Well, I only have 4 days left here in Jinotepe, and I have mixed feelings about it...but more on that later.
On Monday, we went to Francisco and Erica's again, but not for the Children's Church this time. Instead, we had another job to do. Their family lives in a small two room home. Pretty much all homes here are made out of concrete, and theirs is no exception. The thing is that their house has never been painted, leaving the bare gray concrete walls throughout their home. So, our job on Monday was to paint! I don't have before and after shots posted quite yet, but let me just tell you that it looks amazing. The paint job completely transformed their living area, which serves as their bedrooms and living room. Their 3 year old son, Caleb, kept coming to check on us while we were painting and kept saying, ''Tan bonita esta casa!'' It means 'This house is so beautiful!'' He, along with his brother and parents were super blessed by it...as was I because Erica made fried chicken, rice and tostadas for us for lunch. Yum!
While we were there a couple of the girls from the Children's Church stopped by, Lea and Karin. Karin needed help with her English homework and I was more than happy to help. However, by helping her I realized how weird our language is. Her homework was a fill-in-the-blank-with-the-correct-word problem. The correct word was 'neighborhood', and I didn't have the heart to make her sound it out. But, even with all of English's exceptions, I was able to help her finish it. Lea's homework was to do conversions between metric and American units, so I got to brush up on my numbers in Spanish. It was a great time to spend with the girls. It was a little difficult for me to keep up with them because they spoke so quickly, but it was a fun time for me for sure.
Later today we will go back there again, probably for the last Children's Church I will go to...which brings me back to my opening statement about how leaving will be bittersweet. Although I do miss all the people back in Kenosha, if I was given the chance to stay in Nicaragua for the rest of the summer, I would take it in a heartbeat. I would love to have more time to really get to know the kids at the Children's Church and to really be able to connect with them on a different level. Also, when I think about leaving in just a few days, it almost feels like I'm leaving home again. The Euceda's have come to be like family to me. They've poured into my life while I've been here, probably more than they realize, and I'm going to miss them greatly.
However, upon returning home I know that my life will never be the same. My Father has taught me so much in the few short weeks I've been here, it's impossible not to be changed. I'm also really excited to get plugged back in with all that's going on at Prayer House this summer, and to be reunited with my family there. I thank the Lord all the time for all the support I've had from my Kingdom family throughout my experience here. Thank you all so much!
As I only have a few days left here, this will probably be my last post before I return home. I will return to the States on the 20th, but I won't be back in town until the 27th. So my first Sunday at church will be July 3rd. I look forward to seeing all my church family then. :)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Learning to Love the Culture
This week has been full of kids! On Sunday Roger and Rhonda dropped me off at Francisco and Erica's children's church. Yep, all by myself. :) I was able to rely only on my Spanish, rather than asking for a translation from someone. It's been an adjustment for me here with my Spanish. Learning Spanish in class and hearing the accents that are spoken back home (Mexican and American accents), it's been hard to adjust to the Nicaraguan accent here. However, I'm starting to get it I think. There are times now when I will understand what was just said, but I won't remember if it was spoken in Spanish or English. If you remember, this is one of the things I was hoping for on this trip (to become more fluent in Spanish.) Anyway, back to the children's church. On Sunday, after worship and a little message for the kids, we helped them finish up their Mother's Day gifts. They separated the girls from the boys to work on things and so I sat with the girls. I was able to learn a few more names and make a couple new little friends. There were two girls in particular that I was able to spend some time with. One is a 6 year old named Jamie and another is an 8 year old named Julia. The kids love to talk here and it was fun to be able to communicate with them and have some fun with them while helping them make cards and flowers for their moms.
Yesterday (Thursday) we traveled to one of the schools that we had delivered school supplies to earlier. There was an event going on for Children's Day. Children's Day is just like Mother's and Father's Day, but for the kids. As we were waiting for it to start, since nothing here starts on time, I was just introducing myself to some of the kids, saying hi and giving smiles. There were two little girls that were following me around everywhere. One of them was 6 and the other one I'm not sure. I asked the other one if she was 13, just to play with her a little, and she said yes. Then she wouldn't give me her real age. :) But I'm guessing she was around 6 as well. They were absolutely adorable and would not leave my side until the events started. I wish I could tell you their names, but I can't remember them. I've noticed that many times when I ask a child's name, they will give me their entire name. Here in Central America, most people have four names (first, middle and two last names) and the kids rattle them off so quickly, I usually can't pick out where the first name ends.
There is something interesting I've learned about the culture here. You know how in the States we have our personal space bubble? That rule doesn't apply here in Nicaragua. In a way it can sometimes be uncomfortable, like when I'm in the market or in the grocery store, but in another sense it's better. In the States, it seems like we are hindered from loving on kids with hugs and such when we don't know the child. We're afraid that the parents will be uncomfortable with it or whatever else. Here, it's totally different. At the Children's Day event, one of the little girls I was talking about would not leave me alone (in a good way). I was just standing and talking to Rhonda and all the sudden I feel her just leaning against me. Then she wanted to hold my hand. She was adorable. If you look through my new upload of pictures, I took a picture with her and the other little girl. They also enjoyed playing with my hair. I don't think they get to see blonde hair very often. haha. But, it's nice to have the freedom here to purely love on kids. I love it!
Another part of the culture that I'm falling in love with is the food here! On Sunday afternoon, Francisco and Erica came back home with us for dinner. Erica and Rhonda cooked some great authentic Nicaraguan food for us. We had pollo tapado (a chicken and vegetable soup), tostones (fried plantains) and fresh tortillas. Then, since I've been here I've also tried other foods too. One night the family and I went to a Fritanga. There are a few of these around the city. What they are is a mini outdoor restaurant. There's a huge grill and they cook your food outside. From there we had tajadas (fried plantain chips), arroz con frijoles (rice and beans), and either chicken or pork. And just this morning I tried some Nicaraguan tamales. They are different than the tamales that we are used to in the States. They are wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn husks and are cooked a little differently. They are also not spicy...well, until Roger and I add jalapeños to them. :) Needless to say, I'm loving the food down here! (I've learned to cook some of it too.)
This week we also went to Managua for the day and visited some historical places. I learned a lot about the former condition of the the government here as well as how it is now. The people here have been abused by their government. They really need people to love them and be trustworthy with them and to bring them to Jesus.
I've really been able to soak in the culture here. From birthday bands at 3am to the food to the devastation of the government, I've learned so much. I'm almost sad that I have only a little more than 2 weeks left here. God has shown me a lot so far since I've been here through the relationships I've made with the Eucedas and all the Nicaraguans I've met. through the times I've spent with Him alone and even just through my observation and introspection about all that has been going on around me. Though I may be here to serve, I know I'm also here to learn. It's hard to express in words all things I've been learning, especially if I want to keep this shorter than a book. :)
Thank you all for your continued support even while I've been here. I placed a link for my new photo upload. Enjoy and be blessed!
Yesterday (Thursday) we traveled to one of the schools that we had delivered school supplies to earlier. There was an event going on for Children's Day. Children's Day is just like Mother's and Father's Day, but for the kids. As we were waiting for it to start, since nothing here starts on time, I was just introducing myself to some of the kids, saying hi and giving smiles. There were two little girls that were following me around everywhere. One of them was 6 and the other one I'm not sure. I asked the other one if she was 13, just to play with her a little, and she said yes. Then she wouldn't give me her real age. :) But I'm guessing she was around 6 as well. They were absolutely adorable and would not leave my side until the events started. I wish I could tell you their names, but I can't remember them. I've noticed that many times when I ask a child's name, they will give me their entire name. Here in Central America, most people have four names (first, middle and two last names) and the kids rattle them off so quickly, I usually can't pick out where the first name ends.
There is something interesting I've learned about the culture here. You know how in the States we have our personal space bubble? That rule doesn't apply here in Nicaragua. In a way it can sometimes be uncomfortable, like when I'm in the market or in the grocery store, but in another sense it's better. In the States, it seems like we are hindered from loving on kids with hugs and such when we don't know the child. We're afraid that the parents will be uncomfortable with it or whatever else. Here, it's totally different. At the Children's Day event, one of the little girls I was talking about would not leave me alone (in a good way). I was just standing and talking to Rhonda and all the sudden I feel her just leaning against me. Then she wanted to hold my hand. She was adorable. If you look through my new upload of pictures, I took a picture with her and the other little girl. They also enjoyed playing with my hair. I don't think they get to see blonde hair very often. haha. But, it's nice to have the freedom here to purely love on kids. I love it!
Another part of the culture that I'm falling in love with is the food here! On Sunday afternoon, Francisco and Erica came back home with us for dinner. Erica and Rhonda cooked some great authentic Nicaraguan food for us. We had pollo tapado (a chicken and vegetable soup), tostones (fried plantains) and fresh tortillas. Then, since I've been here I've also tried other foods too. One night the family and I went to a Fritanga. There are a few of these around the city. What they are is a mini outdoor restaurant. There's a huge grill and they cook your food outside. From there we had tajadas (fried plantain chips), arroz con frijoles (rice and beans), and either chicken or pork. And just this morning I tried some Nicaraguan tamales. They are different than the tamales that we are used to in the States. They are wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn husks and are cooked a little differently. They are also not spicy...well, until Roger and I add jalapeños to them. :) Needless to say, I'm loving the food down here! (I've learned to cook some of it too.)
This week we also went to Managua for the day and visited some historical places. I learned a lot about the former condition of the the government here as well as how it is now. The people here have been abused by their government. They really need people to love them and be trustworthy with them and to bring them to Jesus.
I've really been able to soak in the culture here. From birthday bands at 3am to the food to the devastation of the government, I've learned so much. I'm almost sad that I have only a little more than 2 weeks left here. God has shown me a lot so far since I've been here through the relationships I've made with the Eucedas and all the Nicaraguans I've met. through the times I've spent with Him alone and even just through my observation and introspection about all that has been going on around me. Though I may be here to serve, I know I'm also here to learn. It's hard to express in words all things I've been learning, especially if I want to keep this shorter than a book. :)
Thank you all for your continued support even while I've been here. I placed a link for my new photo upload. Enjoy and be blessed!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
I wrote in my first post about how while I am here I would have to rely on God for everything. Though the situation seems less threatening now that I'm actually here, I am learning to rely on the Lord in a whole new way. While I've been here I've not only had time to go out and spend some time with the kids, but I have also had time to close myself away from the world and spend time with my Father. He's been teaching me who I am to Him and though slow, it's such a sweet journey. I know that the Lord has placed me here for a purpose of not only serving but also learning more about my identity in Him. I'm excited to see what the next 3 weeks hold!
We did two things this week. One day, we went to a school about a half hour out away from town to show the kids a movie. The kids in that area rarely see movies on a big screen like they did that day. We showed a kids movie about truth and lying. If any of you parents of young kids are reading, it was on of the Hermie movies. The kids of ages 2 to 12 all really enjoyed it, along with the game of telèfono we played after the movie. After it was shown, our friend Eliseo spoke to the kids about the importance of truth. It was a great opportunity to bring the truth to the kids while letting them have some fun in the middle of their school day.
We also went to Francisco and Erica's children's church again on Wednesday night. I was able to formally introduce myself to the kids in my broken Spanish. Since I didn't have a small message for them prepared in Spanish, they asked me some questions. They were surprised to find that I don't have any siblings, but were even more surprised to know that I have close to 25 cousins. Their smiles and laughter are priceless! They also asked about the name of my church back home, Casa de Oraciòn in Spanish, and they loved the name of it. (Good pick Pastor Ron!)
I got to see one of the girls I had met there the last time we went. Her name is Alicia, I think. She's one of the few older girls that goes to the church fairly consistently. Roger and Rhonda put a heavy emphasis on ministry through relationships with people, as it should be since that is how Jesus ministered. I feel like this is something I will put an emphasis on while I'm here concerning those girls in that group. There is a small group of older girls from ages of about 12 to 14, give or take a year or two, that I would love to get to know better. I believe we are going to the church again tomorrow morning and I'm hoping to be able to spend some one on one time with the kids again. I'm still praying for that boldness to come out of my shell with the kids. If you know me, you know that getting me to come out of my shell is like pulling teeth, especially with the language barrier. But, I know that that's part of the reason I'm here so I will keep on trying. :)
We did two things this week. One day, we went to a school about a half hour out away from town to show the kids a movie. The kids in that area rarely see movies on a big screen like they did that day. We showed a kids movie about truth and lying. If any of you parents of young kids are reading, it was on of the Hermie movies. The kids of ages 2 to 12 all really enjoyed it, along with the game of telèfono we played after the movie. After it was shown, our friend Eliseo spoke to the kids about the importance of truth. It was a great opportunity to bring the truth to the kids while letting them have some fun in the middle of their school day.
We also went to Francisco and Erica's children's church again on Wednesday night. I was able to formally introduce myself to the kids in my broken Spanish. Since I didn't have a small message for them prepared in Spanish, they asked me some questions. They were surprised to find that I don't have any siblings, but were even more surprised to know that I have close to 25 cousins. Their smiles and laughter are priceless! They also asked about the name of my church back home, Casa de Oraciòn in Spanish, and they loved the name of it. (Good pick Pastor Ron!)
I got to see one of the girls I had met there the last time we went. Her name is Alicia, I think. She's one of the few older girls that goes to the church fairly consistently. Roger and Rhonda put a heavy emphasis on ministry through relationships with people, as it should be since that is how Jesus ministered. I feel like this is something I will put an emphasis on while I'm here concerning those girls in that group. There is a small group of older girls from ages of about 12 to 14, give or take a year or two, that I would love to get to know better. I believe we are going to the church again tomorrow morning and I'm hoping to be able to spend some one on one time with the kids again. I'm still praying for that boldness to come out of my shell with the kids. If you know me, you know that getting me to come out of my shell is like pulling teeth, especially with the language barrier. But, I know that that's part of the reason I'm here so I will keep on trying. :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
So much has happened in the last week it's hard to know where to begin. The atmosphere has certainly broken loose since my last post.
On Monday, the guys returned from their conference on the other side of Nicaragua in Puerto Cabezas. They saw God move tremendously in healings and in prophetic words given to them. Then, on Tuesday night as Roger, Rhonda, Heath, Tim and I sat in the living room we began to worship the Lord together and to pray. The flood I told you I was waiting for before certainly came on Tuesday night. The presence of the Lord was sweet that night! It's hard to put it into words. Through it I have learned my purpose for being here, received some guidance for my future and have peered into the realm of a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Though it was bittersweet to see Tim and Heath leave, (I got my bed back that I had given up for them...but their company is missed) It marked the beginning of other ministry work that has already taken place.
I wrote before that we packed over 300 school supply packages last week. We delivered them on Thursday (I think. They days have been running together. lol) The schools here work on half-days, the younger grades working in the morning and the high school grades working in the afternoon. So, we all got up early to deliver the packages. We set out and went past the outskirts of town into the very rural areas. The roads we traveled on would not be considered roads in the States, maybe not even trails. Once we got to each of the schools, the teachers and kids were incredibly grateful for all the supplies they were given. You can look at my photo's post for pictures of the day.
Yesterday, Sunday, we went to a nearby minster's home where they hold a children's church. We had some worship with the kids and a little Bible lesson. Then, we helped them make keychains, hearts and bracelets for their moms for Mother's Day (which is at the end of this month here). We also taught the kids how to play a new game called ninja and they loved it. I think we started something big.
The kids here are beautiful and just longing to be loved. I was able to learn some of the kids' names and work with them one on one, stumbling through with my spanish. :P I learned that Francisco and Erica (the leaders of the children's church) hold services three times a week. I've been given the opportunity to work with them a lot while I'm here and I'm definitely going to take them up on it. Once I learn the words to the songs, I'll be leading some worship for the kids, helping them with crafts and games as well as probably helping some of them with their English homework on the side. I'm so excited or the doors that the Lord has opened up.
I added some more photos to my album, so I'll repost the link for them below. God bless you all! :)
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2045259569616.120663.1188196661&l=55cc482658
On Monday, the guys returned from their conference on the other side of Nicaragua in Puerto Cabezas. They saw God move tremendously in healings and in prophetic words given to them. Then, on Tuesday night as Roger, Rhonda, Heath, Tim and I sat in the living room we began to worship the Lord together and to pray. The flood I told you I was waiting for before certainly came on Tuesday night. The presence of the Lord was sweet that night! It's hard to put it into words. Through it I have learned my purpose for being here, received some guidance for my future and have peered into the realm of a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Though it was bittersweet to see Tim and Heath leave, (I got my bed back that I had given up for them...but their company is missed) It marked the beginning of other ministry work that has already taken place.
I wrote before that we packed over 300 school supply packages last week. We delivered them on Thursday (I think. They days have been running together. lol) The schools here work on half-days, the younger grades working in the morning and the high school grades working in the afternoon. So, we all got up early to deliver the packages. We set out and went past the outskirts of town into the very rural areas. The roads we traveled on would not be considered roads in the States, maybe not even trails. Once we got to each of the schools, the teachers and kids were incredibly grateful for all the supplies they were given. You can look at my photo's post for pictures of the day.
Yesterday, Sunday, we went to a nearby minster's home where they hold a children's church. We had some worship with the kids and a little Bible lesson. Then, we helped them make keychains, hearts and bracelets for their moms for Mother's Day (which is at the end of this month here). We also taught the kids how to play a new game called ninja and they loved it. I think we started something big.
The kids here are beautiful and just longing to be loved. I was able to learn some of the kids' names and work with them one on one, stumbling through with my spanish. :P I learned that Francisco and Erica (the leaders of the children's church) hold services three times a week. I've been given the opportunity to work with them a lot while I'm here and I'm definitely going to take them up on it. Once I learn the words to the songs, I'll be leading some worship for the kids, helping them with crafts and games as well as probably helping some of them with their English homework on the side. I'm so excited or the doors that the Lord has opened up.
I added some more photos to my album, so I'll repost the link for them below. God bless you all! :)
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2045259569616.120663.1188196661&l=55cc482658
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Photos!
Hey everyone,
We've been super busy the last few days and so I haven't had a chance to write anything down. But, I did take lots of pictures. Enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2045259569616.120663.1188196661&l=55cc482658
We've been super busy the last few days and so I haven't had a chance to write anything down. But, I did take lots of pictures. Enjoy!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2045259569616.120663.1188196661&l=55cc482658
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Waiting for Rain
Waiting...it seems as though right now is a time of waiting. I've been in Jinotepe for 3 days now. The guys, Roger, Heath and another pastor named Tim, are off on the other side of Nicaragua doing a conference. I'm here with Rhonda and the kids and it's been a blast so far. Today we packed over 300 school supply packages that we will be delivering sometime within the next couple weeks. Also, the kids, Josiah, Rachel and I have been playing outside a lot and having a great time out in the wonderful hot weather. The weather is going to change soon though. No, it's probably not going to cool off. It'll start raining soon. You can feel the anticipation of precipitation in the air, and I mean that in the most literal sense. The moisture in the air, the humidity, seems anxious to just break loose and pour down on the dry ground here. We got the first rain of the season today. It came hard and strong for about 10 minutes, but that was it. The ground has been dry for so long that it remains dry even after the rains today. This is exactly how I feel right now. Like we are waiting for the atmosphere to break loose and rain down on the dry ground, I'm waiting on the Lord, for His presence to flood our atmosphere as well. And, like the humidity that lingers, waiting to fall, so I feel the Spirit lingering and it's beautiful. I can't wait for the rains!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
What Have I Gotten Myself Into?
The other night, I was sitting at the dining room table doing homework. The reason I’m writing isn’t because there is anything particularly interesting about that activity. It is what I’ve been spending most of my time on lately. However, when I took a moment to just let my mind rest, a thought popped into my head. “What have you gotten yourself in to?”
Many of you know that I was planning on going to Nicaragua on a mission’s trip this August. Even more of you probably know that the trip’s date got moved up…way up to May 11th. (Yes, that’s a week from today.) About two weeks ago the missionaries that I will be staying with on my trip came over for dinner. They had been traveling around in the states and happened to be stopping in Janesville, which allowed us to meet. (One of the many God things in this story.) Anyway, while they were here they told me that the people I was planning on traveling with were no longer going on the trip in August. However, they told me that someone else was coming on May 11th. At first I just brushed it off. I knew that my finals would not be finished until the 18th of May. Also, at the time it was about 3 weeks from the date I would be leaving.
With a little encouragement from Roger and Rhonda (the missionaries) and from my mom, this option started to look feasible. So, I began to pray about it. I sought the Lord for His will. I knew that He had called me to go, just go, this summer. I was praying about the timing. I asked Him to close doors if this was not His will and so far all doors have remained open.
So, I began to make preparations. I asked professors if I could take finals early, I sent out support letters, I went to Chicago to get my passport, I thought about all the things that I would need to bring, I asked my boss if I could keep my job while I’m gone and so much more. Then, as I was sitting at the table that night, I began to think about things even more. I’m going to a country that I’ve never been to and that has a culture drastically different from my own. I’m going by myself (a.k.a. not with my mom or a close friend). I’m living with people that I’ve met once. I’m staying there for a month and a half, the longest trip I’ve ever taken. “What did you get yourself into?” I asked again.
Then I stopped. “Wait a minute,” I said to myself (Yes, I talk to myself a lot…usually in Spanish…jaja). “Who really got me into this?” I gave it a few minutes and realized that I didn’t get myself into anything. My Father did. He called me and He has provided the way for me to go. Yes, this is way out of my comfort zone. But what does being out of your comfort zone really mean? It means having to depend on God for everything.
When I’m in Nicaragua for the next month and a half I have the privilege of depending on God for my all. I’m a little…timid I think would be the right word. Yes, I’m a little timid about the trip, but not nervous in the least. (Does that make sense?) I’m excited about what God is doing in Nicaragua and I feel so happy that I get to be a part of it. Even though it’s going to be a big stretch for me for the next couple months I know that my Father is going to be with me throughout! :)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21
So, as He leads I will follow.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21
So, as He leads I will follow.
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