The June Interns started arriving, some on Saturday and some on Sunday. It will be a great time of serving with them!
I tried to fit in one last week of Women’s Bible Study and English Bible Study while we don’t have teams. There was sickness among the women, but most of the leaders got to meet. I will miss them greatly while we take a break during our busy team time. We had a small class for the English Bible Study and I cherished every minute of it!
Pastor Marvin, a former colleague, stopped by to ask about using the team house. He also said that he had some women’s underwear that had been donated and wanted to know if I would like to have the remainder of the shipment to give to my women’s ministry ladies. I said of course! However, I don’t know if that will ever appear. It’s a nice offer, though.
I contracted a very bad sinus infection that hit me in just one day! It was quick and strong. I was so thankful that my doctor had sent me to Nica with a Zpak. I started it the 2nd day and the illness still put me in bed for a couple of days. I think it was God’s way of letting me have time totally alone through the difficulties of the week. When I got to the place that I felt better after every nap, I couldn’t wait to go back to sleep so I could wake up feeling better! Lol I’m so thankful for good health! I don’t want to take it for granted.
The girl interns worked on sewing (they are learning) and made some bean bags for toys and also worked on some aprons for the cooks. It was also a time for them to trouble-shoot the sewing machines to find out which ones need attention after the long time of storage.
There was a lot of computer work on the feeding center files (as usual) and some nice conversations with ministry people. I spent a lot of time resting from the sinus infection that kicked my booty. I watched some videos, read, did Bible study and prayed. I got the chance to get some much needed communication done.
There was more construction done on Saturnino’s house and we had a small celebration service to bless the home and the family. It was such a treat!
I’m so thankful for what God shows me every day. Sometimes it is difficult, but it’s all for my benefit to grow me closer to Him. That’s all I care about.
He is my Creator, Provider, Redeemer, Savior and Faithful Friend. I am blessed.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
May 23-31, 2013
Travel Day! I got up and had my suitcases ready for my pick up. Deanna and Jet kept me company while waiting for Cathy to come and get me. Michael and Vickie Brown were coming to get their car back and I was thrilled when they pulled up before Cathy and I left. I got to hug their necks and see them for a short time.
Cathy and I had breakfast at Mimi’s Café and it was delicious! We talked more about the upcoming Women’s team that will be ministering to women in Nica in October. I’m excited to see who all God is planning for this trip!
My flights were uneventful. While waiting at the airport, I got the chance to update blog posts. I had a wonderful lunch at TGI Fridays at the ATL airport. I grabbed a chai tea latte, too. A special treat for me!
On the flight between NWA and ATL, there was a boy of about 8 years old traveling to visit his dad for the summer. He was traveling alone (with the supervision of the flight attendants). He was placed next to me and we had a nice little conversation. He was so polite and sweet. He looked over the card with the safety information on it and listened intently to the instructions that were demonstrated. He asked me where they keep the parachutes. Ah… they don’t have parachutes on the plane. He asked me how do the passengers get out of the plane in an emergency. Ah… they walk down the steps. ????? I didn’t know what to tell him and thought it best to just make him comfortable and secure. Sorry for the fib Lord… The little guy took a nice nap and we made it to ATL in no time. He thanked me for being so nice and talking to him on the trip. What a nice treat for me to get to sit beside him!
I arrived at the team house just as the team was returning from the last night of the crusade services. It was so good to see the translators and to some of the team members that I knew from previous trips. I was ready to get settled into my room.
Friday was fun day for the team and they went various places for sightseeing and shopping. 2 of the ladies on the team were hairstylists and they stayed at the team house and did hair ALL day long! They were cutting and/or coloring hair constantly! I was blessed to get a much needed trim, myself. I gave out some of the gifts that I had brought to the workers and went to bed by 8pm!
The rest of the days were spent getting settled in and having one last round of classes for the Women’s Bible Study and English Bible Study Group.
We got to help a little with some construction work at Saturnino’s house. Rusty and Lynn Branson arrived from the states and we spent the rest of the week relaxing, doing construction and hanging out.
During this time, the enemy attacked me fiercely through people that I had to be around 24/7. It went on for many days and there was a lot of hurt for me. God showed me that He was by my side through it all, but it was very difficult! My reputation was damaged by lies and there was never a time of accountability for all involved. It reminded me very much of the same type of circumstances around an ugly divorce. But I know WHO I am in Christ and to WHOM I belong. God’s opinion of me is the top of the list and no one else’s matters. But, being human, it does hurt when I’m treated unfairly and justice is not fulfilled. I trust God that He knows my heart and that He will make known to others that my heart is pure. Sometimes the trials we go through are very tough. But, my God is tougher!!!
Mother’s Day in Nica was celebrated on Thursday. I had been invited to speak at a special women’s service on Friday night. I invited Mary and Lynn to join me. We gave our testimonies and enjoyed the service very much. After the service, we had a lovely dinner sitting at the ‘Pastor’s table’. It was a very nice and blessed night.
It had been quite the week, but God was shining brighter in my heart than ever before. He is my anchor and I’m so thankful for Him!
Cathy and I had breakfast at Mimi’s Café and it was delicious! We talked more about the upcoming Women’s team that will be ministering to women in Nica in October. I’m excited to see who all God is planning for this trip!
My flights were uneventful. While waiting at the airport, I got the chance to update blog posts. I had a wonderful lunch at TGI Fridays at the ATL airport. I grabbed a chai tea latte, too. A special treat for me!
On the flight between NWA and ATL, there was a boy of about 8 years old traveling to visit his dad for the summer. He was traveling alone (with the supervision of the flight attendants). He was placed next to me and we had a nice little conversation. He was so polite and sweet. He looked over the card with the safety information on it and listened intently to the instructions that were demonstrated. He asked me where they keep the parachutes. Ah… they don’t have parachutes on the plane. He asked me how do the passengers get out of the plane in an emergency. Ah… they walk down the steps. ????? I didn’t know what to tell him and thought it best to just make him comfortable and secure. Sorry for the fib Lord… The little guy took a nice nap and we made it to ATL in no time. He thanked me for being so nice and talking to him on the trip. What a nice treat for me to get to sit beside him!
I arrived at the team house just as the team was returning from the last night of the crusade services. It was so good to see the translators and to some of the team members that I knew from previous trips. I was ready to get settled into my room.
Friday was fun day for the team and they went various places for sightseeing and shopping. 2 of the ladies on the team were hairstylists and they stayed at the team house and did hair ALL day long! They were cutting and/or coloring hair constantly! I was blessed to get a much needed trim, myself. I gave out some of the gifts that I had brought to the workers and went to bed by 8pm!
The rest of the days were spent getting settled in and having one last round of classes for the Women’s Bible Study and English Bible Study Group.
We got to help a little with some construction work at Saturnino’s house. Rusty and Lynn Branson arrived from the states and we spent the rest of the week relaxing, doing construction and hanging out.
During this time, the enemy attacked me fiercely through people that I had to be around 24/7. It went on for many days and there was a lot of hurt for me. God showed me that He was by my side through it all, but it was very difficult! My reputation was damaged by lies and there was never a time of accountability for all involved. It reminded me very much of the same type of circumstances around an ugly divorce. But I know WHO I am in Christ and to WHOM I belong. God’s opinion of me is the top of the list and no one else’s matters. But, being human, it does hurt when I’m treated unfairly and justice is not fulfilled. I trust God that He knows my heart and that He will make known to others that my heart is pure. Sometimes the trials we go through are very tough. But, my God is tougher!!!
Mother’s Day in Nica was celebrated on Thursday. I had been invited to speak at a special women’s service on Friday night. I invited Mary and Lynn to join me. We gave our testimonies and enjoyed the service very much. After the service, we had a lovely dinner sitting at the ‘Pastor’s table’. It was a very nice and blessed night.
It had been quite the week, but God was shining brighter in my heart than ever before. He is my anchor and I’m so thankful for Him!
May 17-22, 2013
Back in Rogers to prepare for my return to Nica.
Lots of errands, more medical appointments, more shopping and more dinner dates. I start feeling a little bit ill and have to cool it for a day or so, but I get pretty much everything done that I had planned.
I did get to spend some time having lunch with the wife of one of the team members from the Crosslife construction team in January. Carol met me at Las Palmas and we had a yummy lunch and she gave me a sweet bag that she had sewn as an example for our sewing ministry.
I also got to meet with the July Interns who are coming from FBC Rogers. The kids have all be to Nica at least once and know the drill. Part of the Moms have been there, so it was an easy meeting. It will be so fun to have them serving in Nica this summer!
I finished reading the book that I want to use for devotions with the Interns this summer. It’s easy reading since we won’t have a lot of time for study. It will be a good conversation starter for us all.
I had some meetings and some dinner dates with people and finished up my duties for the states. I packed and repacked and repacked again! I try so hard to get every allowable ounce in the suitcases! It stresses me out! That’s what comes from worrying about ‘stuff’. But it’s okay… it’s ministry stuff I’m trying to get down there.
On Wednesday (22nd) I ran the last of the errands and treated myself to a Route 66 Rootbeer at Sonic. I didn’t realize that it was happy hour, and I was pleasantly surprised to only have to pay a pittance for that huge drink!
Now, all set for Nica! I feel exhausted, both physically and emotionally/spiritually, and I know it will be a crazy 2 ½ months back in Nica with the teams. I was glad to get to do all of the things that God allowed while in the states for 3 weeks. What a whirlwind! Maybe I will be able to relax in August! ☺
Lots of errands, more medical appointments, more shopping and more dinner dates. I start feeling a little bit ill and have to cool it for a day or so, but I get pretty much everything done that I had planned.
I did get to spend some time having lunch with the wife of one of the team members from the Crosslife construction team in January. Carol met me at Las Palmas and we had a yummy lunch and she gave me a sweet bag that she had sewn as an example for our sewing ministry.
I also got to meet with the July Interns who are coming from FBC Rogers. The kids have all be to Nica at least once and know the drill. Part of the Moms have been there, so it was an easy meeting. It will be so fun to have them serving in Nica this summer!
I finished reading the book that I want to use for devotions with the Interns this summer. It’s easy reading since we won’t have a lot of time for study. It will be a good conversation starter for us all.
I had some meetings and some dinner dates with people and finished up my duties for the states. I packed and repacked and repacked again! I try so hard to get every allowable ounce in the suitcases! It stresses me out! That’s what comes from worrying about ‘stuff’. But it’s okay… it’s ministry stuff I’m trying to get down there.
On Wednesday (22nd) I ran the last of the errands and treated myself to a Route 66 Rootbeer at Sonic. I didn’t realize that it was happy hour, and I was pleasantly surprised to only have to pay a pittance for that huge drink!
Now, all set for Nica! I feel exhausted, both physically and emotionally/spiritually, and I know it will be a crazy 2 ½ months back in Nica with the teams. I was glad to get to do all of the things that God allowed while in the states for 3 weeks. What a whirlwind! Maybe I will be able to relax in August! ☺
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
May 9-16, 2013
ROAD TRIP TO INDIANA!!!
This will be the first time that I take my time and enjoy the travel to Indiana and back. I’m usually trying to make it all in one day and continually stressing over each minute that I stop for meals or gas or bathroom breaks. I’m giving myself permission to take my time and not worry about a thing. The plan is to stop over night on the way up and the way back. And, if I’m paying for a hotel room, I’m stopping early in the afternoon to get my money’s worth! Ha
I didn’t leave Deanna’s until 9:00am. I stop in Monett for a mocha drink. I don’t usually drink coffee, even though I love it, and the caffeine will surely keep me awake on the drive for the day. It’s smooth sailing and beautiful weather across Missouri. I stop for lunch and visit a Walmart store, which happens to have clearance racks of $1, $3, $5, $7. These are MY kind of prices. I spend an hour shopping. Lol I found lots of stuff to bring back to my friends in Nica. The afternoon consisted of a frozen coffee drink and driving around St Louis. I stopped in Fairfield Heights IL for the night and had a nice early dinner and enjoyed my hotel room immensely! Lovely Day!
The drive on Friday was not so great because of weather. It rained so hard at one point that I took the wrong highway and ended up on an hour detour. But that’s okay. I got back on the right road and ended up at my sister’s house by 5pm their time. It’s cold and rainy there and we had spaghetti for dinner, which hit the spot!
On Saturday, I help Sandy a little bit in the kitchen as she prepares food for the family reunion. I run into Mom’s house to pick up some pictures and to say howdy. We had a nice time with cousins from my Dad’s side of the family. Besides a few funerals in the past couple of years, we have not all been together in about 40 years. One cousin is very big into genealogy and she brought tons of books with pictures and info. Everyone brought some old pictures and we all had fun trying to figure out who everyone was. I have one uncle and one aunt (widow of another uncle) left on Dad’s side. I have to say that it was a very fun afternoon and evening. The funniest thing is that with everyone so into family photos and genealogy, no one took any pictures of the get-together. Jaja
Sunday was Mother’s Day and I went to church with Mom and Gary. Then we went out to Sandy’s for dinner. Mom’s birthday is in May, so we celebrated her birthday, too. I fell asleep and entertained everyone with my snoring. Later in the afternoon, Sandy and I hit Kohl’s and a frozen yogurt place to top off the day. It was great.
Monday, I spent with my sister Pam and her husband Rob. We went to our favorite restaurant, Smokey Bones. We shopped at Sam’s Club and Walmart and a couple of Dollar Trees. It was a lot of fun. I also ran to a music store and found some simple song books for guitar. It was a fun day.
Tuesday, Sandy and I, with my 6 month old nephew Bentley, went shopping at the outlet mall nearby. I found some great deals for myself and others. We had a yummy lunch at Max & Ermas. I had a veggie burger and baked potato. It was cold out so that hit the spot!
Wednesday, Sandy and I ran some errands and had lunch with Dad’s girlfriend, Mary Lou. It was so good to see her. We had fun. I then did some laundry and packed the car for my departure the next morning.
Thursday, I went by Mom’s on the way out of town. She had some medical tests scheduled for the day, so our visit was a good distraction for her. I got a mocha and headed south. The weather was pretty good and I made good time driving. I ended up stopping and having a delicious dinner and enjoyed a lot of hours in my hotel room. It was wonderful! I worked on some computer stuff and Bible Study and watched TV. Very relaxing. I had brought a turtle cheesecake back to my room for a snack. I forgot to get a fork at the restaurant and ended up eating it with my fingers, but it was really good! I slept pretty well.
Friday, I had breakfast at the hotel and headed out for Rogers. I realized part of the way home that I would be able to fit in a stop in Pea Ridge to have lunch with my friend Zandra. It was a treat for both of us! I got home to Deanna’s and unpacked and did some laundry. I immediately started packing suitcases for the trip back to Nica. So much stuff! But so many clearance prices! Lol
It was a tiring week, driving 1300 miles and running around, but it was nice and I’m glad that I got to go.
This will be the first time that I take my time and enjoy the travel to Indiana and back. I’m usually trying to make it all in one day and continually stressing over each minute that I stop for meals or gas or bathroom breaks. I’m giving myself permission to take my time and not worry about a thing. The plan is to stop over night on the way up and the way back. And, if I’m paying for a hotel room, I’m stopping early in the afternoon to get my money’s worth! Ha
I didn’t leave Deanna’s until 9:00am. I stop in Monett for a mocha drink. I don’t usually drink coffee, even though I love it, and the caffeine will surely keep me awake on the drive for the day. It’s smooth sailing and beautiful weather across Missouri. I stop for lunch and visit a Walmart store, which happens to have clearance racks of $1, $3, $5, $7. These are MY kind of prices. I spend an hour shopping. Lol I found lots of stuff to bring back to my friends in Nica. The afternoon consisted of a frozen coffee drink and driving around St Louis. I stopped in Fairfield Heights IL for the night and had a nice early dinner and enjoyed my hotel room immensely! Lovely Day!
The drive on Friday was not so great because of weather. It rained so hard at one point that I took the wrong highway and ended up on an hour detour. But that’s okay. I got back on the right road and ended up at my sister’s house by 5pm their time. It’s cold and rainy there and we had spaghetti for dinner, which hit the spot!
On Saturday, I help Sandy a little bit in the kitchen as she prepares food for the family reunion. I run into Mom’s house to pick up some pictures and to say howdy. We had a nice time with cousins from my Dad’s side of the family. Besides a few funerals in the past couple of years, we have not all been together in about 40 years. One cousin is very big into genealogy and she brought tons of books with pictures and info. Everyone brought some old pictures and we all had fun trying to figure out who everyone was. I have one uncle and one aunt (widow of another uncle) left on Dad’s side. I have to say that it was a very fun afternoon and evening. The funniest thing is that with everyone so into family photos and genealogy, no one took any pictures of the get-together. Jaja
Sunday was Mother’s Day and I went to church with Mom and Gary. Then we went out to Sandy’s for dinner. Mom’s birthday is in May, so we celebrated her birthday, too. I fell asleep and entertained everyone with my snoring. Later in the afternoon, Sandy and I hit Kohl’s and a frozen yogurt place to top off the day. It was great.
Monday, I spent with my sister Pam and her husband Rob. We went to our favorite restaurant, Smokey Bones. We shopped at Sam’s Club and Walmart and a couple of Dollar Trees. It was a lot of fun. I also ran to a music store and found some simple song books for guitar. It was a fun day.
Tuesday, Sandy and I, with my 6 month old nephew Bentley, went shopping at the outlet mall nearby. I found some great deals for myself and others. We had a yummy lunch at Max & Ermas. I had a veggie burger and baked potato. It was cold out so that hit the spot!
Wednesday, Sandy and I ran some errands and had lunch with Dad’s girlfriend, Mary Lou. It was so good to see her. We had fun. I then did some laundry and packed the car for my departure the next morning.
Thursday, I went by Mom’s on the way out of town. She had some medical tests scheduled for the day, so our visit was a good distraction for her. I got a mocha and headed south. The weather was pretty good and I made good time driving. I ended up stopping and having a delicious dinner and enjoyed a lot of hours in my hotel room. It was wonderful! I worked on some computer stuff and Bible Study and watched TV. Very relaxing. I had brought a turtle cheesecake back to my room for a snack. I forgot to get a fork at the restaurant and ended up eating it with my fingers, but it was really good! I slept pretty well.
Friday, I had breakfast at the hotel and headed out for Rogers. I realized part of the way home that I would be able to fit in a stop in Pea Ridge to have lunch with my friend Zandra. It was a treat for both of us! I got home to Deanna’s and unpacked and did some laundry. I immediately started packing suitcases for the trip back to Nica. So much stuff! But so many clearance prices! Lol
It was a tiring week, driving 1300 miles and running around, but it was nice and I’m glad that I got to go.
May 3-8, 2013
First day back in the states. Lots on my to-list and loving it! I’m SO BLESSED to be able to borrow a car from my wonderful friends Vickie and Michael Brown. It makes all of the errand-running so much easier! They always bless me in many ways. I’m thankful that God brought them into my life many years ago at a kid’s camp in Smackover AR!
This week before leaving for Indiana, I have doctor appointments, dinner appointments and a long list of shopping items that were requested by my friends in Nica. The first day I hit Target and Walmart, have a doctor’s appointment and dinner plans. Deanna got back from Las Vegas this evening and her friend Amy stopped by the house to pick up a coat for Deanna to wear home from the airport. It’s cold!!!
I tried to balance my errands and appointments with some rest time. Deanna always fusses at me to get rest and not push myself too much. But it’s hard! I love spending time with her, though, so it’s a pleasant experience when I can get myself to do it.
On Sunday, I went to FBC Rogers and spoke to a Ladies class that helps to support me in Nica. I got to meet some new ladies and share what God is doing in Nica. It was sweet. I then went to the 9am service and got to make my pledge for the new building campaign. Then I hotfooted it over to the Olive Street church to worship with Cuerpo Vivo. I loved the Spanish worship and really loved getting to see my friends. I treated myself to lunch at my favorite Chinese place, shopped in a few more stores and then headed back to Deanna’s for a restful afternoon. I enjoyed practicing on my good guitar. My fingers were so happy!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday were spent going to Dr appointments, having meals with friends, shopping, walking, getting some computer work done and practicing Guitar. The week was over before I knew it! I enjoyed running into friends. God is so good at bringing little surprises into my day! Wednesday, I got some laundry done and packed my suitcase for my trip to Indiana. It’s going to be a whirl-wind trip!
I’m keeping my eyes and heart open for the divine appointment that God will bring into my day. I’m spending some quality time alone with Him, asking Him to take control of ALL of me. He is so precious.
This week before leaving for Indiana, I have doctor appointments, dinner appointments and a long list of shopping items that were requested by my friends in Nica. The first day I hit Target and Walmart, have a doctor’s appointment and dinner plans. Deanna got back from Las Vegas this evening and her friend Amy stopped by the house to pick up a coat for Deanna to wear home from the airport. It’s cold!!!
I tried to balance my errands and appointments with some rest time. Deanna always fusses at me to get rest and not push myself too much. But it’s hard! I love spending time with her, though, so it’s a pleasant experience when I can get myself to do it.
On Sunday, I went to FBC Rogers and spoke to a Ladies class that helps to support me in Nica. I got to meet some new ladies and share what God is doing in Nica. It was sweet. I then went to the 9am service and got to make my pledge for the new building campaign. Then I hotfooted it over to the Olive Street church to worship with Cuerpo Vivo. I loved the Spanish worship and really loved getting to see my friends. I treated myself to lunch at my favorite Chinese place, shopped in a few more stores and then headed back to Deanna’s for a restful afternoon. I enjoyed practicing on my good guitar. My fingers were so happy!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday were spent going to Dr appointments, having meals with friends, shopping, walking, getting some computer work done and practicing Guitar. The week was over before I knew it! I enjoyed running into friends. God is so good at bringing little surprises into my day! Wednesday, I got some laundry done and packed my suitcase for my trip to Indiana. It’s going to be a whirl-wind trip!
I’m keeping my eyes and heart open for the divine appointment that God will bring into my day. I’m spending some quality time alone with Him, asking Him to take control of ALL of me. He is so precious.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
May 2, 2013
Travel Day.
I got up at 2:30am to leave for the airport by 3:30am. Nelson drove me. We were both very quiet on the way. I tried to doze a little bit, but couldn’t really sleep. At least I didn’t get carsick like I have been doing lately.
Nelson dropped me off at the Managua airport at 5am. I got checked in pretty quick, since there weren’t many in the Delta line. There was a wait at the immigration area due to so many flights leaving at the same time. You never know how long the process will take, so we are always at the airport by 5am. I got through security after walking through the doorframe equipment and then getting wanded and then getting patted down. It’s nice to have attention. Haha I made it upstairs to my gate and grabbed a bagel and juice for my breakfast. I walked around a bit and then sat and made a few phone calls. My family in IN are 2 hours ahead of Nica, so it was a great time to call them. One more trip through another security checkpoint and I was on the plane.
The flight was great. I had upgraded to the economy seats with more legroom. I had the row to myself. I snoozed a little bit on the way to Atlanta. I chatted with the guy across the aisle. He was happy to have the row to himself, too. He was tall and rather large, so he always upgrades. He said that most people don’t want to spend the extra money, so he gets whole rows quite a bit. We both decided that it is worth it!
For my layover at Atlanta airport, I had a great hot lunch at TGIFridays. It was so yummy. It was rainy and a little chilly in Atlanta. Inside the airport was fine, but just looking out at the drizzle made me feel cold. When I left León at 3:30am, it was in the 80s. It got progressively colder the farther my day went. By the time I reached NWArkansas, it was in the 30s and rainy. Yuk!
Rusty and Lynn Branson picked me up at the airport and took me to dinner. It was lovely to spend time with them. And I loved the restaurant. Bentonville is getting a lot of bistro type restaurants and I’m loving that!
I made it to Deanna’s and got settled in. It was so good to get there. Deanna was still in Las Vegas visiting her daughter’s family after helping them with a mission event. It was just me, Jet (the dog) and LucyAlice (the cat). Everyone slept in my room. Haha
I was so glad to be in my US room and bed. I miss being in Nica, but I feel like my room at Deanna’s is my safe and cozy nest. It actually snowed overnight. I took some pictures at 4:30am when I let Jet out for the bathroom. I was afraid that the snow would be gone by morning. But when I got up, there was more snow and I got some better pictures. The weather turned back to rain during the day, so the snow went away. Brrrrrrr. I was not ready for that cold weather! But it was good to be ‘home’ in the US.
I got up at 2:30am to leave for the airport by 3:30am. Nelson drove me. We were both very quiet on the way. I tried to doze a little bit, but couldn’t really sleep. At least I didn’t get carsick like I have been doing lately.
Nelson dropped me off at the Managua airport at 5am. I got checked in pretty quick, since there weren’t many in the Delta line. There was a wait at the immigration area due to so many flights leaving at the same time. You never know how long the process will take, so we are always at the airport by 5am. I got through security after walking through the doorframe equipment and then getting wanded and then getting patted down. It’s nice to have attention. Haha I made it upstairs to my gate and grabbed a bagel and juice for my breakfast. I walked around a bit and then sat and made a few phone calls. My family in IN are 2 hours ahead of Nica, so it was a great time to call them. One more trip through another security checkpoint and I was on the plane.
The flight was great. I had upgraded to the economy seats with more legroom. I had the row to myself. I snoozed a little bit on the way to Atlanta. I chatted with the guy across the aisle. He was happy to have the row to himself, too. He was tall and rather large, so he always upgrades. He said that most people don’t want to spend the extra money, so he gets whole rows quite a bit. We both decided that it is worth it!
For my layover at Atlanta airport, I had a great hot lunch at TGIFridays. It was so yummy. It was rainy and a little chilly in Atlanta. Inside the airport was fine, but just looking out at the drizzle made me feel cold. When I left León at 3:30am, it was in the 80s. It got progressively colder the farther my day went. By the time I reached NWArkansas, it was in the 30s and rainy. Yuk!
Rusty and Lynn Branson picked me up at the airport and took me to dinner. It was lovely to spend time with them. And I loved the restaurant. Bentonville is getting a lot of bistro type restaurants and I’m loving that!
I made it to Deanna’s and got settled in. It was so good to get there. Deanna was still in Las Vegas visiting her daughter’s family after helping them with a mission event. It was just me, Jet (the dog) and LucyAlice (the cat). Everyone slept in my room. Haha
I was so glad to be in my US room and bed. I miss being in Nica, but I feel like my room at Deanna’s is my safe and cozy nest. It actually snowed overnight. I took some pictures at 4:30am when I let Jet out for the bathroom. I was afraid that the snow would be gone by morning. But when I got up, there was more snow and I got some better pictures. The weather turned back to rain during the day, so the snow went away. Brrrrrrr. I was not ready for that cold weather! But it was good to be ‘home’ in the US.
May 1, 2013
It’s a holiday here, so there are no workers besides Alberto. Edmundo was on duty to drive me anywhere I wanted to go. I didn’t know that he was told to work. I told German to go ahead and send him home. If I go to town, I’ll get a taxi. No sense in someone working his holiday to just sit around and see if I want to go to town or not.
There was supposed to be a women’s retreat here today, but they never showed up. I guess that church changed its mind. It’s been very quiet. I did get up early and do my laundry so it would be done before the retreat. Buster is going around sleeping in different spots. It’s so funny to run across him lying on his back with his four legs up in the air. What a goof!
I had some yummy leftover Arroz Aguado for lunch! I love it cold. I think I will go to town for dinner later. Other than that, I have been charging up my electronics to pack, packing travel clothes and souvenirs and what work documents that I need to have with me. I’m all ready now! I just have to finish cleaning out my fridge.
I’ve sent out some messages and made phone calls. I hope to have a restful afternoon and be able to go to sleep early. I need to find my alarm clock to get up at 2:30am. Travel days are about the only times that I use an alarm clock. You just wake up early here.
I’m looking forward to seeing family and friends in the states. But it is still hard to not be here. I’m open to all of the opportunities that God allows for me bless someone and to be loved on myself! God is so good!
There was supposed to be a women’s retreat here today, but they never showed up. I guess that church changed its mind. It’s been very quiet. I did get up early and do my laundry so it would be done before the retreat. Buster is going around sleeping in different spots. It’s so funny to run across him lying on his back with his four legs up in the air. What a goof!
I had some yummy leftover Arroz Aguado for lunch! I love it cold. I think I will go to town for dinner later. Other than that, I have been charging up my electronics to pack, packing travel clothes and souvenirs and what work documents that I need to have with me. I’m all ready now! I just have to finish cleaning out my fridge.
I’ve sent out some messages and made phone calls. I hope to have a restful afternoon and be able to go to sleep early. I need to find my alarm clock to get up at 2:30am. Travel days are about the only times that I use an alarm clock. You just wake up early here.
I’m looking forward to seeing family and friends in the states. But it is still hard to not be here. I’m open to all of the opportunities that God allows for me bless someone and to be loved on myself! God is so good!
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