It’s been a good day. I walked 4 miles this morning. I tried going faster to improve my time. It’s mostly an incline, sometimes more than others, and the pavement/sidewalks are treacherous, but I still make good time. I love my walk. Once I get myself out the door!
After my shower, I helped Leana in the kitchen, since Erika is sick today. Leana is so much fun! She trusted me to cut up grapes, clean the celery and dry the dishes. Not much, but it was helpful.
I ran over to the Hulsey’s house to pick up Sherry and bring her over to the team house. Then I got on the computer for awhile.
The team left at 7:30am to do some Fiestas and street ministry. Their lunch was delivered to them in the field and then they did more Fiestas in the afternoon. They finally got back to the team house about 4:30. They were very tired and hot and sweaty. I think some were a little bit dehydrated. It’s hard to make yourself drink enough water when there aren’t sufficient bathrooms in some of the places we serve. They got refreshed and rested while they listened to Sherry tell Manuel’s story. Only one person on the team had been here before, so it was new to them all. While we had dinner (spaghetti and cheese biscuits) Manuel preached and led some singing. He loves to have an audience.
I finally got my Newsletter out via email. I got a lot of other computer stuff done, too. Mayela had some work on the computer to do, so we didn’t venture out to a Feeding Center today. The office printer went haywire, so she’ll need to stay here tomorrow to get a picture book printed for the team. We’ll make it to a couple of Feeding Centers later in the week. They are doing pretty well. We just like to check in and also get updated pics and info.
My shoulders and upper back were bothering me, so I asked Mayela for a shoulder and neck massage. She is a masseuse, so she loves doing that. She carries her oil with her. She ended up having me come to my room and giving me a full back, shoulder and neck massage. It was wonderful! She said that I’m so tight in my back and shoulders that I need another massage on Wednesday. OK!!
I met with Pastor Brian for a short meeting this morning about the Children’s Ministry at La Quimera Church. Sherry and Mike have given me the go-ahead to follow up on God’s nudging me to help organize the Children’s Ministry for La Quimera and San Jacinto churches. I’ll also help the Monte Horeb church when the time’s right. I’m excited about it. I’ll be sharing more info later about how it will work, what is needed and how donors can help. I’ll be bringing supplies and materials back from the states with me in October.
I drove Leana home tonight after dinner. She brings a 5 gallon bucket to fill up with leftovers and scraps to feed their pig. She had a big load and the wait for the bus was going to be long. Then she has to walk quite a ways to her house. Sherry asked me to drive her home. I’ve only been there once before, but Leana was happy that I could remember the way. She introduced me to her 4 sons. They are precious!
I got back to the team house and the group is worshiping and I’m enjoying it. Now time to post this, get my book out and retire for the night.
God is so good and I am truly thankful for ALL His blessings!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Sunday night and finally done for the day. The team split up and went to 8 different churches this morning and 8 different churches this evening. Many testimonies and messages shared. And lots of time on the road!
I didn’t walk this morning and enjoyed spending time getting ready for church and talking with some of the team. Mike was here this morning and had a short meeting with them. I went to La Quimera church this morning and enjoyed Pastor Brian. The kids are starting to talk to me and all call my by name. The ladies are always so sweet. I love being in the La Quimera community.
We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn for lunch. It was very good. After lunch, there was Fiesta training for the team. Manuel pitched in and led the team in some singing before Mike spoke. I guess he was the opening act.
Later in the afternoon, I played with Manuel. He loves to pretend stuff. I was his wife and we were going to the airport to pick up a team. We walked around with our arms out behind us like we were pulling luggage along. We missed our flight, of course, so we found a place to sit and got a pretend snack at the airport. He has it all figured out. He had a good day today.
I stayed at the team house when the teams went out to church this evening. I worked on the computer some and I also looked up some Bible verses to share with my Ladies Bible Study class. I’m making them some Scripture Memory cards to use while I’m gone for 2 months. It’s hard to pick out just a handful of scripture. It’s all so good!
The teams got back really late from church tonight. I sent the cook home and finished up serving the groups as they came in. It didn’t take long to get it done and the dishes washed up. I was glad to pitch in and let her go home. She has to be back about 5am tomorrow, so she deserves to go home by 8pm!! The rest of the week won’t be so late, because the team will take their dinner with them to the crusade area and have picnic dinners each night. Leana will be able to go home about 5pm each night. That will be much better.
Erika, one of the cooks is sick, so if Leana can’t find a helper for tomorrow, I volunteered my services. This will be fun! I love Leana. She is so funny!
I’m reading a book called “Conversation Peace” and really enjoying it. I try to read a chapter or two every day. I need to add in an hour or two of Spanish study to my schedule, too. That plus Bible study and quiet time, walking and working will pretty much fill in my day to overflowing! I hope I can find time to take a quick nap! Haha
I was working on my quarterly wall calendar today. I’m putting the team dates for Oct, Nov, Dec and Jan on it. Plus scheduling my Bible Study lesson plan for those 4 months. Next I need to plan my sewing class projects. Then we’ll watch it all change on a weekly basis! Never a dull moment around here!
It’s been a very dry ‘rainy season’ so far. I hope we get some rain in the next months. But I have to say that I hope it only rains at night while we are sleeping. That would be perfect!
I guess I should head to bed now. Weeks with teams means getting up between 5 and 6am. I need my beauty sleep and to be rested enough to get my early morning walks in. Pray for discipline for me!!
Can’t wait to see what all God is going to do this week! Crusade Weeks are the best!! May His will be done and may He receive all the Glory!!
I didn’t walk this morning and enjoyed spending time getting ready for church and talking with some of the team. Mike was here this morning and had a short meeting with them. I went to La Quimera church this morning and enjoyed Pastor Brian. The kids are starting to talk to me and all call my by name. The ladies are always so sweet. I love being in the La Quimera community.
We had meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn for lunch. It was very good. After lunch, there was Fiesta training for the team. Manuel pitched in and led the team in some singing before Mike spoke. I guess he was the opening act.
Later in the afternoon, I played with Manuel. He loves to pretend stuff. I was his wife and we were going to the airport to pick up a team. We walked around with our arms out behind us like we were pulling luggage along. We missed our flight, of course, so we found a place to sit and got a pretend snack at the airport. He has it all figured out. He had a good day today.
I stayed at the team house when the teams went out to church this evening. I worked on the computer some and I also looked up some Bible verses to share with my Ladies Bible Study class. I’m making them some Scripture Memory cards to use while I’m gone for 2 months. It’s hard to pick out just a handful of scripture. It’s all so good!
The teams got back really late from church tonight. I sent the cook home and finished up serving the groups as they came in. It didn’t take long to get it done and the dishes washed up. I was glad to pitch in and let her go home. She has to be back about 5am tomorrow, so she deserves to go home by 8pm!! The rest of the week won’t be so late, because the team will take their dinner with them to the crusade area and have picnic dinners each night. Leana will be able to go home about 5pm each night. That will be much better.
Erika, one of the cooks is sick, so if Leana can’t find a helper for tomorrow, I volunteered my services. This will be fun! I love Leana. She is so funny!
I’m reading a book called “Conversation Peace” and really enjoying it. I try to read a chapter or two every day. I need to add in an hour or two of Spanish study to my schedule, too. That plus Bible study and quiet time, walking and working will pretty much fill in my day to overflowing! I hope I can find time to take a quick nap! Haha
I was working on my quarterly wall calendar today. I’m putting the team dates for Oct, Nov, Dec and Jan on it. Plus scheduling my Bible Study lesson plan for those 4 months. Next I need to plan my sewing class projects. Then we’ll watch it all change on a weekly basis! Never a dull moment around here!
It’s been a very dry ‘rainy season’ so far. I hope we get some rain in the next months. But I have to say that I hope it only rains at night while we are sleeping. That would be perfect!
I guess I should head to bed now. Weeks with teams means getting up between 5 and 6am. I need my beauty sleep and to be rested enough to get my early morning walks in. Pray for discipline for me!!
Can’t wait to see what all God is going to do this week! Crusade Weeks are the best!! May His will be done and may He receive all the Glory!!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
I got up and walked 4 miles this morning. Since I went to bed so early last night, I was wide awake at 5am and read until 6. Then I decided I wasn’t going to be able to fall back asleep, so I got up and walked earlier than usual. The weather was not so hot and the streets not so crowded, so it was a good change.
I got back to the team house and showered and fixed my oatmeal and then joined the team for a brief meeting. They all took off about 10am for downtown for sightseeing and shopping. They also had lunch at Tip Top Chicken and did more shopping before returning to the team house at 3:30pm.
Mary and I ran into town for some printer ink and a few things at the grocery store. It was nice to just run around a little bit. We got back to the team house and messed around a bit until the pizzas came for lunch. I love the veggie pizza.
I worked on typing up the Bible study notes in Spanish (thanks to Estefanie’s translating them for me) and printed off a copy for Lesly to edit/correct. Then I made a few phone calls to family in IN until the internet messed up my Skype calls on my phone.
I laid down to rest and play scrabble on my Kindle and then napped for about an hour. It felt so nice!
The team got back and we loaded up about 4pm and headed to the beach. We went to Suyapa restaurant for everyone to order their food. The team went walking along the beach for a while. Mary and I sat at the restaurant with the drivers and chatted. It takes a long time to get your food when in a large group, so we were there a while. As the sun was beginning to lower it started bearing down on our table, so we moved. One of the drivers was holding his cap up in the air to shield me from the sun. How sweet. Once we moved it was much better.
Our food came in shifts. Mary was served and started in on the veggies and potatoes. Then a little while later, the waiter brought over her real order and we discovered that she had MY plate! It was so funny! She gave me a few of the veggies and pieces of potato from her plate to make up for what she ate of mine. Everyone gets a small bowl of rice with their dinner. Mary had mine and hers both in front of her. I was teasing her about taking all of my food! Our dinners were really yummy, as always. We were still stuffed from the pizza from lunch, but we did a good job on our meals anyway.
Now I’m back in my room, showered and eating dark chocolate mint m&ms while working on the computer. In a little while I’ll be in bed early again, reading until I fall to sleep. It’s been a wonderful and relaxing day.
Tomorrow we start the ministry work week. I’ll be going to La Quimera as usual. The team will be splitting into 8 groups to go to churches who are involved with the Crusade this coming week. They will go to 8 more churches tomorrow night. It’s going to be a great Sunday!!
I’m so thankful for the blessings that God has given me this day (and always). It’s so wonderful to get to live here in Nica and serve my sweet Lord. I love all the opportunities He brings my way to interact with so many people. I love being a piece to His big puzzle.
I got back to the team house and showered and fixed my oatmeal and then joined the team for a brief meeting. They all took off about 10am for downtown for sightseeing and shopping. They also had lunch at Tip Top Chicken and did more shopping before returning to the team house at 3:30pm.
Mary and I ran into town for some printer ink and a few things at the grocery store. It was nice to just run around a little bit. We got back to the team house and messed around a bit until the pizzas came for lunch. I love the veggie pizza.
I worked on typing up the Bible study notes in Spanish (thanks to Estefanie’s translating them for me) and printed off a copy for Lesly to edit/correct. Then I made a few phone calls to family in IN until the internet messed up my Skype calls on my phone.
I laid down to rest and play scrabble on my Kindle and then napped for about an hour. It felt so nice!
The team got back and we loaded up about 4pm and headed to the beach. We went to Suyapa restaurant for everyone to order their food. The team went walking along the beach for a while. Mary and I sat at the restaurant with the drivers and chatted. It takes a long time to get your food when in a large group, so we were there a while. As the sun was beginning to lower it started bearing down on our table, so we moved. One of the drivers was holding his cap up in the air to shield me from the sun. How sweet. Once we moved it was much better.
Our food came in shifts. Mary was served and started in on the veggies and potatoes. Then a little while later, the waiter brought over her real order and we discovered that she had MY plate! It was so funny! She gave me a few of the veggies and pieces of potato from her plate to make up for what she ate of mine. Everyone gets a small bowl of rice with their dinner. Mary had mine and hers both in front of her. I was teasing her about taking all of my food! Our dinners were really yummy, as always. We were still stuffed from the pizza from lunch, but we did a good job on our meals anyway.
Now I’m back in my room, showered and eating dark chocolate mint m&ms while working on the computer. In a little while I’ll be in bed early again, reading until I fall to sleep. It’s been a wonderful and relaxing day.
Tomorrow we start the ministry work week. I’ll be going to La Quimera as usual. The team will be splitting into 8 groups to go to churches who are involved with the Crusade this coming week. They will go to 8 more churches tomorrow night. It’s going to be a great Sunday!!
I’m so thankful for the blessings that God has given me this day (and always). It’s so wonderful to get to live here in Nica and serve my sweet Lord. I love all the opportunities He brings my way to interact with so many people. I love being a piece to His big puzzle.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
All day today, I have thought it was Monday. I’ve been so confused! Yesterday was a holiday and all the Nica staff had the day off. They came back to work today and it made me think that it was Monday. But then again, I’m easily confused!
I took the morning off from walking today. I knew I would be walking a lot this afternoon. So I got right to work on Feeding Center stuff. I was excited to be so close to checking off some very big items from my to-do list.
We had a driver available, so I didn’t have to take Lesly to the store for the meat for the Feeding Centers for next week. Nor did I have to drive Mayela to the San Jacinto Feeding Center. I got a ton of work done in the morning.
Mary was sweet enough to stop by On the Run and pick me up some of my favorite juice on the way home. She got me 10 bottles. Yay! I love the Carrot/Orange juice!
After lunch, I picked up Estefanie at her house and she gave me the translated notes for Bible Study. I got them ready in English and gave them to her last week and she worked on them all day Thursday to get them translated into Spanish for me. I’ll spend most of Saturday and Sunday typing up the Spanish version so they are ready for the ladies. That’s another big item on the to-do list that will get marked off!
Estefanie and I went to a museum that she has been wanting to show me. It used to be a small prison. There were many mosaics on the walls and drawings depicting scenes of all kinds. Then there were rooms filled with mannequins and other items. We walked up these small, steep stairs to walk around the concrete walls that the soldiers/guards used to walk on to guard the place. I don’t like heights at all, but I enjoyed the excursion. There was a tank there from the revolution in the ‘70s. This prison was a place of much torture. I’m glad that it can be turned into a place to share history and culture.
We then went to the main Cathedral at Central Park. I’ve been to the Cathedral many times, but had not been up on the roof. Part of it was blocked off for repairs, but we still made it up to most of the roof by going up very narrow and steep stairs. It was really pretty up there. Next time I hope to get to go up to the very top and take some pictures. Estefanie was a great tour guide.
I ended up taking about 129 pictures from the afternoon. I’ve downloaded them all on Facebook. It was such a wonderful afternoon for me. I enjoy Estefanie’s company and it was fun to do something totally unrelated to work. We stopped at Eskimo and I had some ice cream and she had a special juice drink. I then took her home and thought about how it feels closer to the mission house all the time. I’m getting more and more used to driving around León. A very nice afternoon, indeed.
I got back to the mission house and got on the computer. Jeremy and Charlie were finishing up the new website and it looks great! It has taken MANY, MANY hours over the last couple of weeks to get it done. Jeremy is very talented and his work was invaluable! I took Jeremy home and Mary rode a long. It’s just a mile or so, and the ride was refreshing.
I had some leftovers for dinner. I love leftovers of any kind, especially cold. I was very happy.
I retired to my room and got my shower and am posting some blogs. Next it will be time for a movie or reading (I haven’t decided yet) and then time to go to bed early so I can get up to walk early in the morning.
The next team will arrive here about 11pm tonight. I’ll probably stay in my room and meet them in the morning. This is our last week of teams until October. This past week has been such a blessing of resting and catching up on other work.
This next week will be very busy and I’m sure will go by very fast. It’s a Crusade, so there should be many salvations by the end of the week. I’m praying for everyone involved in the preparation over the past months and for the workers this week and for the local church people who will follow up with the new Believers after the Crusade is over.
God is so good to us! I love that He allows me to serve Him. I cannot think of anything better!
I took the morning off from walking today. I knew I would be walking a lot this afternoon. So I got right to work on Feeding Center stuff. I was excited to be so close to checking off some very big items from my to-do list.
We had a driver available, so I didn’t have to take Lesly to the store for the meat for the Feeding Centers for next week. Nor did I have to drive Mayela to the San Jacinto Feeding Center. I got a ton of work done in the morning.
Mary was sweet enough to stop by On the Run and pick me up some of my favorite juice on the way home. She got me 10 bottles. Yay! I love the Carrot/Orange juice!
After lunch, I picked up Estefanie at her house and she gave me the translated notes for Bible Study. I got them ready in English and gave them to her last week and she worked on them all day Thursday to get them translated into Spanish for me. I’ll spend most of Saturday and Sunday typing up the Spanish version so they are ready for the ladies. That’s another big item on the to-do list that will get marked off!
Estefanie and I went to a museum that she has been wanting to show me. It used to be a small prison. There were many mosaics on the walls and drawings depicting scenes of all kinds. Then there were rooms filled with mannequins and other items. We walked up these small, steep stairs to walk around the concrete walls that the soldiers/guards used to walk on to guard the place. I don’t like heights at all, but I enjoyed the excursion. There was a tank there from the revolution in the ‘70s. This prison was a place of much torture. I’m glad that it can be turned into a place to share history and culture.
We then went to the main Cathedral at Central Park. I’ve been to the Cathedral many times, but had not been up on the roof. Part of it was blocked off for repairs, but we still made it up to most of the roof by going up very narrow and steep stairs. It was really pretty up there. Next time I hope to get to go up to the very top and take some pictures. Estefanie was a great tour guide.
I ended up taking about 129 pictures from the afternoon. I’ve downloaded them all on Facebook. It was such a wonderful afternoon for me. I enjoy Estefanie’s company and it was fun to do something totally unrelated to work. We stopped at Eskimo and I had some ice cream and she had a special juice drink. I then took her home and thought about how it feels closer to the mission house all the time. I’m getting more and more used to driving around León. A very nice afternoon, indeed.
I got back to the mission house and got on the computer. Jeremy and Charlie were finishing up the new website and it looks great! It has taken MANY, MANY hours over the last couple of weeks to get it done. Jeremy is very talented and his work was invaluable! I took Jeremy home and Mary rode a long. It’s just a mile or so, and the ride was refreshing.
I had some leftovers for dinner. I love leftovers of any kind, especially cold. I was very happy.
I retired to my room and got my shower and am posting some blogs. Next it will be time for a movie or reading (I haven’t decided yet) and then time to go to bed early so I can get up to walk early in the morning.
The next team will arrive here about 11pm tonight. I’ll probably stay in my room and meet them in the morning. This is our last week of teams until October. This past week has been such a blessing of resting and catching up on other work.
This next week will be very busy and I’m sure will go by very fast. It’s a Crusade, so there should be many salvations by the end of the week. I’m praying for everyone involved in the preparation over the past months and for the workers this week and for the local church people who will follow up with the new Believers after the Crusade is over.
God is so good to us! I love that He allows me to serve Him. I cannot think of anything better!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
I got up and walked 4 miles. I didn’t feel like it, but I told myself that I deserved to do it for myself and that I needed to be obedient in taking care of myself. Of course, once I’m out the door I’m loving it, it’s just that part about getting ready and out the door…
I started 2 loads of laundry before I left. We now have 2 washing machines, thanks to a wonderful team, and we really need them! I even stripped my bed and washed up the sheets and bedspread and towels, too.
I got back from my walk and showered and had oatmeal again for breakfast.
I was planning on doing a little sewing and also spending the day just doing personal stuff, which I am very much behind on! I didn’t get to the sewing, but I did get a ton of work done on blog posts and starting my newsletter and other things like that. It was a very productive day.
Sherry and Manuel came over for the day. Actually, Manuel had spent the night with Charlie. Sherry got to spend some time in the pool, which she loves. She fixed some yummy Mexican chicken casserole, green beans and salad for lunch. It was so good!
After lunch, I laid down on my bed with my Kindle for a nap. I awoke almost 2 hours later and I hadn’t moved a muscle from when I laid down. I slept hard! I needed that rest and it felt good! Sherry and Manuel had just left, so Mary and I retired to our computers and quiet rooms. Charlie headed to church.
I was so happy to get so much caught up. Especially, the personal stuff that I put on a back burner. God was very gracious to me by giving me exactly what He knew would make me happy! I am blessed.
DON’T FORGET TO GO TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE THE LATEST PHOTOS OF LIFE HERE IN NICA.
I started 2 loads of laundry before I left. We now have 2 washing machines, thanks to a wonderful team, and we really need them! I even stripped my bed and washed up the sheets and bedspread and towels, too.
I got back from my walk and showered and had oatmeal again for breakfast.
I was planning on doing a little sewing and also spending the day just doing personal stuff, which I am very much behind on! I didn’t get to the sewing, but I did get a ton of work done on blog posts and starting my newsletter and other things like that. It was a very productive day.
Sherry and Manuel came over for the day. Actually, Manuel had spent the night with Charlie. Sherry got to spend some time in the pool, which she loves. She fixed some yummy Mexican chicken casserole, green beans and salad for lunch. It was so good!
After lunch, I laid down on my bed with my Kindle for a nap. I awoke almost 2 hours later and I hadn’t moved a muscle from when I laid down. I slept hard! I needed that rest and it felt good! Sherry and Manuel had just left, so Mary and I retired to our computers and quiet rooms. Charlie headed to church.
I was so happy to get so much caught up. Especially, the personal stuff that I put on a back burner. God was very gracious to me by giving me exactly what He knew would make me happy! I am blessed.
DON’T FORGET TO GO TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE THE LATEST PHOTOS OF LIFE HERE IN NICA.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
July 15 - 18, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Well, I woke up feeling sick this morning. I think describing the busy-ness of the past 5 weeks did me in. haha I didn’t fell like walking or even getting ready for church. I told Mary that I was staying home and then I went back to bed for a while.
I did some reading, watched a couple of movies on my computer, cleaned out some of my clothing to give away, had some soup for lunch, took a nice nap, joined Sherry, Manuel, Charlie and Mary for some taco salad for dinner and then went to bed early (7:30pm!!) The sleep did me good!
Monday, July 16, 2012
I didn’t walk again this morning. I was still feeling a little bit yucky and I also was needed at the team house early to take care of some things, so I just stuck around for the morning. I did some computer work and then scheduled some dr appointments for the when I return to the states in August.
Mayela, Lesly, Mary and I went to the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center to provide a celebration for the kids. Eddy is the director at the Feeding Center and our newest employee of VOH. He was introduced and procedures were repeated for the kids and parents. Then the fun with the piñata began. It was like a mosh pit once the candy fell from the piñata. I got a little bit of a video of it for my facebook page, but I wasn’t fast enough to catch when the candy fell. It was crazy!
Then the kids got their food. As they were leaving the serving table, Mary handed them a little toy as a special gift. Pastor Pedro was sick, but attended the celebration. Everyone had a great time.
After lunch, I spent the rest of the afternoon on the computer doing Feeding Center stuff. By the end of the afternoon, we didn’t have internet. Charlie, Manuel, Sherry and Mary went to the movies. I took Jeremy home after a long day of him working on the new VOH website with Charlie.
I watched a movie on my computer and then went to bed early. I’m kind of liking these earlier bedtimes!!
It was a nice day of celebrating what God is doing here and how blessed we are to be a part of so much ministry. We are blessed to serve!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
I got up and walked 4 miles this morning. It’s a holiday in León and some of the streets will be blocked off near the Cathedral La Mercedes. I walked down to Central Park and it was already blocked off at 7am. I got to wave to my favorite money changer guy, Luis, and came back to the hotel.
After some computer work in the morning, Mayela and I went to La Quimera Feeding Center. We had to go way around downtown because of the street closings. Since the streets are alternating one-ways, it can be crazy. We finally made it out of town and enjoyed the long, hot drive.
After lunch, I finally got the chance to print off some major files that I had been working on over the last few weeks. That sure felt good!!!
Charlie and Jeremy needed info and a pic from me to put on the new VOH website (which they have been working many, many hours on). I got that sent to them. I used a picture that my friend Mindy (photographer) took of me for the wall display at FBCR. I think it’s cheesy, since it’s me, but it’s a good quality picture, so we’ll use it.
I downloaded the pictures that I had taken at Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. And I gave my brain the rest of the afternoon off.
Mary taught her sewing class in the hot sewing room and then retired for the evening.
I went to my room and had some leftovers for dinner and then got on the computer to do some NYC tourist research for my trip with my sister in Sept. Before I knew it, it was time for bed (8:30 – I told you I was going to bed earlier these days). I put the movie away that I had been planning on watching and went to bed to read for an hour or so before I fell asleep. It was a good day.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I got up and walked 4 miles again. It sure feels good! I’m so hot and sweaty when I get back to the team house, but the cold shower feels wonderful! I had oatmeal for breakfast. I’ve been trying to do the oatmeal thing everyday again like I did when I was taking better care of myself.
I worked on – you guessed it – Feeding Center stuff on the computer during the rest of the morning.
Mayela, Lesly and Mary went to do the Celebration at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center. The kids got a piñata and toys along with their meal for the day. They had a great time.
Charlie and Jeremy worked all day on the VOH website. It’s going to be really nice.
I made some bookmarks with the Fruit of the Spirit on them for the Women’s Bible Study. I was almost through laminating and cutting them when I realized that I had misspelled a word. Oh well, I told the ladies that I was just trying to see if they were paying attention.
Estefanie got here right after a downpour. We left for La Quimera and go to the church just before the ladies arrived.
We had an AWESOME Bible Study. They ladies are participating in it so much. They love coming, I love teaching it and Estefanie is loving translating it. God is really blessing us ALL in this study.
I stopped by On the Run for my favorite chicken sandwich to bring home to eat. I was so excited to see that my yummy V8 Splash Orange/Carrot Juice was back in stock!!! Woohoo!!! Then I took Estefanie home. The roads were already getting crazy crowded for tomorrow’s holiday, so we went a different way to her house. She got to show me the church that her sister attends. After dropping her off at home, I got back to the team house and enjoyed my sandwich!
Mary, Sherry and Manuel had went to Suyapa for dinner. Charlie had stayed back to work with Jeremy some more on the website. Mary brought him a shrimp dinner home from Suyapa.
I worked a little with Charlie on tracking which church has which Feeding Center book. I’ll get with Mayela on Friday to see which version we’ve sent. It takes a team!
I went to my room and got my shower and got on facebook for a little while. Then it was time to read and settle in for the night. Tomorrow is a big holiday here in Nicaragua. It’s Independence Day and thousands of people are heading to Managua for celebrating. Those still at home are celebrating, too. Of couse, there are fireworks. They do fireworks for everything down here! All the staff are off tomorrow, so we’ll just have a nice day of hanging around the team house. Another good day.
Well, I woke up feeling sick this morning. I think describing the busy-ness of the past 5 weeks did me in. haha I didn’t fell like walking or even getting ready for church. I told Mary that I was staying home and then I went back to bed for a while.
I did some reading, watched a couple of movies on my computer, cleaned out some of my clothing to give away, had some soup for lunch, took a nice nap, joined Sherry, Manuel, Charlie and Mary for some taco salad for dinner and then went to bed early (7:30pm!!) The sleep did me good!
Monday, July 16, 2012
I didn’t walk again this morning. I was still feeling a little bit yucky and I also was needed at the team house early to take care of some things, so I just stuck around for the morning. I did some computer work and then scheduled some dr appointments for the when I return to the states in August.
Mayela, Lesly, Mary and I went to the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center to provide a celebration for the kids. Eddy is the director at the Feeding Center and our newest employee of VOH. He was introduced and procedures were repeated for the kids and parents. Then the fun with the piñata began. It was like a mosh pit once the candy fell from the piñata. I got a little bit of a video of it for my facebook page, but I wasn’t fast enough to catch when the candy fell. It was crazy!
Then the kids got their food. As they were leaving the serving table, Mary handed them a little toy as a special gift. Pastor Pedro was sick, but attended the celebration. Everyone had a great time.
After lunch, I spent the rest of the afternoon on the computer doing Feeding Center stuff. By the end of the afternoon, we didn’t have internet. Charlie, Manuel, Sherry and Mary went to the movies. I took Jeremy home after a long day of him working on the new VOH website with Charlie.
I watched a movie on my computer and then went to bed early. I’m kind of liking these earlier bedtimes!!
It was a nice day of celebrating what God is doing here and how blessed we are to be a part of so much ministry. We are blessed to serve!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
I got up and walked 4 miles this morning. It’s a holiday in León and some of the streets will be blocked off near the Cathedral La Mercedes. I walked down to Central Park and it was already blocked off at 7am. I got to wave to my favorite money changer guy, Luis, and came back to the hotel.
After some computer work in the morning, Mayela and I went to La Quimera Feeding Center. We had to go way around downtown because of the street closings. Since the streets are alternating one-ways, it can be crazy. We finally made it out of town and enjoyed the long, hot drive.
After lunch, I finally got the chance to print off some major files that I had been working on over the last few weeks. That sure felt good!!!
Charlie and Jeremy needed info and a pic from me to put on the new VOH website (which they have been working many, many hours on). I got that sent to them. I used a picture that my friend Mindy (photographer) took of me for the wall display at FBCR. I think it’s cheesy, since it’s me, but it’s a good quality picture, so we’ll use it.
I downloaded the pictures that I had taken at Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. And I gave my brain the rest of the afternoon off.
Mary taught her sewing class in the hot sewing room and then retired for the evening.
I went to my room and had some leftovers for dinner and then got on the computer to do some NYC tourist research for my trip with my sister in Sept. Before I knew it, it was time for bed (8:30 – I told you I was going to bed earlier these days). I put the movie away that I had been planning on watching and went to bed to read for an hour or so before I fell asleep. It was a good day.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I got up and walked 4 miles again. It sure feels good! I’m so hot and sweaty when I get back to the team house, but the cold shower feels wonderful! I had oatmeal for breakfast. I’ve been trying to do the oatmeal thing everyday again like I did when I was taking better care of myself.
I worked on – you guessed it – Feeding Center stuff on the computer during the rest of the morning.
Mayela, Lesly and Mary went to do the Celebration at the Monte Horeb Feeding Center. The kids got a piñata and toys along with their meal for the day. They had a great time.
Charlie and Jeremy worked all day on the VOH website. It’s going to be really nice.
I made some bookmarks with the Fruit of the Spirit on them for the Women’s Bible Study. I was almost through laminating and cutting them when I realized that I had misspelled a word. Oh well, I told the ladies that I was just trying to see if they were paying attention.
Estefanie got here right after a downpour. We left for La Quimera and go to the church just before the ladies arrived.
We had an AWESOME Bible Study. They ladies are participating in it so much. They love coming, I love teaching it and Estefanie is loving translating it. God is really blessing us ALL in this study.
I stopped by On the Run for my favorite chicken sandwich to bring home to eat. I was so excited to see that my yummy V8 Splash Orange/Carrot Juice was back in stock!!! Woohoo!!! Then I took Estefanie home. The roads were already getting crazy crowded for tomorrow’s holiday, so we went a different way to her house. She got to show me the church that her sister attends. After dropping her off at home, I got back to the team house and enjoyed my sandwich!
Mary, Sherry and Manuel had went to Suyapa for dinner. Charlie had stayed back to work with Jeremy some more on the website. Mary brought him a shrimp dinner home from Suyapa.
I worked a little with Charlie on tracking which church has which Feeding Center book. I’ll get with Mayela on Friday to see which version we’ve sent. It takes a team!
I went to my room and got my shower and got on facebook for a little while. Then it was time to read and settle in for the night. Tomorrow is a big holiday here in Nicaragua. It’s Independence Day and thousands of people are heading to Managua for celebrating. Those still at home are celebrating, too. Of couse, there are fireworks. They do fireworks for everything down here! All the staff are off tomorrow, so we’ll just have a nice day of hanging around the team house. Another good day.
July 8 - 14, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
I got up and walked 2 miles before getting my shower and breakfast and then got ready for church. The team was up and eating breakfast and left early for their church service. I went to La Quimera, as usual, so I didn’t have to leave until a little later. It was a nice quiet morning for me!
After church and lunch I typed up some blog notes and posted them on my site. I’ve been lax in getting these posted in a timely manner, but with teams here, the schedule is crazy and I’m not the best at discipline sometimes.
I also sewed on some aprons and table/pot covers for the Feeding Centers. The team practiced their drama and also got things ready for the week.
I typed up some of the Bible Study notes for the next set of lessons and went to bed early. It was a very nice day.
Monday, July 9, 2012
The team went out on their first day of ministry; fiestas, VBS, English Club, etc.
I didn’t feel really great when I woke up, so I didn’t walk. I did get up and start working right away. I printed off the Bible Study notes so that Estefanie could start translating them into Spanish for me to type up.
I took Lesly to the market by the terminal to get veggies for the week for the Feeding Centers. That always takes a while.
I got back to the team house and worked on some emails. Then Mayela and I visited the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. It was a good visit. Mayela got some things straightened out with the Pastor and plans are being made to run the Feeding Center more smoothly.
I talked with the step-daughter of a friend. She is beginning her career as a social worker and she was interested to see if there was an opportunity to work with our ministry. The requirements for her project do not line up with how we work, but we had a very nice time talking. Mayela translated for me, but I think the girls understood English pretty well. They have been studying it in the University, too.
I picked up some sewing supplies from Bazar Jerry (one of my fav little stores) and then had a meeting with Mayela, Lesly, Mike and Sherry about the Feeding Centers and plans for the future ones. It was a very good meeting.
We went to Suyapa (restaurant on the beach) for dinner. It was a nice evening and yummy food.
I did some Bible study and worked on memorizing some scripture in Spanish. Then time for bed!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I got up and walked 2 miles. I like walking farther, but I need to get up earlier to make that fit into my schedule. Baby steps…
The team set out for another busy day of ministry.
I ran Auxiliodoro to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center with all her veggies for the week. I asked her when we got in the car if she wanted the windows down or the airconditioner on. She was like a little girl and excitedly told me that she wanted the airconditioner on. I love to bless her. She is very special.
I worked on computer stuff for the Feeding Centers and also some emails regarding upcoming teams. I got to talk to Kellie from FBCR on the phone. We were discussing the GIC Missions Conference at my home church (FBCR) in October. It will be great to get to see everyone that week.
Lesly and I went to town to buy me a new phone. I didn’t like my previous one (too fancy after all) so I decided to get a simpler one and gift my old one to Lesly (who will gift her old one to someone else). We stopped in at Eskimo for an ice cream and ran into the team.
I got back to the team house and spent many more hours on the computer doing Feeding Center stuff. There is a lot of work to be done, but when I think of those awesome kids that are getting fed, it’s worth every minute!!!
I went to bed fairly early. I think the walking at 6:30am is changing my body clock to an earlier bedtime. That’s okay by me!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I got up early and walked 4 miles this morning. It felt good! I was very hot and sweaty when I got back to the team house and the cold shower was wonderful! Oatmeal for breakfast and busy to work on the computer again. The team went out for more ministry.
Mayela and I visited Noah’s Ark Feeding Center again. It’s always interesting there. Some of the kids are such dolls!
After lunch, I worked on more computer stuff for the Feeding Centers and finished typing up the Spanish version of the Women’s Bible Study notes. I got things printed off for me and Estefanie and also the women.
Estefanie and I went to La Quimera for the Bible Study. It was really good! The ladies are so interested in this discipleship series. They are really paying attention and asking questions and giving input. It makes my heart sing!
The team was out for dinner for the evening, so I had the team house to myself. I made some salmon patties with canned salmon that I had brought from the states. So yummy! I shared a couple of them with Alberto and he liked them, too. I like to put them in a flour tortilla with oliveoil mayo, lettuce, tomato and cucumber. Yum! Just as I was fixing everything on my plate, the electricity went out. I got out my flashlights and finished dinner. Then I went to bed early to read my Kindle.
The team got back while it was still dark. After about an hour, the electricity came back on. It wasn’t bad at all. Didn’t even have to start the generator for the fridge.
I love spending time in my room by myself. Especially, when we have back to back teams. I really like my room and I’m so thankful that God has provided me with a comfy place to live and the peace of mind to live in a small room as my house. He is so faithful!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
I walked 4 miles again this morning. I usually see the same things each day, but like to look for something different. There are shopkeepers that get to know well enough to say hello to. I like to visit my painter friend. Someday, I hope to be able to buy one of his paintings. They are so beautiful. I was neck and neck with a garbage truck for most of my walk. That part was not very pleasant. Also, there were some people carrying large bundles of balloons tied together. I HATE balloons and get very anxious around them, waiting for them to pop. These people were dragging these bundles of balloons down the street. I hurried up and passed them and kept walking fast until I was far ahead of them. That was a good cardio workout for me!
The team is out doing their last day of ministry. They have had a great week. Hundreds of people have accepted Christ at the Fiestas and school visits. VBS and English Clubs have went well, too. They have visited a couple of churches in the evenings and shared music, drama, messages and testimonies. It’s been a good week for them.
After breakfast, I got busy (you guessed it) on the computer. Then Mayela and I visited Noah’s Ark Feeding Center again. We’re getting the last of the kids on the list set up with their ID cards.
I talked with Cathy Krupka by phone about the women from FBC Rogers coming in October to do some Women’s Ministry. It was good to talk with her.
Another team is working on getting a dentist down here for a trip. We really have a need to work on these people’s teeth. I can’t wait to see how God provides the people and supplies/equipment for us to minister in this way.
Sewing Class was small, but fun. We’ve been working on different projects to help teach different kinds of skills. Lately, we’ve been making hair scrunchies and headbands. Some of the ladies are taking the classes seriously and trying to get better. Some of the ladies are just using the class as entertainment. It can get crazy in there sometimes. We have a small room dedicated to the sewing ministry. It is extremely hot and we have 6 fans in it, but we can’t blow the fans directly on us or they will blow away the fabric and thread, etc. We come out of there knowing that we have been working in a ‘sweat shop’. But we are very thankful for the space, the donated machines, the sturdy tables and the electricity that was wired for us. We hope that in the fall, we will have women ready to make some marketable items to help support their families.
I spent the evening relaxing and watching a video. The team went to their last church service. Everyone had a great evening.
Friday, July 13, 2012
I didn’t get to walk this morning, but I got ready early and took Lesly to La Unión grocery store for some items and then to Palí grocery store to get the week’s worth of meet for the 4 Feeding Centers. After I got back to the team house, I took my shower (I always feel nasty after dealing with the bags of meat) and got busy on the computer.
The team was enjoying their Fun Day adventurers. They went to Cerra Negro, a volcano about an hour or so away. You walk up the side of this rocky, hot and dirty volcano carrying a heavy wooden board. It takes about 45 minutes to walk up. Then you ride the board down the volcano. It’s hot and dirty and can be a little bit dangerous if you fall off of the board. Any time a team has done this on Fun Day, there have been a few people with road rash and some with gashes. It doesn’t sound like fun to me, but some people like it. They got back to the team house about 1 and got showers. Then they headed to town to have lunch and do some more shopping.
I worked on the computer more and then after lunch, Mary and I went to town to get some sewing stuff and have some ice cream. It was a nice little get away for us. As much as we love having teams here, we suffer a little from ‘visitor overload’ since Mary and I live here at the team house. It was a nice afternoon.
I watched 2 movies on my computer while cleaning out some clutter in my room. It was a very nice evening.
The team finished packing for their departure tomorrow. They ordered pizza for dinner and brought it back to the team house. They were having a great evening.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
I went for a 2 mile walk and then came back to say goodbye to the team, who left at 8:00am. I got my shower and had my oatmeal. It was such a peaceful morning!!! We had had 5 teams back to back and were ready for a little tranquility.
I worked on Feeding Center stuff on the computer and got a major chunk of work done. I rewarded myself with a nice 2 hour nap in the afternoon. Ahhhhh…
I love being a part of VOH ministries and I love the work that God accomplishes through the teams that come. I love the hustle and bustle of the work that goes on here. But I have to say that I really love the time with it’s just us who live here, doing our own thing, in our own time and in our own way. God blesses us in many ways.
I got up and walked 2 miles before getting my shower and breakfast and then got ready for church. The team was up and eating breakfast and left early for their church service. I went to La Quimera, as usual, so I didn’t have to leave until a little later. It was a nice quiet morning for me!
After church and lunch I typed up some blog notes and posted them on my site. I’ve been lax in getting these posted in a timely manner, but with teams here, the schedule is crazy and I’m not the best at discipline sometimes.
I also sewed on some aprons and table/pot covers for the Feeding Centers. The team practiced their drama and also got things ready for the week.
I typed up some of the Bible Study notes for the next set of lessons and went to bed early. It was a very nice day.
Monday, July 9, 2012
The team went out on their first day of ministry; fiestas, VBS, English Club, etc.
I didn’t feel really great when I woke up, so I didn’t walk. I did get up and start working right away. I printed off the Bible Study notes so that Estefanie could start translating them into Spanish for me to type up.
I took Lesly to the market by the terminal to get veggies for the week for the Feeding Centers. That always takes a while.
I got back to the team house and worked on some emails. Then Mayela and I visited the Noah’s Ark Feeding Center. It was a good visit. Mayela got some things straightened out with the Pastor and plans are being made to run the Feeding Center more smoothly.
I talked with the step-daughter of a friend. She is beginning her career as a social worker and she was interested to see if there was an opportunity to work with our ministry. The requirements for her project do not line up with how we work, but we had a very nice time talking. Mayela translated for me, but I think the girls understood English pretty well. They have been studying it in the University, too.
I picked up some sewing supplies from Bazar Jerry (one of my fav little stores) and then had a meeting with Mayela, Lesly, Mike and Sherry about the Feeding Centers and plans for the future ones. It was a very good meeting.
We went to Suyapa (restaurant on the beach) for dinner. It was a nice evening and yummy food.
I did some Bible study and worked on memorizing some scripture in Spanish. Then time for bed!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I got up and walked 2 miles. I like walking farther, but I need to get up earlier to make that fit into my schedule. Baby steps…
The team set out for another busy day of ministry.
I ran Auxiliodoro to the Monte Horeb Feeding Center with all her veggies for the week. I asked her when we got in the car if she wanted the windows down or the airconditioner on. She was like a little girl and excitedly told me that she wanted the airconditioner on. I love to bless her. She is very special.
I worked on computer stuff for the Feeding Centers and also some emails regarding upcoming teams. I got to talk to Kellie from FBCR on the phone. We were discussing the GIC Missions Conference at my home church (FBCR) in October. It will be great to get to see everyone that week.
Lesly and I went to town to buy me a new phone. I didn’t like my previous one (too fancy after all) so I decided to get a simpler one and gift my old one to Lesly (who will gift her old one to someone else). We stopped in at Eskimo for an ice cream and ran into the team.
I got back to the team house and spent many more hours on the computer doing Feeding Center stuff. There is a lot of work to be done, but when I think of those awesome kids that are getting fed, it’s worth every minute!!!
I went to bed fairly early. I think the walking at 6:30am is changing my body clock to an earlier bedtime. That’s okay by me!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I got up early and walked 4 miles this morning. It felt good! I was very hot and sweaty when I got back to the team house and the cold shower was wonderful! Oatmeal for breakfast and busy to work on the computer again. The team went out for more ministry.
Mayela and I visited Noah’s Ark Feeding Center again. It’s always interesting there. Some of the kids are such dolls!
After lunch, I worked on more computer stuff for the Feeding Centers and finished typing up the Spanish version of the Women’s Bible Study notes. I got things printed off for me and Estefanie and also the women.
Estefanie and I went to La Quimera for the Bible Study. It was really good! The ladies are so interested in this discipleship series. They are really paying attention and asking questions and giving input. It makes my heart sing!
The team was out for dinner for the evening, so I had the team house to myself. I made some salmon patties with canned salmon that I had brought from the states. So yummy! I shared a couple of them with Alberto and he liked them, too. I like to put them in a flour tortilla with oliveoil mayo, lettuce, tomato and cucumber. Yum! Just as I was fixing everything on my plate, the electricity went out. I got out my flashlights and finished dinner. Then I went to bed early to read my Kindle.
The team got back while it was still dark. After about an hour, the electricity came back on. It wasn’t bad at all. Didn’t even have to start the generator for the fridge.
I love spending time in my room by myself. Especially, when we have back to back teams. I really like my room and I’m so thankful that God has provided me with a comfy place to live and the peace of mind to live in a small room as my house. He is so faithful!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
I walked 4 miles again this morning. I usually see the same things each day, but like to look for something different. There are shopkeepers that get to know well enough to say hello to. I like to visit my painter friend. Someday, I hope to be able to buy one of his paintings. They are so beautiful. I was neck and neck with a garbage truck for most of my walk. That part was not very pleasant. Also, there were some people carrying large bundles of balloons tied together. I HATE balloons and get very anxious around them, waiting for them to pop. These people were dragging these bundles of balloons down the street. I hurried up and passed them and kept walking fast until I was far ahead of them. That was a good cardio workout for me!
The team is out doing their last day of ministry. They have had a great week. Hundreds of people have accepted Christ at the Fiestas and school visits. VBS and English Clubs have went well, too. They have visited a couple of churches in the evenings and shared music, drama, messages and testimonies. It’s been a good week for them.
After breakfast, I got busy (you guessed it) on the computer. Then Mayela and I visited Noah’s Ark Feeding Center again. We’re getting the last of the kids on the list set up with their ID cards.
I talked with Cathy Krupka by phone about the women from FBC Rogers coming in October to do some Women’s Ministry. It was good to talk with her.
Another team is working on getting a dentist down here for a trip. We really have a need to work on these people’s teeth. I can’t wait to see how God provides the people and supplies/equipment for us to minister in this way.
Sewing Class was small, but fun. We’ve been working on different projects to help teach different kinds of skills. Lately, we’ve been making hair scrunchies and headbands. Some of the ladies are taking the classes seriously and trying to get better. Some of the ladies are just using the class as entertainment. It can get crazy in there sometimes. We have a small room dedicated to the sewing ministry. It is extremely hot and we have 6 fans in it, but we can’t blow the fans directly on us or they will blow away the fabric and thread, etc. We come out of there knowing that we have been working in a ‘sweat shop’. But we are very thankful for the space, the donated machines, the sturdy tables and the electricity that was wired for us. We hope that in the fall, we will have women ready to make some marketable items to help support their families.
I spent the evening relaxing and watching a video. The team went to their last church service. Everyone had a great evening.
Friday, July 13, 2012
I didn’t get to walk this morning, but I got ready early and took Lesly to La Unión grocery store for some items and then to Palí grocery store to get the week’s worth of meet for the 4 Feeding Centers. After I got back to the team house, I took my shower (I always feel nasty after dealing with the bags of meat) and got busy on the computer.
The team was enjoying their Fun Day adventurers. They went to Cerra Negro, a volcano about an hour or so away. You walk up the side of this rocky, hot and dirty volcano carrying a heavy wooden board. It takes about 45 minutes to walk up. Then you ride the board down the volcano. It’s hot and dirty and can be a little bit dangerous if you fall off of the board. Any time a team has done this on Fun Day, there have been a few people with road rash and some with gashes. It doesn’t sound like fun to me, but some people like it. They got back to the team house about 1 and got showers. Then they headed to town to have lunch and do some more shopping.
I worked on the computer more and then after lunch, Mary and I went to town to get some sewing stuff and have some ice cream. It was a nice little get away for us. As much as we love having teams here, we suffer a little from ‘visitor overload’ since Mary and I live here at the team house. It was a nice afternoon.
I watched 2 movies on my computer while cleaning out some clutter in my room. It was a very nice evening.
The team finished packing for their departure tomorrow. They ordered pizza for dinner and brought it back to the team house. They were having a great evening.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
I went for a 2 mile walk and then came back to say goodbye to the team, who left at 8:00am. I got my shower and had my oatmeal. It was such a peaceful morning!!! We had had 5 teams back to back and were ready for a little tranquility.
I worked on Feeding Center stuff on the computer and got a major chunk of work done. I rewarded myself with a nice 2 hour nap in the afternoon. Ahhhhh…
I love being a part of VOH ministries and I love the work that God accomplishes through the teams that come. I love the hustle and bustle of the work that goes on here. But I have to say that I really love the time with it’s just us who live here, doing our own thing, in our own time and in our own way. God blesses us in many ways.
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