September is full of special Thursdays. I thought it would be easier to remember if I just made all my travel days on Thursday. So far, it’s helping my memory!
On the 6th, I flew to Indiana for 3 weeks to visit with family. Since I’m in the states for 2 months, I’m splitting my time between Arkansas (3 weeks), Indiana (3 weeks) and Arkansas again (3 weeks).
My flight wasn’t until noon, so I got to have a nice and relaxing morning. When I got to the airport, my flight was delayed. Great. I only had a hour layover in Chicago to begin with. But we got out of XNA 15 only 15 minutes late. The flight attendant told me that my gate from Chicago to Louisville should be in the same terminal and probably very near my arrival gate. WRONG. It was actually in a whole other terminal. I waited for the shuttle and then arrived at my gate right when they were loading the passengers with special needs or traveling with children. There was a restroom nearby and I rushed in and still made it on the plane in time. Whew! I called my sister quickly to tell her that I made my connection and found out that she was almost to the Louisville airport to pick me up. Haha She always worries about having problems on the road, so she gets there extra early.
Anyway, my flight was fine and it was so fun to see her and my great-nephew Colten (2 ½) at the airport. Colten is like a little man. Sandy had him in a stroller to keep him from getting too tired (they arrived an hour early!) and to keep him under control. ☺ She was walking around with him and he was sitting in the stroller with one ankle on the other knee like a little man, just relaxing and people watching. I was glad that he actually let me come home with Sandy. He has only seen me a few times in his life and he didn’t particularly want me taking up his Mamaw’s time. Sandy said that he did ask if they could go to the zoo to see the animals instead of coming to the airport to get me. But he was nice and let me come home!
We stopped for dinner on the way home, since I hadn’t had anything to eat since breakfast. I had a very yummy Arby’s sandwich. Colten and I took turns tearing up napkins and making balls out of them to throw. I don’t think that Sandy exactly liked our entertainment, but we thought it was fun. The weather was beautiful and we had a good trip (1.5 hours) back to Sandy’s house. It was a pretty good travel day!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Sept 1 - 5, 2012
Saturday was a great day of sunshine. After expecting possible storms, it was nice to have calm weather. Although, NWA could have used more rain. I got some laundry done, emails sent, shopping accomplished and some computer work caught up on. I also had on HGTV and was entertained by all the money and work people put into upgrading perfectly good homes into expensive ‘better’ homes. Some of the shows are good, though, as they improve the living conditions of the families. I like the shows regardless…
Sunday was a wonderful day of worship with Cuerpo Vivo church. There were baptisms, child dedications, church-wide intercessory prayer, a great message, awesome praise music and the always present Holy Spirit. I love being at Cuerpo Vivo church! After the service, I visited my friend Elizabeth and took her a sewing machine and supplies. She was thrilled. She fed me some tortillas hot off the griddle with cheese and some beans. What a treat! After her visit, I went next door to Nana Ruth’s house and visited with her. She had been feeling under the weather, but is doing better. It was great to have time to relax and chat.
I got a nice nap in and cleaned up the den at Deanna’s, where I have exploded with my work stuff and items for Nica. I have so many little things going on that I have piles everywhere. But it’s okay. It was a very nice day!
Monday was Labor Day and I enjoyed a nice morning walk. I ran into my friend Isidro and had a nice chat. Then I ran into my friend Kristi, who was on her bike. We had a nice chat, too. It was sunny and very hot. But it was good to be outside.
Later in the day, I worked on printing pictures to share with some fine ladies at FBCR on Tuesday. It’s so hard to decide what pictures to show. I want to use them all, but I know that it would drive everyone crazy!
I got some guitar practice in and am still seasoning my finger tips. But I’m determined to learn! Most of my practice and lessons will happen when I get back to Nica, where I will have a constant teacher and access to a guitar all of the time. I’m going to love it when I learn more!
On Tuesday morning, I ran the borrowed guitar back to Janalyn at FBCR so that she could use it to teach her music class. I got to see a few friends who were there for the beginning of the Ladies’ Tuesday Bible Studies. I love getting to see people!
I ran to the bank, Walmart and got some gas, before returning home to finish putting the stuff together for the Nica talk. The Naomi Class is made up of wonderful senior adult ladies who have faithfully prayed for me and supported since I first went into the mission field full time in 2007. I just love these ladies and hope to be like them when I grow up! We had a great time talking about what God is doing in Nica and how blessed I am to be used by Him. They are very much a part of my ministry opportunities since they help to send me out. I love them very much! The rest of the day was spent making a yummy fresh-veggie pizza for me and Deanna, doing laundry and packing for my trip to Indiana. It was another great day!
Wednesday started off busy with a trip to work with my friend JP, who is helping me build my website to keep everyone up to date on what God is doing in my life and how their prayers and support are making a difference for the Kingdom. Then I scurried over to have a lunch meeting with Rusty and Lynn Branson. Rusty is doing some printing work for me for the ministry.
Then I ran back to the house to get ready for my photo session for the Church Directory at FBCR. The photo stuff went very well and I was pleasantly surprised with the whole experience and the outcome. I don’t like pictures of myself, but they did miracles and the pics turned out pretty good!
My new glasses came in just in time for my trip tomorrow to Indiana. I ran over to the Vision Center and my friend Donna got me all fitted just perfect. She had picked out the frames for me and I really like them. She did a good job!
I got the chance to talk to Mary today by phone. We had a good chat and lots of laughs. We’re both missing Nica, but having fun seeing family and friends.
Deanna is getting new carpet tomorrow, so some of her family came to help move furniture. It was nice to see them.
I’m all packed for Indiana (and NYC). I’ve been catching up on some computer work and printing stuff before heading to bed. I hope I’m not forgetting anything!
It’s time for bed and I’m wide awake. I’m glad that my flight is not too early. I’ll still have time to wake up and tidy up a bit in the morning.
I can’t believe that 3 weeks have went by so fast. I miss Nica and all that is going on down there. But it has been great to be here and see everyone, take care of personal business and share about the ministry. God keeps me moving!
I know that I say this often, but I’m very grateful for the life that God allows me to live. I can’t wait to see what comes next each day!
Sunday was a wonderful day of worship with Cuerpo Vivo church. There were baptisms, child dedications, church-wide intercessory prayer, a great message, awesome praise music and the always present Holy Spirit. I love being at Cuerpo Vivo church! After the service, I visited my friend Elizabeth and took her a sewing machine and supplies. She was thrilled. She fed me some tortillas hot off the griddle with cheese and some beans. What a treat! After her visit, I went next door to Nana Ruth’s house and visited with her. She had been feeling under the weather, but is doing better. It was great to have time to relax and chat.
I got a nice nap in and cleaned up the den at Deanna’s, where I have exploded with my work stuff and items for Nica. I have so many little things going on that I have piles everywhere. But it’s okay. It was a very nice day!
Monday was Labor Day and I enjoyed a nice morning walk. I ran into my friend Isidro and had a nice chat. Then I ran into my friend Kristi, who was on her bike. We had a nice chat, too. It was sunny and very hot. But it was good to be outside.
Later in the day, I worked on printing pictures to share with some fine ladies at FBCR on Tuesday. It’s so hard to decide what pictures to show. I want to use them all, but I know that it would drive everyone crazy!
I got some guitar practice in and am still seasoning my finger tips. But I’m determined to learn! Most of my practice and lessons will happen when I get back to Nica, where I will have a constant teacher and access to a guitar all of the time. I’m going to love it when I learn more!
On Tuesday morning, I ran the borrowed guitar back to Janalyn at FBCR so that she could use it to teach her music class. I got to see a few friends who were there for the beginning of the Ladies’ Tuesday Bible Studies. I love getting to see people!
I ran to the bank, Walmart and got some gas, before returning home to finish putting the stuff together for the Nica talk. The Naomi Class is made up of wonderful senior adult ladies who have faithfully prayed for me and supported since I first went into the mission field full time in 2007. I just love these ladies and hope to be like them when I grow up! We had a great time talking about what God is doing in Nica and how blessed I am to be used by Him. They are very much a part of my ministry opportunities since they help to send me out. I love them very much! The rest of the day was spent making a yummy fresh-veggie pizza for me and Deanna, doing laundry and packing for my trip to Indiana. It was another great day!
Wednesday started off busy with a trip to work with my friend JP, who is helping me build my website to keep everyone up to date on what God is doing in my life and how their prayers and support are making a difference for the Kingdom. Then I scurried over to have a lunch meeting with Rusty and Lynn Branson. Rusty is doing some printing work for me for the ministry.
Then I ran back to the house to get ready for my photo session for the Church Directory at FBCR. The photo stuff went very well and I was pleasantly surprised with the whole experience and the outcome. I don’t like pictures of myself, but they did miracles and the pics turned out pretty good!
My new glasses came in just in time for my trip tomorrow to Indiana. I ran over to the Vision Center and my friend Donna got me all fitted just perfect. She had picked out the frames for me and I really like them. She did a good job!
I got the chance to talk to Mary today by phone. We had a good chat and lots of laughs. We’re both missing Nica, but having fun seeing family and friends.
Deanna is getting new carpet tomorrow, so some of her family came to help move furniture. It was nice to see them.
I’m all packed for Indiana (and NYC). I’ve been catching up on some computer work and printing stuff before heading to bed. I hope I’m not forgetting anything!
It’s time for bed and I’m wide awake. I’m glad that my flight is not too early. I’ll still have time to wake up and tidy up a bit in the morning.
I can’t believe that 3 weeks have went by so fast. I miss Nica and all that is going on down there. But it has been great to be here and see everyone, take care of personal business and share about the ministry. God keeps me moving!
I know that I say this often, but I’m very grateful for the life that God allows me to live. I can’t wait to see what comes next each day!
Monday, September 3, 2012
August 27 - 31, 2012
Monday I ran some errands and found some great clearance deals at Hobby Lobby. In the parking lot, I ran into a new friend. It is so nice to see people! I was having lunch and ran into Janalyn, who I was planning on having lunch with on Tuesday. We were also both going to SoundArt music store. What a co-incidence! I went by the Frozen Cocoanut for a tasty snow shake. Genesis and Noemi came by Deanna’s to pick up some coupons and to visit with Jet. It was nice to have company.
On Tuesday, I met Janalyn at the Pleasant Grove church and she gave me some guitar pointers and loaned me her guitar for the week. Then we went for lunch at a steak restaurant. I can’t get enough steak!!
I met with Brian Sander about the Youth trip to Nica over Spring Break next March. It was nice to chat with him. I’m looking forward to the Youth coming down again. Glenda picked out some kids to sponsor from the VOH Feeding Centers. She was doing that in memory of one of the volunteers from the Medical Clinic. I went from the church to my eye doctor appointment. I had a nice chat about missions with my eye doctor. I just love talking about what God is doing in Nicaragua!
Wednesday started out on the computer and then I met Jerry Bolander for lunch. He is a friend from FBCR and is leading a team to Nica in January. It was great to chat with him. Then I went by a few stores looking for Nica stuff. I treated myself to a large lemonade from Chik-Fil-A. I just love those!!!
I met with Cathy Krupka about plans for the Women’s Team coming in October. Then we met with the women for a quick update meeting. Part of the ladies forgot about the meeting and some had changed their email addresses, so we had a come and go meeting. It was nice to see the ladies, though.
I spoke about Nica with the FBCR Youth on Wednesday night. I hope a lot of kids make the trip in March. It’s always a great growing experience for teams to come down.
Thursday morning I got my haircut and had a great visit with Carolyn. I went to the FBCR church and did some computer work. Kellie, Glenda and I went to a great Indian restaurant and had some curry and other wonderful dishes. I think I’ll have to visit that place again before I head south!
I picked out new glasses at the Walmart Vision Center. My friend Donna works there and always helps me find good ones. I don’t think I look good in any glasses so I have a hard time picking some out. My prescription only changed a little bit, but I wanted to go ahead and get a new pair so that I would also have a spare older pair in Nica for emergencies.
Friday I worked on the computer at home and rested a bit. It was kind of rainy and I was having some sinus issues. A nap was good. Then I went to dinner to my friend Zandra. We had Mexican food and then we went to walk through the Fresh Market, a new grocery store in the area. It reminds me a little of Whole Foods in NYC and I loved it. Then we sat in her vehicle at the Heritage High School parking lot until the ballgame was over and her daughter was ready to leave. It was a great time of visiting and relaxing. Zandra is my oldest friend in Arkansas. I met her on my first day of work in March of 1990 and the first thing she did was invite me to church. That’s a tru friend!
It’s been a great week of getting things done, visiting with people and eating good food. This is how a vacation should be! God has blessed me so much in these last weeks! I’m so thankful!
On Tuesday, I met Janalyn at the Pleasant Grove church and she gave me some guitar pointers and loaned me her guitar for the week. Then we went for lunch at a steak restaurant. I can’t get enough steak!!
I met with Brian Sander about the Youth trip to Nica over Spring Break next March. It was nice to chat with him. I’m looking forward to the Youth coming down again. Glenda picked out some kids to sponsor from the VOH Feeding Centers. She was doing that in memory of one of the volunteers from the Medical Clinic. I went from the church to my eye doctor appointment. I had a nice chat about missions with my eye doctor. I just love talking about what God is doing in Nicaragua!
Wednesday started out on the computer and then I met Jerry Bolander for lunch. He is a friend from FBCR and is leading a team to Nica in January. It was great to chat with him. Then I went by a few stores looking for Nica stuff. I treated myself to a large lemonade from Chik-Fil-A. I just love those!!!
I met with Cathy Krupka about plans for the Women’s Team coming in October. Then we met with the women for a quick update meeting. Part of the ladies forgot about the meeting and some had changed their email addresses, so we had a come and go meeting. It was nice to see the ladies, though.
I spoke about Nica with the FBCR Youth on Wednesday night. I hope a lot of kids make the trip in March. It’s always a great growing experience for teams to come down.
Thursday morning I got my haircut and had a great visit with Carolyn. I went to the FBCR church and did some computer work. Kellie, Glenda and I went to a great Indian restaurant and had some curry and other wonderful dishes. I think I’ll have to visit that place again before I head south!
I picked out new glasses at the Walmart Vision Center. My friend Donna works there and always helps me find good ones. I don’t think I look good in any glasses so I have a hard time picking some out. My prescription only changed a little bit, but I wanted to go ahead and get a new pair so that I would also have a spare older pair in Nica for emergencies.
Friday I worked on the computer at home and rested a bit. It was kind of rainy and I was having some sinus issues. A nap was good. Then I went to dinner to my friend Zandra. We had Mexican food and then we went to walk through the Fresh Market, a new grocery store in the area. It reminds me a little of Whole Foods in NYC and I loved it. Then we sat in her vehicle at the Heritage High School parking lot until the ballgame was over and her daughter was ready to leave. It was a great time of visiting and relaxing. Zandra is my oldest friend in Arkansas. I met her on my first day of work in March of 1990 and the first thing she did was invite me to church. That’s a tru friend!
It’s been a great week of getting things done, visiting with people and eating good food. This is how a vacation should be! God has blessed me so much in these last weeks! I’m so thankful!
August 20 - 26, 2012
Monday started off busy on the computer and phone. Lots of emails and communication to take care of. I was all set up in the den at Deanna’s house. I was talking with people in Nica, taking care of ministry stuff and people in NW Arkansas making appointments and finding out information. Quite the busy morning.
Deanna came home from her walk with Mary Ann and said that we were invited to Mary Ann’s house for lunch with our mutual friend, Phyllis. We had a very nice lunch in the gazebo in the back yard. I really enjoyed visiting with the ladies. The afternoon was spent back on the computer and phone. A nice day.
Tuesday I ran errands and met Shirley McGimpsey for lunch at Dixieland Café. We had a very nice long talk and it was grand! I love not being rushed (even though the waitresses changed shifts while we were there). Shirley is such a sweet friend and I love spending time with her. I also made some stops at Walmart, Lifeway Christian store and Deals, looking for stuff to take back to Nica. I stopped in at the Frozen Cocoanut, a new business owned by some missionary friends. I had a yummy ‘snow shake’. Just perfect for a hot afternoon!
On Wednesday, I finally got psyched up to visit my storage unit in Springdale. I had no idea what it looked like, since a friend put everything in there when I left for NYC in 2007. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not packed full. It was pretty organized, even if a few boxes were labeled ‘junk’ and ‘stuff’. I was so thankful to God for allowing the project not to be too bad. I also ran by Debbie’s Pharmacy to pick up my meds. While back at Deanna’s working in the den, my friend Vickie Brown (who very generously lent me her car for a while) visited to bring me a sewing machine that she wanted to donate to a good cause. I can always find a good cause! It was fun to get to sit and visit with her. She and Michael are such sweet friends. I can’t wait to get them to Nica sometime!
Thursday was another visit to the storage unit. I threw some things out and brought some boxes home to sort through. I also stopped in at Walmart in Springdale (I HAVE to hit all 4 in my area) and then I treated myself to lunch at AQ Chicken Restaurant. It’s famous for its fried chicken, but since I can’t have fried food, I had a delicious dish of blackened chicken over rice, mushrooms and onions. I had a side dish of sweet potato casserole, yum!!
Thursday afternoon brought more computer work at home and then I had dinner with Nana Ruth. We went to Applebee’s and had one of the 2 for $20 specials. It was soooo good. I’m enjoying eating steak here in the states, since it is easier to chew than in Nica (haha). We sat for a couple of hours and chatted. It was a very nice evening.
Friday I went to the FBCR Olive Street location and visited the workers in the Food Pantry. It was running so well. It has grown very much and the volunteers are great. I took a few pictures of the workers and spent time chatting away. Then I went over to the neighboring building and visited the workers at the Friday Community Meals. There were lots of volunteers and it was running like clockwork. They were serving turkey and dressing and I had a meal myself. It was grand! I got the chance to talk with some friends who were volunteering. What fun!
I ran to 2 Walmarts, the Post Office and SoundArt (a music stored owned by friends of mine). I found more great deals for items to take back to Nica. I also bought myself a few things to help me learn to play guitar when I get back. I have a guitar in my room at the team house and I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar. Now I am going from ‘wanting to’ learn to saying I’m ‘going to’ learn. I’m excited about it! It was great to see my friends, the Maxeys, at their store.
Saturday I ran more errands (so thankful for the loan of a car!!) and then spent the afternoon and evening pulling pics on the computer to use for Nicaragua presentations while in the states. I enjoyed hanging out with Deanna in the living room. She reads and I work on the computer and Jet lays at our feet while we are ‘watching’ TV. Very sweet!
Sunday I went to FBCR early for worship and then jumped in the car to head across town to the Cuerpo Vivo Church in the Olive Street building. It was fun to be in both services back to back. Bud it did make for a long morning! But how better to spend it than in Worshiping our Lord?
After church, I stopped in at Number 1 Buffet for lunch. It’s an out of the way restaurant that isn’t really frequented by the masses. I like to eat there because I can get things healthy for my diet on the buffet. It was late for lunch, but I was ready to eat! When I walked in I ran into my ex-husband Steve. It had been about 16 years since I had seen him. Our divorce had been very hurtful and I wanted the door to that part of my life closed. Especially since he wouldn’t allow me to have a relationship with my step-sons. I have been praying about not letting baggage from the past influence future relationships (friendships really) and I feel that God allowing me to run into Steve was part of that process. Steve and I had a nice chat and exchanged contact info for future conversations. I felt very peaceful about it all. (Nothing like the last time I laid eyes on him.) He told me that his oldest son, Josh is on facebook, and we started communicating that afternoon. I was thankful for the special afternoon that God allowed in my life. I got to end the day celebrating the Lord’s Supper at FBCR. A very blessed day indeed.
Deanna came home from her walk with Mary Ann and said that we were invited to Mary Ann’s house for lunch with our mutual friend, Phyllis. We had a very nice lunch in the gazebo in the back yard. I really enjoyed visiting with the ladies. The afternoon was spent back on the computer and phone. A nice day.
Tuesday I ran errands and met Shirley McGimpsey for lunch at Dixieland Café. We had a very nice long talk and it was grand! I love not being rushed (even though the waitresses changed shifts while we were there). Shirley is such a sweet friend and I love spending time with her. I also made some stops at Walmart, Lifeway Christian store and Deals, looking for stuff to take back to Nica. I stopped in at the Frozen Cocoanut, a new business owned by some missionary friends. I had a yummy ‘snow shake’. Just perfect for a hot afternoon!
On Wednesday, I finally got psyched up to visit my storage unit in Springdale. I had no idea what it looked like, since a friend put everything in there when I left for NYC in 2007. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not packed full. It was pretty organized, even if a few boxes were labeled ‘junk’ and ‘stuff’. I was so thankful to God for allowing the project not to be too bad. I also ran by Debbie’s Pharmacy to pick up my meds. While back at Deanna’s working in the den, my friend Vickie Brown (who very generously lent me her car for a while) visited to bring me a sewing machine that she wanted to donate to a good cause. I can always find a good cause! It was fun to get to sit and visit with her. She and Michael are such sweet friends. I can’t wait to get them to Nica sometime!
Thursday was another visit to the storage unit. I threw some things out and brought some boxes home to sort through. I also stopped in at Walmart in Springdale (I HAVE to hit all 4 in my area) and then I treated myself to lunch at AQ Chicken Restaurant. It’s famous for its fried chicken, but since I can’t have fried food, I had a delicious dish of blackened chicken over rice, mushrooms and onions. I had a side dish of sweet potato casserole, yum!!
Thursday afternoon brought more computer work at home and then I had dinner with Nana Ruth. We went to Applebee’s and had one of the 2 for $20 specials. It was soooo good. I’m enjoying eating steak here in the states, since it is easier to chew than in Nica (haha). We sat for a couple of hours and chatted. It was a very nice evening.
Friday I went to the FBCR Olive Street location and visited the workers in the Food Pantry. It was running so well. It has grown very much and the volunteers are great. I took a few pictures of the workers and spent time chatting away. Then I went over to the neighboring building and visited the workers at the Friday Community Meals. There were lots of volunteers and it was running like clockwork. They were serving turkey and dressing and I had a meal myself. It was grand! I got the chance to talk with some friends who were volunteering. What fun!
I ran to 2 Walmarts, the Post Office and SoundArt (a music stored owned by friends of mine). I found more great deals for items to take back to Nica. I also bought myself a few things to help me learn to play guitar when I get back. I have a guitar in my room at the team house and I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar. Now I am going from ‘wanting to’ learn to saying I’m ‘going to’ learn. I’m excited about it! It was great to see my friends, the Maxeys, at their store.
Saturday I ran more errands (so thankful for the loan of a car!!) and then spent the afternoon and evening pulling pics on the computer to use for Nicaragua presentations while in the states. I enjoyed hanging out with Deanna in the living room. She reads and I work on the computer and Jet lays at our feet while we are ‘watching’ TV. Very sweet!
Sunday I went to FBCR early for worship and then jumped in the car to head across town to the Cuerpo Vivo Church in the Olive Street building. It was fun to be in both services back to back. Bud it did make for a long morning! But how better to spend it than in Worshiping our Lord?
After church, I stopped in at Number 1 Buffet for lunch. It’s an out of the way restaurant that isn’t really frequented by the masses. I like to eat there because I can get things healthy for my diet on the buffet. It was late for lunch, but I was ready to eat! When I walked in I ran into my ex-husband Steve. It had been about 16 years since I had seen him. Our divorce had been very hurtful and I wanted the door to that part of my life closed. Especially since he wouldn’t allow me to have a relationship with my step-sons. I have been praying about not letting baggage from the past influence future relationships (friendships really) and I feel that God allowing me to run into Steve was part of that process. Steve and I had a nice chat and exchanged contact info for future conversations. I felt very peaceful about it all. (Nothing like the last time I laid eyes on him.) He told me that his oldest son, Josh is on facebook, and we started communicating that afternoon. I was thankful for the special afternoon that God allowed in my life. I got to end the day celebrating the Lord’s Supper at FBCR. A very blessed day indeed.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
August 14 - 19, 2012
The beginning of the errands marathon in the states…
My friend Nichole picked me up early on Tuesday for a trip to my doctor’s office. I needed my yearly labs and check-up so I could renew my prescriptions. I love getting to talk with Bob, my doctor and friend. He’s also coming to Nica on a medical trip in Jan and we chatted a little about that, too. Nichole and I enjoyed some breakfast at Lucy’s Diner. Then we stopped at Walmart for me to stock up on some stuff. It was a good morning!
Wednesday was a fun day of shopping with Kesha and her son Colin. We hit Walmart again, walked through the new Fresh Market grocery store and then had lunch at Olive Garden. It was very tasty! Then we stopped by their house for me to see the improvements they have made over the last few years. I had lived in their house while they were in Hungary as missionaries and before I moved to NYC. I have very fond memories of living there and I’m excited to see how great and welcoming the house looks with their touches back in place.
Thursday was my annual hearing test and checkup with Dr Black. My hearing loss is still the same and probably won’t change. There is nothing they can do about it. I will just have to learn to live with it. I’m getting better at adapting. It still makes learning a new language a challenge, but I can do all things through Christ!! Cathy took me to the doctor’s appointment and then we had lunch at MiMi’s Café and discussed the women’s mission trip in Oct. We used a gift certificate that she had won at our church’s Women’s Retreat. So we could have anything we wanted. We had appetizers, entrees and dessert! What a treat!
Thursday night was the annual appreciation dinner for the volunteers of River of Life Medical Center, which I had helped to start many years ago. I love getting to see everyone and I’m very proud of the work the clinic does to bless people every month. The dinner was held at Monte Ne Inn chicken restaurant. I can’t eat fried food, so passing the chicken around was torture, but I could eat the rest of the homemade food (bean soup, slaw, corn, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread). I even passed on the dessert, not so much because I was being responsible, but more because I was stuffed (and my doctor was there – Ha). It was a great night of seeing old friends and meeting new people.
Friday I was feeling kind of sick with either a cold thing or allergies. Vickie and Michael Brown offered me the use of their car and brought it to me in the afternoon. Since they are pharmacists, they made sure that I got some allergy meds that I can take with my other meds. It was great to start feeling better and to have wheels for the weekend!
Saturday morning I started running errands with my borrowed wheels. I went to AT&T to update my phone. I got a great deal on everything that I needed. The sales rep was very helpful and took very good care of me. We chatted a little about me being a missionary in Nica. He has just moved to NWA in the spring and hasn’t found a church yet, so I told him about FBCR. I treated myself to lunch at Marias restaurant and then a much needed pedicure. I felt guilty about the pedi, though. I made a few more stops and then headed home to rest and fight my allergy/cold thing with a nap.
Sunday I watched FBCR on tv while getting ready for service at Iglesia Cuerpo Vivo. I loved getting to see my friends at the Spanish church. I couldn’t believe how much the kids have grown in the 6 months that I’ve been gone. I had lunch at the home of my friend Elizabeth. She doesn’t speak English, so my Spanish gets a workout. She is such a sweetie. We had tamales and she sent some home with me. Yum!
It’s been a good first week visiting the states. I’ve not felt stressed. I’ve run into friends and really enjoyed myself. I’m also getting a lot done to prepare for my return trip to Nica. God is awesome!
My friend Nichole picked me up early on Tuesday for a trip to my doctor’s office. I needed my yearly labs and check-up so I could renew my prescriptions. I love getting to talk with Bob, my doctor and friend. He’s also coming to Nica on a medical trip in Jan and we chatted a little about that, too. Nichole and I enjoyed some breakfast at Lucy’s Diner. Then we stopped at Walmart for me to stock up on some stuff. It was a good morning!
Wednesday was a fun day of shopping with Kesha and her son Colin. We hit Walmart again, walked through the new Fresh Market grocery store and then had lunch at Olive Garden. It was very tasty! Then we stopped by their house for me to see the improvements they have made over the last few years. I had lived in their house while they were in Hungary as missionaries and before I moved to NYC. I have very fond memories of living there and I’m excited to see how great and welcoming the house looks with their touches back in place.
Thursday was my annual hearing test and checkup with Dr Black. My hearing loss is still the same and probably won’t change. There is nothing they can do about it. I will just have to learn to live with it. I’m getting better at adapting. It still makes learning a new language a challenge, but I can do all things through Christ!! Cathy took me to the doctor’s appointment and then we had lunch at MiMi’s Café and discussed the women’s mission trip in Oct. We used a gift certificate that she had won at our church’s Women’s Retreat. So we could have anything we wanted. We had appetizers, entrees and dessert! What a treat!
Thursday night was the annual appreciation dinner for the volunteers of River of Life Medical Center, which I had helped to start many years ago. I love getting to see everyone and I’m very proud of the work the clinic does to bless people every month. The dinner was held at Monte Ne Inn chicken restaurant. I can’t eat fried food, so passing the chicken around was torture, but I could eat the rest of the homemade food (bean soup, slaw, corn, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread). I even passed on the dessert, not so much because I was being responsible, but more because I was stuffed (and my doctor was there – Ha). It was a great night of seeing old friends and meeting new people.
Friday I was feeling kind of sick with either a cold thing or allergies. Vickie and Michael Brown offered me the use of their car and brought it to me in the afternoon. Since they are pharmacists, they made sure that I got some allergy meds that I can take with my other meds. It was great to start feeling better and to have wheels for the weekend!
Saturday morning I started running errands with my borrowed wheels. I went to AT&T to update my phone. I got a great deal on everything that I needed. The sales rep was very helpful and took very good care of me. We chatted a little about me being a missionary in Nica. He has just moved to NWA in the spring and hasn’t found a church yet, so I told him about FBCR. I treated myself to lunch at Marias restaurant and then a much needed pedicure. I felt guilty about the pedi, though. I made a few more stops and then headed home to rest and fight my allergy/cold thing with a nap.
Sunday I watched FBCR on tv while getting ready for service at Iglesia Cuerpo Vivo. I loved getting to see my friends at the Spanish church. I couldn’t believe how much the kids have grown in the 6 months that I’ve been gone. I had lunch at the home of my friend Elizabeth. She doesn’t speak English, so my Spanish gets a workout. She is such a sweetie. We had tamales and she sent some home with me. Yum!
It’s been a good first week visiting the states. I’ve not felt stressed. I’ve run into friends and really enjoyed myself. I’m also getting a lot done to prepare for my return trip to Nica. God is awesome!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Travel day to the States.
Mary and I got up early and German picked us up at the team house at 3am. We headed off to Managua airport. About half way there, German realized that we could have left later when we confirmed our flight time. Oh well, we were up and on the road!
Mary and I had a little breakfast of bagels at the airport. I also got a yummy smoothie. We had a little wait and I shopped a bit in a nice shop.
The flight to Atlanta was great. I sat by Francis, a lady who was part of a mission team from South Carolina. The missions pastor was sitting right in front of us. Through conversations with them, I found out that he had visited our team house for possible lodging options in the future. They were working with a missionary couple there in León. I hope to meet them sometime. It was a fun flight.
Since some of us had connecting flights that were close on time, Delta had an agent waiting where we came in to the terminal and gave all of us special cards to carry to go to the head of the line at customs and security. I really liked that service!!
It turns out that Delta had computer trouble and when I got to my gate area, I had just enough time to grab a sandwich to eat on the plane. But the flights were delayed and they were changing gates like crazy. It was like a chess game. The good news was that I had not missed my flight.
I had a blast visiting with some ladies who found each other by running into each other at each gate switch. It was a wait of a few hours, but we really enjoyed each other. I got to share about what I do in Nica with VOH. I always enjoy sharing about what God is doing!!
I made it to NW Arkansas about 6:30 or so and Cathy was waiting to pick me up. It was good to see her. She dropped me off at Deanna’s house and I was ready to rest up and enjoy my visit to the states.
I enjoyed the travel day (as much as a person CAN enjoy a travel day) and am thankful that God allows me a glimpse of His workings all around me.
Mary and I got up early and German picked us up at the team house at 3am. We headed off to Managua airport. About half way there, German realized that we could have left later when we confirmed our flight time. Oh well, we were up and on the road!
Mary and I had a little breakfast of bagels at the airport. I also got a yummy smoothie. We had a little wait and I shopped a bit in a nice shop.
The flight to Atlanta was great. I sat by Francis, a lady who was part of a mission team from South Carolina. The missions pastor was sitting right in front of us. Through conversations with them, I found out that he had visited our team house for possible lodging options in the future. They were working with a missionary couple there in León. I hope to meet them sometime. It was a fun flight.
Since some of us had connecting flights that were close on time, Delta had an agent waiting where we came in to the terminal and gave all of us special cards to carry to go to the head of the line at customs and security. I really liked that service!!
It turns out that Delta had computer trouble and when I got to my gate area, I had just enough time to grab a sandwich to eat on the plane. But the flights were delayed and they were changing gates like crazy. It was like a chess game. The good news was that I had not missed my flight.
I had a blast visiting with some ladies who found each other by running into each other at each gate switch. It was a wait of a few hours, but we really enjoyed each other. I got to share about what I do in Nica with VOH. I always enjoy sharing about what God is doing!!
I made it to NW Arkansas about 6:30 or so and Cathy was waiting to pick me up. It was good to see her. She dropped me off at Deanna’s house and I was ready to rest up and enjoy my visit to the states.
I enjoyed the travel day (as much as a person CAN enjoy a travel day) and am thankful that God allows me a glimpse of His workings all around me.
Aug 8 - Aug 12, 2012
The remainder of the week was busy with getting things done before leaving for the states. A lot of errands, purchases, plans, emails, etc.
Wednesday was the last Women’s Bible Study for 2 months. Mary went with me and Estefanie. The ladies decorated for us and had some music. It was very special. I’ll miss them very much. I left them with some scripture verses to memorize while I’m gone. It will be fun to see who memorizes them. I need to get busy memorizing them my self!
Mary and I ran around some to celebrate our last week. We had ice cream and shopped a little bit. On Saturday morning, we went to have breakfast at great little place where North Americans and Europeans eat a lot. I had waffles and Mary had an egg plate. It was very good. We had eaten there with Charlie one day and we will eat there many more times, I’m sure.
We held a training event for the leaders and main cooks of the Feeding Centers. We held it at La Quimera Church/Feeding Center. We took one of our vans and picked up people on our way to the site. It was fun to travel together. The training went great and they were very thankful for the goodie bags that we packed for them (food staples and other goodies). It was a very good day.
Mike, Sherry, Manuel, Mary and I went to Suyapa for dinner on Saturday evening. It was very good. We ate upstairs and had a great view of the ocean and beach. We love to eat there.
Sunday was spent finishing laundry and packing. It was a very relaxing day. I felt very comfortable thinking about ‘visiting’ the states. God is so good to me and I can’t wait to see what He has to show me each and every day.
Wednesday was the last Women’s Bible Study for 2 months. Mary went with me and Estefanie. The ladies decorated for us and had some music. It was very special. I’ll miss them very much. I left them with some scripture verses to memorize while I’m gone. It will be fun to see who memorizes them. I need to get busy memorizing them my self!
Mary and I ran around some to celebrate our last week. We had ice cream and shopped a little bit. On Saturday morning, we went to have breakfast at great little place where North Americans and Europeans eat a lot. I had waffles and Mary had an egg plate. It was very good. We had eaten there with Charlie one day and we will eat there many more times, I’m sure.
We held a training event for the leaders and main cooks of the Feeding Centers. We held it at La Quimera Church/Feeding Center. We took one of our vans and picked up people on our way to the site. It was fun to travel together. The training went great and they were very thankful for the goodie bags that we packed for them (food staples and other goodies). It was a very good day.
Mike, Sherry, Manuel, Mary and I went to Suyapa for dinner on Saturday evening. It was very good. We ate upstairs and had a great view of the ocean and beach. We love to eat there.
Sunday was spent finishing laundry and packing. It was a very relaxing day. I felt very comfortable thinking about ‘visiting’ the states. God is so good to me and I can’t wait to see what He has to show me each and every day.
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