It's Wednesday night and I'm tucked in at home nursing the last (hopefully) of my cold. I'm so glad to be able to work from home. I haven't had to miss a beat on work, although I did miss doing childcare or Cuerpo Vivo on Monday night and the Cuerpo Vivo class on Tuesday. I really miss being with them.
After my last post on Saturday, I received word that there was a bad accident for some of the people who were returning from the Hispanic conference in Little Rock. One lady was killed and many were injured, some very seriously. No one from Cuerpo Vivo was hurt. Our vans stopped to help get the people out of the flipped bus. It was very serious and emotional for all. Jaime and most of the Cuerpo Vivo congregation got back home around 11pm and Oliver and a few others stayed with families at the hospitals and returned about 3am. Oliver brought home with him some kids whose parents stayed at the hospital. Sunday morning was very different for us. The family conference was wonderful and the attendees left Little Rock refreshed in God's love and plan for their families. Through the events of the wreck and aftermath, there was a renewed commitment to family and loved ones. A lot of sharing and tears and hugs and praising God. It was very emotional for me as I learned more of the details of the night before. I thought about how much I love the people of Cuerpo Vivo and especially Jaime's and Oliver's families. We joke a lot about me becoming 'brown' and loving the Hispanic culture. This weekend I realized just how much I do consider them my 'family'. And I'm thankful to our Lord for a love that strong.
This week we are planning an event called Día del Niño to celebrate children. It's supposed to happen outside on Saturday, but the weather may not cooperate. We'll see how it goes. I think it might be too wet.
I got the word that details have been worked out for me to stay in Nicaragua for 6 weeks this summer! woohoo! I bought my tickets this week. I'm so excited!! Now I have to save all my pennies to cover the trip expenses. God will provide ways for me to do that and it will be great working it out. I'm looking for house-sitting, pet-sitting, kid-sitting and granny-sitting jobs for the next few months. They will be adventures in themselves and a wonderful way to make some money for the trip.
I find myself yearning to be in nyc visiting some of the people I knew at the soup kitchens and shelters. I miss seeing Kenneth, the Lincoln Center guard who I walked by daily, and John & Paulina at Turtleshell Theatre, my favorite juice bar, my favorite healthfood restaurant, riding the subway, walking the streets, hearing all of the noise, spending time in Central Park, and yes, even being around the tourists. Good memories.
Time for bed and sweet dreams.
God is so good to give me many experiences and relationships and feelings. I'm thankful for the life He is allowing me to live.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Another week has passed. They are the same, but different. I like structure, but also variety. Sometimes, I can't believe how quickly the weeks and months fly by. I love having the time packed with lots of productivity, rest and time with my Lord.
Monday night with the Cuerpo Vivo kids was fun. The weather was a little chilly, so we stayed indoors. We had a total of 15 kids this week. I think everyone had a good time. I definitely had to vacuum afterwards since we had goldfish crackers for snack! But, I need all the exercise I can get, so I didn't mind.
Tuesday's Cuerpo Vivo Bible class was really good. We had a couple of guys from the Monday class switch to the Tuesday am class since they have to take their kids to soccer practice on Monday nights. This made a total of 5 in the Tuesday class (they run about 25 on Monday nights) and we had a great time of discussion. It took me 3 hours on Monday night (after childcare was over) to translate the pages for Tuesday's class into English so that I could understand the subject matter. It is always a good study time in Spanish for me. I can't wait for the day when I can understand most of the Spanish that I hear and read in the course of my week. It's getting better and I'm not giving up.
Speaking of Spanish lessons, I'm pushing hard through the text book that Oliver used in our classes in the fall/winter. I want to get through the book and also the lessons I found on-line before I leave for Nicaragua again in July. I pray daily for a clear mind, understanding, retention and perserverence. I already have the love for the language and culture in my heart, so that keeps me going.
I finished reading the New Testament a while ago, so I'm slowly making my way through the Old Testament. When I finish that (whenever that will be...) maybe I'll tackle it all over again in Spanish. (check back in a year or so to see if I made it! ha)
My allergies are acting up these last few days. Watery eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. I'm doing a lot of orange & carrot juice, green tea and vitamin C with zinc. Oh yeah, and a nap! The rain this weekend should help to clean up the air outside, so look forward to feeling (and breathing) better in no time. Last Wednesday morning I took a 3 1/2 mile walk through some woodsy area and I think the pollen got to me. I look forward to getting back outside after the rain is gone. I love being outside. I liked that part of living in nyc as well as being in Nic. I love God's world.
I was blessed again this week with another love offering that I can put toward my plane tickets for Nic. I'm so thankful to God for providing the way for me, and for the wonderful friends who follow His call to help me participate in the ministry in Nic. Thank you soooo much!!
I met with Brian Sander (the new Youth Pastor at FBCR) again this week concerning the Youth Mission Rogers Week this summer. Things are coming together to make this year a great week of service, growth and evangelism. I'm excited to be able to help with it.
On May 1, Cuerpo Vivo will hold an event called 'Day of the Child'. It's been fun working on the plans with Erika Martinez. This will be a fun day for the voluteers from Cuerpo Vivo and also the families who come to participate. We hope to reach a lot of prospects for the church. I pray it will be a mild, sunny day... It will be fun!
This weekend, many of the members of Cuerpo Vivo are attending a conference in Little Rock. Our Praise Team is leading worship. I can't wait to hear from everyone on Sunday about how they were touched by the Holy Spirit at the conference.
This is also the weekend for the Ladies Retreat for FBCR. Lots of ladies travelled to Tulsa for the night. I'm sure they had a great time of worship, fellowship and fun.
Time for a 'medicinal' nap. If that doesn't make me feel better, perhaps I'll pull out the 'big guns' - CHOCOLATE!
God is so good in ALL His plans. I'm thankful to be a part. Pray that I will pay attention to follow only HIS will. To Him be all glory and praise.
Monday night with the Cuerpo Vivo kids was fun. The weather was a little chilly, so we stayed indoors. We had a total of 15 kids this week. I think everyone had a good time. I definitely had to vacuum afterwards since we had goldfish crackers for snack! But, I need all the exercise I can get, so I didn't mind.
Tuesday's Cuerpo Vivo Bible class was really good. We had a couple of guys from the Monday class switch to the Tuesday am class since they have to take their kids to soccer practice on Monday nights. This made a total of 5 in the Tuesday class (they run about 25 on Monday nights) and we had a great time of discussion. It took me 3 hours on Monday night (after childcare was over) to translate the pages for Tuesday's class into English so that I could understand the subject matter. It is always a good study time in Spanish for me. I can't wait for the day when I can understand most of the Spanish that I hear and read in the course of my week. It's getting better and I'm not giving up.
Speaking of Spanish lessons, I'm pushing hard through the text book that Oliver used in our classes in the fall/winter. I want to get through the book and also the lessons I found on-line before I leave for Nicaragua again in July. I pray daily for a clear mind, understanding, retention and perserverence. I already have the love for the language and culture in my heart, so that keeps me going.
I finished reading the New Testament a while ago, so I'm slowly making my way through the Old Testament. When I finish that (whenever that will be...) maybe I'll tackle it all over again in Spanish. (check back in a year or so to see if I made it! ha)
My allergies are acting up these last few days. Watery eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. I'm doing a lot of orange & carrot juice, green tea and vitamin C with zinc. Oh yeah, and a nap! The rain this weekend should help to clean up the air outside, so look forward to feeling (and breathing) better in no time. Last Wednesday morning I took a 3 1/2 mile walk through some woodsy area and I think the pollen got to me. I look forward to getting back outside after the rain is gone. I love being outside. I liked that part of living in nyc as well as being in Nic. I love God's world.
I was blessed again this week with another love offering that I can put toward my plane tickets for Nic. I'm so thankful to God for providing the way for me, and for the wonderful friends who follow His call to help me participate in the ministry in Nic. Thank you soooo much!!
I met with Brian Sander (the new Youth Pastor at FBCR) again this week concerning the Youth Mission Rogers Week this summer. Things are coming together to make this year a great week of service, growth and evangelism. I'm excited to be able to help with it.
On May 1, Cuerpo Vivo will hold an event called 'Day of the Child'. It's been fun working on the plans with Erika Martinez. This will be a fun day for the voluteers from Cuerpo Vivo and also the families who come to participate. We hope to reach a lot of prospects for the church. I pray it will be a mild, sunny day... It will be fun!
This weekend, many of the members of Cuerpo Vivo are attending a conference in Little Rock. Our Praise Team is leading worship. I can't wait to hear from everyone on Sunday about how they were touched by the Holy Spirit at the conference.
This is also the weekend for the Ladies Retreat for FBCR. Lots of ladies travelled to Tulsa for the night. I'm sure they had a great time of worship, fellowship and fun.
Time for a 'medicinal' nap. If that doesn't make me feel better, perhaps I'll pull out the 'big guns' - CHOCOLATE!
God is so good in ALL His plans. I'm thankful to be a part. Pray that I will pay attention to follow only HIS will. To Him be all glory and praise.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday evening and it's time to sit back and relax. I'm going to do some catching up in this blog, check out a few people on facebook and then study some Spanish on-line.
Deanna and I had a very yummy dinner of Super Salad (mixed greens, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, celery, mushrooms, 4 colors of bell peppers, tomato, avocado, croutons and grilled chicken)and some 'healthy' cookies for dessert (oatmeal with almonds, dates, cranberries, sunflower seeds, flax seeds). We love to eat around here!!! Poor Jet was so jealous.
I grabbed a wonderful nap this rainy afternoon. We sure needed it to wash the pollen out of the air. I think we could have used a little harder shower, but I'm thankful for what God has sent.
On Monday, I was given the gift of extra time (since the Staff meeting was cancelled)so I took advantage of it and ran to Springdale to get the first of my Hepatitis B shots. It was a beautiful, sunny day. That evening was Cuerpo Vivo class and I had fun playing with the kids out on the playground. It was handy to have out snack out there, too, so the was very little cleanup! I love it that the sun stays out longer.
Our Tuesday Cuerpo Vivo class met on Thursday this week, so it gave me a few more days to translate the workbook into English so that I can keep up in class. It's been good for me, not just in Bible Study, but in Spanish practice, too. I need all the help I can get!!!
I'm getting a lot of response back from the emails I sent out to the agencies/ministries in Rogers for setting up work projects for the Youth during Mission week in June. I think it will be a good week of service. I'm enjoying the planning.
I'm praying about the dates of my trip back to Nicaragua and also the finances. I was very blessed to be able to apply Christmas money toward the trip in March. Now, I'm scrimping and saving for the summer trip. It should cost at least $1,500. I know that God will make it possible to go, and He's already blessed me with love offerings from a couple of special people who 'just felt that they were supposed to give me some money'. awesome
I've been collecting stuff to take back to Nic. I can't wait to get back there to work with Voice of Hope.
I'm thankful that I can work with the local missions here at FBC Rogers, the Hispanic ministry of Cuerpo Vivo and also spend some time in Nic with Voice of Hope. My heart is spread over all three areas. I know that God will work out how much time I'm supposed to spend in each area. Pray that I will have discernment and listen to His guidance when making plans.
I was super blessed this week to have lunch with my friend Megan, who served as an M in North Africa for 2 years. We had a good lunch of salad and dessert. :) We talked for a long time about serving 'in the field' and how the adjustment has been for each of us to be back in the Bible Belt in Arkansas. I wish I could have visited her and served beside her in NA, but I had to settle for sending my prayers instead. I know that God used her life to reach many there and that she is very thankful for the experience to follow His call.
Time to retire the blog for the day and get to studying. Maybe a cookie will help my concentration. I'm glad that God makes healthy stuff taste good, too!
Deanna and I had a very yummy dinner of Super Salad (mixed greens, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, celery, mushrooms, 4 colors of bell peppers, tomato, avocado, croutons and grilled chicken)and some 'healthy' cookies for dessert (oatmeal with almonds, dates, cranberries, sunflower seeds, flax seeds). We love to eat around here!!! Poor Jet was so jealous.
I grabbed a wonderful nap this rainy afternoon. We sure needed it to wash the pollen out of the air. I think we could have used a little harder shower, but I'm thankful for what God has sent.
On Monday, I was given the gift of extra time (since the Staff meeting was cancelled)so I took advantage of it and ran to Springdale to get the first of my Hepatitis B shots. It was a beautiful, sunny day. That evening was Cuerpo Vivo class and I had fun playing with the kids out on the playground. It was handy to have out snack out there, too, so the was very little cleanup! I love it that the sun stays out longer.
Our Tuesday Cuerpo Vivo class met on Thursday this week, so it gave me a few more days to translate the workbook into English so that I can keep up in class. It's been good for me, not just in Bible Study, but in Spanish practice, too. I need all the help I can get!!!
I'm getting a lot of response back from the emails I sent out to the agencies/ministries in Rogers for setting up work projects for the Youth during Mission week in June. I think it will be a good week of service. I'm enjoying the planning.
I'm praying about the dates of my trip back to Nicaragua and also the finances. I was very blessed to be able to apply Christmas money toward the trip in March. Now, I'm scrimping and saving for the summer trip. It should cost at least $1,500. I know that God will make it possible to go, and He's already blessed me with love offerings from a couple of special people who 'just felt that they were supposed to give me some money'. awesome
I've been collecting stuff to take back to Nic. I can't wait to get back there to work with Voice of Hope.
I'm thankful that I can work with the local missions here at FBC Rogers, the Hispanic ministry of Cuerpo Vivo and also spend some time in Nic with Voice of Hope. My heart is spread over all three areas. I know that God will work out how much time I'm supposed to spend in each area. Pray that I will have discernment and listen to His guidance when making plans.
I was super blessed this week to have lunch with my friend Megan, who served as an M in North Africa for 2 years. We had a good lunch of salad and dessert. :) We talked for a long time about serving 'in the field' and how the adjustment has been for each of us to be back in the Bible Belt in Arkansas. I wish I could have visited her and served beside her in NA, but I had to settle for sending my prayers instead. I know that God used her life to reach many there and that she is very thankful for the experience to follow His call.
Time to retire the blog for the day and get to studying. Maybe a cookie will help my concentration. I'm glad that God makes healthy stuff taste good, too!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
It's Saturday night and I'm about ready to go to bed. It's been a great week. Lots to do and lots done.
Last Sunday was wonderful. We had lots of visitors at Cuerpo Vivo and then had a fantastic meal after service. One of our members is a chef a Abuelos restaurant and man, can he cook!!! It was a very festive day of celebrating our Lord and His resurrection with loved ones from church. By the time we got all cleaned up and chairs/tables put away, it was 4pm. I was ready for a good rest.
This week has been busy with plans for projects for Cuerpo Vivo, doing some preliminary work on the Youth Missions week, visiting the Medical Clinic and Food Pantry, going to class, speaking to some of the AWANA kids and meeting with the Nic team. I got the chance to take care of some personal errands and make some appointments for checkups and such.
I've enjoyed getting to walk outside in this beautiful weather. I have a 2 mile route and a 3 mile route near the house. It's so nice to be outside. Jet went with me on a walk on Friday, but we had to stop at every mailbox and, since it was trash pick up day, every transhcan, too!
I got the oil changed in the car and a quick wash for it. I think I noticed a little smile on it's grill.
Today we had a bridal shower for Deanna's granddaughter, Britnee. It was nice. Jet even dressed up in a snazzy bandana.
I worked on my taxes and was pleased to find that I owe less than $2000 this year. I'll give 'Cesar what is due Cesar', but he'll get it in payments! :)
Last Wednesday, I got to talk to some of the AWANA kids. These guys have adopted me as their missionary this year. I keep them up to date on what is going on with the Mission Rogers local missions stuff. I also shared with them about being in Nicaragua over Spring Break. They are going to pray for, and ask about being involved with the Back Yard Bible Clubs and Block Parties in the community this summer.
The team that went to Nicaragua over Spring Break have taken on a project of raising money for equipment to help with a community well for a village we visited. It's going to be fun to see the money come in, dimes and quarters and dollars at a time. What an impact it will make on the families in this village!
I'm waiting on some information so that I can plan my next trip to Nic. It will probably be mid-July through most of August. I can't wait! I'm going to enjoy working there with Voice of Hope teams and the missionary family (the Speigle's) in lots of work going on down there. I've already got stuff separated to pack.
Tomorrow will be nice. First, worship services in the morning and then a joint service in the evening with FBC Rogers and Cuerpo Vivo. There will be music in English and Spanish and some baptisms. I'm going to try to fit in a nap and a walk around the neighborhood in the sweet sunshine.
For now I'll head to bed. I'm praying for those who went to churches last week just because it was Easter. I pray that they will be nudged by the Holy Spirit to make a repeat appearance tomorrow, too. I'm looking forward to celebrating my Jesus.
Last Sunday was wonderful. We had lots of visitors at Cuerpo Vivo and then had a fantastic meal after service. One of our members is a chef a Abuelos restaurant and man, can he cook!!! It was a very festive day of celebrating our Lord and His resurrection with loved ones from church. By the time we got all cleaned up and chairs/tables put away, it was 4pm. I was ready for a good rest.
This week has been busy with plans for projects for Cuerpo Vivo, doing some preliminary work on the Youth Missions week, visiting the Medical Clinic and Food Pantry, going to class, speaking to some of the AWANA kids and meeting with the Nic team. I got the chance to take care of some personal errands and make some appointments for checkups and such.
I've enjoyed getting to walk outside in this beautiful weather. I have a 2 mile route and a 3 mile route near the house. It's so nice to be outside. Jet went with me on a walk on Friday, but we had to stop at every mailbox and, since it was trash pick up day, every transhcan, too!
I got the oil changed in the car and a quick wash for it. I think I noticed a little smile on it's grill.
Today we had a bridal shower for Deanna's granddaughter, Britnee. It was nice. Jet even dressed up in a snazzy bandana.
I worked on my taxes and was pleased to find that I owe less than $2000 this year. I'll give 'Cesar what is due Cesar', but he'll get it in payments! :)
Last Wednesday, I got to talk to some of the AWANA kids. These guys have adopted me as their missionary this year. I keep them up to date on what is going on with the Mission Rogers local missions stuff. I also shared with them about being in Nicaragua over Spring Break. They are going to pray for, and ask about being involved with the Back Yard Bible Clubs and Block Parties in the community this summer.
The team that went to Nicaragua over Spring Break have taken on a project of raising money for equipment to help with a community well for a village we visited. It's going to be fun to see the money come in, dimes and quarters and dollars at a time. What an impact it will make on the families in this village!
I'm waiting on some information so that I can plan my next trip to Nic. It will probably be mid-July through most of August. I can't wait! I'm going to enjoy working there with Voice of Hope teams and the missionary family (the Speigle's) in lots of work going on down there. I've already got stuff separated to pack.
Tomorrow will be nice. First, worship services in the morning and then a joint service in the evening with FBC Rogers and Cuerpo Vivo. There will be music in English and Spanish and some baptisms. I'm going to try to fit in a nap and a walk around the neighborhood in the sweet sunshine.
For now I'll head to bed. I'm praying for those who went to churches last week just because it was Easter. I pray that they will be nudged by the Holy Spirit to make a repeat appearance tomorrow, too. I'm looking forward to celebrating my Jesus.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Nicaraga Trip - March 27, 2010
Day 8 Saturday
Travel Day
Up at 2:30am to load luggage into vans. Left the Team house at 3am. Picked up John in Leon and then off to the airport another hour away. I think everyone caught a few zzzs on the way to the airport.
We said goodbye to John and got checked in and waited for our flight. Upon checking in, 4 of us found out that our seats on the Houston to XNA flight were not confirmed. The flight was overbooked, so we were going to have a nice challenge of securing everyone’s return to Rogers.
The flight was fine and I caught another little nap. We had a breakfast on the plane of a burrito with eggs and beans, fruit and muffin. It was tasty, but I think everyone else was pretty much tired of beans for breakfast.
When we got to Houston, we checked on our flights. We were told that nothing could be decided on the four of us until they gate keepers came on duty at 2:30pm. Everyone took off for lunch in various places. And then we hooked up together and spent time journaling, coloring, making phone calls, following sports scores, etc.
A wonderful Continental agent helped me out with alternatives for the four of us who might not have seats on the plane. We also checked with other airlines, and as with the first travel day, everyone was overbooked for the spring break weekend. The best alternative was that the airline would put us up in a hotel, provide meals and transportation to the airport and fly us into Tulsa the next morning. We were okay with this and kind of looked forward to an overnighter together. The best case scenario was to grab seats from people who were missing our flight. It kind of felt like we were wishing them disappointment so we could have their seats. But we left it up to God to work out and were happy either way. We were still antsy just waiting to see which way it was going to go. At the very last minute, we actually made our original flight due to an international connecting flight being hung up in customs. So, we made it home just fine.
Parents were glad to see kids and I think the kids were glad to see their parents. The Caseys took me home with a side trip to Chick-Fil-A, which Johanna was missing terribly. We had a nice chat and then it was time for me to see Deanna and Jet. Deanna welcomed me with a hug and Jet snubbed me a little. I think he was miffed that I was gone a whole week. He was more attentive later in the evening and was my usual buddy from then on. Deanna took one look at my ankles and chained me to the recliner and waited on me hand and foot for the night. I slept very well in my own bed and dreamed of everything I experienced in Nic that week. I’m so ready to go back and back and back… God has blessed me beyond measure. Thank you Lord!
Travel Day
Up at 2:30am to load luggage into vans. Left the Team house at 3am. Picked up John in Leon and then off to the airport another hour away. I think everyone caught a few zzzs on the way to the airport.
We said goodbye to John and got checked in and waited for our flight. Upon checking in, 4 of us found out that our seats on the Houston to XNA flight were not confirmed. The flight was overbooked, so we were going to have a nice challenge of securing everyone’s return to Rogers.
The flight was fine and I caught another little nap. We had a breakfast on the plane of a burrito with eggs and beans, fruit and muffin. It was tasty, but I think everyone else was pretty much tired of beans for breakfast.
When we got to Houston, we checked on our flights. We were told that nothing could be decided on the four of us until they gate keepers came on duty at 2:30pm. Everyone took off for lunch in various places. And then we hooked up together and spent time journaling, coloring, making phone calls, following sports scores, etc.
A wonderful Continental agent helped me out with alternatives for the four of us who might not have seats on the plane. We also checked with other airlines, and as with the first travel day, everyone was overbooked for the spring break weekend. The best alternative was that the airline would put us up in a hotel, provide meals and transportation to the airport and fly us into Tulsa the next morning. We were okay with this and kind of looked forward to an overnighter together. The best case scenario was to grab seats from people who were missing our flight. It kind of felt like we were wishing them disappointment so we could have their seats. But we left it up to God to work out and were happy either way. We were still antsy just waiting to see which way it was going to go. At the very last minute, we actually made our original flight due to an international connecting flight being hung up in customs. So, we made it home just fine.
Parents were glad to see kids and I think the kids were glad to see their parents. The Caseys took me home with a side trip to Chick-Fil-A, which Johanna was missing terribly. We had a nice chat and then it was time for me to see Deanna and Jet. Deanna welcomed me with a hug and Jet snubbed me a little. I think he was miffed that I was gone a whole week. He was more attentive later in the evening and was my usual buddy from then on. Deanna took one look at my ankles and chained me to the recliner and waited on me hand and foot for the night. I slept very well in my own bed and dreamed of everything I experienced in Nic that week. I’m so ready to go back and back and back… God has blessed me beyond measure. Thank you Lord!
Nicaragua Trip - March 26, 2010
Day 7 Friday
Mike left this morning at 3am for the airport. John (missionary) will be spending the day with us today. We got up early (6 am) to start our FUN DAY. The cooks weren’t there to make breakfast (miscommunication), but it was fine. This gave us the chance to stop at ‘On the Run’ convenience store and get snacks for breakfast. I was happy that the 2 ½ hour drive wouldn’t be made on a heavy breakfast. (I tend to get car sick.) We picked up Chico and John and were on our way.
First stop was the Canopy Tour Miravalle near Granada. This is a zip line tour through the tree tops on the side of a mountain/volcano. I had absolutely no intention of doing this crazy activity. None. Nada. But as the team was getting ready and I was thinking about how everyone had stepped outside of their comfort zones in so many ways all week long, I started giving in. I noticed there was a picture of someone doing the zip line in tandem with a guide. I actually gave in and said I would do it IF the guide promised to NEVER let go of me! My heart was beating like crazy starting with signing the ‘release’ paper and paying my money. What in the world was I doing??? My guide’s name was Daniel, but was called Pinky. He was reassuring. He told me I was in good hands and that he started the day before. Ha. I asked if the reason he agreed to go tandem was because he was afraid to go by himself. Ha ha.
With my heart pounding and my palms sweating, I jumped in the truck that took us up to the first tree. Oh my word!! That was high up!! Then they tell me that I have to go FIRST! Yikes! Even the climb up the steps built alongside the tree was scaring me! The platforms up in the trees were all see-through metal with some wood. That is scary to me by itself. Anyway, to get hooked up on the zip line, you have to jump up and then hang there after they get you hooked in. Well, I don’t do vertical challenges well and it took 2 of the guides (and maybe 3 sometimes – I don’t know cuz I kept my eyes closed!) to lift me up high enough to get secured to the little wheely thing. I was soooo scared! I was praying for God to calm me down. I’m not scared of dieing, but I was deathly scared of that fall. The guides kept telling me to calm down. I wasn’t making any noises, but I know that my face had to be stark white as the blood drained from it. Pinky got hooked onto the line and tethered to me and held on to my sleeves. As we zipped across that wire I screamed. Not like a girl – but like someone being tortured. I wasn’t even embarrassed. I kept my eyes closed the whole way and could feel some tree tops hitting my shoes. We made it to the other side. Then the other scary part – getting unhooked. You have to jump up (help from the guides to lift me up) and then stand there on this teeny platform. I figured that I could endure this for one more time. Silly me – I thought it was just 2 times and then we would be done! Ha! It was 7. Ahhhh! At one point I was trying to decide if and how I could get down and quit. But I couldn’t find a good alternative in my mind, so I just hung in there (sorry for the pun) and kept going.
The first 2 times I kept my eyes clamped shut and was terrified. The third time, I opened my eyes a little bit in the middle. The guides take your cameras and take pics of your team. They do a good job of this. I was especially thankful since I don’t plan on doing this again and it’s nice to have proof that I actually did it! Anyway, the next time Pinky said ‘look at me’ and when I opened my eyes and expected to see his face, I saw one leg instead. He was hanging upside down! I yelled for him to get back up there and hold on to me! When we ‘landed’ on the next platform, I smacked his arm and told him to never let go of me again. Then called our interpreter, Chico, over and had him explain in Spanish, just in case Pinky didn’t get it in English. Actually, Pinky was wonderful and I kept apologizing for being so scared and needing extra attention. He told me it was his pleasure. He was very nice and gracious. A few times, we had to walk across these metal bridges that you can see through and that was scary, too. At all times we were tethered to a tree or a bridge or something, so we were really safe. It was just hard to convince my pounding heart of that fact. Some of the kids did some tricks, like upside down, superman, pairs, etc. They are so brave. About half way through I was feeling much braver and Pinky just had to either hold on to my sleeve or touch my back with his knee for me to feel safe. When it was over, I felt such a sense of relief and exhilaration. It really was fun, but I’m not sure I would do it again because of my terror of heights. Paige and Chris bought me a shirt to commemorate the experience. I earned that shirt! All in all, I loved the experience.
Next on our Fun Day agenda was lunch at a restaurant. It was very tasty. I got a salad and was so thankful for veggies! Manuel, our driver lives in Granada and he gave us a quick bus tour through this beautiful little city. I can’t wait to go back and explore that town more.
We went to a little area of shops (not a tourist trap) and bought a few things. One shop is run by a Pastor who sells handmade items to help support his church. Then we headed up to a national park at a volcano. We had 30 minutes to explore, but that was plenty of time. We could go right up to the rim of the volcano and see all the smoke. It was neat to watch as the smoke would clear and you could see down in there. A neat cross was up on top of the hill above the crater and the team walked up there for some pics. I walked about half way up, but opted to sit on a bench until they came back down. I was so swollen that I felt that my skin would pop on my feet and ankles (and everywhere else, for that matter). It was beautiful to be there.
We then started back to the Team house around 5pm. We stopped at On the Run on the way home. I got to have some fun chats with Chico and Manuel in Spanish. Chico has adopted me as a second mother, so I now have a son, daughter-in-law and 6 month old grandbaby in Nic. What a joy! Chico told me all the things that he wants me to do with his family when I come back in the summer. I can’t wait!
We got back to the house about 8pm and had dinner and share time. We packed our suitcases and had them staged on the veranda before bed. There was water, so we got some showers!!! I took care of some ‘house’ duties that Mary and Mike had asked me to see to in their absence. I packed my Nic backpack with items and clothes that I was leaving there for when I go back in July. It felt good to leave a piece of me there.
I made it to bed and posted my last update on Facebook via my phone at 11pm. I got a nap, since we had to be up and ready to load the van at 2:30am. Our last night in Nic. The girls in my room opted for sleeping outside on the (gated) veranda the last few nights. They said they slept so well in the breeze. I didn’t mind staying in our room, since I could use everyone’s fans for just me. And the electric seemed to stay on more during the night, or maybe I was just getting used to the interruptions. Anyway, I enjoyed my nap.
There were no Professions of Faith on this day, but much appreciation for God’s creation in the world and in each other. A really nice day. God is so thoughtful to allow us eyes and ears to enjoy this wonderful world. Thank you Lord
Mike left this morning at 3am for the airport. John (missionary) will be spending the day with us today. We got up early (6 am) to start our FUN DAY. The cooks weren’t there to make breakfast (miscommunication), but it was fine. This gave us the chance to stop at ‘On the Run’ convenience store and get snacks for breakfast. I was happy that the 2 ½ hour drive wouldn’t be made on a heavy breakfast. (I tend to get car sick.) We picked up Chico and John and were on our way.
First stop was the Canopy Tour Miravalle near Granada. This is a zip line tour through the tree tops on the side of a mountain/volcano. I had absolutely no intention of doing this crazy activity. None. Nada. But as the team was getting ready and I was thinking about how everyone had stepped outside of their comfort zones in so many ways all week long, I started giving in. I noticed there was a picture of someone doing the zip line in tandem with a guide. I actually gave in and said I would do it IF the guide promised to NEVER let go of me! My heart was beating like crazy starting with signing the ‘release’ paper and paying my money. What in the world was I doing??? My guide’s name was Daniel, but was called Pinky. He was reassuring. He told me I was in good hands and that he started the day before. Ha. I asked if the reason he agreed to go tandem was because he was afraid to go by himself. Ha ha.
With my heart pounding and my palms sweating, I jumped in the truck that took us up to the first tree. Oh my word!! That was high up!! Then they tell me that I have to go FIRST! Yikes! Even the climb up the steps built alongside the tree was scaring me! The platforms up in the trees were all see-through metal with some wood. That is scary to me by itself. Anyway, to get hooked up on the zip line, you have to jump up and then hang there after they get you hooked in. Well, I don’t do vertical challenges well and it took 2 of the guides (and maybe 3 sometimes – I don’t know cuz I kept my eyes closed!) to lift me up high enough to get secured to the little wheely thing. I was soooo scared! I was praying for God to calm me down. I’m not scared of dieing, but I was deathly scared of that fall. The guides kept telling me to calm down. I wasn’t making any noises, but I know that my face had to be stark white as the blood drained from it. Pinky got hooked onto the line and tethered to me and held on to my sleeves. As we zipped across that wire I screamed. Not like a girl – but like someone being tortured. I wasn’t even embarrassed. I kept my eyes closed the whole way and could feel some tree tops hitting my shoes. We made it to the other side. Then the other scary part – getting unhooked. You have to jump up (help from the guides to lift me up) and then stand there on this teeny platform. I figured that I could endure this for one more time. Silly me – I thought it was just 2 times and then we would be done! Ha! It was 7. Ahhhh! At one point I was trying to decide if and how I could get down and quit. But I couldn’t find a good alternative in my mind, so I just hung in there (sorry for the pun) and kept going.
The first 2 times I kept my eyes clamped shut and was terrified. The third time, I opened my eyes a little bit in the middle. The guides take your cameras and take pics of your team. They do a good job of this. I was especially thankful since I don’t plan on doing this again and it’s nice to have proof that I actually did it! Anyway, the next time Pinky said ‘look at me’ and when I opened my eyes and expected to see his face, I saw one leg instead. He was hanging upside down! I yelled for him to get back up there and hold on to me! When we ‘landed’ on the next platform, I smacked his arm and told him to never let go of me again. Then called our interpreter, Chico, over and had him explain in Spanish, just in case Pinky didn’t get it in English. Actually, Pinky was wonderful and I kept apologizing for being so scared and needing extra attention. He told me it was his pleasure. He was very nice and gracious. A few times, we had to walk across these metal bridges that you can see through and that was scary, too. At all times we were tethered to a tree or a bridge or something, so we were really safe. It was just hard to convince my pounding heart of that fact. Some of the kids did some tricks, like upside down, superman, pairs, etc. They are so brave. About half way through I was feeling much braver and Pinky just had to either hold on to my sleeve or touch my back with his knee for me to feel safe. When it was over, I felt such a sense of relief and exhilaration. It really was fun, but I’m not sure I would do it again because of my terror of heights. Paige and Chris bought me a shirt to commemorate the experience. I earned that shirt! All in all, I loved the experience.
Next on our Fun Day agenda was lunch at a restaurant. It was very tasty. I got a salad and was so thankful for veggies! Manuel, our driver lives in Granada and he gave us a quick bus tour through this beautiful little city. I can’t wait to go back and explore that town more.
We went to a little area of shops (not a tourist trap) and bought a few things. One shop is run by a Pastor who sells handmade items to help support his church. Then we headed up to a national park at a volcano. We had 30 minutes to explore, but that was plenty of time. We could go right up to the rim of the volcano and see all the smoke. It was neat to watch as the smoke would clear and you could see down in there. A neat cross was up on top of the hill above the crater and the team walked up there for some pics. I walked about half way up, but opted to sit on a bench until they came back down. I was so swollen that I felt that my skin would pop on my feet and ankles (and everywhere else, for that matter). It was beautiful to be there.
We then started back to the Team house around 5pm. We stopped at On the Run on the way home. I got to have some fun chats with Chico and Manuel in Spanish. Chico has adopted me as a second mother, so I now have a son, daughter-in-law and 6 month old grandbaby in Nic. What a joy! Chico told me all the things that he wants me to do with his family when I come back in the summer. I can’t wait!
We got back to the house about 8pm and had dinner and share time. We packed our suitcases and had them staged on the veranda before bed. There was water, so we got some showers!!! I took care of some ‘house’ duties that Mary and Mike had asked me to see to in their absence. I packed my Nic backpack with items and clothes that I was leaving there for when I go back in July. It felt good to leave a piece of me there.
I made it to bed and posted my last update on Facebook via my phone at 11pm. I got a nap, since we had to be up and ready to load the van at 2:30am. Our last night in Nic. The girls in my room opted for sleeping outside on the (gated) veranda the last few nights. They said they slept so well in the breeze. I didn’t mind staying in our room, since I could use everyone’s fans for just me. And the electric seemed to stay on more during the night, or maybe I was just getting used to the interruptions. Anyway, I enjoyed my nap.
There were no Professions of Faith on this day, but much appreciation for God’s creation in the world and in each other. A really nice day. God is so thoughtful to allow us eyes and ears to enjoy this wonderful world. Thank you Lord
Nicaragu Trip - March 25, 2010
Day 6 Thursday
Miss Mary left at 3:00am for the airport, so we were on our own to be on time to the van and such. Mike was there to lead us, but you can’t replace Miss Mary!
I started my day with a very welcome shower. We had breakfast and I rested on my bed for a few minutes with my feet up. My ankles (and whole body) were really swollen due to the heat and being dehydrated. I wasn’t drinking enough water, even though I love water. But with limited bathroom accessibility during the day and then no water in the evenings, I think I was subconsciously not taking in fluids. My ankles and feet didn’t hurt, but they were getting huge. The little bones that stick out looked more like dimples. Quite interesting.
Johanna led the devotion for the morning. We then had a little time to get ready for the late morning Fiesta and feeding. I gave Deanna a quick call. I had talked with Mike about coming down and working during the summer and I wanted to let Deanna know. She has been praying about how God is calling me to serve in Nic and I wanted her to know that I could travel back and forth and wouldn’t be leaving her hospitality for too long of a time.
We arrived at a church plant that had a roof, which was wonderful for the shade!!! The people were already gathered and doing some worshipping. A Pastora (lady pastor) from a church in Leon has been spending time for the last 10 years to help this village plant this church. There were hundreds of people gathered. Mostly kids and moms. We did the Fiesta first. I was blessed to be able to help prepare the food. I was in charge of putting tortillas on the plates. There were 2 dipping lines and then the plates/bowls were stacked up on the tables and covered with cloths. A few volunteers stood over the tables swishing small tree branches with leaves over the food like fly swatters.
After the Fiesta, the people lined up and received their plate and a bag of drink. Everyone was very appreciative. We had a good time walking around and taking pictures of the sweet faces. The food was provided by a donation from a previous mission team, so pictures were taken with a sign thanking them for making it all possible. What fun to be another link in ministering to this group of people.
The second Fiesta for the afternoon was cancelled for some reason, so we arrived back at the Team house by 4pm. We had water, so everyone got a shower and felt relatively fresh for church.
The guys went to one service, which was outside and was huge and had some crazy preaching and such. The ladies went to another church where a Ladies conference was being held. Paige and I had used some ‘gift items’ left by another mission team to make up some door prizes for the conference. There was lots of costume jewelry to choose from. We made 4 nice sets with zippered bags and jewelry and some USA money. The funny thing was that we got to the church and it was very conservative. Some ladies were inside praying over the place before it got started. They wore lacey scarves on their heads. (I was questioning our choice of ‘prizes’ for this crowd. I was hoping that we wouldn’t offend them with the jewelry.)
Paige and Johanna gave testimonies and there was some singing. Right when Vanessa (the missionary living in Nic) started to speak, the power went out. This happens a lot there, so right away a battery powered light (kind of like what you would take camping) was turned on and placed behind Vanessa and Chico (interpreter). They had to hold up their papers and Bibles to catch the light, so Rydder (another interpreter) jumped up and held the light at their shoulders for the entire service. A couple of dogs were fighting right outside the open doors to the church, but nothing distracted the ladies from hearing God’s Word. Just when Vanessa was finishing up her message, the lights came back on. The Pastor came up to say a few words and thanked our team for helping with the feeding earlier in the day. The ladies with the lacey head coverings welcomed us as if we weren’t all that different from them. They are so much more accepting in that culture than North Americans. The Pastor said that we started out the evening in the darkness and ended in God’s Light. We all clapped.
We loaded up and went back to the location of outdoor service where the guys were. They were still going, so Chico and Rydder sat in the van with us gals and told us funny stories about interpreting for teams and we all laughed at how things get lost in translation. It was a lot of fun. We said goodbye to the translators. They were all awesome!
We went back to the Team house and had dinner about 9pm. We were tired, but enjoyed our share time with Mike, who was leaving at 3am. Our team got to sign a wall like other teams. We left a little bit of ourselves there in many ways.
We got to bed about midnight. Including the large Fiesta/Feeding and church services, there were 75 Professions of Faith for this day. God never slacks off. He is always at work around us. What a blessing to be there.
Miss Mary left at 3:00am for the airport, so we were on our own to be on time to the van and such. Mike was there to lead us, but you can’t replace Miss Mary!
I started my day with a very welcome shower. We had breakfast and I rested on my bed for a few minutes with my feet up. My ankles (and whole body) were really swollen due to the heat and being dehydrated. I wasn’t drinking enough water, even though I love water. But with limited bathroom accessibility during the day and then no water in the evenings, I think I was subconsciously not taking in fluids. My ankles and feet didn’t hurt, but they were getting huge. The little bones that stick out looked more like dimples. Quite interesting.
Johanna led the devotion for the morning. We then had a little time to get ready for the late morning Fiesta and feeding. I gave Deanna a quick call. I had talked with Mike about coming down and working during the summer and I wanted to let Deanna know. She has been praying about how God is calling me to serve in Nic and I wanted her to know that I could travel back and forth and wouldn’t be leaving her hospitality for too long of a time.
We arrived at a church plant that had a roof, which was wonderful for the shade!!! The people were already gathered and doing some worshipping. A Pastora (lady pastor) from a church in Leon has been spending time for the last 10 years to help this village plant this church. There were hundreds of people gathered. Mostly kids and moms. We did the Fiesta first. I was blessed to be able to help prepare the food. I was in charge of putting tortillas on the plates. There were 2 dipping lines and then the plates/bowls were stacked up on the tables and covered with cloths. A few volunteers stood over the tables swishing small tree branches with leaves over the food like fly swatters.
After the Fiesta, the people lined up and received their plate and a bag of drink. Everyone was very appreciative. We had a good time walking around and taking pictures of the sweet faces. The food was provided by a donation from a previous mission team, so pictures were taken with a sign thanking them for making it all possible. What fun to be another link in ministering to this group of people.
The second Fiesta for the afternoon was cancelled for some reason, so we arrived back at the Team house by 4pm. We had water, so everyone got a shower and felt relatively fresh for church.
The guys went to one service, which was outside and was huge and had some crazy preaching and such. The ladies went to another church where a Ladies conference was being held. Paige and I had used some ‘gift items’ left by another mission team to make up some door prizes for the conference. There was lots of costume jewelry to choose from. We made 4 nice sets with zippered bags and jewelry and some USA money. The funny thing was that we got to the church and it was very conservative. Some ladies were inside praying over the place before it got started. They wore lacey scarves on their heads. (I was questioning our choice of ‘prizes’ for this crowd. I was hoping that we wouldn’t offend them with the jewelry.)
Paige and Johanna gave testimonies and there was some singing. Right when Vanessa (the missionary living in Nic) started to speak, the power went out. This happens a lot there, so right away a battery powered light (kind of like what you would take camping) was turned on and placed behind Vanessa and Chico (interpreter). They had to hold up their papers and Bibles to catch the light, so Rydder (another interpreter) jumped up and held the light at their shoulders for the entire service. A couple of dogs were fighting right outside the open doors to the church, but nothing distracted the ladies from hearing God’s Word. Just when Vanessa was finishing up her message, the lights came back on. The Pastor came up to say a few words and thanked our team for helping with the feeding earlier in the day. The ladies with the lacey head coverings welcomed us as if we weren’t all that different from them. They are so much more accepting in that culture than North Americans. The Pastor said that we started out the evening in the darkness and ended in God’s Light. We all clapped.
We loaded up and went back to the location of outdoor service where the guys were. They were still going, so Chico and Rydder sat in the van with us gals and told us funny stories about interpreting for teams and we all laughed at how things get lost in translation. It was a lot of fun. We said goodbye to the translators. They were all awesome!
We went back to the Team house and had dinner about 9pm. We were tired, but enjoyed our share time with Mike, who was leaving at 3am. Our team got to sign a wall like other teams. We left a little bit of ourselves there in many ways.
We got to bed about midnight. Including the large Fiesta/Feeding and church services, there were 75 Professions of Faith for this day. God never slacks off. He is always at work around us. What a blessing to be there.
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