Boy, am I tired tonight. I think I will sleep well. I hope so.
Last night I left with German to pick up Danilo at On the Run (convenience store) and then we went to pick up the Chinchin van from the Hulsey’s house. Danilo took the green van and German and I took Chinchin to Managua. It took about an hour to get all this rearranging done and to be headed off. It was nice to get to spend some time talking with German.
We got to the airport a little after 9pm. Megan’s flight was delayed almost an hour, so I sat in the van while German and Danilo and Danilo’s mother (who needed a ride from Managua to León) sat outside on the parking lot curb and chatted. Megan’s plane landed a little after 10pm, so we went into the terminal to wait for her. She saw and recognized me (which is good since I have only seen her picture on facebook). We packed her 2 suitcases in the van and retrieved Danilo’s mom and jumped in for the ride home.
Megan and I chatted the whole way and started to get to know each other. I didn’t even think to ask if she wanted to use my Nica phone to call Josh. Duh. I was very excited to hear that she speaks Spanish. How wonderful for her ministry time here and also that she can help interpret around the house and she will be able to talk to Joseline more than I can. I’m so happy that Joceline will have someone to talk to!
It was good to get Megan and bring her to the Mission House. We got her settled in for the night and I went to bed. We got home about 12:30pm last night and I went to bed about 1am. I woke up at 5am. I slept pretty well, but not long enough!
I was going to call Juan and cancel Spanish class for today, but decided to just ask to come at the usual time of 10am instead 9am. I started walking and Jorge stopped to offer me a ride. I jumped in his taxi and didn’t feel one bit guilty about skipping my walk. He didn’t want me to pay, but I insisted. He is very nice, but I want to bless his family as much as I can.
While waiting for Juan, I found out that his grandmother passed away last night. I wish I would have known that when we spoke on the phone this morning. I would definitely have told him to skip class today. Bless his heart.
But he was excited to get his copy of the Spanish verb book that I had ordered for him. We jumped right in and abused my brain!
During the class, he had a couple of visitors who came to sign up for his promotion of getting the first level of English classes free. He had bee handing out flyers last Friday. The 2 guys are going to start classes tomorrow morning, so I’m going back to 2 hours a day instead of 3, so that he can teach them the 2 hours before my class. I’m excited for them all.
I walked home from class today and it was very hot. I felt that I should walk home since I didn’t walk to class. I was glad to get home. We had a yummy lunch of Canelones and salad. I really wanted to take a nap, but settled for getting things ready for the Sewing class at 2pm.
We had fun with the ladies today. They are starting to make some drawstring backpacks. They got to use the sewing machine today and they were a hoot! Megan sat in on the class and had a great time talking to the ladies. They had difficulty getting on the bus to León because of all of the travelers coming to town to prepare for tomorrow night’s Day of Mary celebration. The buses were overflowing and some weren’t even stopping because they could not hold another person. And in Nica, that means they were FULL!
It was decided that we wouldn’t go out for the Bible study tomorrow afternoon because only 3 ladies would be present. Everyone else would be busy with the Day of Mary stuff. I hate to miss a class, but I think it was a good decision. I use my time to sew instead.
After the ladies left today, Megan, Joceline and I went for a quick swim. The water was a little bit cold, but it was nice. I had some cold Canelones and some cream of mushroom soup for dinner. Then I got my shower and pinned some Bible bags together to be ready to sew tomorrow afternoon.
I downloaded my Spanish verbs cds and listened to them while I was working on the Bible bags. I was reciting verb endings from outer space (ha) and trying to keep track of what I was doing. Not an easy task for my tired brain tonight. But I’m very thankful to have the cds. I’m downloading the audio onto my phone and iPod.
Megan asked if she could go to Spanish class with me tomorrow. It will be fun to have her here. I know that Juan will be glad to meet her. We’ll walk, so she can see some of the stores and homes and stuff on the way. It’s nice to see the people and neighborhoods when walking. If we leave early enough, maybe we’ll stop by Bazar Jerry and the Librería that I like. Maybe even the used clothing store and the artist place, too.
I told Megan that maybe on Friday or Saturday, we could walk to downtown and see everything. I know she is interested in everything she can see.
Well, I guess I should get off of here and go to bed. I’m ready to drop off to sleep! It’s been a good day and even though it is only Tuesday night, I feel like it’s been a week already. HA Looking forward to the rest of the week! God is good!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011 NICARAGUA
I’m writing this at 6pm today instead of my usual evening timeframe. I’m waiting on German to get here to pick me up so we can drive to Managua to pick up Megan Bryant from FBC Rogers, who is going to serve with us this month. So far, so good. I think we have the right day and everything!! LOL
I didn’t sleep well at all last night and woke up at 5:13am feeling crappy. I laid down for a little while, but didn’t feel much better. I did do some personal Bible study and got showered and dressed for Spanish class.
I went ahead and walked to class, albeit, slowly. I was a little late, but Juan is never there on time, so it didn’t matter.
We had a good class. Discussed some good stuff and I used my verbs in all different tenses. We can’t wait to get those Spanish books that Megan is bringing to me. Juan said we are going to hit those verb books hard and heavy this week and next, because they are my last weeks for class. Juan gave me the words to some of the songs that we sing in churches here. I was wanting to get them, but kept forgetting to ask my 2 musical sons, Jeremy and Joe, to give them to me. It was a nice blessing to get them today.
I walked home and we had quesadillas for lunch, with rice, beans and salad. Yum! The electricity had been out since about 10am, so everyone was sitting out under the rancho doing their own thing. I was planning on sewing a lot, but couldn’t, so I worked on my notes for the Women’s Bible study this week. I laid on my bed for a short while with my battery-powered fan and rested. Then I took some pieces of sewing out to rancho and pinned a bunch of stuff, getting it ready for sewing later in the week.
Sherry made us quesadillas with the left overs for dinner and they were still very good. I had some pudding and some almonds, so I’m ready for my road trip now.
I have a full week planned and I know it will go by very quickly. There is excitement in the city because of the holidays. The Day of Mary is Thursday, and festivities start on Wednesday night. It will be crazy getting around. We may not have the Wednesday Women’s Bible study at Las Quimeras. We’ll decide for sure tomorrow. I hate to miss a week, but if it’s not good timing, we could save about $15 on the taxi that day and I could also get some sewing on the Bible bags done that afternoon. We’ll see…
Better get off of here for now. German will be pulling up soon. We’re taking Chinchin, our little van to Managua. It’s been a little sick lately, so I’m praying that it makes it okay. It would be a long walk, late at night if it breaks down! But it gets the best gas mileage. We’ll just pray extra hard.
I didn’t sleep well at all last night and woke up at 5:13am feeling crappy. I laid down for a little while, but didn’t feel much better. I did do some personal Bible study and got showered and dressed for Spanish class.
I went ahead and walked to class, albeit, slowly. I was a little late, but Juan is never there on time, so it didn’t matter.
We had a good class. Discussed some good stuff and I used my verbs in all different tenses. We can’t wait to get those Spanish books that Megan is bringing to me. Juan said we are going to hit those verb books hard and heavy this week and next, because they are my last weeks for class. Juan gave me the words to some of the songs that we sing in churches here. I was wanting to get them, but kept forgetting to ask my 2 musical sons, Jeremy and Joe, to give them to me. It was a nice blessing to get them today.
I walked home and we had quesadillas for lunch, with rice, beans and salad. Yum! The electricity had been out since about 10am, so everyone was sitting out under the rancho doing their own thing. I was planning on sewing a lot, but couldn’t, so I worked on my notes for the Women’s Bible study this week. I laid on my bed for a short while with my battery-powered fan and rested. Then I took some pieces of sewing out to rancho and pinned a bunch of stuff, getting it ready for sewing later in the week.
Sherry made us quesadillas with the left overs for dinner and they were still very good. I had some pudding and some almonds, so I’m ready for my road trip now.
I have a full week planned and I know it will go by very quickly. There is excitement in the city because of the holidays. The Day of Mary is Thursday, and festivities start on Wednesday night. It will be crazy getting around. We may not have the Wednesday Women’s Bible study at Las Quimeras. We’ll decide for sure tomorrow. I hate to miss a week, but if it’s not good timing, we could save about $15 on the taxi that day and I could also get some sewing on the Bible bags done that afternoon. We’ll see…
Better get off of here for now. German will be pulling up soon. We’re taking Chinchin, our little van to Managua. It’s been a little sick lately, so I’m praying that it makes it okay. It would be a long walk, late at night if it breaks down! But it gets the best gas mileage. We’ll just pray extra hard.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011 NICARAGUA
What an interesting day. I kept waking up all night and couldn’t go back to sleep. I was reading most of the night trying to get sleepy. I have felt tired all day. But that’s okay.
This morning I talked with my sister Sandy on the phone to confirm that my flight options for Feb are fine with her. My niece is getting married on Feb 11, so I’ll spend Feb 1-13 in Indiana. I bought my tickets on line this morning. Then I looked up something to buy on Walmart.com and ship to the store in Paragould for the team coming on Dec 16 to bring down. Isn’t technology wonderful? (when it’s working)
I copied a cd of kids’ Bible songs in Spanish for the church in Telica. I also took one of the Proclaimers (recorded New Testament in Spanish) for the church to set up listening groups and use it.
Joceline was not feeling very well last night, but was much better this morning. She and Oscar left for church right before German stopped by to pick up Mary and I. We headed over to pick up the Hulsey’s and then went to the church in Telica. It was nice to be there again. I’m so excited to get to start a Women’s Bible study there when I get back in mid-February. The kids were funny this morning. The Pastor lady asked Mike if he would like to preach, so he did. The Bible says to always be ready to share about Jesus and he did.
After church, we went back to the Hulsey’s for dinner, but the electricity had went out and the food in the crockpot was not done. So we jumped in the van and headed to a restaurant that German and Jorge recommended. It’s a little place on the side of the road what serves Cuban cuisine. The owner didn’t speak any English and we held our own with my limited Spanish. We ended up having whatever he suggested, which was like a quesadilla made out of a different kind of tortilla with pork, beans, cheese and I don’t know what all else. It was okay, but I don’t think anyone else liked it. The place was decorated kind of neat. You would never know what it was like by just driving down the road and seeing the little sign on the ground. Kind of fun.
We got back to the Mission House and I was waiting for German’s family to come and pick me up to go to Managua to get Megan. I got on the computer for a while and was all ready and waiting for my pick up. Then Mike re-read the email from Megan and realized that she isn’t coming in until TOMORROW night. He called German to let him know. I’m glad we weren’t already on our way. I was really looking forward to spending some time with German’s family this evening, but I was pretty tired already. It will be better to go tomorrow night.
I had posted on facebook that we were picking up Megan tonight and she commented that her flight is tomorrow night. I told her we aren’t really this disorganized. Well… maybe so, but we’re fun!
My discussion with Juver, our substitute guard, was hilarious. I had originally told him that I would be arriving back about midnight-1am with Megan and that he would need to be ready to open the gate for us. He was going to set his alarm. I would call when we were in León. Then with the change of day, I was trying to tell him that we weren’t coming back tonight. We would come back tomorrow. He said, yes, at 1am. I said no, Tuesday at 1am because we were going to the airport tomorrow night. I was saying that the flight (el vuelo) was coming tomorrow night. He thought I said abuelo (grandfather) and thought that I was talking about Alberto. So Juver was explaining that his UNCLE Alberto (who is our regular guard who Juver is filling in for) was coming back Thursday night, not tomorrow night. I know you had to be there to appreciate it, but it was very funny. We finally got it all straightened out and laughed. As I was walking away, he called me back and in all earnestness told me that my Spanish was really improving. LOL It was like those ‘whose on first’ gags. The last time my Spanish got me in this much trouble was when I was trying to say excuse me (disculpeme) and said escupame (spit on me). I always say that if I can’t communicate in Spanish, at least I can be entertaining. ☺
I ended up spending some time doing my Bible study and getting on here. It was a good time to swim a little bit, but I just didn’t have the energy. I had some cold pasta for dinner and changed into my sleep shorts and tank top. I’m ready to relax for the rest of the evening.
I have so much that I need to get done that I feel guilty for resting. But I’m just not willing to focus too much this evening. Tomorrow starts a full and busy week, so I’ll take today for my rest.
I’m going to kick back now and hope to be asleep by 9pm. My biggest wish is to sleep all night long, at least until 5am.
Man, December is sliding by so quickly! I will miss being here so much for the 7 weeks or so that I’m in the states, but it will be fun to be there and talk with people, see my niece get married and then hurry back here. I really have a wonderful life. I’m so thankful to God for His blessings!
This morning I talked with my sister Sandy on the phone to confirm that my flight options for Feb are fine with her. My niece is getting married on Feb 11, so I’ll spend Feb 1-13 in Indiana. I bought my tickets on line this morning. Then I looked up something to buy on Walmart.com and ship to the store in Paragould for the team coming on Dec 16 to bring down. Isn’t technology wonderful? (when it’s working)
I copied a cd of kids’ Bible songs in Spanish for the church in Telica. I also took one of the Proclaimers (recorded New Testament in Spanish) for the church to set up listening groups and use it.
Joceline was not feeling very well last night, but was much better this morning. She and Oscar left for church right before German stopped by to pick up Mary and I. We headed over to pick up the Hulsey’s and then went to the church in Telica. It was nice to be there again. I’m so excited to get to start a Women’s Bible study there when I get back in mid-February. The kids were funny this morning. The Pastor lady asked Mike if he would like to preach, so he did. The Bible says to always be ready to share about Jesus and he did.
After church, we went back to the Hulsey’s for dinner, but the electricity had went out and the food in the crockpot was not done. So we jumped in the van and headed to a restaurant that German and Jorge recommended. It’s a little place on the side of the road what serves Cuban cuisine. The owner didn’t speak any English and we held our own with my limited Spanish. We ended up having whatever he suggested, which was like a quesadilla made out of a different kind of tortilla with pork, beans, cheese and I don’t know what all else. It was okay, but I don’t think anyone else liked it. The place was decorated kind of neat. You would never know what it was like by just driving down the road and seeing the little sign on the ground. Kind of fun.
We got back to the Mission House and I was waiting for German’s family to come and pick me up to go to Managua to get Megan. I got on the computer for a while and was all ready and waiting for my pick up. Then Mike re-read the email from Megan and realized that she isn’t coming in until TOMORROW night. He called German to let him know. I’m glad we weren’t already on our way. I was really looking forward to spending some time with German’s family this evening, but I was pretty tired already. It will be better to go tomorrow night.
I had posted on facebook that we were picking up Megan tonight and she commented that her flight is tomorrow night. I told her we aren’t really this disorganized. Well… maybe so, but we’re fun!
My discussion with Juver, our substitute guard, was hilarious. I had originally told him that I would be arriving back about midnight-1am with Megan and that he would need to be ready to open the gate for us. He was going to set his alarm. I would call when we were in León. Then with the change of day, I was trying to tell him that we weren’t coming back tonight. We would come back tomorrow. He said, yes, at 1am. I said no, Tuesday at 1am because we were going to the airport tomorrow night. I was saying that the flight (el vuelo) was coming tomorrow night. He thought I said abuelo (grandfather) and thought that I was talking about Alberto. So Juver was explaining that his UNCLE Alberto (who is our regular guard who Juver is filling in for) was coming back Thursday night, not tomorrow night. I know you had to be there to appreciate it, but it was very funny. We finally got it all straightened out and laughed. As I was walking away, he called me back and in all earnestness told me that my Spanish was really improving. LOL It was like those ‘whose on first’ gags. The last time my Spanish got me in this much trouble was when I was trying to say excuse me (disculpeme) and said escupame (spit on me). I always say that if I can’t communicate in Spanish, at least I can be entertaining. ☺
I ended up spending some time doing my Bible study and getting on here. It was a good time to swim a little bit, but I just didn’t have the energy. I had some cold pasta for dinner and changed into my sleep shorts and tank top. I’m ready to relax for the rest of the evening.
I have so much that I need to get done that I feel guilty for resting. But I’m just not willing to focus too much this evening. Tomorrow starts a full and busy week, so I’ll take today for my rest.
I’m going to kick back now and hope to be asleep by 9pm. My biggest wish is to sleep all night long, at least until 5am.
Man, December is sliding by so quickly! I will miss being here so much for the 7 weeks or so that I’m in the states, but it will be fun to be there and talk with people, see my niece get married and then hurry back here. I really have a wonderful life. I’m so thankful to God for His blessings!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011 NICARAGUA
What a lovely evening. I’ve had a great day. Saturdays seem to be a day of rest, sometimes, and I love it! This morning I walked to German’s house to see how long it takes. 30 minutes there and it will take longer getting home since it’s uphill. But once I got there and visited with Johana, German was ready to come to the Mission House, so I grabbed a ride with him. So, my walk wasn’t as long as I had planned, but the visit was much more fun! I miss seeing Johana. Ishmael was a hoot and Mariangel was her darling self.
Once we got to the house, I doctored German’s thumb, which he had banged really hard with a hammer while working on Johana’s breaks. It could probably use some stitches. I asked if it hurt and German said oh yes. But he still had his usual smile. He and Mike met a construction guy here and went to the site of the new church that is going to be built at the Sewer Pond neighborhood this month. Manuel went with them since it was a manly thing to do. Sherry came to the house a little before noon.
Since Mary and I had the place to ourselves this morning, it was pretty quiet. Joceline got up and we all just hung out and did laundry and stuff.
I got started on sewing the 40 Bible bags. I think I have the process ready for a little sewing every once in a while and will eventually get it all done over the next 2 weeks. I’m trying not to stress over it. I know that God will allow me to get it done.
I got to take a nice long nap this afternoon. That’s 2 days in a row. May, I love naps! Especially after I’ve been out in the sun for a while. My plan was to sew some more, which I did, and then swim a little for exercise, which I didn’t get to do. But it was an enjoyable afternoon anyway.
Manuel, Joceline and Juver were playing baseball and Sherry and Mary were sitting at the end of the veranda watching and cheering. Manuel did pretty good. He doesn’t have really good coordination due to some effects of seizures and the condition of his arm, so the workout did him well. When he connected with the ball, it went far. Once we lost the ball over the wall. When we opened the gate to go looking for it, Oscar walked in with flowers for Joceline. How funny! He ended up joining the ballgame for a little while.
Manuel is in love with Joceline. He doesn’t appreciate Oscar’s presence. It is interesting to see the interaction. Joceline is very aware of Manuel’s feelings and tries not to upset him. She is sweet. Oscar and Joceline joined us for dinner tonight. Sherry had made baked chicken and rice, peas and corn, and salad. Yummy!
After dinner, the Hulsey’s went home, including Buster the dog. Mary and I each retired to our rooms for showers and hanging out. Oscar and Joceline are enjoying the hammocks under the rancho. It’s pretty quiet here tonight.
I got quite a bit of sewing done today and am happy about it. Laundry is all done and put away. I’ve had my chocolate pudding and I’m listening to Spanish Christmas music. Sweet!
We’re going to the church in Telica tomorrow morning. Then we are having lunch at the Hulsey’s. I’ll be leaving with German’s family about 4pm for Managua to pick up Megan tomorrow night. We are going to hang out at the mall for awhile and have dinner and then Megan’s plane comes in at 9:20pm. It will be a late night, probably midnight or later when we get home. I’ll enjoy hanging out with German’s family. And I can’t wait for Megan to get settled in and start serving with us for the month.
I’m going to burn a couple of cds of kid’s Bible songs for the Telica church. I’m also going to take the prerecorded New Testament to them. It’s in a very conversational translation that the kids will enjoy hearing. It will be good to be back at that church again. I went for the first time with the team 2 Sundays ago. We are going to get involved with this church and start a Women’s Bible study there after I get back in Feb. I can’t wait!
Well, I guess I’ll close here so that I can burn those cds for church tomorrow. I’m thankful that it’s easy. I’m not much of a techie.
God has blessed me yet again today. I’m so thankful. I pray that I am pleasing Him with what I do. I’m looking forward to hearing the message tomorrow at church. And I look forward to my personal Bible study in the morning. Good stuff!
Once we got to the house, I doctored German’s thumb, which he had banged really hard with a hammer while working on Johana’s breaks. It could probably use some stitches. I asked if it hurt and German said oh yes. But he still had his usual smile. He and Mike met a construction guy here and went to the site of the new church that is going to be built at the Sewer Pond neighborhood this month. Manuel went with them since it was a manly thing to do. Sherry came to the house a little before noon.
Since Mary and I had the place to ourselves this morning, it was pretty quiet. Joceline got up and we all just hung out and did laundry and stuff.
I got started on sewing the 40 Bible bags. I think I have the process ready for a little sewing every once in a while and will eventually get it all done over the next 2 weeks. I’m trying not to stress over it. I know that God will allow me to get it done.
I got to take a nice long nap this afternoon. That’s 2 days in a row. May, I love naps! Especially after I’ve been out in the sun for a while. My plan was to sew some more, which I did, and then swim a little for exercise, which I didn’t get to do. But it was an enjoyable afternoon anyway.
Manuel, Joceline and Juver were playing baseball and Sherry and Mary were sitting at the end of the veranda watching and cheering. Manuel did pretty good. He doesn’t have really good coordination due to some effects of seizures and the condition of his arm, so the workout did him well. When he connected with the ball, it went far. Once we lost the ball over the wall. When we opened the gate to go looking for it, Oscar walked in with flowers for Joceline. How funny! He ended up joining the ballgame for a little while.
Manuel is in love with Joceline. He doesn’t appreciate Oscar’s presence. It is interesting to see the interaction. Joceline is very aware of Manuel’s feelings and tries not to upset him. She is sweet. Oscar and Joceline joined us for dinner tonight. Sherry had made baked chicken and rice, peas and corn, and salad. Yummy!
After dinner, the Hulsey’s went home, including Buster the dog. Mary and I each retired to our rooms for showers and hanging out. Oscar and Joceline are enjoying the hammocks under the rancho. It’s pretty quiet here tonight.
I got quite a bit of sewing done today and am happy about it. Laundry is all done and put away. I’ve had my chocolate pudding and I’m listening to Spanish Christmas music. Sweet!
We’re going to the church in Telica tomorrow morning. Then we are having lunch at the Hulsey’s. I’ll be leaving with German’s family about 4pm for Managua to pick up Megan tomorrow night. We are going to hang out at the mall for awhile and have dinner and then Megan’s plane comes in at 9:20pm. It will be a late night, probably midnight or later when we get home. I’ll enjoy hanging out with German’s family. And I can’t wait for Megan to get settled in and start serving with us for the month.
I’m going to burn a couple of cds of kid’s Bible songs for the Telica church. I’m also going to take the prerecorded New Testament to them. It’s in a very conversational translation that the kids will enjoy hearing. It will be good to be back at that church again. I went for the first time with the team 2 Sundays ago. We are going to get involved with this church and start a Women’s Bible study there after I get back in Feb. I can’t wait!
Well, I guess I’ll close here so that I can burn those cds for church tomorrow. I’m thankful that it’s easy. I’m not much of a techie.
God has blessed me yet again today. I’m so thankful. I pray that I am pleasing Him with what I do. I’m looking forward to hearing the message tomorrow at church. And I look forward to my personal Bible study in the morning. Good stuff!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011 NICARAGUA
I keep thinking it’s still November until I see the date when I type my blog post. Every day is hot and sunny here, so it’s not much indication of the time of year. Now, the changes in downtown is a different story. Tons of vendors setting up booths to sell things to be given out on the Day of Mary next week. Lots of Christmas decorations and gifts to be sold. It’s the ‘13th Month’, meaning that everyone gets an extra month’s pay for the year. And everyone is busy spending it. The streets are getting more crowded due to the booths. Traffic flow is not the best anyway, with the narrow streets. Tall Ladies are everywhere and you can hear the drums for blocks around signifying that there is a performance around. I hope to capture it on video this year.
This morning (my one morning a week without Spanish class) is still woke up at 5:30am, and Buster wasn’t even here to bark early. I got up and did some computer work, Bible study and got ready for a little trek to downtown to buy some material for more Bible bags. Mary and I left the house about 8:40am via a taxi. He could get us as close as about 1 block away. We looked around the park and sat on a park bench while waiting for Leslie to meet us.
We went to a couple of fabric stores and I spent another $40 on fabric to make 40 more bags. I’m thankful that has allowed me the resources to provide these for the ladies. I’ve made about 30 so far and have another 40 to go. But the ladies love them and it’s a blessing to me to this for them. We stopped at a plastic store and got a few more little storage items. Then we headed out to find a little store that German told Mary about so she could buy some movies in English. We couldn’t find the store, but it was a nice morning for a walk.
Houses are built right out to the street and if the windows and doors are open, you can look in as you walk by. One house had some Christmas decorations up and Mary stopped to admire them. The people looked at her a little strange. Leslie said they would think she is trying to see what they had so she could rob them. I called her a peeping Tom. She said they shouldn’t open their windows and doors. I guess they should just keep shut up in a hot house. Ha I walked past the House of the Bible and waved to Linda who works there. It’s nice to have friends to greet.
I handed over my packages to Leslie and Mary, who were going to take a taxi back to the house, and I walked back to the house. I stopped by Bazar Jerry and bought a couple pieces of ribbon. I got home about 11am. It was hot, but a nice walk. The heat does wipe me out, though.
We had steak (Nica steak gives your jaws a workout), rice, beans, steamed veggies and tortillas for lunch. It was good. After lunch, everyone got busy doing their own stuff and I started cutting out the pieces of fabric for the bags. I got everything cut out, so now I just need to grab some pieces everytime I get the chance and start getting the bags done.
About 3pm I stopped to take a shower and dress for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church. We were down in number there today, too. This time of year is not conducive for good attendance. But we had a good class. I introduced the study on Mary and our Mary taught about how to share your testimony.
We got back home and I boiled a big pan of pasta to eat on for the weekend. I talked with Juver while the food was cooking. He is filling in for Alberto while he is on vacation. I came to my room and started working on the computer since I have the usb connector tonight. I watched a copy of the video that Oscar shot from the Bible study at Las Quimeras and ROSCC churches, the Feeding at ROSCC and this week’s Sewing class. It was funny. I hope that JP can pull some snippets off to put on my new website when we work on it in January.
Speaking of websites… Voice of Hope has a new look to the website that will be put into place very soon. It’s awesome! There’s a guy here who is working on it for us. It will have a version in English and one in Spanish. You can click between the two. There are lots of pictures. I love it! Can’t wait till it’s finished and everyone can see it.
Mike called to let me know that Joceline was on her way home from babysitting at their house and for us to open the gate for her. At the same time, German was beeping at the big gate to get in so his father-in-law could pick up German’s motorcycle. Lots going on at once. It was funny.
I think I’m going to the airport with German’s family to pick up Megan (from FBCR) on Sunday evening. It will be grand to spend some time with German’s family. I look forward to greeting Megan and I hope she likes living here with us this month as she serves with the ministry to finish up her Masters’ degree. I can’t wait to get my new Spanish books from her, too! Ha
Well, guess I’ll get off of here. I’ve enjoyed today very much. If I wake up early like I plan, I want to go for a long walk in the morning. We’ll see. After that, it’s sewing time baby!!! Life is grand!
This morning (my one morning a week without Spanish class) is still woke up at 5:30am, and Buster wasn’t even here to bark early. I got up and did some computer work, Bible study and got ready for a little trek to downtown to buy some material for more Bible bags. Mary and I left the house about 8:40am via a taxi. He could get us as close as about 1 block away. We looked around the park and sat on a park bench while waiting for Leslie to meet us.
We went to a couple of fabric stores and I spent another $40 on fabric to make 40 more bags. I’m thankful that has allowed me the resources to provide these for the ladies. I’ve made about 30 so far and have another 40 to go. But the ladies love them and it’s a blessing to me to this for them. We stopped at a plastic store and got a few more little storage items. Then we headed out to find a little store that German told Mary about so she could buy some movies in English. We couldn’t find the store, but it was a nice morning for a walk.
Houses are built right out to the street and if the windows and doors are open, you can look in as you walk by. One house had some Christmas decorations up and Mary stopped to admire them. The people looked at her a little strange. Leslie said they would think she is trying to see what they had so she could rob them. I called her a peeping Tom. She said they shouldn’t open their windows and doors. I guess they should just keep shut up in a hot house. Ha I walked past the House of the Bible and waved to Linda who works there. It’s nice to have friends to greet.
I handed over my packages to Leslie and Mary, who were going to take a taxi back to the house, and I walked back to the house. I stopped by Bazar Jerry and bought a couple pieces of ribbon. I got home about 11am. It was hot, but a nice walk. The heat does wipe me out, though.
We had steak (Nica steak gives your jaws a workout), rice, beans, steamed veggies and tortillas for lunch. It was good. After lunch, everyone got busy doing their own stuff and I started cutting out the pieces of fabric for the bags. I got everything cut out, so now I just need to grab some pieces everytime I get the chance and start getting the bags done.
About 3pm I stopped to take a shower and dress for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church. We were down in number there today, too. This time of year is not conducive for good attendance. But we had a good class. I introduced the study on Mary and our Mary taught about how to share your testimony.
We got back home and I boiled a big pan of pasta to eat on for the weekend. I talked with Juver while the food was cooking. He is filling in for Alberto while he is on vacation. I came to my room and started working on the computer since I have the usb connector tonight. I watched a copy of the video that Oscar shot from the Bible study at Las Quimeras and ROSCC churches, the Feeding at ROSCC and this week’s Sewing class. It was funny. I hope that JP can pull some snippets off to put on my new website when we work on it in January.
Speaking of websites… Voice of Hope has a new look to the website that will be put into place very soon. It’s awesome! There’s a guy here who is working on it for us. It will have a version in English and one in Spanish. You can click between the two. There are lots of pictures. I love it! Can’t wait till it’s finished and everyone can see it.
Mike called to let me know that Joceline was on her way home from babysitting at their house and for us to open the gate for her. At the same time, German was beeping at the big gate to get in so his father-in-law could pick up German’s motorcycle. Lots going on at once. It was funny.
I think I’m going to the airport with German’s family to pick up Megan (from FBCR) on Sunday evening. It will be grand to spend some time with German’s family. I look forward to greeting Megan and I hope she likes living here with us this month as she serves with the ministry to finish up her Masters’ degree. I can’t wait to get my new Spanish books from her, too! Ha
Well, guess I’ll get off of here. I’ve enjoyed today very much. If I wake up early like I plan, I want to go for a long walk in the morning. We’ll see. After that, it’s sewing time baby!!! Life is grand!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011 NICARAGUA
Well, it’s been another good day. But you knew I was going to say that, didn’t you? I just can’t say enough how blessed I feel to be here in Nica, serving in the ways that God allows. I am so blessed.
I got up early this morning, even though Buster stayed at the Hulsey’s last night and wasn’t barking at his usual too-early time. I did some Bible study, had breakfast, showered and dressed and had time to chat a little with Mary. My phone was ringing when I was getting out of the shower and the read out said it was Sherry. I can’t get good reception in my room and usually have to go outside. Since I wasn’t dressed yet, I hurried up and got ready so I could call her back and see what she wanted. It turned out to be Manuel using Sherry’s phone while she was out running. He said that he had sent me an email (pretend) and wanted me to be looking for it. He hears his daddy telling this to his brother in the states. Manuel said that he had sent a couple of emails to Mary, too, but she must be asleep since she didn’t answer the phone. He’s so funny. He had also taken the internet usb connector home last night, too. That wasn’t so funny.
Anyway, I left for school and talked to Deanna on the phone while walking. She could tell when I was going uphill. It was noisy, too, since it’s a major road and lots of buses and trucks are going by. At least there were no cattle to dodge this morning. Unfortunately, I ran out of minutes while talking to her. I didn’t want her to think that I had gotten run over, so I called her quickly on my iPhone just to let her know that I was okay. It was good to hear her voice. She said that she is ready for me to come home. I told her it would be less than a month now. I miss her and Jet.
The walk to class was good. As I passed by Bazar Jerry, the clerk waved to me again. I stopped in the Librería for a notebook and said hi to Yerling. As I walked past the artist in his little spot, he waved to me, too. How nice to have these little blessings. It was hot this morning, but I wasn’t as sweaty as yesterday when I got to the school. Jackie was there to greet me and I got settled in with the fan and my books and started reviewing until Juan got there.
We had a good class and talked about many things (all in Spanish). Taxes, IRS, dating, pre-marital sex in the US, saving money, buy Christmas gifts out of obligation, all kinds of stuff. One of the students from Juan’s Saturday English classes last year, Gerald, stopped in for a few minutes. He remembered me from that day. It was nice to see him again. He wished me luck with my Spanish classes.
I walked home and it was pretty hot. It gave me a good excuse to stop in at my favorite used clothing store on the way, to cool off. I found 2 large denim skirts to cut up for sewing material. I also found a couple pairs of capris and a couple of tops. It was nice to be welcomed by the owner. She is nice and loves that I spend money there.
We had a great lunch of grilled chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. After lunch, I went to my room to lay down a little. I fell asleep and dozed off an on for 2 hours. Oh my! But it sure felt good! I woke up about 4 and everyone was leaving. Sherry and Mary went to the movies, Mike and Manuel ran errands and hung out a while. Joceline and I went for a late afternoon swim and practiced English and Spanish words with each other. About 5:15 we got out of the pool so she could get ready for her date with Oscar and I grabbed a shower and some leftovers for dinner and got on the computer. It’s been nice and quiet.
Mary got home just a little bit ago. Aberto is leaving tomorrow morning for 8 days off. His cousin or nephew of something, Juver, is going to stay here in his place. It will be nice to have him here. Unfortunately, he runs his words together like Ablerto does, so it’s hard for me to understand what he is saying. But we will talk a lot, I’m sure and I’ll get used to it.
I was reminding Juan this morning that my left ear has profound hearing loss and I can’t hear a lot of sounds in it. It makes it difficult to learn new words by just hearing them. I’m going to listen to the Bible in Spanish on my iPod while reading it in my bi-lingual Bible. That will help me a lot. I can pick up new words and understand a lot by reading. It’s just this dumb ear that gives me problems. But it will be okay. It’s teaching me patience and to depend on God.
Even with my 2 hour nap today, I’m ready for bed early. I think walking in the heat is getting to me more than I realize. I need to watch that more closely. I’m just so hungry for exercise!
Oh, on the way home from class, I was almost to where the buses to Poneloya and Las Peñitas (the beach towns) pick up and I saw a motorcycle with Teresa (from ROSCC church) on the back. They stopped and she introduced me to her husband. She asked if I was going to ride the bus to the beach. I told her that I was walking home from Spanish class to the Mission House. She was impressed that I was walking so far. I think she was questioning my good sense about walking in the heat, though. She got back on the motorcycle (sidesaddle I might add, since she only wears skirts) and they rode off. How nice to see her.
Okay, now I’m getting off of here. Time for another episode of Army Wives and bed. Many blessings today and I know there are more to come.
I got up early this morning, even though Buster stayed at the Hulsey’s last night and wasn’t barking at his usual too-early time. I did some Bible study, had breakfast, showered and dressed and had time to chat a little with Mary. My phone was ringing when I was getting out of the shower and the read out said it was Sherry. I can’t get good reception in my room and usually have to go outside. Since I wasn’t dressed yet, I hurried up and got ready so I could call her back and see what she wanted. It turned out to be Manuel using Sherry’s phone while she was out running. He said that he had sent me an email (pretend) and wanted me to be looking for it. He hears his daddy telling this to his brother in the states. Manuel said that he had sent a couple of emails to Mary, too, but she must be asleep since she didn’t answer the phone. He’s so funny. He had also taken the internet usb connector home last night, too. That wasn’t so funny.
Anyway, I left for school and talked to Deanna on the phone while walking. She could tell when I was going uphill. It was noisy, too, since it’s a major road and lots of buses and trucks are going by. At least there were no cattle to dodge this morning. Unfortunately, I ran out of minutes while talking to her. I didn’t want her to think that I had gotten run over, so I called her quickly on my iPhone just to let her know that I was okay. It was good to hear her voice. She said that she is ready for me to come home. I told her it would be less than a month now. I miss her and Jet.
The walk to class was good. As I passed by Bazar Jerry, the clerk waved to me again. I stopped in the Librería for a notebook and said hi to Yerling. As I walked past the artist in his little spot, he waved to me, too. How nice to have these little blessings. It was hot this morning, but I wasn’t as sweaty as yesterday when I got to the school. Jackie was there to greet me and I got settled in with the fan and my books and started reviewing until Juan got there.
We had a good class and talked about many things (all in Spanish). Taxes, IRS, dating, pre-marital sex in the US, saving money, buy Christmas gifts out of obligation, all kinds of stuff. One of the students from Juan’s Saturday English classes last year, Gerald, stopped in for a few minutes. He remembered me from that day. It was nice to see him again. He wished me luck with my Spanish classes.
I walked home and it was pretty hot. It gave me a good excuse to stop in at my favorite used clothing store on the way, to cool off. I found 2 large denim skirts to cut up for sewing material. I also found a couple pairs of capris and a couple of tops. It was nice to be welcomed by the owner. She is nice and loves that I spend money there.
We had a great lunch of grilled chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. After lunch, I went to my room to lay down a little. I fell asleep and dozed off an on for 2 hours. Oh my! But it sure felt good! I woke up about 4 and everyone was leaving. Sherry and Mary went to the movies, Mike and Manuel ran errands and hung out a while. Joceline and I went for a late afternoon swim and practiced English and Spanish words with each other. About 5:15 we got out of the pool so she could get ready for her date with Oscar and I grabbed a shower and some leftovers for dinner and got on the computer. It’s been nice and quiet.
Mary got home just a little bit ago. Aberto is leaving tomorrow morning for 8 days off. His cousin or nephew of something, Juver, is going to stay here in his place. It will be nice to have him here. Unfortunately, he runs his words together like Ablerto does, so it’s hard for me to understand what he is saying. But we will talk a lot, I’m sure and I’ll get used to it.
I was reminding Juan this morning that my left ear has profound hearing loss and I can’t hear a lot of sounds in it. It makes it difficult to learn new words by just hearing them. I’m going to listen to the Bible in Spanish on my iPod while reading it in my bi-lingual Bible. That will help me a lot. I can pick up new words and understand a lot by reading. It’s just this dumb ear that gives me problems. But it will be okay. It’s teaching me patience and to depend on God.
Even with my 2 hour nap today, I’m ready for bed early. I think walking in the heat is getting to me more than I realize. I need to watch that more closely. I’m just so hungry for exercise!
Oh, on the way home from class, I was almost to where the buses to Poneloya and Las Peñitas (the beach towns) pick up and I saw a motorcycle with Teresa (from ROSCC church) on the back. They stopped and she introduced me to her husband. She asked if I was going to ride the bus to the beach. I told her that I was walking home from Spanish class to the Mission House. She was impressed that I was walking so far. I think she was questioning my good sense about walking in the heat, though. She got back on the motorcycle (sidesaddle I might add, since she only wears skirts) and they rode off. How nice to see her.
Okay, now I’m getting off of here. Time for another episode of Army Wives and bed. Many blessings today and I know there are more to come.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 NICARAGUA
The last day of November. Hard to believe. Day follows day and week follows week and it’s the same weather, hot and sunny. Time goes by so fast.
This morning I awoke at 5am and did some personal Bible study and some work on the computer since I still had the usb connection. Then I had breakfast, showered and prepared for class.
I walked to class this morning and of course, beat Juan there. But we made up the lost time by staying over. As I was walking by the Bazar Jerry, I looked over and one of the clerks recognized me and greeted me. I may try to stop in and buy some thread or ribbon or something from them. I like to keep in touch.
I did stop in at Mundo Escolar Librería, my favorite little bookstore, and bought some dry erase markers and a new eraser for Juan. It was nice to see Yerling.
Class was good and we talked about a lot of things. I speak much slower when I’m trying to figure out the right ending for the verb tenses, but it’s getting better. Juan is always so proud of me when I get it right. I’m realizing that I’ve covered a lot of ground these past 5-6 weeks, but I still see so much more that I need to learn. I’m hard on myself. I’m thankful for this time of study. What a blessing.
My niece emailed me the notice of their engagement in the newspaper. She said the wedding plans are coming along nicely. It will be February before I know it.
I still don’t have data capability on my US phone, but they say it’s a glitch with the Nica company. I think I may just cancel the international data plan when we finally get wireless internet here at the house. They keep saying ‘tomorrow’. Maybe they are related to Scarlett O’Hara. ☺
Juan’s school is in town and, like most homes and businesses, is open to the ‘fresh’ air. There was some road work going on along his block. The dust got so bad that you couldn’t see across the street. When I packed up my books to go home, there was a thick layer of dust on them. This is not a place for dirt-a-phobics. The dust will just get worse and worse as the dry season goes on for the next 5-6 months. But it’s better the perpetual rain and mud.
I was walking home from class and saw the van with German, Mike, Sherry and Leslie. They picked me up and we came back to the Mission House for lunch. Then I laid down and read for a little bit until I fell asleep for a short nap. It sure felt good. Leslie had left with Sherry and Mike, so when the taxi came to pick Mary and I up for the Women’s Bible study at Las Quimeras, we swung by to pick up Leslie on the way.
We had a good class this afternoon, although the attendance was down to 9 this week. Many people are on ‘vacation’ now since the schools are out until February, and people travel to visit family during December. I wonder if our numbers will be down the rest of the month, too. But we had a good discussion about Mary. Next Wednesday is actually the celebration for the Day of Mary, where she is worshipped. It’s a big deal. We are learning that the Bible describes Mary as a humble, simple young woman whose ‘blessedness’ comes from God using her for His plan. It will be an interesting month of studying.
We got home and had some dinner. I opted for chicken noodle soup and crackers. I’ve been really thirsty today and have drank about a gallon of water since I got home. But I guess that’s good.
I worked on some Women’s Bible study stuff, some Spanish grammar charts and now the blog. I don’t have any internet capability at all tonight, so I’m going to relax and watch another episode of Army Wives on my computer. I’ll start back with my sewing marathons this weekend, but for tonight, it’s going to be relaxation time!!
I found out that a faithful supporter of VOH is going to send some money from his church to help buy Christmas stuff for the kids at the Las Quimeras new Sunday School. What a blessing!! I’m going to donate some money for Christmas presents for the kids at the VOH Children’s Home in Honduras. There are 6 kids there that Sherry and Mike (and VOH) support. It will be a privilege to help fulfill the kid’s Christmas blessings.
Well, time for relaxing. Loving my life. Even the tired moments. God is good. I am blessed.
This morning I awoke at 5am and did some personal Bible study and some work on the computer since I still had the usb connection. Then I had breakfast, showered and prepared for class.
I walked to class this morning and of course, beat Juan there. But we made up the lost time by staying over. As I was walking by the Bazar Jerry, I looked over and one of the clerks recognized me and greeted me. I may try to stop in and buy some thread or ribbon or something from them. I like to keep in touch.
I did stop in at Mundo Escolar Librería, my favorite little bookstore, and bought some dry erase markers and a new eraser for Juan. It was nice to see Yerling.
Class was good and we talked about a lot of things. I speak much slower when I’m trying to figure out the right ending for the verb tenses, but it’s getting better. Juan is always so proud of me when I get it right. I’m realizing that I’ve covered a lot of ground these past 5-6 weeks, but I still see so much more that I need to learn. I’m hard on myself. I’m thankful for this time of study. What a blessing.
My niece emailed me the notice of their engagement in the newspaper. She said the wedding plans are coming along nicely. It will be February before I know it.
I still don’t have data capability on my US phone, but they say it’s a glitch with the Nica company. I think I may just cancel the international data plan when we finally get wireless internet here at the house. They keep saying ‘tomorrow’. Maybe they are related to Scarlett O’Hara. ☺
Juan’s school is in town and, like most homes and businesses, is open to the ‘fresh’ air. There was some road work going on along his block. The dust got so bad that you couldn’t see across the street. When I packed up my books to go home, there was a thick layer of dust on them. This is not a place for dirt-a-phobics. The dust will just get worse and worse as the dry season goes on for the next 5-6 months. But it’s better the perpetual rain and mud.
I was walking home from class and saw the van with German, Mike, Sherry and Leslie. They picked me up and we came back to the Mission House for lunch. Then I laid down and read for a little bit until I fell asleep for a short nap. It sure felt good. Leslie had left with Sherry and Mike, so when the taxi came to pick Mary and I up for the Women’s Bible study at Las Quimeras, we swung by to pick up Leslie on the way.
We had a good class this afternoon, although the attendance was down to 9 this week. Many people are on ‘vacation’ now since the schools are out until February, and people travel to visit family during December. I wonder if our numbers will be down the rest of the month, too. But we had a good discussion about Mary. Next Wednesday is actually the celebration for the Day of Mary, where she is worshipped. It’s a big deal. We are learning that the Bible describes Mary as a humble, simple young woman whose ‘blessedness’ comes from God using her for His plan. It will be an interesting month of studying.
We got home and had some dinner. I opted for chicken noodle soup and crackers. I’ve been really thirsty today and have drank about a gallon of water since I got home. But I guess that’s good.
I worked on some Women’s Bible study stuff, some Spanish grammar charts and now the blog. I don’t have any internet capability at all tonight, so I’m going to relax and watch another episode of Army Wives on my computer. I’ll start back with my sewing marathons this weekend, but for tonight, it’s going to be relaxation time!!
I found out that a faithful supporter of VOH is going to send some money from his church to help buy Christmas stuff for the kids at the Las Quimeras new Sunday School. What a blessing!! I’m going to donate some money for Christmas presents for the kids at the VOH Children’s Home in Honduras. There are 6 kids there that Sherry and Mike (and VOH) support. It will be a privilege to help fulfill the kid’s Christmas blessings.
Well, time for relaxing. Loving my life. Even the tired moments. God is good. I am blessed.
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