It’s been a very nice Saturday. I slept in until 8am and gave myself the morning off from walking. We had very little water pressure, so I just wetted my hair down from the trickle in my sink and dressed. Thankfully, I had a good shower last night!
I was working on my Bible Study when the Hulsey’s arrived. Sherry swam for a little bit and Manuel sang some Justin Bieber songs for me. Mike was busy in the office on the computer.
3 guys were here for about 10 hours today cleaning the airconditioning units in the rooms. We fed them some lunch and gave them mangoes from the trees. I know they were tired when they left!
German ran me on a few errands and I bought a new bookcase for my room. It was delivered this afternoon. I absolutely love it! I also priced a new twin bed with mattress to buy for myself. That way, the ministry can use the bed and mattress that’s in my room currently for the teams. I hope to buy it this next week. Woohoo!
Watermelon is really yummy right now and German stopped at the market at the bus stop up the road and got us some cut into strips. They are in a baggy and you just eat from the top. It was really good.
After lunch, the Hulsey’s headed home for naps and I laid down myself and had my first Nica nap for this trip. It was heavenly. I had the fan blowing on me, but still woke up soaking wet. But those are the best naps, because I’m here!
I got 2 loads of laundry done today. With the water pressure issues, I had to fill the washer from the garden hose attached to the well. We do what we have to do to get the job done! I’m just thankful to have a washer. Most people here don’t. I wouldn’t want to have to rinse everything and then wring it out by hand. I usually hang my clothes out to dry, but it’s so dusty and windy (summertime here, which means no rain for 6 months) that I used the dryer instead. The clothes did turn out much softer. I bought some of those Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets and I like them pretty well. They are detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheet all in one. Very handy and much easier on the clothes than the laundry soap down here. I think I will be using those from now on. I’ll have to have teams bring me some this summer.
I’m preparing the lessons for the Women’s Bible studies that start this next week. I’m going to use the study being used at FBC Rogers right now. The Call to Follow Christ. I’m excited to share it with the women. I have to figure out how much we can cover in 1 hour with translating and such. I’m making handouts and giving them homework assignments. It’s going to be fun for them and for me.
The teams from FBC Rogers AR and FBC Yukon OK get here in 2 weeks! It’s gonna be great. I’m ready for them to come and fall in love with the Nica people. Some of the Rogers team have been here before. I anxious for them to come to the new Mission House. I think they will love it.
I called Deanna this evening. The call dropped so I had to go out under the rancho so we could talk. It was good chatting with her. I told her I would try to call every Saturday evening so she could report to her friends on Sunday mornings. She doesn’t have internet or access to facebook or my blog, so good ole phone calling will work just fine.
Well, I think I’ll get ready for bed and watch a video before reading and sleeping. It’s been a great day. I’ve enjoyed what God has shown me in both Bible studies and what He has allowed me to experience for the day. He always knows just what I need!
¡Bendiciones!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Another good day in Nica. I got up early and went for my walk, had cereal, took a shower and then did some Bible Study. Buster was pretty good last night and didn’t bark but a few times. He slept in his cardboard bed outside my door. He was very protective of that bed this morning when Aracelys was sweeping the patio in front of the rooms and she got near his bed. He ran over and started attacking the broom. He wouldn’t quit until she was past his bed and then he just walked away. We were laughing at him and he just looked at us like we were crazy. Funny dog.
Mike, Sherry and Manuel arrived while I was sitting outside doing my Bible study. Lesly, Jorge and Jaasiel arrived shortly after for work. Lesly translates and takes care of household stuff for us and Jaasiel and Jorge teach Manuel his homeschooling lessons. Lydia, Alberto, Juver, Saturnino and Aracelys all were busy working. It was a nice, hot, windy morning.
Lots of stuff goes on around here on a daily basis. We’re getting a Coke machine so we can keep sodas here for us and the workers and the teams. It will be cheaper for us to have the machine than it was to have to keep buying bags of ice to cool drinks down in the freezer and coolers. Since there are no pulperias close by, this will allow the teams to buy drinks to enjoy. (we provide water, tea and tang, but sometimes nothing hits the spot like a soda). Anyway, the Coke rep came by to negotiate this business with us.
We also had some workers here to inspect the AC units, the security light on the west side of the property and the water pressure issue we have currently. Lots of people in and out.
This afternoon, my friends Luis, Angela and Ricardo came to visit from Masaya. Luis has just returned from 23 years in the states, Angela is visiting family and will return to AR later this month. Ricardo lives in Masaya. Luis’ family will move here when school is out in the states. I hope they get to live here in León. We’ll see where God plants them. I did get some pics and posted them on Facebook and tagged Luis’ wife, so they could see the pics, too. Fun!
My bathroom keeps flooding off and on. I’m thankful that it’s clean water, but it can be a rude awakening at 3am when you make that trek half asleep to the bathroom. Saturnino worked on it again today and then it flooded again this afternoon. I’m getting used to it, but I guess it will have to be addressed again come Monday.
I’ve got lots of prep to do for the Women’s Bible studies that will start this week. I’m excited to get started again. I anxious to see how many women attend, especially the first week back.
I got out my Spanish books this afternoon but didn’t get much chance to study. I can tell my language skills are improving, but I can’t help but wish I had studied diligently like I had planned while in the states. Oh well, it will all come to me sooner or later. As long as I’m improving, I can’t complain. I’ll just keep trucking along.
I think I’ll try to go to bed early tonight. I need to get on a good schedule and keep myself accountable. I guess maybe I can get Buster to monitor me. But, being a dog, I don’t think he cares. ☺
Mike, Sherry and Manuel arrived while I was sitting outside doing my Bible study. Lesly, Jorge and Jaasiel arrived shortly after for work. Lesly translates and takes care of household stuff for us and Jaasiel and Jorge teach Manuel his homeschooling lessons. Lydia, Alberto, Juver, Saturnino and Aracelys all were busy working. It was a nice, hot, windy morning.
Lots of stuff goes on around here on a daily basis. We’re getting a Coke machine so we can keep sodas here for us and the workers and the teams. It will be cheaper for us to have the machine than it was to have to keep buying bags of ice to cool drinks down in the freezer and coolers. Since there are no pulperias close by, this will allow the teams to buy drinks to enjoy. (we provide water, tea and tang, but sometimes nothing hits the spot like a soda). Anyway, the Coke rep came by to negotiate this business with us.
We also had some workers here to inspect the AC units, the security light on the west side of the property and the water pressure issue we have currently. Lots of people in and out.
This afternoon, my friends Luis, Angela and Ricardo came to visit from Masaya. Luis has just returned from 23 years in the states, Angela is visiting family and will return to AR later this month. Ricardo lives in Masaya. Luis’ family will move here when school is out in the states. I hope they get to live here in León. We’ll see where God plants them. I did get some pics and posted them on Facebook and tagged Luis’ wife, so they could see the pics, too. Fun!
My bathroom keeps flooding off and on. I’m thankful that it’s clean water, but it can be a rude awakening at 3am when you make that trek half asleep to the bathroom. Saturnino worked on it again today and then it flooded again this afternoon. I’m getting used to it, but I guess it will have to be addressed again come Monday.
I’ve got lots of prep to do for the Women’s Bible studies that will start this week. I’m excited to get started again. I anxious to see how many women attend, especially the first week back.
I got out my Spanish books this afternoon but didn’t get much chance to study. I can tell my language skills are improving, but I can’t help but wish I had studied diligently like I had planned while in the states. Oh well, it will all come to me sooner or later. As long as I’m improving, I can’t complain. I’ll just keep trucking along.
I think I’ll try to go to bed early tonight. I need to get on a good schedule and keep myself accountable. I guess maybe I can get Buster to monitor me. But, being a dog, I don’t think he cares. ☺
Thursday, March 1, 2012
It’s March!!! I’ve only been back in Nica 2 days, but it feels like I never left. I’m getting back into my routine of walking in the mornings, Bible Study, communication, running around town, taking my vitamins on schedule, sewing, etc. I’m a happy camper!!!
Tonight I’m hemming a couple of dresses for Sherry and it’s got me itching to get the sewing machine out! What fun we will have in sewing classes, especially when the team from FBC Rogers gets here with 2 more sewing machines, supplies, fabric and patterns! Mary is bringing another machine and also money to buy 1 or 2 more. The sewing classes are going to be awesome with all the goodies we have coming. I’m super excited to help these women learn to make things for their families and to make things to earn money to feed their families. God is good!!!
I really enjoyed my walk today, but I could sure tell that I’m way out of shape (worse than before). It took me an hour just to walk about 3 miles (although about ½ mile was uphill. Ha) I’m going to get better every day. I remember how good I felt when I was walking 4.5 miles a day. Oh to get back to that goal!!!
Sherry, Lesly and I went shopping a little bit this afternoon. Sherry mostly just wanted to get away from the Mission House for a little while. She found some shorts and a couple of tops. I’m not buying clothes until I lose some weight, but I did get a really cute pair of sandals for church. ☺
We had canalones for lunch today. My favorite! They were sure good! I had some leftover ones cold tonight for dinner. Yum!
Buster is staying here at the Mission House at night because he goes crazy at the Hulsey’s house and attacks the plants in the back yard. We put his bed outside my door and he’s going to be my guard dog tonight. He gets up and runs and barks at imagined threats and then comes back and konks out. I usually go back to sleep when he barks, so I think it will be okay.
I’m re-reading the Chronological Bible again this year. I love seeing what new things that God is revealing to me each time I read His word. I’m also studying and preparing for the Women’s Bible study classes that will start next week. Can’t wait to fellowship, pray, worship and learn with these ladies!!
The internet stayed on all day today and the electric seemed to do likewise. The water pressure is still bad, but the guys are working on that. These quirks of inconvenience are what make living here natural. If I was in the states, I would be frustrated all the time, but here, it’s just natural. Part of the charm I guess.
I’m going to finish up here and watch a video before reading myself to sleep. Another day getting settled in. Looking forward to visiting with friends tomorrow and Saturday. We’ll be hosting Pastor Marvin and his family on Sunday. Then it will be time for a busy week to begin. Ahhhh…. This is the life! Thank You God!
Tonight I’m hemming a couple of dresses for Sherry and it’s got me itching to get the sewing machine out! What fun we will have in sewing classes, especially when the team from FBC Rogers gets here with 2 more sewing machines, supplies, fabric and patterns! Mary is bringing another machine and also money to buy 1 or 2 more. The sewing classes are going to be awesome with all the goodies we have coming. I’m super excited to help these women learn to make things for their families and to make things to earn money to feed their families. God is good!!!
I really enjoyed my walk today, but I could sure tell that I’m way out of shape (worse than before). It took me an hour just to walk about 3 miles (although about ½ mile was uphill. Ha) I’m going to get better every day. I remember how good I felt when I was walking 4.5 miles a day. Oh to get back to that goal!!!
Sherry, Lesly and I went shopping a little bit this afternoon. Sherry mostly just wanted to get away from the Mission House for a little while. She found some shorts and a couple of tops. I’m not buying clothes until I lose some weight, but I did get a really cute pair of sandals for church. ☺
We had canalones for lunch today. My favorite! They were sure good! I had some leftover ones cold tonight for dinner. Yum!
Buster is staying here at the Mission House at night because he goes crazy at the Hulsey’s house and attacks the plants in the back yard. We put his bed outside my door and he’s going to be my guard dog tonight. He gets up and runs and barks at imagined threats and then comes back and konks out. I usually go back to sleep when he barks, so I think it will be okay.
I’m re-reading the Chronological Bible again this year. I love seeing what new things that God is revealing to me each time I read His word. I’m also studying and preparing for the Women’s Bible study classes that will start next week. Can’t wait to fellowship, pray, worship and learn with these ladies!!
The internet stayed on all day today and the electric seemed to do likewise. The water pressure is still bad, but the guys are working on that. These quirks of inconvenience are what make living here natural. If I was in the states, I would be frustrated all the time, but here, it’s just natural. Part of the charm I guess.
I’m going to finish up here and watch a video before reading myself to sleep. Another day getting settled in. Looking forward to visiting with friends tomorrow and Saturday. We’ll be hosting Pastor Marvin and his family on Sunday. Then it will be time for a busy week to begin. Ahhhh…. This is the life! Thank You God!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
It’s leap year day and I didn’t think much about it all day long. Anymore it seems that days run together and that’s fine with me. It means I’m more absorbed in what God is actually doing around me and through me than in watching the calendar. (or maybe I’m just irresponsible…) Anyway, it was a nice day and I enjoyed it, no matter what the number was.
I got up early and said hi to Saturnino, Aracelys and Lydia. It was good to see them again. Lydia brought 2 of her kids over to play with Manuel this morning. The do pretty well considering that they don’t speak each other’s language. They played on the trampoline and then went swimming.
Sherry, Lesly and I went to town for a few groceries and to try to talk to business about getting a special something for the Mission House. If it works out it will be a great thing for us and the teams that come down. We’ll see. Sherry drove the SUV, which happens to be an automatic, so that makes Lesly more comfortable riding with us gringo women drivers. It was so good to get out and see the town a little. I saw Ricardo at the La Union grocery store. He gave me a kiss on the cheek as a welcome. It’s nice to be remembered.
Lunch was yummy. Meatloaf, rice, beans, slaw and fried sweet plantains. Mike and German were gone all day to Estelí, meeting with Pastors there about the Crusade coming in June. They were also scoping out places for the team to stay that week during the Crusade. Not an easy chore to find good accommodations here in Nica sometimes. I know I’ll miss my own bed that week! But it will be worth it to see so many people accept Christ.
Manuel and I played a couple of times today. He likes to play pretend stuff, like being married, going to the grocery store, going to the airport to pick up teams, going to a concert, preaching, etc… He had school for a couple of hours this afternoon. He’s doing really well. He’s been really sweet to hang out with.
I got word from a veteran team, who is coming back this summer, that their Christian School raised $1200 for school supplies for the kids here in Nica. How wonderful!!! Thank you Highland Baptist Church in New Iberia LA. Can’t wait till you guys get here!!!
I worked on my room a little more today. Getting things put away and organized a little bit. I’m so tired of ‘stuff’. Glad we don’t take anything with us to heaven!!! But I shouldn’t complain, about 95% of the material things I have are for ministry use and for that I’m grateful.
I had left over mashed potatoes and green beans for dinner tonight. I’m trying to drink lots of water to keep the swelling down in my ankles. Gotta get back into the Nica lifestyle and take care of myself.
I worked on a new Bible Study for the women this evening. I think they will enjoy it very much. I know I am. I have to judge how much we can actually cover in each weekly session, since we never get started on time (the Nica way) and everything has to be translated. But I think it will be really good. I’m so blessed to get to teach the women again.
I think I’ll watch a quick video and then read and go to sleep. It’s been a good day. Tomorrow I will start my walking routine again. I am so out of shape (more than before) and need to get back at it. Sherry, Lesly and possibly Jaasiel are going to do Pilates 2 mornings a week. Sherry is our slavemaster, I mean coach. It will be tough, but I know I will feel better each week as I progress to better health. Pray for me!!!
Well, time to say goodnight and sweet dreams.
I’m so happy to be here and serve my precious Savior.
I got up early and said hi to Saturnino, Aracelys and Lydia. It was good to see them again. Lydia brought 2 of her kids over to play with Manuel this morning. The do pretty well considering that they don’t speak each other’s language. They played on the trampoline and then went swimming.
Sherry, Lesly and I went to town for a few groceries and to try to talk to business about getting a special something for the Mission House. If it works out it will be a great thing for us and the teams that come down. We’ll see. Sherry drove the SUV, which happens to be an automatic, so that makes Lesly more comfortable riding with us gringo women drivers. It was so good to get out and see the town a little. I saw Ricardo at the La Union grocery store. He gave me a kiss on the cheek as a welcome. It’s nice to be remembered.
Lunch was yummy. Meatloaf, rice, beans, slaw and fried sweet plantains. Mike and German were gone all day to Estelí, meeting with Pastors there about the Crusade coming in June. They were also scoping out places for the team to stay that week during the Crusade. Not an easy chore to find good accommodations here in Nica sometimes. I know I’ll miss my own bed that week! But it will be worth it to see so many people accept Christ.
Manuel and I played a couple of times today. He likes to play pretend stuff, like being married, going to the grocery store, going to the airport to pick up teams, going to a concert, preaching, etc… He had school for a couple of hours this afternoon. He’s doing really well. He’s been really sweet to hang out with.
I got word from a veteran team, who is coming back this summer, that their Christian School raised $1200 for school supplies for the kids here in Nica. How wonderful!!! Thank you Highland Baptist Church in New Iberia LA. Can’t wait till you guys get here!!!
I worked on my room a little more today. Getting things put away and organized a little bit. I’m so tired of ‘stuff’. Glad we don’t take anything with us to heaven!!! But I shouldn’t complain, about 95% of the material things I have are for ministry use and for that I’m grateful.
I had left over mashed potatoes and green beans for dinner tonight. I’m trying to drink lots of water to keep the swelling down in my ankles. Gotta get back into the Nica lifestyle and take care of myself.
I worked on a new Bible Study for the women this evening. I think they will enjoy it very much. I know I am. I have to judge how much we can actually cover in each weekly session, since we never get started on time (the Nica way) and everything has to be translated. But I think it will be really good. I’m so blessed to get to teach the women again.
I think I’ll watch a quick video and then read and go to sleep. It’s been a good day. Tomorrow I will start my walking routine again. I am so out of shape (more than before) and need to get back at it. Sherry, Lesly and possibly Jaasiel are going to do Pilates 2 mornings a week. Sherry is our slavemaster, I mean coach. It will be tough, but I know I will feel better each week as I progress to better health. Pray for me!!!
Well, time to say goodnight and sweet dreams.
I’m so happy to be here and serve my precious Savior.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I’m back in Nica!!! It feels like I never left! Which makes my emotional rollercoaster a little bit more crazy! Ha
I got up at 3:30am and got showered and dressed. My stomach wasn’t awake and was a little queasy, so I skipped breakfast and just drank part of a Sprite on the way to the airport. Becca was so sweet to pick me up this morning and drive me to the airport. I was a little concerned that I might have to take stuff out of my suitcases and she was a trooper and parked the van to come in with me just in case I needed her to take stuff back with her. We moved some items between the suitcases to make them acceptable and I got to keep everything with me. Yay! We said our goodbyes and I headed for security.
I got all checked in and ate a scone and water before heading to my gate, which was in the newest part of the airport. It was nice.
My flight to Atlanta was good. We arrived 30 minutes early. It’s the first time that I have flown Delta to Nica and I have to say that the customer service all day long was good. I may have to fly Delta more often! Since we got to Atlanta early, I got to have some hot breakfast/brunch before heading to Nica. That plane was about 30 minutes late leaving, but the flight was good. I dozed a little bit on each plane since the seat next to me was empty. Good trip.
Mike and German met me at the Managua airport. We rode back to León in the new little SUV that replaces ChinChin. The new car doesn’t have a name yet. It doesn’t have a lot of power, but get great gas milage and has 4 wheel drive and is higher up from the road, so it will be good on the rutted roads. It was a nice ride to the Mission House.
Alberto, Sherry, Manuel and Buster (the dog) greeted me. It was so good to get here! The first thing I did was change from my warm up pants and shirt into shorts and t-shirt and flip flops! I talked with Sherry and Mike for a little bit while Manuel had school (he’s homeschooled here at the Mission House) and then Manuel and I played together.
After the Hulsey’s left, I started unpacking my suitcases. It’s not all put away yet, but the suitcases are empty and stowed away. There was some yummy grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans left from lunch for my dinner. Of course I ate them cold (my favorite) while unpacking.
I unpacked the 4 Walkie Talkie’s that I brought down and got them set up to charge overnight. We will have fun trying them out tomorrow.
About 7:30 I put a movie in my computer and just rested and enjoyed some entertainment. I’m going to read a little bit and go to sleep early.
Sherry and Manuel will be here early in the morning, as well as Lesly. It will be fun. I hope I wake up extra early so I can go walking. I have not been walking for my exercise in almost 2 months! I need to get back into a healthy routine!!!
I’m glad to be back. I know it will be tiring sometimes, but I’m so thankful to get to be here to serve. My friends in the states seem a lifetime away, but I can keep up with everyone through Facebook and emails, so we’ll be connected.
I’m so thankful for my Lord for letting me live here and serve here. There is much work to do with the ministry and we are grateful that God is opening so many doors for us. We’re praying for more and more workers. It’s awesome!
Time for prayers and bed. Counting my blessings.
I got up at 3:30am and got showered and dressed. My stomach wasn’t awake and was a little queasy, so I skipped breakfast and just drank part of a Sprite on the way to the airport. Becca was so sweet to pick me up this morning and drive me to the airport. I was a little concerned that I might have to take stuff out of my suitcases and she was a trooper and parked the van to come in with me just in case I needed her to take stuff back with her. We moved some items between the suitcases to make them acceptable and I got to keep everything with me. Yay! We said our goodbyes and I headed for security.
I got all checked in and ate a scone and water before heading to my gate, which was in the newest part of the airport. It was nice.
My flight to Atlanta was good. We arrived 30 minutes early. It’s the first time that I have flown Delta to Nica and I have to say that the customer service all day long was good. I may have to fly Delta more often! Since we got to Atlanta early, I got to have some hot breakfast/brunch before heading to Nica. That plane was about 30 minutes late leaving, but the flight was good. I dozed a little bit on each plane since the seat next to me was empty. Good trip.
Mike and German met me at the Managua airport. We rode back to León in the new little SUV that replaces ChinChin. The new car doesn’t have a name yet. It doesn’t have a lot of power, but get great gas milage and has 4 wheel drive and is higher up from the road, so it will be good on the rutted roads. It was a nice ride to the Mission House.
Alberto, Sherry, Manuel and Buster (the dog) greeted me. It was so good to get here! The first thing I did was change from my warm up pants and shirt into shorts and t-shirt and flip flops! I talked with Sherry and Mike for a little bit while Manuel had school (he’s homeschooled here at the Mission House) and then Manuel and I played together.
After the Hulsey’s left, I started unpacking my suitcases. It’s not all put away yet, but the suitcases are empty and stowed away. There was some yummy grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans left from lunch for my dinner. Of course I ate them cold (my favorite) while unpacking.
I unpacked the 4 Walkie Talkie’s that I brought down and got them set up to charge overnight. We will have fun trying them out tomorrow.
About 7:30 I put a movie in my computer and just rested and enjoyed some entertainment. I’m going to read a little bit and go to sleep early.
Sherry and Manuel will be here early in the morning, as well as Lesly. It will be fun. I hope I wake up extra early so I can go walking. I have not been walking for my exercise in almost 2 months! I need to get back into a healthy routine!!!
I’m glad to be back. I know it will be tiring sometimes, but I’m so thankful to get to be here to serve. My friends in the states seem a lifetime away, but I can keep up with everyone through Facebook and emails, so we’ll be connected.
I’m so thankful for my Lord for letting me live here and serve here. There is much work to do with the ministry and we are grateful that God is opening so many doors for us. We’re praying for more and more workers. It’s awesome!
Time for prayers and bed. Counting my blessings.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
What a whirlwind week this has been. My last full week in the states and many things were squeezed into it because of traveling to IN twice. But it's been so much fun!
A Dr Appointment started Tuesday, followed by a luncheon with Deanna's Bible Study small group and then frozen yogurt with Connie.
Wednesday I worked like a crazy woman on packing tubs and on the computer and then joined the ladies of Cuerpo Vivo church to write cards and letters to the Nica women and have ice cream sundaes. Yum!
Thursday started out with a haircut, errands and lunch with Angela, babysitting for Genesis and having dinner with the Janes family. It was a full day and lots of fun!
Friday I had lunch with Janalynn and she dropped me off at Nana Ruth's house to get her van and grocery list. Then I went shopping at Walmart for Nana Ruth's groceries and my final list for Nica. Then I took some tubs to the church and got the groceries back to Nana Ruth. I was very tired, but glad to have many things off of my to-do list. Nana Ruth and I had dinner at Red Lobster and it was wonderful!
Saturday, Zandra picked me up early to go to her mother's house for a visit that we have been planning for over 20 years. There was always something coming up and we finally made it! Zandra's daughter, Hannah and her friend joined us and it was great. Dolly has a basement filled with sewing and craft materials and supplies. It was a wonderland to play in. I loved it. She showed me some ideas that the ladies in Nica can make. I hope I get to visit again someday and play in that basement!
Sunday was sweet worship at Cuerpo Vivo church. At the end of the service, the congregation prayed over me and the ministry in Nica. I always love the sending out that I get from that church. We then enjoyed pizza and salad as a fund-raiser meal for missions. I got home and rested for just a few minutes before being picked up by Donna and Celina for the Nica team meeting at FBC Rogers. I'm excited for the team to come to Nica in just a few weeks.
All week I've been half goofy trying to get all the details taken care of. I've left my purse at church, my cell phone at the other church, put clothes in the dryer and forgot to turn it on, walked into and out of rooms constantly forgetting what I went in there for, etc. I know that it's normal to do these things occasionally, and I have done that in the past, but it seems that I'm doing it over and over and frequently this week. I just hope that I don't forget something important!
Two months have flown by since I've returned from Nica. My father passed away, my niece got married, I made 2 trips to Indiana in 5 weeks, been on 10 planes in 6 weeks (with 2 more coming up tomorrow), shared about Nica and VOH ministry countless times and enjoyed friends and family.
It's been a good visit and it's hard to leave. But I'm excited to get back to Nica, too. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, even minute by minute. I think it's one of the hardest parts about traveling back and forth so much. It seemed easier when I lived fulltime in NYC for 2 years. I only came back to AR for a week at a time. Coming back to the states for 2 months at a time is disorienting. I think traveling to IN for a few weeks in the middle of the stateside time helps I think. I just have to trust God to hold my mind and heart close so that I can rely on Him for my emotions.
There are a lot of wonderful things going on with the ministry lately. There are always challenges, but we trust God to help us persevere through them. It is so sweet to see fruit from our work and to have doors open wide. God has been so faithful to us and we give Him all the glory for all that He has allowed to be accomplished through our lowly efforts.
Time to talk to the 'Coach' and get my game face on. As hard as it is to leave friends here in Rogers, I can't wait to get busy back in Nica. Six months will feel like a long time in some ways (lack of creature comforts of the US, often feeling tired, being away from AR friends, etc) and it will fly by in other ways (weeks filled with teaching classes, a summer full of mission teams - sometimes back to back, many people to spend time with, etc). God has filled my life with many experiences and people. I am truly blessed!!!
A Dr Appointment started Tuesday, followed by a luncheon with Deanna's Bible Study small group and then frozen yogurt with Connie.
Wednesday I worked like a crazy woman on packing tubs and on the computer and then joined the ladies of Cuerpo Vivo church to write cards and letters to the Nica women and have ice cream sundaes. Yum!
Thursday started out with a haircut, errands and lunch with Angela, babysitting for Genesis and having dinner with the Janes family. It was a full day and lots of fun!
Friday I had lunch with Janalynn and she dropped me off at Nana Ruth's house to get her van and grocery list. Then I went shopping at Walmart for Nana Ruth's groceries and my final list for Nica. Then I took some tubs to the church and got the groceries back to Nana Ruth. I was very tired, but glad to have many things off of my to-do list. Nana Ruth and I had dinner at Red Lobster and it was wonderful!
Saturday, Zandra picked me up early to go to her mother's house for a visit that we have been planning for over 20 years. There was always something coming up and we finally made it! Zandra's daughter, Hannah and her friend joined us and it was great. Dolly has a basement filled with sewing and craft materials and supplies. It was a wonderland to play in. I loved it. She showed me some ideas that the ladies in Nica can make. I hope I get to visit again someday and play in that basement!
Sunday was sweet worship at Cuerpo Vivo church. At the end of the service, the congregation prayed over me and the ministry in Nica. I always love the sending out that I get from that church. We then enjoyed pizza and salad as a fund-raiser meal for missions. I got home and rested for just a few minutes before being picked up by Donna and Celina for the Nica team meeting at FBC Rogers. I'm excited for the team to come to Nica in just a few weeks.
All week I've been half goofy trying to get all the details taken care of. I've left my purse at church, my cell phone at the other church, put clothes in the dryer and forgot to turn it on, walked into and out of rooms constantly forgetting what I went in there for, etc. I know that it's normal to do these things occasionally, and I have done that in the past, but it seems that I'm doing it over and over and frequently this week. I just hope that I don't forget something important!
Two months have flown by since I've returned from Nica. My father passed away, my niece got married, I made 2 trips to Indiana in 5 weeks, been on 10 planes in 6 weeks (with 2 more coming up tomorrow), shared about Nica and VOH ministry countless times and enjoyed friends and family.
It's been a good visit and it's hard to leave. But I'm excited to get back to Nica, too. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, even minute by minute. I think it's one of the hardest parts about traveling back and forth so much. It seemed easier when I lived fulltime in NYC for 2 years. I only came back to AR for a week at a time. Coming back to the states for 2 months at a time is disorienting. I think traveling to IN for a few weeks in the middle of the stateside time helps I think. I just have to trust God to hold my mind and heart close so that I can rely on Him for my emotions.
There are a lot of wonderful things going on with the ministry lately. There are always challenges, but we trust God to help us persevere through them. It is so sweet to see fruit from our work and to have doors open wide. God has been so faithful to us and we give Him all the glory for all that He has allowed to be accomplished through our lowly efforts.
Time to talk to the 'Coach' and get my game face on. As hard as it is to leave friends here in Rogers, I can't wait to get busy back in Nica. Six months will feel like a long time in some ways (lack of creature comforts of the US, often feeling tired, being away from AR friends, etc) and it will fly by in other ways (weeks filled with teaching classes, a summer full of mission teams - sometimes back to back, many people to spend time with, etc). God has filled my life with many experiences and people. I am truly blessed!!!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Well, it's been a week since I've been back in AR and it's been a busy and fun week. I'm trying to catch up on Nica work and tying up loose ends in AR for while I'm gone to Nica for 6 months. Going back and forth to Indiana twice in 5 weeks kind of put a kink in the timeline I had planned. But it's all good...
I received the 3 boxes of stuff that I had shipped to myself from Indiana, as well as a box of yarn from my sister Pam and some books from Amazon.com, all headed for Nicaragua. I picked up some items from Walmart to pack in tubs for Nica. I borrowed Nana Ruth's car one day to tote everything to the Olive Street church for storage until the March team carries them to Nica. Deanna couldn't believe everything was coming out of my room. I think I've got 12+ tubs already at the church. I also picked up more fabric from my friend Floys and took it to the stash. We're getting quite a cache of blessings to share! And I'm getting a good workout hauling those tubs around!
I enjoyed spending time with Nana Ruth on Friday. We got take out from Applebee's and ate at her house. Then I went shopping at Walmart with a list from Nana Ruth and a list from Sherry Hulsey and with an imaginary list in my head for me. It was a good trip and I enjoyed getting the things for other people. That's the best shopping!
I spent all day Saturday working at home, part of the time on the computer and part of the time moving stuff around in my room. Stuff, stuff, stuff... Sometimes I wish I didn't own anything at all. But I'm thankful to have what I need and open to getting rid of the stuff that I merely want. One of my favorite things is to give stuff away to people. That's what makes schlepping all these tubs to Nica so worth it. They are full of ordinary things to North Americans, but wonderful blessings to the people that we help through the ministry. A fun job!
Sunday was a beautiful morning of worship at Cuerpo Vivo. I'm so thankful to be able to understand more Spanish each week. (even though I haven't been studying. eek) I love the people of Cuerpo Vivo and am so proud of the church family for their love for each other and the lost, and for their commitment to reach out. I'm blessed to be able to worship with them.
After church, I went with JP, Noemi, Mark and Genesis to Liese's house for machacado, a favorite dish of Monterrey Mexico. It was really good. I ate way too much, but was very happy! I got home and even though I was fighting not to take a nap, I did fall asleep on the sofa for a short while. I missed going to church with Deanna, but I guess I needed the rest.
This morning I caught a ride with Kellie to the church, so that I could meet my friend Lindsey when she dropped off her daughter to Mother's Day Out. We went to Starbucks for coffee (I had Chai Tea Latte, YUM) and we talked about sponsorship of families and children in Nica. We had a wonderful time catching up. She's such a sweetie with an awesome heart for people. Her 6 month old son, Collier was with us and he's a real cutie!
I got home really pumped to keep on top of what needs to be done to keep up with what God's doing through VOH. It's such an encouragement to talk with others about the ministry. It fuels the fire in my heart for the work God let's me do.
I have multiple appointments this week and will keep hopping each day. I struggle with wondering if I've used my time wisely (and usually fall short of my expectations), but I need to remember that everything is to be in GOD's time and not to stress over it. He gives me mercy and grace to cover the things I don't get done and a peace that comes from trusting Him to always be there to guide me.
I received the 3 boxes of stuff that I had shipped to myself from Indiana, as well as a box of yarn from my sister Pam and some books from Amazon.com, all headed for Nicaragua. I picked up some items from Walmart to pack in tubs for Nica. I borrowed Nana Ruth's car one day to tote everything to the Olive Street church for storage until the March team carries them to Nica. Deanna couldn't believe everything was coming out of my room. I think I've got 12+ tubs already at the church. I also picked up more fabric from my friend Floys and took it to the stash. We're getting quite a cache of blessings to share! And I'm getting a good workout hauling those tubs around!
I enjoyed spending time with Nana Ruth on Friday. We got take out from Applebee's and ate at her house. Then I went shopping at Walmart with a list from Nana Ruth and a list from Sherry Hulsey and with an imaginary list in my head for me. It was a good trip and I enjoyed getting the things for other people. That's the best shopping!
I spent all day Saturday working at home, part of the time on the computer and part of the time moving stuff around in my room. Stuff, stuff, stuff... Sometimes I wish I didn't own anything at all. But I'm thankful to have what I need and open to getting rid of the stuff that I merely want. One of my favorite things is to give stuff away to people. That's what makes schlepping all these tubs to Nica so worth it. They are full of ordinary things to North Americans, but wonderful blessings to the people that we help through the ministry. A fun job!
Sunday was a beautiful morning of worship at Cuerpo Vivo. I'm so thankful to be able to understand more Spanish each week. (even though I haven't been studying. eek) I love the people of Cuerpo Vivo and am so proud of the church family for their love for each other and the lost, and for their commitment to reach out. I'm blessed to be able to worship with them.
After church, I went with JP, Noemi, Mark and Genesis to Liese's house for machacado, a favorite dish of Monterrey Mexico. It was really good. I ate way too much, but was very happy! I got home and even though I was fighting not to take a nap, I did fall asleep on the sofa for a short while. I missed going to church with Deanna, but I guess I needed the rest.
This morning I caught a ride with Kellie to the church, so that I could meet my friend Lindsey when she dropped off her daughter to Mother's Day Out. We went to Starbucks for coffee (I had Chai Tea Latte, YUM) and we talked about sponsorship of families and children in Nica. We had a wonderful time catching up. She's such a sweetie with an awesome heart for people. Her 6 month old son, Collier was with us and he's a real cutie!
I got home really pumped to keep on top of what needs to be done to keep up with what God's doing through VOH. It's such an encouragement to talk with others about the ministry. It fuels the fire in my heart for the work God let's me do.
I have multiple appointments this week and will keep hopping each day. I struggle with wondering if I've used my time wisely (and usually fall short of my expectations), but I need to remember that everything is to be in GOD's time and not to stress over it. He gives me mercy and grace to cover the things I don't get done and a peace that comes from trusting Him to always be there to guide me.
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