On Tuesday I began my journey back to Nicaragua. I arrived at XNA airport (Rogers AR) the required 2 hours early for my international flight. As I was struggling with my bags at the back of Deanna's van, a nice gentleman who was waiting for his ride said he would help me if Deanna would watch his bags. He strolled right up to the counter for me. How nice! There was hardly anyone else in the airport. I zipped right through security. No pat downs this time! I grabbed a bagel (for emergencies) and a bottled water and settled in to a somewhat comfortable seat by the tv monitor to await my flight. I made a few phone calls and watched the news and started feeling a little drowsy.
Our flight from XNA to IAH (Houston) was less than half full. The flight attendant told us over the speaker to just sit wherever we wanted. I grabbed a double seat and got comfy. I read my Kindle and dozed off for a little while.
We reached IAH just a few minutes early, so I had the chance to visit the restroom and grab a sandwich to go before heading to my gate, where I met up with Mary (flying in from Little Rock). I had just enough time to get my passport and boarding pass checked and then boarded the plane. I had an aisle seat and the one next to me was empty, so it was nice to have both arm rests to my self. (funny how those little things can make a person happy).
When we arrived in Managua we scurried on to immigration and then to customs. The Ministry of Health was passing out forms asking where you were coming from, what cities you had visited and if you had any of a list of nasty symptoms. I wondered how thorough this process would be, but when I went through the immigration station, the guy took my health form and just set it aside and didn't even look at it. I guess I looked healthy enough. On to getting our baggage and then through customs, which is just a ride for the baggage through an x-ray machine and handing the paper to someone, who also doesn't look at it. Then we were free to traverse the doors of glass that connect to the wall of glass. It was good to see German. He's like a younger brother to me. I love to hear his voice and see his smile.
We made a quick stop at On the Run (convenience store) for water (Pepsi for Mary) and a few things for the morning. Then off for the long ride to the team house. It was the first time Mary and I got to chat and we also caught up with German on things going on down here. We made it to the team house about 11:30 Nica time (12:30 AR time). We unpacked a little and then went to bed. I have to say that I find it funny that the cleaning lady (Araceliz) always put the mattress cover OVER the fitted sheet and I end up remaking the bed. But it's all good. A great night of sleep listening to the ocean waves and the 2 fans blowing in my room. It's good to be back.
God blessed us with good flights, good weather, making our connection in Houston, safe travel from the airport and a safe home to sleep in. He is awesome.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 16, 2011
I'm sitting here in my room at the team house in Nicaragua posting on my blog. How wonderful! (as I'm typing this, I'm chatting on facebook with Kearsten, one of the team members coming down from FBCR on Saturday!)
Sunday, I watched FBCR on tv and then went to worship with Cuerpo Vivo. We took advantage of moving the clocks forward and also moved the starting time for church to an hour earlier. We were down a little bit in numbers, but it was a great worship service. It was nice to get out about 12:30 instead of 1:30. The Brock family from FBCR and Kayla attended the service. Unfortunately, the website had not been updated with the time change yet, so they missed the music, but were there for the sermon. It was nice to see their smiling faces.
I was blessed to have lunch with the Treviños. Mark bought my lunch and was happy when they gave me a senior discount. :) It was good company and great food.
I went home and worked some more on getting packed for Nicaragua. I made some turkey meatballs and enjoyed those for dinner. I also worked on my Bible study for Monday morning, since I had an early ear doctor appointment.
Monday, Angela took me to my hearing test. It was nice to catch up with her. The test revealed what we thought, significant hearing loss in my right ear. All the mechanics of the ear are fine and healthy. No fluid or swelling or anything. So the problem seems to be neurological. A problem with the nerves between the ear and the brain. I suspect that there may not be a brain to receive the impulses, but I'm no doctor. :) I have an appointment with Dr Black on April 6. We'll see what he says. I just hope it doesn't cost a lot of money! I'm very thankful that no pain is involved. It is a little frustrating that I'm trying to learn a new language and can't hear very well. But I'm not giving up!!!
Angela dropped me off at the church after my appointment and I got some last minute stuff done for the Nicaragua trip and the Dubai College trip. Kellie took me to the post office to get some boxes to ship training materials to the College team. Then we went to the bank and then had lunch at Rolando's. It was sooo good.
Back to the church for staff meeting. Jaime presented the vision and status of Cuerpo Vivo church. It was very informative and encouraging. I hope it was enlightening for the people who seem to have a problem with God working through this wonderful church. God is blessing the Hispanic ministry tremendously and I'm very humbled and proud to be a part of it.
Monday night I got home and made some roasted chicken breast and some real mashed potatoes. I was craving them! They were pretty good. Then I worked until 11:30 finishing up my packing. I slept pretty well finally.
Tuesday morning, I was blessed to get to share with the Ladies Bible study group about what God has been doing in my life. I'm always excited to brag on God. He is so awesome and uses even a worthless creature like me to shine His glory. Our large group lecture (by Lisa) was wonderful, as always, and our small group discussion time was equally great. I will only miss one session while I'm in Nica, but I know I'll be missing a blessing even from that one week. Great study of God's wonderful Word!
Deanna and Amy and Barbara took me to lunch at Chick-Fil-A. (Thanks Barbara for the meal!) Then Deanna dropped me off at the airport for my trip to Nica.
I'll share more about the trip in the next post. I'm too sleepy now to remember everything.
My God is so wonderful, loving, gracious and generous. He is making my life so happy right now. No matter the circumstances, I am always ecstatic to be serving Him! (remind me of this the next time I whine!)
I love You my Lord.
Sunday, I watched FBCR on tv and then went to worship with Cuerpo Vivo. We took advantage of moving the clocks forward and also moved the starting time for church to an hour earlier. We were down a little bit in numbers, but it was a great worship service. It was nice to get out about 12:30 instead of 1:30. The Brock family from FBCR and Kayla attended the service. Unfortunately, the website had not been updated with the time change yet, so they missed the music, but were there for the sermon. It was nice to see their smiling faces.
I was blessed to have lunch with the Treviños. Mark bought my lunch and was happy when they gave me a senior discount. :) It was good company and great food.
I went home and worked some more on getting packed for Nicaragua. I made some turkey meatballs and enjoyed those for dinner. I also worked on my Bible study for Monday morning, since I had an early ear doctor appointment.
Monday, Angela took me to my hearing test. It was nice to catch up with her. The test revealed what we thought, significant hearing loss in my right ear. All the mechanics of the ear are fine and healthy. No fluid or swelling or anything. So the problem seems to be neurological. A problem with the nerves between the ear and the brain. I suspect that there may not be a brain to receive the impulses, but I'm no doctor. :) I have an appointment with Dr Black on April 6. We'll see what he says. I just hope it doesn't cost a lot of money! I'm very thankful that no pain is involved. It is a little frustrating that I'm trying to learn a new language and can't hear very well. But I'm not giving up!!!
Angela dropped me off at the church after my appointment and I got some last minute stuff done for the Nicaragua trip and the Dubai College trip. Kellie took me to the post office to get some boxes to ship training materials to the College team. Then we went to the bank and then had lunch at Rolando's. It was sooo good.
Back to the church for staff meeting. Jaime presented the vision and status of Cuerpo Vivo church. It was very informative and encouraging. I hope it was enlightening for the people who seem to have a problem with God working through this wonderful church. God is blessing the Hispanic ministry tremendously and I'm very humbled and proud to be a part of it.
Monday night I got home and made some roasted chicken breast and some real mashed potatoes. I was craving them! They were pretty good. Then I worked until 11:30 finishing up my packing. I slept pretty well finally.
Tuesday morning, I was blessed to get to share with the Ladies Bible study group about what God has been doing in my life. I'm always excited to brag on God. He is so awesome and uses even a worthless creature like me to shine His glory. Our large group lecture (by Lisa) was wonderful, as always, and our small group discussion time was equally great. I will only miss one session while I'm in Nica, but I know I'll be missing a blessing even from that one week. Great study of God's wonderful Word!
Deanna and Amy and Barbara took me to lunch at Chick-Fil-A. (Thanks Barbara for the meal!) Then Deanna dropped me off at the airport for my trip to Nica.
I'll share more about the trip in the next post. I'm too sleepy now to remember everything.
My God is so wonderful, loving, gracious and generous. He is making my life so happy right now. No matter the circumstances, I am always ecstatic to be serving Him! (remind me of this the next time I whine!)
I love You my Lord.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
March 12, 2011
Saturday evening. Trying to convince my body that it's an hour later, so that I can go to sleep and wake up at the 'right' time tomorrow.
Thursday was a great day of getting things done at home on the computer and some chores around the house. I got things all ready to hit it hard on Friday. There were 3 interpreters at the medical clinic, so I didn't need to go. I'm not a whole lot of help (quality help, anyway), but I can communicate in a pinch. And I enjoy it.
Friday morning I was up early doing my Bible study so that I could catch a ride with Deanna to the Olive street church offices. She was fussing at me for not wearing my 'green' for St Patrick's Day, until I told her she was a week early. LOL
Once I got to the church with my plastic tub of various items to deal with, I started right in. I made info packets for the parents of the Nicaragua team. Made copies of a corrected flyer for the Friday lunch project, so that the Food Pantry could pass them out. The Food Pantry was in good hands and didn't need my help, so I went over to the kitchen to start some of the food for the lunches. Kaye was there in the kitchen preparing for a banquet for that night. I got to chat with her for a little while, which was nice.
Heidi and Melanie came with their little volunteers and started setting up for the lunches. Melanie ran me to pick up sandwich makings, fruit and cookies. We set up for the lunches in the gym this week, since the Fellowship Hall was set up for the banquet. We didn't have any new people, but we had some new volunteers and it was nice to introduce them to each other. More discussion was shared about plans and procedures and we've made great progress. Now we just need to get the word out more and get ready for lots of guests in the coming weeks.
After the lunch, I went upstairs and started packing suitcases and tubs with ministry supplies to take to Nicaragua. I want to have everything ready so that the team can just grab an extra tub/suitcase on the day they leave for the airport. It will be great to get lots of stuff down there.
When I got home about 3:30, I laid down on the sofa just to rest a minute and I fell into a very deep sleep. Deanna said I was snoring up a storm. It felt good to have that nap.
Today, I did a few more chores around the house and then borrowed Deanna's van to run to some stores to pick up items that I need to take to Nica with me. I spent forever in Walmart getting stuff on my list and using some coupons. I brought everything home and started packing my extra bags with supplies. I have most of my stuff packed now, so it won't be too hard to finish up in the next few days.
I plan on enjoying worship tomorrow and being with friends. Monday will be a doctor's appointment for a hearing test, staff meeting, then a final meeting with Brian S about the Nica team. Tuesday morning will be Bible study, lunch with Deanna and then heading for the airport. It will go by fast.
I have enjoyed so much the Chronological Bible Study. I was excited to realize that my flight is late enough in the afternoon that I could still attend Bible Study that morning. That means I will only miss 1 day while I'm in Nica. I'll be doing my daily study, but I will miss the large group lecture and small group discussion on the last Tuesday of this month.
The earthquake and tsunami in Japan has been quite something. Now there is danger from the nuclear plant there. Life here can change in a heartbeat. I'm so thankful that I know my Savior and Father and have the promise and hope of Heaven. This life is temporary and we need to keep that in mind. I pray that I will keep my eyes on what is lasting and that I can glorify God by sharing that with others.
I'm so thankful for my friends and kingdom family. Being on facebook reminds me of many people who I have been blessed to meet and to know on many different levels. God has been so good to me. I am truly honored to be a Child of the King and to have wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thursday was a great day of getting things done at home on the computer and some chores around the house. I got things all ready to hit it hard on Friday. There were 3 interpreters at the medical clinic, so I didn't need to go. I'm not a whole lot of help (quality help, anyway), but I can communicate in a pinch. And I enjoy it.
Friday morning I was up early doing my Bible study so that I could catch a ride with Deanna to the Olive street church offices. She was fussing at me for not wearing my 'green' for St Patrick's Day, until I told her she was a week early. LOL
Once I got to the church with my plastic tub of various items to deal with, I started right in. I made info packets for the parents of the Nicaragua team. Made copies of a corrected flyer for the Friday lunch project, so that the Food Pantry could pass them out. The Food Pantry was in good hands and didn't need my help, so I went over to the kitchen to start some of the food for the lunches. Kaye was there in the kitchen preparing for a banquet for that night. I got to chat with her for a little while, which was nice.
Heidi and Melanie came with their little volunteers and started setting up for the lunches. Melanie ran me to pick up sandwich makings, fruit and cookies. We set up for the lunches in the gym this week, since the Fellowship Hall was set up for the banquet. We didn't have any new people, but we had some new volunteers and it was nice to introduce them to each other. More discussion was shared about plans and procedures and we've made great progress. Now we just need to get the word out more and get ready for lots of guests in the coming weeks.
After the lunch, I went upstairs and started packing suitcases and tubs with ministry supplies to take to Nicaragua. I want to have everything ready so that the team can just grab an extra tub/suitcase on the day they leave for the airport. It will be great to get lots of stuff down there.
When I got home about 3:30, I laid down on the sofa just to rest a minute and I fell into a very deep sleep. Deanna said I was snoring up a storm. It felt good to have that nap.
Today, I did a few more chores around the house and then borrowed Deanna's van to run to some stores to pick up items that I need to take to Nica with me. I spent forever in Walmart getting stuff on my list and using some coupons. I brought everything home and started packing my extra bags with supplies. I have most of my stuff packed now, so it won't be too hard to finish up in the next few days.
I plan on enjoying worship tomorrow and being with friends. Monday will be a doctor's appointment for a hearing test, staff meeting, then a final meeting with Brian S about the Nica team. Tuesday morning will be Bible study, lunch with Deanna and then heading for the airport. It will go by fast.
I have enjoyed so much the Chronological Bible Study. I was excited to realize that my flight is late enough in the afternoon that I could still attend Bible Study that morning. That means I will only miss 1 day while I'm in Nica. I'll be doing my daily study, but I will miss the large group lecture and small group discussion on the last Tuesday of this month.
The earthquake and tsunami in Japan has been quite something. Now there is danger from the nuclear plant there. Life here can change in a heartbeat. I'm so thankful that I know my Savior and Father and have the promise and hope of Heaven. This life is temporary and we need to keep that in mind. I pray that I will keep my eyes on what is lasting and that I can glorify God by sharing that with others.
I'm so thankful for my friends and kingdom family. Being on facebook reminds me of many people who I have been blessed to meet and to know on many different levels. God has been so good to me. I am truly honored to be a Child of the King and to have wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
my birthday 2011
Birthdays have taken on a new feeling since I started in my 50s. It seems absurd to be 50, so every year it seems funny to add a higher digit to my age. This year makes 54. So weird!
After Bible study yesterday, many of the ladies ended up at Chick-Fil-A for lunch. As the 4 of us in our group ordered, someone told the manager that it was going to be my birthday today. While we were eating, he brought a balloon tied to a little stuffed cow (their mascot) to my table. Someone started singing Happy Birthday and when the ladies from Bible study (who were spread all over the restaurant) joined in, the other people in the restaurant looked surprised that so many people were singing. It was funny. and a little embarrassing. :) But it made me feel loved... I tried giving my balloon away to some moms when we were leaving, but no takers. So before we got in the car, I made a birthday wish and let the balloon go. We watched it fly way up in the air. It was kind of fun.
Deanna and her grand-daughter, Melanie, took me out to eat last night at Smokin' Joes. It was very tasty! We had fun talking about things that happened when Melanie was little. Deanna always has wonderful stories. I gave my little Chick-Fil-A cow to Melanie for her black and white bedroom.
I started the day with the usual... Wonderful Bible study. Check emails. Super Oatmeal for breakfast. Laundry. Trying to organize my bedroom. Sorting out items to be given away. Lunch. Nap. More emails and work. Dinner at Red Lobster with Nana Ruth. Home. More emails. A little more work before bedtime.
I've had over a hundred birthday wishes on facebook today. I feel so blessed! It was been fun to hear from friends from all over the world and around the country. It makes my heart warm to remember how I've met these people. God has blessed my life so much with these wonderful encounters. God has given me wonderful memories. I enjoyed answering each post.
I received a little birthday money and I'm putting it into my airline account. I'm going to keep a savings account going for plane tickets to travel and work with other missionaries around the world. My next trip (besides serving in Nicaragua, of course!) is a joint trip to India/Dubai. I hope to be able to go in late August through Sept and maybe into October. God is blessing me with opportunities and the desire to go, and I know He will provide the way if it's His will to do it.
I was also blessed with a laptop backpack to give to a friend in Nic. That was a wonderful gift for me! I love being able to bless other people.
I've got a few major projects to accomplish by weeks' end, and it gives me a little anxiety not to have a vehicle to come and go and get things done, but it will all work out okay. I want to get my bags packed for Nic by Sunday. I have lots of tubs and bags to get packed for the team to take. I want to get them done this Friday. I leave on Tuesday and Monday is already filled with a doctor's appointment and staff meeting. I'd like to keep Sunday a day of rest and worship and not packing. :)
My sister Pam is through with her radiation treatments for breast cancer. She is feeling pretty good, considering. Her blood sugar (she has diabetes) has been more stable during the radiation treatments. She's interested to find out how it goes now that her treatments are done. She'll be seeing her doctors in the next weeks to see what the next steps are. I'm glad to hear her feeling better.
My sister Sandy called today after picking up her grandson Conner from preschool, thinking that he would want to join her in singing happy birthday to me. He felt that she could handle the singing by herself. He is funny.
I guess I'll go to bed for now. Getting older makes a person sleepy. I'm very blessed and thankful to my Lord. I hope that He is glorified through my life. He deserves so much more than I can give. My birthday is a celebration of His Love.
After Bible study yesterday, many of the ladies ended up at Chick-Fil-A for lunch. As the 4 of us in our group ordered, someone told the manager that it was going to be my birthday today. While we were eating, he brought a balloon tied to a little stuffed cow (their mascot) to my table. Someone started singing Happy Birthday and when the ladies from Bible study (who were spread all over the restaurant) joined in, the other people in the restaurant looked surprised that so many people were singing. It was funny. and a little embarrassing. :) But it made me feel loved... I tried giving my balloon away to some moms when we were leaving, but no takers. So before we got in the car, I made a birthday wish and let the balloon go. We watched it fly way up in the air. It was kind of fun.
Deanna and her grand-daughter, Melanie, took me out to eat last night at Smokin' Joes. It was very tasty! We had fun talking about things that happened when Melanie was little. Deanna always has wonderful stories. I gave my little Chick-Fil-A cow to Melanie for her black and white bedroom.
I started the day with the usual... Wonderful Bible study. Check emails. Super Oatmeal for breakfast. Laundry. Trying to organize my bedroom. Sorting out items to be given away. Lunch. Nap. More emails and work. Dinner at Red Lobster with Nana Ruth. Home. More emails. A little more work before bedtime.
I've had over a hundred birthday wishes on facebook today. I feel so blessed! It was been fun to hear from friends from all over the world and around the country. It makes my heart warm to remember how I've met these people. God has blessed my life so much with these wonderful encounters. God has given me wonderful memories. I enjoyed answering each post.
I received a little birthday money and I'm putting it into my airline account. I'm going to keep a savings account going for plane tickets to travel and work with other missionaries around the world. My next trip (besides serving in Nicaragua, of course!) is a joint trip to India/Dubai. I hope to be able to go in late August through Sept and maybe into October. God is blessing me with opportunities and the desire to go, and I know He will provide the way if it's His will to do it.
I was also blessed with a laptop backpack to give to a friend in Nic. That was a wonderful gift for me! I love being able to bless other people.
I've got a few major projects to accomplish by weeks' end, and it gives me a little anxiety not to have a vehicle to come and go and get things done, but it will all work out okay. I want to get my bags packed for Nic by Sunday. I have lots of tubs and bags to get packed for the team to take. I want to get them done this Friday. I leave on Tuesday and Monday is already filled with a doctor's appointment and staff meeting. I'd like to keep Sunday a day of rest and worship and not packing. :)
My sister Pam is through with her radiation treatments for breast cancer. She is feeling pretty good, considering. Her blood sugar (she has diabetes) has been more stable during the radiation treatments. She's interested to find out how it goes now that her treatments are done. She'll be seeing her doctors in the next weeks to see what the next steps are. I'm glad to hear her feeling better.
My sister Sandy called today after picking up her grandson Conner from preschool, thinking that he would want to join her in singing happy birthday to me. He felt that she could handle the singing by herself. He is funny.
I guess I'll go to bed for now. Getting older makes a person sleepy. I'm very blessed and thankful to my Lord. I hope that He is glorified through my life. He deserves so much more than I can give. My birthday is a celebration of His Love.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Time keeps marching on and to-do lists get checked off, rewritten and waiver in importance. As things get more completed, I find I can sleep a little better. I'm still waking up in the middle of the night for a few hours, but I'm not worrying as much about the status of the projects. I always do this when I'm busy with multiple projects around the time that I will be traveling. My most constant concern is not meeting people's expectations. Then I go to the Lord and ask forgiveness for taking my focus off of Him and HIS expectations. He's the one who matters.
I enjoyed my time with little Allie on Thursday morning. Nana (Deanna) got home a little before 9am, so I got to enjoy Allie for over an hour. She fell asleep on my shoulder and snuggled up. Once Deanna took Allie, I retired to the den and enjoyed my Bible Study for the day. It has really been good. Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Exodus, Numbers... I can't believe how much God is speaking to me through these books that I have spent most of my life avoiding! His Word is wonderful!!
Thursday I got a lot of work done here at home. The only bad thing was that I ran out of printer ink here at the house. ugh. I went with Becca & Elizabeth Janes to get food for the Friday Community Meals at FBCR. We visited Aldi's and Harps and then went to the church. The Ladies' Cooking Ministry group was in the midst of their monthly cooking marathon, so we just put stuff away and went on home for the night. Elizabeth made the cookies that evening and then Becca went to the church about 6am to make the soup.
I got to the church on Friday about 9:00am. I dropped in at the Food Pantry and they were doing fine. Shirley sent me on over to the kitchen to get ready for the meal. We had some great volunteers come and had the chance for some brainstorming and planning. I very much want this ministry to be put together by the volunteers and not just something that I put in place and dictate procedures. Heidi is doing a great job of organizing the volunteers. Melanie and Bobbi were great with input and help. We had 3 volunteers from Cuerpo Vivo come to translate and share about the Hispanic church. We didn't have any customers for this first day, were not expecting many these first weeks. This type of ministry takes a while to build up. The volunteers got to serve the fellow workers and we invited the staff to come and have lunch, too. The soup was wonderful and the cookies yummy! We froze some of the soup, so we will have it for a backup in the weeks to come. I was very pleased with the day and look forward to next week and the weeks to come as we begin to minister to people with food.
I had taken one of the church vans home on Thursday night so that I could bring a bunch of tubs of ministry supplies for Nicaragua back to the church on Friday. Bobbi helped me move them upstairs to my 'holding area'. We got the chance to chat a while, which was wonderful. I caught a ride home mid afternoon and got a little rest.
Friday night I stepped in for Erika Martínez to oversee the childcare for the Cuerpo Vivo fellowship for couples. We had 15 kids and everything went really well, thanks to 3 great workers from FBCR Youth. I love these girls!
This morning I returned to the church to oversee the childcare for the Hispanic Pastoral Alliance conference. We had 25 kids from ages 2 months to 9 years. It was well again, and thanks again to the girls! We were treated to the lunch that was prepared by Cesar (one of the Abuelos chefs) for the Pastors and wives. It was great fajitas and beans and rice. I got to bring a little bit home for Deanna and I to eat for dinner, too. I enjoyed the kids today, but was ready for a little nap when I got home.
I worked on sorting, organizing and purging my work area in the den tonight. It's hard to keep things looking neat and tidy when there is no where to put them. I tend to have stacks. Like a stack with my Bible study stuff, a stack with Spanish study books, stacks for each project I'm working on for VOH, FBCR, etc. As long as I can keep up with it all, that's all that matters. Then when Deanna's family visits, I try to stash as much as I can out of the way. Especially, when I'm traveling for any length of time.
Tomorrow will be a nice day of worship. Then we have the last training meeting for the Nicaragua Youth team at 5pm. A couple of the girls going on the trip were helping with childcare the last 2 days. It was fun getting to talk with them. I would love to get a nap tomorrow afternoon, but we don't get out of Cuerpo Vivo church until late, so I may have to settle for just sitting on the sofa with my feet up while finishing up preparing for the meeting.
I can't wait to see what tomorrow morning's Bible Study has to say to me. Lovin' that Old Testament!!
I enjoyed my time with little Allie on Thursday morning. Nana (Deanna) got home a little before 9am, so I got to enjoy Allie for over an hour. She fell asleep on my shoulder and snuggled up. Once Deanna took Allie, I retired to the den and enjoyed my Bible Study for the day. It has really been good. Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Exodus, Numbers... I can't believe how much God is speaking to me through these books that I have spent most of my life avoiding! His Word is wonderful!!
Thursday I got a lot of work done here at home. The only bad thing was that I ran out of printer ink here at the house. ugh. I went with Becca & Elizabeth Janes to get food for the Friday Community Meals at FBCR. We visited Aldi's and Harps and then went to the church. The Ladies' Cooking Ministry group was in the midst of their monthly cooking marathon, so we just put stuff away and went on home for the night. Elizabeth made the cookies that evening and then Becca went to the church about 6am to make the soup.
I got to the church on Friday about 9:00am. I dropped in at the Food Pantry and they were doing fine. Shirley sent me on over to the kitchen to get ready for the meal. We had some great volunteers come and had the chance for some brainstorming and planning. I very much want this ministry to be put together by the volunteers and not just something that I put in place and dictate procedures. Heidi is doing a great job of organizing the volunteers. Melanie and Bobbi were great with input and help. We had 3 volunteers from Cuerpo Vivo come to translate and share about the Hispanic church. We didn't have any customers for this first day, were not expecting many these first weeks. This type of ministry takes a while to build up. The volunteers got to serve the fellow workers and we invited the staff to come and have lunch, too. The soup was wonderful and the cookies yummy! We froze some of the soup, so we will have it for a backup in the weeks to come. I was very pleased with the day and look forward to next week and the weeks to come as we begin to minister to people with food.
I had taken one of the church vans home on Thursday night so that I could bring a bunch of tubs of ministry supplies for Nicaragua back to the church on Friday. Bobbi helped me move them upstairs to my 'holding area'. We got the chance to chat a while, which was wonderful. I caught a ride home mid afternoon and got a little rest.
Friday night I stepped in for Erika Martínez to oversee the childcare for the Cuerpo Vivo fellowship for couples. We had 15 kids and everything went really well, thanks to 3 great workers from FBCR Youth. I love these girls!
This morning I returned to the church to oversee the childcare for the Hispanic Pastoral Alliance conference. We had 25 kids from ages 2 months to 9 years. It was well again, and thanks again to the girls! We were treated to the lunch that was prepared by Cesar (one of the Abuelos chefs) for the Pastors and wives. It was great fajitas and beans and rice. I got to bring a little bit home for Deanna and I to eat for dinner, too. I enjoyed the kids today, but was ready for a little nap when I got home.
I worked on sorting, organizing and purging my work area in the den tonight. It's hard to keep things looking neat and tidy when there is no where to put them. I tend to have stacks. Like a stack with my Bible study stuff, a stack with Spanish study books, stacks for each project I'm working on for VOH, FBCR, etc. As long as I can keep up with it all, that's all that matters. Then when Deanna's family visits, I try to stash as much as I can out of the way. Especially, when I'm traveling for any length of time.
Tomorrow will be a nice day of worship. Then we have the last training meeting for the Nicaragua Youth team at 5pm. A couple of the girls going on the trip were helping with childcare the last 2 days. It was fun getting to talk with them. I would love to get a nap tomorrow afternoon, but we don't get out of Cuerpo Vivo church until late, so I may have to settle for just sitting on the sofa with my feet up while finishing up preparing for the meeting.
I can't wait to see what tomorrow morning's Bible Study has to say to me. Lovin' that Old Testament!!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Sitting in the den and looking around at the plastic tubs that were sorted through today. Stacks and stacks of stuff to take to Nicaragua, a tub of clearance office supplies I have picked up since I work from home, a tub of items I've saved from my trip to Thailand a few years ago & stuff I've saved from living in NYC. Piles of Bible Studies. And stacks of files that I'm currently working on. The room looks like that TLC show about Hoarders-Buried Alive. The cat even got scared as she was investigating! Thankfully, it's all controlled chaos, and much of it will be leaving soon.
Monday I got to babysit for a new family. I watched the cutest little 18 month old boy while his mom ran to a Dr appointment. He was sure busy, but a lot of fun. It was a good morning. Staff meeting in the afternoon was pleasant and informative. That sure makes things nice.
Yesterday's Bible Study was great, as always. Can you believe that I'm finding the book of Numbers interesting?? Studying the Bible chronologically really makes a difference. Large group lecture and small group discussion was so good. I joined Donna, Anita and Monica for lunch at the old location of the Crumpet Tea Room. It was a lot of fun and tasty, too! I came home mid-afternoon and got a lot of work done throughout the evening. It was fun to think about all the different projects that I'm currently working on. God called me to International Missions and allows me to be involved even from the good ole USA. Last night I was working on the new Friday Community Lunch program for here in Rogers, the College Mission Team to Dubai UAE, the Youth Mission Trip to Nicaragua, and planning for my trip to work with missionaries from FBCR in India and Dubai. Even though I'm not living overseas full time right now, I can be involved in sharing Christ around the world. God has blessed me so much.
Today I was blessed to work from home all day. The reason for the tubs all over my den! I had my list of items to accomplish, and actually checked most of them off, but still ended the day feeling behind. Lots of phone calls and emails. But I like being busy. Although, it's starting to interrupt my sleep, when I wake up at 4 and 5am thinking of all the things I need to accomplish before I leave for Nicaragua in 2 weeks. The important thing is to pay attention to what God is asking me to do and when. When it's His plan and His timing, it's not stressful.
One thing that God showed me in Bible Study this morning has really hit home for me. The Israelites were traveling around the desert at God's direction. It seemed uncertain and purposeless to them. They never knew when God would direct them to pick up and move to another place. They never knew how long they would be there. They needed to live as mobile as possible, not encumbered by lots of 'things'. The Bible Study author said it was like 'boot camp' for them, to prepare them for the things to come and be endured in their future.
I thought back over my life of moving and starting over again and again with nothing much (due to long distance moves, divorces that left me with almost nothing, sleeping on people's sofas or screened-in porches, etc). These times have really brought me to the place in my life where I don't want to own much at all in material things, I'm able to sleep just about anywhere on any type of bed or sofa, and embracing the feeling like I'm a citizen of God's world and willing to go wherever God sends me. I'm not sentimental over things anymore. I care more about relationships. I don't get too sad when I have to leave people for awhile (there are some exceptions), and I have a grateful attitude about interacting with people that I might only meet once on this earth. I know that I will see every Christian when we get to Heaven. It's more like all being in the same big house and going into different rooms for a while. You don't see each other, but you know you are together in God's eternal Kingdom. A friend used to say 'see you here, there or in the air'. I just loved that! God's kingdom is not limited by man's territorial boundaries. If we are all children of the King, we are in His creation together forever more!
Tomorrow morning I get to babysit for a short time for Deanna's great-granddaughter until she gets home from taking other grandkids to school. Allie is so cute. It will be fun to play with her little self! Later in the morning I will be talking by phone with a new friend in South Carolina. We were introduced via facebook by a mutual friend that I met while serving in nyc. This lady is beginning a journey in full-time missions and is wanting to discuss support-raising. That's a very humbling subject and a very serious opportunity to fully rely on God for EVERYTHING. I look forward to getting to know MaryLu, even though it's long distance. How fun to meet Christians in any way that God presents them!
Time for bed. If I can find my way through all this 'stuff' in the room. I'll be glad to get it all out of here and to places where it will be put to good use. For now, I'll thank God for His blessings in letting me be involved in blessing people with it. He knows everyone's needs and how to provide for them. What fun to be included in the process!
Monday I got to babysit for a new family. I watched the cutest little 18 month old boy while his mom ran to a Dr appointment. He was sure busy, but a lot of fun. It was a good morning. Staff meeting in the afternoon was pleasant and informative. That sure makes things nice.
Yesterday's Bible Study was great, as always. Can you believe that I'm finding the book of Numbers interesting?? Studying the Bible chronologically really makes a difference. Large group lecture and small group discussion was so good. I joined Donna, Anita and Monica for lunch at the old location of the Crumpet Tea Room. It was a lot of fun and tasty, too! I came home mid-afternoon and got a lot of work done throughout the evening. It was fun to think about all the different projects that I'm currently working on. God called me to International Missions and allows me to be involved even from the good ole USA. Last night I was working on the new Friday Community Lunch program for here in Rogers, the College Mission Team to Dubai UAE, the Youth Mission Trip to Nicaragua, and planning for my trip to work with missionaries from FBCR in India and Dubai. Even though I'm not living overseas full time right now, I can be involved in sharing Christ around the world. God has blessed me so much.
Today I was blessed to work from home all day. The reason for the tubs all over my den! I had my list of items to accomplish, and actually checked most of them off, but still ended the day feeling behind. Lots of phone calls and emails. But I like being busy. Although, it's starting to interrupt my sleep, when I wake up at 4 and 5am thinking of all the things I need to accomplish before I leave for Nicaragua in 2 weeks. The important thing is to pay attention to what God is asking me to do and when. When it's His plan and His timing, it's not stressful.
One thing that God showed me in Bible Study this morning has really hit home for me. The Israelites were traveling around the desert at God's direction. It seemed uncertain and purposeless to them. They never knew when God would direct them to pick up and move to another place. They never knew how long they would be there. They needed to live as mobile as possible, not encumbered by lots of 'things'. The Bible Study author said it was like 'boot camp' for them, to prepare them for the things to come and be endured in their future.
I thought back over my life of moving and starting over again and again with nothing much (due to long distance moves, divorces that left me with almost nothing, sleeping on people's sofas or screened-in porches, etc). These times have really brought me to the place in my life where I don't want to own much at all in material things, I'm able to sleep just about anywhere on any type of bed or sofa, and embracing the feeling like I'm a citizen of God's world and willing to go wherever God sends me. I'm not sentimental over things anymore. I care more about relationships. I don't get too sad when I have to leave people for awhile (there are some exceptions), and I have a grateful attitude about interacting with people that I might only meet once on this earth. I know that I will see every Christian when we get to Heaven. It's more like all being in the same big house and going into different rooms for a while. You don't see each other, but you know you are together in God's eternal Kingdom. A friend used to say 'see you here, there or in the air'. I just loved that! God's kingdom is not limited by man's territorial boundaries. If we are all children of the King, we are in His creation together forever more!
Tomorrow morning I get to babysit for a short time for Deanna's great-granddaughter until she gets home from taking other grandkids to school. Allie is so cute. It will be fun to play with her little self! Later in the morning I will be talking by phone with a new friend in South Carolina. We were introduced via facebook by a mutual friend that I met while serving in nyc. This lady is beginning a journey in full-time missions and is wanting to discuss support-raising. That's a very humbling subject and a very serious opportunity to fully rely on God for EVERYTHING. I look forward to getting to know MaryLu, even though it's long distance. How fun to meet Christians in any way that God presents them!
Time for bed. If I can find my way through all this 'stuff' in the room. I'll be glad to get it all out of here and to places where it will be put to good use. For now, I'll thank God for His blessings in letting me be involved in blessing people with it. He knows everyone's needs and how to provide for them. What fun to be included in the process!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
It's been a while since my last post. I've been busy with so many projects, and I love it!!
I finished up with anything that I needed a vehicle for on Thursday of this week. Deanna came home and I returned her van to her. It sure was a blessing!
Last weekend was nice. I got to have a nice meal with Nana Ruth, do some Spanish studies, take Jet for a walk, Bible Study, work a little on computer projects, etc. Days go by so fast, and I hate to admit that my memory is not as good as it used to be, and I find myself wondering what I did on certain days just a week ago. I can usually figure it out by looking at my calendar and facebook postings. :)
I was able to communicate with John Caubble last week via facebook and email. We're trying to organize a team for Dubai to go in April. But most people I've spoken to need to wait till later in the year. We have a pretty good team possibly going in September! It was fun to talk with John. He was up eating breakfast and I was up way past my bedtime! I'm praying about getting to visit India for a week or so and then go on to Dubai for some weeks in Sept. I look forward to work beside the Woods and Caubbles and Phillips. God will have to provide some special funding for that to happen, but I know that if He plans it, He will provide for it.
I go to Nicaragua in just 2 weeks. I can't believe the time is coming up! I'll be there for 2 weeks this trip, and during that time, a group of 18 Youth and Adults from FBC Rogers will be coming down for 1 week. It's going to be a really good trip.
The chronological Bible study is really going well. I'm just loving it. It's hard to believe that God would be speaking to me so clearly about things by reading Leviticus and Numbers! The Holy Spirit is amazing in how He can get into my heart and mind.
God has given me fun opportunities to serve while here in Rogers. I love going to the Food Pantry on Mondays and Fridays, when I can get a ride. It's wonderful to spend time with Shirley and volunteers, as well as the 'guests' who come. Monday Staff meetings have been fun, as well as productive. Tuesday Bible study is great. On Wednesdays, I'm enjoying the Leadership Bible study and meeting for Cuerpo Vivo staff, Thursdays are usually for meetings. Sunday worship is lovely. I start out by watching FBCR on tv (and hopefully, soon my computer will stream it live), and then I go to Cuerpo Vivo and celebrate our Lord in Spanish. I'm truly blessed to have both church families and pastors and worship leaders to influence me on God's special day.
Last Thursday, Raleigh and Pat Lane hosted the female staff from FBCR to a lovely lunch. We rode together in one of the church vans and I drove. Karen navigated and we made it through the crazy roads of Bella Vista. Lunch was so tasty. The Lane's home is beautiful and cozy and very welcoming. The dogs were entertaining. It was a nice outing.
I stayed at the church and worked the rest of the afternoon and then stayed for the Medical Clinic. I helped with some simple translation and also was a patient myself. It was a nice night. I got the chance to interact with people and tell them about Cuerpo Vivo church, the Food Pantry and the Friday Lunches that we are starting this coming week. From being out in the 'mission field', I've come to appreciate the chances to have encounters with people, even though I may not see them again. God puts us all in places to interact. We never know when a smile or a word is all He is expecting us to give. He does all the other work. How can we not be obedient in these little things?
Friday was fun working with Shirley at the Food Pantry, then meeting with Lori and Stephanie for 'At the Table' ministry, then getting a haircut (much needed, since I chopped on it myself a few weeks ago) and then a lovely dinner at the Janes' house. Becca made yummy paninis and I way overate. Elizabeth made home-made hot fudge sauce and sundaes with raspberries. Yum! Becca and I also worked on menus for the Friday lunches. It's always so fun working with her.
Saturday, I worked 10 hours doing childcare at FBCR for the Idea Camp: Orphan Care conference. We started out with 16 four-year olds in our room. We ended up with 10 for the day. It was fun and busy. I think I got to sit down for about 30 minutes for the day. It was good exercise for me! I came home and promptly fell asleep about 7pm on the sofa. I woke up at 10:30 and went to bed. Maybe I should chase a room of four-year olds more often!
God is impressing upon me to take better care of my health. The reading of the laws in the Old Testament have given me more inclination for setting myself apart and honoring God by taking care of my body, which is His creation that He made for His purpose and work. I need to be healthy and strong so that I can give it my all. Getting and staying healthy is not for me, but for Him. I just need to keep that in my mind!
My sister Pam will have her last radiation treatment for her breast cancer on Tuesday. She's ready to be able to stay home and rest and get strong. Running to the treatment center every weekday was taking it's toll, especially in bad weather. I'm so excited for her to through this phase of the recovery. She was very happy when I talked to her today.
I'm so thankful to my Lord for loving me and letting me serve Him full-time. It's scary when looking at it through the world's eyes to live on faith for finances, but it just gives God more chances to show His sovereignty and power to take care of His own. I trust Him with all that I am.
I finished up with anything that I needed a vehicle for on Thursday of this week. Deanna came home and I returned her van to her. It sure was a blessing!
Last weekend was nice. I got to have a nice meal with Nana Ruth, do some Spanish studies, take Jet for a walk, Bible Study, work a little on computer projects, etc. Days go by so fast, and I hate to admit that my memory is not as good as it used to be, and I find myself wondering what I did on certain days just a week ago. I can usually figure it out by looking at my calendar and facebook postings. :)
I was able to communicate with John Caubble last week via facebook and email. We're trying to organize a team for Dubai to go in April. But most people I've spoken to need to wait till later in the year. We have a pretty good team possibly going in September! It was fun to talk with John. He was up eating breakfast and I was up way past my bedtime! I'm praying about getting to visit India for a week or so and then go on to Dubai for some weeks in Sept. I look forward to work beside the Woods and Caubbles and Phillips. God will have to provide some special funding for that to happen, but I know that if He plans it, He will provide for it.
I go to Nicaragua in just 2 weeks. I can't believe the time is coming up! I'll be there for 2 weeks this trip, and during that time, a group of 18 Youth and Adults from FBC Rogers will be coming down for 1 week. It's going to be a really good trip.
The chronological Bible study is really going well. I'm just loving it. It's hard to believe that God would be speaking to me so clearly about things by reading Leviticus and Numbers! The Holy Spirit is amazing in how He can get into my heart and mind.
God has given me fun opportunities to serve while here in Rogers. I love going to the Food Pantry on Mondays and Fridays, when I can get a ride. It's wonderful to spend time with Shirley and volunteers, as well as the 'guests' who come. Monday Staff meetings have been fun, as well as productive. Tuesday Bible study is great. On Wednesdays, I'm enjoying the Leadership Bible study and meeting for Cuerpo Vivo staff, Thursdays are usually for meetings. Sunday worship is lovely. I start out by watching FBCR on tv (and hopefully, soon my computer will stream it live), and then I go to Cuerpo Vivo and celebrate our Lord in Spanish. I'm truly blessed to have both church families and pastors and worship leaders to influence me on God's special day.
Last Thursday, Raleigh and Pat Lane hosted the female staff from FBCR to a lovely lunch. We rode together in one of the church vans and I drove. Karen navigated and we made it through the crazy roads of Bella Vista. Lunch was so tasty. The Lane's home is beautiful and cozy and very welcoming. The dogs were entertaining. It was a nice outing.
I stayed at the church and worked the rest of the afternoon and then stayed for the Medical Clinic. I helped with some simple translation and also was a patient myself. It was a nice night. I got the chance to interact with people and tell them about Cuerpo Vivo church, the Food Pantry and the Friday Lunches that we are starting this coming week. From being out in the 'mission field', I've come to appreciate the chances to have encounters with people, even though I may not see them again. God puts us all in places to interact. We never know when a smile or a word is all He is expecting us to give. He does all the other work. How can we not be obedient in these little things?
Friday was fun working with Shirley at the Food Pantry, then meeting with Lori and Stephanie for 'At the Table' ministry, then getting a haircut (much needed, since I chopped on it myself a few weeks ago) and then a lovely dinner at the Janes' house. Becca made yummy paninis and I way overate. Elizabeth made home-made hot fudge sauce and sundaes with raspberries. Yum! Becca and I also worked on menus for the Friday lunches. It's always so fun working with her.
Saturday, I worked 10 hours doing childcare at FBCR for the Idea Camp: Orphan Care conference. We started out with 16 four-year olds in our room. We ended up with 10 for the day. It was fun and busy. I think I got to sit down for about 30 minutes for the day. It was good exercise for me! I came home and promptly fell asleep about 7pm on the sofa. I woke up at 10:30 and went to bed. Maybe I should chase a room of four-year olds more often!
God is impressing upon me to take better care of my health. The reading of the laws in the Old Testament have given me more inclination for setting myself apart and honoring God by taking care of my body, which is His creation that He made for His purpose and work. I need to be healthy and strong so that I can give it my all. Getting and staying healthy is not for me, but for Him. I just need to keep that in my mind!
My sister Pam will have her last radiation treatment for her breast cancer on Tuesday. She's ready to be able to stay home and rest and get strong. Running to the treatment center every weekday was taking it's toll, especially in bad weather. I'm so excited for her to through this phase of the recovery. She was very happy when I talked to her today.
I'm so thankful to my Lord for loving me and letting me serve Him full-time. It's scary when looking at it through the world's eyes to live on faith for finances, but it just gives God more chances to show His sovereignty and power to take care of His own. I trust Him with all that I am.
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