate it while we still have it!

Anyway, we made it back to Managua and I was so glad to see the bus stop!  I made it that far before I got sick.  Then I felt much better and just wanted to get home.  We went to PriceSmart (like a Sam’s Club) to pick up some items and Tamara’s family had dinner at the snack bar.  I opted for crackers and water.  I was going to pick up some things for Sofi and I.  When I got to the checkout, my membership card had expired.  So I could spend the $40 to renew it, but then I wouldn’t have any money to buy the food.  So I gave up.  Tamara got a few of the things she knew I wanted and then I paid her back.  That was nice. 

We made it home about 9:00pm.  I was so happy to see Sofi and Victoria.  We immediately went to lay on my bed and talk and play and go to sleep.  It was a long trip, but so much cheaper than flying to the states.  I am thankful to have options.

During the whole month of August, I had been feeling crummy from many things.  Sickness, fatigue, the relentless heat, the physically difficult trip to CR, lack of money for the ministry, preparing for a mission’s conference, family sickness in US, etc.  One day I had a meltdown.  I cried all night and most of the next day.  Sofi was so worried about me.  It was like my mind and heart just snapped and I was just raw emotions.  I’m not proud of it, but I write about it so that you can see that life in God’s will doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing and happiness all of the time.  I really feel that God was telling me to examine every minute detail of my life with Him.   I am so very thankful for every day and every minute, no matter how difficult.  As long as I know that I am in His will and that I’m being obedient, I can trust Him to lead me and direct me and provide.  As well as doing the needed long-range planning, I am trying to focus more on each day and make it through holding His hand.  I’d rather be an emotional mess sitting in the hand of God than a strong person on my own.  He is so faithful!

August 29^th was the day of the Ferria.  There were groups there demonstrating different types of yoga for adults and kids, natural medicine therapy, massages, organic products, acrobatics, swimming, etc.  We were the only group with lots to sell, so people weren’t prepared to buy much.  We were very grateful to get to share about our free classes and to meet new friends.  At the end of the day, they held a Zumbathon.  Sofi and Kenia participated.  I admire their dedication and energy to do an hour of Zumba in the heat and humidity!  Victoria enjoyed seeing all the people.  She loves water and was mesmerized by the pool.  She wanted to get in it so bad.   

Anyway, everyone was pleased with this first event and are looking forward to putting one together at Central Park before Christmas.  We are busy making more inventory for that.  I hope the ladies get to sell a lot of their items so they can provide for their families during the holidays!

God is Good!  All the time!