So nice to enjoy the rainy breeze from the laundry room. I just told Mo I always flock to the place where I feel most comfortable, in front of the washing machine. Ha. Happy Mothers Day from Nicaragua! We've had such a great day celebrating with Doña Fide. Mothers Day is a BIG deal here compared to the states, which is honestly, how I think it should be. Every lady we passed on the street today had a cake in her hands. The church service this morning was specifically dedicated to the mothers with beautiful decorations and chembombas/balloons everywhere. Some of the youth there even lip synched a song from alvin and chipmunks for the mothers. It was hilarious. They were dressed up and everything.
We had lunch at a bbq place right outside of town. It was so good with huge portions. Raf wanted us all to eat out as a treat for Lesbia and Fide so no one would have to cook. After lunch, we came back to the team house where Mo and I made coffee for everyone. I served them with Fide's apron on which got a kick out of everyone. We enjoyed the afternoon talking with Lesbia and Raf, while playing with the kids as well. We're family here.
This evening we've really just been hanging out and catching up. I decided to go ahead and do the blog before dinner for those of you who want to get a heads start, aka Babs. :) Well I'm off to dinner! I hear the ladies in the kitchen shrieking. It sounds like Mo is learning another recipe!
Love you all and I'm praying for yall,
sb
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
warm water and batidos
Saturday is cleaning day here at Puentes. So that's what this morning looked like. Spenc's speciality we've discovered deals directly with the washer and dryer. The three of them were practially inseparable all morning. Clothes flying everywhere, a swirl of detergent whirling around him... I worked on sweeping and cleaning the bathroom. Dona Fide made an awesome Chow Mein (I don't know about that spelling). I definitely had my fair share. Dina Fide has been teaching us little by little how to cook things so when I'm on my own this Fall I'll have a good amount of things to cook Nica style.
This afternoon was great. We finally got to see Roberto for the first time this year. We met him at the Palacio de los Batidos. The batidos were great as usual but getting to see him and catch up was even better. We stayed there for a while and then came back to the house. Dona Fide and Don Omar were just leaving for a night with the other married couples of the church just as we were getting there. Rober and I went inside and played the guitar for forever and Spenc's boys from the street were all out playing so of course Spenc was in the big middle of all the mayhem. Mace-- Rober is sick at guitar and he taught me this really cool finger pickin thing. You've got to hear/see it!
After it got dark, Spenc came in and Rober left. Spenc and I ate with Debra just whatever we could invent/find ourselves in the kitchen which was perfect for tonight, everybody doing their own meal. And now, I've got to go to bed because tomorrow is Mother's Day and it's going to be packed with a million different fun things going on which require a lot of prepratory sleep.
Buenas noches!
M.
This afternoon was great. We finally got to see Roberto for the first time this year. We met him at the Palacio de los Batidos. The batidos were great as usual but getting to see him and catch up was even better. We stayed there for a while and then came back to the house. Dona Fide and Don Omar were just leaving for a night with the other married couples of the church just as we were getting there. Rober and I went inside and played the guitar for forever and Spenc's boys from the street were all out playing so of course Spenc was in the big middle of all the mayhem. Mace-- Rober is sick at guitar and he taught me this really cool finger pickin thing. You've got to hear/see it!
After it got dark, Spenc came in and Rober left. Spenc and I ate with Debra just whatever we could invent/find ourselves in the kitchen which was perfect for tonight, everybody doing their own meal. And now, I've got to go to bed because tomorrow is Mother's Day and it's going to be packed with a million different fun things going on which require a lot of prepratory sleep.
Buenas noches!
M.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Adventures of Petunia and Reginald
Ah what a great way to end the night! Intense rounds of UNO followed by a group prayer in Español and English. Love that the Father is powerful enough to understand both and hear where we are all coming from. Tonight Debra, the owner of the coffee plantation, made hamburgers for us and potatoes. Well, actually La Morgan made the potatoes and they were honestly the best. Such a beautiful night filled with community.
We started off the morning with pancakes and spending some time in the Word. It was so funny. Mo and I were outside chilling, playing the guitar and reading, when Don Omar and Doña Fide came out with a box saying there was a mouse inside. We thought they were kidding, since they are always pulling our leg, but soon enough, after pulling out random gadgets from the box, a mouse popped out. Naturally this was followed by Fide running wildly behind swinging the broom. After losing him a few times in the cracks outside, Fide finally found him and gave him a nice swat. As Mo said, I "finished him off" with one final poke. Don't worry, we have pictures of this event, but sadly no video of Fide running around wildly.
We then went with Raf and Debra to the post office to try and send some coffee. We tried unsuccessfully to get around the law by saying we were sending 3 camisas/tshirts, but it ended up not working out. Raf then took a turn into the ice cream shop where we were treated with ice cream and quesillos. When we arrived back at the team house, we tried to stuff down some lunch, but we were already pretty full due to the "snack" we had just eaten. This afternoon we spent helping Fide clean the outside porch with water and brooms. We also rearranged the garden a bit to Fide's liking.
As Mo and I were enjoying some fresh coffee we both made, we heard some of the neighborhood boys outside. We went out to join them and of course another fútbol game commenced. Walter and Sammy were the only ones out tonight, probably because it had been raining most of the afternoon, and then it started back up at dark. Once the rain really started coming down, we retreated to the front porch where we played UNO for a while. We were supposed to have a Bible Study tonight with Doña Fide and the boys, but since only a couple were there due to the rain, we decided to push it off till tomorrow night. But I went and got my Spanish Bible anyways and read them my favorite verse. The three of us talked about God's abundant love and then went back to playing UNO. But this is so much the cry of my heart: to see these neighborhood boys really begin to understand the relationship with Christ and how much freedom there is in Jesus. Continue praying for the boys of Apante and that the Father would make His love real to them.
Love you all,
sb
Ephesians 3:16-19- I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his spirit. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
We started off the morning with pancakes and spending some time in the Word. It was so funny. Mo and I were outside chilling, playing the guitar and reading, when Don Omar and Doña Fide came out with a box saying there was a mouse inside. We thought they were kidding, since they are always pulling our leg, but soon enough, after pulling out random gadgets from the box, a mouse popped out. Naturally this was followed by Fide running wildly behind swinging the broom. After losing him a few times in the cracks outside, Fide finally found him and gave him a nice swat. As Mo said, I "finished him off" with one final poke. Don't worry, we have pictures of this event, but sadly no video of Fide running around wildly.
We then went with Raf and Debra to the post office to try and send some coffee. We tried unsuccessfully to get around the law by saying we were sending 3 camisas/tshirts, but it ended up not working out. Raf then took a turn into the ice cream shop where we were treated with ice cream and quesillos. When we arrived back at the team house, we tried to stuff down some lunch, but we were already pretty full due to the "snack" we had just eaten. This afternoon we spent helping Fide clean the outside porch with water and brooms. We also rearranged the garden a bit to Fide's liking.
As Mo and I were enjoying some fresh coffee we both made, we heard some of the neighborhood boys outside. We went out to join them and of course another fútbol game commenced. Walter and Sammy were the only ones out tonight, probably because it had been raining most of the afternoon, and then it started back up at dark. Once the rain really started coming down, we retreated to the front porch where we played UNO for a while. We were supposed to have a Bible Study tonight with Doña Fide and the boys, but since only a couple were there due to the rain, we decided to push it off till tomorrow night. But I went and got my Spanish Bible anyways and read them my favorite verse. The three of us talked about God's abundant love and then went back to playing UNO. But this is so much the cry of my heart: to see these neighborhood boys really begin to understand the relationship with Christ and how much freedom there is in Jesus. Continue praying for the boys of Apante and that the Father would make His love real to them.
Love you all,
sb
Ephesians 3:16-19- I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his spirit. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Forehead to Forehead
Felicidades Madres!
We woke up early today to head down to La Amistad to work on getting everything ready for the Mother's Day program that started at 10. Since it's been raining for the past two days and shows no sign of letting up, we walked down the roads that we felt were the least steep so that slipping and sliding were kept to a minimum. We helped put up some decorations and then helped in the kitchen. The guy from Germany who's helping out at the school as well was put in charge of making Spaghetti. The director, Profe Manuel and another teacher Carlos came in and we all just hung out and chilled for a hile while chopping carrots and onions and cooking the meat. After a while, all the mom's starting showing up. Right before the program started, the Director and Carlos called me over to the stage and asked if I could pray to open the program. I was like uhh...in English? Ha, they were like, well nobody here really speaks English so how about Spanish? My gut was saying no but I knew that was just my insecurity of looking like a fool in front of a bunch of people. One of the main things I learned last year from being here was that when we are most vulnerable and likely to make a fool of yourself, that is when the Lord can truly use us because we've taken our own strength out of the equation and we have to rely fully on God. So, I told them of course I would :). It really was such an honor to get to do that and that they would even ask me. God is so good.
The program was great. Some students danced, some did a skit and others recited poems. All the kids had made crafts in their classes this week so they all got to give the finished products to their moms. The moms left soon after and we took all the teachers in the dining hall where there was a big ballon arch and decorations to continue the celebration. We served them the Spaghetti with Soda and it was delicious! Afterwards, the dancing started. Spenc and I of course felt right at home on the dance floor. One of the lady teachers/moms grabbed Spenc and whirled him around a time or two. We had a blast.
As soon as we got home, lunch was ready. We all ate together and I stole away for a siesta. The rest of the afternoon was pretty chill. I practiced guitar for a while and got to talk to my bro via MagicJack and tried to no avail to reach my parents. Where you at!? ha, I love you both! Spenc got to talk to his momma too. Oh MagicJack, what would we do without you? Don Omar is back at the house from his visit to Leon! We were all outside to welcome him back and of course the boys on the street came over. I played a couple of rounds of Uno with them after Spenc had worn them out playing soccer. Dona Fide even came out and sat on the porch with us and played a few rounds. I think tomorrow we are going to have a short little Bible study with them. Pray it goes well!
For dinner we all pretty much made our own creations and enjoyed each other's company. And now, it's about that time for my head to hit the pillow...entonces, que Dios les bendiga!
God is good!
M.
We woke up early today to head down to La Amistad to work on getting everything ready for the Mother's Day program that started at 10. Since it's been raining for the past two days and shows no sign of letting up, we walked down the roads that we felt were the least steep so that slipping and sliding were kept to a minimum. We helped put up some decorations and then helped in the kitchen. The guy from Germany who's helping out at the school as well was put in charge of making Spaghetti. The director, Profe Manuel and another teacher Carlos came in and we all just hung out and chilled for a hile while chopping carrots and onions and cooking the meat. After a while, all the mom's starting showing up. Right before the program started, the Director and Carlos called me over to the stage and asked if I could pray to open the program. I was like uhh...in English? Ha, they were like, well nobody here really speaks English so how about Spanish? My gut was saying no but I knew that was just my insecurity of looking like a fool in front of a bunch of people. One of the main things I learned last year from being here was that when we are most vulnerable and likely to make a fool of yourself, that is when the Lord can truly use us because we've taken our own strength out of the equation and we have to rely fully on God. So, I told them of course I would :). It really was such an honor to get to do that and that they would even ask me. God is so good.
The program was great. Some students danced, some did a skit and others recited poems. All the kids had made crafts in their classes this week so they all got to give the finished products to their moms. The moms left soon after and we took all the teachers in the dining hall where there was a big ballon arch and decorations to continue the celebration. We served them the Spaghetti with Soda and it was delicious! Afterwards, the dancing started. Spenc and I of course felt right at home on the dance floor. One of the lady teachers/moms grabbed Spenc and whirled him around a time or two. We had a blast.
As soon as we got home, lunch was ready. We all ate together and I stole away for a siesta. The rest of the afternoon was pretty chill. I practiced guitar for a while and got to talk to my bro via MagicJack and tried to no avail to reach my parents. Where you at!? ha, I love you both! Spenc got to talk to his momma too. Oh MagicJack, what would we do without you? Don Omar is back at the house from his visit to Leon! We were all outside to welcome him back and of course the boys on the street came over. I played a couple of rounds of Uno with them after Spenc had worn them out playing soccer. Dona Fide even came out and sat on the porch with us and played a few rounds. I think tomorrow we are going to have a short little Bible study with them. Pray it goes well!
For dinner we all pretty much made our own creations and enjoyed each other's company. And now, it's about that time for my head to hit the pillow...entonces, que Dios les bendiga!
God is good!
M.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
¡Mucha lluvia!
Mmhmm. Rain on the tin roof. Yep. It's been going on all day. Ha, but we've made the best of it! It's supposed to rain a ton this winter so I'm bracing myself for it; supposedly more than last year and I thought it was a ton last year. So Mom, I guess you may need to bring my rain jacket!
We started off this morning going to La Amistad. Fide woke me up at 6:55 beckoning that it was already 10 after 7 and I was late for school. Quite the drill sergant. But boy, were we early to school and ready to go. Today was a super chill day at school, because like I said it was raining, which of course means the bus doesn't run. Ha, I don't understand either. So we only had like 20 kids today, but that was both of the special needs classes together. Mo and I both worked with some kids separately on "rompecabezas/puzzles" and these were not easy puzzles. They were 300-500 pieces each. Crazy I know. After a few hours of intense puzzling, we headed back to the team house for lunch.
We went back after lunch to La Amistad to help some of the teachers prepare for the celebration tomorrow for mothers day. I think it's so great that they have celebrations at every school here in Matagalpa for Mothers day. And school is closed friday. I guess it's like an extra mothers day gift! I think you teachers would agree. After helping at the school for a couple hours we headed back to the team house and chilled for a while. So nice to just have time to hang out and play the guitar. Raf keeps asking how my guitar classes are going. He thinks he's witty. Dinner was great since Mo and I got to help make it. Oh and I learned how to make fresh coffee today! No, I know how to use a coffeepot. I'm talking about coffee from the stovetop. So good. Debra, the owner of the coffee plantation, came over tonight and we spent time with her having dinner and playing UNO afterwards. So much fun. We were going to watch a movie after, but time got away from us. So now, I'm about to go enjoy falling asleep to this rain since we have to be up early again to help with the Mothers Day celebration. ¡Felicidades a todos las madres!
Love you all,
sb
We started off this morning going to La Amistad. Fide woke me up at 6:55 beckoning that it was already 10 after 7 and I was late for school. Quite the drill sergant. But boy, were we early to school and ready to go. Today was a super chill day at school, because like I said it was raining, which of course means the bus doesn't run. Ha, I don't understand either. So we only had like 20 kids today, but that was both of the special needs classes together. Mo and I both worked with some kids separately on "rompecabezas/puzzles" and these were not easy puzzles. They were 300-500 pieces each. Crazy I know. After a few hours of intense puzzling, we headed back to the team house for lunch.
We went back after lunch to La Amistad to help some of the teachers prepare for the celebration tomorrow for mothers day. I think it's so great that they have celebrations at every school here in Matagalpa for Mothers day. And school is closed friday. I guess it's like an extra mothers day gift! I think you teachers would agree. After helping at the school for a couple hours we headed back to the team house and chilled for a while. So nice to just have time to hang out and play the guitar. Raf keeps asking how my guitar classes are going. He thinks he's witty. Dinner was great since Mo and I got to help make it. Oh and I learned how to make fresh coffee today! No, I know how to use a coffeepot. I'm talking about coffee from the stovetop. So good. Debra, the owner of the coffee plantation, came over tonight and we spent time with her having dinner and playing UNO afterwards. So much fun. We were going to watch a movie after, but time got away from us. So now, I'm about to go enjoy falling asleep to this rain since we have to be up early again to help with the Mothers Day celebration. ¡Felicidades a todos las madres!
Love you all,
sb
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Materials y Mango
Entonces...
We've been down here for a little more than a week and I'm already feeling myself getting back into the groove of the Nica lifestyle.
This morning was very tranquilo. Spenc and I played around on the guitar for a good while. He's going to be good. I can already tell by how fast he's picking it up. We worked on some activities we're going to bring to the school too. The third grade class is working with syllables and creating words and sentences so we made kind of a word creator where you're given the word but you have to put together different syllables on a sliding slip of paper to create the word. Might sound kind of confusing but hopefully they will like it! It's colorful, and that's what always got me as a kid....still does obviously.
For lunch we had this amazing pasta that we were quite fond of last year to say the least. Yummm. After lunch is when the adventure began.
We went with Raf and one of the teachers of the school in the Baptist church here and her mom to scope out a possible site for a mission team coming up. The problem was that since it's rained a good bit lately, we couldn't cross the river that flowed right through the only entrance/exit to the community. Therefore, Raf had Spec "wade in the water" if you will, to see how deep it went. Ha. We had to hop across some rocks to get to the other side and leave the truck there. We walked a little way, Spenc almost caught a chanchito (little pig) but it was a bit too fast. The school there in the community would have been wonderful to work at with the team but the river wouldn't allow the bus to come through so we spent the next while looking at other places close by. We looked for a couple hours at different places but couldn't find somewhere that would work. So we left with no location but with HUGE mangos that one of the ladies that lived in one of the houses we stopped at gave us from her back yard. It's amazing to me how willing and easily people just give what they've been blessed with. I love that about being here. Relationships are everything here. Sharing is normal. That's the way it should be!
We came home to 4 or 5 boys from the street sitting on the porch playing Uno :). Of course we couldn't resist that. We played a few games until Carlos stopped by!! He was the bus driver for the ministry every time I've been down here except for this year. I for sure am bummed that he's not working with us this year but seeing him was great! He seemed to be doing well and of course he was full of jokes as usual. I hope he comes to visit us again. After Carlos left, we went inside and had dinner with Dona Fide. Don Omar is in Leon hanging out with his grandsons keeping them company so it was just the 3 of us tonight.
I don't know why but since we've been down here, I get tired at like 7 every night...even when I take a siesta after lunch. It's ridiculous. But I'm still up. However, not for long. :)
Praying!
Con carino,
M.
We've been down here for a little more than a week and I'm already feeling myself getting back into the groove of the Nica lifestyle.
This morning was very tranquilo. Spenc and I played around on the guitar for a good while. He's going to be good. I can already tell by how fast he's picking it up. We worked on some activities we're going to bring to the school too. The third grade class is working with syllables and creating words and sentences so we made kind of a word creator where you're given the word but you have to put together different syllables on a sliding slip of paper to create the word. Might sound kind of confusing but hopefully they will like it! It's colorful, and that's what always got me as a kid....still does obviously.
For lunch we had this amazing pasta that we were quite fond of last year to say the least. Yummm. After lunch is when the adventure began.
We went with Raf and one of the teachers of the school in the Baptist church here and her mom to scope out a possible site for a mission team coming up. The problem was that since it's rained a good bit lately, we couldn't cross the river that flowed right through the only entrance/exit to the community. Therefore, Raf had Spec "wade in the water" if you will, to see how deep it went. Ha. We had to hop across some rocks to get to the other side and leave the truck there. We walked a little way, Spenc almost caught a chanchito (little pig) but it was a bit too fast. The school there in the community would have been wonderful to work at with the team but the river wouldn't allow the bus to come through so we spent the next while looking at other places close by. We looked for a couple hours at different places but couldn't find somewhere that would work. So we left with no location but with HUGE mangos that one of the ladies that lived in one of the houses we stopped at gave us from her back yard. It's amazing to me how willing and easily people just give what they've been blessed with. I love that about being here. Relationships are everything here. Sharing is normal. That's the way it should be!
We came home to 4 or 5 boys from the street sitting on the porch playing Uno :). Of course we couldn't resist that. We played a few games until Carlos stopped by!! He was the bus driver for the ministry every time I've been down here except for this year. I for sure am bummed that he's not working with us this year but seeing him was great! He seemed to be doing well and of course he was full of jokes as usual. I hope he comes to visit us again. After Carlos left, we went inside and had dinner with Dona Fide. Don Omar is in Leon hanging out with his grandsons keeping them company so it was just the 3 of us tonight.
I don't know why but since we've been down here, I get tired at like 7 every night...even when I take a siesta after lunch. It's ridiculous. But I'm still up. However, not for long. :)
Praying!
Con carino,
M.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Learning...
What a day! Whew. We've done so much.
Well, first off we started with waking up early and being at La Amistad for our first day right at 8 AM. We went to the second grade class first with Johanna, and she told us that her class was mainly set up to do centers for the day. So all of her class wasn't in there. She told us we should go by and see Profe Yadira and the third grade class for a while. She was so happy to see us! We didn't get to see her last Thursday, so it was great to catch up with her. After interrupting class at first, and getting to know the other helper from Germany, Tim, she continued with class. She read "The Rainbow Fish" to the class, in Spanish of course, but on regular printer paper. It was great! She then asked the class comprehension questions like, "Where did the story take place? How bright did the rainbow fish shine? What did he learn at the end?" She does an amazing job at commanding the attention of 20 special needs students at one time. She's not forceful, but gentle. Mom or Babs, we need to find a rainbow fish book for them in spanish!
After then helping her class for a while with activities, we then went back to Johanna's class to see what they were up to. Mo got some ideas from Johanna while I talked with some of the boys in the class and looked over their work. We'll be going back on Wednesday to observe some more. We were hoping to actually bring a lesson plan, but this week is a little crazy for them, seeing as Wednesday Johanna won't be there, Thursday is a special school-wide day for Mothers Day, and Friday they have a student holiday.
After making the climb back up the hill, Mo and I made a list of materials that we needed to buy in town later in the afternoon for school supplies. Then we helped Fide by cleaning the windows in one of the guys' rooms. There is so much to do in the coming weeks, so Mo and I are trying to help wherever we can, especially since we are a little short on help. After lunch, I got to spend some time in the garden, chilling with Jesus and enjoying the shade. So nice to have that time just to praise him and really just pray and listen. We went to town with Fide to buy school supplies, and it was really funnny because we were trying to be frugal with the money we've been blessed with and come to find out, we were able to buy SO many supplies for only ten bucks.
When we got back to the team house, it was great to see Raf. I was feeling like I was having withdrawals seeing as I hadn't seen him all day. He invited us to go "help" him get his two new pigs to the farm up on the mountain. Fun times. I love to hear pigs scream. And when we finally made it to the mountain with the two pigs to add to the other two, we were able to see them interact. Another experience, since sometimes they started to charge me.
After getting back, we had dinner and then began another UNO! game with Don Omar and Doña Fide. The power went out during our game, but we continued playing with flashlights. After they went to their rooms, Mo played her guitar as I listened/sang. And then the most exciting part: I found a guitar here at the team house, and Mo taught me the e minor, g, c, and d chords. So basically I'm now Carlos Santana. I'm so excited to be able to play now!
Recap of what I learned today: 1) Always be open to everything at school. Really try to take things in. 2) Never forget the dollar goes a long way here. 3) Raise your foot and stomp it if a pig charges at you. If that doesn't work, just kick it. 4) The guitar is fun to play, you just have to practice.
Love you all and buenos noches,
sb
Well, first off we started with waking up early and being at La Amistad for our first day right at 8 AM. We went to the second grade class first with Johanna, and she told us that her class was mainly set up to do centers for the day. So all of her class wasn't in there. She told us we should go by and see Profe Yadira and the third grade class for a while. She was so happy to see us! We didn't get to see her last Thursday, so it was great to catch up with her. After interrupting class at first, and getting to know the other helper from Germany, Tim, she continued with class. She read "The Rainbow Fish" to the class, in Spanish of course, but on regular printer paper. It was great! She then asked the class comprehension questions like, "Where did the story take place? How bright did the rainbow fish shine? What did he learn at the end?" She does an amazing job at commanding the attention of 20 special needs students at one time. She's not forceful, but gentle. Mom or Babs, we need to find a rainbow fish book for them in spanish!
After then helping her class for a while with activities, we then went back to Johanna's class to see what they were up to. Mo got some ideas from Johanna while I talked with some of the boys in the class and looked over their work. We'll be going back on Wednesday to observe some more. We were hoping to actually bring a lesson plan, but this week is a little crazy for them, seeing as Wednesday Johanna won't be there, Thursday is a special school-wide day for Mothers Day, and Friday they have a student holiday.
After making the climb back up the hill, Mo and I made a list of materials that we needed to buy in town later in the afternoon for school supplies. Then we helped Fide by cleaning the windows in one of the guys' rooms. There is so much to do in the coming weeks, so Mo and I are trying to help wherever we can, especially since we are a little short on help. After lunch, I got to spend some time in the garden, chilling with Jesus and enjoying the shade. So nice to have that time just to praise him and really just pray and listen. We went to town with Fide to buy school supplies, and it was really funnny because we were trying to be frugal with the money we've been blessed with and come to find out, we were able to buy SO many supplies for only ten bucks.
When we got back to the team house, it was great to see Raf. I was feeling like I was having withdrawals seeing as I hadn't seen him all day. He invited us to go "help" him get his two new pigs to the farm up on the mountain. Fun times. I love to hear pigs scream. And when we finally made it to the mountain with the two pigs to add to the other two, we were able to see them interact. Another experience, since sometimes they started to charge me.
After getting back, we had dinner and then began another UNO! game with Don Omar and Doña Fide. The power went out during our game, but we continued playing with flashlights. After they went to their rooms, Mo played her guitar as I listened/sang. And then the most exciting part: I found a guitar here at the team house, and Mo taught me the e minor, g, c, and d chords. So basically I'm now Carlos Santana. I'm so excited to be able to play now!
Recap of what I learned today: 1) Always be open to everything at school. Really try to take things in. 2) Never forget the dollar goes a long way here. 3) Raise your foot and stomp it if a pig charges at you. If that doesn't work, just kick it. 4) The guitar is fun to play, you just have to practice.
Love you all and buenos noches,
sb
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Moronga
Whewww. We're back in Matagalpa with dirty clothes in our backbacks and smiles on our faces of a weekend well spent.
Friday morning we set out for Chinandega and spent the day with Omar and Ruth and their girls, Jasmina and Emily. Jasmina is absolutely beautiful like her mom and Emily has the cutest curls. We found out that a ministry called Amigos for Christ was the house right next door to Omar's house. Our friend Sebastian is working with them all summer so we went over to try and find him. He had just left with their team to spend the night climbing a volcano and camping out but we got to meet his sister and she gave us a tour of their place! We left and got icecream at one of the million icecream shops there because it's extremely hot there. Came home and just enjoyed everyone's company. We got up the next day and had great pancakes and hit the road soon after for Leon.
In Leon, we were going to see Jorge and his family. Jorge is the youngest son of Dona Fide and Don Omar. We got to their house and had lunch. Carla, his wife, was wonderful and their three sons Jorgito, Bryan, and Carlito were there and it was great to get to see them again :). We all ended up going to the beach and Amigos for Christ was there too! We ended up meeting up with Sebastian which is crazy because we're used to seeing each other in Athens and now all the way around the world we all end up on the same beach. It was awesome to get to see him. That night we had a terrible storm. I was staying in a room that was kind of off of the main house and you had to go outside to get back into the house. Literally, when it started to really storm like 2AM I felt like the thunder and lightening was cracking not even two feet from my door. I have never experienced a storm like that. Little did I know that everyone in the house was up and moving around because it was so bad; Water was getting all in the house. It was nuts. In the morning we all got up and watched some TV... Katie Rae if you're reading this, Carla offered me Special K for breakfast and I gladly accepted and thought of you! :) We hung around the house until 3ish and then headed back here.
We start school tomorrow so I'm pumped for that! Right now I've got to get settled back into the team house, but we love y'all and we're praying hard.
Bendiciones!
M.
Friday morning we set out for Chinandega and spent the day with Omar and Ruth and their girls, Jasmina and Emily. Jasmina is absolutely beautiful like her mom and Emily has the cutest curls. We found out that a ministry called Amigos for Christ was the house right next door to Omar's house. Our friend Sebastian is working with them all summer so we went over to try and find him. He had just left with their team to spend the night climbing a volcano and camping out but we got to meet his sister and she gave us a tour of their place! We left and got icecream at one of the million icecream shops there because it's extremely hot there. Came home and just enjoyed everyone's company. We got up the next day and had great pancakes and hit the road soon after for Leon.
In Leon, we were going to see Jorge and his family. Jorge is the youngest son of Dona Fide and Don Omar. We got to their house and had lunch. Carla, his wife, was wonderful and their three sons Jorgito, Bryan, and Carlito were there and it was great to get to see them again :). We all ended up going to the beach and Amigos for Christ was there too! We ended up meeting up with Sebastian which is crazy because we're used to seeing each other in Athens and now all the way around the world we all end up on the same beach. It was awesome to get to see him. That night we had a terrible storm. I was staying in a room that was kind of off of the main house and you had to go outside to get back into the house. Literally, when it started to really storm like 2AM I felt like the thunder and lightening was cracking not even two feet from my door. I have never experienced a storm like that. Little did I know that everyone in the house was up and moving around because it was so bad; Water was getting all in the house. It was nuts. In the morning we all got up and watched some TV... Katie Rae if you're reading this, Carla offered me Special K for breakfast and I gladly accepted and thought of you! :) We hung around the house until 3ish and then headed back here.
We start school tomorrow so I'm pumped for that! Right now I've got to get settled back into the team house, but we love y'all and we're praying hard.
Bendiciones!
M.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Mas photos!
A few of our neighborhood friends. This is only about half of them. :)
Typical picture. And no the boy to my right is not my son as Big Raf thinks.
Yes. They eat the cards. Love how no two nicas look alike.
Saving this to put in your bed Mom. Please note that it is as big as my camera.
So excited on the plane. And yes. We always match.
UNO!
So we are sitting in the kitchen with Doña Fide just kicking it. Mo is using the magicjack/skyping her precious family. Ha, and I am editing pictures to put on the blog. We are leaving for Chinadegna and León tomorrow! Oh what fun. We'll be gone until Sunday evening, and we are so excited to see Omar and Jorge's families.
Today we got to visit La Amistad and see how all of our precious children have been the past year. Our crazy first grade class has now graduated with their teacher to the second grade as well as they have moved to a larger classroom. And it is so much better that they have a bigger classroom because the kids are a little more calm. We will for sure be helping the second grade class with Johanna starting on Monday, and we're also going to see where else we're needed. Mom, we definitley need more supplies for the school! So any teacher reading this, we need your help. :) The ministry of education here in Nica is not supplying the schools with near as many supplies as last year. Budget cuts if you will. Mo and I are stoked that we'll be going back on Monday, and officially be teaching on Wednesday.
This afternoon after lunch we rested and then talked to Big Raf for a while. And of course, a massive fútbol game started and continued for a while even into the rain. Once the downpour became stronger, we came on the front porch and played UNO! for well over 3 hours. Ha, it's the life. And we played even more uno with Don Omar and Doña Fide, and naturally, Yo soy un campeón.
I'm going to try and upload some pictures right now, and try and get to bed early. We're leaving early tomorrow morning. Love you guys so much,
sb
Today we got to visit La Amistad and see how all of our precious children have been the past year. Our crazy first grade class has now graduated with their teacher to the second grade as well as they have moved to a larger classroom. And it is so much better that they have a bigger classroom because the kids are a little more calm. We will for sure be helping the second grade class with Johanna starting on Monday, and we're also going to see where else we're needed. Mom, we definitley need more supplies for the school! So any teacher reading this, we need your help. :) The ministry of education here in Nica is not supplying the schools with near as many supplies as last year. Budget cuts if you will. Mo and I are stoked that we'll be going back on Monday, and officially be teaching on Wednesday.
This afternoon after lunch we rested and then talked to Big Raf for a while. And of course, a massive fútbol game started and continued for a while even into the rain. Once the downpour became stronger, we came on the front porch and played UNO! for well over 3 hours. Ha, it's the life. And we played even more uno with Don Omar and Doña Fide, and naturally, Yo soy un campeón.
I'm going to try and upload some pictures right now, and try and get to bed early. We're leaving early tomorrow morning. Love you guys so much,
sb
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Que Barbaridad!
Another wonderful day in the neighborhood here.
We did a lot of little things today just staying busy. This morning I woke up and sat at the kitchen table reading through the devotion for the day and still trying to take in the reality of being here. Everyone loaded up and went to see the owner of the house and get materials to repair the shower in Spenc's old room. She took Dona Fide and I to see her garden and it was beautiful! All the plants and trees and flowers here amaze me. There was this plant that had leaves that as they start to grow are all curled up and as they open they literally look like stripes of white, light green, and dark green have been painted in perfect lines. I kept going back to look again. They probably thought I was crazy. Don Omar bought us all Sandia...watermelon...at one of the little tables by the road and it was excellent.
We came home for lunch but not before a trip to La Matagalpa, the supermarket near the house. Dona Fide made this soup that was delicious! It had like these balls of breaded chicken and eggs and cheese and spices from the garden and potatoes and other vegetables. Que rica! Raf and Lesbia came over with the kids to eat with us. We sat and talked and Ashley and I worked on her spanish some. I loved doing that. Makes me excited for teaching next week. We start at La Amistad on Monday I believe :).
Of course there was play time outside again today. Those boys are absolutely precious. We had a "lurker" as Spenc dubbed him today. It was funny. Oh and an Uno game that lastest longer than any game I've ever played. We came in around dark and ate some dinner.
After dinner we played Uno with Don Omar and Dona Fide. We all had such a good time laughing and making jokes.
I got to talk to Roberto tonight on the telephone. Hopefully we will get t0 see him soon since he doesn't work here anymore.
The Lord has made everything beautiful in it's time. There is a season and reason for everything under Heaven. I'm really learning that. God's plan is the most fulfilling and when we stop wishing for something else and enjoy right where He has us, we can finally let go enough and enjoy the blessing of His guideance and truth in our lives and He will purify our hearts until only His love remains which is more than we could ever want or imagine.
We're praying for y'all and know that His timing is perfect and His heart is for you.
M.
We did a lot of little things today just staying busy. This morning I woke up and sat at the kitchen table reading through the devotion for the day and still trying to take in the reality of being here. Everyone loaded up and went to see the owner of the house and get materials to repair the shower in Spenc's old room. She took Dona Fide and I to see her garden and it was beautiful! All the plants and trees and flowers here amaze me. There was this plant that had leaves that as they start to grow are all curled up and as they open they literally look like stripes of white, light green, and dark green have been painted in perfect lines. I kept going back to look again. They probably thought I was crazy. Don Omar bought us all Sandia...watermelon...at one of the little tables by the road and it was excellent.
We came home for lunch but not before a trip to La Matagalpa, the supermarket near the house. Dona Fide made this soup that was delicious! It had like these balls of breaded chicken and eggs and cheese and spices from the garden and potatoes and other vegetables. Que rica! Raf and Lesbia came over with the kids to eat with us. We sat and talked and Ashley and I worked on her spanish some. I loved doing that. Makes me excited for teaching next week. We start at La Amistad on Monday I believe :).
Of course there was play time outside again today. Those boys are absolutely precious. We had a "lurker" as Spenc dubbed him today. It was funny. Oh and an Uno game that lastest longer than any game I've ever played. We came in around dark and ate some dinner.
After dinner we played Uno with Don Omar and Dona Fide. We all had such a good time laughing and making jokes.
I got to talk to Roberto tonight on the telephone. Hopefully we will get t0 see him soon since he doesn't work here anymore.
The Lord has made everything beautiful in it's time. There is a season and reason for everything under Heaven. I'm really learning that. God's plan is the most fulfilling and when we stop wishing for something else and enjoy right where He has us, we can finally let go enough and enjoy the blessing of His guideance and truth in our lives and He will purify our hearts until only His love remains which is more than we could ever want or imagine.
We're praying for y'all and know that His timing is perfect and His heart is for you.
M.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
UP!
Mo and I just got back from spending the evening with Raf and Lesbia at their house a few blocks away. They treated us to dinner and we played with the kids for a while. I tried to get the boys to go to sleep, but that just ended up with Pallito and Michael tackling me onto their bed, and the only way I could get out was for me to tickle my way through. Mo came in and told me to try and keep them calm, but then Raf came in and got them laughing again. So much for things being "tranquila." Ha. Raf, Lesbia, Mo, and I watched UP! once the kids went to sleep. Some may know that this but it is one of my favorites of all time. We were cracking up.
Before we went over to Raf's, we spent the afternoon playing fútbol again. We didn't get to UNO tonight because Mo and I had to go over to Raf's shortly after dark. We had such a good time playing with the boys this afternoon though. I'm excited because Don Omar and Doña Fide have started a Bible study with the boys in the neighborhood. So they literally play on the sidewalk in front of the house all the time. They trust them. And this was the cry of my heart last year when I was leaving. That the Father would place people in their lives who were beautiful reflections of Christ, and Omar and Fide are just that. I pray that Mo and I will reflect the light of Christ whenever we're around the boys as well.
We went to Las Escaleras after lunch to see the feeding center there and check up with the teachers at the school. The government is not providing lunches for the children at the schools anymore, so they're trying to find a way to feed the kids lunch at school now. Before lunch, we went to the dump here in Matagalpa where people live all along the outskirts. By far, one of the saddest things I have seen in this country. Even Raf said today, "That's one of those things that, even though I live here in the city, I can hardly believe people actually live there." It's just a terrible cycle that is hard to stop. Because if you take those people out and build them a nice house and give them a nice job, there will be others that come in to fill in the gap. And sadly the best thing to do would be to guard the dump so that no one is allowed in. Raf, Mo, and I walked all the way into the dump with the others who were waiting for a truck to come by. We talked to one man who said he was there to find any plastic, glass, aluminum, metal or anything that is recyclable to recycle for money. He showed us a watch that he found that he was so proud of. He was hoping to get "cien cordobas" for it. That's only five dollars, but I doubt he would even be able to get that for it. I think all three of us wanted to do something for those people, but there was nothing tangible we could do. Oh how I've been praying for them today.
I spent some time in the garden this morning really crying out for the boys here in Matagalpa. They are so close to my heart because I see how much they need that personal relationship with Christ, but they have very few solid male role models to look up to. I prayed for the boys of Nuestra Tierra, San Jose, and even the boys here in my neighborhood of Apante. I prayed that they would see the reflection of Christ in me when I'm around them, even if it's through a smile or a game of fútbol. I prayed that they would have an experience with Christ, because honestly, I know if that happens, the Father will be faithful to continue that good work to completion.
I hope this wasn't too confusing! I went backwards through the day to spice things up a bit.
Love you all,
sb
Before we went over to Raf's, we spent the afternoon playing fútbol again. We didn't get to UNO tonight because Mo and I had to go over to Raf's shortly after dark. We had such a good time playing with the boys this afternoon though. I'm excited because Don Omar and Doña Fide have started a Bible study with the boys in the neighborhood. So they literally play on the sidewalk in front of the house all the time. They trust them. And this was the cry of my heart last year when I was leaving. That the Father would place people in their lives who were beautiful reflections of Christ, and Omar and Fide are just that. I pray that Mo and I will reflect the light of Christ whenever we're around the boys as well.
We went to Las Escaleras after lunch to see the feeding center there and check up with the teachers at the school. The government is not providing lunches for the children at the schools anymore, so they're trying to find a way to feed the kids lunch at school now. Before lunch, we went to the dump here in Matagalpa where people live all along the outskirts. By far, one of the saddest things I have seen in this country. Even Raf said today, "That's one of those things that, even though I live here in the city, I can hardly believe people actually live there." It's just a terrible cycle that is hard to stop. Because if you take those people out and build them a nice house and give them a nice job, there will be others that come in to fill in the gap. And sadly the best thing to do would be to guard the dump so that no one is allowed in. Raf, Mo, and I walked all the way into the dump with the others who were waiting for a truck to come by. We talked to one man who said he was there to find any plastic, glass, aluminum, metal or anything that is recyclable to recycle for money. He showed us a watch that he found that he was so proud of. He was hoping to get "cien cordobas" for it. That's only five dollars, but I doubt he would even be able to get that for it. I think all three of us wanted to do something for those people, but there was nothing tangible we could do. Oh how I've been praying for them today.
I spent some time in the garden this morning really crying out for the boys here in Matagalpa. They are so close to my heart because I see how much they need that personal relationship with Christ, but they have very few solid male role models to look up to. I prayed for the boys of Nuestra Tierra, San Jose, and even the boys here in my neighborhood of Apante. I prayed that they would see the reflection of Christ in me when I'm around them, even if it's through a smile or a game of fútbol. I prayed that they would have an experience with Christ, because honestly, I know if that happens, the Father will be faithful to continue that good work to completion.
I hope this wasn't too confusing! I went backwards through the day to spice things up a bit.
Love you all,
sb
I knew I was back when...
I knew I was back in Nica when...
-I got my first, second, third, fourth (and so on) mosquito bite in 5 minutes time WITH bug repellant on.
-I heard the customs officer call me by "chelita".
-I stood by the shower head just praying that it would be warm water
-I took my first sip of the best coffee ever
-Had that familiar stomach ache that screamed "welcome back" :)...I wouldn't trade it for the world.
-We missed the last "rapi bus" and walked in the misty morning to church just enjoying the time together without worrying if we are going to get there on time
-Dona Fide, Rafa, Spenc and I danced around the room for 5 minutes trying to get a HUGE moth safely out the front door
-The boys on the street came begging for a game of soccer and Uno
-I sat outside for hours watching and talking to the boys playing soccer out in the street
-We walked in and out of the houses on San Jose chatting with the families
-We slipped numerous times in the mud getting from house to house
-My heart felt freer than ever to simply sit and worship in awe if Him and His creation in nature and in the hearts of the kids and our family here.
And finally I knew I was back in Nica when I had to wait to blog until this morning because we had no power last night to do it.
Yesterday was awesome. We went with Raf in the morning to San Jose and got to see the work different teams have done on the feeding center. We walked through the community as best we could because it had rained so much there was mud everywhere. We went into some of the houses and visted with people just chatting about life and whatnot. We're hoping to take some teams up there to built some of the families more reliable houses soon! Spenc reunited with some of his buddies up there and I know that meant so much to him. We came back here for lunch and Dona Fide cooked us our favorite meal! It was this amazing chicken with rice and a salad with all kinds of things in it and of course tortillas :).
Then, the siesta of course! I love how it's so common to just relax and take a nap after lunch here. They call it planchando la oreja, or "ironing your ear". In the afternoon we went to Nuestra Tierra and Raf explained the water chlorinator to us that they had put in not too long ago. It was intense but amazing. We also saw the finished feeding center there and it looked great! I know the college SUMC team as well as the team in November worked on it and it's awesome to see it now. I"ll have to put up a picture soon.
We came back here and played in the street with the kids for a long time. Spenc kept the game of soccer going and we all played Uno afterwards until it got so dark we couldn't see the color of the cards. It was so cute. There were like 8 boys with me and Spenc all crowded around a little pile of cards all laughing and grinning from ear to ear. I love it here. We came in finally and had some dinner. The power went out so we sat at the table listening to Spanish worship music with Don Omar and Dona Fide. So good. They went off to bed and Spenc and I sat out on the deck while it rained and I got my guitar and just strummed around and we sang and worshipped the God who has allowed us and has blessed us with the opportunity just to be here and in His presence. It was a great night.
Now we're at the house and Raf will probably be here soon to go visit another community but again, we're on Nica time and schedule so there's really no telling what this day is going to hold. And I like it that way.
Que Dios los bendiga, and know that we are praying for y'all everyday.
M.
-I got my first, second, third, fourth (and so on) mosquito bite in 5 minutes time WITH bug repellant on.
-I heard the customs officer call me by "chelita".
-I stood by the shower head just praying that it would be warm water
-I took my first sip of the best coffee ever
-Had that familiar stomach ache that screamed "welcome back" :)...I wouldn't trade it for the world.
-We missed the last "rapi bus" and walked in the misty morning to church just enjoying the time together without worrying if we are going to get there on time
-Dona Fide, Rafa, Spenc and I danced around the room for 5 minutes trying to get a HUGE moth safely out the front door
-The boys on the street came begging for a game of soccer and Uno
-I sat outside for hours watching and talking to the boys playing soccer out in the street
-We walked in and out of the houses on San Jose chatting with the families
-We slipped numerous times in the mud getting from house to house
-My heart felt freer than ever to simply sit and worship in awe if Him and His creation in nature and in the hearts of the kids and our family here.
And finally I knew I was back in Nica when I had to wait to blog until this morning because we had no power last night to do it.
Yesterday was awesome. We went with Raf in the morning to San Jose and got to see the work different teams have done on the feeding center. We walked through the community as best we could because it had rained so much there was mud everywhere. We went into some of the houses and visted with people just chatting about life and whatnot. We're hoping to take some teams up there to built some of the families more reliable houses soon! Spenc reunited with some of his buddies up there and I know that meant so much to him. We came back here for lunch and Dona Fide cooked us our favorite meal! It was this amazing chicken with rice and a salad with all kinds of things in it and of course tortillas :).
Then, the siesta of course! I love how it's so common to just relax and take a nap after lunch here. They call it planchando la oreja, or "ironing your ear". In the afternoon we went to Nuestra Tierra and Raf explained the water chlorinator to us that they had put in not too long ago. It was intense but amazing. We also saw the finished feeding center there and it looked great! I know the college SUMC team as well as the team in November worked on it and it's awesome to see it now. I"ll have to put up a picture soon.
We came back here and played in the street with the kids for a long time. Spenc kept the game of soccer going and we all played Uno afterwards until it got so dark we couldn't see the color of the cards. It was so cute. There were like 8 boys with me and Spenc all crowded around a little pile of cards all laughing and grinning from ear to ear. I love it here. We came in finally and had some dinner. The power went out so we sat at the table listening to Spanish worship music with Don Omar and Dona Fide. So good. They went off to bed and Spenc and I sat out on the deck while it rained and I got my guitar and just strummed around and we sang and worshipped the God who has allowed us and has blessed us with the opportunity just to be here and in His presence. It was a great night.
Now we're at the house and Raf will probably be here soon to go visit another community but again, we're on Nica time and schedule so there's really no telling what this day is going to hold. And I like it that way.
Que Dios los bendiga, and know that we are praying for y'all everyday.
M.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Beinvenidos a Matagalpa, Nicaragua!
So we made it in last night to the mission house at 11 PM Nica time, 1 AM Atlanta time. Whew. Long journey, but oh how great it was to be back and see our "other family" here in Matagalpa. I was looking forward to seeing Doña Fidelina and Raf so much! Ha, funny story. Our flight landed in Managua at 7 PM and we made it through customs and security without a scratch. But we waited outside of the airport for one hour before we figured out that Fide and Raf were inside waiting for us. Ha, Mo and I started to get a little worried, but the Nica inside of both of us kept us calm. We have been catching up with the family the past day, including the entire ride back to the house.
We went to church this morning with Don Omar and Doña Fidelina. The whole church knew we were coming in this week so we heard countless times, "Ah La Morgan y Espencer estan aquí!" After church we reunited with the rest of Raf's family, including Lesbia and the kids. Updates on the kids: Ashly has become even more beautiful, she's growing up; Pallito still enjoys a good wrestling match and is still as strong as an ox; and Michael has curly hair! When I saw his luscious locks, that's when I wished I hadn't shaved mine off yesterday. But oh well. Hopefully by the end of the summer Raf will be happy when Michael and I have matching curls.
We played with all the neighborhood kids this afternoon after the delicious "la barbacoa." Don Omar told me the boys had been asking if we were going to be able to play baseball yesterday when I got here, but he had to keep reminding them that I was arriving "en la medianoche." So we all enjoyed several games of fútbol, uno, and bingo this afternoon with all of the kids. Later tonight, Raf treated us to a milkshake at "La palacia de los batidos." mmhmm, tasty. I know. We spent the rest of the night talking with Don Omar, Doña Fidelina, and Raf, just straight up enjoying each other's presence. So great. Oh and for those of you wondering, the fireflies here are everywhere. Great sign, I know!
Tomorrow Raf is taking us to each of the communities to check up on everyone. So pumped. Better go get some shut eye!
Love you all and praying for all of my family and friends by name,
sb
We went to church this morning with Don Omar and Doña Fidelina. The whole church knew we were coming in this week so we heard countless times, "Ah La Morgan y Espencer estan aquí!" After church we reunited with the rest of Raf's family, including Lesbia and the kids. Updates on the kids: Ashly has become even more beautiful, she's growing up; Pallito still enjoys a good wrestling match and is still as strong as an ox; and Michael has curly hair! When I saw his luscious locks, that's when I wished I hadn't shaved mine off yesterday. But oh well. Hopefully by the end of the summer Raf will be happy when Michael and I have matching curls.
We played with all the neighborhood kids this afternoon after the delicious "la barbacoa." Don Omar told me the boys had been asking if we were going to be able to play baseball yesterday when I got here, but he had to keep reminding them that I was arriving "en la medianoche." So we all enjoyed several games of fútbol, uno, and bingo this afternoon with all of the kids. Later tonight, Raf treated us to a milkshake at "La palacia de los batidos." mmhmm, tasty. I know. We spent the rest of the night talking with Don Omar, Doña Fidelina, and Raf, just straight up enjoying each other's presence. So great. Oh and for those of you wondering, the fireflies here are everywhere. Great sign, I know!
Tomorrow Raf is taking us to each of the communities to check up on everyone. So pumped. Better go get some shut eye!
Love you all and praying for all of my family and friends by name,
sb
Friday, May 14, 2010
Here we go!
I cannot believe that we are going back to Nica TOMORROW! Spenc and I will be down there for three months and this year we have two more interns, Josh and Chris, who are coming down for six weeks in the middle of our stay. I'm so excited to see what the Lord has done since we left, what He's doing right now, and what He's going to do while we are there. I just feel ridiculously blessed that He would over and over again provide the means and ability to go back.
So I just thought I would put up a quick first blog the night before we leave. I just got home not too long ago from Steak and Shake with some of our friends wishing Spenc and I safe travels and saying our goodbyes. Might I say that I am sufficiently worried about Spencer's current status on being physically ready for this trip. According to him around 10:45 tonight, he has yet to wash the clothes he's taking, pack them and everything else, get a haircut, and get his money for the trip. He seemed less than stressed about all this. Ha. I love it. He's a true Nica. He said he'd have it all done and be at my door by 10:45 tomorrow morning ready to head to the airport...and I believe him. I think.
I better go to get a good night's sleep because tomorrow's sleep will be in the humid Nica air with lizards hanging out on the ceiling and the sound of barking dogs to lull me to sleep. I cannot wait. I've missed that for real.
If you think about it, throw up a prayer for us tomorrow as we travel!
Love y'all.
Que Dios les bendiga,
M.
So I just thought I would put up a quick first blog the night before we leave. I just got home not too long ago from Steak and Shake with some of our friends wishing Spenc and I safe travels and saying our goodbyes. Might I say that I am sufficiently worried about Spencer's current status on being physically ready for this trip. According to him around 10:45 tonight, he has yet to wash the clothes he's taking, pack them and everything else, get a haircut, and get his money for the trip. He seemed less than stressed about all this. Ha. I love it. He's a true Nica. He said he'd have it all done and be at my door by 10:45 tomorrow morning ready to head to the airport...and I believe him. I think.
I better go to get a good night's sleep because tomorrow's sleep will be in the humid Nica air with lizards hanging out on the ceiling and the sound of barking dogs to lull me to sleep. I cannot wait. I've missed that for real.
If you think about it, throw up a prayer for us tomorrow as we travel!
Love y'all.
Que Dios les bendiga,
M.
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