Friday
Up at 6pm for breakfast. Devotions by Bobby. Part of the team went to do the Zip line and shopping. The rest of us are going into Leon later for shopping.
A few of us worked on supplies and getting the empty room ready for the girls from my home church who are going to be interns for 2 weeks. Bethany, Kaylie and Kearsten are coming in tonight.
I'm having some liver issues and I'm hoping to stay ahead of it. It's hard with the limited foods we get here. Most everything I eat, including the crackers are not good for me. But God will keep me healthy in His amazing power as He sees fit. I'm relaxing on the bed and reading and journaling.
I really need to have an attitude adjustment. I need to fill up with the Holy Spirit. I want to bless You today, Lord.
Our group went to Leon and stopped by a cellular store, La Unión and then had a nice lunch in town. We went to the market. pee-uuu!! I bought 3 flyswatter that look like hands. We stopped by a little artisan shop. Rain, Rain, Rain!!! We came back to the house and I got a little nap.
I left at 5pm with Danilo for the airport. We picked up his girlfriend to join us for the ride. A major street in Managua was closed and we got lost. We ended up at the Oriental Market, which is one of the most dangerous areas in Central America according to German. We kept driving around and calling German. Finally, he had Danilo pull over and German met us. I got in the car with German's family and we went to the airport.
Fabio (another driver) met us at the airport with his van and we waited for the girls. Ishmael and Maria Angel (German's kids) are so cute, and his wife Joanna is very sweet. We sat in the food court area until the plane landed.
German and I went to the big window and watched where people collect their luggage and go through customs. I saw the girls and gave them a big wave. We all got excited. They finally got their bags and came through the doors. German and Fabio grabbed the bags and off we went to the van.
We stopped at On the Run nearby so the girls could get some food. Kaylie and I split a combo and we gave Fabio the drink. We chatted all the way to the house during the 1.5 hour drive. It was dark and rainy, so you couldn't see any of the countryside.
When we got back home, it was kind of rowdy with the team getting ready to leave the next morning. They were having fun. It had rained all evening and was pretty damp. We made the girls beds and finally everyone went to sleep.
About 12:30am, Kearsten came and woke me up. She was very upset. She was not feeling well and she was very homesick. She couldn't stop crying. I laid in her bunk bed with her, and we talked and prayed. Finally, we called her parents. It was determined that she could take a pill to help her sleep and I laid with her until 3:00am. She got a little sleep. Bless her heart. She was so tired and it was pretty gloomy to arrive at pitch dark in the rain. But God has great plans for her. It will be worth it! His plans always are!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Nicaragua July 15, 2010
Thursday
Woke up early. Retaining way too much fluid. Trying to drink a bottle of water before breakfast. Need to "purify" my body and my spirit. It's so hard to catch up when I get behind on drinking water. It sneaks up on you fast.
Everyone is really tired, but it's our last work day. Everyone is pumped and excited to continue the work that God sent them here to do.
"Amos 4:12b Prepare to meet thy God" was written on the backs of the ushers' tshirts at the crusade. They were from many churches and many denominations. Some were more charismatic, some ladies had lace head coverings (and jean skirts). All were working together for the Kingdom.
I love the Kingdom work attitude here. Not like back home where it's more about 'reaching people' for 'our' church. Here, it's gathering people to God's family and His Kingdom. So basic and true to God's purpose for our lives.
Blessings to the Pastors and workers who have to go through so much more than we do to 'encounter' a lost person, to have church together, even just to survive. I am humbled in their shadow of dedication.
We are going to do 3 Fiestas back to back, a radio program and also Pastor's conference this morning. I'm going to try to video some of the activities today.
My stomach is kind of queazy, so I got some ritz crackers and orange juice. Riding in the vans all day long can get to you.
I got to go to the radio station again today. It was good to ride in the back of the truck again instead of in the van. It helped my stomach. Jessica was a lot of fun at the radio station. I videoed her speaking and singing and the place in general. I also videoed the engine of the truck (which has some strange parts that I know did not come with the truck when new!). They guys thought I was loca. Then got embarassed when they realized that I could understand them. I agreed that I am loca.
We got back to the church and waited with the guys for the vans.
We hit On the Run and then went home for lunch, shower and rest. Leaving at 3pm for Leon and then the crusade.
Walked around Central Park in Leon and bought a bag. Had ice cream at Eskimo. Stopped at On the Run and then picked up Iris on the way to the crusade. She is going to translate Beth's testimony and is scared to death. In fact, she is trembling. I prayed with her in the van.
At the crusade site, we all prayed together in a big group, then we split into smaller groups and prayer walked the area.
A trio from the team sang a song, Beth gave her testimony and Buddy preached the message.
German's family was at the crusade. I took lots of pics of kids. It started sprinkling just as the crusade was over.
We stopped at On the Run and one van stayed behind with the translators while the rest of us went on to the house for dinner (which was chicken spaghetti with chopped up weenies). Interesting, but not bad.
I took a shower and relaxed. Glad I don't have to get up early tomorrow. Love being here. Thank you God.
Woke up early. Retaining way too much fluid. Trying to drink a bottle of water before breakfast. Need to "purify" my body and my spirit. It's so hard to catch up when I get behind on drinking water. It sneaks up on you fast.
Everyone is really tired, but it's our last work day. Everyone is pumped and excited to continue the work that God sent them here to do.
"Amos 4:12b Prepare to meet thy God" was written on the backs of the ushers' tshirts at the crusade. They were from many churches and many denominations. Some were more charismatic, some ladies had lace head coverings (and jean skirts). All were working together for the Kingdom.
I love the Kingdom work attitude here. Not like back home where it's more about 'reaching people' for 'our' church. Here, it's gathering people to God's family and His Kingdom. So basic and true to God's purpose for our lives.
Blessings to the Pastors and workers who have to go through so much more than we do to 'encounter' a lost person, to have church together, even just to survive. I am humbled in their shadow of dedication.
We are going to do 3 Fiestas back to back, a radio program and also Pastor's conference this morning. I'm going to try to video some of the activities today.
My stomach is kind of queazy, so I got some ritz crackers and orange juice. Riding in the vans all day long can get to you.
I got to go to the radio station again today. It was good to ride in the back of the truck again instead of in the van. It helped my stomach. Jessica was a lot of fun at the radio station. I videoed her speaking and singing and the place in general. I also videoed the engine of the truck (which has some strange parts that I know did not come with the truck when new!). They guys thought I was loca. Then got embarassed when they realized that I could understand them. I agreed that I am loca.
We got back to the church and waited with the guys for the vans.
We hit On the Run and then went home for lunch, shower and rest. Leaving at 3pm for Leon and then the crusade.
Walked around Central Park in Leon and bought a bag. Had ice cream at Eskimo. Stopped at On the Run and then picked up Iris on the way to the crusade. She is going to translate Beth's testimony and is scared to death. In fact, she is trembling. I prayed with her in the van.
At the crusade site, we all prayed together in a big group, then we split into smaller groups and prayer walked the area.
A trio from the team sang a song, Beth gave her testimony and Buddy preached the message.
German's family was at the crusade. I took lots of pics of kids. It started sprinkling just as the crusade was over.
We stopped at On the Run and one van stayed behind with the translators while the rest of us went on to the house for dinner (which was chicken spaghetti with chopped up weenies). Interesting, but not bad.
I took a shower and relaxed. Glad I don't have to get up early tomorrow. Love being here. Thank you God.
Nicaragua July 14, 2010
Wednesday
The fans came on in the middle of the night. How wonderful! We were up at 5am and had breakfast and devotions (by Ralph) and got ready for the day.
1 group went to do a women's conference at a church, where they did a little message for women, gave gifts and drew numbers for haircuts by one of the team members.
1 group went to do the 2 Fiestas in 2 sites.
Adam and I went to the radio station. We rode in the back of the little red truck that is famous for breaking down on Ralph and Seth. We held on to the rails and did some moves that we called 'Nicaraguan surfing' and reminded me of riding the subway in NYC. I loved it! Adam was very nervous about the radio and afraid that he would miss the Fiestas. I shared with him about calming down and letting God have His way. Adam is a jewel of a youth. When we got to the radio station, we sat around and talked with the guys there until time for our 'spot'. I took a lot of pictures of trees and flowers. The guys thought I was a little weird. Adam gave his testimony and I chatted just a little. I wish we would have said more about the crusade, but it's hard to think at times like that. I loved the ride back to the church in the little red truck.
When we got back to the church, Danielle was still cutting hair. It was stifling hot in the church and Danielle was very sick the night before and that morning. She is such a trooper!!
We all got back to the house for lunch, which was kind of meatloaf, beans in a ball, rice, salad, mashed potatoes and tortilla.
After lunch, I rested in our room for a while. Beth had a migraine and needed to rest in a quiet place.
We planned on leaving at 3pm so we can stop in Leon for a while before the crusade. Oooops! No one told the drivers that we wanted to leave early! The drivers and one van are gone. They were needed by German to do some things to prepare for the crusade. Beth called them and they rushed back. While we waited, some of the team sat upstairs on the veranda and sang praise songs. The neighbors sat outside on their patio and sang along, too.
We left for Leon and stopped at the bakery for pico bread. Then we went to La Unión for coffee, etc to take home.
The crusade was great!! I loved the music and all the crowds. A quick stop at On the Run and home for a late dinner.
The cannelloni were in the oven, but were kind of cold from sitting there for hours, so I skipped dinner. I had eaten most of a bag of Chex Mix in the afternoon, so I wasn't all that hungry. It was too late for me to eat anyway, because of meds. I need to lose a few pounds anyway.
Beth told me some more items that are needed for next week, so I gave up texting Kaylie and called her instead. Bless her heart for getting these things last minute. I called and asked Nana Ruth to give her the Walmart card tomorrow.
Going to bed with a sodium headache. Feet are swelled, but I'm not too tired. Remembering that Hixel and I juggled the container of 30 eggs all evening in the van. It was so funny.
I hope I get good sleep and have sweet dreams.
God is so good.
The fans came on in the middle of the night. How wonderful! We were up at 5am and had breakfast and devotions (by Ralph) and got ready for the day.
1 group went to do a women's conference at a church, where they did a little message for women, gave gifts and drew numbers for haircuts by one of the team members.
1 group went to do the 2 Fiestas in 2 sites.
Adam and I went to the radio station. We rode in the back of the little red truck that is famous for breaking down on Ralph and Seth. We held on to the rails and did some moves that we called 'Nicaraguan surfing' and reminded me of riding the subway in NYC. I loved it! Adam was very nervous about the radio and afraid that he would miss the Fiestas. I shared with him about calming down and letting God have His way. Adam is a jewel of a youth. When we got to the radio station, we sat around and talked with the guys there until time for our 'spot'. I took a lot of pictures of trees and flowers. The guys thought I was a little weird. Adam gave his testimony and I chatted just a little. I wish we would have said more about the crusade, but it's hard to think at times like that. I loved the ride back to the church in the little red truck.
When we got back to the church, Danielle was still cutting hair. It was stifling hot in the church and Danielle was very sick the night before and that morning. She is such a trooper!!
We all got back to the house for lunch, which was kind of meatloaf, beans in a ball, rice, salad, mashed potatoes and tortilla.
After lunch, I rested in our room for a while. Beth had a migraine and needed to rest in a quiet place.
We planned on leaving at 3pm so we can stop in Leon for a while before the crusade. Oooops! No one told the drivers that we wanted to leave early! The drivers and one van are gone. They were needed by German to do some things to prepare for the crusade. Beth called them and they rushed back. While we waited, some of the team sat upstairs on the veranda and sang praise songs. The neighbors sat outside on their patio and sang along, too.
We left for Leon and stopped at the bakery for pico bread. Then we went to La Unión for coffee, etc to take home.
The crusade was great!! I loved the music and all the crowds. A quick stop at On the Run and home for a late dinner.
The cannelloni were in the oven, but were kind of cold from sitting there for hours, so I skipped dinner. I had eaten most of a bag of Chex Mix in the afternoon, so I wasn't all that hungry. It was too late for me to eat anyway, because of meds. I need to lose a few pounds anyway.
Beth told me some more items that are needed for next week, so I gave up texting Kaylie and called her instead. Bless her heart for getting these things last minute. I called and asked Nana Ruth to give her the Walmart card tomorrow.
Going to bed with a sodium headache. Feet are swelled, but I'm not too tired. Remembering that Hixel and I juggled the container of 30 eggs all evening in the van. It was so funny.
I hope I get good sleep and have sweet dreams.
God is so good.
Nicaragua July 13, 2010
Tuesday
Up at 5am, breakfast at 6am, Devotions at 6:30am. Left the house at 7am for 2 Fiestas and radio station.
I walked with Mary and prayed while she shared with a lady who accepted Christ. Then I helped with the Fiesta.
At the 2nd Fiesta, I walked with Mary for a time and then walked with Chris, Donna and Iris. I was blessed to lead Estaban to the Lord. It was definitely the Holy Spirit working.
We walked past a church being built and the workers had on the radio. We heard Buddy on the radio, sharing the Gospel and promoting the crusade that will take place this week. How awesome!!
I got to give a couple of little girls some of the plastic finger puppets that I had brought. I'm going to bring lots more of those on my next trip down.
Iris and Hixel were with me part of the time. Iris friended me on Facebook. I like getting to know the translators. They are all sweet kids (20s & 30s).
We came back for lunch and rest time. We'll shower and then leave for the crusade at 4:30pm. Hopefully, the ballfield won't be too mushy. Time to read and relax. I just shared info with Donna about Spanish studies. It's fun to have that in common.
I got a little bit of a nap and then showered and dressed for the Crusade. We stopped at Eskimo for icecream. Mary, Becky and I went to La Unión grocery store for ham, chips and eggs. Then we met up with everyone at Eskimo.
A big storm is rolling in with pouring rain, lightning and thunder. We stopped at On the Run for a bathroom break. It is raining soooo hard and the lightning is very scary.
We got a call that the crusade is cancelled because of the storm. We decided to go on out to the site to sit in the vans and pray over the area. Many people were there from churches to work the crusade. We got out and witnessed to some people under a metal shelter. (not smart in a lightning storm)
The rain kept coming, but the lightning eased up a little bit and stayed in the clouds. We just couldn't leave these people. The band played and Jessica gave her testimony and Buddy gave the message. There were some professions of faith, but I don't know how many.
Kids came over to the van and we had a great time talking to them. They sang some songs. One little boy sang to me in Engligh. They were a lot of fun. A man named Mariano came to the window and we discussed Christianity (in my limited Spanish). I told Mary that I had given him her number. heehee
We saw the Speigles (fulltime missionaries in Nic) at the crusade. It was so good to see them.
After the crusade, we stopped at On the Run for the usual potty break. (it's usually 30 minutes to an hour drive everywhere we go, so that bathroom break is vital!)
We came home to no electricity. Good thing dinner was sandwiches and chips. I had a peanut butter sandwich and some mixed nuts.
Mary, Beth and I chatted a little then we went to our rooms. The team had share time.
We all went to bed praying for electricity to power up our fans.
God is good. Even in heat. I pray for a good rest so I can be full of strength and energy for tomorrow.
I love you Lord.
Up at 5am, breakfast at 6am, Devotions at 6:30am. Left the house at 7am for 2 Fiestas and radio station.
I walked with Mary and prayed while she shared with a lady who accepted Christ. Then I helped with the Fiesta.
At the 2nd Fiesta, I walked with Mary for a time and then walked with Chris, Donna and Iris. I was blessed to lead Estaban to the Lord. It was definitely the Holy Spirit working.
We walked past a church being built and the workers had on the radio. We heard Buddy on the radio, sharing the Gospel and promoting the crusade that will take place this week. How awesome!!
I got to give a couple of little girls some of the plastic finger puppets that I had brought. I'm going to bring lots more of those on my next trip down.
Iris and Hixel were with me part of the time. Iris friended me on Facebook. I like getting to know the translators. They are all sweet kids (20s & 30s).
We came back for lunch and rest time. We'll shower and then leave for the crusade at 4:30pm. Hopefully, the ballfield won't be too mushy. Time to read and relax. I just shared info with Donna about Spanish studies. It's fun to have that in common.
I got a little bit of a nap and then showered and dressed for the Crusade. We stopped at Eskimo for icecream. Mary, Becky and I went to La Unión grocery store for ham, chips and eggs. Then we met up with everyone at Eskimo.
A big storm is rolling in with pouring rain, lightning and thunder. We stopped at On the Run for a bathroom break. It is raining soooo hard and the lightning is very scary.
We got a call that the crusade is cancelled because of the storm. We decided to go on out to the site to sit in the vans and pray over the area. Many people were there from churches to work the crusade. We got out and witnessed to some people under a metal shelter. (not smart in a lightning storm)
The rain kept coming, but the lightning eased up a little bit and stayed in the clouds. We just couldn't leave these people. The band played and Jessica gave her testimony and Buddy gave the message. There were some professions of faith, but I don't know how many.
Kids came over to the van and we had a great time talking to them. They sang some songs. One little boy sang to me in Engligh. They were a lot of fun. A man named Mariano came to the window and we discussed Christianity (in my limited Spanish). I told Mary that I had given him her number. heehee
We saw the Speigles (fulltime missionaries in Nic) at the crusade. It was so good to see them.
After the crusade, we stopped at On the Run for the usual potty break. (it's usually 30 minutes to an hour drive everywhere we go, so that bathroom break is vital!)
We came home to no electricity. Good thing dinner was sandwiches and chips. I had a peanut butter sandwich and some mixed nuts.
Mary, Beth and I chatted a little then we went to our rooms. The team had share time.
We all went to bed praying for electricity to power up our fans.
God is good. Even in heat. I pray for a good rest so I can be full of strength and energy for tomorrow.
I love you Lord.
Nicaragua July 12, 2010
Monday
5am wake up call. Quick showers and breakfast. Instant oatmeal with cold water, not bad. Eggs, fruit and pico bread for everyone else. Mickey did the devotions this morning.
We left the house at 7am for the first Fiesta. The riverbank was muddy and the 1st van got stuck. We had to get out of both vans and the guys pushed the stuck van out. Manuel gunned his van and made it across the ditch. It was determined that the vans could not make it out of the riverbed on the other side, so we all divvied up the supplies and took off walking about a half mile to the Fiesta site. Buddy played his guitar and some people sang along the way. We had to cross some streams and a barbed wire fence, passed a few cows, pigs and a snake, and made it to the site. We had a good Fiesta. We walked back to the vans and left for the 2nd Fiesta. We dropped Ralph and Seth off to catch a ride to the radio station. Their truck broke down and they had to walk about 1.5 miles each way. But they had a good experience being on the radio.
We packed as many people as possible on one van and sent them to El Zapote to help with the feeding (while the others waited on Ralph and Seth to get back). The 1st van stopped at On the Run for a potty break and the later van ended up beating them to the feeding. crazy. We joined in serving at the feeding and Buddy gave the plan of salvation to the people there. The community leader kept thanking us for everything. Pastor Calderon and his wife were there leading the food team. Their church does all the cooking. A very big job! They have such huge hearts.
We headed back to the Stop Light, dropping off the translators. We had to cram the majority of people into one van and send them on to the house, while some of us waited with our driver, Danilo for Beth to get back from going with German to get some phone issues taken care of.
We got to the house about 2pm for lunch. Rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, shredded meat and tortilla. Yum!
Some of the team frolicked in the ocean, some sang, some journaled, some rested. We have the afternoon off. I'm going to read now and maybe nap a little.
Ok - no nap. Everyone kept coming in and out of the room, but that's okay - I enjoy them. I did get to take a much needed shower.
I helped with packing kid's prize bags with Beth, Teresa and Connie. Later, the women on the team worked on packing the stuff for the women's conference.
A big thunderstorm rolled in. We had dinner of 'tacos'(like giant taquitos), shredded cabbage. Stewart shared his M&Ms with Beth and me for dessert. I chatted with Mary a while and we listened to the rain and thunder.
Share time is early tonight (7:30p), but I stayed in my room with a rumbly tumbly. Going to put on my jammies and read in bed. Another wonderful day.
5am wake up call. Quick showers and breakfast. Instant oatmeal with cold water, not bad. Eggs, fruit and pico bread for everyone else. Mickey did the devotions this morning.
We left the house at 7am for the first Fiesta. The riverbank was muddy and the 1st van got stuck. We had to get out of both vans and the guys pushed the stuck van out. Manuel gunned his van and made it across the ditch. It was determined that the vans could not make it out of the riverbed on the other side, so we all divvied up the supplies and took off walking about a half mile to the Fiesta site. Buddy played his guitar and some people sang along the way. We had to cross some streams and a barbed wire fence, passed a few cows, pigs and a snake, and made it to the site. We had a good Fiesta. We walked back to the vans and left for the 2nd Fiesta. We dropped Ralph and Seth off to catch a ride to the radio station. Their truck broke down and they had to walk about 1.5 miles each way. But they had a good experience being on the radio.
We packed as many people as possible on one van and sent them to El Zapote to help with the feeding (while the others waited on Ralph and Seth to get back). The 1st van stopped at On the Run for a potty break and the later van ended up beating them to the feeding. crazy. We joined in serving at the feeding and Buddy gave the plan of salvation to the people there. The community leader kept thanking us for everything. Pastor Calderon and his wife were there leading the food team. Their church does all the cooking. A very big job! They have such huge hearts.
We headed back to the Stop Light, dropping off the translators. We had to cram the majority of people into one van and send them on to the house, while some of us waited with our driver, Danilo for Beth to get back from going with German to get some phone issues taken care of.
We got to the house about 2pm for lunch. Rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, shredded meat and tortilla. Yum!
Some of the team frolicked in the ocean, some sang, some journaled, some rested. We have the afternoon off. I'm going to read now and maybe nap a little.
Ok - no nap. Everyone kept coming in and out of the room, but that's okay - I enjoy them. I did get to take a much needed shower.
I helped with packing kid's prize bags with Beth, Teresa and Connie. Later, the women on the team worked on packing the stuff for the women's conference.
A big thunderstorm rolled in. We had dinner of 'tacos'(like giant taquitos), shredded cabbage. Stewart shared his M&Ms with Beth and me for dessert. I chatted with Mary a while and we listened to the rain and thunder.
Share time is early tonight (7:30p), but I stayed in my room with a rumbly tumbly. Going to put on my jammies and read in bed. Another wonderful day.
Nicaragua July 11, 2010
Sunday
I woke up to lovely sounds. Ocean waves, birds singing, fans humming, and the cooks in the kitchen. (I think someone fixed the squeak in the freezer lid)
I showered and kept digging through suitcases. What a mess. I'll be glad to get everything organized after lunch.
Breakfast was fruit, eggs, gallo pinto, pico bread and tang. I usually skip the tang and just have water.
I met more of the team members who were asleep when we got in last night. There's a lot of names to remember.
It is soooooo good to see Ms Mary. It will be fun to hang out with her for the next 4 weeks.
I had quiet time before church. Group devotions will be at 7:30am.
I have so many thoughts and feelings. God is awesome. I am humbled and privileged to get to serve here.
Holy Spirit, take over my entire self today. Have me be bold for You.
Church services were good. Our group of 20 split into 4 church services. Our group went out in the boonies (of course). It is amazing what you encounter driving down the road. Oxcarts, bicycles, horses walking down the middle of the road, buses, trucks filled to the brim, motorcycles...
At our church, we met Jefferson, the Pastor's son very young son, who plays drums on a very old, broken drum set. He plays with abandon and definitely makes a joyful noise. Teresa gave her testimony and Stewart preached. Christopher was our translator and Juan translated, too.
Interesting dynamics with in the 2 teams. Very serious to very laid back. Buddy and Mickey are very outgoing. Tim is very serious. Everyone is very pleasant to work with.
I'm getting to know Beth a little better. I'm looking forward to spending more time talking with her and Mary next week when it's just us ladies.
We worked on the donations - flipflops, baby clothes, toiletries, toys, prize bags, hats, clothes, etc. and tons of candy!!
I chatted with Mary a little, rested on my bed a little while and spent more time getting to know the team after lunch.
We stopped by El Zapote on our way to 4 churches in the evening. The well isn't deep enough (dug 130 feet by hand). More money is needed to bring in the drilling rig. The community leader and the engineer were there to talk to the group. There is a hand pump well that was supplied by 'living water' project. The community leader talked about the number of families and kids in the area. There is a plan to refurbish the old 2 room school building and to build a church.
It was beginning to storm and God provided an awesome lightning show. It was scary and humbling.
We went to Prince of Peace church and it was great. Rachel gave her testimony and Chris preached. The girls signed to a praise song. There were many people of the church who sang specials.
I had the chance to pray with Philipa who rededicated her life to Christ. She has a 2 year old daughter named Kimberly.
We stopped at On The Run for a much needed bathroom break. We dropped off the translators at the Stop Light. I had some coaching on trying to master trilling my rrrrrs. I'm think I'm a lost cause.
Back to the House for hamburgers and share time and bed.
It's been a good day.
I woke up to lovely sounds. Ocean waves, birds singing, fans humming, and the cooks in the kitchen. (I think someone fixed the squeak in the freezer lid)
I showered and kept digging through suitcases. What a mess. I'll be glad to get everything organized after lunch.
Breakfast was fruit, eggs, gallo pinto, pico bread and tang. I usually skip the tang and just have water.
I met more of the team members who were asleep when we got in last night. There's a lot of names to remember.
It is soooooo good to see Ms Mary. It will be fun to hang out with her for the next 4 weeks.
I had quiet time before church. Group devotions will be at 7:30am.
I have so many thoughts and feelings. God is awesome. I am humbled and privileged to get to serve here.
Holy Spirit, take over my entire self today. Have me be bold for You.
Church services were good. Our group of 20 split into 4 church services. Our group went out in the boonies (of course). It is amazing what you encounter driving down the road. Oxcarts, bicycles, horses walking down the middle of the road, buses, trucks filled to the brim, motorcycles...
At our church, we met Jefferson, the Pastor's son very young son, who plays drums on a very old, broken drum set. He plays with abandon and definitely makes a joyful noise. Teresa gave her testimony and Stewart preached. Christopher was our translator and Juan translated, too.
Interesting dynamics with in the 2 teams. Very serious to very laid back. Buddy and Mickey are very outgoing. Tim is very serious. Everyone is very pleasant to work with.
I'm getting to know Beth a little better. I'm looking forward to spending more time talking with her and Mary next week when it's just us ladies.
We worked on the donations - flipflops, baby clothes, toiletries, toys, prize bags, hats, clothes, etc. and tons of candy!!
I chatted with Mary a little, rested on my bed a little while and spent more time getting to know the team after lunch.
We stopped by El Zapote on our way to 4 churches in the evening. The well isn't deep enough (dug 130 feet by hand). More money is needed to bring in the drilling rig. The community leader and the engineer were there to talk to the group. There is a hand pump well that was supplied by 'living water' project. The community leader talked about the number of families and kids in the area. There is a plan to refurbish the old 2 room school building and to build a church.
It was beginning to storm and God provided an awesome lightning show. It was scary and humbling.
We went to Prince of Peace church and it was great. Rachel gave her testimony and Chris preached. The girls signed to a praise song. There were many people of the church who sang specials.
I had the chance to pray with Philipa who rededicated her life to Christ. She has a 2 year old daughter named Kimberly.
We stopped at On The Run for a much needed bathroom break. We dropped off the translators at the Stop Light. I had some coaching on trying to master trilling my rrrrrs. I'm think I'm a lost cause.
Back to the House for hamburgers and share time and bed.
It's been a good day.
Nicaragua July 10, 2010
Saturday, travel day.
Up early and enjoyed the feel of my comfy bed & ceiling fan.
Finished packing last minute stuff. Re-weighed my suitcases. The big ones came in at 49 pounds each. I took my 2 packages of individually wrapped prunes & dumped them in my backpack. I'm glad that I splurged for wrapped ones! My 2 suitcases, carry-on bag and backpack are bulging, but they are on the way to the airport!
The attendant at the Continental check-in desk remembered me from the spring break trip. We had a great conversation about the missions in Nic. Another check-in person said that I could bump up to first class on the flight to Managua for $69 and not have to pay the $30 charge for the 2nd bag. I opted to pay the $39 difference because it would insure that my bags would get priority treatment and I wouldn't have to worry about them getting lost since I had a lot of clothes and ministry supplies inside. Of course, a bigger, comfy seat, more leg room and a meal is nice too! I was praying over my bags on the way to the airport. God blessed me extra when He took care of the bag security. Isn't that just like Him?
When going through the security check, there were very few people. I noticed a couple of the TSA people pointing to me. They had me go through a pat-down process. Apparently, a roll of fat around your middle could be paraphernalia in hiding. The security lady was a plus size gal, too, and was very sweet about it. I told her that was the most attention my middle has received in a long time. I'm glad I could make her laugh. I've come to accept myself as I am, but it is a good incentive for some ab crunches!
I'm enjoying this quiet time at the airport. Good time to make last phone calls, journal, pray and study Spanish. I'm having an orange juice and counting my blessings.
I feel very peaceful about the trip. I had been a little anxious about being gone for 6 weeks and forgetting something that needed to be done here. But I think God reminded me of what I needed to attend to. He's ultimately the one in charge anyway, isn't He?
I know the weeks are going to fly by. Each one will be a little different than the next. I absolutely love meeting the different people that God has busy going about His Kingdom work. It's fun when our paths cross. It's like meeting long-lost cousins. You may have never met them before, but you have a bond in common. Being a part of God's huge family is so wonderful.
Time to go sit at my gate for awhile and listen for my plane to be called. This flight is to Houston, so it won't be long. Just enough time between bathroom breaks. HA
The flight was uneventful. I listed to the Spanish Bible on my iPod while reading in my bi-lingual Bible. Very productive.
The layover in Houston was nice. I met a traveler who works for the government. He was very secretive about his job, although, he's the one who brought it up. Interesting... I walked around a lot and people-watched. I had a good early dinner from a health food place and topped it off with some chocolate chip cookies. heehee
I called Deanna one last time. She said that our neighbor, Mundo, brought over some watches and had a special one picked out for me for my mission trips. How nice.
My flight to Managua was nice. I felt guilty sitting in first class. Especially when people from other mission groups were getting on. I felt the need to explain that I was in first class for the security of my bags, but thought it best to keep quiet. My seat mate was a standby passenger who works for the airline. We talked alot. Dinner was good. It was a pleasant flight.
We arrived a few minutes late in the rain. My bags were first off of the plane. yay! German picked me up at the door and we met the other team members at On the Run (a convenience store with hot food). I got to see Manuel, one of my favorite drivers from the March trip. The road to the team house is newly paved, but it was still a sickly drive for my travel weary stomach.
We arrived at the team house about 11:30pm. Everyone was asleep. I met Beth. My favorite bed was reserved for me. :) I slept pretty well. I'm so thankful to be here.
Up early and enjoyed the feel of my comfy bed & ceiling fan.
Finished packing last minute stuff. Re-weighed my suitcases. The big ones came in at 49 pounds each. I took my 2 packages of individually wrapped prunes & dumped them in my backpack. I'm glad that I splurged for wrapped ones! My 2 suitcases, carry-on bag and backpack are bulging, but they are on the way to the airport!
The attendant at the Continental check-in desk remembered me from the spring break trip. We had a great conversation about the missions in Nic. Another check-in person said that I could bump up to first class on the flight to Managua for $69 and not have to pay the $30 charge for the 2nd bag. I opted to pay the $39 difference because it would insure that my bags would get priority treatment and I wouldn't have to worry about them getting lost since I had a lot of clothes and ministry supplies inside. Of course, a bigger, comfy seat, more leg room and a meal is nice too! I was praying over my bags on the way to the airport. God blessed me extra when He took care of the bag security. Isn't that just like Him?
When going through the security check, there were very few people. I noticed a couple of the TSA people pointing to me. They had me go through a pat-down process. Apparently, a roll of fat around your middle could be paraphernalia in hiding. The security lady was a plus size gal, too, and was very sweet about it. I told her that was the most attention my middle has received in a long time. I'm glad I could make her laugh. I've come to accept myself as I am, but it is a good incentive for some ab crunches!
I'm enjoying this quiet time at the airport. Good time to make last phone calls, journal, pray and study Spanish. I'm having an orange juice and counting my blessings.
I feel very peaceful about the trip. I had been a little anxious about being gone for 6 weeks and forgetting something that needed to be done here. But I think God reminded me of what I needed to attend to. He's ultimately the one in charge anyway, isn't He?
I know the weeks are going to fly by. Each one will be a little different than the next. I absolutely love meeting the different people that God has busy going about His Kingdom work. It's fun when our paths cross. It's like meeting long-lost cousins. You may have never met them before, but you have a bond in common. Being a part of God's huge family is so wonderful.
Time to go sit at my gate for awhile and listen for my plane to be called. This flight is to Houston, so it won't be long. Just enough time between bathroom breaks. HA
The flight was uneventful. I listed to the Spanish Bible on my iPod while reading in my bi-lingual Bible. Very productive.
The layover in Houston was nice. I met a traveler who works for the government. He was very secretive about his job, although, he's the one who brought it up. Interesting... I walked around a lot and people-watched. I had a good early dinner from a health food place and topped it off with some chocolate chip cookies. heehee
I called Deanna one last time. She said that our neighbor, Mundo, brought over some watches and had a special one picked out for me for my mission trips. How nice.
My flight to Managua was nice. I felt guilty sitting in first class. Especially when people from other mission groups were getting on. I felt the need to explain that I was in first class for the security of my bags, but thought it best to keep quiet. My seat mate was a standby passenger who works for the airline. We talked alot. Dinner was good. It was a pleasant flight.
We arrived a few minutes late in the rain. My bags were first off of the plane. yay! German picked me up at the door and we met the other team members at On the Run (a convenience store with hot food). I got to see Manuel, one of my favorite drivers from the March trip. The road to the team house is newly paved, but it was still a sickly drive for my travel weary stomach.
We arrived at the team house about 11:30pm. Everyone was asleep. I met Beth. My favorite bed was reserved for me. :) I slept pretty well. I'm so thankful to be here.
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