Another great day! Went to Spanish class at 9am instead of 10am so that we could make up some time for me being gone to Masaya on Thursday. It was a good class. Talked about verbs (as usual) but also reviewed different types of pronouns and objects. I wish I would have paid more attention in English grammar classes, so that I wouldn’t have to try so hard to remember it now so that I can associate it to Spanish. Ah, we always think we know best when we’re young. Kind of like how we think we will never use math skills when we grow up either. Ha
Anyway, it was a great class. We had a long discussion (all in Spanish) about how I feel living and serving here in Nica (almost full time). I am exactly where God wants me to be. Juan was asking if I miss many things from the states. I truly don’t miss anything personally. I just sometimes think of things that would make the ministry more effective if we had those items here. The only things that I have been craving are hummus and HGTV. LOL other than that, I’m good with cold showers, no TV, walking to many of the places I need to go, riding in dilapidated taxis, wearing bug spray as cologne and sunscreen as moisturizer. I love my room and am very comfortable here. I haven’t felt this ‘at home’ in a long, long time.
My health has been very good, considering the chronic problems I have. And the sinus infection/cold is about all gone. I’ve been keeping up with my vitamins and supplements and feel pretty good most of the time. I could probably slow down a little bit and get more rest, but I’ll work on that over time. I’m very content with the life that God is allowing me to have.
Juan and his daughter Kati and I took a fieldtrip today at class. We walked a few blocks away to another House of the Bible store to price Bibles for the ladies at ROSCC church Bible study. I wasn’t impressed with the selection or the prices, and think I will probably keep buying the ones that I get from Carlos, but I did find a kid’s devotional book in Spanish and bought it for myself. I will have fun reading each day’s Bible story all year round.
On the way to class I stopped at the Librería and bought some pens for the ladies Bible study, as well as a nice notebook for Pastor Sergio, a big eraser for myself, and some large pieces of paper for the sewing class. On the way home I stopped in at the second hand clothing store that Mary and I like. Partly to look for a green top to go with a green skirt I just bought, and partly to get in the shade for a few minutes. (It’s getting too hot to walk home from class at noon) The owner was so happy to see me. She should be, I spend money in there often. They have nice used clothing for a good price and their store is very clean and organized. Keep in mind that it’s the front part of their house and the size of my bedroom. Her name is Melonia and she asked me lots of questions about where I live and what I do, etc. I was surprised at how much better my Spanish is while speaking with her. Anyway, I told her all about Voice of Hope Ministry and what we do. It was great to talk with her.
I got home for lunch and we had churrazco (steak with chimichurri sauce), mashed potatoes, corn and salad. Yum! Then I chatted with Mary, Sherry and Leslie about some plans for the sewing classes and other ministry stuff.
Soon it was time for the ladies from Las Quimeras to get here for the sewing class. It takes them 45 minutes to ride the bus into town and across to the Mission House. We have a 2 hour class and then they have another 45 minute bus ride home. Bless their hearts! At least the ministry pays their bus fare for them. We had fun at the class. We ended up with 9 ladies (including Leslie, who is our translator, but also wants to learn how to sew). We went over the basics. Then we watched the dvd that came with the sewing machine and then they got to try their hand at sewing a little bit. They each took a turn. We gave them each a couple of needs and some thread and a piece of fabric to take home and practice on. They are excited and we are, too! We’re all praying for 2 more sewing machines so that they can all get busy learning and making things for their families as well as maybe making things to sell to provide groceries for their families.
It started to rain before class was over and we let them leave early to catch the bus back to Las Quimeras. I hope they made it home safely and didn’t get too wet. I’m very excited about their classes. I know this is going to be a great ministry.
Mary got ready to go and babysit for Manuel tonight at the Hulsey’s house. I heated up some left over Nica chop suey from last night. Then I got busy cutting out some fabric to make drawstring bags for the women’s conference on Monday. Last night I sewed up 32 tissue holders (for a lady’s purse or backpack) and tonight I cut out 30 drawstring bags. If I can get them sewed up tomorrow evening, I’ll just have about another 50 items to get done by Monday.
We have a family of 4 coming on Friday afternoon for the week, to do a conference. We also have the team coming in on Saturday afternoon. It’s gonna get busy around here! I love it. Also, I’ll still be doing the 2 Women’s Bible studies on Wed and Friday, as well as the Women’s Conference on Monday. We’ll still have the Tuesday sewing class. But I’ll be working with the team and won’t have Spanish class in the mornings, but Juan is translating for us and we wouldn’t have class anyway. I know that the week is going to fly by!
I’m going to get off of here for now. I’m tired and need my beauty sleep. Ha
I hope to find time tomorrow evening to get some laundry done. Otherwise, I’m going to have to go back to the used clothing store and buy something clean to wear!
I hope that everyone back in the states is getting ready for Thanksgiving and having a great time preparing to be with family. Nica is exactly where I want to be for the holidays. I’m thankful for that!!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011 NICARAGUA
Almost time for bed again. I’m feeling better this evening. This morning was kind of rough, but I can tell that it’s getting better each day.
I walked to class this morning, instead of taking a taxi like I felt like doing, because it was cooler and overcast. Also, I needed to stop at Basar Jerry and at the Librería and at the corner to get money exchanged. I hate to waste a cooler morning by taking a taxi. Getting to walk when it’s more comfortable is something that I don’t take for granted. ☺
I got some more cord for the little drawstring bags that I’m going to sew for the Women’s Conference next Monday. Also, I got some elastic for the skirts for the sewing class and some medium safety pins. I’ve been looking for medium ones for a few weeks now. Funny how you have to search and hope to find things. We take way too much for granted in the states. But I like getting to stop in and visit the ladies at the stores. I priced some satin cord and some satin ribbon, too, for future projects.
I bought 40 notebooks at the Librería for the ladies at ROSCC Bible study. I was weighted down as I carried them to class with me. After class I relented to taking a taxi home. It was well worth it.
Spanish class was very good. Juan said I am doing really great. That’s good to hear because I still think I’m doing badly, but I can tell that I’m making progress. We are trying to cram all the learning we can into these 2 months and there is very little time between ‘getting’ something and then moving on to more that I don’t know. But it’s all worth the hard work. Juan is a very encouraging teacher, too. He always has such a big smile when I get a really hard thing correct. He’s a blessing.
We had Nicaraguan chicken chop suey for lunch and it was good. Then Leslie and I talked and decided that we didn’t need to go to the other market today, since I had bought fabric on Sunday and the elastic today. I really want to go walk around and look at stuff, but I decided to do the responsible thing and stay here this afternoon and start cutting out and sewing some of the stuff for Monday.
I finished up Coco’s skirts and got all her shirts together. She was so surprised tonight when we gave her the new wardrobe. She couldn’t believe it was for her. She doesn’t get anything new ever and most of her clothes don’t fit. It was a blessing for Sherry, Mary and me to do this for her.
Our VOH Bible study was good tonight. Sherry, Mary, German, Oscar, Jonathan, Salvador and I attended. Mike always has good messages. Mary got to meet Jonathan and Salvador tonight. I sure have missed them! I didn’t get to see them at all last week since I had so much going on. I won’t see them in English class this week or next week either. And we will not have our Bible study on Monday night because the team will be here.
I’m going to miss them! They are doing so great with their English. They said that Teacher (Juan) told them what a good job they are doing and he told them that I’m doing well, too. We are in the same boat wanting to learn as fast as we can. Just in different languages.
I got an email from my niece and she filled me in on the wedding plans so far. It will be here before we know it! I’ll wait and buy my dress when I get back to the states or maybe even when I get to IN in Feb. I guess it will be a good excuse to buy a new dress.
Buster, the dog, lives here at the Team House most of the time now. He sleeps in Alberto’s little house. He is such a funny dog. Not much bigger than my foot, but he thinks that he is ferocious. He barks a lot at Alberto and won’t let him pick him up. I have to catch him and hand him to Alberto. It’s funny. Alberto cooks scrambled eggs for Buster every morning (as Sherry used to do) and then feeds him canned dog food each night. He stays in Alberto’s room a lot and barks because he wants out with people. I don’t know how he will do with the teams. We’ll see.
After everyone left tonight, I came in my room and sewed for about hour and a half. Then I opted to get on the computer to do my blog. We should have internet here at the Mission House by the end of the week. Woohoo!!!
After writing this update, I need to study my Spanish lesson for about an hour and then I’m off to dream land.
I’m off to dream land and I feel so blessed today. Thank you Lord.
I walked to class this morning, instead of taking a taxi like I felt like doing, because it was cooler and overcast. Also, I needed to stop at Basar Jerry and at the Librería and at the corner to get money exchanged. I hate to waste a cooler morning by taking a taxi. Getting to walk when it’s more comfortable is something that I don’t take for granted. ☺
I got some more cord for the little drawstring bags that I’m going to sew for the Women’s Conference next Monday. Also, I got some elastic for the skirts for the sewing class and some medium safety pins. I’ve been looking for medium ones for a few weeks now. Funny how you have to search and hope to find things. We take way too much for granted in the states. But I like getting to stop in and visit the ladies at the stores. I priced some satin cord and some satin ribbon, too, for future projects.
I bought 40 notebooks at the Librería for the ladies at ROSCC Bible study. I was weighted down as I carried them to class with me. After class I relented to taking a taxi home. It was well worth it.
Spanish class was very good. Juan said I am doing really great. That’s good to hear because I still think I’m doing badly, but I can tell that I’m making progress. We are trying to cram all the learning we can into these 2 months and there is very little time between ‘getting’ something and then moving on to more that I don’t know. But it’s all worth the hard work. Juan is a very encouraging teacher, too. He always has such a big smile when I get a really hard thing correct. He’s a blessing.
We had Nicaraguan chicken chop suey for lunch and it was good. Then Leslie and I talked and decided that we didn’t need to go to the other market today, since I had bought fabric on Sunday and the elastic today. I really want to go walk around and look at stuff, but I decided to do the responsible thing and stay here this afternoon and start cutting out and sewing some of the stuff for Monday.
I finished up Coco’s skirts and got all her shirts together. She was so surprised tonight when we gave her the new wardrobe. She couldn’t believe it was for her. She doesn’t get anything new ever and most of her clothes don’t fit. It was a blessing for Sherry, Mary and me to do this for her.
Our VOH Bible study was good tonight. Sherry, Mary, German, Oscar, Jonathan, Salvador and I attended. Mike always has good messages. Mary got to meet Jonathan and Salvador tonight. I sure have missed them! I didn’t get to see them at all last week since I had so much going on. I won’t see them in English class this week or next week either. And we will not have our Bible study on Monday night because the team will be here.
I’m going to miss them! They are doing so great with their English. They said that Teacher (Juan) told them what a good job they are doing and he told them that I’m doing well, too. We are in the same boat wanting to learn as fast as we can. Just in different languages.
I got an email from my niece and she filled me in on the wedding plans so far. It will be here before we know it! I’ll wait and buy my dress when I get back to the states or maybe even when I get to IN in Feb. I guess it will be a good excuse to buy a new dress.
Buster, the dog, lives here at the Team House most of the time now. He sleeps in Alberto’s little house. He is such a funny dog. Not much bigger than my foot, but he thinks that he is ferocious. He barks a lot at Alberto and won’t let him pick him up. I have to catch him and hand him to Alberto. It’s funny. Alberto cooks scrambled eggs for Buster every morning (as Sherry used to do) and then feeds him canned dog food each night. He stays in Alberto’s room a lot and barks because he wants out with people. I don’t know how he will do with the teams. We’ll see.
After everyone left tonight, I came in my room and sewed for about hour and a half. Then I opted to get on the computer to do my blog. We should have internet here at the Mission House by the end of the week. Woohoo!!!
After writing this update, I need to study my Spanish lesson for about an hour and then I’m off to dream land.
I’m off to dream land and I feel so blessed today. Thank you Lord.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011 NICARAGUA
Due to circumstances beyond our control… we weren’t able to go to church this morning. Mary and I got to hear some of the music and ceremony here at the Mission House that the Women/Teen girls’ conference was having. I spent a lot of time on my personal Bible study this morning and enjoyed the time with the Lord.
Sherry joined Mary and I for some shopping around and lunch. It was nice to get out and walk around and look at second hand clothing stores. We each found a few pieces and had a nice lunch at Tip Top Chicken. We then caught a taxi and went to Maxi Palí to look around. It’s owned by Walmart and is kind of a step up from their other grocery stores of regular Palí and La Unión. We had fun walking around and looking at stuff. Mary and I got some little baskets that have wheels and pull handle. We liked just walking around with the baskets. ☺
While downtown, I bought some fabric for the sewing class that starts on Tuesday. I still need to get some elastic, so I’ll have to stop by Basar Jerry tomorrow on my way to class. I also need to stop by the Librería and let her know that I want to buy 40 notebooks by Friday. These will be for the ladies at ROSCC church. I don’t have the money to get their Bibles yet, but I’m going to give them the notebooks and pens this week.
While out today, I got a call from Juan and he said that he picked up a new student, I believe for the 8-10am timeslot, so my classes will be the usual 10a-12p this week. We had decided to add an extra hour each day, but that will not happen now. We’ll talk tomorrow about how to work in the extra hours. I think I will have to miss class on Thursday, too, because we need to go to Masaya before the team comes on Saturday. But it will all work out okay.
When through downtown, we got a taxi and headed back to the Mission House about 2pm. The conference was still going on and I had a sinus headache, so I laid down in my room for a while and Mary and Sherry visited in Mary’s room. Mike and Manuel came over to finalize money and stuff with the leader of the conference. Then the Hulsey’s went home.
The conference ended at 6pm, but the praise music and worship kept going until about 7:30pm. It’s nice and quiet again.
I studied on Spanish verbs for a while and then fixed some soup for dinner. I nuked a couple of small potatoes to add to the veggie soup and it was pretty good. I packed my meds/vitamins for the next 2 weeks and then studied a little more Spanish. Then I watched 2 more episodes of Army Wives on my computer.
Now I’m ready for bed and praying to wake up with a clear head. My headache is better and I’m not as stuffy. I actually feel worse now that my antibiotics are through. Hmmmm
It’s been beautiful weather. No rain for days and days. It will soon be drying out for 6 months. I have to say that I’m enjoying not having the continuous rain like in October. But I’m sure I’ll complain about it being too hot and dry soon. ☺
Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and then a great Spanish class and then lunch and then Leslie and I are planning on going to a market here in León that I haven’t been to so I can look for some more supplies and storage containers. Then I’ve got lots of sewing to do tomorrow afternoon before the VOH Bible study.
Time to start another busy week and I love it.
The team comes in on Saturday. Woohoo!!
God is good!
Sherry joined Mary and I for some shopping around and lunch. It was nice to get out and walk around and look at second hand clothing stores. We each found a few pieces and had a nice lunch at Tip Top Chicken. We then caught a taxi and went to Maxi Palí to look around. It’s owned by Walmart and is kind of a step up from their other grocery stores of regular Palí and La Unión. We had fun walking around and looking at stuff. Mary and I got some little baskets that have wheels and pull handle. We liked just walking around with the baskets. ☺
While downtown, I bought some fabric for the sewing class that starts on Tuesday. I still need to get some elastic, so I’ll have to stop by Basar Jerry tomorrow on my way to class. I also need to stop by the Librería and let her know that I want to buy 40 notebooks by Friday. These will be for the ladies at ROSCC church. I don’t have the money to get their Bibles yet, but I’m going to give them the notebooks and pens this week.
While out today, I got a call from Juan and he said that he picked up a new student, I believe for the 8-10am timeslot, so my classes will be the usual 10a-12p this week. We had decided to add an extra hour each day, but that will not happen now. We’ll talk tomorrow about how to work in the extra hours. I think I will have to miss class on Thursday, too, because we need to go to Masaya before the team comes on Saturday. But it will all work out okay.
When through downtown, we got a taxi and headed back to the Mission House about 2pm. The conference was still going on and I had a sinus headache, so I laid down in my room for a while and Mary and Sherry visited in Mary’s room. Mike and Manuel came over to finalize money and stuff with the leader of the conference. Then the Hulsey’s went home.
The conference ended at 6pm, but the praise music and worship kept going until about 7:30pm. It’s nice and quiet again.
I studied on Spanish verbs for a while and then fixed some soup for dinner. I nuked a couple of small potatoes to add to the veggie soup and it was pretty good. I packed my meds/vitamins for the next 2 weeks and then studied a little more Spanish. Then I watched 2 more episodes of Army Wives on my computer.
Now I’m ready for bed and praying to wake up with a clear head. My headache is better and I’m not as stuffy. I actually feel worse now that my antibiotics are through. Hmmmm
It’s been beautiful weather. No rain for days and days. It will soon be drying out for 6 months. I have to say that I’m enjoying not having the continuous rain like in October. But I’m sure I’ll complain about it being too hot and dry soon. ☺
Looking forward to a good night’s sleep and then a great Spanish class and then lunch and then Leslie and I are planning on going to a market here in León that I haven’t been to so I can look for some more supplies and storage containers. Then I’ve got lots of sewing to do tomorrow afternoon before the VOH Bible study.
Time to start another busy week and I love it.
The team comes in on Saturday. Woohoo!!
God is good!
Saturday, November 12, 2011 NICARAGUA
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.
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.
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!
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