Saturday I slept in until about 7am. Even though we had all the kids staying here and I could hear them moving around, having breakfast, meeting for music and announcements, I still dozed off an on. I think living in NYC, where you don’t have remedy if your neighbors are loud, helped to desensitize me to noise. I would even tune out jackhammers. LOL Here, I tune out whatever noise is going on. It may wake me, but I can go back to sleep. Now, if I was in the states and heard just a cricket chirping, it would bother me. I guess it all has to do with frame of mind.
Anyway, I got my shower and got dressed and was ready to head out with Mary and the Hulsey’s to go to Chinandega for the day. I really don’t like road trips at all, due to motion sickness and the vibration makes my bad ear roar for hours. I like ‘being’ in other places, just not ‘getting to them’. I had been wrestling with the idea of just staying here at the Mission House (which I really wanted to do) or going with everyone so that I wouldn’t rock the boat. I’m a ‘pleaser’ type of personality and often do things that I think others expect, even if I don’t want to. I finally gave in to myself and said I was staying here. Sherry thought something was wrong and wanted to know what so she could fix it. (she’s a fixer personality type) They all left for the day and I was happy to be here in my room where I read, studied my Bible, Spanish lessons and took a very luxurious nap. When they got back in the early evening, Sherry apologized for getting irritated with me about not telling her what was wrong. She finally understood that there is nothing to ‘fix’. I also feel liberated to say no when I don’t want to go on a road trip (or other things that are fun for others, but not my cup of tea). Anyway, it was a good day for all.
The group left about 4pm and it sure got quiet. They were a good group and I hope that they had a very good time.
Mary and the Hulsey’s went to the movies for the evening. I can’t hear in a movie theater because of my ear problem, so I was happy to stay home and watch videos on my computer.
I found myself thinking about a lot of my friends all over the country who are going through various hard times right now. I wish I could do more for them. But I know that God has them in His hands.
Sunday morning I awoke and enjoyed reading the Resurrection story. How glorious a day it was when Jesus arose from the grave to prove He has power over death and all things of this earth.
We went to service at La Quimera church. Mostly it was kids, with a few adults. It’s growing back up to a good congregation. Marcela said it is encouraging to them to have us come, even though we don’t have a translator with us. I enjoy hearing Pastor Brian preach and sing, as well as Marcela sing and tell Bible stories. It’s such good practice for me to hear them. They did a feeding after the service, which was nice.
We stopped at Tip Top Chicken for lunch and then popped into La Unión to get some phone minutes for Mike and Sherry’s phones. Then we came back to the Mission House and relaxed.
I took a very nice nap, while Sherry, Mike and Manuel swam a little bit. They left in the late afternoon. I worked on the computer a little bit, ate some left overs for dinner and made a few phone calls to the states. I did some hand sewing on a skirt and watched the movie Inception. It was kind of strange, but good.
Now I’m ready to watch my nightly installment of Castle (tv show) that I brought down the first 3 seasons. I enjoy it and will miss it when I finish these dvds. I’ll have to purchase more when I’m in the states.
Tomorrow I think Mayella and I are going to Monte Horeb for the Feeding there so that I can get some more pics and we can get more info on each child. Then I’ll be forwarding that info to the sponsors. It’s a lot of work and will keep up busy 5 days a week just to catch up and keep up, but it’s a fun job.
It’s been strange to be here for Easter Sunday and not be with my church family at Cuerpo Vivo. I miss them. But it was nice to be here supporting Pastor Brian and the church at La Quimera.
I’m so glad that Jesus sacrificed Himself for us to have eternal life. What an awesome act of love. I want to honor Him everyday for it. He’s my life now and for eternity.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
It’s Good Friday. It’s been interesting spending it here in Nica. Most everything shuts down today. People are preparing for celebrations. There have been parades and parties in the streets for the last few days. Also, for today, people will block off streets and draw with chalk & paint or they will use stuff to make mosaic pictures on the streets. The scenes depict the Triumphal Entry of Christ, His death and burial and His resurrection. I didn’t get any pictures of these things today, but I did see some of the streets being worked on as the taxi drove by.
Speaking of the streets, there were a lot of detours necessary today to get anywhere. I went to have lunch with Oscar and Josselin, so I called Jorge and had him take us and bring us home. He knows where he’s going. And besides, I like to tease him. Right now, he, his wife Lesly and I have been teasing each other about who’s new cell phone is the best. It’s been funny.
I chose to wear a skirt today because it is so hot in long shorts and capris. I’ll probably wear a dress tomorrow, too, just because it’s more comfortable. It’s been so humid the last couple of days from the rains. But it was a good treat for the land to get the unexpected showers!
Buster spent last night and tonight at the Hulsey’s house. Since he wasn’t here to patrol the grounds, the big, fat frog was up around the pool (which is right outside our doors) ribbetting all night long. I had forgotten how annoying he could be. ☺
Buster came for a visit today and was doing his usual barking and chasing of the dragonflies that like to hover over the pool. He goes crazy chasing them. When he get frustrated with stuff he goes and attacks plants. He has pulled many up by the roots. He’s such a weird dog…
This evening I watched a silly movie while sorting and organizing some stuff in my room. (will I ever finish doing that??) The group that is here (70 people) having a retreat are all actually going to bed before 9pm. I can’t believe how quiet it is! I was expecting music and cajoling and squeals from the swimming pool until at least 11pm. What a treat to be able to go to bed early myself!
Our internet has been very sketchy all day and evening. I’m thankful that I can use my phone to check my emails for anything important. For tonight, I think I’ll just watch a video and read and go to bed.
I spent most of the morning in my room doing Bible study and praying over friends and their various needs right now. There are so many hurting people. I know that God has them all in His hands. I pray for them to feel that assurance and peace. He is doing miracles in many lives and I pray that He is praised for all of those things. Mostly, I pray that He is honored and glorified for WHO He is. He is awesome!!!
Speaking of the streets, there were a lot of detours necessary today to get anywhere. I went to have lunch with Oscar and Josselin, so I called Jorge and had him take us and bring us home. He knows where he’s going. And besides, I like to tease him. Right now, he, his wife Lesly and I have been teasing each other about who’s new cell phone is the best. It’s been funny.
I chose to wear a skirt today because it is so hot in long shorts and capris. I’ll probably wear a dress tomorrow, too, just because it’s more comfortable. It’s been so humid the last couple of days from the rains. But it was a good treat for the land to get the unexpected showers!
Buster spent last night and tonight at the Hulsey’s house. Since he wasn’t here to patrol the grounds, the big, fat frog was up around the pool (which is right outside our doors) ribbetting all night long. I had forgotten how annoying he could be. ☺
Buster came for a visit today and was doing his usual barking and chasing of the dragonflies that like to hover over the pool. He goes crazy chasing them. When he get frustrated with stuff he goes and attacks plants. He has pulled many up by the roots. He’s such a weird dog…
This evening I watched a silly movie while sorting and organizing some stuff in my room. (will I ever finish doing that??) The group that is here (70 people) having a retreat are all actually going to bed before 9pm. I can’t believe how quiet it is! I was expecting music and cajoling and squeals from the swimming pool until at least 11pm. What a treat to be able to go to bed early myself!
Our internet has been very sketchy all day and evening. I’m thankful that I can use my phone to check my emails for anything important. For tonight, I think I’ll just watch a video and read and go to bed.
I spent most of the morning in my room doing Bible study and praying over friends and their various needs right now. There are so many hurting people. I know that God has them all in His hands. I pray for them to feel that assurance and peace. He is doing miracles in many lives and I pray that He is praised for all of those things. Mostly, I pray that He is honored and glorified for WHO He is. He is awesome!!!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Today was overcast from the storm coming through last night. So weird for this time of year. I knew Sherry wouldn’t like the clouds today because she likes to get her time in the sun in as often as she can. She opted for cooking and baking this morning instead. So we had a really great lunch. We even had chocolate cake!
Mayela and her two kids came to spend the day and night with us. Jaasiel brought her son Matthew over for a while. Mayela and the kids swam for a while and had great fun playing.
I worked on the master database for the Feeding Centers. I started it yesterday afternoon and finished it today. It took about 8 hours to get everything put together, but I like doing that sort of thing, so it was all good. Right now, we are feeding 395 kids regularly and have 90+ sponsors who pay $45 per year to feed 1 child. There are about another 100 sponsors that have chosen a child, but I don’t have all the details yet, so I’ll be adding them to the list in the next week or so.
I also got some emails sent and visited with Mayela, Jaasiel, Mary and the Hulseys. I was hoping for a nap, but that didn’t happen. I did get 2 loads of laundry done, though. And I hemmed 2 pairs of capris that I had made from cut off jeans. I watched a Marcos Witt DVD while sewing. I love his songs. It’s a great DVD that I got for only $1 here. What a bargain! Oh, and I sewed some new elastic into the waist of a dress for Mayela. I’m itching to sew a project soon, so maybe tomorrow will be the day!!
Manuel came over to have us babysit tonight. Mary did most of the entertaining for him. Alberto played baseball with him and then Mary heated him up some dinner just like Albertos. Manuel sat with Alberto and ate dinner. They converse even though they speak different languages. That’s never stopped Manuel before!
Mayela and her 2 kids went to the movies to see The Lorax. They liked it. They got home shortly before Manuel left for the evening. Mary and I retired to our rooms and left Mayela and the kids with a laptop and a couple of Veggietale movies. I’m going to watch a movie tonight myself, I think. It feels like a Saturday night since it’s Holy Week and everyone is celebrating. I usually stay messed up on days of the week, anyway.
I’m hoping that the storms are over for another few months. I like the rain, especially in the dry season, but I don’t like storms here at all. They are too dangerous. There are no lightning rods on buildings like in the states. Everything is fair game for the lightning. I’ll settle for plain rain. But if there is no rain tonight, I will get to sleep really well. Here’s hoping…
Even though I didn’t leave the Mission House today, I got a lot of work done, so I’m feeling very pleased. Tomorrow I’m going to have a fun day of sewing and messing around in my room. There will be 70 people sleeping here starting at 2pm tomorrow through Saturday evening. It’s some kind of event for Holy Week. I’ll be in my room early in the evening, so I’ll have plenty of time to do some stuff.
Tomorrow for lunch, I’m going to meet Oscar and Josselin for lunch. I’m treating them as a belated wedding present. I can’t wait to see them! After lunch I’ll probably just come back to the Mission House. I expect it to be hard to get around much in town and most of the stores (and probably restaurants) will be closed. It will be a good day for rest! Due to the craziness on the streets, I decided to turn down the offer of my friend Estephanie to get together tomorrow evening. I want to spend time with her, but I don’t want to be out in the crowd.
I love being here for Easter because of the effect that Holy Week has on everyone. It makes you more aware of the holiday. Unfortunately, it’s mostly Catholic events and services and they leave Jesus pretty much on the cross and don’t really celebrate His life afterward. I’m praying that every year there are more and more Nicas who know and celebrate Christ’s resurrection and eternal life by having a relationship with Him.
I pray the same thing for people all over the world. I pray that there will be many messages shared about Christ this weekend beyond the benign things that just ‘go with the season’. (by the way, have you ever tried to explain the Easter Bunny to another culture???) It’s so much more important to explain Christ and His power of Salvation and Redemption. Lord, please find me faithful in this…
Mayela and her two kids came to spend the day and night with us. Jaasiel brought her son Matthew over for a while. Mayela and the kids swam for a while and had great fun playing.
I worked on the master database for the Feeding Centers. I started it yesterday afternoon and finished it today. It took about 8 hours to get everything put together, but I like doing that sort of thing, so it was all good. Right now, we are feeding 395 kids regularly and have 90+ sponsors who pay $45 per year to feed 1 child. There are about another 100 sponsors that have chosen a child, but I don’t have all the details yet, so I’ll be adding them to the list in the next week or so.
I also got some emails sent and visited with Mayela, Jaasiel, Mary and the Hulseys. I was hoping for a nap, but that didn’t happen. I did get 2 loads of laundry done, though. And I hemmed 2 pairs of capris that I had made from cut off jeans. I watched a Marcos Witt DVD while sewing. I love his songs. It’s a great DVD that I got for only $1 here. What a bargain! Oh, and I sewed some new elastic into the waist of a dress for Mayela. I’m itching to sew a project soon, so maybe tomorrow will be the day!!
Manuel came over to have us babysit tonight. Mary did most of the entertaining for him. Alberto played baseball with him and then Mary heated him up some dinner just like Albertos. Manuel sat with Alberto and ate dinner. They converse even though they speak different languages. That’s never stopped Manuel before!
Mayela and her 2 kids went to the movies to see The Lorax. They liked it. They got home shortly before Manuel left for the evening. Mary and I retired to our rooms and left Mayela and the kids with a laptop and a couple of Veggietale movies. I’m going to watch a movie tonight myself, I think. It feels like a Saturday night since it’s Holy Week and everyone is celebrating. I usually stay messed up on days of the week, anyway.
I’m hoping that the storms are over for another few months. I like the rain, especially in the dry season, but I don’t like storms here at all. They are too dangerous. There are no lightning rods on buildings like in the states. Everything is fair game for the lightning. I’ll settle for plain rain. But if there is no rain tonight, I will get to sleep really well. Here’s hoping…
Even though I didn’t leave the Mission House today, I got a lot of work done, so I’m feeling very pleased. Tomorrow I’m going to have a fun day of sewing and messing around in my room. There will be 70 people sleeping here starting at 2pm tomorrow through Saturday evening. It’s some kind of event for Holy Week. I’ll be in my room early in the evening, so I’ll have plenty of time to do some stuff.
Tomorrow for lunch, I’m going to meet Oscar and Josselin for lunch. I’m treating them as a belated wedding present. I can’t wait to see them! After lunch I’ll probably just come back to the Mission House. I expect it to be hard to get around much in town and most of the stores (and probably restaurants) will be closed. It will be a good day for rest! Due to the craziness on the streets, I decided to turn down the offer of my friend Estephanie to get together tomorrow evening. I want to spend time with her, but I don’t want to be out in the crowd.
I love being here for Easter because of the effect that Holy Week has on everyone. It makes you more aware of the holiday. Unfortunately, it’s mostly Catholic events and services and they leave Jesus pretty much on the cross and don’t really celebrate His life afterward. I’m praying that every year there are more and more Nicas who know and celebrate Christ’s resurrection and eternal life by having a relationship with Him.
I pray the same thing for people all over the world. I pray that there will be many messages shared about Christ this weekend beyond the benign things that just ‘go with the season’. (by the way, have you ever tried to explain the Easter Bunny to another culture???) It’s so much more important to explain Christ and His power of Salvation and Redemption. Lord, please find me faithful in this…
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
We actually had rain last night! First time in MONTHS! It was a storm actually, which kept knocking out the electricity all night long. This morning it was hot and sunny and HUMID!! The ground had soaked up all the rain. If not for the humidity, you would not know that there was any moisture around. As I’m sitting here this evening typing this, I hear some thunder coming this way. We’ll see how things go…
I got up and started preparing for the day. Mayela got here early and we started working on our own parts of the Feeding Centers projects. Lesly got here, then the Hulsey’s and everyone was working away. Since we had an event here last night, we had an extra cleaning lady today to help Aracelys. Saturnino had to go to the Husley’s house for little bit to work on a bathroom. Everyone was very busy.
The Coke guys came early this morning to deliver our weekly order (bottled water, sodas), so I had to pay them, since the Hulsey’s weren’t here yet. The bill came to 1,495.95 córdabas and I happened to have 1500 in my wallet. We spend US dollars a lot, but sometimes the people would rather have cords. It was about $65 US. Considering we have to buy all our drinkable water, it’s a good deal.
Mayela and I headed out to Monte Horeb to visit the Feeding Center today. It turns out that they weren’t feeding today. We knew that all the Feeding Centers weren’t feeding on Thursday and Friday because of Holy Week, but we weren’t aware about today. I think there may have been a problem with finding enough of the cooks still in town. This week is when many people travel to near by towns (and farther cities) to visit family. A lot of the town just closes down. I think we will be finding ways to make sure the Feeding Centers are open on holiday weeks.
After a yummy lunch, we were all working on our projects again for a while. Mary has been studying for her Evangelism class that she is starting to teach on Monday at 2 churches. She’s also been sewing and mending some things for Mayela. She enjoys that.
Lesly and I went to town to buy a new microwave for my room. My ‘possessed’ one acted up with the 77:77 and beeping again. We found a Frigidaire brand that I liked, so I grabbed it. I’m getting used to driving in León now. So far so good!
I got back to the Mission House and put my new microwave in my room. It’s looks nice and I like it even better than the possessed one that I had borrowed from the Hulseys.
I worked a few more hours on the Feeding Center project. I’ll be working on my part of it (documentation, tracking, communication) for the rest of the week to get files set up and databases completed. Then we’ll be ready to get update pictures and info from the kids starting next week as we visit a different Feeding Center each day.
Mayela worked on printing and cutting out the kids pics and putting the next sponsor book together for the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. She got quite a bit done today. We work well together and I enjoy her.
Manuel had a hard time with school today. He was having some behavior problems, so the Hulsey’s went home a little early. Mary and I were each on a computer working and it was nice and quiet. We kept at it until the mosquitoes started bothering us. Then we went inside our rooms for the night.
Juver and his kinfolk had made some bunkbeds for the ministry. They are really nice and sturdy. There were some issues with due dates and such (normal for Nica), but the end product was very good and Mike was very pleased with them.
It is really pouring down rain and thundering a lot. I believe it’s a gulley washer!! Unfortunately, it will wipe out some roads. I hope it passes by quickly.
Buster was scratching on my door last night, but I wouldn’t let him in. He can sleep in Alberto’s little house, and I knew that he would keep me up and down all night, so I left him outside. Tonight, he made a pounding noise on my door and I thought it might be Mary or Alberto, so I opened the door. Buster ran in and promptly hid under my bed behind some tubs. I can’t get him out, so I guess he will join me for the night. That little bugger better not keep me up! Ha
I talked with my sister Sandy today and we’ve decided not to take the chance of trying to handle the paperwork for Dad’s estate down here. It’s just too complicated and ‘iffy’ to get legal documents taken care of that will be accepted in the states. So I’m going to fly to Indiana on May 24 for a few days to sign papers and help finalize stuff. It will be nice to be up there with family during that time. I had some money come to me that I was not expecting, so I’m using it to cover most of my airfare. Going at that time will also satisfy my Visa requirements so that I can stay until Aug 13 as planned without having to get an extension. I’m actually starting to look forward to going. I’m going to put my clothes in my carryon and put the carryon in my big suitcase since I can take one checked bag for free. Then when I come back I can have my carryon with clothes in it and use my big suitcase to bring stuff back that I buy in the states. There are so many things on our wishlist that I can’t wait to bring it back!
I called Nana Ruth this evening and she is doing pretty well. I love being able to call on my iPhone using Skype for just pennies a minute. It sure makes communication a lot better.
I’m so spoiled to technology, but I’m very grateful for it. Being able to keep in touch with people helps with relationships, as well as communicating with teams coming down and sharing with my supporters and prayer partners about what God is doing here and how blessed I am to be serving here.
I guess I’ll go for now and see if the lightning and thunder quit soon so I can watch my nightly video. I’m spoiled to that, too! I don’t miss TV much at all and I’m enjoying watching my little videos most every night. Then I read until sleepy. It’s a nice quiet life most of the time.
I have many friends who are going through physical problems, deaths in the family, breakups of marriages, etc. My heart goes out to all of them. I find that I have more time to pray for them when I’m here. Actually, it’s just that there is less distraction and I can concentrate more on prayer time here. But I could always improve my time management!! Especially when it comes to prayer and Bible study!!
I got up and started preparing for the day. Mayela got here early and we started working on our own parts of the Feeding Centers projects. Lesly got here, then the Hulsey’s and everyone was working away. Since we had an event here last night, we had an extra cleaning lady today to help Aracelys. Saturnino had to go to the Husley’s house for little bit to work on a bathroom. Everyone was very busy.
The Coke guys came early this morning to deliver our weekly order (bottled water, sodas), so I had to pay them, since the Hulsey’s weren’t here yet. The bill came to 1,495.95 córdabas and I happened to have 1500 in my wallet. We spend US dollars a lot, but sometimes the people would rather have cords. It was about $65 US. Considering we have to buy all our drinkable water, it’s a good deal.
Mayela and I headed out to Monte Horeb to visit the Feeding Center today. It turns out that they weren’t feeding today. We knew that all the Feeding Centers weren’t feeding on Thursday and Friday because of Holy Week, but we weren’t aware about today. I think there may have been a problem with finding enough of the cooks still in town. This week is when many people travel to near by towns (and farther cities) to visit family. A lot of the town just closes down. I think we will be finding ways to make sure the Feeding Centers are open on holiday weeks.
After a yummy lunch, we were all working on our projects again for a while. Mary has been studying for her Evangelism class that she is starting to teach on Monday at 2 churches. She’s also been sewing and mending some things for Mayela. She enjoys that.
Lesly and I went to town to buy a new microwave for my room. My ‘possessed’ one acted up with the 77:77 and beeping again. We found a Frigidaire brand that I liked, so I grabbed it. I’m getting used to driving in León now. So far so good!
I got back to the Mission House and put my new microwave in my room. It’s looks nice and I like it even better than the possessed one that I had borrowed from the Hulseys.
I worked a few more hours on the Feeding Center project. I’ll be working on my part of it (documentation, tracking, communication) for the rest of the week to get files set up and databases completed. Then we’ll be ready to get update pictures and info from the kids starting next week as we visit a different Feeding Center each day.
Mayela worked on printing and cutting out the kids pics and putting the next sponsor book together for the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. She got quite a bit done today. We work well together and I enjoy her.
Manuel had a hard time with school today. He was having some behavior problems, so the Hulsey’s went home a little early. Mary and I were each on a computer working and it was nice and quiet. We kept at it until the mosquitoes started bothering us. Then we went inside our rooms for the night.
Juver and his kinfolk had made some bunkbeds for the ministry. They are really nice and sturdy. There were some issues with due dates and such (normal for Nica), but the end product was very good and Mike was very pleased with them.
It is really pouring down rain and thundering a lot. I believe it’s a gulley washer!! Unfortunately, it will wipe out some roads. I hope it passes by quickly.
Buster was scratching on my door last night, but I wouldn’t let him in. He can sleep in Alberto’s little house, and I knew that he would keep me up and down all night, so I left him outside. Tonight, he made a pounding noise on my door and I thought it might be Mary or Alberto, so I opened the door. Buster ran in and promptly hid under my bed behind some tubs. I can’t get him out, so I guess he will join me for the night. That little bugger better not keep me up! Ha
I talked with my sister Sandy today and we’ve decided not to take the chance of trying to handle the paperwork for Dad’s estate down here. It’s just too complicated and ‘iffy’ to get legal documents taken care of that will be accepted in the states. So I’m going to fly to Indiana on May 24 for a few days to sign papers and help finalize stuff. It will be nice to be up there with family during that time. I had some money come to me that I was not expecting, so I’m using it to cover most of my airfare. Going at that time will also satisfy my Visa requirements so that I can stay until Aug 13 as planned without having to get an extension. I’m actually starting to look forward to going. I’m going to put my clothes in my carryon and put the carryon in my big suitcase since I can take one checked bag for free. Then when I come back I can have my carryon with clothes in it and use my big suitcase to bring stuff back that I buy in the states. There are so many things on our wishlist that I can’t wait to bring it back!
I called Nana Ruth this evening and she is doing pretty well. I love being able to call on my iPhone using Skype for just pennies a minute. It sure makes communication a lot better.
I’m so spoiled to technology, but I’m very grateful for it. Being able to keep in touch with people helps with relationships, as well as communicating with teams coming down and sharing with my supporters and prayer partners about what God is doing here and how blessed I am to be serving here.
I guess I’ll go for now and see if the lightning and thunder quit soon so I can watch my nightly video. I’m spoiled to that, too! I don’t miss TV much at all and I’m enjoying watching my little videos most every night. Then I read until sleepy. It’s a nice quiet life most of the time.
I have many friends who are going through physical problems, deaths in the family, breakups of marriages, etc. My heart goes out to all of them. I find that I have more time to pray for them when I’m here. Actually, it’s just that there is less distraction and I can concentrate more on prayer time here. But I could always improve my time management!! Especially when it comes to prayer and Bible study!!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The weirdest thing happened last night. My microwave went bonkers while I was asleep. I awoke to it’s beeping. Usually, I hear a beep only when the electric has went out and come back on. Then the clock just show a blank screen. This time, the electricity was on, the microwave was constantly beeping and the clock screen said 77:77. How weird! I couldn’t get it to clear or reset or anything, so I just unplugged it. This morning, I plugged it back in and it’s a happy camper again. Hum…
Mayela and I worked on the Feeding Center files this morning and then we headed off to the La Quimera Feeding Center to take some pics of kids who have been sponsored. There were 7 kids on my list. 2 didn’t come today, 2 have moved away and I got pics of three of them. Pastor Brian was at the center helping cook and serve the kids’ meals. I really like him. I’m so glad that God brought him to La Quimera church.
Mayela and I got back to the Mission House just before 1pm. We had lunch and then Lesly, Mary and I went to town to do some ministry shopping. Mayela stayed here and finished putting the file together for the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center sponsor book.
We were lucky enough to park at La Unión and walk to each store that we needed to visit. Lesly needed to pick up another bathing suit for Sherry, we stopped at the movie theater to get a flyer of the movies now showing, but they were out of the flyers, I bought a new Nica phone that holds 2 chips, so that I can use both the cell phone companies here and save money on calls, we stopped at the sewing notions store and Mary picked out some items for her sewing class and I got myself some new thread, then we went to the bookstore next door and I got 2 packets of school supplies, one for primary grades and one for secondary grades. We put our stuff in the SUV and headed to La Carasau to pick up 2 more sewing machines with money donated for the sewing classes. Mary and I got tickled talking about our funny ‘watermelon’ story from yesterday and I think Lesly was embarrassed to be seen with us! We dropped Lesly off to pay the ministry phone bill and Mary and I headed back to the Mission House about 4pm.
Manuel did a great job at school this afternoon and actually finished early. So, at 4:30, we all packed into the SUV and headed to Suyapa for dinner. Saturnino lives in Las Peñitas, where the restaurant is located, so we gave him a ride home instead of him having to take the bus.
There is already lots of traffic and stuff going on at Las Peñitas and Poneloya beaches for Holy Week. It will be so crazy trying to get around places this week. I’m so glad that we live here at the Hotel in town now. I can’t say that enough. What a blessing!
Mary and I got back to the Mission House about 6:30 and went to our rooms. The place had been rented by the big Rose of Sharon church for a youth event for the evening. The music coming through our rooms was great and it was even greater to have quiet after they left. There are some girls still here swimming in the pool. I’m ready for them to go home, too, so we can get ready for bed. I’m sure Mary is ready for them to leave, too. ☺
It’s been a great day. Lots to keep up with and even more to do tomorrow and the days that follow. It will be tough starting next week, when we have all our classes back up and running and Mayela and I will be going to Feeding Centers every morning. I definitely need to manage my time well!
I heard that there were some bad tornadoes and bad weather across Texas and Arkansas (and probably other states, too, but we don’t get much news here). I’m praying for all of the people affected by those storms.
I’m thankful for another great day. I’m so thankful to be here serving my Lord.
Mayela and I worked on the Feeding Center files this morning and then we headed off to the La Quimera Feeding Center to take some pics of kids who have been sponsored. There were 7 kids on my list. 2 didn’t come today, 2 have moved away and I got pics of three of them. Pastor Brian was at the center helping cook and serve the kids’ meals. I really like him. I’m so glad that God brought him to La Quimera church.
Mayela and I got back to the Mission House just before 1pm. We had lunch and then Lesly, Mary and I went to town to do some ministry shopping. Mayela stayed here and finished putting the file together for the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center sponsor book.
We were lucky enough to park at La Unión and walk to each store that we needed to visit. Lesly needed to pick up another bathing suit for Sherry, we stopped at the movie theater to get a flyer of the movies now showing, but they were out of the flyers, I bought a new Nica phone that holds 2 chips, so that I can use both the cell phone companies here and save money on calls, we stopped at the sewing notions store and Mary picked out some items for her sewing class and I got myself some new thread, then we went to the bookstore next door and I got 2 packets of school supplies, one for primary grades and one for secondary grades. We put our stuff in the SUV and headed to La Carasau to pick up 2 more sewing machines with money donated for the sewing classes. Mary and I got tickled talking about our funny ‘watermelon’ story from yesterday and I think Lesly was embarrassed to be seen with us! We dropped Lesly off to pay the ministry phone bill and Mary and I headed back to the Mission House about 4pm.
Manuel did a great job at school this afternoon and actually finished early. So, at 4:30, we all packed into the SUV and headed to Suyapa for dinner. Saturnino lives in Las Peñitas, where the restaurant is located, so we gave him a ride home instead of him having to take the bus.
There is already lots of traffic and stuff going on at Las Peñitas and Poneloya beaches for Holy Week. It will be so crazy trying to get around places this week. I’m so glad that we live here at the Hotel in town now. I can’t say that enough. What a blessing!
Mary and I got back to the Mission House about 6:30 and went to our rooms. The place had been rented by the big Rose of Sharon church for a youth event for the evening. The music coming through our rooms was great and it was even greater to have quiet after they left. There are some girls still here swimming in the pool. I’m ready for them to go home, too, so we can get ready for bed. I’m sure Mary is ready for them to leave, too. ☺
It’s been a great day. Lots to keep up with and even more to do tomorrow and the days that follow. It will be tough starting next week, when we have all our classes back up and running and Mayela and I will be going to Feeding Centers every morning. I definitely need to manage my time well!
I heard that there were some bad tornadoes and bad weather across Texas and Arkansas (and probably other states, too, but we don’t get much news here). I’m praying for all of the people affected by those storms.
I’m thankful for another great day. I’m so thankful to be here serving my Lord.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Today has flown by really fast.
I got up and got ready, work on my Bible study until Mayela got here, then she and I worked on the new Feeding Center project on the computer. I chatted with German a little while and then I started some computer work of my own and then it was time to head to ROSCC Feeding Center for some pics and info on some kids that have been sponsored.
As we were getting in the SUV to leave, Manuel said “are YOU driving?” I’ll never live down backing into that tree… even from a 10 year old! Ha
Mayela got to meet one of the cooks and the Edi (not sure how to spell his name) at ROSCC. We also helped serve the food to the kids. As we were leaving, Teresa (one of the ladies in my Bible study and Sewing class) came to show me that she had made a pair of shorts for her grandbaby. She didn’t have a pattern, but whipped them up out of her pieces of fabric that we sent home with the class on Thursday. I think she is definitely ready to start making stuff on the machine now! Unfortunately, the shorts are too small for her grandbaby, but they sure were cute! It was good to get to see her today.
Mayela and I returned to the Mission House at almost 1pm. We had our lunch that was saved for us. Then we started working on our computer stuff some more. It is so wonderful to have the computer that was donated by Rusty Branson and brought down by the FBC Rogers team. We sure needed it!
It was a little overcast, so Sherry didn’t want to swim (she only likes the very sunny days), so she and Mary, Lesly and Mayela went shopping. I stayed at the Mission House and worked awhile. I was getting so many items marked off of my to-do list! It was great. Mike was working on his laptop nearby, so I could ask him questions and get answers right away! It was great!
I had planned to go to Pacheco’s English school this afternoon, but the streets were starting to be blocked off for the Holy Week celebrations. It’s hard enough to get a taxi I trust at dusk on normal nights. I didn’t want to have to go through crowds of people to find a taxi, so I opted to stay at the Mission House tonight.
Manuel did a good job at his ‘school’, so he was allowed to babysit Mary and me. He and I swam for a little bit, then Mary fixed them some leftovers while I had some soup. It was a nice evening.
Manuel decided to sing to us and we always have a concert when he sings. Alberto came to listen, too. Manuel gets us clapping and waving our arms just like a real concert. He came down into the ‘audience’ and sang to each of us. He gave me a kiss on the eyelid. He was so funny!
His taxi (our friend Jorge) picked him up and took him home about 7:15pm. After that, Mary and I washed some dishes and had a laughing fit over a conversation that I had with Alberto earlier. It was a ‘you had to be there’ moment and no one would find it funny but us. I still giggle when I think about it. Then Alberto came into the kitchen and I’m trying to explain in my bad Spanish what we are laughing at. It’s been a good night of belly laughs.
I came to my room to do some more work on the Feeding Center Kids’ Sponsorships. There’s lot to keep up with, but it’s such a wonderful thing, that it really doesn’t feel like work. I’m blessed to get to do it.
I got a message from my niece that they are expecting. I’m ready to have a GIRL in the family, so I told her that I’m praying for twin girls! Her mother-in-law concurred on facebook that should happen. ☺
My sister Sandy called after speaking with the lawyer taking care of Dad’s estate. There will be papers for me to sign while I’m here in Nica. They can email them to me and I can have a ‘lawyer’ notarize my signature and then we can scan them and email them back. We’ll see how complicated that will get and also how much it will cost. Not much I don’t think. I’m hoping to be able to do it all here in León. If not, I may have to go to the American Consulate in Managua or something. I’m always ready for an adventure!
Now I’m going to watch a video and read and go to bed early. There’s much to do tomorrow and I want to have plenty of energy for it! God is good!
I got up and got ready, work on my Bible study until Mayela got here, then she and I worked on the new Feeding Center project on the computer. I chatted with German a little while and then I started some computer work of my own and then it was time to head to ROSCC Feeding Center for some pics and info on some kids that have been sponsored.
As we were getting in the SUV to leave, Manuel said “are YOU driving?” I’ll never live down backing into that tree… even from a 10 year old! Ha
Mayela got to meet one of the cooks and the Edi (not sure how to spell his name) at ROSCC. We also helped serve the food to the kids. As we were leaving, Teresa (one of the ladies in my Bible study and Sewing class) came to show me that she had made a pair of shorts for her grandbaby. She didn’t have a pattern, but whipped them up out of her pieces of fabric that we sent home with the class on Thursday. I think she is definitely ready to start making stuff on the machine now! Unfortunately, the shorts are too small for her grandbaby, but they sure were cute! It was good to get to see her today.
Mayela and I returned to the Mission House at almost 1pm. We had our lunch that was saved for us. Then we started working on our computer stuff some more. It is so wonderful to have the computer that was donated by Rusty Branson and brought down by the FBC Rogers team. We sure needed it!
It was a little overcast, so Sherry didn’t want to swim (she only likes the very sunny days), so she and Mary, Lesly and Mayela went shopping. I stayed at the Mission House and worked awhile. I was getting so many items marked off of my to-do list! It was great. Mike was working on his laptop nearby, so I could ask him questions and get answers right away! It was great!
I had planned to go to Pacheco’s English school this afternoon, but the streets were starting to be blocked off for the Holy Week celebrations. It’s hard enough to get a taxi I trust at dusk on normal nights. I didn’t want to have to go through crowds of people to find a taxi, so I opted to stay at the Mission House tonight.
Manuel did a good job at his ‘school’, so he was allowed to babysit Mary and me. He and I swam for a little bit, then Mary fixed them some leftovers while I had some soup. It was a nice evening.
Manuel decided to sing to us and we always have a concert when he sings. Alberto came to listen, too. Manuel gets us clapping and waving our arms just like a real concert. He came down into the ‘audience’ and sang to each of us. He gave me a kiss on the eyelid. He was so funny!
His taxi (our friend Jorge) picked him up and took him home about 7:15pm. After that, Mary and I washed some dishes and had a laughing fit over a conversation that I had with Alberto earlier. It was a ‘you had to be there’ moment and no one would find it funny but us. I still giggle when I think about it. Then Alberto came into the kitchen and I’m trying to explain in my bad Spanish what we are laughing at. It’s been a good night of belly laughs.
I came to my room to do some more work on the Feeding Center Kids’ Sponsorships. There’s lot to keep up with, but it’s such a wonderful thing, that it really doesn’t feel like work. I’m blessed to get to do it.
I got a message from my niece that they are expecting. I’m ready to have a GIRL in the family, so I told her that I’m praying for twin girls! Her mother-in-law concurred on facebook that should happen. ☺
My sister Sandy called after speaking with the lawyer taking care of Dad’s estate. There will be papers for me to sign while I’m here in Nica. They can email them to me and I can have a ‘lawyer’ notarize my signature and then we can scan them and email them back. We’ll see how complicated that will get and also how much it will cost. Not much I don’t think. I’m hoping to be able to do it all here in León. If not, I may have to go to the American Consulate in Managua or something. I’m always ready for an adventure!
Now I’m going to watch a video and read and go to bed early. There’s much to do tomorrow and I want to have plenty of energy for it! God is good!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
What an awesome Sunday this has been. It started with going to La Quimera church for the first Worship Service with the new Pastor, Brian. I got to meet him and his wife, Marcela and their kids. Mike, Sherry and Mary all know them from years back and they think very highly of them. I enjoyed meeting them and I think I’m going to really like working with them. Marcela is learning English and she and I promised to help each other practice our second languages.
Marcela led the worship time and got everyone singing. She did a good job talking between songs and seems to feel very comfortable there. I think the community is going to love having them as Pastors. Brian gave a good message and then they had a special guest for this special Sunday. A clown (I can’t remember his name) was there and got the kids all singing and participating in the telling of the story of Noah’s Ark. He was fun and I enjoyed him a lot. He also got the kids doing the Sapo Sapo song (toad) that we do a lot at the Fiestas. Mary and Manuel even got up there to do the motions. The clown carried off the ones who didn’t get the most applause and it was funny. He even carried Manuel off. Manuel was looking at him like he was crazy. I got some video of it and put it on my facebook page.
During church, Manuel was ‘reading’ his Daddy’s Bible and wearing his Daddy’s glasses. I got some pics of that. He looked so studious. It was cute.
We left before the clown was finished and as I was waving goodbye to Marcela, the clown noticed and started waving to me. Then he pantomimed that his heart was beating huge for me. He was funny. As we left the building we ran into a boy on a horse who had been riding by and stopped to see what was going on. I got his picture and it included the little colt that was following the mama horse. The boy’s name was Pedro. I hope he starts coming to church next week.
We got back to the Mission House and had a yummy lunch of roast chicken with potatoes, onions and carrots. We also had green beans and corn. It was really good. It was a little bit overcast, not much, but enough that Sherry didn’t want to bother getting in the pool, so the Hulsey’s went home for a nap and Mary and I went to our rooms to relax.
I took a sweet nap and then worked on cleaning and organizing a little bit more in my room. I downloaded the pics and videos from this morning. I had popcorn for dinner and then worked a little on the computer and then played on it some. Now it’s time for a video and bed.
This is Holy Week here and school is out and some businesses are closed. A lot of people go to the beach, even though it’s too rough to really swim. But it’s something different to do. I’m glad we don’t live at the beach anymore. It’s much nicer to be here on the edge of town.
As we were leaving town this morning for La Quimera, we had to take a detour because one of the main roads was blocked by crowds re-enacting the ‘Triumphal Entry’ of Jesus. There will be lots of parades and festivities this week. It will be an unusual week for business and such.
We are not having any classes this week so the ladies can do their family holiday stuff. Mayela and I will still got to visit the Feeding Centers on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mary and I hope to go to town and run around a little bit one day. We want to purchase more sewing stuff and just look at what’s available here. It will be fun. I’m sure there will be a stop at the ice cream store, too!!!
I’ve really felt blessed today. I love worshipping my God and especially here. All my correspondence on facebook and emails today has been upbeat and happy. I probably should have made some phone calls to the states today, but it just skips my mind when I’m enjoying my tasks. I’ll have to remember to do so tomorrow.
Time for a video and reading and bed. Ahhhhh, what a life!
Marcela led the worship time and got everyone singing. She did a good job talking between songs and seems to feel very comfortable there. I think the community is going to love having them as Pastors. Brian gave a good message and then they had a special guest for this special Sunday. A clown (I can’t remember his name) was there and got the kids all singing and participating in the telling of the story of Noah’s Ark. He was fun and I enjoyed him a lot. He also got the kids doing the Sapo Sapo song (toad) that we do a lot at the Fiestas. Mary and Manuel even got up there to do the motions. The clown carried off the ones who didn’t get the most applause and it was funny. He even carried Manuel off. Manuel was looking at him like he was crazy. I got some video of it and put it on my facebook page.
During church, Manuel was ‘reading’ his Daddy’s Bible and wearing his Daddy’s glasses. I got some pics of that. He looked so studious. It was cute.
We left before the clown was finished and as I was waving goodbye to Marcela, the clown noticed and started waving to me. Then he pantomimed that his heart was beating huge for me. He was funny. As we left the building we ran into a boy on a horse who had been riding by and stopped to see what was going on. I got his picture and it included the little colt that was following the mama horse. The boy’s name was Pedro. I hope he starts coming to church next week.
We got back to the Mission House and had a yummy lunch of roast chicken with potatoes, onions and carrots. We also had green beans and corn. It was really good. It was a little bit overcast, not much, but enough that Sherry didn’t want to bother getting in the pool, so the Hulsey’s went home for a nap and Mary and I went to our rooms to relax.
I took a sweet nap and then worked on cleaning and organizing a little bit more in my room. I downloaded the pics and videos from this morning. I had popcorn for dinner and then worked a little on the computer and then played on it some. Now it’s time for a video and bed.
This is Holy Week here and school is out and some businesses are closed. A lot of people go to the beach, even though it’s too rough to really swim. But it’s something different to do. I’m glad we don’t live at the beach anymore. It’s much nicer to be here on the edge of town.
As we were leaving town this morning for La Quimera, we had to take a detour because one of the main roads was blocked by crowds re-enacting the ‘Triumphal Entry’ of Jesus. There will be lots of parades and festivities this week. It will be an unusual week for business and such.
We are not having any classes this week so the ladies can do their family holiday stuff. Mayela and I will still got to visit the Feeding Centers on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mary and I hope to go to town and run around a little bit one day. We want to purchase more sewing stuff and just look at what’s available here. It will be fun. I’m sure there will be a stop at the ice cream store, too!!!
I’ve really felt blessed today. I love worshipping my God and especially here. All my correspondence on facebook and emails today has been upbeat and happy. I probably should have made some phone calls to the states today, but it just skips my mind when I’m enjoying my tasks. I’ll have to remember to do so tomorrow.
Time for a video and reading and bed. Ahhhhh, what a life!
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