December 2015

December was an interesting month.  Spending the ‘holiday’ months of November and December in another country is very different than the craziness that goes on in the states.  It’s much less commercial and rushed and stressful.  But there is a busyness and anticipation in the air that belongs to being here in Nica.

Christmas is much anticipated, not for the gifts, but for the gathering together of family and friends.  There is consumerism in the fact that, by law, workers get a bonus (the thirteenth month) of one month’s salary for the end of the year.  They usually receive this at the end of November.  The stores have tons of items for sale, the streets are more full of vendors.  There are seasonal treats available and lots of food items featured in the stores.  Even though it’s in the 90’s, the sound of Christmas music, both English and Spanish, lends to a festive mood.

Many people don’t have money to spend on gifts and there is not the gluttony of multiple gifts for everyone like in the states.  There is not the pressure to give the most perfect, biggest and best gift to someone.  Anything you give is very much appreciated, even an apple or a bookmark or a hair accessory.  We enjoyed giving baked goods on a pretty platter as our gifts.  It was fun to enjoy the low pressure atmosphere. 

Sofi and I didn’t even exchange gifts, since we were pretty much broke.  Victoria received a few items from friends and we gave her some clothes and a little plastic pink chair.  Being 11 months old, she didn’t expect a lot of toys and was very happy.  Sofi enjoyed preparing gallina rellena (stuffed hen), a stew like dish with chicken, veggies, raisins, olives, and other goodies.  It is traditional for Christmas Eve (which is when Nicas celebrate Christmas).  We ate that for a couple of days and loved each bite! 

On December 1, I feel while holding Victoria.  Since she was in my arms, I couldn’t catch myself and ended up tearing my MCL in my right knee.  I ended up on complete bedrest with an immobilizer on my leg (and crutches) for the majority of the month.  (an xray and untrasound revealed the need to see a doctor in the states when I took my trip in January).  I could still work on the computer and do a lot of the crafts from bed and from chairs.  It was inconvenient and uncomfortable, but I was so thankful not to be in constant pain.  I just wasn’t mobile.

Sofi and Victoria spent a few days with extended family in Managua the week before Christmas and then spent Christmas Eve at her maternal Grandmother’s house here in León.  I enjoyed being by myself with Jesus, which is what I usually do each Christmas, and I love it.  We had a very nice time just spending time together in a low-key manner, thankful for our family that God has brought together.

Malorie flew out to the states on the 9^th, and I rode in the car with her to the airport at 3:30am and made sure she got through immigration and all ok.  Then I hopped back in the car for the ride back to my bedrest.  We threatened to hide her passport and keep her here forever, but she really did need to get back for her twin sister’s wedding later in the month.  Victoria missed her terribly and looked for her in ‘her’ room often.  We were so blessed by Malorie’s 2 month stay with us.  She wants to come back and we are very ready to have her in our midst anytime she wants. 

Lindsay was in and out a lot during the month.  She was real busy with the community that she works in and spent a lot of time in the homes of some of the members of the church.  I think she really enjoyed her holiday time with the people she works with and ministers with.

Our classes were on vacation for a couple of weeks, so the teachers came and cleaned and reorganized the sewing classroom.  They even made curtains to cover the front of some shelves.  They did a great job and they love their new organizational system.  I try not to mess things up when I need to look for things.  Lol

Even though, by law, I’m not required to give the ‘13^th month’ bonus to our part-time workers, I give it when I can and did so this year.  (that’s why Sofi and I didn’t exchange gifts, we wanted to be able to bless the workers)  It’s such a nice time to show appreciation to each other from the heart and not only from the wallet.

I spent a lot of time getting things in order for my trip to the states in January.  It was originally scheduled for 1 week and geared to take care of some administrative stuff.  After my fall, I had to arrange to have doctor appointments and an MRI on my knee.  My friend and doctor, Bob Wilson, was wonderful in getting things arranged for me.  It can be hard to handle these kinds of things from another country.  God led in many ways through the whole process.  I’m so thankful.

Sofi and Victoria spent New Year’s Eve at her maternal grandmother’s house, visiting with her aunt from Costa Rica.  They got all dressed up and looked adorable.  Sofi felt bad about leaving me home alone, but I treasured the time to talk with God about the past year and the promises of the new year.  And then, of course, there were the fireworks that went on for hours and hours overnight.  So we slept in on New Year’s Day.  Lol

2015 was a crazy year alright.  Victoria was born in January and we had different experiences with health issues, including Sofi’s minor surgery here at the house, my 2 month bout with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, my torn-up knee, and off and on bouts of the usual colds for baby Victoria.  But all in all, it was a wonderful year and we felt God’s hand in every moment.  We are very blessed to get to live here and serve God in this ministry.  He is Sovereign and Faithful and Good.

November 2015

November was filled with the usual stuff like classes, visitors, grocery shopping, market shopping, raising the baby, etc.   Our days are filled with just surviving life here.  It is amazing how quickly the heat zaps your energy and you don’t seem to get as much done in one day as you would in a climate controlled environment.  But we work hard and move forward in God’s work for us.

Marco, the doctor who has become a good friend (and makes housecalls!), opened a clinic in his neighborhood.  We made and installed curtains for the small little building.  There were no curtain rods (hard to find here), so we used a few skinny branches from a tree outside.  We prayed over the clinic and the work to be done there.  I wish we could help out more than we do, but our finances are stretched thin and we will do what God allows.  One way we have been a little bit of help is to write a letter to the American Nicaraguan Foundation to request assistance in meds and equipment for the Clinic.  Prayers are requested for future blessings from this organization.

We had a visit from Jill and Robin, from Empower Nicaragua.  I always love meeting with them when they come down.  They carried down my Christmas present to myself, a new Kindle Fire.  I was so excited to receive it!  Sofi will inherit my other one to use for herself and for videos for Victoria.  It’s always exciting to get new things!  And I use my Fire daily for ministry, research, and pleasure.  Very thankful for this gift!

I babysat Victoria while Sofi joined Malorie and Lindsay in adventures around town.  They took her with them a lot, too.  Victoria absolutely loves Malorie!  She’s like the baby whisperer!  When Zoe, Enia’s daughter, comes for class day, she spends every moment with Malorie.  We sure will miss her when she returns to the states!

During a storm one evening, Yamilet’s house was hit by lightning.  She called frantic.  It turns out that the electrical box took the hit and knocked out the power.  She had to replace wiring, but that was the only damage to the house.  My friend Tamara, and her ministry, helped with the cost of the wiring and materials.  We’re thankful for good friends, especially those with resources! 

One day, Sofi, Malorie and I went to visit our friend Bethany and meet her friend Cathy from Managua.  Cathy works with pregnant women and young moms.  We had a very quick meeting, due to one of Bethany’s youth girls going into labor.  It was a great connection for us to meet Cathy and we will be reaching out to her to help us with information sharing in the ministry to teen/young moms this coming year.

Another missionary friend, Jeff, was here from IL working with his ministry, Shining the Light.  They hold sewing classes when the teachers can come from the states.  Jeff invited Malorie and I over to visit one of the day-long classes.  It was great to get to meet Kathy and Trinka in person.  Their ministry has helped us out a lot.  We are thankful to be doing Kingdom work together in Nica.

Veronica’s husband had a stroke and was in the hospital for about a week.  Lots of prayers went up for him, and for her, too, as she cared for him.  Hospitals are no place you want to be here in Nica.  Prayer results are very evident here!

Every year, I buy a new daily journal for ministry and personal records.  I usually get them at the Lifeway Christian Store in the fall.  I had forgotten to get one while in the states in October.  My friend Kellie went to the store and took pics of the available choices.  I picked one out and she kept it for me until I could get it from her.  What a blessing!!!

We hosted a Thanksgiving dinner here at the house.  Just us, my friend Tamara and some Nica friends.  I think there were about 9 of us counting the babies.  We each made a sidedish and Tamara prepared a turkey breast in the crockpot.  I chipped in on the cost of the turkey.  Very expensive here in Nica, but we wanted it.  We all ate a lot, took a nap, then ate some more!  It was a nice day.  Tamara was very emotional because Thanksgiving is the one big holiday for her family to all be together.  Her husband and sons were in the states with the rest of the family.  Tamara couldn’t go due to ministry responsibilities and care for their young Nica daughters.  I hope that this is the only year that she has to miss out on her family gathering.  Sofi and Victoria and I took a family picture.  It turned out pretty nice.  It’s hard to get V to smile for the camera.  Little stinker.

Anibel, one of our teachers, came to pick up the very, very heavy, industrial overlock sewing machine that we had received.  He is going to overhaul it and use it from his house.  I’m thankful that he can get good use from it and I’m also glad to regain the space it was taking up in the sewing classroom! 

November was busy, challenging, happy, sad, just about every emotion you can think of.  I was thankful to be here in Nica another year.  I am oh, so thankful for my Nica family.  I am blessed beyond words by my Heavenly Father.  Thank You Lord.

October 2015

The first days of October were busy with classes and getting ready for me to go to Rogers AR for a missions conference at my home church.  I decided about 1 ½ weeks out from leaving to make some thank you items for my donors.  I spent hours and hours embroidering flowers.  Then 3 of the other teachers helped with different tasks to make the pieces into refrigerator magnets.  It was fun to work together and be able to say that we all had a part in them.  One memorable thing was during class, when we realized that we needed more magnets.  I had to run all over town (well, I walked fast anyway) to find more magnets.  I stopped in 10 different places and finally found some in 2 of the stores.  I bought all I could find.  Exciting times!  Lol

I treated Sofi and Victoria to breakfast at Desayunazo, which serves great pancakes and waffles, as well as other breakfast items from the states and Nica.  We pigged out. 

I flew out to AR on Saturday, Oct 3.  I had a long layover in ATL (7.5 hours), so I bought a day pass to the Delta SkyLounge.  It was so worth the $50.  I got to sit in some comfy seating, eat 2 meals plus snacks, enjoy a fancy bathroom, use free wi-fi…  If I ever have a long layover again, I’ll remember this!  I got a lot of work done on the computer, preparing for the conference.  It was great!

The GIC (Global Impact Conference) Missions Conference at FBC Rogers (my home church) was very nice.  It was great to catch up with lots of people that I only see once or twice a year.  I also loved getting to see old friends/fellow missionaries and meet some new ones.  I got to speak to various small groups during the week and attend different banquets and hear other missionaries speak.  We received some cash donations and some material things for the ministry.  Many people said they are praying for us and want to start supporting us, too.  What a blessing!  Our display featured a lot of the items that the ladies have made in class.  I was blessed with a loaner car of a 2016 Buick Enclave SUV.  How awesome!  It was wonderful to have all my stuff in the car all week and not have to pack and repack each day, depending on who I was going to see.  Many blessings and lots of love was shared.

While in Rogers, I had an appointment with my doctor to make sure everything is in working order after having the Dengue in July/August.  I also met with my accountant and got my taxes sent off.  The bank account for the ministry was set up and is ready for when the 501c3 is filed with the IRS.  I stocked up on clothing for Victoria at a thrift shop and got lots of goodies from Hobby Lobby and Walmart for the Skills classes.  Of course, there were lots of great meals with friends.  And some very exciting meetings with some people that God is leading to work with us.  I truly felt blessed throughout the week.

Malorie Maxey, a young lady from my church, flew back to Nica with me to work with us for 2 months.  We had a pretty good flight and enjoyed getting caught up with each other.  I found out some more talents/gifts/skills that God has been preparing her to share here in Nica.  He is so awesome and faithful!

It was great to get to see Sofi and the baby again!  I had missed them both so much!!!  It was fun to get share the goodies with Veronica and Enia for the Skills classes, too.  I always love my homecomings back to Nica.

When Sofi started having trouble with a cyst on her tailbone again (she has seen the gov’t doctors many times for this), we called Marcos again.  He was gracious to help us out.  He even did a procedure to lance it, cut away bad tissue and clean it.  To save us money, he came to our house and did the procedure in my bedroom.  I was his assistant.  I don’t mind telling you that I hope to never have to be a part of a surgical procedure again!  Yuk!  But, it was for my daughter, so I gritted my teeth and said lots of prayers while holding her hands and helping him.  I will spare you the gory details, but I was shaking by the time we said goodbye to Marcos.  He came over everyday for a week and taught/supervised me cleaning the incision.  We served him cake one day.  He has given us hugs and spent time just sitting and talking.  He is a believer and said that the prayers that were said over Sofi has helped to heal her incision faster than he thought possible.  We are so glad that God brought him into our lives.  I feel so much better now that we have a great doctor to call on.

The rest of the month was business as usual and unusual.  We celebrated some birthdays, took care of Sofi’s physical needs, kept up with Victoria’s demands as she turned 9 months old.  Sofi got her long awaited eyeglasses and we got her registered for school that starts the end of January.  It was great news to get that finalized. 

Malorie has been sitting in on Skills classes, helping teach children with a friend’s ministry, learning to cook cinnamon rolls and lots of other things.  Her Spanish skills (which she has kept hidden due to shyness) have been getting a workout.  She is loving translating some of our Bible Study curriculum into Spanish for me.  I’m so glad that she loves doing it, because I have a lot of it for her to do!

Lindsay is a young lady, who works with another ministry and is staying with us for a while.  She has been a great companion for Malorie and for Sofi.  She is trying to find how she fits in with her ministry and on the mission field.  It can be quite overwhelming.  Keep praying for all of us as we adjust to multiple people coming together under one roof.

The year is going by so fast.  Sometimes I get dizzy thinking about it.  God has a big, wonderful plan for all of us to do Kingdom work.  It’s exciting to see those plans unfold.  I’m so grateful and humbled for all He allows me to experience.  What an honor.

September 2015

I continued to regain my strength from having Dengue.  It will take a while to get completely over it, and I may have residual effects for a long time, but it was great to see progress every day. 

Classes chugged along as usual.  It’s so much fun to see the different women coming through the mission house each week.  Some can’t come every week, so it’s especially nice to catch up with them.

I spent a lot of time in September doing things to prepare for being in Rogers AR in October for the missions conference at my home church.  Admin stuff is not may most favorite thing to do on the mission field, so each accomplishment meant a lot to me.  Being on a limited budget, special planning has to go into printing costs and other parts of preparing for conferences.  God provided through some wonderful people. 

Sofi was a little sick during the month, as was Victoria.  Veronica hooked us up with a wonderful peds doctor, who makes house calls.  He is great and is now more of a friend than just a doctor.  He had ordered some blood and urine tests on Victoria, just to rule out some stuff, and to see where she is at healthwise, since it was his first time to see her.  He came by the next day to read the results and explain everything to us.  He listened to V’s lungs and said that the headcold/flu had not reached them.  She had spiked a high fever the week before, which had Sofi and I up every 4 hours giving her Tylenol and keeping cold rags on her head.  Her fever broke at 4am and by the time the dr first saw her, she was feeling much better.  We were glad for the thorough exam he made on her, even though she was better already.  He also talked to Sofi about nutrition and suggested the formula that his baby is on.  He gave Sofi an injection ordered by another dr (she was scared to let me do it).  He also talked to her at length about her health.  He came by the third day just to listen to V’s lungs again. 

Victoria is growing so fast.  We hate to see her change, but it is so exciting to see the next stage in her growth.  I just love that little munchkin so much.  I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in her life.  I know that He has great plans for her.  I am humbled and blessed to be a part of raising her.  And it is a blessing to be a part of the team that God has made out of Sofi and I.  It’s all for His glory!

Finances are a big part of ministry and one part that I least like having to deal with.  I wish I could have everything lined out, in order and no worries.  But that is not reality.  I do love sharing about the ministry and getting people involved, and with that, comes financial support.  But asking for money and being concerned with the bookkeeping is not much fun.  Living on support has definite challenges associated with it.  One is that I have no control over how much money comes in each month.  It all depends on how God is leading people and if they are responding to His prompting.  I also do not have control over when the money gets put into my account.  It has been difficult in the past to get the previous month’s donations deposited into my account so that I could pay our bills on time.  When I was so sick, I just didn’t have it in me to make those weekly pursuits asking when the deposits would be made.  That ended up with my health insurance lapsing due to the funds not being in the account in a timely manner before the auto-draft was made by the insurance company.  It took phone calls to the church and the insurance company to finally get that all rectified.  It also caused some other problems.  But I think it got the attention of the appropriate people to get the deposits made in a more timely manner. 

Living on support from partners/donors is a very humbling experience.  It makes me trust God on a very personal level.  It’s not just my living circumstances that are affected by the income, but also the teachers and part-time employees of the ministry.  The classes themselves depend on the income being received in a timely manner.  When we are broke, it’s not fun, but it’s another way of living the message of trusting in God to provide.  When we have had to sell clothing and other items to buy food for the week, it was noticed by the people we minister to, and they, in turn, could see our faith at work.  We could still praise God for everything, even the tough times, and that spoke volumes to the people watching us.  As hard as times can be, we are grateful for the opportunities to share Jesus in very real ways.

The end of September was spent finishing up things for the conference, making appointments with doctors, accountants, etc., for my time in AR, and making lots of stuff to bring to the US for sale.  Kervin was working hard on finishing the website, which we have been working on for a year.  Enia made a laptop bag for me to use in AR.  It is beautiful and shows her great workmanship so that I can take orders for her.  Also, 4 of us worked hard on some embroidered magnets to give to our supporters as thank you gifts.  Each of us had a small part in putting them together.  It was fun to do it this way.

God continues to reveal Himself in big and small ways to us each and every day.  He is faithful to guide and carry us through this walk with Him.  We are so thankful that He never gives up on us.  What a privilege to serve Him.

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!

July 2015

This month started out with an exciting opportunity for our Co-op.  There is a business here in León called Casa Albierta (Open House).  It is a little like a hostal, café, natural juice bar, swimming pool, organic garden, swap store, yoga class venue, and much more.  Through a friend, we were introduced to the owner, who is French (I believe) and we went to a meeting to discuss a ferria (fair) they were planning with some other organizations here in town. 

Veronica and I went to the meeting and only one other person was Nica, I was the only North American, everyone else seemed to be from either France, German or thereabouts.  Everyone spoke Spanish, albeit with some interesting accents!  The plans for the fair were coming along nicely.  There would be scheduled yoga classes to try, swimming classes to try, organic produce and herbs and honey to purchase, exhibitions (like circus acts that are taught by a guy who works with youth), etc.  Our ministry/Co-op will be given an area to sell our wares and to teach some simple techniques for handcrafts.  How fun!!!  The ferria will be the last Saturday in August.  The plans are for doing some good advertising at hostels, cafes, stores, etc., to get the word out about coming to experience all of these things.  Our ladies are hard at work making items to sell.  Whatever we have left will be a good inventory for our other sale venues.  We’ll see how well things go with this ferria.  The culture here is not as organized as other places and with all of the different cultural influences on the team, it will be fun to see it all come together.  Here’s hoping!

We cook by propane here.  Our tank usually lasts a few months, so we never really know when to expect it to go out.  Of course, it’s always in the middle of using it.  Then you just call the phone number on the tank and within about 15 minutes a guy shows up on a motorcycle (with a custom built box to haul the tank) and you are in business again.  It’s kind of funny sometimes, depending on what you are cooking at the time that the gas runs out.

I seem to always have multiple projects going on at the same time.  Usually, it’s not a problem.  But depending on scheduling, internet access, electricity service, and various other crazy things, it can get quite frustrating when trying to accomplish something.  My friend Kervin, who lives and works in California, is helping me with the ministry website.  It seems to be taking forever.  We have a timezone difference, as well as busy lives.  I’m not tech savvy at all and he tries to be very patient with me.  It has been months and we have still just a few more things to do to launch the site.  I’m ready to get it done and stop obsessing over it.  Lol

My friend Luis has offered to help tutor me with Spanish grammar.  Our schedules seem to be at odds every week, also.  There is always something coming up for each of us.  Of course, I’m not all that sad to miss grammar lessons….

Three teenagers from Rogers AR came for 3 weeks in July.  They spent about half of their time with us and the other half with the father of the 2 sisters.  It worked out well.  They were troopers about participating in the sewing and handcrafts classes, even though that is not their talent.  They also got the blessing (?) of cleaning all of our white plastic tables and chairs with bleach.  I’m sure that was not their favorite thing, but they worked all day long on it and I’m so thankful. They did put together a little drama and work on items needed for the children’s event that we did for a small church.  It was a lot of fun.  We got drenched in a thunderstorm at the end of the event.  We took taxis to the Chinese restaurant and got our bellies full of warm, yummy food before returning home to get dry and cozy for the night.

Some friends from the states donated some money to purchase a few sewing machines for eligible participants to receive the machine, use it in their home to make items to sell and then repay the loan (interest-free) on the machine.  The money will then be used to purchase a machine for another eligible person.  Anival, our instructor for making school uniforms, doesn’t have a machine at home.  He was the recipient of the first machine for this project.  He was smiling sooooo big when we went to the store and picked out his machine.  He kept saying thank you to me and thank you to God.  He is making and selling items from home to help support his family (in addition to his fulltime job).  He is paying off the machine by his hours of teaching twice a month.  It’s been a great opportunity for all of us.  I’m so happy to be a part of this.

Some old friends came by for visits one week:  Brian and Marcela, Alberto and Hubert, Hamilton, etc.  I love those drop in visits.

Since mosquitoes are so bad here and there are 4 major diseases from mosquitoes, the government sends fumigators around to do all the houses and businesses.  What this entails is a combination of diesel fuel and insecticide mixed and burned in what looks like a leaf blower or flame thrower.  It is nasty!  The smoke is horrendous and you can smell it for blocks.  I opt to not have it done here in the mission house.  We just use regular bug spray, which is bad enough, but at least it doesn’t leave the black residue of the diesel fuel. 

This month, when they came around we told them no.  That did not make them happy.  Even though the house was full of women for the classes, they stuck the nozzle towards the door and blew the smoke at the ladies.  Then they stuck the nozzle in the drainpipe at the street (this is where the rain drains from the house to outside) and blew smoke in.  There were 2 babies in the house at the time.  I was livid!  I chased the guy down the street yelling at him.  Sofi made me come back into the house.  The neighbors (who were all outside waiting for their houses to clear from the smoke) all thought I was crazy.  But I will not allow anyone to hurt the people in my house, especially baby Victoria!

Of course, I ended up getting one of the mosquito-born viruses.  I think it was retribution from the guys with the smokers.  But I really believe that I got the bites from being out in the brush where we held the kids event.  No one else at my house has gotten the virus.  Anyway, I think the smoker guys are a little wary of me now.

The rest of July was filled with me being very, very sick with the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever virus from the mosquitoes.  Sofi and Veronica literally kept me alive and out of the nasty hospitals here.  The sickness went on for weeks and I have never been so sick.  One trip to a clinic that a fellow missionary uses, ended up with blood tests, an IV and meds for pain.  I had to quit taking my meds for high blood pressure because the virus was making my bp tank so drastically.  It was very scary for a while. 

Our used fridge went out for the 3^rd time in the last year, so my home church was very generous and provided us with a new one.  We are so thankful.  In the states we tend to take so many things for granted.  Here, we carry our thanks on every time we remember the blessing.  I like living in a condition of being more thankful.  And every time we open the fridge door, we are very thankful.  What a blessing!

I want to praise God that He is in control of all things.  He put me in the good hands of Sofi and Veronica during my illness.  He kept the ministry running smoothly with the teachers in charge.  I was able to hold a few meetings from my bed, but here that’s not as awkward as it sounds.  God is good, all the time.  Through every circumstance.  He is worthy to be praised and worshiped and honored!

June 2015

The ladies of the Creative Cooperative started having meetings.  Officers have been elected and work has begun on making items to sell in our first event at the end of August.  We are all very excited to see how this will go as a larger group.

Even though rainy season started in May, we have only had a couple days of rain so far.  Very unusual.  We need the rain so much.

We celebrated a few Saturdays by buying delicious nacatamales from Zenelia’s family.  They are sooooo scrumptious!  But so fattening!  This will have to be a special occasion thing from now on.

Sofi and I worked some on receipts for the ministry.  This is one of the least favorite jobs, but one of the most necessary ones.  We are hoping to get our system figured out so that we can keep up with this weekly.  We’ll see…

We had some meetings with potential new students.  It’s always exciting to meet new people and talk to current friends.  We have a husband and wife team who want to learn everything and start a little store of their own.  And how wonderful that they are good friends and we will get to spend time together every week!

Sofi saved up some of the money from her sales and we got the process completed for she and Victoria to receive their passports.  I wanted them to have possession of them for the future.  The process is much less complicated here in Nica and cheaper, too!  Now they can travel with me to Costa Rica for a visa run, and hopefully, travel to the states with me one day.  At any rate, they will have them in hand for their future.

While walking through the central market, I was carrying Victoria’s diaper bag on my shoulder.  Someone thought he would score stealing from a Gringo and unzipped the bag while I was walking and took the wallet out.  Unfortunately for him, it was Sofi’s wallet and didn’t have any money in it.  But it was sad for us that she had to go through the hassle of getting her cedula (like a ss card) renewed and she lost her receipts for school.  I was so mad at that guy.  I couldn’t go after him because Sofi and the baby were around the corner and I needed to find them.  Oh well.  I doubt he ever robs me again. 

Our Co-op of craftspeople has had many opportunities pop up at random times to make a little money.  We are awaiting the details to make the commissioned 40 school uniforms and 40 backpacks later this year.  Enia has had the chance to do some personal sewing for a friend of mine.  We can take on just about any job and someone from our group will be capable of accomplishing the task.  It’s fun for me to be able to assign paying jobs to the ladies!

Veronica and I spent some of the ministry money to buy supplies in bulk for the co-op.  We got lots of ribbon by the roll, zipper by the yard, yarn by the dozen, thread by the box, etc.  This way the ladies of the co-op can buy what they need from our stash and only have to pay the discounted price that we negotiated from the store.  It is cheaper for the ladies.  Once the money is paid back to the ministry, the co-op will purchase the future items with the percentage of sales that they are saving from each sale.  At some point in the future, the co-op will not be dependent on the ministry at all.  Yay!  A stand-alone Nica enterprise!

I love my early morning walks.  It’s hard sometimes to get everything done in the mornings before the classes start at 9am.  There are days when my stress-releiving walks cause more stress by trying to get back and get showered and dressed in time.  But I love being out when it’s not quite so hot and getting some exercise.  I also love getting to run into people on the street.  There is never enough time to visit with friends.

Sofi has been working hard on studying for her exams.  It’s really been difficult.  These review classes are intense, since they cover 2 years of high school at once.  And since she has not had the classes to begin with, the review doesn’t always help.  But she is determined to finish school (not at all expected here, especially since she has a baby) and keeps on moving forward.

Our friend Jasmina spent the week with us while working as a translator for a ministry here in León.  It’s always nice to see her.

We purchased a few more voltage regulators (surge protectors and backup for for when the voltage drops) for the house.  I got one especially for the computer and our cell phones and kindles.  Electronics don’t last long here and you can actually tell when the voltage is dipping by listening/watching the fans.  But I am very thankful for technology and want to protect it!

With the lack of rain for the most of 7 months, it’s been very dusty.  Sometimes, when they are plowing up the fields outside of town, the dust blows into town and we get it in our houses (since they are open).  At times the sky is brown/black with the dust and you can barely see down the street.  It’s horrible in the houses.  And people end up with sinus infections like crazy.  I’m very thankful that my doctor sends with me a Zpak to have on hand.  I usually only have to use it once a year, but it’s great to have it when I need it, like this month!

Sofi and Victoria have been able to visit her grandmother (mother’s mother) once or twice a month.  I’m thankful that they can reconnect.  Her family is very appreciative that I take care of Sofi and V.  They come by here to visit sometimes, too.

Since the floors are so dirty all of the time, we don’t put the babies down much, so they don’t learn to crawl like in the states.  We got a cheap, inflatable kiddie pool and blew it up and filled it with covers to make it soft on the bottom.  We put it on the big table in the dining/classroom and V gets to roll around and have fun while we are working at the table.  She has learned to roll over, sit up by herself and start crawling in that pool.  When she’s too big to hang out like that, it will be used as a regular pool for her to splash around in (outside).  And boy, does she love water!!!

Our friend Jalisa was back in Nica for a brief visit.  She came by to see Sofi and Victoria.  Sofi was at school, but V was happy to play.

We moved some stuff around in the different rooms to make things more efficient.  We need to make more classroom space.  Some times we have a small class and other times we are filling the 3 front rooms.  It’s fun to see women sitting in a circle of 8 rocking chairs crocheting and chatting.  I just love it!  We are thankful for our ladies and the fellowship we have together.

We are working on scheduling for more Bible Studies.  Finding a time that people can come consistently is very difficult here.  The studies need to be applicable to the attendance issues.  But there are so many nuggets of wonderful truth in God’s Word that each and every minute is valuable for sharing.

Life is hard here, compared to the US and a lot of the world.  It can wear you down fast.  But God is good and He is faithful and He is my strength and my Guide.  I love Him and want only to serve Him as best I can.  He is so worthy.  And I am blessed.