When I booked my plane tickets back in August for my trip to Nica from Sept 30 to Dec 27, the date to leave Nica seemed very far away. Now it’s just hours away. In fact, I’ll be getting up at 3am to be on the road to the airport by 4am. Not long from this moment.
I’ve stayed in Nica for various times since I’ve started coming here; sometimes 1 week, then 5 weeks, then 7 weeks, 3 weeks, 8 weeks and now 12 weeks. I have to say that staying longer doesn’t feel longer at all. In fact, it feels so natural to be here that time doesn’t feel the same.
I’m so sure of God’s call for me to live and serve here in Nica at this time in my life, that I’m very peaceful and content, no matter what the circumstances are. God is always faithful and is always there looking out for me, no matter how hard life can be. Those are the times that I draw closer to Him, and for that reason I am thankful.
Since I’m not taking much back to the US besides some books and souvenirs, I don’t have much to pack. I’ll carry my laptop and Kindle and camera back and forth as usual, but everything else stays here. I don’t even have to pack up my room. I just lock it up and come back in Feb and start living here again. Sweet!
I got up this morning and headed out to visit Jeremy and Kelly at their house. They have a little store in the front room of their place and I bought some earrings. We had a nice visit and looked at pictures and spoke mostly in Spanish. How fun for me! Kelly is learning English and Jeremy is one of our translators, so we had lots of laughs together. Jeremy wanted to give me a ride home on his motorcycle, but I opted to keep walking.
After leaving Jeremy’s house, I walked downtown to one of my favorite shops, Plaza del Carmen. I picked up a couple more gifts for the folks back home and then walked back towards the Mission House. I stopped in at Pacheco’s school and visited with Juan for a while. It was nice to just sit and talk. He has been such a good friend and great teacher for me these past months. I truly appreciate him.
I caught a taxi back to the house and visited with Lesly and Jaasiel and Beth until lunch time. Lydia made a yummy lunch for us and then Lesly, Jaasiel and I left in Jorge’s taxi. We dropped Lesly off near her home and Lesly and I continued to her house, where we spent an hour or so visiting. I love being welcomed into my friends homes. Jorge picked us up and dropped me off at the Mission House about 3:30pm.
Beth got back to the house right after I did and we called German to pick us up at 4pm to visit his family at their house. I hadn’t gotten to see the drop ceiling that they had put in lately, so I was anxious to see it. We had a good visit and I love their house more and more as they add on. I’m so proud and thankful for them. They deserve the house and are building it as they get the money. It’s a labor of love and it’s filled with love.
German brought us back to the Mission House and I retired to my room while Beth left with Chico to visit with his family for a while.
I’m all ready to leave in the morning. I just need to make myself go to sleep early. We’ll see…
I’m not anxious or bothered about leaving this time, because I know it’s just a visit to the states and I’ll be back ‘home’ here in Nica in 7 weeks.
I praise God for all that He has allowed to happen through the ministry these past 3 months. I can’t wait to see what He is going to do in the future!!!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011 NICARAGUA
Christmas Day. I had a lovely day starting with some wonderful quiet time celebrating Jesus’ birth.
Jorge came over to take Beth and me to Las Quimeras church to give out gifts provided by Jamie Hill’s church in TX. What fun! It also gave us a chance to tell the sweet people of the church goodbye until February. I will surely miss them!
On the way home, we stopped at Maxi Palí to buy more minutes for our phones and to pick up a couple of things to snack on. Beth had not had the chance to shop there yet and we had fun walking around pulling the little baskets on wheels. My favorite reason for stopping in there. HA
We fixed pasta for lunch, but didn’t have any spaghetti or macaroni, so we broke up some lasagna noodles and used canned sauce. It was oaky, but I don’t think that Alberto was too crazy about it. Thank goodness there are lots of leftovers in the fridge from previous meals.
Beth and I both grab some naps and loved it. I was still doing laundry all day, trying to get all the towels from the team washed up. I then started in on the sheets, because I couldn’t stand the thought of the washing machine sitting dormant when there were many loads of sheets to finish up. I enjoyed getting them done. And I know the cleaning ladies will be happy to have so much of it taken care of when they come in tomorrow morning.
As I was doing laundry today, I was thinking about how content I am to be here. I was walking up and down a dusty hill to the clothes line, hanging up dozens of towels and sheets, after they had been washed in a very slow filling washer that we add water by the 5-gallon buckets to so that it will fill up quicker. I did use the dryer on every other load. It was a good feeling to see the clean laundry stacking up high all folded and fresh.
While thinking about these things I was comparing it to the way that many of my family and friends were spending the day. I admit that it would be nice for them to all be together, but I also think about the stress and hard work that goes into trying to make it the perfect holiday for everyone. I wouldn’t have traded my day sweating and serving for anything in the world.
I finished sewing a couple of Christmas presents this afternoon. I think I’m ready to put the sewing machine away for now. I sure have loved having it! Can’t wait to get back and start more projects!
I took a quick dip in the pool to cool off. Beth was laying in the hammock near the pool and we chatted a while. Buster the dog was aggravating Scratch the kitten. But Scratch is getting bigger and stronger and tries to bite Buster’s legs. Crazy animals.
We fixed chicken quesadillas for dinner and they were tasty. Alberto liked them better than the pasta.
German and family came by for a quick visit. I gave the kids their gifts and we all sat around and talked. Mostly in Spanish I might add. I guess I’m making progress after all! I’m going to go their house tomorrow at 4pm. I’ve only gotten to visit there one other time this trip. I love that they welcome me into their family.
In the morning I’m going to visit Jeremy and Kelly at their house and then come back to the house for lunch. I’ll travel with Lesly to her house in the early afternoon. Then I’ll come back and head to German’s. I just need to do one last load of laundry tomorrow evening before going to bed early. I think I’ll be in good shape.
I worked on my room this evening. I think everything is pretty much put away and ready for me to be gone for 7 weeks. It feels really good not having to take stuff back and forth. I love my room here. I feel very much at home.
My suitcase is full of souvenir type stuff to take back to the states. And a few books. I travel light on the way to the states. ☺
I’m going to go to bed now and try to get up with Buster (about 5 or 5:30am) in the morning, so that I will be ready for bed early tomorrow night and can get up at 3am on Tuesday to head to the airport. Tuesday will be a very long day, but fun.
It’s been a very happy Christmas Day for me. I’m so thankful. Happy Birthday Jesus!
Jorge came over to take Beth and me to Las Quimeras church to give out gifts provided by Jamie Hill’s church in TX. What fun! It also gave us a chance to tell the sweet people of the church goodbye until February. I will surely miss them!
On the way home, we stopped at Maxi Palí to buy more minutes for our phones and to pick up a couple of things to snack on. Beth had not had the chance to shop there yet and we had fun walking around pulling the little baskets on wheels. My favorite reason for stopping in there. HA
We fixed pasta for lunch, but didn’t have any spaghetti or macaroni, so we broke up some lasagna noodles and used canned sauce. It was oaky, but I don’t think that Alberto was too crazy about it. Thank goodness there are lots of leftovers in the fridge from previous meals.
Beth and I both grab some naps and loved it. I was still doing laundry all day, trying to get all the towels from the team washed up. I then started in on the sheets, because I couldn’t stand the thought of the washing machine sitting dormant when there were many loads of sheets to finish up. I enjoyed getting them done. And I know the cleaning ladies will be happy to have so much of it taken care of when they come in tomorrow morning.
As I was doing laundry today, I was thinking about how content I am to be here. I was walking up and down a dusty hill to the clothes line, hanging up dozens of towels and sheets, after they had been washed in a very slow filling washer that we add water by the 5-gallon buckets to so that it will fill up quicker. I did use the dryer on every other load. It was a good feeling to see the clean laundry stacking up high all folded and fresh.
While thinking about these things I was comparing it to the way that many of my family and friends were spending the day. I admit that it would be nice for them to all be together, but I also think about the stress and hard work that goes into trying to make it the perfect holiday for everyone. I wouldn’t have traded my day sweating and serving for anything in the world.
I finished sewing a couple of Christmas presents this afternoon. I think I’m ready to put the sewing machine away for now. I sure have loved having it! Can’t wait to get back and start more projects!
I took a quick dip in the pool to cool off. Beth was laying in the hammock near the pool and we chatted a while. Buster the dog was aggravating Scratch the kitten. But Scratch is getting bigger and stronger and tries to bite Buster’s legs. Crazy animals.
We fixed chicken quesadillas for dinner and they were tasty. Alberto liked them better than the pasta.
German and family came by for a quick visit. I gave the kids their gifts and we all sat around and talked. Mostly in Spanish I might add. I guess I’m making progress after all! I’m going to go their house tomorrow at 4pm. I’ve only gotten to visit there one other time this trip. I love that they welcome me into their family.
In the morning I’m going to visit Jeremy and Kelly at their house and then come back to the house for lunch. I’ll travel with Lesly to her house in the early afternoon. Then I’ll come back and head to German’s. I just need to do one last load of laundry tomorrow evening before going to bed early. I think I’ll be in good shape.
I worked on my room this evening. I think everything is pretty much put away and ready for me to be gone for 7 weeks. It feels really good not having to take stuff back and forth. I love my room here. I feel very much at home.
My suitcase is full of souvenir type stuff to take back to the states. And a few books. I travel light on the way to the states. ☺
I’m going to go to bed now and try to get up with Buster (about 5 or 5:30am) in the morning, so that I will be ready for bed early tomorrow night and can get up at 3am on Tuesday to head to the airport. Tuesday will be a very long day, but fun.
It’s been a very happy Christmas Day for me. I’m so thankful. Happy Birthday Jesus!
Friday, December 24, 2011 NICARAGUA
Christmas Eve. I had multiple offers to go and do things today, but I opted to stay at the Mission House and do laundry (team sheets and towels and donated clothes), nap, study, read, swim, and just chill.
Beth went with the Speigels (missionaries from her home church) to give out Christmas gifts here in León. I thought it would be fun to go, but really needed a quiet day.
Joe and Marcela came over for a little bit after evening church. They invited me to go to Joe’s family’s house for Christmas Eve dinner like last year, but it was already 8:30pm and I was ready to relax for the evening. It was wonderful to see them. I hadn’t gotten the chance to spend much time with them this trip. Just a quick chat when we ran into each other at the park one day and then a few phone calls. We’re are definitely going to get together more when I come back in February.
While they were still here, Beth arrived home with Chico and his son Benjamin in tow. Elieth, Chico’s wife joined us a few minutes later, after visiting with some family at the park. It was wonderful to see them, too. Chico was the first ‘son’ that I adopted here in Nica. We don’t work with him as much as we did the first year that I came down, since he’s very busy, but it’s been great to spend some time with them now.
Beth had went to church at Todopoderoso (Jeremy’s church) and said that Jeremy and Kelly and some others had asked about me. I was very tired and wanted to stay home and I have such a terrible time hearing in large places, especially with a lot of talking and loud music. I was also waiting on Joe, so I opted to stay at the Mission House. Jeremy sent me a fb message telling me to come to the dinner tomorrow night. I replied and explained my reasons for not coming. But I’ll get to spend some time with them at their house on Monday, so it will be fine. I love those two!
German had called in the late afternoon to invite me and Beth to go to the park and then home with them for dinner. We already had our plans for the evening. But I would have loved to spend that time with them. I think it surprised German that we had so many plans going on.
I’m going to spend some time with them before I leave, though. I treasure those moments.
Buster is going crazy barking at stuff tonight. I’m ready to shoot him! I hope he doesn’t scare off Santa’s reindeer!
Time to talk to Jesus about His birthday. ☺
Beth went with the Speigels (missionaries from her home church) to give out Christmas gifts here in León. I thought it would be fun to go, but really needed a quiet day.
Joe and Marcela came over for a little bit after evening church. They invited me to go to Joe’s family’s house for Christmas Eve dinner like last year, but it was already 8:30pm and I was ready to relax for the evening. It was wonderful to see them. I hadn’t gotten the chance to spend much time with them this trip. Just a quick chat when we ran into each other at the park one day and then a few phone calls. We’re are definitely going to get together more when I come back in February.
While they were still here, Beth arrived home with Chico and his son Benjamin in tow. Elieth, Chico’s wife joined us a few minutes later, after visiting with some family at the park. It was wonderful to see them, too. Chico was the first ‘son’ that I adopted here in Nica. We don’t work with him as much as we did the first year that I came down, since he’s very busy, but it’s been great to spend some time with them now.
Beth had went to church at Todopoderoso (Jeremy’s church) and said that Jeremy and Kelly and some others had asked about me. I was very tired and wanted to stay home and I have such a terrible time hearing in large places, especially with a lot of talking and loud music. I was also waiting on Joe, so I opted to stay at the Mission House. Jeremy sent me a fb message telling me to come to the dinner tomorrow night. I replied and explained my reasons for not coming. But I’ll get to spend some time with them at their house on Monday, so it will be fine. I love those two!
German had called in the late afternoon to invite me and Beth to go to the park and then home with them for dinner. We already had our plans for the evening. But I would have loved to spend that time with them. I think it surprised German that we had so many plans going on.
I’m going to spend some time with them before I leave, though. I treasure those moments.
Buster is going crazy barking at stuff tonight. I’m ready to shoot him! I hope he doesn’t scare off Santa’s reindeer!
Time to talk to Jesus about His birthday. ☺
Friday, December 23, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011 NICARAGUA
I’m spending a very appreciated quiet evening in my room having some ME time. The team left this morning in 2 shifts. The first at 4am (we got up at 3am) and then the other at 9:30am (I napped from 4-7am). They were all anxious to get home, but they had a great week.
I started doing laundry before the cleaning ladies got here to start the mountains of dirty towels and sheets and donated clothing. (30+ people generates a lot of stuff) Our washer takes FOREVER to fill up and Saturnino was helping it out with the garden hose. LOL The ladies got all the rooms cleaned while Leslie and I helped with the common areas.
Leslie, Beth and I ran downtown to pick up a few things this morning. We figured it was better to do it this morning than to wait until tomorrow (Christmas Eve) which will be crazy. Nicas celebrate on Christmas Eve and rest on Christmas Day. We rode one of the little ‘buses’. It’s actually a small pickup truck with metals bars and covered with a tarp. They drive crazy and you have to really hold on. Going to town wasn’t too bad, but trying to hang on with your arms full of purchaces while standing was a little dangerous. I think my gray hair made people be more accommodating to me than normal. Someone even offered me their seat. But I think that was because I was flying around with bags on my wrists and a hammock and they were afraid that I would hit them up side the head or something. Anyway, I was glad for the seat! I still had to hold on tight, though. It only costs 3 cords, so it’s way cheaper than a taxi. Sometimes you are smashed in there, but it’s fun.
One interesting thing we saw on the way home in the little bus was a horse laid out across the road. It didn’t look like it had been hit by a vehicle, but it was barely breathing. I think it just went down from exhaustion and heat and malnutrition. It’s very sad.
We got back to the house and had lunch. Steak, mashed potatoes and corn. Yum. Beth took a nap while Leslie and I chatted and rested a little bit. Then it was time for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church. Jorge took us in his taxi. I took the Bible bags filled with notebooks and pens that I had been sewing for the last 2 weeks. The ladies loved them. We also showed them what the Bibles that they will be receiving look like. They are excited. We finished up the Mary study and had prayer together. I will miss them all so much and I’m SO anxious to get back here in Feb to start the study again.
I had some left overs for dinner and did another load of laundry. Beth went out on the town with Pacheco, Chico and Oscar. I was invited, but decided to stay at the house and have some Vickie time. I get to see the guys all the time and Beth is only here a few weeks a year, so I thought she might like to visit them by herself.
I started packing my suitcase for my visit to the states next week. I’m taking mostly souvenirs and items to sell for the ministry. I’m not taking any clothing back. And my toiletries all stay here. It will be light packing for the trip north. (it’s always heavy packing for the trip here). I also listened to Spanish Christmas music while painting my toes and downloading pics. I think I’ll head to bed early, though, since I was up early. Bed sounds pretty good.
I’m thankful for the team that came down this week. It has been a busy week and everyone was very tired, but happy. A lot of people heard the Gospel this week and 992 people accepted Christ. An awesome week.
I’m so thankful to be here and serving with VOH and learning Spanish. It feels perfectly normal to walk the streets, see the sights, interact with the people. I just love it. God is so good!
I started doing laundry before the cleaning ladies got here to start the mountains of dirty towels and sheets and donated clothing. (30+ people generates a lot of stuff) Our washer takes FOREVER to fill up and Saturnino was helping it out with the garden hose. LOL The ladies got all the rooms cleaned while Leslie and I helped with the common areas.
Leslie, Beth and I ran downtown to pick up a few things this morning. We figured it was better to do it this morning than to wait until tomorrow (Christmas Eve) which will be crazy. Nicas celebrate on Christmas Eve and rest on Christmas Day. We rode one of the little ‘buses’. It’s actually a small pickup truck with metals bars and covered with a tarp. They drive crazy and you have to really hold on. Going to town wasn’t too bad, but trying to hang on with your arms full of purchaces while standing was a little dangerous. I think my gray hair made people be more accommodating to me than normal. Someone even offered me their seat. But I think that was because I was flying around with bags on my wrists and a hammock and they were afraid that I would hit them up side the head or something. Anyway, I was glad for the seat! I still had to hold on tight, though. It only costs 3 cords, so it’s way cheaper than a taxi. Sometimes you are smashed in there, but it’s fun.
One interesting thing we saw on the way home in the little bus was a horse laid out across the road. It didn’t look like it had been hit by a vehicle, but it was barely breathing. I think it just went down from exhaustion and heat and malnutrition. It’s very sad.
We got back to the house and had lunch. Steak, mashed potatoes and corn. Yum. Beth took a nap while Leslie and I chatted and rested a little bit. Then it was time for the Women’s Bible study at ROSCC church. Jorge took us in his taxi. I took the Bible bags filled with notebooks and pens that I had been sewing for the last 2 weeks. The ladies loved them. We also showed them what the Bibles that they will be receiving look like. They are excited. We finished up the Mary study and had prayer together. I will miss them all so much and I’m SO anxious to get back here in Feb to start the study again.
I had some left overs for dinner and did another load of laundry. Beth went out on the town with Pacheco, Chico and Oscar. I was invited, but decided to stay at the house and have some Vickie time. I get to see the guys all the time and Beth is only here a few weeks a year, so I thought she might like to visit them by herself.
I started packing my suitcase for my visit to the states next week. I’m taking mostly souvenirs and items to sell for the ministry. I’m not taking any clothing back. And my toiletries all stay here. It will be light packing for the trip north. (it’s always heavy packing for the trip here). I also listened to Spanish Christmas music while painting my toes and downloading pics. I think I’ll head to bed early, though, since I was up early. Bed sounds pretty good.
I’m thankful for the team that came down this week. It has been a busy week and everyone was very tired, but happy. A lot of people heard the Gospel this week and 992 people accepted Christ. An awesome week.
I’m so thankful to be here and serving with VOH and learning Spanish. It feels perfectly normal to walk the streets, see the sights, interact with the people. I just love it. God is so good!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011 NICARAGUA
So, it’s December 22. We’ve been wrapped up in the team this week. They leave in the morning so that they can be home or Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Right now they are having a party under the rancho with chocolate cake (in honor of a birthday) and potted meat with crackers (which some of them brought with them from AR). What a combo!
Everyone leaves in the morning except me and Beth. The Hulsey’s, Mary, Megan and Talon will be leaving with the team. It will be pretty quiet around here for the few days that Beth and I are still here. I’m looking forward to a reflective Christmas.
Today, the team finished up the last of 12 Fiestas, 4 VBS and 4 days of construction (they finished 3 days of English Club yesterday). They also helped with 2 Feedings this week and gave out some gifts at the Sewer Pond neighborhood. They visited 8 churches. They went downtown for a while this afternoon and bought fireworks to set off after dinner tonight. (this team likes fireworks) It’s been a good week and everyone is tired, but happy.
There have been 992 salvations this week and thousands of people have had the chance to hear the Gospel. To God be the Glory!!!
I spent this evening in my room catching up on some work on the internet, since I finally got the chance to use the internet card. (still don’t have the wireless going yet, will probably happen the day after I leave) I’ve got my mind in ‘business’ mode now and am ready to jump in with both feet to get some things accomplished in the next month.
I also sewed some pajama pants for Leslie’s little boy, Bruno. I had to do it without a pattern, but I think they will work okay. Children’s clothing patterns will be on my list of things to bring down in Feb. (among many other things)
I studied some on my Spanish lessons, too. I need to keep going strong on those studies. I want to surprise my friends in Rogers and to make Juan proud when I get back here.
I’m ready various books on my Kindle and have a backlog of books that I want to get to. There will be some good reading time over the next few days.
I will also visit with Joe and Marcela, Jeremy and Kelly and Leslie and her family over the next couple of days.
So much to be done, so much I want to do. We can’t take even one minute for granted. Time is precious and we should be thankful for each second. We are so spoiled and forget about that a lot. I’m very thankful for all that God allows to enter my life.
And I’m so thankful for Christmas, the time to remember the best gift of all. How can you not be thankful for Jesus?
Everyone leaves in the morning except me and Beth. The Hulsey’s, Mary, Megan and Talon will be leaving with the team. It will be pretty quiet around here for the few days that Beth and I are still here. I’m looking forward to a reflective Christmas.
Today, the team finished up the last of 12 Fiestas, 4 VBS and 4 days of construction (they finished 3 days of English Club yesterday). They also helped with 2 Feedings this week and gave out some gifts at the Sewer Pond neighborhood. They visited 8 churches. They went downtown for a while this afternoon and bought fireworks to set off after dinner tonight. (this team likes fireworks) It’s been a good week and everyone is tired, but happy.
There have been 992 salvations this week and thousands of people have had the chance to hear the Gospel. To God be the Glory!!!
I spent this evening in my room catching up on some work on the internet, since I finally got the chance to use the internet card. (still don’t have the wireless going yet, will probably happen the day after I leave) I’ve got my mind in ‘business’ mode now and am ready to jump in with both feet to get some things accomplished in the next month.
I also sewed some pajama pants for Leslie’s little boy, Bruno. I had to do it without a pattern, but I think they will work okay. Children’s clothing patterns will be on my list of things to bring down in Feb. (among many other things)
I studied some on my Spanish lessons, too. I need to keep going strong on those studies. I want to surprise my friends in Rogers and to make Juan proud when I get back here.
I’m ready various books on my Kindle and have a backlog of books that I want to get to. There will be some good reading time over the next few days.
I will also visit with Joe and Marcela, Jeremy and Kelly and Leslie and her family over the next couple of days.
So much to be done, so much I want to do. We can’t take even one minute for granted. Time is precious and we should be thankful for each second. We are so spoiled and forget about that a lot. I’m very thankful for all that God allows to enter my life.
And I’m so thankful for Christmas, the time to remember the best gift of all. How can you not be thankful for Jesus?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 NICARAGUA
An awesome day! The team went out to do their 2 Fiestas this morning, VBS and Construction. After a wonderful lunch (meatloaf, mac & VELVEETA cheese, green beans and slaw) they headed back out for English Club, another Fiesta and more Construction.
Sherry, Mike, German, Manuel and I ran to town to pick up some more supplies and I needed a few more things to finish up the presents for the kids at Las Quimeras. Manuel helped me put the new stuff in the bags. Then Manuel and I made little goodie bags for his brother and sister and their spouses for Christmas. Of course, Manuel will play with everything in the bags, but he is so excited to have something to give to them. ☺
Mary and Leslie went to Las Quimeras for Bible study. Mary was finishing up her training on Evangelism. She led 3 more ladies to the Lord today! When she got home and told me, I gave her a big hug and started crying! What awesome news!!! Since we have been doing the Bible studies over these last 2 months, there have been 4 salvations and 3 rededications from that group of ladies. God is working in that sweet little church plant!!!
Our van named ChinChin finally broke a belt that has been squealing really loudly for a few weeks. It stranded the team for a little while, until we could send another van. Since ChinChin is made in China (thus the name), the belt cannot be bought in Nicaragua anywhere. We were planning on selling the little feller after this team, but it gave up too soon. So we’ll need to replace ChinChin after the new year. Somehow, God will supply the funds for that. And we will praise Him when He does!
Tonight before dinner, 2 of Lydia’s kids performed 2 Nica folk dances for the team. Then Manuel danced with the little girl (Melissa) and we all took more pictures. It was a nice treat. One of the little girls on the team tried on the dress and had pictures made. Fun.
While Megan and I helped Liana do dishes and clean the kitchen, Mike, with the help of German translating, shared the Gospel with Coco and Lydia. Seeds were planted deep, but they weren’t ready to accept God’s gift of Salvation. They still think that they need to be as perfect as possible first. Hopefully, we can keep letting them know that God wants them just like they are. Keep them in your prayers!
Beth and a volunteer from the team are putting together the gifts for the Sewer Pond kids. Beth and I’ll give them out at the Feeding on Friday, after the team leaves for the airport.
The Internet company finally came and installed the phone line so we can get the wi-fi internet. But they probably won’t start the internet for a few more days. Until then, we just have the usb connection (like dial up) and as of this evening, it wasn’t even working. So we’ll see if I have service before I leave next week.
I’ve been thinking about what I need to pack to take back to the states and have realized that pretty much everything stays here in my little room. I’ve always left clothes and other items, but now that I have a permanent place, I can leave just about everything! How nice! I just have some gifts to pack and that’s about it.
Now that the time is getting closer to leave, I’m anxious to get to the states and get some things accomplished and get back here. I’m okay with it. But I’ll miss my friends here very much over the next 7 weeks. I know that God will have many useful things for me to take care of over those 7 weeks, so it’s okay.
The team is having their share time early this evening. I’m ready to retire to my bed and read for a while. I also have some Bible study to do. It will be a nice quiet evening for me! Yay!
Sherry, Mike, German, Manuel and I ran to town to pick up some more supplies and I needed a few more things to finish up the presents for the kids at Las Quimeras. Manuel helped me put the new stuff in the bags. Then Manuel and I made little goodie bags for his brother and sister and their spouses for Christmas. Of course, Manuel will play with everything in the bags, but he is so excited to have something to give to them. ☺
Mary and Leslie went to Las Quimeras for Bible study. Mary was finishing up her training on Evangelism. She led 3 more ladies to the Lord today! When she got home and told me, I gave her a big hug and started crying! What awesome news!!! Since we have been doing the Bible studies over these last 2 months, there have been 4 salvations and 3 rededications from that group of ladies. God is working in that sweet little church plant!!!
Our van named ChinChin finally broke a belt that has been squealing really loudly for a few weeks. It stranded the team for a little while, until we could send another van. Since ChinChin is made in China (thus the name), the belt cannot be bought in Nicaragua anywhere. We were planning on selling the little feller after this team, but it gave up too soon. So we’ll need to replace ChinChin after the new year. Somehow, God will supply the funds for that. And we will praise Him when He does!
Tonight before dinner, 2 of Lydia’s kids performed 2 Nica folk dances for the team. Then Manuel danced with the little girl (Melissa) and we all took more pictures. It was a nice treat. One of the little girls on the team tried on the dress and had pictures made. Fun.
While Megan and I helped Liana do dishes and clean the kitchen, Mike, with the help of German translating, shared the Gospel with Coco and Lydia. Seeds were planted deep, but they weren’t ready to accept God’s gift of Salvation. They still think that they need to be as perfect as possible first. Hopefully, we can keep letting them know that God wants them just like they are. Keep them in your prayers!
Beth and a volunteer from the team are putting together the gifts for the Sewer Pond kids. Beth and I’ll give them out at the Feeding on Friday, after the team leaves for the airport.
The Internet company finally came and installed the phone line so we can get the wi-fi internet. But they probably won’t start the internet for a few more days. Until then, we just have the usb connection (like dial up) and as of this evening, it wasn’t even working. So we’ll see if I have service before I leave next week.
I’ve been thinking about what I need to pack to take back to the states and have realized that pretty much everything stays here in my little room. I’ve always left clothes and other items, but now that I have a permanent place, I can leave just about everything! How nice! I just have some gifts to pack and that’s about it.
Now that the time is getting closer to leave, I’m anxious to get to the states and get some things accomplished and get back here. I’m okay with it. But I’ll miss my friends here very much over the next 7 weeks. I know that God will have many useful things for me to take care of over those 7 weeks, so it’s okay.
The team is having their share time early this evening. I’m ready to retire to my bed and read for a while. I also have some Bible study to do. It will be a nice quiet evening for me! Yay!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 NICARAGUA
Another busy day. The team was up and out of here this morning to do 2 more Fiestas, VBS and Construction in the morning. Back for lunch. (yummy grilled chicken breasts, salad, rice, beans, tortilla) English Club, 1 more Fiesta and Construction in the afternoon.
I worked on Bible study, had a long talk with Sherry about the ministry, worked on gifts for the kids at Las Quimeras, prepped for Sewing Class and before I knew it, it was lunch time!
We had our last Sewing class for this ‘semester’. We gave the ladies their bag of sewing supplies and some pieces of fabric to take home and make things while we are gone. They started making more drawstring bags and waited in line for the 1 sewing machine that we have. We had a good time together. It was great to think about how much they have learned in just 5 weeks of class one day a week. They are sweet ladies.
The team groups got back in for some downtime and dinner before getting ready for church tonight. One of the guys had bought a live iguana on the way back to the Mission House. He had it in his backpack. He asked one of the kids on the team to look for something in his backpack. She came across the iguana and screamed. The iguana escaped the backpack and started running around the rancho. The guys were trying to catch it. When the iguanas are sold, their mouths are sewn shut so they can’t bite. This one had pulled his stitches out and was ready to bite. The guys caught him and I got them some rubberbands for the mouth. If I would have been the girl who opened the backpack, I would STILL be slapping that guy!
After more of the group got back to the house, another guy took the backpack and opened it up while making a speech. He pulled the iguana out, hoping to scare the lady sitting closest to where he was standing. She just looked at him. He was disappointed in the lack of reaction. Then all of a sudden she realized it was ALIVE and she screamed and ran! I think I would have slapped HIM, too. Anyway, the iguana was butchered, amongst many interested on-lookers and then cooked. Some of the team tasted the little guy. I opted not to try it. But the others said it was good ,and that even though it didn’t taste like chicken, it did taste a little like frog legs.
The team split into 2 groups for church tonight. I stayed back to finish up the dishes and work on Christmas gifts. When the first group got back, Alberto had dozed off in his little casita and didn’t hear the vans honking at the gate. I ran out and opened the gate for them. I had already showered and had on my sleeping duds, and thankfully they are shorts and tshirt, so I could run out there quickly.
I was listening to a little more Spanish Christmas music on my computer while working in my room. I’m enjoying it very much.
It’s hard to realize that Christmas is on Sunday. The hot weather and being so busy with the team here makes it easy to forget. I’ll read the Christmas story in my Bible in English and in Spanish to set the mood. I’ll also get to be at Las Quimeras church on Christmas Sunday, so that will be nice.
My niece sent me an email update on her wedding plans for February. It sounds like it’s going well. I think it will be very pretty. She and Rob are doing most of the planning and stuff themselves. I look forward to meeting him. He sounds like a good guy. February will be here before I know it!
I’m sad to leave here for a while, but anxious to get a lot of things taken care of in the states next month. It’s sometimes hard to get business taken care of from down here. I’ve got quite a list of things to research and organize and implement. Plus lots of people to talk to. I’m ready to get busy doing these things and then get back down here.
Megan just came by my room to return my Nica phone, which she borrows to call the states with. We had a nice chat. I don’t get to talk to her as much now that the team is here and she is busy with them. It’s been nice to get to know her since we’ve been here. I hope I get to see her when I’m in Rogers sometime. I’m sure she is ready to get back to Rogers to her husband and little boy.
I guess that’s all for today. I love getting to see the translators when they come to meet up with the team in the mornings. I’m looking forward to spending time with Jeremy and Kelly , and hopefully, Joe and Marcela after the team leaves. It will be quieter for a few days and then I’m gone to the states. I want to make the most of these last few days.
I am so blessed by God in so many ways. I’m thankful for everything He brings into my life. The hard times as well as the good ones. They all bring me closer to Him and that is what I want more than anything else.
I worked on Bible study, had a long talk with Sherry about the ministry, worked on gifts for the kids at Las Quimeras, prepped for Sewing Class and before I knew it, it was lunch time!
We had our last Sewing class for this ‘semester’. We gave the ladies their bag of sewing supplies and some pieces of fabric to take home and make things while we are gone. They started making more drawstring bags and waited in line for the 1 sewing machine that we have. We had a good time together. It was great to think about how much they have learned in just 5 weeks of class one day a week. They are sweet ladies.
The team groups got back in for some downtime and dinner before getting ready for church tonight. One of the guys had bought a live iguana on the way back to the Mission House. He had it in his backpack. He asked one of the kids on the team to look for something in his backpack. She came across the iguana and screamed. The iguana escaped the backpack and started running around the rancho. The guys were trying to catch it. When the iguanas are sold, their mouths are sewn shut so they can’t bite. This one had pulled his stitches out and was ready to bite. The guys caught him and I got them some rubberbands for the mouth. If I would have been the girl who opened the backpack, I would STILL be slapping that guy!
After more of the group got back to the house, another guy took the backpack and opened it up while making a speech. He pulled the iguana out, hoping to scare the lady sitting closest to where he was standing. She just looked at him. He was disappointed in the lack of reaction. Then all of a sudden she realized it was ALIVE and she screamed and ran! I think I would have slapped HIM, too. Anyway, the iguana was butchered, amongst many interested on-lookers and then cooked. Some of the team tasted the little guy. I opted not to try it. But the others said it was good ,and that even though it didn’t taste like chicken, it did taste a little like frog legs.
The team split into 2 groups for church tonight. I stayed back to finish up the dishes and work on Christmas gifts. When the first group got back, Alberto had dozed off in his little casita and didn’t hear the vans honking at the gate. I ran out and opened the gate for them. I had already showered and had on my sleeping duds, and thankfully they are shorts and tshirt, so I could run out there quickly.
I was listening to a little more Spanish Christmas music on my computer while working in my room. I’m enjoying it very much.
It’s hard to realize that Christmas is on Sunday. The hot weather and being so busy with the team here makes it easy to forget. I’ll read the Christmas story in my Bible in English and in Spanish to set the mood. I’ll also get to be at Las Quimeras church on Christmas Sunday, so that will be nice.
My niece sent me an email update on her wedding plans for February. It sounds like it’s going well. I think it will be very pretty. She and Rob are doing most of the planning and stuff themselves. I look forward to meeting him. He sounds like a good guy. February will be here before I know it!
I’m sad to leave here for a while, but anxious to get a lot of things taken care of in the states next month. It’s sometimes hard to get business taken care of from down here. I’ve got quite a list of things to research and organize and implement. Plus lots of people to talk to. I’m ready to get busy doing these things and then get back down here.
Megan just came by my room to return my Nica phone, which she borrows to call the states with. We had a nice chat. I don’t get to talk to her as much now that the team is here and she is busy with them. It’s been nice to get to know her since we’ve been here. I hope I get to see her when I’m in Rogers sometime. I’m sure she is ready to get back to Rogers to her husband and little boy.
I guess that’s all for today. I love getting to see the translators when they come to meet up with the team in the mornings. I’m looking forward to spending time with Jeremy and Kelly , and hopefully, Joe and Marcela after the team leaves. It will be quieter for a few days and then I’m gone to the states. I want to make the most of these last few days.
I am so blessed by God in so many ways. I’m thankful for everything He brings into my life. The hard times as well as the good ones. They all bring me closer to Him and that is what I want more than anything else.
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