Almost 11pm. Just getting on the computer tonight. After a long day going to Managua and shopping a little bit, we got back about 5pm. The Oriental Market is huge (about 5 acres) of little shops all crammed together in a very disorganized manner. It was crazy! But we found some good deals on things for the team house. We ate lunch at the food court of a mall and then headed home. I only bought one thing and that was as we were leaving the mall. It was a cell phone tassel that I wanted to get to use as a pattern to make more. It was a beautiful day, though.
I had some cream of mushroom soup and a tortilla for dinner and worked for about 4 hours on making 6 more Bible bags for the ladies at Las Quimeras church. Now I can start on another project tomorrow!
While sewing, I watched the Jesus Film in English and then watched it again in Spanish. I then watched 2 episodes of Army Wives (that Sherry loaned me). I took a break to help Mary put together her new wardrobe contraption for her room. It didn’t take long at all, since I’ve put 2 together twice for myself. She’s tickled with hers.
I’m going to try to copy some cds for the ROSCC church to use with their children’s service. Hope I can do it correctly.
I am really beat, but I can’t believe how much I got accomplished this evening. God blessed me with good time management!
I can’t believe that the team comes next Saturday! It will be fun to see how they like the new place. It will be great to have a crazy ministry week schedule, too!
I’ll be hopping all week as I’m doing 3 hours of Spanish class each morning, instead of 2, teaching 2 Bible studies, starting Sewing classes, helping with English class and trying to get about 100 drawstring bags made before the next Monday (21st). I also need to get some bracelets made in the next 2 weeks so that we can start the jewelry classes the week after the team leaves. But I’m loving it so much!
This is going to be short because I’m ready for bed and the women/teen-girls, who are having a retreat here this weekend, finished up their very loud praise music time. It’s so quiet now. Yay!!
Mary and I are going to take a taxi downtown tomorrow for lunch and to do a little shopping for supplies for the sewing class and for next week’s Bible classes. The retreat ends at 6pm tomorrow, so it will be good to be out and about while they are here. I don’t mind staying in my room since I have my computer, sewing machine and plenty of Spanish lessons to memorize, but I think Mary gets a little stir crazy. Luckily, we don’t rent out the facility too often.
Ok, going to bed now.
Thank you Lord for your blessings. I’m thankful as always.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011 NICARAGUA
Another great day. I love Fridays. Almost every Friday, I have a break from morning Spanish classes. I got up early (since Manuel spent the night and he gets up with the roosters) and had cereal and jumped on the computer since I had the iternet cable. I was downloading some instructions for making jewelry when the Hulsey’s got here, so I gave the cable to Mike to use.
Mike took Mary and I to the little second hand store that I stop at on my home to and from Spanish class. She liked it much better than the stores that we went to downtown yesterday. We both found tons of bargains. By the time we finished shopping, the Husley’s were coming back to the Mission House, so they picked us up.
I worked on some notes for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and then we had lunch. Then I worked a little more on the notes and sorted out clothes for Coco. She is going to be so happy when she sees what all we have for her. I also sorted out the clothes that I bought for me that needed altering.
I laid down for about a half hour and then got my shower and dressed for the Bible Study. Jorge took us today and Oscar joined us to video class.
We arrived a little early (which is unusual for us, unfortunately) and they were putting ceramic tiles on the stage and front part of the church. They had also put blocks up to the ceiling in that area. The rest of the church still has walls up about ¾ of the way and is open at the top for air circulation. The tiles look very nice. The workers kept going and it was rather noisy, but you get used to just keeping on with what you are doing. On the other side of the church, a man was using a chain saw to cut up some huge tree trunks that they use for firewood for the feeding of children during the week. Noise everywhere, but God made it possible for us to hear each other.
Before the class started, Oscar videoed some interviews with the leaders of the Women’s Ministry. It was fun talking with them. Leslie translated for me and for them, so that anyone watching the video could understand in their own language. It was fun. The ladies also were very good about answering questions today, too. I think I should bring Oscar and his camera more often! I love the ladies at that church and I’m so excited for their hearts to reach their neighborhoods.
I got back to the Mission House about 5:45pm and Mary was reading under the rancho. We fixed some leftovers for dinner and went to our rooms about 6pm. We are renting the place to a Christian group for the weekend, so Mary and I will spend the evenings in our rooms and we are going to Managua all day tomorrow and church on Sunday morning. It won’t be inconvenient at all.
I spent a lot of time in my room tonight sewing and at the same time, watching the Disney movie, Tangled, on my computer in Spanish. Then when I was doing some hemming, I watched 2 episodes of Army Wives (season 3) which Sherry loaned me. It was different and fun. I usually only have Spanish praise music playing in the evenings. I like having something to look at.
I cleaned out my little backpack that I carry around and got it ready for tomorrow’s trip to the Oriental Market in Managua. I put a large cloth bag in it to carry some of my purchases. I have no idea what we will find, but I’m ready!!
I have my sewing and mending and hemming and altering all caught up as of tonight. The next thing on my sewing agenda is to make more Bible bags for the ladies at Las Quimeras church and to start making about 100 small drawstring bags for the Women’s Conference at ROSCC church which will be a week from Monday. In a few weeks, I’ll start making the 40+ Bible bags for the ladies of ROSCC church. Whew!
I also need to start making some samples of knotted projects like bracelets, keychains and bookmarks, so that I can teach some of the ladies how to make them. We will be starting the sewing classes next Tuesday with about 7 women from Las Quimeras. We’re getting busier and busier, but it’s all wonderful work and God is allowing me to do the things I love. In other words, He’s putting into place His plan for me to do the things that He has made me love to do. Funny how your perspective on that changes when you remember that He is control, huh?
Well, better go to bed for now. Big day tomorrow.
I’m just so blessed!
Mike took Mary and I to the little second hand store that I stop at on my home to and from Spanish class. She liked it much better than the stores that we went to downtown yesterday. We both found tons of bargains. By the time we finished shopping, the Husley’s were coming back to the Mission House, so they picked us up.
I worked on some notes for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and then we had lunch. Then I worked a little more on the notes and sorted out clothes for Coco. She is going to be so happy when she sees what all we have for her. I also sorted out the clothes that I bought for me that needed altering.
I laid down for about a half hour and then got my shower and dressed for the Bible Study. Jorge took us today and Oscar joined us to video class.
We arrived a little early (which is unusual for us, unfortunately) and they were putting ceramic tiles on the stage and front part of the church. They had also put blocks up to the ceiling in that area. The rest of the church still has walls up about ¾ of the way and is open at the top for air circulation. The tiles look very nice. The workers kept going and it was rather noisy, but you get used to just keeping on with what you are doing. On the other side of the church, a man was using a chain saw to cut up some huge tree trunks that they use for firewood for the feeding of children during the week. Noise everywhere, but God made it possible for us to hear each other.
Before the class started, Oscar videoed some interviews with the leaders of the Women’s Ministry. It was fun talking with them. Leslie translated for me and for them, so that anyone watching the video could understand in their own language. It was fun. The ladies also were very good about answering questions today, too. I think I should bring Oscar and his camera more often! I love the ladies at that church and I’m so excited for their hearts to reach their neighborhoods.
I got back to the Mission House about 5:45pm and Mary was reading under the rancho. We fixed some leftovers for dinner and went to our rooms about 6pm. We are renting the place to a Christian group for the weekend, so Mary and I will spend the evenings in our rooms and we are going to Managua all day tomorrow and church on Sunday morning. It won’t be inconvenient at all.
I spent a lot of time in my room tonight sewing and at the same time, watching the Disney movie, Tangled, on my computer in Spanish. Then when I was doing some hemming, I watched 2 episodes of Army Wives (season 3) which Sherry loaned me. It was different and fun. I usually only have Spanish praise music playing in the evenings. I like having something to look at.
I cleaned out my little backpack that I carry around and got it ready for tomorrow’s trip to the Oriental Market in Managua. I put a large cloth bag in it to carry some of my purchases. I have no idea what we will find, but I’m ready!!
I have my sewing and mending and hemming and altering all caught up as of tonight. The next thing on my sewing agenda is to make more Bible bags for the ladies at Las Quimeras church and to start making about 100 small drawstring bags for the Women’s Conference at ROSCC church which will be a week from Monday. In a few weeks, I’ll start making the 40+ Bible bags for the ladies of ROSCC church. Whew!
I also need to start making some samples of knotted projects like bracelets, keychains and bookmarks, so that I can teach some of the ladies how to make them. We will be starting the sewing classes next Tuesday with about 7 women from Las Quimeras. We’re getting busier and busier, but it’s all wonderful work and God is allowing me to do the things I love. In other words, He’s putting into place His plan for me to do the things that He has made me love to do. Funny how your perspective on that changes when you remember that He is control, huh?
Well, better go to bed for now. Big day tomorrow.
I’m just so blessed!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011 NICARAGUA
I’ve been fighting a splitting headache all evening. It’s not getting any better and I think being on the computer is making it worse. So I’ll make this short and sweet.
This morning I got up and headed for class. I stopped on the way at Bazaar Jerry for some crochet thread for some projects for the ladies in our Tuesday classes which will start next week. I want to make some sample projects for them to see. Lizabeth called me by name 2 or 3 times while I was there. I was thinking how sweet it was to hear my name coming from her. I guess because I’m here. Then I was thinking about how sweet it is that God calls my name every time He speaks to me and that I take that for granted. I’m going to try to remember that and it will bring a smile to my face when I’m talking to Him.
I also stopped at Mundo Escolar Librería, my favorite little paper & supply store for some binder clamps that I will need for the projects. I also picked up a mini stapler to carry in my book bag. I enjoy seeing that sweet girl who works in there. I think she enjoys seeing me come to shop, too, since I spend a little money in there often.
I stopped by the Texaco station and bought a cold bottled water, because I knew I would end up drinking all of the water in my backpack during class. I then stopped at the corner and exchanged some more money. That guy is getting used to seeing me 2 or 3 times a week. He probably wonders why I don’t exchange more money at one time instead of coming so often. Oh well…
I made it to class a little early and reviewed until Juan got there. We had a very good class. I grabbed a taxi for the trip home, since I knew I would be out in the sun in the afternoon. We had the most delicious Canelones today. Claudia had seen them being made before, but this was her first time to make them. They were sensational! I’m her biggest cheerleader!
After lunch, Mike took Leslie, Mary and me to downtown for some shopping. Leslie helped Mike negotiate a refrigerator for the Mission House, so we would have plenty of room for the food for the teams. Then he and Manuel ran errands while Mary, Leslie and I ran around to different clothing and second-hand stores. We found some shirts for Coco so that she can have a new little wardrobe along with the skirts that I made for her. I bought a pretty top for myself. Mary found a few things for herself, too. Then we stopped at La Unión and I picked up a few groceries for my room. We grabbed a taxi for home and Leslie headed to her house.
When Mary and I arrived at the Mission House, the Hulsey’s were leaving. Alberto said they were coming back to drop off Manuel for an overnight with us. Mary and I sat outside and had dinner (I had cold Canelones and Mary had chocolate cake) and we waited for Manuel to arrive.
Buster the dog is now a resident of the Mission House and he thinks he is really big stuff. He will sleep in Alberto’s little house at night and he runs all over the place barking at everything. He took off with my flipflop this evening. I didn’t notice until I was ready to put my shoes back on (I had put my feet in a chair to relax). That little stinker had taken off with the shoe and left it in the yard. I then put the shoes in the seat with my feet and he still tried to take the shoes. Little stinker!
Manuel had dinner and then sang to Mary and me and then played his drums. Mary showed him some cds of the kids in the children’s home that Voice of Hope runs in Honduras. We had popcorn for a snack and then all retired to our rooms. Manuel is sleeping in Mary’s room to protect her.
Alberto’s daughter from Costa Rica and son Carlos from here, along with Carlos’ 2 boys are coming tomorrow to visit with Alberto and swim in the pool. Manuel will enjoy swimming with them.
I’m going to enjoy having the morning free. I have some sewing and craft projects to get done this weekend. Tomorrow afternoon is Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and Saturday we are supposed to go to Managua for the day. So, I’ll have limited time to get things done, but I hope to be home on Sunday afternoon to finish some stuff up.
Tomorrow night, we have 40+ people coming to stay at the Mission House for a retreat. They will use the rooms, kitchen (to cook all their own meals) and the pool. Mary and I will be gone on Saturday and part of Sunday, so we won’t really notice them too much. I’ll be spending time in my room sewing anyway, so I don’t mind having them here. It’s nice to hear people on property sometimes. It’s a blessing to church groups to use the Mission House and it helps us to pay the rent! I love using what God gives us to bless others. And return God blesses us through it all.
Next week will be busy with extra hours for Spanish classes, 2 Women’s Bible studies and the beginning of the sewing classes on Tuesday. There’s just not enough time to get everything done! But I bet if I ask God to tweak my schedule He will make it just right!
Time to go to bed and get rid of this headache. I sure do like my room and the new table. Everything is fitting just perfectly. I’m very thankful.
This morning I got up and headed for class. I stopped on the way at Bazaar Jerry for some crochet thread for some projects for the ladies in our Tuesday classes which will start next week. I want to make some sample projects for them to see. Lizabeth called me by name 2 or 3 times while I was there. I was thinking how sweet it was to hear my name coming from her. I guess because I’m here. Then I was thinking about how sweet it is that God calls my name every time He speaks to me and that I take that for granted. I’m going to try to remember that and it will bring a smile to my face when I’m talking to Him.
I also stopped at Mundo Escolar Librería, my favorite little paper & supply store for some binder clamps that I will need for the projects. I also picked up a mini stapler to carry in my book bag. I enjoy seeing that sweet girl who works in there. I think she enjoys seeing me come to shop, too, since I spend a little money in there often.
I stopped by the Texaco station and bought a cold bottled water, because I knew I would end up drinking all of the water in my backpack during class. I then stopped at the corner and exchanged some more money. That guy is getting used to seeing me 2 or 3 times a week. He probably wonders why I don’t exchange more money at one time instead of coming so often. Oh well…
I made it to class a little early and reviewed until Juan got there. We had a very good class. I grabbed a taxi for the trip home, since I knew I would be out in the sun in the afternoon. We had the most delicious Canelones today. Claudia had seen them being made before, but this was her first time to make them. They were sensational! I’m her biggest cheerleader!
After lunch, Mike took Leslie, Mary and me to downtown for some shopping. Leslie helped Mike negotiate a refrigerator for the Mission House, so we would have plenty of room for the food for the teams. Then he and Manuel ran errands while Mary, Leslie and I ran around to different clothing and second-hand stores. We found some shirts for Coco so that she can have a new little wardrobe along with the skirts that I made for her. I bought a pretty top for myself. Mary found a few things for herself, too. Then we stopped at La Unión and I picked up a few groceries for my room. We grabbed a taxi for home and Leslie headed to her house.
When Mary and I arrived at the Mission House, the Hulsey’s were leaving. Alberto said they were coming back to drop off Manuel for an overnight with us. Mary and I sat outside and had dinner (I had cold Canelones and Mary had chocolate cake) and we waited for Manuel to arrive.
Buster the dog is now a resident of the Mission House and he thinks he is really big stuff. He will sleep in Alberto’s little house at night and he runs all over the place barking at everything. He took off with my flipflop this evening. I didn’t notice until I was ready to put my shoes back on (I had put my feet in a chair to relax). That little stinker had taken off with the shoe and left it in the yard. I then put the shoes in the seat with my feet and he still tried to take the shoes. Little stinker!
Manuel had dinner and then sang to Mary and me and then played his drums. Mary showed him some cds of the kids in the children’s home that Voice of Hope runs in Honduras. We had popcorn for a snack and then all retired to our rooms. Manuel is sleeping in Mary’s room to protect her.
Alberto’s daughter from Costa Rica and son Carlos from here, along with Carlos’ 2 boys are coming tomorrow to visit with Alberto and swim in the pool. Manuel will enjoy swimming with them.
I’m going to enjoy having the morning free. I have some sewing and craft projects to get done this weekend. Tomorrow afternoon is Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church and Saturday we are supposed to go to Managua for the day. So, I’ll have limited time to get things done, but I hope to be home on Sunday afternoon to finish some stuff up.
Tomorrow night, we have 40+ people coming to stay at the Mission House for a retreat. They will use the rooms, kitchen (to cook all their own meals) and the pool. Mary and I will be gone on Saturday and part of Sunday, so we won’t really notice them too much. I’ll be spending time in my room sewing anyway, so I don’t mind having them here. It’s nice to hear people on property sometimes. It’s a blessing to church groups to use the Mission House and it helps us to pay the rent! I love using what God gives us to bless others. And return God blesses us through it all.
Next week will be busy with extra hours for Spanish classes, 2 Women’s Bible studies and the beginning of the sewing classes on Tuesday. There’s just not enough time to get everything done! But I bet if I ask God to tweak my schedule He will make it just right!
Time to go to bed and get rid of this headache. I sure do like my room and the new table. Everything is fitting just perfectly. I’m very thankful.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 NICARAGUA
I had to stop and think what day it is today. The only thing that clued me in was the Bible study at Las Quimeras church. Getting too busy and the days are running together!
I felt a little better this morning. I’m so thankful for antibiotics! I got ready for my early Spanish class. Carlos brought 10 more Bibles over for me. I’m so thankful for the donation by Jamie Hill and his church. It’s so important to provide Bibles to these ladies. Anyway, Carlos brought them over early before I left for class.
Mary took custody of my room key since I needed to leave the room open for Aracelys to clean today. Since I’ve been going to class earlier than usual, she has not been able to clean for me and I had lots of dust and threads from sewing. It was heavenly to come home to a clean smelling room today!
I walked to class and stopped by the Basar Jerry for some particular thread. Then I proceeded to walk to the Mundo Escolar Librería to buy the notebooks and pens for the ladies Bible study. I just love stopping in that store. The lady seems happy to see me too, since I’m always buying stuff in there!
I made it to class a few minutes late, but Juan was later than me, so I reviewed some before he got there. We had a great 3 hour class today. We worked on verb tenses and I’m trying to get them to make more sense to me. I’m making headway. I think it would have been easier if I hadn’t had to learn so many of them at the same time. Also, I’m still working on memorizing the 400 verbs he gave me. I’m about 50% on those. We had some great conversations in Spanish and enough variety in his teaching style that it makes the 3 hours fly by. Tomorrow will only be 2 hours, as usual, but I know it will be very beneficial, as well.
As I was walking home, Mike and Sherry came along in the van. They pulled over and picked me up. Leslie was with them. We got to the house and waited for lunch to be ready. Manuel had done really well in school this morning. He is enjoying having Jaasiel as a teacher. His meds are good in the morning, but by afternoon, he has a hard time with emotions sometimes. We’re praying that things will calm down for him as the med changes kick in.
Lunch was good, but I ate way too much rice. Saturnino, Alberto, Leslie and I sat together and I enjoyed catching most of what they were saying in Spanish. It’s encouraging to me to get better each day.
Leslie and I put the Bibles and bags together for the Bible study ladies who haven’t received theirs yet. Then I got changed for the class.
Mike had bought some raw wood tables and I picked one out for my room. It’s rectangular and fits perfectly in the corner of my room designated as my desk/sewing area. Saturnino had treated it for termites and stained it with our special Nica stain. It looks nice, but I cover it with a long table cloth anyway. I paid Mike for it so that it would be mine and the ministry wouldn’t have to foot the bill. It was quite a bargain. I’m very happy with it! Now I have room to leave my printer on it and still have room to sew. Yay! Since it isn’t as wide as the square plastic table I had in here, I could move my bed down the wall about 5 more inches. This gave my rocking chair space more room and I love that, too. I’m quite cozy. I guess I should take some pictures and post them on fb sometime soon, since I’ve been here 7 weeks now and I guess you could say I’m settled in.
The Bible study at Las Quimeras was very good. We had 19 out of the 22 today. Sherry talked to Pastor Sergio about 6-7 women that he would recommend to start our sewing class next week. I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait for them to start working on stuff for themselves, their families and stuff to sell to the North Americans as souvenirs. What a blessing!
We got home and I baked a potato and added it to my split pea soup for dinner. Yum! I had chocolate pudding for dessert.
I’ve spent most of the evening on the computer, since Mike left the internet cable for me. Mary tried to get on the computer they left here for her to use, but couldn’t get it to work right. I’m not familiar enough with it to help much. She didn’t want to mess with my computer, so she’ll wait until tomorrow when Mike can help her to check her facebook and emails. She was going to call her daughter tonight on her cell phone.
I called my sister Sandy this morning as I was walking to class. I don’t get good signal down here all the time, so I haven’t called the states much over the last weeks. I need to be better about that.
I guess I should get off of here, study a little more Spanish and go to bed.
I’m thankful that I’m feeling better. I’m so glad that I could bring those antibiotics down here (just in case).
Looking forward to tomorrow and all that God brings my way!
I felt a little better this morning. I’m so thankful for antibiotics! I got ready for my early Spanish class. Carlos brought 10 more Bibles over for me. I’m so thankful for the donation by Jamie Hill and his church. It’s so important to provide Bibles to these ladies. Anyway, Carlos brought them over early before I left for class.
Mary took custody of my room key since I needed to leave the room open for Aracelys to clean today. Since I’ve been going to class earlier than usual, she has not been able to clean for me and I had lots of dust and threads from sewing. It was heavenly to come home to a clean smelling room today!
I walked to class and stopped by the Basar Jerry for some particular thread. Then I proceeded to walk to the Mundo Escolar Librería to buy the notebooks and pens for the ladies Bible study. I just love stopping in that store. The lady seems happy to see me too, since I’m always buying stuff in there!
I made it to class a few minutes late, but Juan was later than me, so I reviewed some before he got there. We had a great 3 hour class today. We worked on verb tenses and I’m trying to get them to make more sense to me. I’m making headway. I think it would have been easier if I hadn’t had to learn so many of them at the same time. Also, I’m still working on memorizing the 400 verbs he gave me. I’m about 50% on those. We had some great conversations in Spanish and enough variety in his teaching style that it makes the 3 hours fly by. Tomorrow will only be 2 hours, as usual, but I know it will be very beneficial, as well.
As I was walking home, Mike and Sherry came along in the van. They pulled over and picked me up. Leslie was with them. We got to the house and waited for lunch to be ready. Manuel had done really well in school this morning. He is enjoying having Jaasiel as a teacher. His meds are good in the morning, but by afternoon, he has a hard time with emotions sometimes. We’re praying that things will calm down for him as the med changes kick in.
Lunch was good, but I ate way too much rice. Saturnino, Alberto, Leslie and I sat together and I enjoyed catching most of what they were saying in Spanish. It’s encouraging to me to get better each day.
Leslie and I put the Bibles and bags together for the Bible study ladies who haven’t received theirs yet. Then I got changed for the class.
Mike had bought some raw wood tables and I picked one out for my room. It’s rectangular and fits perfectly in the corner of my room designated as my desk/sewing area. Saturnino had treated it for termites and stained it with our special Nica stain. It looks nice, but I cover it with a long table cloth anyway. I paid Mike for it so that it would be mine and the ministry wouldn’t have to foot the bill. It was quite a bargain. I’m very happy with it! Now I have room to leave my printer on it and still have room to sew. Yay! Since it isn’t as wide as the square plastic table I had in here, I could move my bed down the wall about 5 more inches. This gave my rocking chair space more room and I love that, too. I’m quite cozy. I guess I should take some pictures and post them on fb sometime soon, since I’ve been here 7 weeks now and I guess you could say I’m settled in.
The Bible study at Las Quimeras was very good. We had 19 out of the 22 today. Sherry talked to Pastor Sergio about 6-7 women that he would recommend to start our sewing class next week. I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait for them to start working on stuff for themselves, their families and stuff to sell to the North Americans as souvenirs. What a blessing!
We got home and I baked a potato and added it to my split pea soup for dinner. Yum! I had chocolate pudding for dessert.
I’ve spent most of the evening on the computer, since Mike left the internet cable for me. Mary tried to get on the computer they left here for her to use, but couldn’t get it to work right. I’m not familiar enough with it to help much. She didn’t want to mess with my computer, so she’ll wait until tomorrow when Mike can help her to check her facebook and emails. She was going to call her daughter tonight on her cell phone.
I called my sister Sandy this morning as I was walking to class. I don’t get good signal down here all the time, so I haven’t called the states much over the last weeks. I need to be better about that.
I guess I should get off of here, study a little more Spanish and go to bed.
I’m thankful that I’m feeling better. I’m so glad that I could bring those antibiotics down here (just in case).
Looking forward to tomorrow and all that God brings my way!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 NICARAGUA
A good day. I woke up feeling a little sick, like I was getting a sinus infection. I was feeling feverish (but who can tell in this heat) and a little weak. I decided to take a taxi to class today. I had some antibiotics that I had brought with me, so I started on them this morning. I got showered and dressed and had some cereal for breakfast and then left out for class. I arrived before 9am, so I reviewed stuff until Juan got there.
We had a good class today. Discussing lots of things in Spanish and then working on some idioms. Juan said that we would concentrate on the 400 verbs I’m learning this week as well as the 12 verb tenses that we have discussed over the last 2 weeks. I think that’s plenty for now. All the other stuff we have studied is pretty much in my brain. The verbs and verb tenses take more concentration and study. I’m glad we are going to work on them for a few days.
I got home (by taxi) for lunch. The taxi driver was helping me pronounce some Spanish words. He was trying to teach me to roll my rrrrr’s. I just can’t do it. I thought it was nice of him to try to help me. He was listening to a sermon on his cd player in the taxi. It’s nice to run into Christian people.
When I got home shortly after class, Leslie knew I hadn’t walked. She asked why and told me that she is feeling yucky, too, and had started some meds herself. Jaasiel has been on meds for bronchitis this past week. Maybe it’s something going around. Anyway, I’m hoping to feel ship-shape by week’s end.
The cook had not come this morning, so Sherry started lunch. Claudia got here a little before time to eat and said that she had had to take her mother to the hospital this morning. She finished cooking and we all had a great meal of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, quacamole, tortillas. Yummy. I went to my room to lay down for awhile and try to get rid of the sinus headache. I slept for about an hour. Mary red a book while Sherry and Manuel played in pool. Mike worked on his computer. Jaasiel came to have class time with Manuel this afternoon. He is doing well considering his challenges. He has been reading to me and wanting to do some math questions and stuff. I know that Jaasiel is making a difference with him.
I found out that we are just going to Las Quimeras earlier tomorrow instead of going out there today to talk with Pastor Sergio about which women to start working with on teaching sewing. I was glad that we were staying put for the afternoon.
Also, we are going to the Oriental Market in Managua on Saturday, instead of Thursday. I called Juan and told him that I wouldn’t have to miss Thursday’s class after all. He said to come on in early tomorrow (to finish making up 1 extra day) and come on Thursday. That way I will be ahead by 1 day in case something else comes up and I have to miss a day. Good thinking, because I think we’re going to Masaya one day next week.
Mike and German went to a used furniture/appliance store. They found a second refrigerator for the team house and some wooden tables. Also, a coffeemaker for Mary. Jaasiel said that she knows where that store is and maybe Mary and I can go check it out sometime.
Part of the tables were delivered this evening. They came by bicycle-taxi. It was funny to see them tied into and onto the contraptions. Alberto came to my room to see if I had 300 córdabas to pay the delivery guys. He couldn’t get a hold of German by phone. Luckily, I had exchanged some money this morning at the corner before class. The rest of the stuff is supposed to come tomorrow. I picked out which table I want in my room. I told Mike I would pay for it myself, to help the ministry out. They have to be treated for termites and then stained and then I can put it in my room. Yay!
I skipped my dip in the pool tonight, even though I was home since I didn’t go to the English class this afternoon. I want to get as much rest as I can to get over this head thing going on.
Mary used the sewing machine for a few minutes this evening and I took up a few skirts that were getting too big. Then I put all that away, ate some left overs, showered and settled down to study my verbs and verb tenses. I talk to myself a lot when memorizing things. People would find me rather funny if they could see inside my little room. ☺
I’m going to post this and then go to bed early tonight. Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and then an early morning, long Spanish class and then Women’s Bible study at Las Quimeras tomorrow. Going to need some good rest.
I’m thankful for all that God brings my way. So many little things during the day. He is so faithful. And I am so blessed.
We had a good class today. Discussing lots of things in Spanish and then working on some idioms. Juan said that we would concentrate on the 400 verbs I’m learning this week as well as the 12 verb tenses that we have discussed over the last 2 weeks. I think that’s plenty for now. All the other stuff we have studied is pretty much in my brain. The verbs and verb tenses take more concentration and study. I’m glad we are going to work on them for a few days.
I got home (by taxi) for lunch. The taxi driver was helping me pronounce some Spanish words. He was trying to teach me to roll my rrrrr’s. I just can’t do it. I thought it was nice of him to try to help me. He was listening to a sermon on his cd player in the taxi. It’s nice to run into Christian people.
When I got home shortly after class, Leslie knew I hadn’t walked. She asked why and told me that she is feeling yucky, too, and had started some meds herself. Jaasiel has been on meds for bronchitis this past week. Maybe it’s something going around. Anyway, I’m hoping to feel ship-shape by week’s end.
The cook had not come this morning, so Sherry started lunch. Claudia got here a little before time to eat and said that she had had to take her mother to the hospital this morning. She finished cooking and we all had a great meal of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, quacamole, tortillas. Yummy. I went to my room to lay down for awhile and try to get rid of the sinus headache. I slept for about an hour. Mary red a book while Sherry and Manuel played in pool. Mike worked on his computer. Jaasiel came to have class time with Manuel this afternoon. He is doing well considering his challenges. He has been reading to me and wanting to do some math questions and stuff. I know that Jaasiel is making a difference with him.
I found out that we are just going to Las Quimeras earlier tomorrow instead of going out there today to talk with Pastor Sergio about which women to start working with on teaching sewing. I was glad that we were staying put for the afternoon.
Also, we are going to the Oriental Market in Managua on Saturday, instead of Thursday. I called Juan and told him that I wouldn’t have to miss Thursday’s class after all. He said to come on in early tomorrow (to finish making up 1 extra day) and come on Thursday. That way I will be ahead by 1 day in case something else comes up and I have to miss a day. Good thinking, because I think we’re going to Masaya one day next week.
Mike and German went to a used furniture/appliance store. They found a second refrigerator for the team house and some wooden tables. Also, a coffeemaker for Mary. Jaasiel said that she knows where that store is and maybe Mary and I can go check it out sometime.
Part of the tables were delivered this evening. They came by bicycle-taxi. It was funny to see them tied into and onto the contraptions. Alberto came to my room to see if I had 300 córdabas to pay the delivery guys. He couldn’t get a hold of German by phone. Luckily, I had exchanged some money this morning at the corner before class. The rest of the stuff is supposed to come tomorrow. I picked out which table I want in my room. I told Mike I would pay for it myself, to help the ministry out. They have to be treated for termites and then stained and then I can put it in my room. Yay!
I skipped my dip in the pool tonight, even though I was home since I didn’t go to the English class this afternoon. I want to get as much rest as I can to get over this head thing going on.
Mary used the sewing machine for a few minutes this evening and I took up a few skirts that were getting too big. Then I put all that away, ate some left overs, showered and settled down to study my verbs and verb tenses. I talk to myself a lot when memorizing things. People would find me rather funny if they could see inside my little room. ☺
I’m going to post this and then go to bed early tonight. Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and then an early morning, long Spanish class and then Women’s Bible study at Las Quimeras tomorrow. Going to need some good rest.
I’m thankful for all that God brings my way. So many little things during the day. He is so faithful. And I am so blessed.
Monday, November 7, 2011 NICARAGUA
Okay. 9:30pm and it’s time to write my blog and go to bed. Gotta get up early and go to Spanish class 1 hour earlier for the next 2 days so that I can skip class on Thursday to go to Managua with the VOH gang.
This weekend has flown by so fast! I guess because I went to the English school on Saturday morning, so Sunday and Monday were my ‘weekend’. Yesterday, I started sewing on aprons for Aracelys and Claudia and I finished them today. I also made a manly one for Manuel. I altered and hemmed a skirt for Coco and also make her 3 skirts. I hemmed a denim skirt for myself that I picked up at a used clothing store on my way home from Spanish class last week. I tweaked a shirt, took a swim, had leftover churrasco (steak) and mashed potatoes for dinner, studied Spanish verb tenses until I’m blue in the face. Speaking of blue, I’m admiring the navy pillow cases I made for my twin bed to make it look like a daybed. I like it.
The Hulsey’s were here for most of the day. I played with Manuel a couple of times. He is interested in learning now (for small bits of time). I hope he has good school time with Jaasiel this week.
Mary did some sewing today on hemming curtains. She sat on the pool steps while I swam this evening and we had a nice chat. We went to our rooms when the mosquitoes came buzzing. Saturnino will need to spray again tomorrow. Yesterday, Mary and I left our doors and windows open past dusk while enjoying the pool. We both got nibbled on last night by the mosquitoes. We made sure to shut up our rooms before heading for our evening swim.
With the exception of hearing fireworks last night, I haven’t experienced anything different after the elections. Of course, I haven’t left our compound for the last 2 days, either. LOL I’ll walk to Spanish class tomorrow morning, but I doubt that anything will be different on the road. Today was supposed to be the biggest day of celebration and demonstration.
Manuel’s dog, Buster, (a miniature Doberman) is about the size of a medium cat. He is getting a belly on him now and looks so funny when he lays down. Sherry makes him scrambled eggs every morning for breakfast. And he refuses to eat dog food. Only people food for him. Even chips. He went for a couple of dips in the pool today. When he dog paddles, he looks like a motorboat. He really moves! He doesn’t like the water too much though.
I’m feeling very peaceful and content this evening. I hope I sleep well. I’ve been having weird dreams for about 2 weeks now. Not nightmares, just weird. Oh well, it could be worse.
According to facebook postings, there was another earthquake in OK which was felt in AR. That makes 2 in just a few days. And I’m missing them! Maybe we’ll have a volcano eruption here. Nothing major, just want to see one of the smoking volcanos spew a little bit. Knowing me, I won’t have my camera ready anyway…
This is short, but I’m heading to bed. I hope everyone has had a blessed day. I know I have.
This weekend has flown by so fast! I guess because I went to the English school on Saturday morning, so Sunday and Monday were my ‘weekend’. Yesterday, I started sewing on aprons for Aracelys and Claudia and I finished them today. I also made a manly one for Manuel. I altered and hemmed a skirt for Coco and also make her 3 skirts. I hemmed a denim skirt for myself that I picked up at a used clothing store on my way home from Spanish class last week. I tweaked a shirt, took a swim, had leftover churrasco (steak) and mashed potatoes for dinner, studied Spanish verb tenses until I’m blue in the face. Speaking of blue, I’m admiring the navy pillow cases I made for my twin bed to make it look like a daybed. I like it.
The Hulsey’s were here for most of the day. I played with Manuel a couple of times. He is interested in learning now (for small bits of time). I hope he has good school time with Jaasiel this week.
Mary did some sewing today on hemming curtains. She sat on the pool steps while I swam this evening and we had a nice chat. We went to our rooms when the mosquitoes came buzzing. Saturnino will need to spray again tomorrow. Yesterday, Mary and I left our doors and windows open past dusk while enjoying the pool. We both got nibbled on last night by the mosquitoes. We made sure to shut up our rooms before heading for our evening swim.
With the exception of hearing fireworks last night, I haven’t experienced anything different after the elections. Of course, I haven’t left our compound for the last 2 days, either. LOL I’ll walk to Spanish class tomorrow morning, but I doubt that anything will be different on the road. Today was supposed to be the biggest day of celebration and demonstration.
Manuel’s dog, Buster, (a miniature Doberman) is about the size of a medium cat. He is getting a belly on him now and looks so funny when he lays down. Sherry makes him scrambled eggs every morning for breakfast. And he refuses to eat dog food. Only people food for him. Even chips. He went for a couple of dips in the pool today. When he dog paddles, he looks like a motorboat. He really moves! He doesn’t like the water too much though.
I’m feeling very peaceful and content this evening. I hope I sleep well. I’ve been having weird dreams for about 2 weeks now. Not nightmares, just weird. Oh well, it could be worse.
According to facebook postings, there was another earthquake in OK which was felt in AR. That makes 2 in just a few days. And I’m missing them! Maybe we’ll have a volcano eruption here. Nothing major, just want to see one of the smoking volcanos spew a little bit. Knowing me, I won’t have my camera ready anyway…
This is short, but I’m heading to bed. I hope everyone has had a blessed day. I know I have.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday, Nov 6, 2011 NICARAGUA
It’s late and I should be getting ready for bed soon. It’s been an interesting day, since we didn’t go out anywhere today. The elections were today and churches were closed. There are people out everywhere and the streets will be blocked by celebrations and demonstrations (depending on which party you are a member of) for the rest of tonight and tomorrow. There isn’t any big surprise expected with the results, but with a Third World Country, you never know. We stayed here at the Mission House today and the Hulsey’s came over for lunch and to swim for the afternoon. I haven’t talked to them since they left at late afternoon to drive home. German (and all our other friends here) say not to go out on Monday, because of all the chaos in traveling. We’re happy as little clams to hang out here at the house. All of our workers, except Alberto (who lives here) and Claudia (our cook who didn’t want to take the day off) are staying home tomorrow.
My Monday Spanish class was moved to last Friday, so I have the day free to study and sew and nap. Ahhhh. Pretty much what I did today, actually.
Manuel spent the night with Mary and me last night. He slept on a mattress in Mary’s room. We took turns keeping him occupied last night and today. He was in a very good mood this morning and we had fun together.
I cut out 8 full aprons for Aracelys and Claudia. I got 4 of them finished today. I was modeling one to show Mary and Sherry and Manuel saw it. He heard me say that my sister had made me some aprons when I was a stepmom and the boys called it my cooking dress. She also made them some (they were 4, 5, and 6 yrs old) for craft aprons. They called theirs cooking dresses, too. Manuel decided he needed one, too. He wanted to try on the one I had finished for the ladies. He looked like he was wearing a dress. He looked so cute. He told his dad to get him a pan because he needed to cook something. I had some plaid material with red, navy, green, etc in it and we decided it would make a good boy apron. So he commissioned me to make it for him. I got it done tonight, also.
I have lots of projects that I want to work on. It’s so much fun getting to do these things. Tomorrow will be another good day of sewing.
This evening, after the sun left the pool area, I went for a dip. Mary came out and sat on the pool steps and put her legs in. We chatted a while. It was very nice. Since Saturnino is spraying for mosquitoes twice a week now, they are not bad at all. Yay!! After my swim, I came back to my room and fixed a baked potato for dinner and had some pudding for dessert.
Mike left me the internet cord and I’ve been researching more craft projects for the ladies (who in the barrios where we minister) to make and sell to help support their families. I’m loving these projects.
I need to get some Bible study done, prepare for the Women’s Bible studies this week and practice my Spanish verbs. We’ll see how much of each I get done tomorrow.
Mary will start going to the Women’s Bible studies with me this week. Next week, she will start teaching how to share your testimony with the ladies during part of the time. Her class time should last about 6 weeks until she goes home on December 23. The weekly study of the 12 Extraordinary Women of the Bible will continue year round until we cover all 12 Women, then we will start a new study.
I have 10 more Bibles coming tomorrow afternoon for the ladies at Las Quimeras. I’ve got the next 6 Bible bags done for them. I need to buy their notebooks at the Librería on Tuesday or Wednesday morning when I walk to class.
I hope we are still going to the Oriental Market in Managua on Thursday. I can’t wait to get some things for my room and to also see what kind of supplies I can find for the projects. They say the market is huge and takes all day. We may need to take 2 vans to bring everything home in! ha
Time for bed for today. Time is marching on. So much to do and experience. Don’t want to miss a minute! Soooo blessed.
My Monday Spanish class was moved to last Friday, so I have the day free to study and sew and nap. Ahhhh. Pretty much what I did today, actually.
Manuel spent the night with Mary and me last night. He slept on a mattress in Mary’s room. We took turns keeping him occupied last night and today. He was in a very good mood this morning and we had fun together.
I cut out 8 full aprons for Aracelys and Claudia. I got 4 of them finished today. I was modeling one to show Mary and Sherry and Manuel saw it. He heard me say that my sister had made me some aprons when I was a stepmom and the boys called it my cooking dress. She also made them some (they were 4, 5, and 6 yrs old) for craft aprons. They called theirs cooking dresses, too. Manuel decided he needed one, too. He wanted to try on the one I had finished for the ladies. He looked like he was wearing a dress. He looked so cute. He told his dad to get him a pan because he needed to cook something. I had some plaid material with red, navy, green, etc in it and we decided it would make a good boy apron. So he commissioned me to make it for him. I got it done tonight, also.
I have lots of projects that I want to work on. It’s so much fun getting to do these things. Tomorrow will be another good day of sewing.
This evening, after the sun left the pool area, I went for a dip. Mary came out and sat on the pool steps and put her legs in. We chatted a while. It was very nice. Since Saturnino is spraying for mosquitoes twice a week now, they are not bad at all. Yay!! After my swim, I came back to my room and fixed a baked potato for dinner and had some pudding for dessert.
Mike left me the internet cord and I’ve been researching more craft projects for the ladies (who in the barrios where we minister) to make and sell to help support their families. I’m loving these projects.
I need to get some Bible study done, prepare for the Women’s Bible studies this week and practice my Spanish verbs. We’ll see how much of each I get done tomorrow.
Mary will start going to the Women’s Bible studies with me this week. Next week, she will start teaching how to share your testimony with the ladies during part of the time. Her class time should last about 6 weeks until she goes home on December 23. The weekly study of the 12 Extraordinary Women of the Bible will continue year round until we cover all 12 Women, then we will start a new study.
I have 10 more Bibles coming tomorrow afternoon for the ladies at Las Quimeras. I’ve got the next 6 Bible bags done for them. I need to buy their notebooks at the Librería on Tuesday or Wednesday morning when I walk to class.
I hope we are still going to the Oriental Market in Managua on Thursday. I can’t wait to get some things for my room and to also see what kind of supplies I can find for the projects. They say the market is huge and takes all day. We may need to take 2 vans to bring everything home in! ha
Time for bed for today. Time is marching on. So much to do and experience. Don’t want to miss a minute! Soooo blessed.
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