I got up early and headed to Pacheco’s English school. I’m so excited to get to help with the class for advanced students. This will be my 5th class to help with. Some I’ve only attended once and some a few times and one class I was blessed to help with for about 3 months. I love it every time!
I walked to the school, which is about 1 mile away from the team house. I’ve missed walking and desperately need the exercise! It’s hot, but worth it!
There were 4 people in class today. New acquaintances for me. All sweet! Dora is very advanced and ready to be a translator. She was very nervous and said that she wants to do an excellent job and worries that she will not be able to think when in front of people. I had her come up front with me and translate what I was sharing with the class. She didn’t miss a beat! She was surprised to see how easy it was and her confidence was boosted a lot. Christian is pretty knowledgeable in English, but I have a hard time understanding him when he speaks. My hearing loss doesn’t go well with way of speaking. We’ll work it out, though. Maykellyn is a rambunctious young lady that I met earlier in the year. She is so friendly and out going. She is not as advanced as the others, but she is not afraid to jump in there and try. I love working with her. Aarón is the Youth Leader at his church and I first met him when they came to the team house last summer to perform some music and drama for a team. He is very talented and is working hard on his English skills. I loved being with the class.
I walked home did some computer work until lunchtime. It’s a fairly quiet day getting ready for the team coming in on Tuesday night. It’s a good week for me to be working on the huge files for the Feeding Center sponsorships. A large task, but I enjoy it. I just have to pace myself so that I won’t feel burnt out.
I watched a movie on my computer while working on one of the banners in my room. I then read some in a new book on my Kindle. The book is called “Not a Fan” and I think I’m going to get a lot out of it.
It’s been a good day. I get hot, tired, refreshed, encouraged, excited, hot, tired (did I already say that???) and I enjoy every minute that God lets me be here. I’m very blessed.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
November 4, 2012
It’s Sunday, but because of elections, there are no church services today. We are staying in all day long. Mary is planning on staying in her room most of the day with the door closed and just enjoying peace and quiet.
I started laundry early, including stripping my bed to wash the sheets. I also worked on the banners for a long time. They are almost done!!!
I finished keying in the large stack of Feeding Center info and celebrated when that batch was done! (now on to the next step, but that can wait till Monday!)
I read more in the Soul Detox book, which I am enjoying very much. I also read/listened to Matt 7-11.
I got my bed made back with clean sheets, put laundry away and cleaned up my room a little bit. It gets so cluttered with everything I own down here in a small space.
I enjoyed a lunch of canned asparagus, black olives and baked lentil chips. Then I had a spoon of peanut butter and some cereal for dinner.
While watching a video on my computer, I worked on the last banner.
I had gotten so much done for the day and I was very thankful that God ordered my steps. I’m also thankful that He helps me not to stress over the things that don’t get done when “I” want them to, but that He shows me His timing and plans. I’m thankful that He is patient with me when I try to run things myself the way I want them. I gotta remember that HE’s the boss!
It was a nice day and I was ready for bed early. I’ll be going to help teach English class early on Monday, so I want to have a good night’s sleep.
I started laundry early, including stripping my bed to wash the sheets. I also worked on the banners for a long time. They are almost done!!!
I finished keying in the large stack of Feeding Center info and celebrated when that batch was done! (now on to the next step, but that can wait till Monday!)
I read more in the Soul Detox book, which I am enjoying very much. I also read/listened to Matt 7-11.
I got my bed made back with clean sheets, put laundry away and cleaned up my room a little bit. It gets so cluttered with everything I own down here in a small space.
I enjoyed a lunch of canned asparagus, black olives and baked lentil chips. Then I had a spoon of peanut butter and some cereal for dinner.
While watching a video on my computer, I worked on the last banner.
I had gotten so much done for the day and I was very thankful that God ordered my steps. I’m also thankful that He helps me not to stress over the things that don’t get done when “I” want them to, but that He shows me His timing and plans. I’m thankful that He is patient with me when I try to run things myself the way I want them. I gotta remember that HE’s the boss!
It was a nice day and I was ready for bed early. I’ll be going to help teach English class early on Monday, so I want to have a good night’s sleep.
November 3, 2012
3am on Saturday morning and I was awake when the van came to take Sue to the airport. She was surprised to see me outside her door. I got to say goodbye and give her some big hugs. It has been so great to have her here.
I went back to bed and read for a while and then slept a little while. Mike and Sherry and Manuel were leaving for the weekend, so they brought the little vehicle over for Mary and I to use.
I worked on some lessons for the Women’s Bible study so that Estefanie could start translating them. She loves doing that and I appreciate her diligence!
Mary and I left to meet Estefanie downtown and we went to Tip Top Chicken for lunch. We ran into Lesly, Jorge and Bruno. What a treat! Then we stopped at the ‘shoe alley’ next to La Unión grocery store and Mary and I bought some new sandals. I love that they are so cheap here! We stopped in at La Unión for a few personal groceries, but being Saturday, it was crazy! We decided to wait on our purchases.
We went to the Museum of Traditions and Legends. Estefanie had taken me there before and Mary wanted to see it. It was fun and while Mary and Estefanie climbed the stairs to walk along the upper wall (it used to be a fort/prison), I chose to stay on the ground and wait for them. I had climbed up there before, so I wasn’t missing anything. While waiting, the man running the museum struck up a conversation with me. We talked for about 10 minutes. He told me many things. 5 marriages, 2 kids, 20 years in NYC running a deli, 22 years in Miami running a restaurant… His current wife owns the museum and is from Nicaragua. He is originally from Argentina. We spoke about the weather (in all three countries) and family. He was quite the conversationalist! When we were leaving, he asked for a ride to downtown with us. I never did ask his name. ☺
We went to the little park with a mural so that Estefanie could tell us the history of the pictures. Mary wants Estefanie to write it all down for her. Estefanie likes that kind of thing. We then went down to the Eskimo shop and had ice cream. Poor Estefanie still has a bad cough from her illness last week. She decided to have a Fresca instead of ice cream. Lots of Nicaraguans think that cold food and cold drinks cause sore throats.
We got back to the team house so that Mary could skype her family at 3pm. I worked on banners some more. We noticed that they were already closing down some of the streets in preparation for the elections on Sunday. We decided to stay in all day Sunday, especially since there were no church services anywhere.
Mary and I were planning to go to church at Monte Horeb, but a big storm came up with lots of rain, thunder and lightning. We knew it would be washed out at the church site, so we stayed home.
I practiced guitar and looked up easy Christmas songs on the internet. The girls were having a great time at their retreat. It was so fun to have them here and hear their voices in the background.
It’s been a good day. We enjoyed having some time to run around town a little bit.
I started listening to the Bible on cd in Spanish while reading it in Spanish. I got through Matthew 1-6 tonight. I will love the day when I can understand hearing it without having to translate it in my mind. ☺
I went back to bed and read for a while and then slept a little while. Mike and Sherry and Manuel were leaving for the weekend, so they brought the little vehicle over for Mary and I to use.
I worked on some lessons for the Women’s Bible study so that Estefanie could start translating them. She loves doing that and I appreciate her diligence!
Mary and I left to meet Estefanie downtown and we went to Tip Top Chicken for lunch. We ran into Lesly, Jorge and Bruno. What a treat! Then we stopped at the ‘shoe alley’ next to La Unión grocery store and Mary and I bought some new sandals. I love that they are so cheap here! We stopped in at La Unión for a few personal groceries, but being Saturday, it was crazy! We decided to wait on our purchases.
We went to the Museum of Traditions and Legends. Estefanie had taken me there before and Mary wanted to see it. It was fun and while Mary and Estefanie climbed the stairs to walk along the upper wall (it used to be a fort/prison), I chose to stay on the ground and wait for them. I had climbed up there before, so I wasn’t missing anything. While waiting, the man running the museum struck up a conversation with me. We talked for about 10 minutes. He told me many things. 5 marriages, 2 kids, 20 years in NYC running a deli, 22 years in Miami running a restaurant… His current wife owns the museum and is from Nicaragua. He is originally from Argentina. We spoke about the weather (in all three countries) and family. He was quite the conversationalist! When we were leaving, he asked for a ride to downtown with us. I never did ask his name. ☺
We went to the little park with a mural so that Estefanie could tell us the history of the pictures. Mary wants Estefanie to write it all down for her. Estefanie likes that kind of thing. We then went down to the Eskimo shop and had ice cream. Poor Estefanie still has a bad cough from her illness last week. She decided to have a Fresca instead of ice cream. Lots of Nicaraguans think that cold food and cold drinks cause sore throats.
We got back to the team house so that Mary could skype her family at 3pm. I worked on banners some more. We noticed that they were already closing down some of the streets in preparation for the elections on Sunday. We decided to stay in all day Sunday, especially since there were no church services anywhere.
Mary and I were planning to go to church at Monte Horeb, but a big storm came up with lots of rain, thunder and lightning. We knew it would be washed out at the church site, so we stayed home.
I practiced guitar and looked up easy Christmas songs on the internet. The girls were having a great time at their retreat. It was so fun to have them here and hear their voices in the background.
It’s been a good day. We enjoyed having some time to run around town a little bit.
I started listening to the Bible on cd in Spanish while reading it in Spanish. I got through Matthew 1-6 tonight. I will love the day when I can understand hearing it without having to translate it in my mind. ☺
November 2, 2012
It’s Friday morning and Sue’s last day here. She’s been posting a lot on facebook and chatting with her hubby on her iPad. It’s great to have internet here!
I spent a lot of time on the computer working on the Feeding Center docs. I also took some videos of Manuel diving into the pool. I downloaded them to facebook.
I went to Amazon.com and downloaded some more books to my Kindle. I love that convenience!
I called Deanna in AR and Carol in NYC to see how everyone was doing. See, I’m trying to communicate more often! Haha
I set up a time to meet Estefanie in town tomorrow to run around with Mary and I.
I grabbed a quick nap and then we were off for an early dinner at Suyapa restaurant on the beach. Mike, Sherry, Manuel, Mary, Sue and I had a very lovely dinner. I gave Mary my potatoes because they were roasted (aka fried) and Sue gave me her veggies because she doesn’t like them. We were passing food all over our corner of the table. It was very good and we enjoyed the evening very much.
A group of girls were going to be spending the weekend at the team house for a retreat. When they got here, I realized that I had met the leaders about 2 years before at a church service at Todopoderoso church. At that time, they were visiting different churches to get a flavor of the city. They were starting out their journey to raise money to come to Nica to serve. I remember taking their picture and giving them $5 (not much, but it would prime the pump!). How awesome to ‘run into them’ 2 years later!
I said goodbye to Sue in case I didn’t wake up the next morning when she was going to leave at 3am. I then went to my room and practiced my guitar some more. It was a very good day.
I spent a lot of time on the computer working on the Feeding Center docs. I also took some videos of Manuel diving into the pool. I downloaded them to facebook.
I went to Amazon.com and downloaded some more books to my Kindle. I love that convenience!
I called Deanna in AR and Carol in NYC to see how everyone was doing. See, I’m trying to communicate more often! Haha
I set up a time to meet Estefanie in town tomorrow to run around with Mary and I.
I grabbed a quick nap and then we were off for an early dinner at Suyapa restaurant on the beach. Mike, Sherry, Manuel, Mary, Sue and I had a very lovely dinner. I gave Mary my potatoes because they were roasted (aka fried) and Sue gave me her veggies because she doesn’t like them. We were passing food all over our corner of the table. It was very good and we enjoyed the evening very much.
A group of girls were going to be spending the weekend at the team house for a retreat. When they got here, I realized that I had met the leaders about 2 years before at a church service at Todopoderoso church. At that time, they were visiting different churches to get a flavor of the city. They were starting out their journey to raise money to come to Nica to serve. I remember taking their picture and giving them $5 (not much, but it would prime the pump!). How awesome to ‘run into them’ 2 years later!
I said goodbye to Sue in case I didn’t wake up the next morning when she was going to leave at 3am. I then went to my room and practiced my guitar some more. It was a very good day.
November 1, 2012
November 1, 2012
Wow! It’s November! It’s hard to realize the time of the year here when the weather is pretty much the same. It’s always hot. Half of the year it’s rainy and half of the year it’s desert dry. I do miss fall weather, since it’s my favorite, but when I was in the states in Sept and part of Oct, it was getting fall-like. It will be cold when I got back for the month of December. I think I’ll get my fill of cold.
It’s Sherry’s birthday, so Mary, Sue and I met her at a favorite breakfast restaurant. It was yummy.
We went to the Old Dump neighborhood and had a little event for the expectant mama’s and new mama’s. Sue led games and we gave out prizes. It was a lot of fun. We gave out some baby clothing that Mary had brought down. It was a nice time in that special neighborhood.
We had lunch together at the team house. I wasn’t hungry because of having a big breakfast and also my stomach was not real happy.
I worked on the computer with Feeding Center records for most of the afternoon.
I called Nana Ruth in AR and had a good chat. I let too much time pass between phone calls and need to contact people more often.
I took a little nap and swam for a short time to try to feel better. I was not feeling great after eating the omelet for breakfast (I knew better than to do that). I decided to take it easy for the evening.
Manuel came over to hang out with us for a few hours so Mike and Sherry could have some alone time for her birthday. We all listened to him preach and sing and then I went to my room early. Sue and Mary were having a big time playing with Manuel. He has loved having Sue here to be a new audience. I think we were all ready for bedtime early!!!
Wow! It’s November! It’s hard to realize the time of the year here when the weather is pretty much the same. It’s always hot. Half of the year it’s rainy and half of the year it’s desert dry. I do miss fall weather, since it’s my favorite, but when I was in the states in Sept and part of Oct, it was getting fall-like. It will be cold when I got back for the month of December. I think I’ll get my fill of cold.
It’s Sherry’s birthday, so Mary, Sue and I met her at a favorite breakfast restaurant. It was yummy.
We went to the Old Dump neighborhood and had a little event for the expectant mama’s and new mama’s. Sue led games and we gave out prizes. It was a lot of fun. We gave out some baby clothing that Mary had brought down. It was a nice time in that special neighborhood.
We had lunch together at the team house. I wasn’t hungry because of having a big breakfast and also my stomach was not real happy.
I worked on the computer with Feeding Center records for most of the afternoon.
I called Nana Ruth in AR and had a good chat. I let too much time pass between phone calls and need to contact people more often.
I took a little nap and swam for a short time to try to feel better. I was not feeling great after eating the omelet for breakfast (I knew better than to do that). I decided to take it easy for the evening.
Manuel came over to hang out with us for a few hours so Mike and Sherry could have some alone time for her birthday. We all listened to him preach and sing and then I went to my room early. Sue and Mary were having a big time playing with Manuel. He has loved having Sue here to be a new audience. I think we were all ready for bedtime early!!!
October 30-31, 2012
October 30, 2012
I spent most of the day on the computer working on the Feeding Center documents.
Mary, Sue, and Sherry worked on putting baby clothes into bags to be given away later in the week. Sue had a few games for the Mama’s to play and I pulled out some prizes for them all. Mary sewed up an extra baby blanket to give away.
Mary and Sue also helped Mayela with putting pics of Feeding Center kids into photo books for the upcoming teams to take back to the states with them.
I pulled off of the computer in the late afternoon and worked on some church banners that I have had in the works for quite a while. It seems I never get the time to work on them and it was a great change of pace from the computer. Sue and Mary helped cut out some shapes for me. I’m anxious to see how my banners turn out. I’m also concerned about how they will hold up here with the weather. We’ll see…
I practiced more on the guitar. I’m trying to learn new chords and also looking up songs on the computer. I’m getting excited!
October 31, 2012
It’s Halloween in the states. Everyone is putting pics of their kids in their costumes on Facebook. Many churches are doing Trunk or Treat on their premises. It’s fun to see all the festivities that are positive and an alternative to the spookiness of the traditional holiday.
Mary, Mayela, Sue and I went to town to shop for photo albums for the Feeding Center pics. We stopped to pick up some fabric paint for my banners and went to La Unión for some personal groceries.
I got back on the computer for most of the afternoon. Then I worked on the banners more in the early evening. It gets dark here fast, so it’s a wonder the banners turned out descent since I couldn’t see!
We were invited to church at Monte Horeb, but decided to stay at the team house because the weather was a little wet.
I hemmed more pants for Manuel while watching another video. I then practiced the guitar and went to bed.
It’s been so nice to have Sue here this week. It feels very natural for her to be here. I think she is enjoying her time here, too.
I spent most of the day on the computer working on the Feeding Center documents.
Mary, Sue, and Sherry worked on putting baby clothes into bags to be given away later in the week. Sue had a few games for the Mama’s to play and I pulled out some prizes for them all. Mary sewed up an extra baby blanket to give away.
Mary and Sue also helped Mayela with putting pics of Feeding Center kids into photo books for the upcoming teams to take back to the states with them.
I pulled off of the computer in the late afternoon and worked on some church banners that I have had in the works for quite a while. It seems I never get the time to work on them and it was a great change of pace from the computer. Sue and Mary helped cut out some shapes for me. I’m anxious to see how my banners turn out. I’m also concerned about how they will hold up here with the weather. We’ll see…
I practiced more on the guitar. I’m trying to learn new chords and also looking up songs on the computer. I’m getting excited!
October 31, 2012
It’s Halloween in the states. Everyone is putting pics of their kids in their costumes on Facebook. Many churches are doing Trunk or Treat on their premises. It’s fun to see all the festivities that are positive and an alternative to the spookiness of the traditional holiday.
Mary, Mayela, Sue and I went to town to shop for photo albums for the Feeding Center pics. We stopped to pick up some fabric paint for my banners and went to La Unión for some personal groceries.
I got back on the computer for most of the afternoon. Then I worked on the banners more in the early evening. It gets dark here fast, so it’s a wonder the banners turned out descent since I couldn’t see!
We were invited to church at Monte Horeb, but decided to stay at the team house because the weather was a little wet.
I hemmed more pants for Manuel while watching another video. I then practiced the guitar and went to bed.
It’s been so nice to have Sue here this week. It feels very natural for her to be here. I think she is enjoying her time here, too.
October 29, 2012
Monday morning started early with a fresh energy to get back to work. Sue Berner is here this week to work with us. It must seem like a slow time to her, but we have simple things that we keep up with weekly and there is stuff to do to get ready for the next team. It’s also a good time to rest before the 3 back-to-back weeks of teams start in a week.
When Pastor Bryan came, I gave him the items from the Women’s Conference that needed to be distributed to some of his ladies. I also gave him a pair of suspenders that were my Dad’s. Bryan likes to dress up and he often wears suspenders. I couldn’t think of a better person to pass that particular pair to. He was very appreciative and I took his picture and put it on my facebook page. I got a lot of comments on facebook about having a piece of my Dad walking around Nica.
I purchased my return ticket to AR for Dec 4. I had originally planned on going back the end of January, but my schedule changed and I got a one way ticket for December. I plan to drive to Indiana to have Christmas with my family (the first time in 22 years) and then drive back via Branson to attend the VOH board meeting on the 29th.
Most of the day was spent keying info into my computer for all the changes and additions to the Feeding Centers. That will be a long job covering many days.
I hemmed some pants for Manuel’s school uniform while I watched a video on my computer. I then read a few more chapters in a book I’m enjoying “Soul Detox”. I practiced guitar for a little while. I’ll be so glad when my fingers are ‘seasoned’ and don’t hurt so bad! I know it will take lots of practice. I’m anxious so see how much I have progressed by that time. Until then, I gotta keep practicing!
When Pastor Bryan came, I gave him the items from the Women’s Conference that needed to be distributed to some of his ladies. I also gave him a pair of suspenders that were my Dad’s. Bryan likes to dress up and he often wears suspenders. I couldn’t think of a better person to pass that particular pair to. He was very appreciative and I took his picture and put it on my facebook page. I got a lot of comments on facebook about having a piece of my Dad walking around Nica.
I purchased my return ticket to AR for Dec 4. I had originally planned on going back the end of January, but my schedule changed and I got a one way ticket for December. I plan to drive to Indiana to have Christmas with my family (the first time in 22 years) and then drive back via Branson to attend the VOH board meeting on the 29th.
Most of the day was spent keying info into my computer for all the changes and additions to the Feeding Centers. That will be a long job covering many days.
I hemmed some pants for Manuel’s school uniform while I watched a video on my computer. I then read a few more chapters in a book I’m enjoying “Soul Detox”. I practiced guitar for a little while. I’ll be so glad when my fingers are ‘seasoned’ and don’t hurt so bad! I know it will take lots of practice. I’m anxious so see how much I have progressed by that time. Until then, I gotta keep practicing!
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