Friday, Oct 14, 2011
Woke up refreshed as usual. Love waking up in my room. I had a list of chores for today, since I was going to stay home all day. Then the Hulsey’s came and said that our trip to Managua that was scheduled for Saturday would be today. Ok. I’m flexible!!
Manuel and I had our 5 minute meeting that we have each time he comes over. This gives him some attention before I get busy with Mom and Dad. I hope it helps to keep him from feeling that he is being put off till later when we are busy. Sometimes he likes to pretend that we are husband and wife and he is usually on his way to the airport to go to an important meeting. I drive us there. Sometimes our vehicle breaks down, sometimes the luggage is too heavy. You never know what the situation may be. Sometimes we have an actual meeting and he gives me dictation, which I write in his notebook. I print it legibly so that he can read it back. And other times, we pretend that we are having Fiestas. He directs everyone where they need to go. (we split up the boys, girls and adults at the Fiestas and have team members share the Gospel with them) This morning he sent the boys to me and then the girls, too, and then added the adults for me to talk to. I asked him whom HE was going to talk with and he said ‘German’. LOL His daddy is always talking with German about important matters and Manuel is following suit.
Once Sherry and Mike were done talking with the staff (Alberto, Saturnino, Araceleys) using Leslie as their translator, we got ready to head to Managua. We dropped Leslie off at home and then proceeded to German’s inlaw’s home to pick up his family. After a quick stop at On The Run convenience store for a quick bite to take with us (I got my favorite Monterrey sandwich-grilled chicken chopped up with cooked onions and a touch of cheese on a hoagie roll), we were on our way.
We were driving ChinChin today and were all cozy. Manuel and Mariangel have fun together even though they both are very limited in each other’s language. But they are learning and teach each other. Ishmael is a busy 2 year old, even in the van. At one point, Manuel was sharing his iPod with Ismael and each had one ear bud. I took a picture of them. They were so cute.
We finally arrived at PriceSmart (like a Sam’s Club) in Managua after about 1.5 hours. We were ready to get out of the van! It’s fun to look around and see what all you can get there. The prices are a lot higher than the states, sometimes 3-4 times higher, but after living here, you appreciate the chance to just go and look around.
I got some soup, veggie chips, apples, spaghetti sauce and some copy paper for the printer. My favorite purchase was a body pillow. I have my twin bed against the wall long-ways and I was thinking of making a long pillow to put along the back so that it would be like a day bed. This body pillow was only about $20 US, so I figured that is a good bargain.
Joanna and Sherry were teasing me about hugging the pillow at night since I don’t have a man. (Sherry thinks I need a husband) We were discussing the pros and cons of the pillow vs a man. It was getting funny. Then when we checked out, the guy at the door said the pillow was not on our receipt. So we had to have someone figure out what the problem was. Sherry and Joanna said I pick pillows like I picked men in my past – always trouble. Ha We finally got the pillow paid for and I enjoyed it’s comfort on the way home.
We stopped by a couple of used car lots in Managua to look at vans. We found some we like, but there is always many things to consider. Mostly, how to pay for them. ☺ Manuel had decided that he wants to marry Mariangel and thought he would like to have her pick out a car to buy for her. They were so cute when they were picking out their cars. Manuel decided to get 3 cars, even though it’s just for the 2 of them. When I asked him why 3, he said ‘why not? I have plenty of money.’ Oh, if that were only true in the real world! Ha
We made our way back home by about 6pm. It was raining again and it was nice to get inside and get dry and cozy. On the drive to Managua, Ishmael was riding in Mike’s lap (no carseats here) and Mike fell asleep. Ishmael, who is usually very busy, was resting his head on Mike’s chest and just chilling out. He was so sweet. I got a picture of them. It’s kind of a tradition to take pictures of people when they fall asleep in the vans. I now have a collection of 3 of Mike. They may come in handy for blackmail someday, but I’m afraid they are getting more common everyday.
On the way home, Manuel was telling his testimony and I was translating it into Spanish for him. Joanna was helping me conjugate my verbs into past tense. It was a good exercise for both Manuel and myself.
The electricity was out when we got to the Mission House, so I grabbed my flashlight and carried in my purchases and put them away. I was only home about 5 minutes when the lights came back on. Then they went out again about 20 minutes later. I’m not sure how long they were off that time, because I was looking at facebook and emails on my phone. (love technology!) I went to bed about midnight and slept well listening to the rain.
I’ll try to do my chores on Saturday, if life permits. No worries. There’s always tomorrow for those kinds of things. People and sharing the love of God are the things that shouldn’t be put off. Another blessed day.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 NICARAGUA
It’s been a good day. It was overcast and sprinkly this morning, but not a downpour of rain. I didn’t walk since it wasn’t clear enough, so I fixed some oatmeal and then sat on the veranda in my rocker doing my Bible study.
The Husley’s got here before 10am and Manuel and I had our 5 minute meeting/play time together. Then I got my shower and we all went to run errands and have lunch. We had some items to take back to the old Team House in Poneloya. They accidentally got moved here when the people relocated us. So we loaded up the van and headed for the old place. The drive seemed so long now that we don’t have to do it all the time. I’m so thankful to live in town!
While in the Poneloya and Las Peñitas area, we stopped at Suyapa restaurant to have lunch. It was yummy as always. We saw Wilbur and his young protégé standing outside the open dining area ready to sell necklaces to the tourists. Of course, there weren’t many, and there were only about 6 tables set up in the entire dining room. It’s not exactly tourist season and we certainly didn’t want to buy anything. Wilbur waved a sad hello. His poor business is probably at an all time low. The wind was very strong and the beach has eroded so much. It is sad to see it that way. I’m glad we don’t live at the beach house any longer.
After lunch, we headed to La Unión for some groceries. Sherry had picked up a flat package that holds 2 dozen eggs. She had accidentally broken one egg on the edge of the package. I told her I would go back and exchange it for another package. While I was bending over carefully getting a new package, my backpack slipped and made me drop the whole package upside down on the floor. Oh man!!! And we were worried about ONE broken egg! I was excited to see that the store had added another flavor of soup, cream of mushroom, so I got a couple of cans to add to my menu. I got a small can of mushrooms, which in the states costs about 50 cents, and here costs over a dollar, but I like to have a lot of mushrooms in my soup. I also got a lot of potatoes to keep baking in the microwave. Love that microwave!
The Hulsey’s dropped me off at the Mission House about 2pm. I got ready for class and decided to try walking, even though it looked like rain any minute. It did sprinkle on me a few times, but not much. I went ahead and walked the whole way instead of getting a taxi. I enjoyed the exercise. On the way, I was greeted by one of the ladies from the Sewer Pond community that we minister to. I never can remember her name, even though she always remembers me and Mary. She gave me a big hug and asked when we were coming to her neighborhood. I told her that Mary would be here in a few weeks and that I didn’t know exactly when we were coming to her place, but it would be in the next few months. It was so fun to see her!
Class today was GREAT! Jonathan and Salvador were there again and Mario joined us. They are taking an accelerated version of the class and are doing wonderful learning English. I was to bring a topic to discuss with them and I chose to do Holidays. We went month by month and talked about holidays and customs in the US and also for Nicaragua. We have many of the same holiday themes, even though they may be in a different month. It was very informative. We all took notes on what the other was telling. Juan, the teacher, had to step out of the room to meet with someone and when he came back we were all the way to November. He couldn’t believe how much material we covered. I talked about the major holidays, but skipped some of the less cultural ones. But I did share with them how I had tried to explain Groundhog Day to some friends from Mexico and that I realized how silly that holiday sounds. We had lots of laughs together.
The class lasts for 2 hours (usually more) and we even got on the topic of Federal and State Laws, jails and prisons, capital punishment, etc. I told you these guys were accelerated in English! They were asking if people in the US get arrested for copying DVDs like it says on the warning of movies. I also told them about the ‘Do Not Remove This Tag Under Penalty of Law’ tags on mattresses. They thought that was very weird. They also thought that Juvenile Detention Centers were surprising. We also talked about the meaning of the American flag, the use of nicknames, the differences in marriage ceremonies, why homosexuals are called ‘happy’ (gay), the fact that here you make a distinction between poultry that is from a male or female, that if you get the chicken (or turkey) drunk before killing it the meat will be more tender, etc. When talking about eating foods for good luck on New Years Day, they didn’t know that Black-eyed Peas are a food, they thought it was just a band. I really enjoy this class. They always thank me profusely for coming and sharing with them. As much as I want to practice speaking Spanish with them, I know how much they appreciate speaking in English, so I’m glad to do that with them. We are mutually blessed.
I grabbed a taxi home and Alberto meets me at the door to escort me inside. I give him a call when we turn on our street. I don’t think the taxi driver appreciated that our street is so full of deep potholes and not well lit, but he got paid well, so it’s all good.
Saturnino and Alberto got a lot of work done around the Mission House today. They should be starting on my shelves by Saturday or next week. That will be awesome. I may do some sewing on Saturday unless we go to Managua for the day. Either way is fine with me.
I called and spoke with Deanna last night. I’m trying to stay in touch with people back in the states more. It’s easier now that I’m ‘living’ here and more settled than just living out of my suitcase. I think it’s all in my head, but I do feel very at peace and acclimated to being here.
I saw a neat link on someone’s facebook status today. It was for a project where they take plastic bottles, fill them with filtered water, cut holes in the tin roofs of small dark homes (mostly in 3rd world countries) and seal the bottles into the roofs. These become ‘light bulbs’ that let the sun in and brighten the rooms. I showed the link to Mike and we think that it is a great idea for the neighborhoods we minister to. Some of them are one room homes with tin roofs and either plastic or cardboard walls outside. Having these ‘light bulbs’ in the roof would make the dark places so much brighter! And there is an abundance of plastic bottles here. It’s a project that a team could take on to do for a neighborhood. I usually don’t click on links on facebook, but this was a God thing, for sure. I’m excited.
I usually see many things during the day that I want to write about, but when I sit down at night, I don’t remember half of them. There are so many unique sights and thoughts. Being in a different culture than the US really helps one to see how big and diverse God’s world is. I’m glad that I get to ‘expand my horizons’.
I get to see Juan & Ana every week for classes at the English Academy, Leslie every week for translating the women’s Bible studies, and Oscar is going to work with us sometimes to do some videoing and translating for us. Usually we don’t see the translators much unless we have teams here.
Joe and Marcela want to have me over to their house for dinner one evening. That will be fun. Jaasiel and I will go shopping one of these days. Jeremy and Kelly have a little store that I would love to visit. Chico wants me to visit their family. And I haven’t even gotten to talk with everyone yet. I hope to see Hixel and Iris soon. I did get to see Francisco for a few minutes the other night, but he is working 6 days a week on another project for us. I’ve talked to Rydder on the phone once. Some of these guys will come to our weekly Bible studies, so I’ll get to see them more regularly. I can’t wait to spend time with them. I’ve asked Joanna (German’s wife) to teach me to cook some Nicaraguan meals. That will be fun! So much life to live! And I love it all!
I hope Mary enjoys being here when it’s quiet, too. I think that the sewing machine will make her happy and give her things to do. Only another 5 weeks or so and our next team comes down. That will be fun!
Until then, I’ll try to take advantage of all the experiences that God allows. I’m so blessed to be here and so thankful.
The Husley’s got here before 10am and Manuel and I had our 5 minute meeting/play time together. Then I got my shower and we all went to run errands and have lunch. We had some items to take back to the old Team House in Poneloya. They accidentally got moved here when the people relocated us. So we loaded up the van and headed for the old place. The drive seemed so long now that we don’t have to do it all the time. I’m so thankful to live in town!
While in the Poneloya and Las Peñitas area, we stopped at Suyapa restaurant to have lunch. It was yummy as always. We saw Wilbur and his young protégé standing outside the open dining area ready to sell necklaces to the tourists. Of course, there weren’t many, and there were only about 6 tables set up in the entire dining room. It’s not exactly tourist season and we certainly didn’t want to buy anything. Wilbur waved a sad hello. His poor business is probably at an all time low. The wind was very strong and the beach has eroded so much. It is sad to see it that way. I’m glad we don’t live at the beach house any longer.
After lunch, we headed to La Unión for some groceries. Sherry had picked up a flat package that holds 2 dozen eggs. She had accidentally broken one egg on the edge of the package. I told her I would go back and exchange it for another package. While I was bending over carefully getting a new package, my backpack slipped and made me drop the whole package upside down on the floor. Oh man!!! And we were worried about ONE broken egg! I was excited to see that the store had added another flavor of soup, cream of mushroom, so I got a couple of cans to add to my menu. I got a small can of mushrooms, which in the states costs about 50 cents, and here costs over a dollar, but I like to have a lot of mushrooms in my soup. I also got a lot of potatoes to keep baking in the microwave. Love that microwave!
The Hulsey’s dropped me off at the Mission House about 2pm. I got ready for class and decided to try walking, even though it looked like rain any minute. It did sprinkle on me a few times, but not much. I went ahead and walked the whole way instead of getting a taxi. I enjoyed the exercise. On the way, I was greeted by one of the ladies from the Sewer Pond community that we minister to. I never can remember her name, even though she always remembers me and Mary. She gave me a big hug and asked when we were coming to her neighborhood. I told her that Mary would be here in a few weeks and that I didn’t know exactly when we were coming to her place, but it would be in the next few months. It was so fun to see her!
Class today was GREAT! Jonathan and Salvador were there again and Mario joined us. They are taking an accelerated version of the class and are doing wonderful learning English. I was to bring a topic to discuss with them and I chose to do Holidays. We went month by month and talked about holidays and customs in the US and also for Nicaragua. We have many of the same holiday themes, even though they may be in a different month. It was very informative. We all took notes on what the other was telling. Juan, the teacher, had to step out of the room to meet with someone and when he came back we were all the way to November. He couldn’t believe how much material we covered. I talked about the major holidays, but skipped some of the less cultural ones. But I did share with them how I had tried to explain Groundhog Day to some friends from Mexico and that I realized how silly that holiday sounds. We had lots of laughs together.
The class lasts for 2 hours (usually more) and we even got on the topic of Federal and State Laws, jails and prisons, capital punishment, etc. I told you these guys were accelerated in English! They were asking if people in the US get arrested for copying DVDs like it says on the warning of movies. I also told them about the ‘Do Not Remove This Tag Under Penalty of Law’ tags on mattresses. They thought that was very weird. They also thought that Juvenile Detention Centers were surprising. We also talked about the meaning of the American flag, the use of nicknames, the differences in marriage ceremonies, why homosexuals are called ‘happy’ (gay), the fact that here you make a distinction between poultry that is from a male or female, that if you get the chicken (or turkey) drunk before killing it the meat will be more tender, etc. When talking about eating foods for good luck on New Years Day, they didn’t know that Black-eyed Peas are a food, they thought it was just a band. I really enjoy this class. They always thank me profusely for coming and sharing with them. As much as I want to practice speaking Spanish with them, I know how much they appreciate speaking in English, so I’m glad to do that with them. We are mutually blessed.
I grabbed a taxi home and Alberto meets me at the door to escort me inside. I give him a call when we turn on our street. I don’t think the taxi driver appreciated that our street is so full of deep potholes and not well lit, but he got paid well, so it’s all good.
Saturnino and Alberto got a lot of work done around the Mission House today. They should be starting on my shelves by Saturday or next week. That will be awesome. I may do some sewing on Saturday unless we go to Managua for the day. Either way is fine with me.
I called and spoke with Deanna last night. I’m trying to stay in touch with people back in the states more. It’s easier now that I’m ‘living’ here and more settled than just living out of my suitcase. I think it’s all in my head, but I do feel very at peace and acclimated to being here.
I saw a neat link on someone’s facebook status today. It was for a project where they take plastic bottles, fill them with filtered water, cut holes in the tin roofs of small dark homes (mostly in 3rd world countries) and seal the bottles into the roofs. These become ‘light bulbs’ that let the sun in and brighten the rooms. I showed the link to Mike and we think that it is a great idea for the neighborhoods we minister to. Some of them are one room homes with tin roofs and either plastic or cardboard walls outside. Having these ‘light bulbs’ in the roof would make the dark places so much brighter! And there is an abundance of plastic bottles here. It’s a project that a team could take on to do for a neighborhood. I usually don’t click on links on facebook, but this was a God thing, for sure. I’m excited.
I usually see many things during the day that I want to write about, but when I sit down at night, I don’t remember half of them. There are so many unique sights and thoughts. Being in a different culture than the US really helps one to see how big and diverse God’s world is. I’m glad that I get to ‘expand my horizons’.
I get to see Juan & Ana every week for classes at the English Academy, Leslie every week for translating the women’s Bible studies, and Oscar is going to work with us sometimes to do some videoing and translating for us. Usually we don’t see the translators much unless we have teams here.
Joe and Marcela want to have me over to their house for dinner one evening. That will be fun. Jaasiel and I will go shopping one of these days. Jeremy and Kelly have a little store that I would love to visit. Chico wants me to visit their family. And I haven’t even gotten to talk with everyone yet. I hope to see Hixel and Iris soon. I did get to see Francisco for a few minutes the other night, but he is working 6 days a week on another project for us. I’ve talked to Rydder on the phone once. Some of these guys will come to our weekly Bible studies, so I’ll get to see them more regularly. I can’t wait to spend time with them. I’ve asked Joanna (German’s wife) to teach me to cook some Nicaraguan meals. That will be fun! So much life to live! And I love it all!
I hope Mary enjoys being here when it’s quiet, too. I think that the sewing machine will make her happy and give her things to do. Only another 5 weeks or so and our next team comes down. That will be fun!
Until then, I’ll try to take advantage of all the experiences that God allows. I’m so blessed to be here and so thankful.
Wednesday, Oct 12, 2011 NICARAGUA
It was not raining this morning when I woke up, just threatening to, so I quickly put on my tennies and went for a walk. I put some money in my pocket in case the Librería (bookstore) was open so I could buy another notebook.
I noticed the van was at a ‘mechanic establishment’ as I was walking. We’ve been getting some maintenance done on it this week. I got the to the Librería, which I like because she opens up early, and found a notebook and pencil pocket with Marvel characters, especially Spiderman on them for Manuel. I got him a couple of special pens and a pencil sharpener. I was so happy with the purchases that I almost left without buying myself a notebook! I found one for myself and a new pen and a new receipt book for my bookkeeping duties. I was very happy with my errand.
On the way back home I passed a little store that had rolls of ribbon. I stopped in there and look a little bit. These stores are actually the front room of people’s homes, so they are just one room crammed with their wares for sale. This little store also had some beads and cord. I think I’ll stop again sometime to buy some supplies to make bracelets with German’s daughter, Mariangel. I had used all my pocket change at the Libraría on this walk.
When I got back to the Mission House, it was just starting to sprinkle again. I was thankful for a dry walk. I miss my walks! Anyway, Mike and Manuel were here and Manuel was happy with his new notebook and stuff. I’ll keep them here so he won’t have to carry them back and forth from home. I also gave him some colored pencils that I had brought from the states. He’s all set!
I grabbed a quick shower and then fixed some cereal and a banana so that Manuel and I could have a breakfast meeting. Of course, the meeting was very short because we had to pretend to drive there and our vehicle kept braking down and we had to keep getting out and lifting the hood to try to fix it. You never know what we are going to pretend when we get to play.
Sherry and Leslie were having their Mon-Wed-Fri meeting with the staff and then Leslie and I discussed the plan for the women’s Bible study sessions. I have the book (Twelve Extraordinary Women of the Bible) in Spanish, so I gave it to Leslie to read. We’ll be taking the study at our own pace with the ladies. I’m so excited to get this ministry started. Women here are very much oppressed in many ways. I can’t wait to celebrate with them as we learn how God has created us special for His work. I hope that they will feel a special bond with each other and we all lift each other up in prayer and rejoice with each other and help to carry each other’s burdens. I feel such promise from our Lord to bless these times together every week.
The Hulsey’s went home for lunch and rest and work. I fixed a baked potato for lunch and was planning a nap, until I remembered that Saturnino and Alberto are working on my bed. They had to quit for lunch and are back at it now. It is so fun to watch them work together. They are trying to get the frame and the wood/cane support thing to fit squarely. It seems to be as challenging as fitting a square peg into a round hole. But I know they will get me fixed up soon. At least in time for bed tonight!
We hung some fly strips up at the edge of the rancho (thatched roof open living area). The guys asked Leslie what they are. She asked me and I explained that they are to catch the flies when they land on the sticky strips. She translated this to the guys. They had the funniest looks on their faces as they looked at the empty strips and back to me and then told Leslie that the flies must be too smart to land there. Hahaha. Us crazy North Americans!!!
Well, as I sit here I see a steady light rain starting back up. Thankfully the guys got the leak in my room fixed this morning before our next 24 hours of hard rain begins. As long as the storms stay away, I don’t mind the rain. Storms I don’t like much. I’m thankful to have a safe dry place to stay.
And I’m thankful to have Alberto here 24/7 to watch over the place and he takes good care of me. In fact, he just came over to me and asked where my glasses are since I’m working on the computer without them. I showed him that the screen has big printing on it, so I can type without my glasses. Between him and Saturnino, I’m in good hands!
More later, hopefully after my nap! They are still working on my bed. ☺
Ok, they got my bed done, but by the time I got it made back up I wasn’t sleepy. I did lay down and read for a while anyway. Listening to the rain was nice.
Just a little while ago, German, Mike and Manuel stopped by to drop off some materials that are needed for some repairs to the Mission House. German said some wood was going to be delivered and gave Alberto the money to pay the delivery man. It’s hard to hear when someone knocks on the gates, so Alberto stayed by the big gate to listen, even though it was raining a little. I was walking around talking to family on the phone and noticed hoofs under the little gate. I looked out and there were 3 horses grazing on our tall grass. Yay horses, please ‘mow’ it good for us! Anyway, the delivery guy finally came with the wood. He was driving a horse and cart. The horse couldn’t make it up the steep drive at first, but then a guy walking by help to push the cart up the slope. I was impressed with the skill the man had in backing the horse up so that the cart was lined up perfectly to where the wood needed to be unloaded. The delivery was made, the man was paid and the gate was shut. It was only then that I realized that I have carrots in my fridge and could have tipped the horse for his services. Oh well…
After some plumbing repairs in other rooms, the shelves in my room go up next! Woohoo! That might happen this week! Then my room will be complete! I love nesting and organizing. I am easily satisfied, too. Just some rough wood shelves and my life is complete. Haha
The skeeters were out early tonight, so I closed up my room about 6pm and fixed a pb&j sandwich and glass of milk for dinner. I had soup for a mid afternoon snack and a baked potato for an early lunch. I just kind of graze through the day, but I’m not eating as much as I usually do in the states. Hope I can keep up this habit when we have the ladies here cooking for the teams. I always eat too much then!
I’m thinking that I might break out the sewing machine tomorrow or Friday. I’m feeling my creative juices flow a little bit.
For tonight, I think I’ll read and study a little more. I’m ready to start doing these Bible studies. I hope the weather permits us to be out in the communities more next week. But I’m also thankful for the slower time for preparation, too.
I noticed the van was at a ‘mechanic establishment’ as I was walking. We’ve been getting some maintenance done on it this week. I got the to the Librería, which I like because she opens up early, and found a notebook and pencil pocket with Marvel characters, especially Spiderman on them for Manuel. I got him a couple of special pens and a pencil sharpener. I was so happy with the purchases that I almost left without buying myself a notebook! I found one for myself and a new pen and a new receipt book for my bookkeeping duties. I was very happy with my errand.
On the way back home I passed a little store that had rolls of ribbon. I stopped in there and look a little bit. These stores are actually the front room of people’s homes, so they are just one room crammed with their wares for sale. This little store also had some beads and cord. I think I’ll stop again sometime to buy some supplies to make bracelets with German’s daughter, Mariangel. I had used all my pocket change at the Libraría on this walk.
When I got back to the Mission House, it was just starting to sprinkle again. I was thankful for a dry walk. I miss my walks! Anyway, Mike and Manuel were here and Manuel was happy with his new notebook and stuff. I’ll keep them here so he won’t have to carry them back and forth from home. I also gave him some colored pencils that I had brought from the states. He’s all set!
I grabbed a quick shower and then fixed some cereal and a banana so that Manuel and I could have a breakfast meeting. Of course, the meeting was very short because we had to pretend to drive there and our vehicle kept braking down and we had to keep getting out and lifting the hood to try to fix it. You never know what we are going to pretend when we get to play.
Sherry and Leslie were having their Mon-Wed-Fri meeting with the staff and then Leslie and I discussed the plan for the women’s Bible study sessions. I have the book (Twelve Extraordinary Women of the Bible) in Spanish, so I gave it to Leslie to read. We’ll be taking the study at our own pace with the ladies. I’m so excited to get this ministry started. Women here are very much oppressed in many ways. I can’t wait to celebrate with them as we learn how God has created us special for His work. I hope that they will feel a special bond with each other and we all lift each other up in prayer and rejoice with each other and help to carry each other’s burdens. I feel such promise from our Lord to bless these times together every week.
The Hulsey’s went home for lunch and rest and work. I fixed a baked potato for lunch and was planning a nap, until I remembered that Saturnino and Alberto are working on my bed. They had to quit for lunch and are back at it now. It is so fun to watch them work together. They are trying to get the frame and the wood/cane support thing to fit squarely. It seems to be as challenging as fitting a square peg into a round hole. But I know they will get me fixed up soon. At least in time for bed tonight!
We hung some fly strips up at the edge of the rancho (thatched roof open living area). The guys asked Leslie what they are. She asked me and I explained that they are to catch the flies when they land on the sticky strips. She translated this to the guys. They had the funniest looks on their faces as they looked at the empty strips and back to me and then told Leslie that the flies must be too smart to land there. Hahaha. Us crazy North Americans!!!
Well, as I sit here I see a steady light rain starting back up. Thankfully the guys got the leak in my room fixed this morning before our next 24 hours of hard rain begins. As long as the storms stay away, I don’t mind the rain. Storms I don’t like much. I’m thankful to have a safe dry place to stay.
And I’m thankful to have Alberto here 24/7 to watch over the place and he takes good care of me. In fact, he just came over to me and asked where my glasses are since I’m working on the computer without them. I showed him that the screen has big printing on it, so I can type without my glasses. Between him and Saturnino, I’m in good hands!
More later, hopefully after my nap! They are still working on my bed. ☺
Ok, they got my bed done, but by the time I got it made back up I wasn’t sleepy. I did lay down and read for a while anyway. Listening to the rain was nice.
Just a little while ago, German, Mike and Manuel stopped by to drop off some materials that are needed for some repairs to the Mission House. German said some wood was going to be delivered and gave Alberto the money to pay the delivery man. It’s hard to hear when someone knocks on the gates, so Alberto stayed by the big gate to listen, even though it was raining a little. I was walking around talking to family on the phone and noticed hoofs under the little gate. I looked out and there were 3 horses grazing on our tall grass. Yay horses, please ‘mow’ it good for us! Anyway, the delivery guy finally came with the wood. He was driving a horse and cart. The horse couldn’t make it up the steep drive at first, but then a guy walking by help to push the cart up the slope. I was impressed with the skill the man had in backing the horse up so that the cart was lined up perfectly to where the wood needed to be unloaded. The delivery was made, the man was paid and the gate was shut. It was only then that I realized that I have carrots in my fridge and could have tipped the horse for his services. Oh well…
After some plumbing repairs in other rooms, the shelves in my room go up next! Woohoo! That might happen this week! Then my room will be complete! I love nesting and organizing. I am easily satisfied, too. Just some rough wood shelves and my life is complete. Haha
The skeeters were out early tonight, so I closed up my room about 6pm and fixed a pb&j sandwich and glass of milk for dinner. I had soup for a mid afternoon snack and a baked potato for an early lunch. I just kind of graze through the day, but I’m not eating as much as I usually do in the states. Hope I can keep up this habit when we have the ladies here cooking for the teams. I always eat too much then!
I’m thinking that I might break out the sewing machine tomorrow or Friday. I’m feeling my creative juices flow a little bit.
For tonight, I think I’ll read and study a little more. I’m ready to start doing these Bible studies. I hope the weather permits us to be out in the communities more next week. But I’m also thankful for the slower time for preparation, too.
Tuesday, Oct 10, 2011 NICARAGUA
Demasiado lluvia. Too much rain. With a tropical storm sitting on top of us, we are having pretty much continuous rain. The problem here is that the roads flood very easily and the dirt roads turn to mud. There is no infrastructure like in the states for the water to run off in a good way. Therefore, Schools and businesses have been closed. There is hardly anyone driving or walking in town. Good thing it only rains for 6 months of the year. Then there is no rain at all for 6 months. Each season has its own challenges and you learn to adapt. I’m happy to learn how to live like a Nica. I don’t mind. Saturnino was not able to come to work today because of the rain. The area where his house is in Las Peñitas floods terribly. The bus can’t get down there.
Mike, Sherry and Manuel came by to pick me up in a taxi (with soaking wet seats) and we went to my favorite restaurant, Callejon (Narrow Street) for lunch. I got my usual, churazco (flank steak with a pesto-like topping called chimichurri) and steamed veggies. The people who own the restaurant remember me (I do kind of stick out down here) and know that I always get the same thing. They are very nice people. We were the only people in the usually overcrowded restaurant. Afterall, it was raining… German met us at the restaurant with the van and we then dropped him off at home.
After lunch we stopped at a grocery store called Salman. They also have some items for the home. I love to see what they have and see how crazy the prices are. Then it was back to the Mission House to work on some of the rooms and such. Manuel and I had a ‘meeting’. He likes to take notes and does business much the way that Dad does by phone calls, texting, emails and in person. It’s fun to watch Manuel get things done.
German was finally free to meet with Mike back at the Mission House, and by that time, I needed to leave for my time at the English Academy, so the Hulsey’s jumped in the van and dropped me off at Pacheco’s school and they went on home.
I had the best time at the English Academy. I am working with 3 students who are taking an accelerated English program. 2 were there tonight (1 couldn’t come because it was raining) and I very much enjoyed meeting Jonathan and Salvador. We spent the next 2 hours talking about lots of stuff in English. They thanked me many times for coming to speak with them in English. They are excited to practice. I understand completely, as I too, love to practice my Spanish one-on-one. I know how much this time means to them and I’m happy to be a part of it.
We spoke about life in the United States, why I would rather live here, how I knew that God wanted me to be a missionary, what families are like in the states, how school is mandatory, how expensive universities are, if people actually get good jobs after college, how North Americans socialize since they live more isolated lives when at home, what Voice of Hope Ministries does and is planning for the future, etc. Juan (the teacher) even talked a lot out child rearing and the differences between the two cultures. Two hours flew by so quickly! I have an assignment for Thursday’s class: to speak on a topic of my choice that reflects a part of the NAmerican culture. I can’t decide what to choose for this first time. Hmmmmm.
After the English class, Juan spent some time with me reviewing my Spanish skills (or lack thereof) and what I would like for him to help me with. I spoke with his wife Ana, also. One of the things that I need to change when down here is my response when someone gets my attention or when I don’t understand what they just said. In English, we tend to say ‘what?’ when someone calls our attention or if we don’t understand. I used to say ‘qué?’ (which means what) in
Spanish, but was told by my Mexican friends that saying it was not really polite. They respond with ‘mande?’ Well, down here, they consider that word impolite. Juan and Ana said I should use ‘repite, por favor’ or ‘qué quieres?’ or ‘qué dice?’ or ‘diga’ or something along those lines. It is very hard for me to break the habit of saying mande. But I’m going to try!! I don’t want to offend anyone!
I was walking back to the corner to get a taxi home since it was dark. Juan caught up with me on his bike to help me. At the same time that he was walking toward me calling my name and pointing to a taxi, I kept thinking that I was hearing my name on the street behind me, but thought that was crazy. Then this man on a bike next to me on the corner got my attention and pointed to indicate that someone behind me was calling me. I turned around and it was German! His family was driving by and Mariangel saw me and told her parents to stop. They gave me a ride to the Mission House on their way home. How fun!! When we got close to the house, I called Alberto on my cell and he opened the door for me. He always takes my elbow to help me up the steps. It’s like having my own butler!
I fixed some soup for dinner and sat in my rocker for a while. I called my friend Nana Ruth and talked for a while. Then I played cards on my cell phone for a little bit (a habit that is turning into an addiction, I’m afraid) and then got ready for reading and bed.
Because it’s supposed to rain most of the week, the roads won’t be very passable, so we are kicking off the women’s Bible studies next week. We are asking the pastors in both areas to really build up the beginning of the ministry and to let me know about how many ladies might attend. I’m going to get them all notebooks and pens. Even if they can’t write, they can take notes by drawing or whatever method will help them to remember what we talk about.
It was a very good day. Things here move at their own pace and you definitely have to be flexible and easy going. Sometimes that is hard for North Americans, but it’s getting easier for me as I am turning more Nica every day.
I’m so blessed to be able to live in just a small part of God’s great big interesting world. So blessed.
Mike, Sherry and Manuel came by to pick me up in a taxi (with soaking wet seats) and we went to my favorite restaurant, Callejon (Narrow Street) for lunch. I got my usual, churazco (flank steak with a pesto-like topping called chimichurri) and steamed veggies. The people who own the restaurant remember me (I do kind of stick out down here) and know that I always get the same thing. They are very nice people. We were the only people in the usually overcrowded restaurant. Afterall, it was raining… German met us at the restaurant with the van and we then dropped him off at home.
After lunch we stopped at a grocery store called Salman. They also have some items for the home. I love to see what they have and see how crazy the prices are. Then it was back to the Mission House to work on some of the rooms and such. Manuel and I had a ‘meeting’. He likes to take notes and does business much the way that Dad does by phone calls, texting, emails and in person. It’s fun to watch Manuel get things done.
German was finally free to meet with Mike back at the Mission House, and by that time, I needed to leave for my time at the English Academy, so the Hulsey’s jumped in the van and dropped me off at Pacheco’s school and they went on home.
I had the best time at the English Academy. I am working with 3 students who are taking an accelerated English program. 2 were there tonight (1 couldn’t come because it was raining) and I very much enjoyed meeting Jonathan and Salvador. We spent the next 2 hours talking about lots of stuff in English. They thanked me many times for coming to speak with them in English. They are excited to practice. I understand completely, as I too, love to practice my Spanish one-on-one. I know how much this time means to them and I’m happy to be a part of it.
We spoke about life in the United States, why I would rather live here, how I knew that God wanted me to be a missionary, what families are like in the states, how school is mandatory, how expensive universities are, if people actually get good jobs after college, how North Americans socialize since they live more isolated lives when at home, what Voice of Hope Ministries does and is planning for the future, etc. Juan (the teacher) even talked a lot out child rearing and the differences between the two cultures. Two hours flew by so quickly! I have an assignment for Thursday’s class: to speak on a topic of my choice that reflects a part of the NAmerican culture. I can’t decide what to choose for this first time. Hmmmmm.
After the English class, Juan spent some time with me reviewing my Spanish skills (or lack thereof) and what I would like for him to help me with. I spoke with his wife Ana, also. One of the things that I need to change when down here is my response when someone gets my attention or when I don’t understand what they just said. In English, we tend to say ‘what?’ when someone calls our attention or if we don’t understand. I used to say ‘qué?’ (which means what) in
Spanish, but was told by my Mexican friends that saying it was not really polite. They respond with ‘mande?’ Well, down here, they consider that word impolite. Juan and Ana said I should use ‘repite, por favor’ or ‘qué quieres?’ or ‘qué dice?’ or ‘diga’ or something along those lines. It is very hard for me to break the habit of saying mande. But I’m going to try!! I don’t want to offend anyone!
I was walking back to the corner to get a taxi home since it was dark. Juan caught up with me on his bike to help me. At the same time that he was walking toward me calling my name and pointing to a taxi, I kept thinking that I was hearing my name on the street behind me, but thought that was crazy. Then this man on a bike next to me on the corner got my attention and pointed to indicate that someone behind me was calling me. I turned around and it was German! His family was driving by and Mariangel saw me and told her parents to stop. They gave me a ride to the Mission House on their way home. How fun!! When we got close to the house, I called Alberto on my cell and he opened the door for me. He always takes my elbow to help me up the steps. It’s like having my own butler!
I fixed some soup for dinner and sat in my rocker for a while. I called my friend Nana Ruth and talked for a while. Then I played cards on my cell phone for a little bit (a habit that is turning into an addiction, I’m afraid) and then got ready for reading and bed.
Because it’s supposed to rain most of the week, the roads won’t be very passable, so we are kicking off the women’s Bible studies next week. We are asking the pastors in both areas to really build up the beginning of the ministry and to let me know about how many ladies might attend. I’m going to get them all notebooks and pens. Even if they can’t write, they can take notes by drawing or whatever method will help them to remember what we talk about.
It was a very good day. Things here move at their own pace and you definitely have to be flexible and easy going. Sometimes that is hard for North Americans, but it’s getting easier for me as I am turning more Nica every day.
I’m so blessed to be able to live in just a small part of God’s great big interesting world. So blessed.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, Oct 10, 2011 NICARAGUA
I went to bed last night early and had to make myself stay awake until 9pm. I slept pretty well all night long. I guess I was tired.
I woke up about 6am and read for a little bit and then dozed back off until 8:30. I guess I needed that sleep. I felt really good, but it was too late to go for a walk and still get my BP meds taken early enough. So I did some Bible study and messed around a little until Sherry and Manuel got here.
Sherry and I worked most of the morning on sorting and organizing sheets and towels for the team rooms. We found some old fraying towels and decided that we could cut them, hem them and make some good hand towels, which we are in need of. We also found some king size sheets (we don’t have any king beds) to make into curtains for some of the rooms. We don’t waste anything around here! That’s the way I like to live!
I found some king sheets to sew into a lightweight bedspread for my twin bed, to make a table cover for my desk/table (so I can store things underneath) and to make a structured cover for my kitchen tower of plastic shelves. So I have a little bit of sewing to do myself. I’m looking forward to getting out the new sewing machine that we brought down.
I washed my sheets and towels today and kept forgetting to hang them out this morning. When I finally got around to it, about 20 minutes later it started raining. Of course!!! But Elmo came and fixed the old dryer and I ended up using it. It will be nice to climb into fresh sheets tonight. Even though I put bug spray on after my shower, it’s the closest thing to fresh and clean I get down here. But I don’t mind.
Leslie came today to translate for Sherry so that she can have a little meeting with Alberto and Saturnino on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These meetings will help Sherry to let them know what she wants done around the place and for them to ask her any questions that are above my limited Spanish. Arecelys comes on those days, too, so she can also converse with Sherry through Leslie. I tag along so I can know what is going on (to answer any questions when Sherry isn’t here) and to learn more Spanish as I listen in.
Saturnino put a second light bulb in my ceiling light today and it made such a great difference! Sherry had an extra new showerhead that got put on my shower and I love it! Saturnino and Alberto discussed and measured for and planned to make 2 long shelves for my room. It is so cute to see these two little men working together. They are both very sweet personalities and get along well. I like being around them. Anyway, I decided not to get the bookshelves that German was going to get for me. Instead, I’m going to use the 2 long shelves that the guys are making. I will also buy another square plastic table to make my desk/work space larger. I think it’s a better use of my money. There is a ton of things on the guys to-do list and they are getting started right away. There is much to do here to get the place ready for teams and to maintain it. But we have a good crew.
Mike and German were busy all day doing stuff in various offices around town. It’s frustrating to get much of anything accomplished here and everything takes a lot longer than we are used to, but that’s the way here. Mike wasn’t going to be able to pick up Sherry and Manuel to take them home to have dinner and get ready for the Bible study tonight. Our favorite taxi driver (Leslie’s husband) was not available so Mike asked if I would call Oscar the taxi driver that they used last week. I had a number from German. I called it and with my limited Spanish determined that it was Oscar’s home number and the women (his wife I think) gave me the number to his work. I called it and in my limited Spanish determined that I was speaking to his dispatcher. I explained who we are and where we needed a pick up and that we would like to have Oscar be dispatched to us, since he is familiar with the Mission House and with the Husley’s neighborhood. It seemed to work, because Oscar showed up in no time. I was very pleased that I could function in Spanish via cell phone (which is hard for me to hear on). God was faithful to make it happen. ☺
After Sherry and Manuel left, I made my bed up, changed the table covering to the new white one and changed the cover on the kitchen shelves to the white one (even though it’s not sewn yet). It looks much better. It helps to have a lot of white to brighten up the room. Then I had some soup and crackers. I then took a much needed shower and waited on everyone to show up for the Bible Study.
It started pouring rain and came down pretty hard for a while. I wondered if anyone would come to the study, since Nicas don’t go out in the hard rain much. Since they are on foot mostly, they stay home in really bad weather. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hear anyone knocking on the gates and wasn’t sure I would be able to hear the van honking. The rain is loud on our metal roof. Mike called to say they were at the gate. I ran out there in the pouring rain and waded through a river flowing on the steep drive to find that the gate was padlocked. Alberto thought that I had said that the people coming would only be using the people gate. (my bad Spanish) So I go up a muddy slope toward Alberto’s place yelling his name over the rain. I finally got there and he came out and unlocked for me. I was totally drenched (as was he). He held my elbow to make sure that I got back through the slippery muddy trail. He’s so nice to me. Anyway, we got the Hulsey’s in and everything was fine.
Francisco and Coco were with them. Francisco is one of our translators and a driver right now for us. He needed some info to take the new van to pick someone up. Coco came to help with childcare for the Bible study. It was nice to see Francisco, since he’ll be busy with this other thing we have going on and won’t be able to join in the Bible study for a while. Tonight was the first time that I met Coco. She comes to the Hulsey’s house early each day to watch Manuel while Mike and Sherry go for a run. They she cleans house for them. It gives her a much needed income. Anyway, she is nice and she is good with the kids.
We just had a few people for the Bible study because it kept raining hard most of the evening. I set up my computer and the projector to play a movie for the kids. We made a screen out of a white sheet, but it wouldn’t stay taped to the wall, so we put a form mattress on tubs against the wall and draped the sheet over it. I had trouble getting the new little speaker I got for a steal set up on the computer. Oscar (our friend and translator, not the taxi driver) has good A/V skills and he helped me out. We were watching the movie a little, but mostly the kids were running around. I was excited to see how to set up the computer/projector for when we need it for classes and such. I ended up staying in the room to help Coco with the kids and missed the Bible study, but I was glad to help.
Everyone left around 8:30 and it was still raining. It will be a good night to sleep. My clothes were still wet from trying to unlock the gate 3 hours before. I was glad to get into some dry jammies.
I’m ready for bed and sleep. I’m very tired again tonight, but it’s a good tired. I didn’t get to swim today for exercise, but perhaps I’ll get to walk in the morning before Sherry and Manuel get here to work on the rooms.
Tomorrow afternoon is my first day helping at the English Academy and getting tutored by Juan. I’m very excited. Then Wednesday afternoon is the first women’s Bible study. I’m looking forward to it all.
I’m so thankful for all the things that I get to experience here. I’m thankful that my Spanish is getting better. And at this moment, I’m thankful that it’s bedtime! Dulce sueños (sweet dreams)
I woke up about 6am and read for a little bit and then dozed back off until 8:30. I guess I needed that sleep. I felt really good, but it was too late to go for a walk and still get my BP meds taken early enough. So I did some Bible study and messed around a little until Sherry and Manuel got here.
Sherry and I worked most of the morning on sorting and organizing sheets and towels for the team rooms. We found some old fraying towels and decided that we could cut them, hem them and make some good hand towels, which we are in need of. We also found some king size sheets (we don’t have any king beds) to make into curtains for some of the rooms. We don’t waste anything around here! That’s the way I like to live!
I found some king sheets to sew into a lightweight bedspread for my twin bed, to make a table cover for my desk/table (so I can store things underneath) and to make a structured cover for my kitchen tower of plastic shelves. So I have a little bit of sewing to do myself. I’m looking forward to getting out the new sewing machine that we brought down.
I washed my sheets and towels today and kept forgetting to hang them out this morning. When I finally got around to it, about 20 minutes later it started raining. Of course!!! But Elmo came and fixed the old dryer and I ended up using it. It will be nice to climb into fresh sheets tonight. Even though I put bug spray on after my shower, it’s the closest thing to fresh and clean I get down here. But I don’t mind.
Leslie came today to translate for Sherry so that she can have a little meeting with Alberto and Saturnino on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These meetings will help Sherry to let them know what she wants done around the place and for them to ask her any questions that are above my limited Spanish. Arecelys comes on those days, too, so she can also converse with Sherry through Leslie. I tag along so I can know what is going on (to answer any questions when Sherry isn’t here) and to learn more Spanish as I listen in.
Saturnino put a second light bulb in my ceiling light today and it made such a great difference! Sherry had an extra new showerhead that got put on my shower and I love it! Saturnino and Alberto discussed and measured for and planned to make 2 long shelves for my room. It is so cute to see these two little men working together. They are both very sweet personalities and get along well. I like being around them. Anyway, I decided not to get the bookshelves that German was going to get for me. Instead, I’m going to use the 2 long shelves that the guys are making. I will also buy another square plastic table to make my desk/work space larger. I think it’s a better use of my money. There is a ton of things on the guys to-do list and they are getting started right away. There is much to do here to get the place ready for teams and to maintain it. But we have a good crew.
Mike and German were busy all day doing stuff in various offices around town. It’s frustrating to get much of anything accomplished here and everything takes a lot longer than we are used to, but that’s the way here. Mike wasn’t going to be able to pick up Sherry and Manuel to take them home to have dinner and get ready for the Bible study tonight. Our favorite taxi driver (Leslie’s husband) was not available so Mike asked if I would call Oscar the taxi driver that they used last week. I had a number from German. I called it and with my limited Spanish determined that it was Oscar’s home number and the women (his wife I think) gave me the number to his work. I called it and in my limited Spanish determined that I was speaking to his dispatcher. I explained who we are and where we needed a pick up and that we would like to have Oscar be dispatched to us, since he is familiar with the Mission House and with the Husley’s neighborhood. It seemed to work, because Oscar showed up in no time. I was very pleased that I could function in Spanish via cell phone (which is hard for me to hear on). God was faithful to make it happen. ☺
After Sherry and Manuel left, I made my bed up, changed the table covering to the new white one and changed the cover on the kitchen shelves to the white one (even though it’s not sewn yet). It looks much better. It helps to have a lot of white to brighten up the room. Then I had some soup and crackers. I then took a much needed shower and waited on everyone to show up for the Bible Study.
It started pouring rain and came down pretty hard for a while. I wondered if anyone would come to the study, since Nicas don’t go out in the hard rain much. Since they are on foot mostly, they stay home in really bad weather. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hear anyone knocking on the gates and wasn’t sure I would be able to hear the van honking. The rain is loud on our metal roof. Mike called to say they were at the gate. I ran out there in the pouring rain and waded through a river flowing on the steep drive to find that the gate was padlocked. Alberto thought that I had said that the people coming would only be using the people gate. (my bad Spanish) So I go up a muddy slope toward Alberto’s place yelling his name over the rain. I finally got there and he came out and unlocked for me. I was totally drenched (as was he). He held my elbow to make sure that I got back through the slippery muddy trail. He’s so nice to me. Anyway, we got the Hulsey’s in and everything was fine.
Francisco and Coco were with them. Francisco is one of our translators and a driver right now for us. He needed some info to take the new van to pick someone up. Coco came to help with childcare for the Bible study. It was nice to see Francisco, since he’ll be busy with this other thing we have going on and won’t be able to join in the Bible study for a while. Tonight was the first time that I met Coco. She comes to the Hulsey’s house early each day to watch Manuel while Mike and Sherry go for a run. They she cleans house for them. It gives her a much needed income. Anyway, she is nice and she is good with the kids.
We just had a few people for the Bible study because it kept raining hard most of the evening. I set up my computer and the projector to play a movie for the kids. We made a screen out of a white sheet, but it wouldn’t stay taped to the wall, so we put a form mattress on tubs against the wall and draped the sheet over it. I had trouble getting the new little speaker I got for a steal set up on the computer. Oscar (our friend and translator, not the taxi driver) has good A/V skills and he helped me out. We were watching the movie a little, but mostly the kids were running around. I was excited to see how to set up the computer/projector for when we need it for classes and such. I ended up staying in the room to help Coco with the kids and missed the Bible study, but I was glad to help.
Everyone left around 8:30 and it was still raining. It will be a good night to sleep. My clothes were still wet from trying to unlock the gate 3 hours before. I was glad to get into some dry jammies.
I’m ready for bed and sleep. I’m very tired again tonight, but it’s a good tired. I didn’t get to swim today for exercise, but perhaps I’ll get to walk in the morning before Sherry and Manuel get here to work on the rooms.
Tomorrow afternoon is my first day helping at the English Academy and getting tutored by Juan. I’m very excited. Then Wednesday afternoon is the first women’s Bible study. I’m looking forward to it all.
I’m so thankful for all the things that I get to experience here. I’m thankful that my Spanish is getting better. And at this moment, I’m thankful that it’s bedtime! Dulce sueños (sweet dreams)
Sunday, Oct 9, 2011 NICARAGUA
Today turned out different than planned. That happens a lot down here. But it’s okay if you are open to God’s changing plans.
We thought we would be going to church this evening when German was free to interpret for us. And there was supposed to be someone (called El Gato) come early to work on the pipes to the pool pump. And there was supposed to be a church group who were going to use the pool to baptize today. But none of that happened. German and El Gato didn’t come, the church group didn’t come (probably because it looked like rain).
The Hulsey’s picked me up and we went grocery shopping at Super Palí (a nice new store owned by Walmart) and then we had lunch and then finished our grocery shopping at La Unión (also owned by Walmart). We can actually get a few ‘American’ food items at these stores. You just never know what will be there and it usually costs double or triple (or more). I was excited to see that Palí had the mayo/oliveoil combo that I use on my tuna. (can’t use regular mayo). La Unión isn’t carrying it right now and I was rationing the one I had. Dry tuna is not a favorite of mine! I was really excited!
Our lunch was really good. We usually go to Tip Top Chicken or sometimes Hollywood Pizza (and I get grilled chicken from Tip Top next door) when we eat out. But today we went to a Mediterranean restaurant that we had been to before. It was a nice change. I like to get steak there and mashed potatoes. The potatoes are just the way I like them, lumpy, and they put them in a star shaped thing to serve them on the plate. Sherry got steak, too, and Mike and Manuel had the pasta. It was good. It started really storming while we were in there. As a lot of buildings are down here, part of the restaurant is a garden area that is uncovered. Every time it thundered it was LOUD!
We got back to the Mission House and put away groceries. We rested a little bit while waiting for the rain to stop so Manuel could swim. He and I had a ‘meeting’ in the conference room. He had Alberto unlock the room and bring in a table and some chairs. Then Manuel turned on the fan and pointed it at the table. He had purchased a notebook at the store, so I loaned him a pen and he was ready to have the meeting. I posted a pic of him at the meeting table on facebook. He had me take dictation for him. It was a good meeting. Then we went out under the rancho with his folks and he read the meeting notes to his dad. He did a good job.
I was excited to get to have a backed potato for dinner. Sherry had brought me the microwave down and I’ve loved having it! Baked potatoes are the bomb!
After the Hulsey’s left, and while it was still overcast (but not raining) I took a dip in the pool and got some exercise. It felt good and I was wrinkled like a prune when I got out. I took a quick shower and reluctantly closed my door and window when the mosquitoes started nipping at my ankles. I didn’t get a nap today, but I feel very relaxed and have enjoyed the day. I got some Bible study done this morning and some good prayer time, so I don’t feel bad about missing church, even though I sure like to go when we can. I guess I’m used to being in a Spanish speaking church without an interpreter back in the states, so it doesn’t register in my mind at first that we need to have one here. Maybe one day we will all be fluent and won’t need one for church except when we have teams in. ☺
Tomorrow Sherry and I are going to work on getting some of the rooms ready for the November team, as well as getting the kitchen and common areas sorted out and ready. There’s a lot to do in the next weeks, but it will keep us out of trouble. I have a few honey-do’s in my room, but I don’t want to take up Saturnino’s time. Sherry said to go ahead and have him take care of them, so maybe I’ll get them done this week. One thing is to put a long shelf up on each of 2 walls in my room. They will be up high and run most of the length of the walls. It will be a huge help for storage for me! And I should be receiving my bookcase this week, now that we have possession of a van for a little while. That will help me finish up my room. Being disorganized drives me crazy, but I seem to live like that a lot! That’s okay. I’m thankful for what I have.
I saw a post on facebook from Amanda Burgos asking for prayer this morning. I met she and Mark when they were NAMB missionaries in NYC and I was serving there with the 411/Parable church. It was neat that they were also from Arkansas and we even had a mutual acquaintance that I had met in Thailand. Small world. Anyway, Mark has been battling (and winning) a bout with cancer. His health has been very precarious, to say the least. He has used this journey with cancer to glorify God and has reached a lot of people through his talks. They are back in Arkansas now and enjoying family. Mark had to go back into the hospital last night and Amanda called for prayer. I posted on my own facebook page to pray for them. I know that the people I have a ‘friends’ on facebook are ones who will lift anyone up in prayer. It’s special to know that we don’t have to be introduced to brothers and sisters in Christ to care enough about them to intercede for them. Being in the family of God is such a awesome experience. Anyway, Amanda posted that Mark is better and they may get to go home tomorrow. I will daily lift them up in prayer through this tough journey and I thank God that they share Him with people as much as they can.
Our first week of Bible study for the VOH staff and friends starts tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to that so much! Just about everyone we’ve invited is planning on coming and glad that we are doing this. I so love these people!
If logistics work out, we should be starting the women’s Bible study this week, too. We’ll see how God’s plans unfold. I’m ready for whatever they are!
We thought we would be going to church this evening when German was free to interpret for us. And there was supposed to be someone (called El Gato) come early to work on the pipes to the pool pump. And there was supposed to be a church group who were going to use the pool to baptize today. But none of that happened. German and El Gato didn’t come, the church group didn’t come (probably because it looked like rain).
The Hulsey’s picked me up and we went grocery shopping at Super Palí (a nice new store owned by Walmart) and then we had lunch and then finished our grocery shopping at La Unión (also owned by Walmart). We can actually get a few ‘American’ food items at these stores. You just never know what will be there and it usually costs double or triple (or more). I was excited to see that Palí had the mayo/oliveoil combo that I use on my tuna. (can’t use regular mayo). La Unión isn’t carrying it right now and I was rationing the one I had. Dry tuna is not a favorite of mine! I was really excited!
Our lunch was really good. We usually go to Tip Top Chicken or sometimes Hollywood Pizza (and I get grilled chicken from Tip Top next door) when we eat out. But today we went to a Mediterranean restaurant that we had been to before. It was a nice change. I like to get steak there and mashed potatoes. The potatoes are just the way I like them, lumpy, and they put them in a star shaped thing to serve them on the plate. Sherry got steak, too, and Mike and Manuel had the pasta. It was good. It started really storming while we were in there. As a lot of buildings are down here, part of the restaurant is a garden area that is uncovered. Every time it thundered it was LOUD!
We got back to the Mission House and put away groceries. We rested a little bit while waiting for the rain to stop so Manuel could swim. He and I had a ‘meeting’ in the conference room. He had Alberto unlock the room and bring in a table and some chairs. Then Manuel turned on the fan and pointed it at the table. He had purchased a notebook at the store, so I loaned him a pen and he was ready to have the meeting. I posted a pic of him at the meeting table on facebook. He had me take dictation for him. It was a good meeting. Then we went out under the rancho with his folks and he read the meeting notes to his dad. He did a good job.
I was excited to get to have a backed potato for dinner. Sherry had brought me the microwave down and I’ve loved having it! Baked potatoes are the bomb!
After the Hulsey’s left, and while it was still overcast (but not raining) I took a dip in the pool and got some exercise. It felt good and I was wrinkled like a prune when I got out. I took a quick shower and reluctantly closed my door and window when the mosquitoes started nipping at my ankles. I didn’t get a nap today, but I feel very relaxed and have enjoyed the day. I got some Bible study done this morning and some good prayer time, so I don’t feel bad about missing church, even though I sure like to go when we can. I guess I’m used to being in a Spanish speaking church without an interpreter back in the states, so it doesn’t register in my mind at first that we need to have one here. Maybe one day we will all be fluent and won’t need one for church except when we have teams in. ☺
Tomorrow Sherry and I are going to work on getting some of the rooms ready for the November team, as well as getting the kitchen and common areas sorted out and ready. There’s a lot to do in the next weeks, but it will keep us out of trouble. I have a few honey-do’s in my room, but I don’t want to take up Saturnino’s time. Sherry said to go ahead and have him take care of them, so maybe I’ll get them done this week. One thing is to put a long shelf up on each of 2 walls in my room. They will be up high and run most of the length of the walls. It will be a huge help for storage for me! And I should be receiving my bookcase this week, now that we have possession of a van for a little while. That will help me finish up my room. Being disorganized drives me crazy, but I seem to live like that a lot! That’s okay. I’m thankful for what I have.
I saw a post on facebook from Amanda Burgos asking for prayer this morning. I met she and Mark when they were NAMB missionaries in NYC and I was serving there with the 411/Parable church. It was neat that they were also from Arkansas and we even had a mutual acquaintance that I had met in Thailand. Small world. Anyway, Mark has been battling (and winning) a bout with cancer. His health has been very precarious, to say the least. He has used this journey with cancer to glorify God and has reached a lot of people through his talks. They are back in Arkansas now and enjoying family. Mark had to go back into the hospital last night and Amanda called for prayer. I posted on my own facebook page to pray for them. I know that the people I have a ‘friends’ on facebook are ones who will lift anyone up in prayer. It’s special to know that we don’t have to be introduced to brothers and sisters in Christ to care enough about them to intercede for them. Being in the family of God is such a awesome experience. Anyway, Amanda posted that Mark is better and they may get to go home tomorrow. I will daily lift them up in prayer through this tough journey and I thank God that they share Him with people as much as they can.
Our first week of Bible study for the VOH staff and friends starts tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to that so much! Just about everyone we’ve invited is planning on coming and glad that we are doing this. I so love these people!
If logistics work out, we should be starting the women’s Bible study this week, too. We’ll see how God’s plans unfold. I’m ready for whatever they are!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday, Oct 8, 2011 NICARAGUA
Can’t believe it’s Saturday already. I’ve been here over a week now. Pretty cool. It seems longer, but in a good way. I’ve got 11 ½ weeks left here for this trip. I want to treasure each day.
The days of the week here always seem mixed up for me. Saturdays never seem like a weekend, especially when we have teams, since that’s when they come and go. Sundays are special for church services, but we go to church a lot in the evenings all week long and almost every night when we have teams. It’s just different and I have to remind myself to check the calendar every now and then.
I will have a partial schedule to follow starting next week. Sunday = church services and rest, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays = Bible Studies, Tuesdays and Thursdays = Work at English Academy/Spanish Tutoring, Saturdays = who knows???
Our next team will be here the week of Thanksgiving. Charlie Brown will be returning with his church. It will be a lot of fun. I think there are 14 coming on that team. There is an author coming with his family that same week for a conference. He has written a book which will be shared. German and his wife Joanna have translated it into Spanish and it’s being printed for the conference. I think we are hosting the conference here at the Mission House. That will be exciting.
They finally got the new A/C unit installed in my room. It’s a split unit, meaning that the cooling part is in my room and the condensor thingy is on the roof. It’s sooo quiet! And I have a remote control for it! After the different things that happened all week long to make this seem a complicated thing, as soon as the guys got it installed and left, I turned it off and opened up my window and door again. Alberto must have thought that I was ungrateful for the new unit, but in reality, I only use it when I have to have my room closed up (like night time or when I need privacy from people being here). I will very much enjoy it and am very thankful for it!! A love offering made it possible and I will think about and say prayers of thanks for those people who provided it for me. And a bonus is that since it’s wired directly into the electrical system, I regain use of the one electrical outlet on that wall! Yay!
The sun is going down now and I think I’ll take a little swim and get some exercise. I burn too easily in the direct sun, especially in the pool. I think I hear it calling my name. ☺
Great workout in the pool. So neat to look out from the pool and see the thatched roof of the rancho and above it palm trees and the moon just coming out. So blessed!!
Had some soup and crackers for dinner. Apple chaser. A handful of mixed nuts. Might splurge and have a snack pack pudding for a snack. I love having a little microwave for my kitchen corner! I’m going to get some potatoes next time I grocery shop. I love baked potatoes! I remember when microwaves first came out – ages ago – and my sister got one. Every time I went to her house, even if I wasn’t hungry, I would ask to cook a baked potato. Ha. I still love ‘em!
Alberto’s nephew, Juvel (I think that’s how to spell his name) came by for a visit tonight. I opened the gate for him, but didn’t understand what he was asking, so I yelled for Alberto. Then I was introduced and Juvel reminded me that I met him the night I got here. He was here to pick up Alberto and take him for his 4 day off time to go see his family. Juvel said that he helped carry my suitcases. How fun to see him again. I love it that Alberto’s family comes to visit with him. Alberto stays here all month long and takes his 4 days a month off all at once. Other than that, he’s here day and night. He is very sweet. I think he understands that I don’t speak really great Spanish, but he acts like I should understand everything even if I can’t say it. He’s usually patient with me and watches out over me a lot. And you can see that he really cares for Manuel. He’s a blessing here at the Misison House.
We had a lot of visitors at the place today. Mostly workmen. 3 guys came to fix up my A/C unit. Elmo came to work on our dryer. Someone stopped to see about using the facility for a meeting. Alberto had some family over. Saturnino comes everyday except Sundays to help with the grounds and such. It’s fun to see him and Alberto together. They seem to enjoy each other’s company very much. I’m so glad that Saturnino is still working with us.
Oscar came by today to visit and drop off a video he had made of Manuel’s birthday party. It was good to chat with him. I had him tell me how to spell his girlfriend’s name, because I remember it being strange (to me anyway). It’s Joechelina. She’s a sweety and lives in another town. They take turns traveling to see each other once a month. Long distance relationships are hard. But they are a good way to get to know each other in ways other than face to face. It can be a blessing sometimes.
There was a funeral late this afternoon. I was sitting under the rancho on my computer (I have custody of the internet cable) and enjoying the sights and sounds of our home when I heard live music – trumpet, drums, guitars, etc. and some singing. I looked out our gate and it was a funeral procession going by. There was a casket covered with flowers in the back of a little truck and the people were walking a long side it. Since there are cemeteries on both ends of our block, I shouldn’t be surprised to see the processions. It seemed like a strange time to do it, but I guess that’s how it is down here. Anyway, when I came back to the rancho from the gate, Alberto and his nephew were walking this way to see what was going on. I pointed to the end of the block and Alberto nodded and used sign language that I took to represent the casket and then pointed to the cemetery. I shook my head yes and they both went back to their chairs. Kind of neat that we are familiar and can communicate that way.
I think there is going to be another church using our pool for baptisms tomorrow morning. Good to know so that I don’t go flying out my door into their midst unexpectedly. I think we are going to evening church tomorrow because of logistic issues in the morning. Since I will be in my room with the door and window shut to give the baptizing church group some privacy, I’m glad to have my new A/C hooked up.
Speaking of my room. I love having everything so handy. Living in NYC was a great preparation for me to live here. My tiny apartment there taught me some great space efficiency tricks. When I get close to returning to Nica each time, I start thinking of my time in NYC as well as times in Nica. I’m thankful for the memories, friendships and learning/growing time that God gave me there. I still miss my life in NYC very much. But I love my life in Nica very much, too. I’ve been really blessed. God has created in my a heart to live very simply and I’m most happy when I have little material possessions and can just live in a place where survival and basic living circumstances are the rule. It puts a person in a very basic and honest existence. I love it that the people here in Nica are for the most part not tainted by western culture and all the baggage that comes with it. Although, like most of the world that is not of the western culture, they think that the US is the be all, end all of the good life. They are rudely awakened if they ever get to really experience it. But their intrigue with western culture and especially North Americans make them even more interested in hearing what we have to say when share the Gospel with them. Another example of how God can use all things to bring Glory to Himself. ☺
The snack pack pudding hit the spot and now it’s time to settle in for some reading and studying before bed. I love this time of retreat to study and read and pray and share Him. I’m taking advantage of every minute to prepare for sharing with the women at Bible Study starting next week. There is so much to learn and know and share. This is what is important in life. Nothing else compares. How awesome is this Christ we call King!
The days of the week here always seem mixed up for me. Saturdays never seem like a weekend, especially when we have teams, since that’s when they come and go. Sundays are special for church services, but we go to church a lot in the evenings all week long and almost every night when we have teams. It’s just different and I have to remind myself to check the calendar every now and then.
I will have a partial schedule to follow starting next week. Sunday = church services and rest, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays = Bible Studies, Tuesdays and Thursdays = Work at English Academy/Spanish Tutoring, Saturdays = who knows???
Our next team will be here the week of Thanksgiving. Charlie Brown will be returning with his church. It will be a lot of fun. I think there are 14 coming on that team. There is an author coming with his family that same week for a conference. He has written a book which will be shared. German and his wife Joanna have translated it into Spanish and it’s being printed for the conference. I think we are hosting the conference here at the Mission House. That will be exciting.
They finally got the new A/C unit installed in my room. It’s a split unit, meaning that the cooling part is in my room and the condensor thingy is on the roof. It’s sooo quiet! And I have a remote control for it! After the different things that happened all week long to make this seem a complicated thing, as soon as the guys got it installed and left, I turned it off and opened up my window and door again. Alberto must have thought that I was ungrateful for the new unit, but in reality, I only use it when I have to have my room closed up (like night time or when I need privacy from people being here). I will very much enjoy it and am very thankful for it!! A love offering made it possible and I will think about and say prayers of thanks for those people who provided it for me. And a bonus is that since it’s wired directly into the electrical system, I regain use of the one electrical outlet on that wall! Yay!
The sun is going down now and I think I’ll take a little swim and get some exercise. I burn too easily in the direct sun, especially in the pool. I think I hear it calling my name. ☺
Great workout in the pool. So neat to look out from the pool and see the thatched roof of the rancho and above it palm trees and the moon just coming out. So blessed!!
Had some soup and crackers for dinner. Apple chaser. A handful of mixed nuts. Might splurge and have a snack pack pudding for a snack. I love having a little microwave for my kitchen corner! I’m going to get some potatoes next time I grocery shop. I love baked potatoes! I remember when microwaves first came out – ages ago – and my sister got one. Every time I went to her house, even if I wasn’t hungry, I would ask to cook a baked potato. Ha. I still love ‘em!
Alberto’s nephew, Juvel (I think that’s how to spell his name) came by for a visit tonight. I opened the gate for him, but didn’t understand what he was asking, so I yelled for Alberto. Then I was introduced and Juvel reminded me that I met him the night I got here. He was here to pick up Alberto and take him for his 4 day off time to go see his family. Juvel said that he helped carry my suitcases. How fun to see him again. I love it that Alberto’s family comes to visit with him. Alberto stays here all month long and takes his 4 days a month off all at once. Other than that, he’s here day and night. He is very sweet. I think he understands that I don’t speak really great Spanish, but he acts like I should understand everything even if I can’t say it. He’s usually patient with me and watches out over me a lot. And you can see that he really cares for Manuel. He’s a blessing here at the Misison House.
We had a lot of visitors at the place today. Mostly workmen. 3 guys came to fix up my A/C unit. Elmo came to work on our dryer. Someone stopped to see about using the facility for a meeting. Alberto had some family over. Saturnino comes everyday except Sundays to help with the grounds and such. It’s fun to see him and Alberto together. They seem to enjoy each other’s company very much. I’m so glad that Saturnino is still working with us.
Oscar came by today to visit and drop off a video he had made of Manuel’s birthday party. It was good to chat with him. I had him tell me how to spell his girlfriend’s name, because I remember it being strange (to me anyway). It’s Joechelina. She’s a sweety and lives in another town. They take turns traveling to see each other once a month. Long distance relationships are hard. But they are a good way to get to know each other in ways other than face to face. It can be a blessing sometimes.
There was a funeral late this afternoon. I was sitting under the rancho on my computer (I have custody of the internet cable) and enjoying the sights and sounds of our home when I heard live music – trumpet, drums, guitars, etc. and some singing. I looked out our gate and it was a funeral procession going by. There was a casket covered with flowers in the back of a little truck and the people were walking a long side it. Since there are cemeteries on both ends of our block, I shouldn’t be surprised to see the processions. It seemed like a strange time to do it, but I guess that’s how it is down here. Anyway, when I came back to the rancho from the gate, Alberto and his nephew were walking this way to see what was going on. I pointed to the end of the block and Alberto nodded and used sign language that I took to represent the casket and then pointed to the cemetery. I shook my head yes and they both went back to their chairs. Kind of neat that we are familiar and can communicate that way.
I think there is going to be another church using our pool for baptisms tomorrow morning. Good to know so that I don’t go flying out my door into their midst unexpectedly. I think we are going to evening church tomorrow because of logistic issues in the morning. Since I will be in my room with the door and window shut to give the baptizing church group some privacy, I’m glad to have my new A/C hooked up.
Speaking of my room. I love having everything so handy. Living in NYC was a great preparation for me to live here. My tiny apartment there taught me some great space efficiency tricks. When I get close to returning to Nica each time, I start thinking of my time in NYC as well as times in Nica. I’m thankful for the memories, friendships and learning/growing time that God gave me there. I still miss my life in NYC very much. But I love my life in Nica very much, too. I’ve been really blessed. God has created in my a heart to live very simply and I’m most happy when I have little material possessions and can just live in a place where survival and basic living circumstances are the rule. It puts a person in a very basic and honest existence. I love it that the people here in Nica are for the most part not tainted by western culture and all the baggage that comes with it. Although, like most of the world that is not of the western culture, they think that the US is the be all, end all of the good life. They are rudely awakened if they ever get to really experience it. But their intrigue with western culture and especially North Americans make them even more interested in hearing what we have to say when share the Gospel with them. Another example of how God can use all things to bring Glory to Himself. ☺
The snack pack pudding hit the spot and now it’s time to settle in for some reading and studying before bed. I love this time of retreat to study and read and pray and share Him. I’m taking advantage of every minute to prepare for sharing with the women at Bible Study starting next week. There is so much to learn and know and share. This is what is important in life. Nothing else compares. How awesome is this Christ we call King!
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