Too blessed to be stressed!

Doing what I love! Homeschooling, taking care of my children and coming up with money making/money saving ideas...

Last week we went on our first field trip since being back (Free). We drove up to the state capital and attended Bug Mania. Kids love it! They were all too excited to see Goliath Bird eating spiders and creepy crawlies with 120 legs. Yuck!

Your eyes have not deceived you, he is holding it...

Ok, so it wasn't all disgusting. We did get to see some beautiful butterflies, ladybugs and moths. 

Two days after the field trip we attended our homeschool co-op with over 25 families. After a couple of hours of getting to know each other, we had a delicious pot luck lunch and ran through what a typical co-op day would look like. I think that we are going to have a great time there. 

Here is a sample of some of the talent at the co-op...I totally thought that this was really a basket, but I ate that chocolate, vanilla and red velvet cake like it was nobody's business. : )

I think that we are settling into our routine. Justin my 8 year old has started soccer, a game he fell in love with in Nicaragua. Asia and Kris has auditioned for roles in the upcoming Christmas play at church and the rest of us are just going to sit back and look pretty. (smile)

more to come...

Trouble

On a day like any other, strolling down pleasant lane, I was tapped lightly on the shoulder. Turning to see who it was, I was hit so hard that I barely knew when my body hit the ground. Shock raced through me like a wave, as I rolled down off of my mountain top, down to my valley. I looked up to see my offender, realized it was trouble... Satan himself. He smiled as he watched me, unable to stand. I struggled... cried and couldn't believe that I didn't see the Father beside me. I thought for certain that He had abandoned me there, to die... alone.


My life had been a pretty cozy one ...spiritually. No huge twist or turns, pitfalls or stumbles. Just a pleasant stroll on the mountain top. I had married, gave birth to beautiful children and tried my best to walk the walk.
Though I knew the Word does not come back void and trouble was eventually going to find me... I didn't quite count on it knocking me down so violently.


Trouble came from whence I least expected and I felt completely and utterly abandoned by God. Why did it come this way Lord? Why no warnings? Your word say's that You will never leave or forsake, but I could not see/feel You in my troubles.
Job 3:26
I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;
I have no rest, for trouble comes.”


My faith was shaken and I was left confused. How did I study the Word for so many years and yet be unable to be comforted by them in my day of trouble?
Job 4:3
Surely you have instructed many, 
And you have strengthened weak hands. 
our words have upheld him who was stumbling,
And you have strengthened the feeble knees;
But now it comes upon you, and you are weary; It touches you, and you are troubled.

Though I am far from recovered, I have accepted. I know that God had not abandoned me at all, I had just refused to see him in my troubles. 


James 5:10
My brethren, take the prophets, 
who spoke in the name of the Lord, 
as an example of suffering and patience.
Indeed we count them blessed who endure. 
You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. 



The children and I are back in Maine... I have missed this place almost as much as I am missing Nicaragua and Costa Rica. I think of the kids at New Hope daily and miss them most of all. 
The first week of Homeschooling went just as expecting with lots of sighs, moans and complaints, but underway never the less. We have a packed schedule of classes, part time jobs and puppies on the way! 


Though I am still weary, I am upright and making my climb out of the valley. I will not stay there long...


More to come...

Pain

Pain knocked upon my door and said
That she had come to stay;
And though I would not welcome her
But bade her go away,

She entered in. Like my own shade
She followed after me,
And from her stabbing, stinging sword
No moment was I free.

And then one day another knocked
Most gently at my door.
I cried, "No, Pain is living here,
There is no room for more".

And then I heard His tender voice,
" 'Tis I, be not afraid".
And from the day He entered in --
The difference it made!

For though He did not bid her leave,
(My strange, unwelcome guest,)
He taught me how to live with her.
Oh, I had never guessed

That we could dwell so sweetly here,
My Lord and Pain and I,
Within this fragile house of clay
While years slip slowly by!

More to come...

Rain!

Rain!!! I don't think that I have ever been so happy to see it pour rain like it did on Friday afternoon. We have been in the dry season here for the past few months and when I say dry, it has been dry. God is truly in control... It is clear. If he holds back the waters, there is drought; if he lets them loose, they devastate the land Job 12:15

We were able to fill over 5 buckets. Thank God, because it would have been another weekend of unwashed dishes and unflushed toilettes. 

The children all had a blast running and playing in the rain while it washed away dirty little hands and feet. Not that they saw that positive side, they wanted to play soccer in the muddy water and put all the dirt back on. 

I am hopeful that this was the beginning of the end of the dry season. I only pray that as the rain continues to fall and we begin to grow weary of damp clothes and frizzy hair, we do not grumble and complain. 


More to come...

Feliz Cumpleaños

Today was Debonney's 13th birthday! She is one of the 13 girls living at New Hope. After our nightly devotion time we all sang a few songs to her including happy birthday in English and in Spanish.

Her personality is not of one who wishes to call attention to herself, so it tickled me to watch her truly enjoying the hugs and attention.
We celebrated with cake and ice cream, which is always a treat here. You can imagine what 26 children look like after enjoying cake and ice cream... right...
Now imagine it with no running water. We had zero water all weekend long, and today it came on for about an hour in the morning and not again until later this evening.

All I could say is, thank God for wet wipes!
: )

More to come...

Cost of living

This week started off with Nicaragua Labor day, May 1st. Kids were off of school and we did nothing but lounge around and watch television... in Spanish.
My son walk around the house that day squinting without his glasses on, he had lost them at the beach 2 days before. (Apparently everyone knew but me) Ugh! Third pair this year.
Tuesday morning we decided that I would get a ride into town with Moses and pick out new glasses. I had him excused from class and we left at about 10:30am.
Going to Managua is never a quick run. Mostly because it is about a 30 min ride down hill so usually we try to get a few things done for each trip. We ran errands for a bit then headed to the ophthalmologist. the glasses were ready in a few hours but we had to come back the next day for them as we had too many other things to do.
I will break down for you the cost of Antonio Jr.'s glasses:
Exam - 30 Cordobas = $1.36
Frames - 400 Cordobas = $18.18
Lenses - 500 Cordobas = $22.72
Look on Antonio's face with his new glasses and haircut - priceless. (smile)

As we drove around Managua those two days, I watched as Moses showed kindness to everyone he came into contact with. He stopped and shared his lunch with two different people sitting on the sidewalk. He slowed down for someone and gave them a ride on the back of his truck. His job here at New Hope is never really over as he works day and night. He and his wife are truly precious brothers and sisters in Christ.

After being out of the habit over the long weekend and out Tuesday and Wednesday, I thought that Emily would have forgotten everything that I taught her in our potty training. Thank God, as she came over on Thursday morning she got right back in the habit. She actually did better than I expected as she hasn't had an accident since. 

Hopefully after another week or so she can graduate back to the orphanage (in underwear) with her siblings and I can move on to Frankie. 

He is a sweet kid with a great disposition, it will be a pleasure spending time with him. 

A couple of days ago my girls found out about a beauty salon down the road and have entered the wonderful world of eyebrow detailing. Cost....15 Cordobas = .68 cents

Tony have been asking me to get mine done for years, but frankly I was too chicken to sit through the painful process. The girls said that the woman at the salon used a razor... painless. hhhmmmm... I might try it.... maybe.

As the girls left the salon,  Antonio jr (their chaperon) went to change some money. There was an old lady walking by them who looked sad, dirty and poor. She didn't beg for anything but it tugged at their hearts to see her. Chantell walked over to her without saying a word and gave her the rest of her money. 

An older gentlemen later walked up to them on their way home and asked if they could buy him one mango. Cost 1 cordoba = less than .05 cents.

They bought it for him and while he ate, he asked if he could follow them home. Ezekial, a young Miskito boy living here at the orphanage was with them and he told the older man that he could not follow them home. 

Ezekial later told the girls that he wanted to follow them so he can find out where they live and ask for  things later on when he is in need. 

The need is great here, I know that the Lord is planting seeds in the hearts of my children.

Water is an issue here. It is constantly out. We ran out the night before last and had to survive on our purchased 5 gallon purified water (for everything). Yesterday during the day, the internet went out because of a mix up with the internet/phone company. So I snuggled up on the couch with a book and computer game to later have the electricity go off. Oh for goodness sake... LOL! Thank goodness, it was only out for about an hour and we had plenty of flashlights and candles to keep us company. Thank God for his mercy because this morning we had all three; water, internet and electricity. Pray that the Lord will continue to show us favor.  

More to come...

Beach day!

We had an awesome time at the beach today. 28 friends, family and children boarded two different vehicles and headed to Playa de Pochomil. It's about a 45 minute ride from El Crucero driven by our friend and pastor Moses. (Thank you Moses!)Yes, we left two hours later than expected but it was well worth it. The kids had a great time in the water.

The beach was peaceful and beautiful and with the extra eyes, ears and hands of 3 other wonderful missionary woman, we were able to keep an eye on all of the children. 

We stayed out on the beach long enough to watch the sun set.

Thank goodness Tony decided to start the grill just before the kids decided that they would starve to death and we had our fill of hot dogs...Yummy... I haven't had a hot dog in over 3 months. 

As we were boarding the van to head back home a young boy of about 5 came up to us. He stood around and smiled at us all. I was so happy to watch Kyle, a fellow missionary here and brother in Christ befriend him with simple questions like What's your name? How old are you and How many brothers do you have?

Just before we left Kyle asked him if he knew that Jesus Christ loved him. The young boy shook his head no. "Well, He does love you and so do I" He gave him a hug and the boys face lit up. After Kyle fished in the van for something to give him, we waved at the smiling young man as he held on to his mango...smiling. 

I love to see the love of Christ shine through!

More to come...

Ayiti Cheri

Ok, I have been writing a novel for a while now. (Ayiti Cheri... I may or may not keep that as the title). I get excited, write for a few weeks, get discouraged  and move on to something else. I wish that I were not that way, but alas.
I am in my excited moment again and have begun reading, revising, re-reading and writing. I have decided to put a few paragraphs on the blog in hopes of getting some feedback on it.
Who knows, if I can get about 2 hours of uninterrupted quite per day maybe I'll - oh who am I kidding?!?
: )
To give you a little bit of the background, the main character is "Dahlia." She is a young girl who has the misfortune of being in the thick of the Haiti earthquake. She has a mom and a little sister who are in two different locations of Port au Prince during the catastrophe.

Chapter III

I could die in this store. Full of pastries and cakes, cookies and drinks. I wanted it all but didn't have a gourde to my name. The walls are bright and clean and the windows don't have a single smudge on them. There are pictures of the countryside along the walls and plants lined the shelving. It's cool in here and the drinks in the refrigerators are very inviting. In one corner stand tall stalks of sugar cane that could keep you company for hours. We walk around the store admiring and craving, the owner does not look pleased to have us walking around his store. I look down at my watch and it is 4:50pm, almost time to pick up Colette. “Marie, I have to go.” I say. “Not yet, come and look at this wedding cake” A three layer master piece. Roses made of sugar circled each tier. Red, yellow and white. Little silver beads sitting on the petals. “I want a cake just like that.” I say out loud not knowing Roudmy is right behind me. He let out a laugh and buckles over saying “And, Who is going to marry you Dahlia?”

I roll my eyes and begin walking towards the front of the store when suddenly I feel a sharp jolt that dropped me to the ground. Before I knew what was happening the shelves, coolers, paintings and ceiling are falling all around me. I can't move, I am terrified. I scream but the noise around me is overpowering. The tiles on the floor seem to jump up and down as the ground shakes violently. I could hear screaming but it seemed to be coming from all around me. It's  suddenly dark and I am aware that I was unable to move my left leg. I can't understand what is going on. Are the walls coming down around me? I am on my face praying for the shaking to stop. And then, just as quickly as it began it stopped. Coughing, crying... I can't stop. I am so afraid. My head feels heavy and the screams seem to echo around me. The sounds are muffled, like I am under water. My head aches. “Manma” I whisper in between coughs. She is not here, but I want her to be. I can't see, but something above me sounds like it is falling, slowly...creaking, then darkness.

I was on my fathers lap the day before he died. He was tired but allowed me to read to him pages from my favorite book. “Are you listening?” I asked. “Yes, dear continue” His eyes were closed but he opened them every time I stopped reading. “Ok, Dahlia. Enough” My mother said as she ushered me to bed. He reached out and grabbed her hand “OK?” He asked her. “OK” she replied and kissed my father on the forehead. Mom wasn't feeling too well lately and slept a lot. Dad said that she might have a surprise for me. Huh? They seem to speak in code about things they knew I didn't understand. They seem to enjoy this very much because they did it often. The next morning we had mais mouline (corn meal) for breakfast. My mother would not eat one bite. She frowned when I offered some to her which tickled my father. He left for work that day and never returned. I cried for weeks.

(3am)

How long? How long have I been asleep? How long have I been lying here? I opened my swollen eyes slowly, hoping that I would see something different. I can't quite move my arms, they hurt. 

Crying. I could hear crying and it sounded like Roudmy. Oh my God, we are in the pastry store. I can't see around me, but I remember. “Roudmy!” I don't think I was loud enough. He is still crying and did not answer. I begin to cry again. What has happened. Maybe a bomb has gone off and now we are all going to die. I think of Colette, she must be so frightened. Are we trapped here? Who will know that we are here? Where is Marie? Oh my God! “Jesus” I cry. I begin to recite psalm 23 to myself. “The Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures...” I am comforted after saying this psalm and think of my mother. She would be sick with worry. I can't get out. I can't see.

(10:15am)

I'm not sure how much time has gone by, but I decide that I've done enough crying. “There is no point to all this crying” manman always says. I can hear others weeping, screaming. I'm not sure where they all are. There are things on top of me and I'm covered in dirt. My head feels heavy. I have to lift it. I want to move but I'm afraid. The skin on my face stings, its scratched. My lips and gums are bleeding and but I don't suck the blood off because they are also thick with dirt. I have to get up, I have got to get out of here. I struggle for a while, only to get a few heavy pieces of the ceiling off of me. I reach up and can feel some space between me and the two large pieces of wall forming a triangle above me. What if it falls?!? The thought terrifies me and I lie back down. I stayed there for what seemed like forever. I sang all the songs I knew. I talked to God and asked him to help me survive. The pressure on my leg makes it ache. I ask God to help my mom and Colette. I pray until I fall asleep.

Easter week happenings...

What a great Easter vacation we had here. I did fold and end up going to the swimming hole with the family, but I have to say that I rather enjoyed watching them splash around in the water for a few hours while I read in the shade.

The next day I finally had the pleasure of meeting Selah Grace for the first time. What a precious child of God! 

As I held her tiny body in my arms, I thought of the first time I met Jocelyin in Waspam. I didn't know what the outcome of her pregnancy would be or if I would even be here to see it for myself. But I am so very grateful that the Lord's hand was on this little one and I am believing that her life will be a testimony of God's love. 

Jocelyin by the way is doing great. She is healing up very well from her c-section and blending in with the other girls in the house nicely. (She is a character.)

On Good Friday our Pastor decided that we would do some street ministry. The plan was to pick a spot, bring a ton of plastic chairs and a movie screen and show the Passion of the Christ. What an awesome way to reach the average person walking down the street! Everyone got matching t-shirts and were very excited to get going. 

 I stayed behind to watch over five two year olds including Catiana, Ruby the 13 y/o and 7 y/o Louviana who is almost completely blind (she doesn't realize this of course and couldn't believe that she wasn't able to go).

From what I heard, it was a great success. The children as well as the adults were very touched by the movie and bible tracts and bibles were passed out. 

Easter morning was a bit different here for us as there were no sunrise services that I heard of. No New Easter dresses and suits for the kids. No Easter baskets or decorations to be found. But as I explained to my children begging for their ritualistic Easter candy, the day is all about Jesus. Not that there is anything wrong with the way we have celebrated it in the past, but if that is what they were looking forward to instead of the cross, then we have missed the mark. 

We did do one thing that we do every year. We had a wonderful dinner that Tony prepared for us all . (Lauren,the children at the orphanage and the Pastor and his family). I am always surprised that the food stretches to accommodate all 36 of us. Everyone said that his dinner was delicious!

 After dinner I braided hair for some of the girls as they wanted to get as cute as possible for school the following day. I think this week alone, I spent over 30 hours braiding, which I find ironic that I have voiced many times in the past that I do not like to do hair nor will I sit around doing it. I have not only had to do my girls hair, over and over again. But I have done many other young girls hair. Straight hair, curly hair, wavy hair, kinky hair, long hair and short hair. Even have braided boys hair! I just have one thing to say about that... Do not, I repeat, Do not tell  God what you will or will not be doing!

More to come...

A bit reserved...

Just a few days ago, I was having a conversation with Tony about the changes that God has done in our lives since we have been here in Central America. We recounted all of the things that God has shown us about ourselves here.
If you know me, even a little bit, you could say that I am a bit reserved when it comes to relationships. Tony and I did a great job of keeping to ourselves. My kids would often call me a crab, because I didn't do the weekly get together, the after church lunches or the play dates with the other moms.  With embarrassment I can tell you that I have often ducked away in the grocery store to avoid a lengthy conversation with an acquaintance. If you asked me, I think we shied away from those relationships because it meant being open to things that we were not willing to be open to.
I have always carried around this thought in my head, that the closer two people are the more likely it is that one day, someone will get hurt emotionally. If I had it my way, I would of kept everyone at an arms distance so that I would not hurt or be hurt.
Now, I now that that is not what the Lord wanted for me, but never the less its the wall of protection that I had created for myself.
So, How did I find myself in a ministry surrounded by people 24 hours a day?
Where I must interact, talk, share and pray with... everyday?  God is not in the business of letting you sit happily in your comfort zone!

Being here makes it almost impossible to keep to yourself. I have this daily desire to leave the home that we rent every morning, head over the the orphanage to wipe noses, change diapers and hug children. During these small chores I chat and share with friends. God is slowly but surely chipping away at the wall, don't get me wrong, it feels pretty yucky to me. (smile) But I am willing to bet that God knows what He is doing.

I have succefully, by the grace of God potty trained 2 of the little ones. I am now on my third...Emily.

She just turned 2. She is a feisty one, but bewteen my stubborness and hers, I think we will get this potty thing down  : )

This week is Holy week and the kids are out of school. I asked a couple of friends what Nicaraguans did for Easter. Well, for starters there are no Easter egg hunts, colored eggs or fluffly white Easter bunnies in the picture. Families usually head off to the beach for the week and relax by the water. Being the crab that I am, that didn't sound like fun to me so I have opted to stay home and read while Tony and the kids head off for some swim time this week. : )
Hopefully I can convince Tony to put on a nice Sunday dinner next weekend for all of us... 30 plus, Ha!

More to come...

Can't out give God...

On Thursday morning Jocelyin, the precious 15 year old, gave birth to a healthy baby girl. What a blessing that was. Lauren the house mom, was there with her the whole time and was able to stay with her during the c-section. God has truly answered our prayers and both her and baby are doing fine.

Selah Grace

 The night after her operation I spent the night at the orphanage to help out with the children as it was also the night off for the nanny in charge of the babies and Lauren was due at the hospital till the following morning. After dinner, devotions and countless questions about if they could watch a movie, have coffee or just play...they were off the bed. The next morning we were up at about 5:30am and I helped with babies and breakfast while I waited on the daily help to arrive. The workers were there by about 7am and I was out by 8am. 

This was no ordinary day for me as I was on my way to a women's retreat in Playa Montelimar Nicaragua. 

I was so excited and was to meet Lauren and 4 other woman at the Christian English school in Managua as we would all carpool there. Tony and the kids also had a treat as Friday was also the day for a field trip at the school. Tony was able to go as a chaperon and he brought along Catia and Kevin with the help of our helper...Gloria! They really enjoyed themselves at the zoo, the lake, downtown, a museum and a famous market. What a full day with 300 plus children...LOL! So glad I was not there! 

I on the other hand was enjoying the most relaxing time ever! This place was just amazing!

(Looks like stock photos, I know but this is where I spent 3 awesome days!)

This resort was unbelievably beautiful and full of things to do and eat! What a wonderful idea it was years ago for these woman to come up with a yearly conference for missionary women living in Nicaragua. We were surrounded by like-minded sisters in Christ who were just open and so excited to hear from each other and learn about what the Lord was doing in all of our lives. The theme of the conference was "Women of Grace" The speaker brought with her 5 friends who lavished us with free haircuts, manicures, professional photographs and encouragement.

Over and over again I heard from the speakers and the missionary woman that no matter how much they tried to do because of the love they have for Christ, the more the Lord blessed them. I certainly felt blessed being there at that conference and God reminded me once again that I can not out give Him. No matter how hard I try to give my all to my Lord, He blesses me with more than I can imagine.

More to come...

The day to day

It has been a few weeks now and the kids have really adjusted to going to an all Spanish speaking school. I have  been very impressed by how much they understand in their classrooms. Kris  and Jazz my 12 and 10 year olds, can now pray during our nightly devotions in Spanish! It's just amazing what the Lord is doing in them. After school each day the younger ones spend time creating paper doll world... which has got to be the most inexpensive way to keep them occupied.

Last weekend we were introduced to a team of missionaries from the US and Costa Rica. They were truly a blessing to be around. 
We visited a feeding center with them where over 50 children were being fed. Afterwards we handed out clothing to them. 

On our way back home we stopped for lunch at a chicken stop and headed to the market. If you have ever been to an outdoor flea market, then you would have sort of an idea of what this market is like. They sell everything there! There was a little boy of about 10 years old who followed us around the whole time we were there. Here is the account of our encounter with him told from Antonio's point of view:
Today I had an incredible encounter while shopping with a team of missionaries after we were approached by a young boy who was begging in Managua here is a paraphrased and translated transcript of the encounter.

Beggar boy: (with excitement as Gringos with cash approach him) Sir, sir, can I make you a rose out of this blade of grass for your wife.

Me: (already being hip to his craft and realizing that the artwork only last a day or so and then decomposes) no thanks.

Beggar boy: well, can you give me a dollar to help me.

Me: (not willing to show weakness by acknowledging the request) "..."

Beggar boy: Sir, please one dollar.

Me: ...

Missionary friend: (with a smile as I looked on at first in fear because acknowledging this kid was to invite more persistent begging) Little boy, I don't have a dollar to give but will you accept the little that I do have to give.

Beggar boy: (wide-eyed with glee) Yes!

Missionary friend: Do you have a relationship with Jesus as your savior?

Beggar boy: (with curiosity) no.

Missionary friend: Would you like me to show you how to get one?

Beggar Boy: Yes.

The rest was textbook evangelism. The young boy openly professed his acceptance of Christ, he was given a Gideon Bible that happened to be in the Missionary's pocket, and was assured that he would begin to sense the change in his heart.

I was in shock at what I had just witnessed. I was ashamed that I was so numb that I missed the opportunity. I was overjoyed that this young boy was reached in spite of me.

Moments later, We were haggling with a vendor over the price of her goods, she wanted to charge us the gringo price after she had charged another fellow 33% less. We had given the lady 10 Cordoba (the price charged previously) she insisted that I owed her another 5 cordoba. At that moment the little beggar boy appears, reaches into his pocket, gives the lady the extra five Cordoba.

Wow, that is all I've got right now.

What a wonderful way to end that day we had together. The next day we had church at the chapel and the worship was amazing. They were leaving right after service so after many pictures and hugs they grabbed their backpacks and headed to the van destined for Costa Rica. 

The following week I was on a mission. I had decided that I would begin to potty train the children in the babies room at the orphanage. I would begin with the 4 year old and work my way down to the 1 year old. Ophelia was my first project. She is a bright and lovely child who I could tell was ready to get out of those size 5 diapers. 

I began by instructing the worker who watches over the babies with Lauren to keep her liquids to a minimum and take away the sippy cup. She would stay with me during the day and sleep at the orphanage at night. The first couple of days I have to admit, I wondered about my sanity as I washed poop out of her underwear for the third time. By day 3 she was going the whole day without any accidents. 

So proud of her!!! Once she has gone a full week or so without the constant worry of accidents, then we will move on to Leo. He is nicknamed Leo the lion and I'm sure he is going to make this a real chore for me. 

On the very bright side we have hired a helper. I don't know what to call her... maid, worker, helper, housekeeper... Her name is Gloria, maybe I'll just call her Gloria. We have hired a Gloria!

I'm sure she doesn't care but it just felt really weird to ask her..."Wanna be my maid?" (Color Purple) LOL

We asked her what she would like to get paid per hour and she told us just as calm as can be... "12.50 Cordoba per hour" which equates to be roughly .65 cents per hour.

She works from 1 to 6pm Monday through Friday as she also works at the school from 7am to noon. I pray that the Lord will use us to be a blessing to her not only financially as her 

employers but spiritually as well.

Back in the states my puppies have all been sold and we are now looking for a new dog handler to take care for future pups...anybody out there know how to handle dogs? (smile)

More to come...

How are you feeling today?

I'm not feeling very well today. It reminded me that I have blogged about a lot of the good and none of the things that make it a bit difficult to be on the mission field here in Nicaragua. For one, drinking the tap water will make you sick. Go the the bathroom 10 times a day kind of sick. That would also include drinking fresh juice made with said tap water (just ask Tony).
We have encountered things that I never even given a second thought to like Scabies, chicken pox, lice and dengue fever. The kids have had conjunctivitis, sore throats and coughs on and off for about 3 weeks until we finally took some antibiotics. Not to mention the possibilities of parasites that we will take pills for.
The amazing thing is that the work that God is doing here far outweighs the negatives. There are creams, pills and shampoos for those ailments but the seeds that are being planted in these children are for eternity.
As I type I am siting in the house that we have rented, fully furnished thank goodness.

We are literally across the street from the school and a 1 minute walk to the orphanage. Daily I watch as Tony walks out of his classroom and is greeted by many of the children with smiles and hugs.
We have shifted into a routine since the beginning of the school year. Kids and I are up at 5:45am. (There really should be a law against having to wake up that early...good grief!)
School starts at 6:50am and they walk out the door at about 6:52am (sigh)
I get the two youngest of my children up and we head out to daily prayer at 8:30am at the orphanage. I usually stick around after prayer to help out with the babies and whatever else needs to be done. Tony teaches classes throughout the day but comes to the house during his breaks. The children get out of school at 1:20pm and we all have lunch back at home around that time.
I head back to the orphanage around 2pm and help out until about 4pm if needed. My children are cleaning up and working on homework at this time. I decided that I wanted them to continue with their Teaching Textbooks math and Apologia science so they work on that after school related homework and chores.

We have dinner at about 6:30 and head out to nightly devotions at 7pm. (I have included a link to the video of Ruby dancing during devotions.)

http://laurenedinborough.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html

The day is pretty much done after that so they are in bed about 9:30-10pm while I sit around with Tony and we talk or read.
There have been a lot of things going on here in El Crucero and I am so happy to be here at this time in our lives. I don't know how long we will be here for but I am certain that God has it all under control.
Pray for our health, pray for our safety and most of all pray that the Lord has his way! Amen.
More to come...

Still here...

I've been contemplating these past few days if I needed to change the title of my blog. After coming back from Waspam, Tony and I had a decision to make. Do we leave Costa Rica that has been so kind to us and come to Nicaragua, or do we go back home as if we weren't greatly moved by being here.

Well, after a few heated and many calm discussions, we decided to move to Nicaragua.
Tony took on a volunteer position at the New Hope Christian school and I took on the job of helping to care for the children at the orphanage and our very special pregnant teen due April 27th.

We decided that it would be a great learning experience for the children to attend the school. This would not only speed up their Spanish speaking and comprehending skills, but it would give them a chance to be amongst the local children in town. As far as the US is concerned they are still considered homeschooled and I will continue the file their reports at the end of the year.

After the first day of school during lunch Chantell recounted how Tony had asked her classmates what they had for dinner the night before during his music class. She was shocked when most students shook their heads to say that they had not eaten anything for dinner. These children get a lunch after school everyday and for most, it is all they have to eat... all day. God is so good to have provided this place for so many of these children.
After the first two weeks of school it was imperative that we head back to Costa Rica to tie up some loose ends. We headed for Tica Bus and slept most of the way there. The ride took longer than usual but I was excited to see Costa Rica again. When we finally arrived, we walked to the nearest bus stop and hopped on. We got off near Central Park in San Jose and got something to eat. I wanted to do a bit shopping but it was late and frankly I wanted to get to the house.
After another 30 minute ride on our third bus for the day, we arrived in Guatuso down the hill from our house. We waived at a few people going up the hill and I forgot how horrible that walk up the mountain was until I was half way up.
The house was quiet and dark, kind of sad really. We decided that we would all take a long hot shower one after another as we have no hot water in our room in Nicaragua. But wouldn't you know it, not only did we have very little water coming out of the faucets, but the hot water was also not working....figures.

The next morning we packed and cleaned, then we cleaned and packed. Our mover/driver was to show up at 6pm Saturday night so we made sure that we were ready by then. As 6pm rolled around, he didn't show up. We called and he assurred us that he was on his way. We waited... 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm then midnight. By this time, Tony and we beginning to worry. What if he doesn't show up, what will we do? It was too late to call someone else and our flawless plan of bringing the things we wanted back with us to Nicaragua and packing the rest in the storage room of the internet cafe would be ruined. We would miss our bus and have to pay for new tickets. Just when we were about to give up hope, we heard his horn outside. Tony worked for the next 5 hours driving back and forth, loading and unloading. The last load was to drop us off at the bus stop.
Well, now that we are back and here to stay, we are getting settled in. The kids are used to the school routine now and I enjoy the time with the two youngest during the day.
Yesterday was frightening as Jocylin went into premature labor. We weren't sure if it was really labor or not but from the look on her face and the tears in her eyes, we didn't need a Miskito translator to tell us that something was wrong.
When we arrived at the hospital after first visiting the clinic, the doctor informed us that there were 20 other patience in front of her and she would just have to wait. Well, thank goodness Charity made the call to move her to a private hospital instead. They were able to stop the labor progression and put her on bedrest.
Pray for her as we are believing that she will be able to deliver naturally.
More to come...

Rescue...

Tonight I was able to watch a dvd of our time in Waspam. My children all commented that it looked like a National Geographic channel special and I felt the same way. We boarded our small 12 seater plane on Wednesday afternoon. I had never been on a plane this size and was nervous about the flight. I had to remind myself that the Lord was in total control.

We were in the air for a little over an hour and it took me a little while to get over the uneasiness in my belly every time the plane tipped to the left or the right. The pilot and co-pilot were literally a few feet away from me and I kept an eye on them watching for any sign of a problem.

The landing strip was nothing more that a dirt road with livestock running across it. A cow was shooed off just before our little plane landed. I was relieved to be on the ground again but everything around me was so very foreign. Children stood around watching us as we unloaded. We had two barrels of food to give to the Casa de Esperanza orphanage there and looked around for anyone who was able to help us get them to the hotel. Fortunately the Town office officials showed up in their truck and gave us a lift. The Town of Waspam was like stepping back in time. There were only 2 taxi drivers available and most people either walked or rode a bike. We were there to move the orphanage from one location to another. The home that they were in did not have running water or electricity. The new landlord assured us that this new home would have both.

The hotel we were to stay in was small but very comfortable. Coffee was always available and so was the internet. Our room was air conditioned, though we never turned it on and the only draw back was the lack of hot water.

Our first stop after dropping off our bags was to pick up a rental van from our friendly neighborhood rental car lady.

Trust me when I tell you that this van was nothing to be desired. Before we could drive it we had to wait about an hour for her to bring the battery to start it. On the way to the gas station to fill up with some diesel it ran out of the little it still had inside of it. Fortunately the four men with us took care of the van that needed a little tlc the whole time we had it.

We headed to the orphanage and met the 4 children there. They were beautiful kids of which two had the misfortune of contracting chicken pox. We had to get a hold of the local pediatrician (who happen to ride by us on a bicycle) and asked if he would come by and take a look at them.  He came by a bit later and said that they were at the end stage of the chicken pox and just needed a little cream to help with the itching.

The day was a success and we were able to move all of the furniture over to the new home and the children settled in nicely that evening.

The next morning we headed out to the Rio Coco River and watched people load their belongings on canoos that would take them up river.

Some of these people lived a very long way away and going up river was the best means of transportation for them.

We spent a little more time in the orphanage that Thursday as we had to get the electricity on and find out about the water. We were told the water would be on about 2-3 times per week. Well, I guess that is better than never.

I was fortunate to meet a lovely 14 year old young lady that Mi Familia (Waspam’s version of child protection services) sent to the home a few short days before we arrived. She was 7 ½ months pregnant and my heart went out to her as she looked very young. Charity (New Hopes director) did her best in speaking to her through a translator as her only language was Miskito. It was later discussed that she would be better off in the Hope house in Managua, at least until she had the baby.

The rest of the day was spent running around town getting things done.

Friday was by far my best day. We were up bright and early with an appointment with the vice Mayor and two police officers that would escort us to the remote areas of Waspam to look for children that may be in need. We picked up a few drinks and snacks and headed out to pick up our escorts. The police officers were armed with a shot gun and a hand gun, not sure if that is the proper names for them but never the less one was small and in a holster and one was long and hung on the younger officers back.

The rode to the remote village was not an easy one. The van literally jumped up and down with the dips in the road as we swerved left to right trying to avoid bigger ones. Twice we had to cross a bridge that you couldn’t pay me to walk across let alone drive a van full of people across. I just closed my eyes and reminded myself…God is in control!

After about 2 hours we pulled to the side of the road and walked the rest of the way.

We arrived at the home of an extraordinary child named Ruby. She is 12 years old and has weighed in at an astonishing 18 pounds.

When I first met her she was sitting at the doorway of her house staring out at us. I had never seen a child so small for her age. Charity had seen her before and had worked very hard trying to persuade the Father to give permission for us to offer her some help. This time he agreed. After we held her for a bit and gave her and her sisters lollipops and kisses, we told her we would be back to get her in about an hour.

We walked a few more kilometers and met up with an elderly woman who was separating the husk from rice. She was hitting the rice with a very heavy wooden mallet in what looked like a very large wooden cup. We were so fascinated by her that we had to stop and just talk to her. Of coarse she spoke to English or Spanish, so the Vice Mayor did all of the translating. When we asked how old she was, she told us that she did not know.

I wish I could explain how it felt to be among the Miskito people. As we walked to the next home I watched the children run around us. The live stock roamed freely together, none were caged in. The chickens ran with their chicks behind them likewise the pigs wallowed in the mud with their young. Horses and cows walked by close enough to graze my back pack. I had to remind myself to keep an eye on the ground because as you can imagine there were lots of piles that my sneakers were trying their best to avoid.

We stopped by one home of a grandmother who was caring for 3 year old granddaughter. She had a disability that made her unable to stand, walk, talk or eat solid food. She was the size of an 18 month old child. She was not malnourished or uncared for, but the grandmother said that she was unable to continue to care for her. She said that she would get her ready and agreed to let us take her to get her some medical attention at New Hopes expense then reunite them in the future. We waited outside as she got her ready and she agreed to come back with us to town to fill out the necessary legal paperwork.

After a few more stops to talk with the villagers and pray with a mom who had reently lost her daughter, we headed back for Ruby.

She was dressed in a small dress probably for a one year old. As soon as she saw Charity she smiled and held out her arms. Tony held her all the way to the van and her mother followed behind us.

The ride back to town was uneventful except that Ruby was terribly afraid of the van. She cried a bit in the car before she calmed down and put her blanket over her head.

Having the officers with us was a good idea, especially when we would get to a road blocked by workers who would look up at us and go right back to their work in the middle of the road. The officers would then jump out of the van brandishing their weapons to which the workers would promptly move out of the way with apologies.

I was exhausted that night and slept very well. The next day was Saturday and we were scheduled to fly out at noon.

We spent the morning running around trying to tie up loose ends and get things done. I was to fly back with the 3 year old and hand her over to the missionary doctor. Ruby was being seen by a pediatrician who let us know that she was severely dehydrated and sick. He suggested that she stay at clinic for a bit with an IV and take some medication. After purchasing items to take care of the home and sitting with Ruby at the hospital for a while, we headed out to catch our flight. The plane was scheduled to land and take off in within 15 minutes and Charity and her husband Leo had not arrived with the 3 year old. I was beginning to think that they were not going to make it, but as we stood in line outside of the plane I could see their van racing down the road.

They made it! The grandmother handed me her grandchild with tears in her eyes and my heart was very heavy for her. She kissed me on the cheek and I kissed her back, I wanted to cry with her. I told her that her granddaughter would be ok, and that she would see her soon and a woman in line translated to her.

We boarded the plane and it was off in a matter of minutes.

Thank goodness she slept the whole flight and I took the cue to do the same. Tony took more pictures of the scenery.

When we landed we were greeted at the entrance to Managua airport by our drivers and the doctor who would care for the baby. She was very happy to receiver her. I was happy to be back in Managua, but was very sad to leave the children needing help behind. Tony is very interested by the prospect of flying back and forth every month to help out over there, so please keep us in prayer. 

more to come...