Clean water!
Acting like I know what I'm doing...
Beautiful picture taken by Ryan of the sunset at Poneloya
Playing in the mud/dumping Yader over
Fútbol game!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Now if that smile doesn't melt your heart...
Angel. Don't know if the name is fitting, but he's precious. He was probably saying something to me like, "Francisco, I'm about to splash water on you!"
Giving a kiss to Jorge after a long day of work. ¡Dale prix!
Our drill got stuck 60 feet down and this was the culprit. Clogged clay.
First day drilling!
It's too dusty prix!
Whew. It's been quite the week! Sorry for not updating the blog in a while. I didn't have too much internet access all week in Leon. But boy did I have such a great time. Let me give you a run down.
So Sunday after going to church with Raf and his family, as well as the Messers, we headed to eat lunch at a legit pizza place. I love when we come upon another great restaurant in Matagalpa! And then we headed back to the house where I rushed to get all of my stuff together. But Doña Fide made sure to pack me with some leftover pizza just in case I got hungry on the bus. :) Raf and the Messers dropped me off at the bus to head to Leon. What an experience! I was sort of nervous at first, watching my stuff the whole time, eyes darting everywhere. But I soon got used to it. Ha, boy did I stick out like a sore thumb as usual. Only blonde haired/blue eyed person on that bus. At one point I looked to the guy beside me and asked him a question in Spanish and he jumped like he was surprised. Haha, he was quite taken back that I was able to speak Spanish. Most of the ride I felt like I was in a music video with reggaeton/Daddy Yankee playing the whole time. I just had to laugh and enjoy it. But Jorge was there ready to pick me up once I got there. And before you knew it, I was assimilated into the group he had there. We quickly all became friends when we killed a bat in the second floor of his house. Haha, it was quite a scene.
The week of drilling the well went something like this: Monday/Tuesday we "explored" to see if we could find clean water. We drilled down 110 feet and found clean water from about 60-90 ft with 90-11o ft being clay. So we decided to make the well 85 feet deep with the screen for the clean water coming in from 70-80 ft. Drilling and building the well was so much fun, but what I enjoyed the most was being in a community I've never been to before and building relationships with people I'd never met. The community we worked in was called Nueva Vida/New Life and by the end of the week I had a little posse of boys that I played fútbol with, had water wars with, and even wrestled with. Haha, pictures soon to come. But really, I learned so much this week about being even more intentional with everything I do in the communities. We talked in one of our group meetings at the team house about how we had to make sure that we were focusing on harvesting people for the Lord instead of getting caught up in just planting seeds. Sometimes in communities I always think, "Well I'll just be shining the Father's light today," when I'm missing out on divine opportunities to really let people know of the Father's love. So when opportunities came up this past week to share the Father's love through conversation and action, I made sure to take advantage of it.
Other happenings this week included going out to see a movie, "Knight and Day" with the team, as well as going to the beach on Thursday evening after working. It was such a blessing to be in Leon and really get to see the work of Living Water International. Being able to share in granting people with clean drinking water as well as the living water of the Holy Spirit was absolutely incredible. I feel so lucky that Jorge was willing to let me come out there and share in that experience with them.
So the trip was great and I even got to know the kid sitting beside me on the bus on the way back to Matagalpa. It was neat because we were both the same age and studying the same thing in college. Ha, I love building those random relationships with people here in Nica. Last night I enjoyed catching up with Don Omar, Doña Fide, and Morgan for a while. So many stories to share between me and Mo. Today I've just been chilling out a bit, doing laundry, and enjoying some great conversation with Doña Fide. Raf and I dropped Mo off at the church for her trip to Jinotepe at 11 this morning, with a fresh batido in hand. I just finished talking and catching up with Raf for a little bit and it looks like I'll be going to play outside for a bit with the neighborhood kids. From hanging out with them last night, it seems like they've been lost without me. haha. Love you all and praying for you.
sb
So Sunday after going to church with Raf and his family, as well as the Messers, we headed to eat lunch at a legit pizza place. I love when we come upon another great restaurant in Matagalpa! And then we headed back to the house where I rushed to get all of my stuff together. But Doña Fide made sure to pack me with some leftover pizza just in case I got hungry on the bus. :) Raf and the Messers dropped me off at the bus to head to Leon. What an experience! I was sort of nervous at first, watching my stuff the whole time, eyes darting everywhere. But I soon got used to it. Ha, boy did I stick out like a sore thumb as usual. Only blonde haired/blue eyed person on that bus. At one point I looked to the guy beside me and asked him a question in Spanish and he jumped like he was surprised. Haha, he was quite taken back that I was able to speak Spanish. Most of the ride I felt like I was in a music video with reggaeton/Daddy Yankee playing the whole time. I just had to laugh and enjoy it. But Jorge was there ready to pick me up once I got there. And before you knew it, I was assimilated into the group he had there. We quickly all became friends when we killed a bat in the second floor of his house. Haha, it was quite a scene.
The week of drilling the well went something like this: Monday/Tuesday we "explored" to see if we could find clean water. We drilled down 110 feet and found clean water from about 60-90 ft with 90-11o ft being clay. So we decided to make the well 85 feet deep with the screen for the clean water coming in from 70-80 ft. Drilling and building the well was so much fun, but what I enjoyed the most was being in a community I've never been to before and building relationships with people I'd never met. The community we worked in was called Nueva Vida/New Life and by the end of the week I had a little posse of boys that I played fútbol with, had water wars with, and even wrestled with. Haha, pictures soon to come. But really, I learned so much this week about being even more intentional with everything I do in the communities. We talked in one of our group meetings at the team house about how we had to make sure that we were focusing on harvesting people for the Lord instead of getting caught up in just planting seeds. Sometimes in communities I always think, "Well I'll just be shining the Father's light today," when I'm missing out on divine opportunities to really let people know of the Father's love. So when opportunities came up this past week to share the Father's love through conversation and action, I made sure to take advantage of it.
Other happenings this week included going out to see a movie, "Knight and Day" with the team, as well as going to the beach on Thursday evening after working. It was such a blessing to be in Leon and really get to see the work of Living Water International. Being able to share in granting people with clean drinking water as well as the living water of the Holy Spirit was absolutely incredible. I feel so lucky that Jorge was willing to let me come out there and share in that experience with them.
So the trip was great and I even got to know the kid sitting beside me on the bus on the way back to Matagalpa. It was neat because we were both the same age and studying the same thing in college. Ha, I love building those random relationships with people here in Nica. Last night I enjoyed catching up with Don Omar, Doña Fide, and Morgan for a while. So many stories to share between me and Mo. Today I've just been chilling out a bit, doing laundry, and enjoying some great conversation with Doña Fide. Raf and I dropped Mo off at the church for her trip to Jinotepe at 11 this morning, with a fresh batido in hand. I just finished talking and catching up with Raf for a little bit and it looks like I'll be going to play outside for a bit with the neighborhood kids. From hanging out with them last night, it seems like they've been lost without me. haha. Love you all and praying for you.
sb
Thursday, July 29, 2010
SuperGod
Talk about a whirlwind of activities and happenings. These past few days have been una locura...in a good way!
Chris and Heidi left yesterday to go back to the states. It's really exciting to see the Lord moving in their hearts and seeking His face. I've been hanging out at the school a lot. and the church. I had my first cow tail soup this week. Mom I'll bring that recipe home too! ;) I went to a lunch at the church for the people involved in ministries there and that was the meal. I'm so glad to be getting exposed to all these new things. Everyday I seem to catch myself in situations that I've never been in before. Impossible to be bored here. Every moment is an adventure.
Spenc has been in Leon since Sunday. I as well as the boys of the hood have definitely missed him here. He'll be home today before dinner though so everyone here is ready to get him back. He went to stay with Jorge and his team to drill a well with them a experience that. How cool is that!? Can't wait to hear the stories.
Last night I went to practice at church for the concert we're playing this Saturday night. Man was I unprepared. Everyone else knew the songs like they had been listening to them for forever...because they have. I, however, had listened to each one like twice. And I found out that they wanted me to sing lead on some of them. Ouch. Needless to say, at this moment I am currently listening to/studying/trying to memorize these songs. Please pray that the Lord's strength will be magnified in my weakness. I will trust in Him!
I hope everyone at home as wonderful. We will see you all sooner rather than later.:)
LOVE!
M.
Chris and Heidi left yesterday to go back to the states. It's really exciting to see the Lord moving in their hearts and seeking His face. I've been hanging out at the school a lot. and the church. I had my first cow tail soup this week. Mom I'll bring that recipe home too! ;) I went to a lunch at the church for the people involved in ministries there and that was the meal. I'm so glad to be getting exposed to all these new things. Everyday I seem to catch myself in situations that I've never been in before. Impossible to be bored here. Every moment is an adventure.
Spenc has been in Leon since Sunday. I as well as the boys of the hood have definitely missed him here. He'll be home today before dinner though so everyone here is ready to get him back. He went to stay with Jorge and his team to drill a well with them a experience that. How cool is that!? Can't wait to hear the stories.
Last night I went to practice at church for the concert we're playing this Saturday night. Man was I unprepared. Everyone else knew the songs like they had been listening to them for forever...because they have. I, however, had listened to each one like twice. And I found out that they wanted me to sing lead on some of them. Ouch. Needless to say, at this moment I am currently listening to/studying/trying to memorize these songs. Please pray that the Lord's strength will be magnified in my weakness. I will trust in Him!
I hope everyone at home as wonderful. We will see you all sooner rather than later.:)
LOVE!
M.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Apante boys. Celebrating Oscar's Birthday! Oscar is the boy to my left.
Family laying blocks working on their new house. Mom and Dad are working while Bismark and Dorlin are just chilling.
Norvin and Jasmir. I'd say they look alike.
Jasmir showing off his new bed. He was very proud to show me his own green bed. The doors are coming up!
Best view of Matagalpa!
lo que quiera
soooo! After a month straight of teams, we dropped the last team off at the hotel last night. We've got two weeks left here, an extremely bittersweet reality. Chris and Heidi are here with us until Wednesday and Spenc takes off tomorrow for Leon to work with one of Jorge's LivingWater groups digging a well until Wednesday. As for me, I'm staying here and singing all weekend at church for the anniversary. Then I'll be busy practicing for this coming weekend's concert in a city on the coast with the band from church.
This past week, as with all the other groups, was crazy busy. Their pastor and youth director both played guitar and sang so I got out my guitar with them some nights and we played for a good while. The youth director had the most beautiful voice so I loved just sitting with her and listening to all the stuff she wrote. Probably will be famous someday so I'm just waiting to get that first CD. We worked hard in construction. Lots of mixing cement, laying blocks, laying floors. Even after all the hard, hot days out there, I can still honestly say that I feel more blessed than ever to be here every minute. Even though it was frustrating at times, really hot, or just overwhelming, I wouldn't have wanted to miss a moment of any of it. I can't even express to you what a blessing this time has been on my heart and for me as a person.
We took the group yesterday to the market and ziplining for their tourist day. Everyone was exhausted, including me. It's a good tierd though. One of hard work and joy.
So now we're back at home. Dona Fide and Don Omar just left to go play baseball with their grandkids and just spend time with them now that there's no team. Chris and Spenc and Raf are headed up to San Jose to check on everything there and Heidi and I are going shopping. I have to buy certain color shirts to sing with the band this weekend because they decided to coordinate colors. Wish me luck :).
Two weeks! Be praying over the transition back. We love y'all. See you soon!
LOVE!
M.
This past week, as with all the other groups, was crazy busy. Their pastor and youth director both played guitar and sang so I got out my guitar with them some nights and we played for a good while. The youth director had the most beautiful voice so I loved just sitting with her and listening to all the stuff she wrote. Probably will be famous someday so I'm just waiting to get that first CD. We worked hard in construction. Lots of mixing cement, laying blocks, laying floors. Even after all the hard, hot days out there, I can still honestly say that I feel more blessed than ever to be here every minute. Even though it was frustrating at times, really hot, or just overwhelming, I wouldn't have wanted to miss a moment of any of it. I can't even express to you what a blessing this time has been on my heart and for me as a person.
We took the group yesterday to the market and ziplining for their tourist day. Everyone was exhausted, including me. It's a good tierd though. One of hard work and joy.
So now we're back at home. Dona Fide and Don Omar just left to go play baseball with their grandkids and just spend time with them now that there's no team. Chris and Spenc and Raf are headed up to San Jose to check on everything there and Heidi and I are going shopping. I have to buy certain color shirts to sing with the band this weekend because they decided to coordinate colors. Wish me luck :).
Two weeks! Be praying over the transition back. We love y'all. See you soon!
LOVE!
M.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tap that
Whew what a good feeling to be tired after a long day's work! Sorry for not blogging last night. We had quite an eventful evening with another trip to Managua to pick up my favorite couple, Chris and Heidi Messer.
Yesterday was a long day of work with us starting to lay the foundation for the new house, none other than the home of Chubby Gallup himself. For those of you who don't know, the high school team dubbed one of the cute little 3 year olds the name "Chubby Gallup" and it stuck. So we arrived in San Jose to find that the bus couldn't make it very far due to the torrential rain this past weekend and the dirt from the water project. So after carrying the supplies in we got to work on the foundation. We were able to get most of the forms for the foundation in yesterday so that we could start laying blocks today.
Mo, Raf, and I hurried back from San Jose yesterday to leave for Managua by 4:30 with Jorge. We were so exhausted from the day, but we were able to get some good conversations in between dozing. Things were quite eventful with yesterday being Day of the Revolution, so the traffic with the buses in and out of Managua was unreal. Unlike anything I'd ever seen. Lines of buses and dumptrucks 20 long, with people hanging off the sides. Naturally I stuck out my head occassionally flashing the peace sign/aka Sandinista party and screaming "¡Viva Daniel!" who is the new President of Nica.
Today we were able to lay an unbelievable amount of blocks with teams of making concrete, mezcla, and everything in between. Sorry I'm cutting the blog short tonight, but I'm fighting to keep my eyes open. Haha. Love you all!
sb
Yesterday was a long day of work with us starting to lay the foundation for the new house, none other than the home of Chubby Gallup himself. For those of you who don't know, the high school team dubbed one of the cute little 3 year olds the name "Chubby Gallup" and it stuck. So we arrived in San Jose to find that the bus couldn't make it very far due to the torrential rain this past weekend and the dirt from the water project. So after carrying the supplies in we got to work on the foundation. We were able to get most of the forms for the foundation in yesterday so that we could start laying blocks today.
Mo, Raf, and I hurried back from San Jose yesterday to leave for Managua by 4:30 with Jorge. We were so exhausted from the day, but we were able to get some good conversations in between dozing. Things were quite eventful with yesterday being Day of the Revolution, so the traffic with the buses in and out of Managua was unreal. Unlike anything I'd ever seen. Lines of buses and dumptrucks 20 long, with people hanging off the sides. Naturally I stuck out my head occassionally flashing the peace sign/aka Sandinista party and screaming "¡Viva Daniel!" who is the new President of Nica.
Today we were able to lay an unbelievable amount of blocks with teams of making concrete, mezcla, and everything in between. Sorry I'm cutting the blog short tonight, but I'm fighting to keep my eyes open. Haha. Love you all!
sb
Sunday, July 18, 2010
we took the box this time.
Wow has it been a crazy couple of days.
RECAP.
We took the college team to the zipline in Managua for their tourist day on Friday. Everyone had a great time :). I'm seriously going to miss them. On the way back to the start of the line you have to ride in a truck. We rocked it Nica style with like 12 of us in the back. Awesome...painful, but awesome. Saying goodbye is always difficult and saying bye to Chris and Big was obviously hard because they'd been with us for 6 weeks. We will greatly miss y'all!
Yesterday we headed back to Managua to pick up the next team. Big- we went to PriceMart before picking up the team and bought an Apple Cake in your honor! Jorge and his family came up from Leon, Dona Fide and Don Omar's youngest boy. It was great to get to see them :) They're a beautiful fam.
The new team's from Cokesbury Methodist in Florida. I'm excited to work with them. They seem like a great group. Today we all went to church and had a wonderful lunch back here at the team house. We're about to take them on a little tour of Matagalpa around the park and the Cathedral. However, we've got to get back before too late because tomorrow is day of the revolution for Nica and lots of festivities have already begun. It could get crazy.
I hope that all of you at home are having a wonderful day. You're all in our prayers. We've got 3 more weeks here and I am taking in every moment and counting them as such blessings in my life.
LOVE.
M.
RECAP.
We took the college team to the zipline in Managua for their tourist day on Friday. Everyone had a great time :). I'm seriously going to miss them. On the way back to the start of the line you have to ride in a truck. We rocked it Nica style with like 12 of us in the back. Awesome...painful, but awesome. Saying goodbye is always difficult and saying bye to Chris and Big was obviously hard because they'd been with us for 6 weeks. We will greatly miss y'all!
Yesterday we headed back to Managua to pick up the next team. Big- we went to PriceMart before picking up the team and bought an Apple Cake in your honor! Jorge and his family came up from Leon, Dona Fide and Don Omar's youngest boy. It was great to get to see them :) They're a beautiful fam.
The new team's from Cokesbury Methodist in Florida. I'm excited to work with them. They seem like a great group. Today we all went to church and had a wonderful lunch back here at the team house. We're about to take them on a little tour of Matagalpa around the park and the Cathedral. However, we've got to get back before too late because tomorrow is day of the revolution for Nica and lots of festivities have already begun. It could get crazy.
I hope that all of you at home are having a wonderful day. You're all in our prayers. We've got 3 more weeks here and I am taking in every moment and counting them as such blessings in my life.
LOVE.
M.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
All good things must come to an end
So today was the last day of work in San Jose for the college team, Big, and myself. Right when we got there we started off working. Some of the team went to get the roof on the new house while the rest of the team started making volcanoes for different projects to finish the house.
Before lunch Mo, Holly, and my mom went with Chico to deliver a bed and some cots to the kids at their school that the team decided to help out with. From the stories the family seemed so happy and grateful to receive the gifts.
After lunch we got back to work to try and finish the house. When the older kids had recess I got to speak to some of the kids and we just joked around and it was a blast. At the end of the workday we all gathered around the house that we had been working on and prayed over the house and the family. We got everything done but the wall that fell and the windows and doors. So Manuel will finish that up this weekend.
Today was the steakhouse dinner which was fun like always. Of course there was the usual food ordered and a order of juevos de toro for the group to try if they wanted to. After dinner we came home to do our nightly devotion and we watched a slide show Big made of the house we had been working on. It was great to see and Raf was there to enjoy it all with us.
Everyone is starting to pack and head to bed for an exciting tour day tomorrow of zip lining. I am pretty sad to have to leave. This place has been my home for the last 6 weeks and these people have become part of my family. It will be hard to say goodbye tomorrow to them all but I know I will see them soon and our memories will always remain.
Love to all,
Chris
Before lunch Mo, Holly, and my mom went with Chico to deliver a bed and some cots to the kids at their school that the team decided to help out with. From the stories the family seemed so happy and grateful to receive the gifts.
After lunch we got back to work to try and finish the house. When the older kids had recess I got to speak to some of the kids and we just joked around and it was a blast. At the end of the workday we all gathered around the house that we had been working on and prayed over the house and the family. We got everything done but the wall that fell and the windows and doors. So Manuel will finish that up this weekend.
Today was the steakhouse dinner which was fun like always. Of course there was the usual food ordered and a order of juevos de toro for the group to try if they wanted to. After dinner we came home to do our nightly devotion and we watched a slide show Big made of the house we had been working on. It was great to see and Raf was there to enjoy it all with us.
Everyone is starting to pack and head to bed for an exciting tour day tomorrow of zip lining. I am pretty sad to have to leave. This place has been my home for the last 6 weeks and these people have become part of my family. It will be hard to say goodbye tomorrow to them all but I know I will see them soon and our memories will always remain.
Love to all,
Chris
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Muerte Negro...
Today as with any day started bright and early at 7 with a delicious breakfast of pancakes. After breakfast the group got ready to go to La Amistad(Mo and Spence's School) to go do VBS and hang out with the kids, while me, Mace, Raf, Austin, and Doc all headed back to San Jose.
We went back to continue to work on the house so that we would be able to finish it while the team is still here. When we got there we got right to work placing the blocks on the walls. Austin started to mix cement and haul the half blocks, while Mace got back to his usual job of cutting the blocks but this time he was at the house, while me, doc, and raf started to lay. After we had gotten most of the blocks layed it was time for lunch, which was a delicious ham sandwich. The team on the other hand had my favorite meal, breaded chicken.
After lunch was over we headed back to the house where doc continued to lay blocks while the rest of us started to level out the floor. We got most of it leveled so today was a successful day. By the time that was finished it was time to pour some cement to cap of the day. After which we left.
We got back to see Morgan and Ally heading to the baptist church in town for band practice, which they both said was good. So we all ate and then hung out and enjoyed each others company. Raf took some people to the store to get some stuff, where he said that Daniel Ortega(president of Nicaragua) was just down the street for the opening of some center, which is pretty cool.
So now everybody is starting to head to bed cause tomorrow is both theirs and mines last day in San Jose, hopefully it goes well. So I am off to take a shower then off to bed for me.
Love you all
BIG
We went back to continue to work on the house so that we would be able to finish it while the team is still here. When we got there we got right to work placing the blocks on the walls. Austin started to mix cement and haul the half blocks, while Mace got back to his usual job of cutting the blocks but this time he was at the house, while me, doc, and raf started to lay. After we had gotten most of the blocks layed it was time for lunch, which was a delicious ham sandwich. The team on the other hand had my favorite meal, breaded chicken.
After lunch was over we headed back to the house where doc continued to lay blocks while the rest of us started to level out the floor. We got most of it leveled so today was a successful day. By the time that was finished it was time to pour some cement to cap of the day. After which we left.
We got back to see Morgan and Ally heading to the baptist church in town for band practice, which they both said was good. So we all ate and then hung out and enjoyed each others company. Raf took some people to the store to get some stuff, where he said that Daniel Ortega(president of Nicaragua) was just down the street for the opening of some center, which is pretty cool.
So now everybody is starting to head to bed cause tomorrow is both theirs and mines last day in San Jose, hopefully it goes well. So I am off to take a shower then off to bed for me.
Love you all
BIG
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
That's not what I meant by leave your mark on the house...
I can tell it's going to be a good night! Mace and PK are strumming the guitars right now and we're all getting prepared for Mafia right now. Mo just announced that the two minute warning is out to play Mafia soon. Woohoo!
We all went back to San Jose this morning and started the day off right at the work site. Don Omar yesterday suggested that we all pray as a group before we get started, so it was so great to gather around in a circle with some of the community to pray over our day. The team split up this morning with some doing VBS, and others working on making mezcla/concrete mix. I hear all went well with VBS, as the kids marched around the church dressed in the armor of God. Ha, I hear it was precious. Doc and I finished one wall before lunch, and Big and Mo worked on the other wall. By the end of the day, we had almost finished two more walls! So hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to finish all of the walls.
Tonight we all enjoyed dinner and getting fresh showers, while also playing and singing random songs on the guitar. Ahh, what a night. Tomorrow we are heading to La Amistad in the morning with the team and then on to the hospital after lunch. A few of the team are going back to San Jose to finish up. Divide and conquer! Pray that we will continue to seek the Father's strength and community throughout the next through days, relying on Him alone, while we work together. Well mafia is about to start. Love enjoying the nights with Snellville!
sb
We all went back to San Jose this morning and started the day off right at the work site. Don Omar yesterday suggested that we all pray as a group before we get started, so it was so great to gather around in a circle with some of the community to pray over our day. The team split up this morning with some doing VBS, and others working on making mezcla/concrete mix. I hear all went well with VBS, as the kids marched around the church dressed in the armor of God. Ha, I hear it was precious. Doc and I finished one wall before lunch, and Big and Mo worked on the other wall. By the end of the day, we had almost finished two more walls! So hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to finish all of the walls.
Tonight we all enjoyed dinner and getting fresh showers, while also playing and singing random songs on the guitar. Ahh, what a night. Tomorrow we are heading to La Amistad in the morning with the team and then on to the hospital after lunch. A few of the team are going back to San Jose to finish up. Divide and conquer! Pray that we will continue to seek the Father's strength and community throughout the next through days, relying on Him alone, while we work together. Well mafia is about to start. Love enjoying the nights with Snellville!
sb
Monday, July 12, 2010
Jasper Turns 22
Today was an eventful day for sure! This morning we got up with the team and had my favorite breakfast here...gallo pinto (rice and beans) , fried sweet plantains, and eggs with cheese and ham. Yummm.
Spenc and I went to the school today and ended up going to visit the house of a couple of our students. Their home life broke my heart. The two kids are in 1st grade and are 7 and 8 even though they appear to be 4 and 5 because of malnutrition Their mom is in jail and their dad is no where to be found. They're living with their grandmother who is extremely sick and cannot work. They have one small cot/bed and all the kids (they have two smaller siblings) sleep on a wood platform. We went to visit them with a couple of the other teachers to see how we might be able to support them. It broke my heart but we got to pray with them and over the family. This is why we're here. To love on the people and show them Christ in everything we do. That's not only why we're here but why we are alive.
The rest of the team headed to San Jose this morning and as I've heard they worked really hard. By the time I got there with lunch some of them had already started getting things ready for the next team coming. The rest of the afternoon I worked in the house setting the rocks for the walls and filling in holes with mortar. I love what I do. :) Everyone on the team is working so hard and the spirit that they carry with them all day makes every job enjoyable for sure. A few of them worked on the first house and put the roof on.Everyone's getting excited to have the family actually move in and start enjoying the blessing of a new house! That should be in the next few days. WHOO HOO!
This afternoon we all kept working hard and came home to a beautifully decorated team house because it's JASPER'S BIRTHDAY! We had a fun dance party after an amazing chicken lasagna from the ladies in the kitchen and a wonderful birthday cake. Fun was had by all. Now we just fininshed up getting things ready for VBS in the morning and it's devotional time so I better run but God bless y'all and have an awesome night!
Que Dios les bendiga!
M.
Spenc and I went to the school today and ended up going to visit the house of a couple of our students. Their home life broke my heart. The two kids are in 1st grade and are 7 and 8 even though they appear to be 4 and 5 because of malnutrition Their mom is in jail and their dad is no where to be found. They're living with their grandmother who is extremely sick and cannot work. They have one small cot/bed and all the kids (they have two smaller siblings) sleep on a wood platform. We went to visit them with a couple of the other teachers to see how we might be able to support them. It broke my heart but we got to pray with them and over the family. This is why we're here. To love on the people and show them Christ in everything we do. That's not only why we're here but why we are alive.
The rest of the team headed to San Jose this morning and as I've heard they worked really hard. By the time I got there with lunch some of them had already started getting things ready for the next team coming. The rest of the afternoon I worked in the house setting the rocks for the walls and filling in holes with mortar. I love what I do. :) Everyone on the team is working so hard and the spirit that they carry with them all day makes every job enjoyable for sure. A few of them worked on the first house and put the roof on.Everyone's getting excited to have the family actually move in and start enjoying the blessing of a new house! That should be in the next few days. WHOO HOO!
This afternoon we all kept working hard and came home to a beautifully decorated team house because it's JASPER'S BIRTHDAY! We had a fun dance party after an amazing chicken lasagna from the ladies in the kitchen and a wonderful birthday cake. Fun was had by all. Now we just fininshed up getting things ready for VBS in the morning and it's devotional time so I better run but God bless y'all and have an awesome night!
Que Dios les bendiga!
M.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
No tuani below the waist
So sorry for not updating this weekend. We were gone on the weekend trip and didn't bring any computers with us.
Friday on the worksite started not so good. We saw that one of the walls that we built the day before had been knocked down so we had to worry about that. After that bad news it just kept coming when we learned that our water source for the volcanoes had ran out and we had to fetch water from the river. But we all are troopers and kept working anyway. Spencer and Raf worked on the roof of the high school team's house. The house will be down most likely Monday. After a hard day of work we headed home a littler early to get showers.
The bus ride to Omar's place took forever. Once we finally got there we ate pizza, which was way better than the first time we had it. After dinner we just hung out and went to bed early so we could be ready for a nice fun day.
The next morning we got up at 6 am and had breakfast. After breakfast we headed off for the volcano. Everyone had a good time and made it up in one piece and thanks to the help of Big my mom even made it up to the top. Everyone enjoyed the trip down a lot. After that we went back to the team house and ate lunch and watched the Germany and Uruguay game. It was a fun game to watch because of all the goal scoring that happened. After the game everyone went and changed into their bathing suits and jumped on the bus. After what seemed like forever we finally got to the beach and had a blast there. We found some great sea shells.
That night after devotion we had a great time playing a huge game of mafia. Austin did a great job of narrating like always. After one huge game we didn't have time to play another and we all headed to bed. We got to sleep in "late" which was great to do and after breakfast it was time to go home.
On the trip back to the team house we stopped at the mud pits for a little exploring time. After the mud pits we came back home and had a great lunch and saw the game winning goal of the World Cup finals. After lunch a bunch of people took naps while some people helped out with vbs crafts. We went to church tonight and watched Mo sing with the church band. Some of our girls sang with Mo one song and they did a great job singing. Now we are at the team house and we are playing mafia. I hope all is well with everyone.
Everyone keep us in your prayers,
Chris
Friday on the worksite started not so good. We saw that one of the walls that we built the day before had been knocked down so we had to worry about that. After that bad news it just kept coming when we learned that our water source for the volcanoes had ran out and we had to fetch water from the river. But we all are troopers and kept working anyway. Spencer and Raf worked on the roof of the high school team's house. The house will be down most likely Monday. After a hard day of work we headed home a littler early to get showers.
The bus ride to Omar's place took forever. Once we finally got there we ate pizza, which was way better than the first time we had it. After dinner we just hung out and went to bed early so we could be ready for a nice fun day.
The next morning we got up at 6 am and had breakfast. After breakfast we headed off for the volcano. Everyone had a good time and made it up in one piece and thanks to the help of Big my mom even made it up to the top. Everyone enjoyed the trip down a lot. After that we went back to the team house and ate lunch and watched the Germany and Uruguay game. It was a fun game to watch because of all the goal scoring that happened. After the game everyone went and changed into their bathing suits and jumped on the bus. After what seemed like forever we finally got to the beach and had a blast there. We found some great sea shells.
That night after devotion we had a great time playing a huge game of mafia. Austin did a great job of narrating like always. After one huge game we didn't have time to play another and we all headed to bed. We got to sleep in "late" which was great to do and after breakfast it was time to go home.
On the trip back to the team house we stopped at the mud pits for a little exploring time. After the mud pits we came back home and had a great lunch and saw the game winning goal of the World Cup finals. After lunch a bunch of people took naps while some people helped out with vbs crafts. We went to church tonight and watched Mo sing with the church band. Some of our girls sang with Mo one song and they did a great job singing. Now we are at the team house and we are playing mafia. I hope all is well with everyone.
Everyone keep us in your prayers,
Chris
Thursday, July 8, 2010
On the run...
So today was like any other day, started bright and early at 7 in the morning with a delicious breakfast of Mo's favorite(oatmeal cake thing). After we all finished eating we devoted and then loaded up the bus for another great day in San Jose. When we all got there we all got to work. Today was the day that we started to build the walls of the house, me, and morgan teamed up as one block laying team, while doc john and chris made up another team. We only got to work on 2 of the walls today because that is all the foundation that we had poured.
We got 2 layers of both of those walls done before it was time to break for lunch. Which was a delicious pasta salad with ham and cheese. It was good, like all the food is here. Once we got done eating our lunch it was time to head back to work, We split the team up into 2 groups, one for each of the houses that we are working on. They dug a trench around the first house to help with drainage, then poured part of the concrete for the roof, so that we can put the tin up tomorrow. The block layers got back to laying the bricks for the second house which was good.
Overall we got half of 2 of the walls done of the second house, a very successful day. Once we had the walls up we pouring the rest of the foundation. As we were passing the buckets of cement along I was trying to teach Ashley(one of the girls on the team) how to chew sunflower seeds correctly, which was a hilarious experience, but she eventually got the hang of it. Sunflower seeds have become a staple on the worksite. As we were leaving Candace(one of the leaders of the college trip) almost knocked over one of the sections, but all was saved thanks to some quick thinking by Doc John and Holly.
One of the coolest moments of the day was after we had finished pouring the concrete for the 1st house we had some left over so we made a little plaque out of the left over concrete. It was awesome to see the joy on their faces as they stuck there hands in the wet cement, as this was a step closer to getting into their new house. It was awesome.
When we got back to the house we had one of my favorite meals, Lemon Chicken, it was delicious as always. After we finished eating everybody went to take showers and clean up before devotions started, which were awesome as always. Now everybody is just hanging out until lights out at 10. So I am off to be social. Tomorrow we are heading to Chinadega in the afternoon for the weekend trip so it should be fun.
Love you all
BIG
We got 2 layers of both of those walls done before it was time to break for lunch. Which was a delicious pasta salad with ham and cheese. It was good, like all the food is here. Once we got done eating our lunch it was time to head back to work, We split the team up into 2 groups, one for each of the houses that we are working on. They dug a trench around the first house to help with drainage, then poured part of the concrete for the roof, so that we can put the tin up tomorrow. The block layers got back to laying the bricks for the second house which was good.
Overall we got half of 2 of the walls done of the second house, a very successful day. Once we had the walls up we pouring the rest of the foundation. As we were passing the buckets of cement along I was trying to teach Ashley(one of the girls on the team) how to chew sunflower seeds correctly, which was a hilarious experience, but she eventually got the hang of it. Sunflower seeds have become a staple on the worksite. As we were leaving Candace(one of the leaders of the college trip) almost knocked over one of the sections, but all was saved thanks to some quick thinking by Doc John and Holly.
One of the coolest moments of the day was after we had finished pouring the concrete for the 1st house we had some left over so we made a little plaque out of the left over concrete. It was awesome to see the joy on their faces as they stuck there hands in the wet cement, as this was a step closer to getting into their new house. It was awesome.
When we got back to the house we had one of my favorite meals, Lemon Chicken, it was delicious as always. After we finished eating everybody went to take showers and clean up before devotions started, which were awesome as always. Now everybody is just hanging out until lights out at 10. So I am off to be social. Tomorrow we are heading to Chinadega in the afternoon for the weekend trip so it should be fun.
Love you all
BIG
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
It's a tradition!
After gathering our still muddy and soaked boots, we packed up the bus and headed back to San Jose. The morning at San Jose started a little differently with VBS for the kids. There was an eventful skit with almost all of the Snellville team that I was blessed to see the dress reheasal last night. For some reason, all teams that come through enjoy doing activities with butterflies, which is funny because butterfly in Spanish also has a double meaning. So Mace starred as the fluttering butterfly this morning in the skit, and all of the kids now have a new nickname for him, needless to say.
I spent the day running around trying to keep everyone busy with rebar and making cement. We eventually doubled our rebar making capacity with two separate teams doing rebar which worked out well for the team. Mo started the morning cutting blocks, but after more generator problems, she helped with the rebar. Chris represented the States playing fútbol with some of the older kids in San Jose and then went on to help with passing cement at the house. Big was all over the place as well today, helping with the house, making cement, and sometimes even helping with rebar. We worked basically all day without rain, which was a blessing, but we did get poured on a bit at the end when we were all trying to load up. But honestly, we were able to get so much accomplished today, and we're hoping that we'll really start making progress tomorrow on putting up the walls tomorrow. This morning I was encouraged after reading Psalms to really try and "Praise the Lord" through all things throughout the day. So it was beautiful to see different ways how the Father was accepting his glory during the day.
Tonight we've enjoyed each other's company through devotions and spending time with the Father through worship. I was able to talk with some of the neighborhood boys again today, which is always a joy, and even later tonight I was called over to help color with John Carlos across the street. I love the culture here of neighbors being so close that they're almost like an extension of your family.
Well my eyes are starting to close permanently and Amanda's yawn further signifies how everyone is bedding down for the night. Ha, well I love you all and know that we're praying and thinking of yall.
sb
I spent the day running around trying to keep everyone busy with rebar and making cement. We eventually doubled our rebar making capacity with two separate teams doing rebar which worked out well for the team. Mo started the morning cutting blocks, but after more generator problems, she helped with the rebar. Chris represented the States playing fútbol with some of the older kids in San Jose and then went on to help with passing cement at the house. Big was all over the place as well today, helping with the house, making cement, and sometimes even helping with rebar. We worked basically all day without rain, which was a blessing, but we did get poured on a bit at the end when we were all trying to load up. But honestly, we were able to get so much accomplished today, and we're hoping that we'll really start making progress tomorrow on putting up the walls tomorrow. This morning I was encouraged after reading Psalms to really try and "Praise the Lord" through all things throughout the day. So it was beautiful to see different ways how the Father was accepting his glory during the day.
Tonight we've enjoyed each other's company through devotions and spending time with the Father through worship. I was able to talk with some of the neighborhood boys again today, which is always a joy, and even later tonight I was called over to help color with John Carlos across the street. I love the culture here of neighbors being so close that they're almost like an extension of your family.
Well my eyes are starting to close permanently and Amanda's yawn further signifies how everyone is bedding down for the night. Ha, well I love you all and know that we're praying and thinking of yall.
sb
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Every step I take...
So the college team is finally here! We got back late last night and everyone was so excited to be down here:) almost as excited as we were to have them here.
Yesterday was a good day. We got to rest up and recover from the past week of construction. Raf and the fam were awesome- they treated me to a pedicure. It was so sweet and it feels good to have clean feet after a week of hard work and mud! Afterwards, we went and picked up the team and that's always a good time.
Today was an excellent day of work. It rained like crazy so we got super soaked and the mud of outrageous but everyone worked really hard and had such a good time together. We had lots of kids from the community helping us and it was just a great time of a lot of laughs and the Lord's light spilling all over the place. That's the best way I can think to describe it.
Well it's ten and anyone who's been down here knows what that means...lights out!
Love!
M.
Yesterday was a good day. We got to rest up and recover from the past week of construction. Raf and the fam were awesome- they treated me to a pedicure. It was so sweet and it feels good to have clean feet after a week of hard work and mud! Afterwards, we went and picked up the team and that's always a good time.
Today was an excellent day of work. It rained like crazy so we got super soaked and the mud of outrageous but everyone worked really hard and had such a good time together. We had lots of kids from the community helping us and it was just a great time of a lot of laughs and the Lord's light spilling all over the place. That's the best way I can think to describe it.
Well it's ten and anyone who's been down here knows what that means...lights out!
Love!
M.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Oh, I thought this lake was salt water...
So today marked the last day for the high school team. Everyone was so exhausted that I think everyone woke up just in time for breakfast to start. After breakfast the team brought their bags out to the bus to load up and then said goodbye to Dona Fide and Don Omar. The first stop with the team was the Masaya market to do some shopping. After an hour of shopping everyone had bought what they wanted to and we were off to Papa John's for lunch. Mo and Spence decided with the help of Jared and Mrs. Brady to steal everyone's cheese sticks. Mo however did give me her ice cream to make peace. We then headed to Granada. At Granada we got on two separate boats and took a tour on the lake. We saw a couple different nice houses and then an island full of monkeys. The Granada lake is the only lake fresh water lake with sharks in it, for those who care to know. After the lake we headed to the hotel and dropped off the team. The high school team will be missed and worked hard this week. Tomorrow we go pick up the college team which includes my mom... very excited for that.
Happy 4th of July from all the interns
Hope all are well,
Chris
Happy 4th of July from all the interns
Hope all are well,
Chris
Saturday, July 3, 2010
I need more mud
So today was the last work day for the Snellville Youth Team, and it started like any other day which was a 7 with a breakfast of Mo's favorite the oatmeal cake thing, it was good. We all then headed to San Jose to continue to work on the house. Me and Mo rode in the back of the truck, NICA style, and it was a lot of fun. So once we got there, we got straight to work. Me and Raf got to work placing the concrete for the rebar at the top of one of the walls. After we had finished that we got to work working with the floor and the remaining wall.
Morgan and Chris were in front of the school cutting the blocks in half so that it would be easier for them to be carried back to the house. This went of for like the next few hours until lunch. When it was time for lunch we all headed back to the church and had a delicious lunch of meatballs and rice. Yum Yum.
Once we had all gotten our fill of food we headed back to work, which was controlled chaos at once point, with Stuart and Mark laying one half of the wall and me laying the other half. All of the pieces had to be special sizes so we were both yelling out measurement, over the sound of the generator, to Morgan and Raf who were the designated cutters. The wall went up fairly quickly but then it came time to pour the concrete on the top of the back wall and down the supports, whch was a pretty funny sight to witness.
Once we had finished that, Manuel, Chico, and Manuel's helper got right to work placing the supports for the roof while the rest of us made the finishing touches on the floor and the rebar on top of the newly finished wall. There was a scary moment when Jarred went up to the wall and went to step and placed his weight on the newly placed wall, which cant support weight and it nearly fell over, which would have been awful. But luckily it did not fall over. Needless to say Jarred was rather relieved.
Once we got back to the team house Lesbia and the women of the kitchen had a delicious meal of breaded chicken breast, rice, and mashed potatoes. So good. After dinner we all got cleaned up and the youth team did there evening devotion which was really good. By the time that was over with it was time for everybody to go to bed, which is where I need to head now cause tomorrow we have their tour day which is always a long day. But it will be good So I off to bed then.
Love you all
BIG
Morgan and Chris were in front of the school cutting the blocks in half so that it would be easier for them to be carried back to the house. This went of for like the next few hours until lunch. When it was time for lunch we all headed back to the church and had a delicious lunch of meatballs and rice. Yum Yum.
Once we had all gotten our fill of food we headed back to work, which was controlled chaos at once point, with Stuart and Mark laying one half of the wall and me laying the other half. All of the pieces had to be special sizes so we were both yelling out measurement, over the sound of the generator, to Morgan and Raf who were the designated cutters. The wall went up fairly quickly but then it came time to pour the concrete on the top of the back wall and down the supports, whch was a pretty funny sight to witness.
Once we had finished that, Manuel, Chico, and Manuel's helper got right to work placing the supports for the roof while the rest of us made the finishing touches on the floor and the rebar on top of the newly finished wall. There was a scary moment when Jarred went up to the wall and went to step and placed his weight on the newly placed wall, which cant support weight and it nearly fell over, which would have been awful. But luckily it did not fall over. Needless to say Jarred was rather relieved.
Once we got back to the team house Lesbia and the women of the kitchen had a delicious meal of breaded chicken breast, rice, and mashed potatoes. So good. After dinner we all got cleaned up and the youth team did there evening devotion which was really good. By the time that was over with it was time for everybody to go to bed, which is where I need to head now cause tomorrow we have their tour day which is always a long day. But it will be good So I off to bed then.
Love you all
BIG
Friday, July 2, 2010
My ears, my eyes, my nose, my mouth are officially concrete
Due to much more blocks that needed to be cut, and concrete that needed to be laid, Mo and I decided to not go into school this morning. Things just wouldn't have gotten done without the bosses being there!
So we got back into our routine this morning of Mo cutting blocks, Big and I working on placing blocks in the house, while Chris started cutting blocks today as well. Big and I worked together most of the day placing the blocks for the walls of the house. I also floated around and did some of the odd jobs around the house as well and helped where needed. By the end of the day, we had successfully completed three of the the four walls of the house, and well over half of the concrete floor. So tomorrow, we have only have of a wall to complete, the rest of the floor, and the roof. Before we left, I asked Manuel, the foreman, if he thought we could finish it off, and he quickly responded, "¡Sí se puede! Yes we can!" So I have faith that through the Father's strength we'll be able to get even more done tomorrow.
Mo and Chris went ahead with the team to get ready for dinner around 5, while Raf, Big, Stuart, Mark and I stayed behind to put the finishing touches on the last two walls. So by the time we got back to the house, we all quickly showered to meet the rest of the team at the restaurant. We all had such a great time at the restaurant, enjoying each others' company, and of course, the food. Naturally, the bull testicles were ordered, and Big successfully got almost everybody to at least try them, including Pam Brady! Haha, we got pictures.
Well everyone is winding down here at the team house, and I think I may be the last one up. Off to turn off the lights! One last thing. I was so encouraged this morning when I read in Psalms 98 how, "His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!" This was so encouraging to me because I knew how the Father would have to work through us today, and be our strength, because we were all so tired and struggling. And he has accomplished infinitely more through us than I could have imagined. Mom shared with the group this morning from Ephesians 3:20-21 how, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Love how the Lord encouraged us in different ways to be faithful, and trust in his strength to pull us through. Ahh so great. Well I love all of you. Buenos noches.
sb
So we got back into our routine this morning of Mo cutting blocks, Big and I working on placing blocks in the house, while Chris started cutting blocks today as well. Big and I worked together most of the day placing the blocks for the walls of the house. I also floated around and did some of the odd jobs around the house as well and helped where needed. By the end of the day, we had successfully completed three of the the four walls of the house, and well over half of the concrete floor. So tomorrow, we have only have of a wall to complete, the rest of the floor, and the roof. Before we left, I asked Manuel, the foreman, if he thought we could finish it off, and he quickly responded, "¡Sí se puede! Yes we can!" So I have faith that through the Father's strength we'll be able to get even more done tomorrow.
Mo and Chris went ahead with the team to get ready for dinner around 5, while Raf, Big, Stuart, Mark and I stayed behind to put the finishing touches on the last two walls. So by the time we got back to the house, we all quickly showered to meet the rest of the team at the restaurant. We all had such a great time at the restaurant, enjoying each others' company, and of course, the food. Naturally, the bull testicles were ordered, and Big successfully got almost everybody to at least try them, including Pam Brady! Haha, we got pictures.
Well everyone is winding down here at the team house, and I think I may be the last one up. Off to turn off the lights! One last thing. I was so encouraged this morning when I read in Psalms 98 how, "His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! The L
sb
Thursday, July 1, 2010
25 X 24.5 X 28.5
whew! Today was a tough one, but I know that I'll get a good night sleep tonight that's for sure. This morning we all got up and had those delicious pancakes that we've all become so fond of for breakfast. We headed off to the site and split into VBS and construction for the morning. I worked the morning and afternoon cutting cement blocks in half and making special measurement pieces for them to put the walls up. Spenc and Big worked around the same area that I did and I saw how hard they worked. I know they're got to be exhausted too but we're all working hard to get this house finished before the team leaves so they can see the finished product. Oh and I'm sure Chris worked really hard today too but I didn't see him all day. I think he was by the school making cement volcanoes for them to lay the floor today.
So we got back to the team house late late for dinner but that didn't make the food any less satisfying. Lesbia and all the ladies in the kitchen work so hard and it's really obvious. Tonight was tacos. huhh yummy yummy que rrrrico. But really, so good.
Now it's only 8:30 but I could probably fall asleep this instant so I'm off of here.
Love and prayers always,
M.
So we got back to the team house late late for dinner but that didn't make the food any less satisfying. Lesbia and all the ladies in the kitchen work so hard and it's really obvious. Tonight was tacos. huhh yummy yummy que rrrrico. But really, so good.
Now it's only 8:30 but I could probably fall asleep this instant so I'm off of here.
Love and prayers always,
M.
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