Man, was I tired today!! I was so excited to have the internet usb connection last night and to get to download some stuff, that I was jumping up all night when I would wake up to roll over in bed. I would check to see that the downloads were still going. I know I will sleep very well tonight!
Hopefully, the wireless, ‘stronger’ internet will finally get installed this week. They keep saying ‘tomorrow’, but that started over 2 weeks ago. I’m thankful for what we have and will be even more grateful for the better one!
Spanish class was good this morning, but I could tell I wasn’t thinking at 100% due to being tired and also being pre-occupied with conversations that I was having during the morning with FBCRogers. I always hate having to deal with support and stuff. I just want to serve and forget the worldly stuff. Fortunately, living as a missionary is pretty much at the bottom of the material world, so there’s not a lot to handle. Just praying for God to show me how He wants me to involve people in the ministry by giving them the opportunity to help.
Juan was pre-occupied with some stuff, too, but we had a good class anyway. He said that he can tell a difference every day in my usage of all those silly verb tenses. ☺
Juan said that Jonathan and Salvador, the guys in the English class I help with, have job interviews in Managua using their English skills. I hope they get the jobs, if it’s God’s will, but I will miss them!
I walked to and from class today, which made me even more tired, but it felt good to get the exercise. I had lunch and then sat a visited a little bit with Mary, Sherry, Joceline and Leslie.
We prepared everything for the Sewing class and had a great time with those 10 ladies. They learned how to make little drawstring bags by sewing them by hand. Oscar was here to video a little bit of the class for our VOH ministry video. Mary was taken by surprised and a little worried about what she looked like, but we all look like we’ve been busy and could use some freshening up most of the time. No worries.
After the ladies left, Mike and German returned from Managua. The Hulsey’s took Joceline home with them to babysit Manuel tonight so they could have a date night. Mary and I had tuna for dinner and then went to our rooms. I had a ton of correspondence to take care of and Mary watched part of a movie on Manuel’s computer. Joceline came home and got all tucked into her room. Alberto had me catch Buster for him so he could tuck Buster into bed for the night.
Mike said that internet has been a problem all over Nicaragua today, but I got on it this evening on my computer. It was good to get some correspondence done about ministry opps for December and for the coming year.
I watched 2 episodes of Army Wives on my computer and now am ready for bed. I’m so thankful for all of God’s blessings. And tonight I’m especially thankful for the blessing of rest! Goodnight!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011 NICARAGUA
Woke up early and was ready to start the day. Very good night’s sleep.
I got up and did some Chronological Bible ready/study. Then I reviewed Spanish a little before getting breakfast and a shower.
I was planning on walking to class, but German came by to do an errand and was leaving soon and asked if I wanted a ride. I haven’t had the chance to spend much time with him and talk since we are all so busy with our own parts of the ministry. So I decided to accept the ride. A bonus was that we went by his house to pick up his wife and I got to see Ishmael and Mariangel (and Joanna’s mother, who was going to babysit) for a little while. I miss them a lot. Our schedules haven’t allowed us to all be together for weeks.
I got to class right on time, and of course, Juan was late, but it gave me more time for review. Not having class all last week made me a little rusty, but happy for the things that are sticking to my brain. We had a great class, discussing many things in Spanish, like what all the team did last week, how Mary is, etc. I had taken some Christmas Carols to translate and we worked on a couple. I spent more time trying to explain the carols than on translating them into Spanish. I’m becoming more aware that North America has lots of frivolous stuff that the rest of the world doesn’t deal with, especially for holidays, and even more so for Christmas. It makes me even more aware of how far western culture has deviated from the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, here, they worship Mary for Christmas and put Jesus on a backburner, so there are challenges wherever you go to spread the Gospel.
I walked home from class and Sherry had made taco salad for lunch. Taco salad is more of a North American food, but everyone here likes it. Me especially.
Mike and I met for a little bit about administrative stuff for the ministry and the plans for the future of the Women’s Ministry here. We also talked about my future and the options for my financial support. Sherry, Manuel and Joceline went swimming, Leslie looked over the notes for this week’s Women’s Bible study, Mary read a book and Mike worked on his computer. It was a very peaceful afternoon.
Mary was itching to get out of the house for a while, since she doesn’t go anywhere except church, Bible studies and out to eat with the group. She and I had planned on going shopping to buy flip flops this afternoon, but the meeting with Mike took a little longer than anticipated. But Sherry, Mary, Joceline and I ran downtown for about an hour and got flip flops and then some ice cream. We walked to La Unión grocery store and the girls bought cold sodas while I ran into the sewing notions/craft store next door. I got some ribbon and another crochet hook. Leslie’s husband, Jorge, picked us up in his taxi and brought us home. We had a quick dinner of snacks and then it was time for the VOH weekly Bible study.
While at the park downtown, we ran into Joe and Marcela. It was so good to get some hugs!! I can’t wait until we can spend some time together.
Oscar came to the study and I teased him about smelling extra nice for tonight. Joceline is his girlfriend and now that she is living here, he is putting his best foot forward. Manuel, Mike and Sherry’s son, is in love with Joceline and is planning on marrying her. He has told Oscar in no uncertain terms that Oscar is out of the running and to find another girl. On Joceline’s cell phone, she had a picture of her and Oscar as the wallpaper. Manuel deleted it. He gets serious about his ‘girlfriends’, but luckily, he changes girlfriends often, especially when teams come down, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Jaasiel said that Manuel did very well in his schoolwork today. He had a week off last week, too, since the team was here and Jaasiel worked as a translator for us. His new medication is slowly kicking in to make him more focused and even out his emotions. Meds and prayers are the order of the day. It’s good to see his sweet smile with those cute little dimples.
VOH Bible study was good and Oscar and German joined Mary, Sherry, Mike and me. Jonathan and Salvadore weren’t here and I missed seeing them.
I messed around with some crafty stuff this evening while downloading stuff on my computer. I downloaded some Christmas songs from iTunes, which would normally take a few seconds per song. Here it took about 5 minutes per song. Then overnight I downloaded app updates for my phone.
The internet company, which was supposed to show up 2 weeks ago, then last week, then yesterday morning, is supposedly coming this morning. We will have ‘higher than what we have now’ speed internet and it will be wireless. That means I can get on it any time and since I don’t have to use the usb connector, I can use my printer while still on the net. It will be almost like normal! Ha
I was thinking about anything unusual that I saw today, keeping in mind that unusual is a very relative term down here. One thing sticks out in my mind. There was a guy in a wheel chair that had been rigged up with the pedal part of a bicycle for him to use with his arms to get around. You could tell that it was home made.
Another funny thing is that there is a guy at the corner by the ice cream shop who takes it upon himself to direct traffic with a very loud whistle. Everyone ignores him and he never helps the situation at all, but he’s very serious about his self appointed job.
All in all, it has been a great day. I love all the blessings.
I got up and did some Chronological Bible ready/study. Then I reviewed Spanish a little before getting breakfast and a shower.
I was planning on walking to class, but German came by to do an errand and was leaving soon and asked if I wanted a ride. I haven’t had the chance to spend much time with him and talk since we are all so busy with our own parts of the ministry. So I decided to accept the ride. A bonus was that we went by his house to pick up his wife and I got to see Ishmael and Mariangel (and Joanna’s mother, who was going to babysit) for a little while. I miss them a lot. Our schedules haven’t allowed us to all be together for weeks.
I got to class right on time, and of course, Juan was late, but it gave me more time for review. Not having class all last week made me a little rusty, but happy for the things that are sticking to my brain. We had a great class, discussing many things in Spanish, like what all the team did last week, how Mary is, etc. I had taken some Christmas Carols to translate and we worked on a couple. I spent more time trying to explain the carols than on translating them into Spanish. I’m becoming more aware that North America has lots of frivolous stuff that the rest of the world doesn’t deal with, especially for holidays, and even more so for Christmas. It makes me even more aware of how far western culture has deviated from the true meaning of Christmas. Of course, here, they worship Mary for Christmas and put Jesus on a backburner, so there are challenges wherever you go to spread the Gospel.
I walked home from class and Sherry had made taco salad for lunch. Taco salad is more of a North American food, but everyone here likes it. Me especially.
Mike and I met for a little bit about administrative stuff for the ministry and the plans for the future of the Women’s Ministry here. We also talked about my future and the options for my financial support. Sherry, Manuel and Joceline went swimming, Leslie looked over the notes for this week’s Women’s Bible study, Mary read a book and Mike worked on his computer. It was a very peaceful afternoon.
Mary was itching to get out of the house for a while, since she doesn’t go anywhere except church, Bible studies and out to eat with the group. She and I had planned on going shopping to buy flip flops this afternoon, but the meeting with Mike took a little longer than anticipated. But Sherry, Mary, Joceline and I ran downtown for about an hour and got flip flops and then some ice cream. We walked to La Unión grocery store and the girls bought cold sodas while I ran into the sewing notions/craft store next door. I got some ribbon and another crochet hook. Leslie’s husband, Jorge, picked us up in his taxi and brought us home. We had a quick dinner of snacks and then it was time for the VOH weekly Bible study.
While at the park downtown, we ran into Joe and Marcela. It was so good to get some hugs!! I can’t wait until we can spend some time together.
Oscar came to the study and I teased him about smelling extra nice for tonight. Joceline is his girlfriend and now that she is living here, he is putting his best foot forward. Manuel, Mike and Sherry’s son, is in love with Joceline and is planning on marrying her. He has told Oscar in no uncertain terms that Oscar is out of the running and to find another girl. On Joceline’s cell phone, she had a picture of her and Oscar as the wallpaper. Manuel deleted it. He gets serious about his ‘girlfriends’, but luckily, he changes girlfriends often, especially when teams come down, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Jaasiel said that Manuel did very well in his schoolwork today. He had a week off last week, too, since the team was here and Jaasiel worked as a translator for us. His new medication is slowly kicking in to make him more focused and even out his emotions. Meds and prayers are the order of the day. It’s good to see his sweet smile with those cute little dimples.
VOH Bible study was good and Oscar and German joined Mary, Sherry, Mike and me. Jonathan and Salvadore weren’t here and I missed seeing them.
I messed around with some crafty stuff this evening while downloading stuff on my computer. I downloaded some Christmas songs from iTunes, which would normally take a few seconds per song. Here it took about 5 minutes per song. Then overnight I downloaded app updates for my phone.
The internet company, which was supposed to show up 2 weeks ago, then last week, then yesterday morning, is supposedly coming this morning. We will have ‘higher than what we have now’ speed internet and it will be wireless. That means I can get on it any time and since I don’t have to use the usb connector, I can use my printer while still on the net. It will be almost like normal! Ha
I was thinking about anything unusual that I saw today, keeping in mind that unusual is a very relative term down here. One thing sticks out in my mind. There was a guy in a wheel chair that had been rigged up with the pedal part of a bicycle for him to use with his arms to get around. You could tell that it was home made.
Another funny thing is that there is a guy at the corner by the ice cream shop who takes it upon himself to direct traffic with a very loud whistle. Everyone ignores him and he never helps the situation at all, but he’s very serious about his self appointed job.
All in all, it has been a great day. I love all the blessings.
Sunday, November 27, 2011 NICARAGUA
A nice quiet night. No one here but Mary, me, Jocelina (not sure about how to spell her name yet), Alberto and Buster the dog. I miss having the team here, but it was nice to get so much done today, too.
Since we had been at church many times this week, Mike said we would be staying home today. I spent some good time doing Bible study this morning and loved it. I then started doing some much needed laundry. I ended up doing 2 loads of clothes plus stripping my bed and even washing the sheet/bedspread and pillow shams that I made. Everything is all put back where it belongs and it feels good.
I also worked on my notes for the Women’s Bible study this week. We will be studying Mary over the next 4 weeks. I’m excited to see how the ladies react to some of the truths in the Bible that don’t line up with their Catholic upbringing. It should be good for some interesting discussion time.
I also studied a few hours on Spanish. I was reading some of my notes (I’ve filled 2 notebooks so far) and read stuff that I forgot we even discussed. No wonder my brain is crazy. Too much stuff in it!
For dinner, I fixed a baked potato and some cream of mushroom soup. It was yummy. I had trail mix for dessert.
I spent another few hours on the internet looking up info about projects for our ladies to work on in sewing class for the next few months. I can get drawn in and lose track of time doing that. But it’s been a fun day.
I’m pretty tired and I need to get up early tomorrow for extra hours in Spanish class, so this will be short.
We said goodbye to Steve Wood and his family this morning. Jocelina moved into her room this afternoon. Next Sunday our intern from FBCRogers will arrive for 3 weeks and then on Thursday, Talon, our intern from El Dorado AR will arrive for a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to have them here and get geared up for the big December team.
Mike says we’re having a staff meeting about Dec and the future, etc., after lunch tomorrow. I’ll scurry home from Spanish class to be ready. Then I think Mary and I may go down town for a little bit. She wants to get some flip flops and Monday afternoon is about our only free time to do so.
I grabbed a quick shower, my second one today, so that I would be fresh and clean for my clean sheets. I think I hear them calling my name…
Since we had been at church many times this week, Mike said we would be staying home today. I spent some good time doing Bible study this morning and loved it. I then started doing some much needed laundry. I ended up doing 2 loads of clothes plus stripping my bed and even washing the sheet/bedspread and pillow shams that I made. Everything is all put back where it belongs and it feels good.
I also worked on my notes for the Women’s Bible study this week. We will be studying Mary over the next 4 weeks. I’m excited to see how the ladies react to some of the truths in the Bible that don’t line up with their Catholic upbringing. It should be good for some interesting discussion time.
I also studied a few hours on Spanish. I was reading some of my notes (I’ve filled 2 notebooks so far) and read stuff that I forgot we even discussed. No wonder my brain is crazy. Too much stuff in it!
For dinner, I fixed a baked potato and some cream of mushroom soup. It was yummy. I had trail mix for dessert.
I spent another few hours on the internet looking up info about projects for our ladies to work on in sewing class for the next few months. I can get drawn in and lose track of time doing that. But it’s been a fun day.
I’m pretty tired and I need to get up early tomorrow for extra hours in Spanish class, so this will be short.
We said goodbye to Steve Wood and his family this morning. Jocelina moved into her room this afternoon. Next Sunday our intern from FBCRogers will arrive for 3 weeks and then on Thursday, Talon, our intern from El Dorado AR will arrive for a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to have them here and get geared up for the big December team.
Mike says we’re having a staff meeting about Dec and the future, etc., after lunch tomorrow. I’ll scurry home from Spanish class to be ready. Then I think Mary and I may go down town for a little bit. She wants to get some flip flops and Monday afternoon is about our only free time to do so.
I grabbed a quick shower, my second one today, so that I would be fresh and clean for my clean sheets. I think I hear them calling my name…
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Almost 10pm and I’m comfortably relaxing in my room. The team from Eastside Baptist Church, Paragould AR, left this morning. We worked a little cleaning around the house. I did some Bible study and then I grabbed a nap and put laundry away, ate left overs for lunch and dinner, then showered, got on the computer and then watched a few episodes of Army Wives on the computer.
I’m very relaxed and comfy and ready to go to sleep.
It has been a really good week. We start back to the regular routine next week. I’ll be in Spanish class Mon-Thurs, teach sewing on Tues afternoon, teach Bible study on Wed and Fri afternoons and help with the English class on Thurs afternoon.
Time is going to really fly by these last 5 weeks.
Buster the dog is having to get used to just Me and Mary and Alberto being here at night. No team for him to play with. Maybe he’ll catch up on his napping, too.
We are taking it easy tomorrow since we’ve been so busy this week. We’ve been to so many church services this week, that Mike said we could take the morning off. I’ll spend a few hours on Bible study and will enjoy my time with the Lord.
I also need to be studying on Spanish to prepare for class on Monday.
I have decided that I will work on sewing the Bible bags for the ladies at ROSCC church over the next few weeks and give them to the ladies right before Christmas. I am going to pace myself a little bit on the workload.
I need to get projects lined out for the Sewing class ladies to work on while I’m gone during Jan and half of Feb.
It really does feel like I’m preparing for ‘vacation’ in the states and returning ‘home’ to Nica in a couple of months. I like that feeling.
I’m waiting to find out what my support will look like from FBC Rogers, so that I can put together my newsletter and support letter for the end of the year. I know that God will provide for me. I’m just waiting to see how He has it planned and what I need to do to pull it together.
German is going to find out next week about getting some of my meds here in Nica. That will be cheaper and also I won’t have to buy 3 months worth at a time. The change/possible loss of health insurance at the end of Dec will help to determine my options. There are some definite advantages to getting the meds here. Like price, availability, etc. We’ll see.
We’re getting ready for a big team the week before Christmas, who will build a church at the Sewer Pond neighborhood. At the same time, I’ll be turning over the reigns of the Bible studies and Sewing class to Leslie, our fulltime translator, to keep things going while we’re in the states.
I had a really great blessing today. While getting passports for the team out of my safe, I realized that the little bag that I keep my passport in felt more full than just my passport. I looked inside and there was an envelope from my bank back in the states with some money that I had put aside and forgot about. I was so happy to find it! What a blessing!!! I love it when God surprises me like that!
Well, bed is calling my name. Looking forward to a restful night and I’m so thankful to sleep in peace that comes from knowing God.
I’m very relaxed and comfy and ready to go to sleep.
It has been a really good week. We start back to the regular routine next week. I’ll be in Spanish class Mon-Thurs, teach sewing on Tues afternoon, teach Bible study on Wed and Fri afternoons and help with the English class on Thurs afternoon.
Time is going to really fly by these last 5 weeks.
Buster the dog is having to get used to just Me and Mary and Alberto being here at night. No team for him to play with. Maybe he’ll catch up on his napping, too.
We are taking it easy tomorrow since we’ve been so busy this week. We’ve been to so many church services this week, that Mike said we could take the morning off. I’ll spend a few hours on Bible study and will enjoy my time with the Lord.
I also need to be studying on Spanish to prepare for class on Monday.
I have decided that I will work on sewing the Bible bags for the ladies at ROSCC church over the next few weeks and give them to the ladies right before Christmas. I am going to pace myself a little bit on the workload.
I need to get projects lined out for the Sewing class ladies to work on while I’m gone during Jan and half of Feb.
It really does feel like I’m preparing for ‘vacation’ in the states and returning ‘home’ to Nica in a couple of months. I like that feeling.
I’m waiting to find out what my support will look like from FBC Rogers, so that I can put together my newsletter and support letter for the end of the year. I know that God will provide for me. I’m just waiting to see how He has it planned and what I need to do to pull it together.
German is going to find out next week about getting some of my meds here in Nica. That will be cheaper and also I won’t have to buy 3 months worth at a time. The change/possible loss of health insurance at the end of Dec will help to determine my options. There are some definite advantages to getting the meds here. Like price, availability, etc. We’ll see.
We’re getting ready for a big team the week before Christmas, who will build a church at the Sewer Pond neighborhood. At the same time, I’ll be turning over the reigns of the Bible studies and Sewing class to Leslie, our fulltime translator, to keep things going while we’re in the states.
I had a really great blessing today. While getting passports for the team out of my safe, I realized that the little bag that I keep my passport in felt more full than just my passport. I looked inside and there was an envelope from my bank back in the states with some money that I had put aside and forgot about. I was so happy to find it! What a blessing!!! I love it when God surprises me like that!
Well, bed is calling my name. Looking forward to a restful night and I’m so thankful to sleep in peace that comes from knowing God.
Friday, November 25, 2011 NICARAGUA
It’s the day after Thanksgiving in the states and a day called Black Friday. I usually think of this day with very tired feelings from shopping. But this year I’m thinking of it as a day with very tired feelings from being here in Nica.
The pastor here to do the conference for church leaders on the book of Revelation, was going to mention to the audience something about this being Black Friday. He had told one of the translators that it is called Black Friday because people get up when it’s still dark to go shopping. I explained to the translators that it is really called Black Friday because of the fact that retailers acknowledge that this one day of shopping is so huge that it usually puts their books in the ‘black’ instead of the ‘red’ for the year. Chico said that what the pastor told him made more sense. Oh brother. Anyway, both translators decided that the term Black Friday sounded too ominous to say and wouldn’t translate into this culture, so they went with the idea of it being a big shopping day. Sometimes it’s just hard to explain the western culture.
Today was the team’s Fun Day. We had breakfast and then Leslie and I took the team shopping downtown for some souvenirs. We all ate at Tip Top Chicken and then headed back to the Mission House for a few hours.
While we were walking around and then waiting on the others to finish shopping, I had the chance to talk to a young lady about Christ. I could understand about 90% of what she was saying. She believes she will go to heaven by doing what is right and good and that she didn’t really need North Americans to tell her about her religion. I think we got on better ground, but I still don’t think that she is a Christian. I didn’t want to push her away with more talk, since I was getting in deep enough that I needed a translator to help out, so we agreed that I could pray for her. I hope that the seeds were planted deep and that she will be open to the next person to come along and share about Christ.
We got back to the Mission House in time for the group to catch the Arkansas/LSU ballgame on the internet. Unfortunately, the electricity had been out since right after we left this morning. That meant that the internet was knocked out, too. Two of the guys were very distraught about it. I came into my room to start studying my notes for this coming week’s Bible study and after a while I heard my little microwave beep and knew that the power was back on. I hollered out my door that it was on and the two guys almost killed themselves jumping back to the computer. It was soon time to leave for the afternoon activities. Since we only had one van today, I opted to stay at the Mission House and wait for the second trip to Poneloya. Sherry took the group past their house and then on to the beach. They went by Suyapa restaurant to pre-order their meals, and then went to walk along the beach. Kelton came back to pick up me, Mike, Steve and his family after the conference was over. We all met at Suyapa and had dinner. It was really good and I enjoyed it very much. Kelton was the only person there who can’t speak English, so I sat with him and tried to keep up a conversation. Manuel was sitting beside me and kept having me to tell Kelton things. I’m sure that Kelton thinks my Spanish is very weird, since most of the things that Manuel said were off the wall. It was funny. I think Kelton had a good time anyway.
While I was waiting at the Mission House this afternoon, I got to get on the internet a little bit. It’s only the second time this week that I could get on it. The team has kept the cable very busy. The last 2 days I have lost the international data capability on my phone, which I how I usually keep up with emails and facebook. I haven’t got to post on facebook much this week. I thought I would get the chance to get on it this afternoon, but Mike needed the internet connection right away when he got back from the conference. Maybe I’ll get to use it tomorrow. I hope they get our permanent internet hooked up here at the house this coming week. It will be wonderful when they do!
The team is having their last sharetime tonight. I can hear them singing and laughing and then quiet while they are praying. We will really miss them. They have been a great team to work with. They have blessed us very much. It’s been great to be able to be here at the new Mission House, too. It’s worked out well.
They will be leaving for the airport about 9:30am tomorrow. After they leave, I’ll probably go for a long walk and then get cleaned up and take a nap! I have lots of studying to do to prepare the Bible study on Mary for the coming 4 weeks. Then it will be time to go back to the states for a while. Time is flying by!!
I also need to study some Spanish this weekend, too, to prepare for next week’s classes. I’ll be doing extra time each morning to make up for being off this week. I’m hoping it will continue to stick to my brain. I’m so anxious to learn it and to be able to use it without having to hesitate so much. I know God will make it happen for me. I’ll keep working hard.
I’m nice and tired tonight. That seems to be a recurrent theme for me. But it’s good to be physically tired. It feels good not to be stressed, too. I am very busy but love everything that God allows me to do. He is awesome!
The pastor here to do the conference for church leaders on the book of Revelation, was going to mention to the audience something about this being Black Friday. He had told one of the translators that it is called Black Friday because people get up when it’s still dark to go shopping. I explained to the translators that it is really called Black Friday because of the fact that retailers acknowledge that this one day of shopping is so huge that it usually puts their books in the ‘black’ instead of the ‘red’ for the year. Chico said that what the pastor told him made more sense. Oh brother. Anyway, both translators decided that the term Black Friday sounded too ominous to say and wouldn’t translate into this culture, so they went with the idea of it being a big shopping day. Sometimes it’s just hard to explain the western culture.
Today was the team’s Fun Day. We had breakfast and then Leslie and I took the team shopping downtown for some souvenirs. We all ate at Tip Top Chicken and then headed back to the Mission House for a few hours.
While we were walking around and then waiting on the others to finish shopping, I had the chance to talk to a young lady about Christ. I could understand about 90% of what she was saying. She believes she will go to heaven by doing what is right and good and that she didn’t really need North Americans to tell her about her religion. I think we got on better ground, but I still don’t think that she is a Christian. I didn’t want to push her away with more talk, since I was getting in deep enough that I needed a translator to help out, so we agreed that I could pray for her. I hope that the seeds were planted deep and that she will be open to the next person to come along and share about Christ.
We got back to the Mission House in time for the group to catch the Arkansas/LSU ballgame on the internet. Unfortunately, the electricity had been out since right after we left this morning. That meant that the internet was knocked out, too. Two of the guys were very distraught about it. I came into my room to start studying my notes for this coming week’s Bible study and after a while I heard my little microwave beep and knew that the power was back on. I hollered out my door that it was on and the two guys almost killed themselves jumping back to the computer. It was soon time to leave for the afternoon activities. Since we only had one van today, I opted to stay at the Mission House and wait for the second trip to Poneloya. Sherry took the group past their house and then on to the beach. They went by Suyapa restaurant to pre-order their meals, and then went to walk along the beach. Kelton came back to pick up me, Mike, Steve and his family after the conference was over. We all met at Suyapa and had dinner. It was really good and I enjoyed it very much. Kelton was the only person there who can’t speak English, so I sat with him and tried to keep up a conversation. Manuel was sitting beside me and kept having me to tell Kelton things. I’m sure that Kelton thinks my Spanish is very weird, since most of the things that Manuel said were off the wall. It was funny. I think Kelton had a good time anyway.
While I was waiting at the Mission House this afternoon, I got to get on the internet a little bit. It’s only the second time this week that I could get on it. The team has kept the cable very busy. The last 2 days I have lost the international data capability on my phone, which I how I usually keep up with emails and facebook. I haven’t got to post on facebook much this week. I thought I would get the chance to get on it this afternoon, but Mike needed the internet connection right away when he got back from the conference. Maybe I’ll get to use it tomorrow. I hope they get our permanent internet hooked up here at the house this coming week. It will be wonderful when they do!
The team is having their last sharetime tonight. I can hear them singing and laughing and then quiet while they are praying. We will really miss them. They have been a great team to work with. They have blessed us very much. It’s been great to be able to be here at the new Mission House, too. It’s worked out well.
They will be leaving for the airport about 9:30am tomorrow. After they leave, I’ll probably go for a long walk and then get cleaned up and take a nap! I have lots of studying to do to prepare the Bible study on Mary for the coming 4 weeks. Then it will be time to go back to the states for a while. Time is flying by!!
I also need to study some Spanish this weekend, too, to prepare for next week’s classes. I’ll be doing extra time each morning to make up for being off this week. I’m hoping it will continue to stick to my brain. I’m so anxious to learn it and to be able to use it without having to hesitate so much. I know God will make it happen for me. I’ll keep working hard.
I’m nice and tired tonight. That seems to be a recurrent theme for me. But it’s good to be physically tired. It feels good not to be stressed, too. I am very busy but love everything that God allows me to do. He is awesome!
Thursday, November 24, 2011 NICARAGUA
Thanksgiving Day. I spent that holiday last year here, too. I love it. We went out to Las Quimeras and held a morning VBS time and then were there to pray over the feeding of kids. It was a beautiful day. Sunny, but not too hot, with a slight breeze. The kids had fun and the team enjoyed working with them and also going street witnessing. More than one of the team members mentioned how appreciative the kids (and even adults) were to get to color with crayons, make a paperbag puppet, play simple games and just have fun. I was happy to get to help cut up some of the vegetables for the lunch that was served to the kids. I am so happy to see the simple, but new and very functional outdoor kitchen at the church. It’s a lean-to built up against part of one of the walls. It has a tin roof and the supports are made of tree limbs. The cooking area is made up of cement blocks that make 3 spots for putting fires and setting large pots. There is a work table for chopping food. The ladies were quite happy to work in the new kitchen. They were from the Women’s Bible study group and it was fun to get to see them 3 times this week! We mostly stayed out of their way, but felt happy to be there.
We came back to the Mission House and had lunch. Sherry had planned a special lunch since it was Thanksgiving dinner. We had grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese (made with boxes of velveeta cheese that she had brought from the states), slaw and corn. It was very good. She had baked some cakes for us, too.
After lunch, everyone relaxed in their own ways. I laid down on my bed and had a little snooze. Mary woke me up about 15 minutes before we left for church service.
We went back out to Las Quimeras church for a special service. The lady Pastor from the Telica church, along with some others from that little church, were present. The team had purchased 40 chairs for the Telica church, so we took them with us and presented them to the Pastor. They were very glad to get them.
Pastor Marvin was there from Rose of Sharon CC church, along with his mom and dad and the little praise band. It was nice to see them. It was a good service with lovely music and the message and testimony were brought by the team. Very good jobs by everyone.
We got back to the Mission House about 7:30pm and had dinner, a traditional daily Nicaraguan meal: beans, rice, fried plantain, fried cheese and tortilla.
Mike talked a little bit to the group and thanked them for the great work they did this week. Tomorrow is fun day and the group is having a fun time tonight talking and laughing under the rancho and I can hear them from my room. I’m going to miss having them here.
I’ll be going with the group to go shopping tomorrow morning, along with Leslie. We’ll eat at either Tip Top Chicken or Hollywood Pizza, which are side by side. Then we’ll come back to hang out at the Mission House and then about 3:30pm go to the beach and to Suyapa for an early dinner. It will be a fun day.
Usually, we are exhausted at the end of a team ministry week, but being here at the Mission House and having a great team to work with has made this week very fun and enjoyable. I haven’t had to go out with the team for Fiestas since I’m still carrying on the Bible Studies and Sewing Class, so it has been a lot easier on me than in the past. It is such a blessing to have Leslie to be in charge of Fiestas and the VBS today.
The stars were beautiful tonight. Since there are few lights and no tall buildings, even in town, it was easy to see the start. Leslie and Jaasiel asked if I think we have the same stars in the US. I said no, these are prettier. Haha
I’m ready to head to bed for now. It’s been a good day. I did get the chance to call one of my sisters and my mom early this morning before we left for Las Quimeras. I was waiting until later in the day to call my other sister and my dad, but when I had the chance, we were out of cell range and then I fell asleep in the afternoon when at the Mission House and didn’t get them called. I’ll try tomorrow.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is truly thankful for God being in their lives. I know I am.
We came back to the Mission House and had lunch. Sherry had planned a special lunch since it was Thanksgiving dinner. We had grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese (made with boxes of velveeta cheese that she had brought from the states), slaw and corn. It was very good. She had baked some cakes for us, too.
After lunch, everyone relaxed in their own ways. I laid down on my bed and had a little snooze. Mary woke me up about 15 minutes before we left for church service.
We went back out to Las Quimeras church for a special service. The lady Pastor from the Telica church, along with some others from that little church, were present. The team had purchased 40 chairs for the Telica church, so we took them with us and presented them to the Pastor. They were very glad to get them.
Pastor Marvin was there from Rose of Sharon CC church, along with his mom and dad and the little praise band. It was nice to see them. It was a good service with lovely music and the message and testimony were brought by the team. Very good jobs by everyone.
We got back to the Mission House about 7:30pm and had dinner, a traditional daily Nicaraguan meal: beans, rice, fried plantain, fried cheese and tortilla.
Mike talked a little bit to the group and thanked them for the great work they did this week. Tomorrow is fun day and the group is having a fun time tonight talking and laughing under the rancho and I can hear them from my room. I’m going to miss having them here.
I’ll be going with the group to go shopping tomorrow morning, along with Leslie. We’ll eat at either Tip Top Chicken or Hollywood Pizza, which are side by side. Then we’ll come back to hang out at the Mission House and then about 3:30pm go to the beach and to Suyapa for an early dinner. It will be a fun day.
Usually, we are exhausted at the end of a team ministry week, but being here at the Mission House and having a great team to work with has made this week very fun and enjoyable. I haven’t had to go out with the team for Fiestas since I’m still carrying on the Bible Studies and Sewing Class, so it has been a lot easier on me than in the past. It is such a blessing to have Leslie to be in charge of Fiestas and the VBS today.
The stars were beautiful tonight. Since there are few lights and no tall buildings, even in town, it was easy to see the start. Leslie and Jaasiel asked if I think we have the same stars in the US. I said no, these are prettier. Haha
I’m ready to head to bed for now. It’s been a good day. I did get the chance to call one of my sisters and my mom early this morning before we left for Las Quimeras. I was waiting until later in the day to call my other sister and my dad, but when I had the chance, we were out of cell range and then I fell asleep in the afternoon when at the Mission House and didn’t get them called. I’ll try tomorrow.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is truly thankful for God being in their lives. I know I am.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011 NICARAGUA
Just realized that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. How funny to not be thinking about it. I was aware that it is ‘this week’ and ‘this Thursday’, but it still didn’t connect in my head. I like the Thanksgiving holiday, but I also am glad to be away from all the stress of people trying to make it a ‘perfect’ holiday.
This morning I went for a walk with Steve, the visiting Pastor here to do a conference. We walked down to Todopoderoso church and back. Probably 4 miles. We stopped in at the ‘gym’, a House of the Bible book store and a health food kind of store on the way. We enjoyed it.
I did a little bit of work getting things in order and then got my much needed shower. The team got back when I was finishing up and we all had a good lunch of simmered beef steak with onions and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and beans. Very yummy! As all the meals are!
We had some down time and some of the team napped and some swam in the pool and some sat around and talked. Charlie (the team leader) was asking me for a list of items that they can get for us and send down. So I talked with him a little bit about that list.
Mary, Leslie and I left for the Women’s Bible Study in Las Quimeras and we had a very good class today. We finished up the study on Eve today and then Mary talked to them about Evangelizing and their favorite verses and such. We had some new women come starting today. It’s good to see the ministry grow in that community.
When we finished the Bible study, we thought that Danilo was just going to pick us up after he dropped part of the team off at the church in Malpaisillo and then take us to the church to meet up with the group. Instead, we got out to the van and there were all but one of the translators and German. There wasn’t room in the other van for everyone and there wasn’t enough time for Danilo to make multiple runs, so they came to get us and the service was almost half over already and the ride there is 30 minutes. So German made the decision for us to just go to the Mission House and call it a night. The funny thing is that all the translators, except Jeremy were missing from church. It’s only funny to us, I guess…
We got home and had some tacos. These are giant taquitos with a chicken filling. I can’t have the fried food, so Claudia and Lydia gave me some before frying. Since the meat filling is already cooked, it’s like having a chicken salad wrap. Yummy! We also had beans, rice and salad.
I was sitting outside under the rancho on my computer, but the mosquitoes were attacking me, so I’ve moved inside my room. They have gotten the internet back up, so I’m going to take advantage of some downloading time tonight! At least until the team gets back.
Danilo drove Leslie home (or at least partway) and then picked up Pacheco to come to translate for Steve tonight at Rose of Sharon CC church. It was good to see Juan. I really miss seeing him 4 times a week. I told him that I studied a little bit today. I really want to concentrate on all my Spanish so that we can charge ahead on Monday. Being out of class for 11 days is not good!
The team has had over 150 salvations this week so far. Tomorrow is VBS and a feeding at Las Quimeras church and then a worship service tomorrow night there. That will be the last ministry time for the team. Friday will be their fun day around here in León and at the beach in Poneloya.
I was thinking about one of the women at the Bible study today. She had a hurt big toe. Instead of a bandaid, she had wrapped her toe in a leaf and tied it with a string. How much we take for granted having bandaids!
I’ll go to bed tonight thinking about all the things that I’m thankful for. I try to do that as much as possible, but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the states, I’ll make a special effort to do so.
First of all, I’m thankful for my God and my Savior. I’m thankful for the life as a missionary. I’m thankful for Voice of Hope Minsitries and I’m thankful for the people of León Nicaragua that I have grown to love. That’s a pretty good start.
PS Another thing to be thankful for…
The team (Eastside Baptist Church from Paragould AR) just called me out to sit in on their share time and presented me with $640 to buy Bibles for the Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon CC church! Praise God! All these women have been praying for God to send them Bibles and this wonderful group has answered that prayer! I’m so excited and THANKFUL!!! Woohoo! Now I’ll get busy making the Bible bags! These ladies will be sooo surprised! God, You are so good!
This morning I went for a walk with Steve, the visiting Pastor here to do a conference. We walked down to Todopoderoso church and back. Probably 4 miles. We stopped in at the ‘gym’, a House of the Bible book store and a health food kind of store on the way. We enjoyed it.
I did a little bit of work getting things in order and then got my much needed shower. The team got back when I was finishing up and we all had a good lunch of simmered beef steak with onions and tomatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies and beans. Very yummy! As all the meals are!
We had some down time and some of the team napped and some swam in the pool and some sat around and talked. Charlie (the team leader) was asking me for a list of items that they can get for us and send down. So I talked with him a little bit about that list.
Mary, Leslie and I left for the Women’s Bible Study in Las Quimeras and we had a very good class today. We finished up the study on Eve today and then Mary talked to them about Evangelizing and their favorite verses and such. We had some new women come starting today. It’s good to see the ministry grow in that community.
When we finished the Bible study, we thought that Danilo was just going to pick us up after he dropped part of the team off at the church in Malpaisillo and then take us to the church to meet up with the group. Instead, we got out to the van and there were all but one of the translators and German. There wasn’t room in the other van for everyone and there wasn’t enough time for Danilo to make multiple runs, so they came to get us and the service was almost half over already and the ride there is 30 minutes. So German made the decision for us to just go to the Mission House and call it a night. The funny thing is that all the translators, except Jeremy were missing from church. It’s only funny to us, I guess…
We got home and had some tacos. These are giant taquitos with a chicken filling. I can’t have the fried food, so Claudia and Lydia gave me some before frying. Since the meat filling is already cooked, it’s like having a chicken salad wrap. Yummy! We also had beans, rice and salad.
I was sitting outside under the rancho on my computer, but the mosquitoes were attacking me, so I’ve moved inside my room. They have gotten the internet back up, so I’m going to take advantage of some downloading time tonight! At least until the team gets back.
Danilo drove Leslie home (or at least partway) and then picked up Pacheco to come to translate for Steve tonight at Rose of Sharon CC church. It was good to see Juan. I really miss seeing him 4 times a week. I told him that I studied a little bit today. I really want to concentrate on all my Spanish so that we can charge ahead on Monday. Being out of class for 11 days is not good!
The team has had over 150 salvations this week so far. Tomorrow is VBS and a feeding at Las Quimeras church and then a worship service tomorrow night there. That will be the last ministry time for the team. Friday will be their fun day around here in León and at the beach in Poneloya.
I was thinking about one of the women at the Bible study today. She had a hurt big toe. Instead of a bandaid, she had wrapped her toe in a leaf and tied it with a string. How much we take for granted having bandaids!
I’ll go to bed tonight thinking about all the things that I’m thankful for. I try to do that as much as possible, but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the states, I’ll make a special effort to do so.
First of all, I’m thankful for my God and my Savior. I’m thankful for the life as a missionary. I’m thankful for Voice of Hope Minsitries and I’m thankful for the people of León Nicaragua that I have grown to love. That’s a pretty good start.
PS Another thing to be thankful for…
The team (Eastside Baptist Church from Paragould AR) just called me out to sit in on their share time and presented me with $640 to buy Bibles for the Women’s Bible Study at Rose of Sharon CC church! Praise God! All these women have been praying for God to send them Bibles and this wonderful group has answered that prayer! I’m so excited and THANKFUL!!! Woohoo! Now I’ll get busy making the Bible bags! These ladies will be sooo surprised! God, You are so good!
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