tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29915121317841718082024-03-18T21:47:38.603-06:00Journal of a Missionary WifeWhat started out as a Homeschooling blog has turned into a blog about all the emotions that go into being a Wife, Mother, Teacher, Friend and the Spiritual walk of this follower of Christ. While on this adventurous road, I've found a necessity to document it's happenings in my own point of view.Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-13724679877357277382014-06-11T15:57:00.001-06:002014-06-11T15:57:39.018-06:00May 29, 2014<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XLQhSJy168w" width="480"></iframe>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-66783752670782792592014-06-11T15:56:00.000-06:002014-06-11T16:34:52.677-06:00A Schooling MixSo I think we can all agree that I may fall short of updating the blog as much as I should...since it's been almost a year since I've updated this one. All of you who regularly read know that I became a homeschooling mother when we moved to Nicaragua. I do love all the homeschooling moments a mother gets...all the time I get to spend with my kids. It's incredibly rewarding and difficult all in one. Well, we decided to put our kids in the public school here in our community. Let's be honest here folks, the more time my children spend around JUST Preston, me and each other, the weirder they get. I mean, I tell them they're being weird, but who wants to hear that from their parent every day of their life? No one! It's not like we live in the States and there are things that we can take them to with other kids. Activities like that cost upwards of $30 per kid per month...who has that kind of money? So one day as I was pondering what I could do with the kids that is free, where they could have fun with other kids...I realized...the solution is right under my nose. PUBLIC SCHOOL! So, now, in the mornings we do homeschool and in the afternoon (from 100-5:00) the kids go to school. Let me just say they LOVE it. Sure the first day Preston and I had to stick around for an hour in Caroline's line of sight...but after that first hour she was hooked. She couldn't care less if we were there. The kids Spanish is getting better and they all have friends. In this four hour free time I have I am able to do things like update blogs and about a million and one secretarial jobs I now have. We have also gained information in this experience, like, the government gives free backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers, and shoes to the kids in public school (or in our kids public school, I'm not sure if it's in all of them). Also, the kids eat at school every day. The teacher is given the food for a parent to cook and the parent brings the cooked food the next day. I have made lunch for Raymond's class. A parent is expected to cook for the class once a month.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0gkSsn7SWYfAJQkgmSGZY4PpsYESyS9ZOWRhwzvk_IluRx4tXl9mv8m1cALL77bz1ExNOgGlotgu3UhawMU2qqRIz7AoBOZ-ZPLILvIyvZ19OQ7tJPtC8ivEnm0etqo_t8dpmoxtS6k/s640/blogger-image-35033888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0gkSsn7SWYfAJQkgmSGZY4PpsYESyS9ZOWRhwzvk_IluRx4tXl9mv8m1cALL77bz1ExNOgGlotgu3UhawMU2qqRIz7AoBOZ-ZPLILvIyvZ19OQ7tJPtC8ivEnm0etqo_t8dpmoxtS6k/s640/blogger-image-35033888.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJj76Ktn2tvXX2lxt-X0AW7oNb1xUZ4mPOdQ0w2gYs9zfzOL0d8dcxjW06aZfutViJGo0xtGfFeWw-citklx9Q26-J2-n_Vy3e5yYP9GDWZQqLYAOmrtsdne_dV-Mdh5WDajQ-oPioPl0/s640/blogger-image--890077760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJj76Ktn2tvXX2lxt-X0AW7oNb1xUZ4mPOdQ0w2gYs9zfzOL0d8dcxjW06aZfutViJGo0xtGfFeWw-citklx9Q26-J2-n_Vy3e5yYP9GDWZQqLYAOmrtsdne_dV-Mdh5WDajQ-oPioPl0/s640/blogger-image--890077760.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSKsKa_yi_SXtpzlyLqInpvsdbN6mNrU5oYZnRmmZL_FkovZr1b4SErQiFku3j4H61s1im1WT9ncdpAZtjdsalVNfGQrEM9h1M6WdpGOByS6T5k5joXP2fkpbFXFKVki4PWW6aG8TpIs/s640/blogger-image--1483767172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSKsKa_yi_SXtpzlyLqInpvsdbN6mNrU5oYZnRmmZL_FkovZr1b4SErQiFku3j4H61s1im1WT9ncdpAZtjdsalVNfGQrEM9h1M6WdpGOByS6T5k5joXP2fkpbFXFKVki4PWW6aG8TpIs/s640/blogger-image--1483767172.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau0tQ4mX0_FZLqf_zRKpEdaLW75qsIFXUTVpVjqGsSrhGXq67wnPc2TeL064ldkBSpNbc9IAmnswMSuwDvA-QDvQyhsrCQTmIqeKLKGqpU2wPRn8gc36tJnJio0Evrn0gVMfR9SGPLVo/s640/blogger-image--445398178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjau0tQ4mX0_FZLqf_zRKpEdaLW75qsIFXUTVpVjqGsSrhGXq67wnPc2TeL064ldkBSpNbc9IAmnswMSuwDvA-QDvQyhsrCQTmIqeKLKGqpU2wPRn8gc36tJnJio0Evrn0gVMfR9SGPLVo/s640/blogger-image--445398178.jpg"></a></div>Beans, Rice, Tortillas and a Drink for lunch :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmRS2IoAJJOsn-xbmRkOrTEyNatSmHvUD6wDCC10WNyKjUfQer0ZnTUiZzerTr3UcIGnvyzP94No_eY9frP40rgKGTjREnazRUr3DRzwTAhGQjVHKMZSA5wYHj5n0DncTaY9Ml4l8qBA/s640/blogger-image-1601181712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmRS2IoAJJOsn-xbmRkOrTEyNatSmHvUD6wDCC10WNyKjUfQer0ZnTUiZzerTr3UcIGnvyzP94No_eY9frP40rgKGTjREnazRUr3DRzwTAhGQjVHKMZSA5wYHj5n0DncTaY9Ml4l8qBA/s640/blogger-image-1601181712.jpg"></a></div></div>
Mother's Day Celebration
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJounKaLXfxn3j02WWLclmUosVTDv4BRqRsNwF0mrw67nGW3VMx1ghCMUWxu5U2djXjwymdqGoWyfEwh_T8mOxJbRXhyphenhyphenFk6p0xO-i2t2FoU_dSjczZt14PKaB-v4GMuLjpjLOnQfpYyT0/s1600/10364124_10152249642709753_8978013025756505910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJounKaLXfxn3j02WWLclmUosVTDv4BRqRsNwF0mrw67nGW3VMx1ghCMUWxu5U2djXjwymdqGoWyfEwh_T8mOxJbRXhyphenhyphenFk6p0xO-i2t2FoU_dSjczZt14PKaB-v4GMuLjpjLOnQfpYyT0/s400/10364124_10152249642709753_8978013025756505910_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gC_QKpKlyp521fdZZ6zYmjaqitPPRT9DA2kyg-aLCnH1PtSmdcrSw4fAjDuDiMvWdNdPTPYO5SR7bbYF0VQ9t0PTOoxmuHHbaFd-VXGWacoIKPF4Geg0xuo7Cl202VGEj5EosTRqbEo/s1600/10155387_10152249641409753_8533183060263518114_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gC_QKpKlyp521fdZZ6zYmjaqitPPRT9DA2kyg-aLCnH1PtSmdcrSw4fAjDuDiMvWdNdPTPYO5SR7bbYF0VQ9t0PTOoxmuHHbaFd-VXGWacoIKPF4Geg0xuo7Cl202VGEj5EosTRqbEo/s400/10155387_10152249641409753_8533183060263518114_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHBVMlRIOJuFoykkst0jU94MkMJD54oUiHc_Fqhm00rUIpe9jOTkB9vLDRHbKZLVCodgnUH4xQE2L-rPwf8AzaBHCJcZK4CelnClRV7QoYRgFZ8sX3i1XFzJgJqkf8ZGpBoW6frDaPM0/s1600/1621685_10152249642044753_2768584321800870414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHBVMlRIOJuFoykkst0jU94MkMJD54oUiHc_Fqhm00rUIpe9jOTkB9vLDRHbKZLVCodgnUH4xQE2L-rPwf8AzaBHCJcZK4CelnClRV7QoYRgFZ8sX3i1XFzJgJqkf8ZGpBoW6frDaPM0/s400/1621685_10152249642044753_2768584321800870414_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZslZwOmKlS5ZzSD_-bUDjmMRnOAN-tawcvpDTXKniAf9i7Rz0JqhSbj-KnDBZJ6QFmPx_JPPRaqErud-79Gub0MSd1Fzn6lHYfY1wL6f9cmK-DpIYVv23qjdeFz_BGFqIQGiKP648OI/s1600/10336637_10152249645834753_6359152949693617547_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZslZwOmKlS5ZzSD_-bUDjmMRnOAN-tawcvpDTXKniAf9i7Rz0JqhSbj-KnDBZJ6QFmPx_JPPRaqErud-79Gub0MSd1Fzn6lHYfY1wL6f9cmK-DpIYVv23qjdeFz_BGFqIQGiKP648OI/s400/10336637_10152249645834753_6359152949693617547_n.jpg" /></a></div>
A little song for all the mothers
<a href="http://youtu.be/XLQhSJy168w"></a>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-45880236103422474472013-05-20T15:41:00.001-06:002013-05-20T15:46:38.586-06:00The Next Step...<blockquote></blockquote>So here's the scoop...about a month ago Preston stumbled upon a house for rent in our neighborhood. It's literally right down the street, but the street it's on is safer than where we are right now. As soon as Preston told me about it I had a feeling that we would be moving into it. We didn't see eye to eye at first, but the longer we thought and prayed about it, the more we wanted to move. So we spoke to the owner, who let us know it would be more than the house we are currently living in by about $20. We had a couple of people offer to help with that cost and decided that this was it. We plan on moving in the first week of June and were so excited!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Enter Bluefields, after our visit to Bluefields God really gave us a clear vision for the church. He really spoke to us through Norman and Marta! Here are some major things God spoke to us about. We hope to get started in the next couple of months.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>First of all the Lord reminded us that we are a church focused on community. So we officially have our name for the church The Vineyard Community Church (A Bilingual Church). We decided since we are bilingual and there are many different types of La Vinas here in Nicaragua, that we would stick with the Vineyard name in English. The name of our church will also be the name of all of the ministries the Lord has called us to start.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Second, the Lord reminded us about the community that we have been called to, which is the neighborhood we live in. Right now we are meeting at the Isaiah House for church services, but He let us know it's time to move. When we moved to this neighborhood, we felt very strongly that this is where we would be ministering to people. After seeing this new house that we are about to move into we thought that would be the perfect place for our church. The owner however, did not agree. After much prayer and talking to the leaders of our church we decided it would be best to find something around the neighborhood. We are actively looking for a slab of land or building we can meet in ONLY on Sundays. Since our church is small there is no need for an actual building at this point. We figure it might be an option we can afford as a church if we only use the building or slab of land for a couple hours a week. Las Palmas was so gracious to let us use the property when we needed a place to meet, but we feel called to this neighborhood and know that we are supposed to have the church here. We are very excited about this move and the possibility of our neighbors joining us. We are called to this community and God keeps opening our eyes to more that needs to be done.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>We as a church would like to be able to provide jobs and training to the people who attend. We also would like the church to be able to support itself and a pastor. We believe it's the churches job to help by providing in any way they can, in other words being culturally and communally relevant. So here are the ministries we are starting to help with that. Again, we plan on having most of these up and running within the next couple of months.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The Vineyard Community English Academy<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>This has already been started. Right now we just have various English classes, but the hope is to grow it into an Academy. From this we hope to teach people English as well as provide jobs. Right now the students pay $100 cords a month (about $5). We believe that it's important for people to have the mindset that the teachers time is valuable and they should be paid for their work. We hope the classes will grow and be able to pay the teachers while teaching people a second language. This has so many advantages, one of which is people can get better jobs.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The Vineyard Community Thrift Store<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Before we ever left the U.S. Preston had a desire to open a thrift store. He even started looking at clothing lots on ebay. Then, while making a visa run in Cost Rica we met Cindy and Rodney Lafrance, who are doing this there. It got us thinking about what we might be able to do here. This thrift store will be selling "Ropa Americana" at a cost low enough for low income families to be able to buy clothes. Our desire is that it will also be able to employ people and make a little extra money for the church. This ministry will be HIGHLY dependent on donations. What does that mean for you? Many of you have asked us what we need in the past and here it is...if you are visiting Nicaragua we would ask if you could pack some gently used clothes. Clothes without holes or stains. You could also pack things that you plan on wearing while you're here, but leaving with us when you go back to the States. We are looking at what the cost would be to ship something from the States, but I'm assuming that will be pricy and am not sure if that will work out well for us. We are also looking into buying a pallet here in Nicaragua, but they are well over $200 and not all of the clothes are always good (i.e. smell moldy, have holes, not good quality, out of style...so nobody wants them<blockquote></blockquote>)
<blockquote></blockquote>The Vineyard Community Bakery<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>You all know that we just can't get away from baking...it's in our blood. We want to train Nicaraguans to bake American pastries and sell them to surrounding eateries. We will be mainly focused on things like cookies, muffins and breads. Again, we will be training as well as providing jobs and supporting the church through this ministry. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The Lord showed us that we are to serve our community and what better way to do that but through education, clothing, and food? We are about to really be engulfed in everything community...lol! There are some start-up costs for all of this. Even just getting into the house is going to take a chunk of change. Please continue praying about everything happening here in Nicaragua. Also, if you would like to send a one time donation to help us with these costs, that would also be appreciated. Just to get in the house we are looking at a cost of around $1,000.00. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Update: Literally right after I wrote this (before it was posted) someone sent a donation that covers the cost of our move. The Lord is so good! We do still have the cost of the start up of the ministries and our homeschooling curriculum which will be around $600 for this school year. Thank you again.<blockquote></blockquote>
Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-65074561825958063212013-05-14T19:15:00.002-06:002013-05-14T19:15:39.674-06:00Bluefields<blockquote></blockquote>The partnership sent us to Bluefields Friday so we could secure reservations for the pastors conference in August and handle some business. Preston and I left the kids with Sam, Sarah, Nathan, and Keyla from Isaiah House and flew to Bluefields. It was the first time in 7 months that we went somewhere without our kids and it was AMAZING! When we arrived in Bluefields we went to a hotel that Glenn Schroeder told us about. Unfortunately they were full, so they told us to go to another hotel. This one had no a/c and LOTS of mosquitos...lol...but it was a night without children so I am definitely NOT complaining. We were able to get most of the business done right away and then went to visit with Pastor Norman and his wife Marta. These are some of the most amazing people I have EVER had the pleasure of meeting. We hadn't called them to let them know we were coming, but due to the fact that they wake up every morning at 3am to pray, the Lord had told them to be expecting some unexpected visitors 2 weeks prior to our arrival. We sat and spoke to them for HOURS and it was so refreshing and wonderful. The next day before we came back to Managua the Lord had revealed to them that I was having horrible back pain and pain in my spine...which I do! They prayed for healing and they prayed for Preston too. I have not had one headache since our visit and that prayer. They sent us home with coconut oil and a bunch of pastry's from Bluefields...they were all fabulous! We shared the loot with the Isaiah House folks and were excited to tell them all about our trip. This post is mainly to tell you what is going on in Bluefiels.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>First of all you should know Bluefields a.k.a. the Mosquito Coast is on the Caribbean side of Nicaragua. This side of the cost is COMPLETELY different from where we live in Managua. The Lord knew what He was doing not having us go there before our church was planted, because I would have moved there in a heartbeat. I think there is one grocery store in all of Bluefields and this is not the place to come if you're looking for a movie theater. It's really laid back. There are 6 different types of ethnic groups which is a mix of African, Mestizo, and Indigenous Tribes (Rama, Miskito, Creole, Garifuna, Ulwas, and the Mestizos). Here in Nicaragua cultures don't often mix. There is a lot of racism, especially against black people. Bluefields is more of it's own entity, due to the fact that at one time they weren't even a part of Nicaragua. You should look up the History...it's amazing.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>We have our tickets to Bluefields!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDip0NyHmvk/UZJ9ZJsg5PI/AAAAAAAABks/sRCC790HBas/s1600/my+iphone+442.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDip0NyHmvk/UZJ9ZJsg5PI/AAAAAAAABks/sRCC790HBas/s320/my+iphone+442.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Here is the little plane we took<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6k3uBih4RX8/UZJ9gLBlZ1I/AAAAAAAABk0/mbmuOVOMbvo/s1600/my+iphone+446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6k3uBih4RX8/UZJ9gLBlZ1I/AAAAAAAABk0/mbmuOVOMbvo/s320/my+iphone+446.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xe56S-VG0og/UZJ9l9ehsaI/AAAAAAAABk8/Gvz1TB4c-tQ/s1600/my+iphone+447.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xe56S-VG0og/UZJ9l9ehsaI/AAAAAAAABk8/Gvz1TB4c-tQ/s320/my+iphone+447.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>There were enough seats for 12 passengers. We could see EVERYTHING the pilot was doing...even when he was sending a text, while the co-pilot was reading the paper<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbOL6dWYXoE/UZJ9s9k_qDI/AAAAAAAABlE/HmyFtP9tjkQ/s1600/my+iphone+448.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbOL6dWYXoE/UZJ9s9k_qDI/AAAAAAAABlE/HmyFtP9tjkQ/s320/my+iphone+448.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTr2_21aCQM/UZJ900yycCI/AAAAAAAABlM/a2dkVtBko3s/s1600/my+iphone+450.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTr2_21aCQM/UZJ900yycCI/AAAAAAAABlM/a2dkVtBko3s/s320/my+iphone+450.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJvJ-zshGJM/UZJ9838USvI/AAAAAAAABlU/xX2eRJII3Vs/s1600/my+iphone+452.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJvJ-zshGJM/UZJ9838USvI/AAAAAAAABlU/xX2eRJII3Vs/s320/my+iphone+452.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuvQbPpdrKA/UZJ-FKDqhlI/AAAAAAAABlc/59_k-RJTBGc/s1600/my+iphone+465.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuvQbPpdrKA/UZJ-FKDqhlI/AAAAAAAABlc/59_k-RJTBGc/s320/my+iphone+465.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Okay, everyone meet Norman and Marta.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLgTe9igXhE/UZJ-K1n1UNI/AAAAAAAABlk/CBmgR7ljzUE/s1600/my+iphone+467.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLgTe9igXhE/UZJ-K1n1UNI/AAAAAAAABlk/CBmgR7ljzUE/s320/my+iphone+467.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Norman and Marta wake up EVERY morning at 3am to have a prayer meeting with their leaders and teachers. They started a pretty small day care which ended up growing into a school. At first they moved around a lot, but then Marta's Aunt gave them some property for their ministry when she passed away. Everything they have and do they have done with the blessing of the Lord and through their church. They have unending and incredible faith...NOTHING shakes these people.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>This is their church/school right now. This used to be just a slab but through much prayer and support they have been able to build it into a building. The Louisianan Vineyard came out a put a roof on, which they were working towards getting at the time. They ALWAYS praised the Lord, even when they were getting rained on during a church service, they knew that the Lord would provide, and he did. Right now the school has about 300 kids who attend. They are the ONLY completely private school in Bluefields. They take absolutely no help from the Government. They pay their teachers and feed the kids 3 meals a day. School starts at around 6am and with after school programs ends around 6pm. These people work HARD! Buying and preparing the food is a task in itself. They have day care, and Pre-K through 6th grade. These are people who believe in their community. They pray with the kids every day and teach them how to pray and about the Lord. Since there are so many different cultures and languages some of the children in their school speak 4 languages. A lot of the kids who go to the school don't go to church and neither to their families, but they have been thanked repeatedly for the pouring out of love and grace onto the children. Their theory is better to learn in the house of the Lord, than get taught on the streets in Bluefields.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeRbB7MWhWA/UZKECtaVGmI/AAAAAAAABr0/AvESUZBtVg0/s1600/my+iphone+566.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeRbB7MWhWA/UZKECtaVGmI/AAAAAAAABr0/AvESUZBtVg0/s320/my+iphone+566.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxWDE8KurGI/UZKD6b_IeeI/AAAAAAAABrs/SYTG8ClUwe4/s1600/my+iphone+565.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxWDE8KurGI/UZKD6b_IeeI/AAAAAAAABrs/SYTG8ClUwe4/s320/my+iphone+565.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsVzcYVSDJA/UZKD0KZv7nI/AAAAAAAABrk/AGY7Ks8yLjo/s1600/my+iphone+563.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsVzcYVSDJA/UZKD0KZv7nI/AAAAAAAABrk/AGY7Ks8yLjo/s320/my+iphone+563.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Expanding the school (this is the front of the building). This will be the new Elementary School.
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5cHQB6Jn5Y/UZKBeQ-1tdI/AAAAAAAABpE/Z2M6LZbUfPQ/s1600/my+iphone+520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5cHQB6Jn5Y/UZKBeQ-1tdI/AAAAAAAABpE/Z2M6LZbUfPQ/s320/my+iphone+520.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4pa6Qdpvko/UZKBk0-LVbI/AAAAAAAABpM/xBBrDH-jZEU/s1600/my+iphone+521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4pa6Qdpvko/UZKBk0-LVbI/AAAAAAAABpM/xBBrDH-jZEU/s320/my+iphone+521.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>This is the inside. While they were building this a horrible rain came and destroyed all the wood. They had to rip most of it out and are working on replacing it now. They have faith this will be done by July.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nK8QUxRT6aA/UZKBsuEdCgI/AAAAAAAABpU/1QxOcEDhHoU/s1600/my+iphone+523.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nK8QUxRT6aA/UZKBsuEdCgI/AAAAAAAABpU/1QxOcEDhHoU/s320/my+iphone+523.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj1uDBrrjh8/UZKB1V9cBEI/AAAAAAAABpc/WcCEgLAP__k/s1600/my+iphone+525.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nj1uDBrrjh8/UZKB1V9cBEI/AAAAAAAABpc/WcCEgLAP__k/s320/my+iphone+525.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czr57KZhWLM/UZKB7en2-wI/AAAAAAAABpk/r9fJWgrr87c/s1600/my+iphone+527.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Czr57KZhWLM/UZKB7en2-wI/AAAAAAAABpk/r9fJWgrr87c/s320/my+iphone+527.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MilX0dXS3PA/UZKCQVfc-bI/AAAAAAAABp8/G0aJTTQ5XlU/s1600/my+iphone+533.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MilX0dXS3PA/UZKCQVfc-bI/AAAAAAAABp8/G0aJTTQ5XlU/s320/my+iphone+533.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Here it is from the back<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Zd_b89nBs/UZKC5aV0uDI/AAAAAAAABqk/looA6MpuDLs/s1600/my+iphone+544.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_Zd_b89nBs/UZKC5aV0uDI/AAAAAAAABqk/looA6MpuDLs/s320/my+iphone+544.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7DIby8Dnsw/UZKDBDcSC2I/AAAAAAAABqs/qY7P-FD7otE/s1600/my+iphone+546.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7DIby8Dnsw/UZKDBDcSC2I/AAAAAAAABqs/qY7P-FD7otE/s320/my+iphone+546.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZkGA4pOcKs/UZKDO7CAxNI/AAAAAAAABq8/VP-AwOxgSEU/s1600/my+iphone+550.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZkGA4pOcKs/UZKDO7CAxNI/AAAAAAAABq8/VP-AwOxgSEU/s320/my+iphone+550.jpeg" /></a>
<blockquote></blockquote>This area is where the Secondary School (High School) will go. There used to be a river that ran through it, but they filled it in so they could build the school.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tkUwP0rUVY/UZKChyeByvI/AAAAAAAABqM/Mg_8Y6tbwY8/s1600/my+iphone+537.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tkUwP0rUVY/UZKChyeByvI/AAAAAAAABqM/Mg_8Y6tbwY8/s320/my+iphone+537.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SxKYN6AXxI/UZKCqVKtQII/AAAAAAAABqU/nDkdW7j9zmg/s1600/my+iphone+539.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SxKYN6AXxI/UZKCqVKtQII/AAAAAAAABqU/nDkdW7j9zmg/s320/my+iphone+539.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Here are the teacher offices<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szklfRKbDMk/UZKCYf6eR4I/AAAAAAAABqE/0ocXWreBEx4/s1600/my+iphone+535.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szklfRKbDMk/UZKCYf6eR4I/AAAAAAAABqE/0ocXWreBEx4/s320/my+iphone+535.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Yb3WHLVGg/UZKDf57zx3I/AAAAAAAABrM/6wQv2JXMOeE/s1600/my+iphone+556.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Yb3WHLVGg/UZKDf57zx3I/AAAAAAAABrM/6wQv2JXMOeE/s320/my+iphone+556.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The septic tank dug by hand...this took a month to do.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxQQYC6HK6o/UZKBVWmb3YI/AAAAAAAABo8/2l6ddrJHEaE/s1600/my+iphone+519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxQQYC6HK6o/UZKBVWmb3YI/AAAAAAAABo8/2l6ddrJHEaE/s320/my+iphone+519.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The well, also dug by hand.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSfcwR5_AQ8/UZKDIrqMRpI/AAAAAAAABq0/SxjfsKkkYX8/s1600/my+iphone+548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSfcwR5_AQ8/UZKDIrqMRpI/AAAAAAAABq0/SxjfsKkkYX8/s320/my+iphone+548.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Norman and Preston talking about the school.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S12Gx-ctsOI/UZKCysvKxEI/AAAAAAAABqc/vr2m8JdEHMs/s1600/my+iphone+541.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S12Gx-ctsOI/UZKCysvKxEI/AAAAAAAABqc/vr2m8JdEHMs/s320/my+iphone+541.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQMgcK0J8jE/UZKDXgzYO0I/AAAAAAAABrE/NGxZi-CAXs4/s1600/my+iphone+552.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQMgcK0J8jE/UZKDXgzYO0I/AAAAAAAABrE/NGxZi-CAXs4/s320/my+iphone+552.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Nieghbor kids.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHZBtY3Ux2A/UZKCDPdSWZI/AAAAAAAABps/b87YL9H6nrg/s1600/my+iphone+529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHZBtY3Ux2A/UZKCDPdSWZI/AAAAAAAABps/b87YL9H6nrg/s320/my+iphone+529.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ared1eWUWE/UZKCK4UYyeI/AAAAAAAABp0/TxI0aw5fwq4/s1600/my+iphone+531.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ared1eWUWE/UZKCK4UYyeI/AAAAAAAABp0/TxI0aw5fwq4/s320/my+iphone+531.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-GwNtUzhu0/UZKDmV_WzMI/AAAAAAAABrU/i6kWuqbbY60/s1600/my+iphone+558.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-GwNtUzhu0/UZKDmV_WzMI/AAAAAAAABrU/i6kWuqbbY60/s320/my+iphone+558.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The workers cutting wood<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5v_bFNSb2Y/UZJ_vWgywbI/AAAAAAAABnM/6lOiEPMbtfw/s1600/my+iphone+491.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5v_bFNSb2Y/UZJ_vWgywbI/AAAAAAAABnM/6lOiEPMbtfw/s320/my+iphone+491.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Norman and Martas granchildren.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWwD1xZG_jE/UZJ_7yl3l9I/AAAAAAAABnc/jqzh8hiI82c/s1600/my+iphone+494.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWwD1xZG_jE/UZJ_7yl3l9I/AAAAAAAABnc/jqzh8hiI82c/s320/my+iphone+494.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVD3ehUhTYw/UZKADpW9yBI/AAAAAAAABnk/J0tR8Ex1WaY/s1600/my+iphone+496.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVD3ehUhTYw/UZKADpW9yBI/AAAAAAAABnk/J0tR8Ex1WaY/s320/my+iphone+496.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oeKh5qpUMI/UZKATTIg_VI/AAAAAAAABn0/WBUaark0Ogc/s1600/my+iphone+498.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_oeKh5qpUMI/UZKATTIg_VI/AAAAAAAABn0/WBUaark0Ogc/s320/my+iphone+498.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g61DC9OYDEY/UZKAbGV6gcI/AAAAAAAABn8/2c2plIHzgsE/s1600/my+iphone+499.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g61DC9OYDEY/UZKAbGV6gcI/AAAAAAAABn8/2c2plIHzgsE/s320/my+iphone+499.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfNe7nABcc4/UZKA_ckUFfI/AAAAAAAABok/p0wc_W3OqoU/s1600/my+iphone+510.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfNe7nABcc4/UZKA_ckUFfI/AAAAAAAABok/p0wc_W3OqoU/s320/my+iphone+510.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoqIlV3dYxI/UZKBHDoDcjI/AAAAAAAABos/1ymXlWCN54w/s1600/my+iphone+512.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoqIlV3dYxI/UZKBHDoDcjI/AAAAAAAABos/1ymXlWCN54w/s320/my+iphone+512.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wijE4b6qyPU/UZKDuRCvt2I/AAAAAAAABrc/eQFY12Zu9UQ/s1600/my+iphone+560.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wijE4b6qyPU/UZKDuRCvt2I/AAAAAAAABrc/eQFY12Zu9UQ/s320/my+iphone+560.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>On Saturdays they have drum practice. In September they have Carnival and are practicing. They will be drumming nonstop for at least 3 hours.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmtjGUTzuV8/UZJ_II_bDwI/AAAAAAAABmk/sItQiR4Tp9c/s1600/my+iphone+482.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmtjGUTzuV8/UZJ_II_bDwI/AAAAAAAABmk/sItQiR4Tp9c/s320/my+iphone+482.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJNZzDl1eTE/UZJ_OQE2B2I/AAAAAAAABms/2g2SVHHcMhw/s1600/my+iphone+483.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xJNZzDl1eTE/UZJ_OQE2B2I/AAAAAAAABms/2g2SVHHcMhw/s320/my+iphone+483.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0wofaINBMG8/UZJ_WeLELqI/AAAAAAAABm0/z9GQToWA500/s1600/my+iphone+485.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0wofaINBMG8/UZJ_WeLELqI/AAAAAAAABm0/z9GQToWA500/s320/my+iphone+485.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTIexOPE_XY/UZJ_fC84kJI/AAAAAAAABm8/h5LAgS79EPk/s1600/my+iphone+486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTIexOPE_XY/UZJ_fC84kJI/AAAAAAAABm8/h5LAgS79EPk/s320/my+iphone+486.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APheZQlBV4o/UZJ_l77AaaI/AAAAAAAABnE/Y7Dgq9fBddk/s1600/my+iphone+487.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-APheZQlBV4o/UZJ_l77AaaI/AAAAAAAABnE/Y7Dgq9fBddk/s320/my+iphone+487.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIUWW_l4qzI/UZKALIKU6mI/AAAAAAAABns/mghQYjneU8k/s1600/my+iphone+497.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIUWW_l4qzI/UZKALIKU6mI/AAAAAAAABns/mghQYjneU8k/s320/my+iphone+497.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KifQehHuYD8/UZKAk_EgyOI/AAAAAAAABoE/beX6GDvGMPs/s1600/my+iphone+500.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KifQehHuYD8/UZKAk_EgyOI/AAAAAAAABoE/beX6GDvGMPs/s320/my+iphone+500.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSHJIhTX6D4/UZKAsCThXLI/AAAAAAAABoM/iLulzYarf_w/s1600/my+iphone+501.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSHJIhTX6D4/UZKAsCThXLI/AAAAAAAABoM/iLulzYarf_w/s320/my+iphone+501.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-De6ltyWvytw/UZKAzHmagCI/AAAAAAAABoU/5_jNfKAz5tA/s1600/my+iphone+506.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-De6ltyWvytw/UZKAzHmagCI/AAAAAAAABoU/5_jNfKAz5tA/s320/my+iphone+506.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrlCDqWu1h0/UZKA3Lsba1I/AAAAAAAABoc/6TYhp05XRdI/s1600/my+iphone+508.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrlCDqWu1h0/UZKA3Lsba1I/AAAAAAAABoc/6TYhp05XRdI/s320/my+iphone+508.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SO54q6-Yu-A/UZKBOKhwVyI/AAAAAAAABo0/t8mOTmbEKiU/s1600/my+iphone+515.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SO54q6-Yu-A/UZKBOKhwVyI/AAAAAAAABo0/t8mOTmbEKiU/s320/my+iphone+515.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Here is the bay and market<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm7R84ua40k/UZLbFTiDCAI/AAAAAAAABsE/7LZSXzEye7s/s1600/my+iphone+470.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm7R84ua40k/UZLbFTiDCAI/AAAAAAAABsE/7LZSXzEye7s/s320/my+iphone+470.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHUT0ahKsJI/UZJ-rhPrLpI/AAAAAAAABmE/LG0zGbEpsAg/s1600/my+iphone+474.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eHUT0ahKsJI/UZJ-rhPrLpI/AAAAAAAABmE/LG0zGbEpsAg/s320/my+iphone+474.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD4_C4IbYqc/UZJ-hMleATI/AAAAAAAABl8/6TzWmlQehUQ/s1600/my+iphone+473.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VD4_C4IbYqc/UZJ-hMleATI/AAAAAAAABl8/6TzWmlQehUQ/s320/my+iphone+473.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The shower head fell off in our hotel room. Also, please notice the window in the shower...hahaha<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObLduI1K0Yk/UZJ-TxOkJ3I/AAAAAAAABls/BxGnAkBNEyY/s1600/my+iphone+468.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObLduI1K0Yk/UZJ-TxOkJ3I/AAAAAAAABls/BxGnAkBNEyY/s320/my+iphone+468.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Apparently this officer made the wrong person mad<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vYjhYa_3cs/UZJ-cINgV2I/AAAAAAAABl0/OkzmTV8x-EI/s1600/my+iphone+469.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3vYjhYa_3cs/UZJ-cINgV2I/AAAAAAAABl0/OkzmTV8x-EI/s320/my+iphone+469.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The streets of Bluefields<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2C3PfvAlqs/UZJ-xf8Aw6I/AAAAAAAABmM/5clzozLrtTM/s1600/my+iphone+476.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a2C3PfvAlqs/UZJ-xf8Aw6I/AAAAAAAABmM/5clzozLrtTM/s320/my+iphone+476.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ScRwnO5Xxw/UZJ_BDinU3I/AAAAAAAABmc/-OKCi5YcEtg/s1600/my+iphone+479.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ScRwnO5Xxw/UZJ_BDinU3I/AAAAAAAABmc/-OKCi5YcEtg/s320/my+iphone+479.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYN8L8-RyhY/UZJ-3uIuXVI/AAAAAAAABmU/WMNMSCGL7Fw/s1600/my+iphone+477.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYN8L8-RyhY/UZJ-3uIuXVI/AAAAAAAABmU/WMNMSCGL7Fw/s320/my+iphone+477.jpeg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-39700443595096251732013-03-12T10:18:00.000-06:002013-03-12T10:18:18.255-06:00Everything Month<blockquote></blockquote>Hey guys sorry it's been so long. I can't believe it's been over a month since the last post. A lot has happened since then...<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>First of all, the church plant is going well. Everybody has been so supportive and we have been learning a lot along the way too. I have this freakish understanding of why my dad pastors the way he does, and have wanted to call and apologize for not being a better leader at least 10 times, so far. We are working out the kinks and falling into a rhythm. Preston does worship in English/Spanish. Preston also preaches in English and one of the English students, Franklin, translates. We have some regular attenders and some visitors. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Here are some pictures from the first Sunday<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSQiNTVbfsBrQFIaLtobJKMu80UH8UL2A2w9E0L8eQdWH-qihqDRoHLiRSSR_0PzKXUylJe-hPz9jrTO9zNL3albyWDMZnHnfHeSD9FC_2SiF42zl2Zu1zga-3s6MIj7ZEfYQj80RoZg/s1600/February+2013+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSQiNTVbfsBrQFIaLtobJKMu80UH8UL2A2w9E0L8eQdWH-qihqDRoHLiRSSR_0PzKXUylJe-hPz9jrTO9zNL3albyWDMZnHnfHeSD9FC_2SiF42zl2Zu1zga-3s6MIj7ZEfYQj80RoZg/s320/February+2013+077.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5nuIOlm2Pe4ckIj956DSfK7x0BuunyQDtqdA8zvw2JIZ4lDc8jcDC8z-Ruvu30XjaRPxoFvy87G89j_ucDXTtYYeieGirH7Dd2BepGDd_-fSXbNh7t_0j_laxW-sUgMZF6AkACmCAWY/s1600/February+2013+153.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5nuIOlm2Pe4ckIj956DSfK7x0BuunyQDtqdA8zvw2JIZ4lDc8jcDC8z-Ruvu30XjaRPxoFvy87G89j_ucDXTtYYeieGirH7Dd2BepGDd_-fSXbNh7t_0j_laxW-sUgMZF6AkACmCAWY/s320/February+2013+153.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xIjqRutE6If98B0WriP5v3ZC5JlOT4w3FWnLGRBxaySLNfryReYh_MDg2tj0xkpN4RqhfvCyg7ofz4-BNvdaG4bR4CBoO9ymHo6aBEqcUgLpw3TvBFIeihZakejJZBBHFl3jzWtbWLo/s1600/February+2013+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xIjqRutE6If98B0WriP5v3ZC5JlOT4w3FWnLGRBxaySLNfryReYh_MDg2tj0xkpN4RqhfvCyg7ofz4-BNvdaG4bR4CBoO9ymHo6aBEqcUgLpw3TvBFIeihZakejJZBBHFl3jzWtbWLo/s320/February+2013+161.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg599qU4A6wnCossMP08AqKoRrWcUhFvApKUAlg1otUdzMFFkJFoT9Sg_d5dWsPdK1jfHJ0CrcgEOlrB8luH1Dhluz86vwNjC6FqTm94zhot0QpI6syoVu0XB9s_GfnTAWqz1xcw45eVqM/s1600/February+2013+159.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg599qU4A6wnCossMP08AqKoRrWcUhFvApKUAlg1otUdzMFFkJFoT9Sg_d5dWsPdK1jfHJ0CrcgEOlrB8luH1Dhluz86vwNjC6FqTm94zhot0QpI6syoVu0XB9s_GfnTAWqz1xcw45eVqM/s320/February+2013+159.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I-Gvbxzq7J4wCPsClsIr012hHN-Wxw9ZbmWUMPwMKa0OTVg5oj3TcwLn0kYzt9Yb8uxx9F_lGQpeL_cr93I7tE1dYU7LK9xBE3lskCpyPw3hGumlAlwJQFBizkjJvnCU79H7r1ruD_o/s1600/February+2013+164.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I-Gvbxzq7J4wCPsClsIr012hHN-Wxw9ZbmWUMPwMKa0OTVg5oj3TcwLn0kYzt9Yb8uxx9F_lGQpeL_cr93I7tE1dYU7LK9xBE3lskCpyPw3hGumlAlwJQFBizkjJvnCU79H7r1ruD_o/s320/February+2013+164.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSCNo0st-AKd_728cjrZxcgdKGcGPD1cdQycACXCgwcTI3p3OJJGKO2rdeVgBAnR1zC2q2G_lv5bkWRvQhDB5D7jEuX2cJ-GbdrzGYXHFHt3ko_qNpH0R6pJAvEOgG8GXpZviCDNCiqk/s1600/February+2013+171.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSCNo0st-AKd_728cjrZxcgdKGcGPD1cdQycACXCgwcTI3p3OJJGKO2rdeVgBAnR1zC2q2G_lv5bkWRvQhDB5D7jEuX2cJ-GbdrzGYXHFHt3ko_qNpH0R6pJAvEOgG8GXpZviCDNCiqk/s320/February+2013+171.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUveL25o1IkXCva7PAYtfgJ9dYsDI_pYeEzmYNglODyjaqPhgiI4nSOR-dvHFkrNkMVk88tf1QhCMqWevy_0EVt8UGpfDcgYpqP7oNmcFpmArRN8RxjVazRVcMP7PgJ-fF4eemUEoZO0/s1600/February+2013+179.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUveL25o1IkXCva7PAYtfgJ9dYsDI_pYeEzmYNglODyjaqPhgiI4nSOR-dvHFkrNkMVk88tf1QhCMqWevy_0EVt8UGpfDcgYpqP7oNmcFpmArRN8RxjVazRVcMP7PgJ-fF4eemUEoZO0/s320/February+2013+179.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj-zfwyD5SSlcVXo1JIgoT7Z6l2-NpTYiZsqisn8qix-4T40ideIOgSTsTOatTzBG9cZpf2IvzXmQMOuOP3Eaab_IwX3sZadZV04vM3R-QjA6Es5rVpaQC6Zz_G2aaZNYaulpxmmWdFE/s1600/February+2013+209.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyj-zfwyD5SSlcVXo1JIgoT7Z6l2-NpTYiZsqisn8qix-4T40ideIOgSTsTOatTzBG9cZpf2IvzXmQMOuOP3Eaab_IwX3sZadZV04vM3R-QjA6Es5rVpaQC6Zz_G2aaZNYaulpxmmWdFE/s320/February+2013+209.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSfoMJIkE9-cInX0HQZd93EBscl6wtem9_OOmq96jXC2lMd_7WKtand8CkSI2mqaTGqIN7nsjr_2fag9qzCD066SR40BjKszqgkf5QsUKZ8x55MyWaT6fC4o-WAknX-yLFcXDkLSXwfY/s1600/February+2013+191.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSfoMJIkE9-cInX0HQZd93EBscl6wtem9_OOmq96jXC2lMd_7WKtand8CkSI2mqaTGqIN7nsjr_2fag9qzCD066SR40BjKszqgkf5QsUKZ8x55MyWaT6fC4o-WAknX-yLFcXDkLSXwfY/s320/February+2013+191.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCdtQJUUhXTtK07jZuG08Ltma3zfLxqcqWH075rawbccpeLTnQWKSkLD3UIZMqwRPDb23-0BvVv0Gx21ILfojqokVjg2zFwuxUj8qO_S6UCFlYo2YJZyXviv1nOfB-nnLrLdGSdUj6xY/s1600/February+2013+208.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCdtQJUUhXTtK07jZuG08Ltma3zfLxqcqWH075rawbccpeLTnQWKSkLD3UIZMqwRPDb23-0BvVv0Gx21ILfojqokVjg2zFwuxUj8qO_S6UCFlYo2YJZyXviv1nOfB-nnLrLdGSdUj6xY/s320/February+2013+208.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Second, Sarah and Samuel Burns from Boise and Keyla and Nathan Crevier from Louisiana are officially here in their new home in Las Palmas. I'm so excited about this! I have already set up our first game night, which will be Friday. This weekend was a great time of getting to know them and just having some girl time while Preston played with the kids in the pool. I can't remember the last time I had a conversation like that. I got to hear their stories and share a little (or a lot) of my own. We already liked Isaiah House and the vision Tri had, but now we love it even more :) We also LOVED that Nathan Crevier was able to stay for church and Keyla made us all mango smoothies when we showed up last Sunday. After church the six of us hung out and ate dinner together...we really felt so supported and are really looking forward to spending more time with these fine folks.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Third, I know that if we are friends on facebook you must have a lot of questions right now. Everybody meet Katherine and Dylan.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23mWa4A31T4ixZCa1tsAqPSJP1ZqZj-LRgOxdyY4PSCK6w6ZGZ0yVtMHD-Phz5lRnOMMkk849RRBLNkgDrxnarhXPVF4x5IV-6dDmxmJWwol6xQj-g8JdsENhI4nXG6vTcMqto2ULJWc/s1600/February+2013+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23mWa4A31T4ixZCa1tsAqPSJP1ZqZj-LRgOxdyY4PSCK6w6ZGZ0yVtMHD-Phz5lRnOMMkk849RRBLNkgDrxnarhXPVF4x5IV-6dDmxmJWwol6xQj-g8JdsENhI4nXG6vTcMqto2ULJWc/s320/February+2013+080.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdN2fHjQ-U66bkt3fJkrU3wyoXhM95ImYtzaeWVResmch-Fi2koYpzHEnqmg9yR3hZwGncbAe0bACfxRohDJXBBZGLuZe2M5jZ4s0TNrvKYYigFgrEJe3nEEPTivqFm8sN-0G-RDamDB8/s1600/February+2013+193.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdN2fHjQ-U66bkt3fJkrU3wyoXhM95ImYtzaeWVResmch-Fi2koYpzHEnqmg9yR3hZwGncbAe0bACfxRohDJXBBZGLuZe2M5jZ4s0TNrvKYYigFgrEJe3nEEPTivqFm8sN-0G-RDamDB8/s320/February+2013+193.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPWLntugUAPxxGQLeH0FREOWpeuAWK-v-UX_wgKvspYs7DU2RvHOKJiJkwDt7ToBw2rSas6rJDgy3-rYvhJ_p9F_o5biZXOgf-RsvoIbXTtnRokXeipvSZxYPlEJc-PbULLFqd4BthZU/s1600/February+2013+068.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPWLntugUAPxxGQLeH0FREOWpeuAWK-v-UX_wgKvspYs7DU2RvHOKJiJkwDt7ToBw2rSas6rJDgy3-rYvhJ_p9F_o5biZXOgf-RsvoIbXTtnRokXeipvSZxYPlEJc-PbULLFqd4BthZU/s320/February+2013+068.jpg" /></a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Katherine is 20 years old and her son Dylan is 6 months. When Katherine was little her family moved from Nicaragua to Costa Rica to be with her sister. Her parents never got her her papers in Costa Rica so she was there illegally. Katherine is a single mom who lives with our friends DeLynn and Gloria and their daughter Carmelinda in Costa Rica. They have been like a second set of parents and sister to her. After Katherine had Dylan she needed a job, but couldn't get one in Costa Rica because she was illegal. Gloria contacted us and told us the situation and asked if we would be willing to let Katherine stay here while getting her papers to become legal in Costa Rica. We absolutely love Katherine, so of coarse we said yes. She came here on February 9, 2013 and has been living with us. The first week was a whirlwind because she had so much to do. She went to the office to get her cedula (i.d.) but since it was the first time she had ever gone for that in Nicaragua it takes longer to receive. They set her date to pick up her cedula in 4 months from the day she went. Then she has to travel back to the office, which is about a day away to "check" and see if they have it yet. This is Nicaragua so I'm thinking they won't have it the first time she checks. The past two months she has had $50 coming from Costa Rica but it isn't really even covering the cost of diapers and formula. $20-$40 of that is from a supporter that DeLynn and Gloria know and the rest has been from her family. She was going to try to get a job here, but she can't work without her cedula, so she's in a predicament. On top of all of that all of her family lives in Costa Rica, so she misses them tremendously. This has been a very stressful situation for her and is causing her to be sick. She has lost a lot of weight since she has been here :( We pray for Katherine and this situation every day and are asking if you could also lift her up in prayer. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Our heart is that we can introduce people to Nicaragua and that they share our heart for the people here. That as people feel inclined to help, we are able to point them in the right direction. We would ask that if at any time you feel the desire to want to help, but might not know how, please let us know.<blockquote></blockquote>
Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-5451306389864461072013-02-01T18:17:00.000-06:002013-05-20T15:42:40.395-06:00and then there was a Church Plant<blockquote></blockquote>Well February is officially here and things are really starting to pick up. As most of you know we recently went to Costa Rica and Panama for our visa run/mini vacation. Spending time with Dan and Carole Kaylor in Panama opened our eyes to the things that are happening there and the way people are being blessed. This was a very special time for us and we needed it. On the way home we visited with DeLynn and Gloria Hoover, who were able to put us up for a couple nights. We love them, I wish we would have had more time with them too, but we had to come home. <blockquote></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_v6Ndc8BlH03RDZ3inj_BUBwgyh5FikBR-9gYuQWd3qyyVYugQB7mpprI99zTn-cu9vkT1_-T8Huf1-3wcJafC4IGKvbnau0eWDDSDzGRB7J0N2zv2HMNIz0TiWvaHejXNxRNNRvegW4/s1600/550075_540716469281633_398912590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_v6Ndc8BlH03RDZ3inj_BUBwgyh5FikBR-9gYuQWd3qyyVYugQB7mpprI99zTn-cu9vkT1_-T8Huf1-3wcJafC4IGKvbnau0eWDDSDzGRB7J0N2zv2HMNIz0TiWvaHejXNxRNNRvegW4/s320/550075_540716469281633_398912590_n.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcji5aLwlsBeMCZCEZWU1ROCynWdN9Qmm0bb1r1J7EeUajptQQ3OUhbc6rNPfVsPHPfCKrAZ_7fFTDwiWsZKcT-g74yGCBp4IS0P-qXIi-5BU2PvJmZqL6cU38b_WQo94Hc0zKzbS340/s1600/537071_540716319281648_626642459_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcji5aLwlsBeMCZCEZWU1ROCynWdN9Qmm0bb1r1J7EeUajptQQ3OUhbc6rNPfVsPHPfCKrAZ_7fFTDwiWsZKcT-g74yGCBp4IS0P-qXIi-5BU2PvJmZqL6cU38b_WQo94Hc0zKzbS340/s320/537071_540716319281648_626642459_n.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkDYFt9Nr_XhQU6L3fVVYKB7X3rg9yYKNWOfdIPtk7Imt_UIjBiLBveW8tXiF3pZUP6j0G2PKNMfuqHT59dP7pVL4UoHPDvEB4BOIAUvDbtIcFpcvPKkFT81f6-3mRPc1zNJOadDacso/s1600/321403_540716342614979_1258839594_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkDYFt9Nr_XhQU6L3fVVYKB7X3rg9yYKNWOfdIPtk7Imt_UIjBiLBveW8tXiF3pZUP6j0G2PKNMfuqHT59dP7pVL4UoHPDvEB4BOIAUvDbtIcFpcvPKkFT81f6-3mRPc1zNJOadDacso/s320/321403_540716342614979_1258839594_n.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>When we returned home we hit the ground running. I don't think we've ever been this busy before. It's like the mini vacation was the calm before the storm. We started getting things together for i-61. For those of you who don't know about <a href="http://i-61.org/nicaragua/">i-61 here is a link</a>, Tri and Nancy Robinson and the Boise Vineyard are leasing a house in Las Palmas and will be getting in tonight to start work on it. We have been working close with them to try and get things ready for them on the Nicaraguan side while they are State side preparing to come. Preston and I know for a fact that we will have a very close relationship with the people working with and through i-61. We have had many conversations with Tri and are so excited that God has given him the same vision He has given us. We are also excited that Keyla and Nathan Crevier, from Louisiana, and Sarah and Sam Burns, from Idaho, will be coming to stay in the house as missionaries. I see a game night in my near future. This month Tri and the team start on the construction of the building...fixing it up and making it into a working team house. Preston will be showing them where to buy things like beds, dishes, tables...home furnishings. These tasks aren't as fast and simple as they can be in the States.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Other things happening this month? Preston is officially English Director over a Public High School and Elementary School. He does not get a pay raise, it's still $50 a month when they have it, but he will be working more. We think this is great because it gives the people who come to Isaiah House a place to plug in easily. I mean who wouldn't want to help Preston teach beautiful little Nicaraguan children English...right? These two things I just listed were enough for us, to keep us busy for quite some time, but apparently the Lord had other plans.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The Lord let us know that it is time to plant a church. He started stirring our hearts more when we were in Panama and Costa Rica. When we got home we started praying about it together and alone. It's time, there's no doubt in our minds. So, this Sunday will be our last Sunday at La Vina Norte and the following Sunday we will be having bilingual services starting at 3pm. We have 3 leaders <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Marlon<blockquote></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWdvU3pICbz21y1csJa3qSWOZmQVwgI_YQMneuK7TchJRBV_7BdJgc_ysg2JI5xe6oHP12pj782mcwabmpUJFpRDybC7_D3g8gP5WUd7gc1EpJR69JTHgNmMFMyJhrhGiEw6sTJVnw3k/s1600/November+2012+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWdvU3pICbz21y1csJa3qSWOZmQVwgI_YQMneuK7TchJRBV_7BdJgc_ysg2JI5xe6oHP12pj782mcwabmpUJFpRDybC7_D3g8gP5WUd7gc1EpJR69JTHgNmMFMyJhrhGiEw6sTJVnw3k/s320/November+2012+023.JPG" /></a></div><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Luis<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Zeneyda<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>We are so excited that they have agreed to follow a calling and walk with us in it. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>This is a step of faith since some people are afraid to come to our house. We know for sure that this is the house we are supposed to be in, but there have been some issues. Like the first night of Homegroup, there was a rock/knife fight in front of our house. A couple weeks ago a guy came to beg, Preston and I prayed for him and he would not leave. Things like this scare the people who come to homegroup sometimes. Like there being a gang fight at the bus stop that the people who come to our homegroup have to use to get home. So, we have talked to Tri and we will be using the i-61 house for church services. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>It seems like all of a sudden everything is happening. Our pastor Eugenio, the partnership and the Conroe Vineyard are all very excited about what the Lord is doing. It's also nice to have the full support of our partents. We are ready, excited and nerveous. We are yet again stepping out in faith knowing that we could end up looking foolish, but isn't that what we are here to do? Look foolish for our Father? Since we received the news that the time has come to plant a church, a wave of attacks has followed. Like the kids breaking a water pipe which is making things more difficult. The most prominent attack lately happened the other day when someone walked into our house while we were all home and stole my purse. The things I miss most are my glasses (I can't read without them and I'm doing an in depth bible study) and my camera (which I was going to use to take pictures of our last day at church). It also had my bank card, make up, some medicine...all of which can be replaced. However, we did receive a donation that covered the cost of new glasses. Which was a reminder of how much He is there for us. I don't expect these attacks to stop any time soon so we ask for continued prayer. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>I'll leave you with a word I got one day while Preston and I were praying...<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>"You are my daughter, continue walking. Turn your stress to me. Turn your life to me. Keep your eyes on me. Every day the path gets clearer and the time shorter. You have arrived because you will never arrive. There are many more seeds to plant, too many for just one man. You will spend your life planting and see little fruit. The fruit will be there, but you will be in another barron orchard. This is the job I have for you. You will provide rain in the drought and light in the darkness. You will produce from soil which every other farmer has passed. You will be ridiculed and made fun of for believing your seeds will take. But they will take and produce the prettiest, juiciest fruit in all the land. You will hear of it's greatness, while you are working in similar soil in a dry and barron land. This is my plan for you. Continue, with heartache comes love and grace. Keep your eyes on Me ONLY and you will prosper. Your work is just beginning and it will NEVER end."<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Anything can be done through the Lord our God. All I have to do is look at my life which is a living testament of His love and grace for His people. The wife of one of our leaders asked me, "Carrie, what type of church will this be?" and I responded, "I have a vision of a church where the goal is to follow our Father. All of us. I see different people prostitutes, beggars, middle class, drug dealers, upper class, gang members...it shouldn't matter what we are, what matters is that we follow Jesus Christ. We all have sin in our lives, and although it may look different it is sin. I know what the Father has asked of me personally, he has asked me to reach out to those in need and the way I see it...we are all in need. I pray for a church where the judgment is left to the Father and we are there to serve."<blockquote></blockquote>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-91178304549221449542012-12-21T12:47:00.002-06:002012-12-21T13:01:37.955-06:00#2 Feeling Pain through Poetry (Getting to know a girl named Carrie)<blockquote></blockquote>I usually write poetry when I'm really upset about a subject that is not yet confrontable. They aren't happy go lucky...but it's what I do to get my thoughts out. Here are some poems I've written, they range from 1-4 years old<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><b>The Judgement</b>
<blockquote></blockquote>why do you judge me?
<blockquote></blockquote>what is it for?
<blockquote></blockquote>once vulnerably standing
<blockquote></blockquote>now face to the floor
<blockquote></blockquote>am I better here?
<blockquote></blockquote>I felt better out there
<blockquote></blockquote>I've locked my soul in this little dark place
<blockquote></blockquote>so your blinding light won't bury me in shame
<blockquote></blockquote>why should I have shame because of you
<blockquote></blockquote>deal with your own convictions
<blockquote></blockquote>it's not me, it's you
<blockquote></blockquote>with my luck you'll read this a moment too late
<blockquote></blockquote>you've already judged the "food on my plate"
<blockquote></blockquote>something so little you've made so huge
<blockquote></blockquote>and now you're wondering
<blockquote></blockquote>"Oh what do I do"
<blockquote></blockquote>I'm not apologizing for who I am
<blockquote></blockquote>where I come from
<blockquote></blockquote>or my life plan
<blockquote></blockquote>although it may be different from yours
<blockquote></blockquote>we're all Christs children of whom he adores
<blockquote></blockquote>so take a minute
<blockquote></blockquote>step down from that horse
<blockquote></blockquote>you're too high up to steady the coarse
<blockquote></blockquote>and this
<blockquote></blockquote>oh this
<blockquote></blockquote>it's what I do to deal
<blockquote></blockquote>with you and you and you
<blockquote></blockquote>and all the pain I feel
<blockquote></blockquote>so here's a thought
<blockquote></blockquote>look at you not me
<blockquote></blockquote>because I'm not perfect
<blockquote></blockquote>and don't claim to be
<blockquote></blockquote>I know you just need something to busy your life
<blockquote></blockquote>to forget YOUR problems
<blockquote></blockquote>to forget YOUR life
<blockquote></blockquote>but why don't you stop knocking on my door
<blockquote></blockquote>because in the end YOU"LL be on the floor
<blockquote></blockquote>how sad it must be to live your life
<blockquote></blockquote>judging me in The Body of Christ
<blockquote></blockquote><b>He Drinks</b>
<blockquote></blockquote>He drinks...he drinks...and then he drinks again
<blockquote></blockquote>the glass he holds on to his only lasting friend
<blockquote></blockquote>his drinking buddies are good for one thing
<blockquote></blockquote>just another drink
<blockquote></blockquote>but when the alcohol runs out, they're off the scene
<blockquote></blockquote>silently we sit by biting our tongues
<blockquote></blockquote>wanting so much to say something, but nothing comes
<blockquote></blockquote>we want to spend time with you, we miss our friend
<blockquote></blockquote>but he won't know until his heart mends
<blockquote></blockquote>one day he'll look back and see all he missed
<blockquote></blockquote>but until then, he takes another sip
<blockquote></blockquote>the pain is too real, so he'll just hide
<blockquote></blockquote>behind a beer glass that's fogged from inside
<blockquote></blockquote>it slowly poisons him, but he thinks it's fun
<blockquote></blockquote>playing roulette with this loaded gun
<blockquote></blockquote>what will happen, what might it be?
<blockquote></blockquote>as this feeling inside he tries to flee
<blockquote></blockquote>what is the fate that might land him one day?
<blockquote></blockquote>maybe sooner than later...I dare not say
<blockquote></blockquote>then we'll be left with the pain in our hearts
<blockquote></blockquote>knowing we would have said something, if we were smart
<blockquote></blockquote>so I know he's out there
<blockquote></blockquote>and we're stuck in here
<blockquote></blockquote>wishing he knew the love that we fear
<blockquote></blockquote><b>Those who live by the sword</b>
<blockquote></blockquote>An attack on our Country, has started a war
<blockquote></blockquote>thousands have died, what was it for?
<blockquote></blockquote>sitting in an office, doing their work
<blockquote></blockquote>while men out to kill, wait in the lurk
<blockquote></blockquote>Heroes went out, to fight for broken lives
<blockquote></blockquote>they died in this battle, leaving husbands and wives
<blockquote></blockquote>children who are missing a parent or two
<blockquote></blockquote>parents missing children, who've become forever blue
<blockquote></blockquote>and who is this enemy we fight with such pride?
<blockquote></blockquote>who makes his videos and never ceases to hide
<blockquote></blockquote>bravely these men fight, to protect where we sit
<blockquote></blockquote>day in, day out fighting, never able to quite
<blockquote></blockquote>the thousands of lives effected that day
<blockquote></blockquote>have continued to be, 10 years as we pray
<blockquote></blockquote>10 years is long, some forget why WE don't hide
<blockquote></blockquote>comfortable in their home, thinking, "Oh, it's just pride"
<blockquote></blockquote>for every action there must be a consequence
<blockquote></blockquote>so to me what happened makes perfect sense
<blockquote></blockquote>you see, we're in a war which was started by him
<blockquote></blockquote>and like many, he has died, my attitude's not grim
<blockquote></blockquote>I won't apologize for my feeling of gratitude
<blockquote></blockquote>for the men who defended our Country, the red, white and blue
<blockquote></blockquote>see to me it's not a question of love and grace
<blockquote></blockquote>he got what he put out, an end to this chase
<blockquote></blockquote>maybe our true feelings really do come out in war
<blockquote></blockquote>like who believes are rights and freedoms are worth fighting for
<blockquote></blockquote>so please keep in mind as you sit in the house you chose
<blockquote></blockquote>that this morning you peered into your closet and picked out your clothes
<blockquote></blockquote>remember on the way to your job today
<blockquote></blockquote>you picked the radio station or music to play
<blockquote></blockquote>watching the television channels you enjoy
<blockquote></blockquote>with the children you decided to have, that bring you such joy
<blockquote></blockquote>spouting off what you think about our President
<blockquote></blockquote>and criticizing how our military takes action and time is spent
<blockquote></blockquote>remember that how you got that freedom of speech
<blockquote></blockquote>is from our military fighting to keep freedom for each.Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-19007273917994705672012-12-04T11:09:00.001-06:002012-12-04T12:56:08.543-06:00#1 The Perfect Day (Getting to know a girl named Carrie)<blockquote></blockquote>Hey there people being so far away from everyone often times I feel like I'm becoming a memory. I feel like my friends I used to know are changing as am I, but I have no idea of how or why. I don't know what's going on in their heads. Let's get right down to it...everyone could say they would e-mail me and let me know how life is, but life is busy and after the first or second e-mail you have other things to do...I totally understand. So I've decided to put together a series called, <b>Getting to know a girl named Carrie</b>. You can read this if you like and if not no problem. I will be posting different things that you may or may not know about me throughout the year. I will try to do one a week in between my other posts...but that is no promise. I miss everybody and hope you enjoy getting to know me.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Let me give you a run down of a normal day in my house so I can then explain what "The Perfect Day" would look like. I'm usually up sometime between 5:30-6:00am. I try to get up around 4:00-4:30 for a quiet time or workout, but that never happens. I usually get up and make the bed and get ready for the day. Then I start a load of laundry to soak while Preston an I have our hour coffee time, while I'm putting on my makeup. Most of you have heard me say this before but I suggest an hour of alone time with your husband on a daily bases. Preston and I have done this for years...even when he was a manager at a restaurant and would get home at 1am then have to leave for work at 7am. Even when we were pie bakers and we would have to get up by 4am to bake all the pies. This is a very special time that says I love you enough and care about what we have enough to make time for you. When coffee time is over Preston starts breakfast and I either start calendar time with the kids or have a quiet time. We eat and have family devotion and then the school day starts around 8:00-8:30.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>I start the school day off with Raymond and at 11:00am we have an hour of teaching Joe and Caroline. Between 8:00-11:00 I pick up/clean bathrooms and hang clothes. At 12:00 we eat lunch and take a break. At 1:00 pm Raymond and Joe start back with school. Usually around this time I'm watching Judge Mathis and Judge Judy while ironing so the kids are working on things they don't need help with. Around 4 school is over and I let Caroline watch a series on 3-4 min learning programs on youtube that teach her about the alphabet, colors, counting and so on. Around 5:00 the kids are taking showers and finishing up projects for school if they have them. I start dinner at 5:00pm every night and it's usually on the table by 6:00pm (unless we have homegroup, then we eat a big lunch and snack for dinner). After dinner, it's time for clean up...the kids wash dishes and clean the kitchen mess as well as their rooms and the school room. Then we all either read or watch a little television depending on what they want...or what we want. All kids are in bed by 8:00pm. By the time they go to bed I'm usually exhausted and fall asleep on the couch by 9:30. It may not seem like a lot, but believe me, teaching is a full time job which can be draining, but I really do love it.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>"The Perfect Day", for me, would have four extra hours so I could get everything done that I normally do and then have some extra "selfish" time for me. Also, I would like to add that "The Perfect Day" would not consist of me having headaches, which I have almost every day, sometimes so bad I'm sick to my stomach and have double vision. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The first hour would be spent on a quiet/bible reading time. I would love to read more of the bible and write sermons. I might also sometimes spend this time on listening to sermons so I get a better feel of how to write them and the different styles of preaching. I enjoy writing as well as listening and reading, so this first hour would just be dedicated to the Father. This would be a time of doing the things I enjoy with, through and for Him. I should really already be doing this, but often times I let life or Judge Judy get in the way...just being honest. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The second hour would consist of an entire uninterrupted hour of cleaning house. Preferably one room from top to bottom until it's spotless and beautiful. This may sound weird to you, but cleaning is a necessity here with all the dust constantly coming in. With the constant heat, headaches and everything else I'm doing during the day it's hard to clean like I need to. Granted I wouldn't need an hour every day for this, but on the days that I wasn't cleaning we could have a family/recreation time. So this hour would do double duty depending on the day.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The third hour would consist of an uninterrupted QUIET workout time. Whether it be an upbeat workout to get my heart racing or a slow workout to calm me down. This is something I want to have energy for, and need because as I get older, believe me when I say, I'm needing it. It can help with aches and pains I'm sure. Also, some time to myself working out may calm my nerves a little and would help me feel good about myself and my body. Not that I have huge problems with that, just that I know how good it feels to be in shape.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>And the last hour...aaahhhhh...this hour would, again, be an uninterrupted hour of reading/studying. I would start off by studying an hour of Spanish a night, but when I had learned that I would switch to reading books. I prefer historical nonfiction (especially wars, historical leaders, historical events and the people effected by them) but I love many different kinds of books and would read whatever I had. I would read until I fell asleep and would get the much needed 8 hours of sleep...depending on how good the book was.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>So there's "The Perfect Day" in the eyes of me. I hope you enjoyed learning something new about me. I would love to know what you would do with four extra hours, or what your perfect day looks like. Feel free to leave a comment telling me.<blockquote></blockquote>
Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-56106455809744165642012-12-01T10:35:00.000-06:002012-12-01T11:06:07.629-06:00A Change in Tradition<blockquote></blockquote>"Jesus is the reason for the season", raise your hand if you remember this phrase (okay, you can put your hand down now...I can't really see it). It's so funny how much I actually think about Him being the reason for the season these days. When I think of how much I'm missing family this time of year and just the traditions we have in the States, I often have to step back and think about how much about me this season isn't. It just seems like I got it stuck in my head that Christmas, and even Thanksgiving for that matter, are supposed to look a certain way...and if they don't...it's not really the Holiday Season. It is though, no matter what is going on in my life, Christ was born and that should be celebrated with complete joy and happiness. Last year it was so hard for me to enjoy the season. On Christmas morning I didn't even put on makeup (which, if you know me, means I'm depressed)...I just sat on the couch in my pajamas all day and stared at the television. That doesn't seem like much of a celebration to me. It just sounds depressing. We tried to take the traditions from the States and continue them here, which just isn't realistic. So this year we decided we needed to do something different.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Many of you know how our Thanksgiving went from our post in <a href="http://bigpicturemissions.wordpress.com">Big Picture Missions</a> feel free to read if you haven't already. Usually this time of year we would be making hundreds of pies and by Wednesday evening I would be exhausted, but brining a turkey non the less. Thursday morning, as was tradition, Preston would run out and buy donuts and we would have our first glass of eggnog and donuts while watching the Macy's Day Parade. Usually I would also be preparing food in the kitchen and we would be at a designated family members house by 2ish (we alternated years one year with my family and one year with Prestons family). Then when we got home still exhausted from pies and now a day filled with family I would go with a friend, Shayla Parker, to catch some Black Friday deals. To be honest, I just liked being out in it...I know I'm a freak. It was the true kick off to the season for me. Half the time I didn't even really buy anything that I couldn't have gotten later, but it was the excitement of it all. Seeing all the decorations, meeting frazzled people, laughing at the people who didn't take the needed last glance in the mirror before running out the door, having coffee with my bestie while falling asleep in an isle...good times. Then getting home and taking a nap, if the kids would let me, and in the evening setting up the Christmas tree. Then going to the store and everyone picking out a new ornament, and returning home to decorate, while listening to Christmas music, with the kids while Preston and I had a glass of Lambrusco. It's so funny how quickly I got caught up in what a season is "supposed to look like" to make it a season worth celebrating.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Living in a different Country and trying to recreate these "traditions" ended up causing a funk that seemed to get deeper and deeper with every breathe I took. It was unrealistic for me to think everything would be the same, but for some reason I thought it would...or maybe I didn't really think about it at all which is why it hit me like a ton of bricks. Well this year that is changing, we are making new traditions and truly remembering the reason for the season. Also, I just want to throw in that I miss cool weather in the winter...or just having seasons at all. Do you know how hard it is to describe seasons in a place where there are non? (okay, that ADD moment has past, moving right along then)<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>This year our Thanksgiving traditions started on Monday when we went to the store to get the necessities for our Festivus Pole. We got the idea for a Festivus Pole, obviously, from Seinfeld. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The below quotes are taken from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus">Wikipedia</a><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote> Frank Costanza: "Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way."<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote> Cosmo Kramer: "What happened to the doll?"<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote> Frank Costanza: "It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!"<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote> Kramer: "That must have been some kind of doll."<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote> Frank Costanza: "She was."<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>We don't actually celebrate Festivus which I have found people actually do...but we needed a new tradition that was affordable and still kept true to our need for filling the house with pretty Christmas decorations. A tree just isn't very realistic for us here. First of all they are REALLY pricey and bulky, second of all I'm quite sure they are a haven for mice and scorpions. We figured a Festivus Pole could be decorated like a tree but was small enough to move around and sweep under. Plus, who wants to wake up on Christmas morning, grab a gift, and get stung by a scorpion...NOT ME.<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>all the items needed for an amazing Festivus Pole<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The new traditions continued on Tuesday when I rode the bus by myself for the first time to get the ingredients for the eggnog I would be making. Wednesday evening I made eggnog, since you can't buy any here, and we went to the store to get all the ingredients needed for our Thanksgiving feast (and a box of American Donuts for the morning).<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Recipe will follow at the end of this post<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Thursday morning when we got up we had our eggnog and donuts while watching the Macy's Day Parade<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>When we were finished with that we got dressed and took some Christmas pictures<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>On Friday evening we decorated our Festivus Pole while drinking Carlo Rossi mixed with Gingerale...since it's $15 for a small bottle of Lanbrusco here<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>We hung the stockings mom and dad brought when they came in February on random nails in our livingroom<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Then we made another random decoration and hung lights. I must say this year has been great.<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote><b>Cooked Eggnog Recipe</b><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>8 egg yolks<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>1/3 cup sugar<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>16 ounces (1 pint) whole milk<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>1 cup heavy cream<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>2 tsp. nutmeg<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>In stand mixer bowl, beat egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until completely dissolved. Set aside.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Return everything to pot and cook until mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from heat and pour into a pitcher.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>This recipe was inspired by <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/eggnog-recipe2/index.html">Alton Browns recipe on the Food Network</a><blockquote></blockquote>
Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-49188419153367951852012-06-23T14:19:00.000-06:002012-06-26T09:40:35.675-06:00A Test of Faith<blockquote></blockquote>When we started this walk into "Wonderland" it was quite the adventure. Leaving everything we had known for so long...family, friends, culture, language, our church...and moving into a new adventure of life that God was calling us to. It's so exciting when you hit that point because you feel like you've arrived, that you're at the place God has called you to, so what more is there really? Now your living out the true calling! I remember the feelings I had a year ago...sadness muffled by the excitement of it all. I mean, how could we be sad? We are going out to do the Lords work. Then I remember arriving in Nicaragua and meeting the people we would live with for 3 weeks for the first time. I remember a feeling of gratitude towards them, that the longer I'm here, grows in immensity. Liz and Jed Brien, who never asked for a single thing, but opened their house to strangers...they fed us, showed us around, helped us find a car and a house. They explained Nicaraguan life and the ups and downs that come and go. Fast friends...and the wonder of it all is they never asked a single thing in return! Since we moved, distance has kept us apart...but we are forever indebted to these friends of ours who God so graciously put in our lives, with the help of Melissa Radliff (Thank you Melissa).<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>As this year has past the "adventure of it all" changed from "adventure" to life. We learned rather quickly that we hadn't arrived at anything. In fact it seems like God is working on us more than ever now. Everything changed in a blink of an eye. There are days when I wonder what I'm even doing, if anything at all. When we moved here all I knew was English so the opportunity for friends never, until recently, really presented itself. I felt so alone. I was in this house and felt so utterly helpless. I remember Preston leaving to go to the church or to go do some work and thinking, "What am I going to do if somebody comes by the house? (which happened often) What if something happens to the kids? How will I get help?". I remember having to get used to the fact that nobody understood me and I didn't understand anybody and my only friends were Preston and the kids. Poor Preston, all the pressure was on him, because he knew way more Spanish than I did. Now, looking back, I know that wasn't as much as I thought it was.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>We have learned a lot about people since we moved here. We've learned that when you're a missionary (I guess that's what you call us...we just followed Jesus here) you are not seen as one in the place you arrive. I mean, what if someone came to your home town and said, "I am a missionary and feel like God has called me and my family here." what would your response be to that? I think that everybody is called to serve wherever they are, so why does it have a special name when you're serving in another Country, or anywhere for that matter? Why ARE some people called to serve one place and other people called to serve another place? Do culture and government borders have any relevance to God when He's calling a person to go somewhere? Did the Nation of Isreal NEED a forenier named Ruth to unlock the blessings God had in store for those people. Couldn't He have just used an Israelite woman to start the Davidic line?<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>We have learned that many people think EVERYTHING is "cultural", if I never hear that word again in my life it will be too soon. It's true there are many cultural differences...Happy Birthday mariachi bands at 3 or 4am, constant fireworks, people walking for a funeral and holding up traffic in respect for the dead, being called whitey almost every time somebody I don't know addresses me, people trying to take advantage of us because of the color of our skin, being an hour late and still being early, no a/c, buying only what's needed for a day or two, no animal rights...this list continues, but these are a few. We understand the culture that we have moved to, not all the time, but most of the time. When we talk to people in the States they don't think we understand the "culture" that we are living in. On the same token, when we try to tell someone that something they are doing, here, just isn't biblical, again, we don't understand the culture. I've never in my life known so many people to use the word "culture", as a cop out, so often. Your "culture" should not go directly against what the bible says to do...am I wrong in this thinking? When somebody stands in my house and lies right in front of my face, then turns to me and says, "it's ok, it's cultural", I'm supposed to say, "OOOhhhhh, ok then"? No, I won't do that, because if that's a part of your culture, it's a part that you need to change in your life. Why? because it's biblical!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>I try to have patience but I also feel alone in the fact that many people who have been here on short term missions trips feel like they know my surroundings better than me. It's like a teenager who regularly goes to summer camp, and feels that they need to instruct the new counselors. Here's the thing, those counselors have already been trained. As have we, the difference is the person training us happens to be Christ. I just think when you follow the calling on your life, your provided with the appropriate training...this doesn't mean we are perfect, but it does mean we have a supernatural understanding and wisdom that we didn't have before. Don't you believe God can provide that? This is where the loneliness comes in.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Let's talk about the bible for a second shall we? Noah had the great and wonderful task to build an ark. I often think of Noah during my days here. How hard it must have been on him and his family, to daily be mocked. Do you think it was culturally relevant for him to be building an ark? These people had never seen rain! But as he continued God gave him supernatural training as he needed it. He spoke to Noah, He gave him wisdom and knowledge. Do we not believe that that same God can't effect us in similar ways today. I know I do, even if that makes me the object of ridicule and mocking. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Here's the thing, when I tell people we followed Christ here and, as of now, we rely fully on God prompting the hearts of those, who can, to support us, people don't understand. When I try to explain it, it brings further confusion. Some people just don't understand why we can't just get a job. It's simple...tent making opportunities, like Paul, right? Wrong, we aren't Paul, we our Carrie and Preston. We don't follow the calling He has on the lives of others, we follow the calling He has on our lives. The bible is meant to help us to be more Christ like, to help us know the man who died for our sins...not to provide a formula for life. Our "mission" here is to simply serve Nicaragua, the second poorest Country in this hemisphere, while asking nothing in return from these people, not money, not title, nor recognition. If a "workman is worthy of his hire", and you "don't muzzle the ox", then we refused the right to "earn" a living, and again, trust that our provision comes from the hearts that the Holy Spirit has touched. Most of you know Preston and I. You know that we aren't normal. Nothing will change that. Why? Well, we believe in following Christ in the way He directs us to. Sometimes that looks different, ok...a lot of times that looks different! Is different bad?<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>When John Wimber planted The Vineyard, it looked different. People were drawn to it, because he was following the Holy Spirit into a whole new way of life. Carol Wimber, his wife, didn't even believe in the gift of tongues, until she was awaken one night, with the Holy Spirit on her, speaking in tongues. He had a belief that to live as a Christian, you lived a life following Christ. In all the sermons I've seen of his, and I've seen quite a few, never did he say, "but make sure it's culturally relevant". What I did get from his sermons is follow the Holy Spirit wherever he leads you, no matter how different or stupid you look. We're talking about a man who would write an entire sermon, then, the Holy Spirit would fall on him, and he would throw the sermon away and preach on something entirely different, because, after all, it wasn't his ministry...it was Gods ministry. We're talking about a man who came home one day and decided to sell all of his belongings, because he felt that that is what he needed to do. We're talking about a man who, in the beginning, only knew the chapter of John and led people to Christ through that. Do you think he cared about culture or looking different? I don't. Some days I think about John...I wonder if he would be encouraging us now. I like to think he would.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The truth of the matter is this, I have leaders in my life. God, Christ, the Holy Spirit (3 in one as it were), my mother, my father, my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, John Wimber (I watch the sermons) these are the people I turn to. I was raised by two amazing people who followed Christ places that didn't make sense. I've watched them be hurt and tormented by people, and still give EVERYTHING that they have. These were my examples. My in-laws too. My Father-in-law who gave up a good paying job and became an artist and worked for himself. Both of these families have come through trial and tribulation and the entire time have fallen on God as their rock. Misunderstood, mistreated, misread, they continued come hell or high water...and never has God forsaken them. These are the people who molded us, who taught us, who continue to encourage us...and who pull us up from the depths when we need it most. Encouragement, love, believing, holding us from afar, praying for us...these are the people who help us continue when we feel like there's nothing left. Who remind us of the many reasons we're here. Who make us feel like followers, not failures. And this is who I blame for giving me the passion to follow Christ with all my mind, body and soul!Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-84928161624028309172012-04-04T15:40:00.002-06:002012-04-06T10:45:47.227-06:00Fill 'er Up<blockquote></blockquote>As many of you already know, Preston and I have been trying to sell our car. The reason we got Petrona (Our VW Bus) was to sell our car in order to come home for a visit and pay off the dentist (long story...I will explain in another post). We were asking for $5,000 for the car, then we dropped it to $4,800. We bought it for $5,000 and have only been driving it for about 7 months...although a bus had sideswiped us in it! One day the Lord really fell on Preston and let him know that we would be practically giving the car away. That it had been a blessing to us when we needed it and now it would be a blessing to somebody else. A couple days later I had a check up at the dentist office, and he asked about the car. We told him that we would be willing to sell it to him for the remainder of the dental work we owed plus $2,000 so that we could come home for a visit. That night we met him and he took us to his house/church. Apparently my dentist is a Pastor as well, his wife is in the States talking at conferences about leadership in the church. He and a few people from his church were telling us about the value of leadership and sowing into the leaders you have...and how it grows the church and leads to the reproduction of disciples. They were telling us about the apostolic and discipleship making calling God has on their church. Preston and I really loved talking with them about everything God is doing and really felt like God had brought us to this dentist, his house, to make the sell of this car...for a major reason. We just aren't quite sure what that reason is yet. We can really see a friendship growing here and are excited to see what the future holds with this relationship. So there is a very shortened version of the sell of are car and what went into that. And now for Petrona...<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Oh, Petrona...she's definitely my girl! When I haven't worked out for a couple days she does me the favor of running out of gas or breaking down so that I can get off my butt and do some work. Or if I'm really hot, again, she has the courtesy to do me the same favor so I can produce more sweat which in turn will cool me down IF a small gust of wind should come...really pushing her gives me vitamin D from the sun, exercise, a tan...See...What did I say? Petrona totally wants to see me healthy and tan! The funny thing is, when she does break down or run out of gas I never really feel hopeless or mad in any way. Even though we have no a/c and 3 kids with us when it's happening. I'm always giving her "at a girls" when shes running smoothly to try to encourage her to continue on this wonderful path. I have really gotten used to the fact that no matter what when you get in Petrona you really never know what is going to happen. I'm sure our friends here think we are completely nuts for selling are good car with a/c for so cheap and using Petrona as our only vehicle, we have been told many times that we are crazy. The thing is, nothing we do is off the cuff. I know it may seem like we're just crazy kids living this crazy "missionary" life style...but we really do pray and listen for what we should do next every time we make decisions. Listen, when we knew we would be living in Nicaragua we always envisioned we would be in something like Petrona, and were very blessed that we had the car for the time we did, and are even more blessed that we could pass that on to somebody who needs it and grow a relationship. Nothing bad has come from the many mishaps with Petrona, in fact we have met amazingly nice people who are always ready and willing to help us in any way possible. I remember the day Preston took me to see Petrona for the first time...I knew that she would be ours and she was going to be something special! And man is she ever. She has taught me the peace of Christ because in every situation with her I have this unexplainable peace. I could go on, but continuing to talk about our bus like a person might actually start to freak some people out and you may even think that in the months we've been here I've completely lost my mind.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>So here's the story most of you probably came to the site to see today...here it goes...<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Yesterday started much like any other day. I peeled myself out of bed at 5am completely drenched in sweat because of the awful hot weather right now. I splashed some water on my face and did my workout. When I was done with that I started on the mountain of dishes from the day before, I was just too tired to actually do them the night before. I took a shower and prayed that God make the water cool enough so that I wasn't still sweating when I got out (no such luck). As I got dressed I gave Preston a kiss on the cheek and let him know it was time to get up and start the day. Every morning we start the day with an hour coffee time...this is something we've done for years and will continue to do forever. As we had our coffee I hung the clothes on the line to dry. Like I said, a typical morning...although, this wasn't a typical morning because today was the day we had been invited by Doug and Julie Effinger to come spend the day with them at their beach house. We are definitely beach people so we were all over that invitation...plus we just LOVE the Effingers. So we got our bathing suites on, grabbed some towels, sunscreen, ibuprofen (the waves can be brutal and I'm old) and snacks and piled into Petrona for the long journey to the beach. On our way we stopped off at the corner fruit stand to get sliced fruit for breakfast and stopped at the store to get sandwich stuff for lunch. We pulled Petrona into the gas station to feed her big ol' belly. We had just put some gas in the day before so we only put about $10 in. Petrona doesn't have a working gas gauge so Preston marked a stick and that's what we use to see how much gas she needs. Then we were off!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>On the way to the beach there wasn't very much traffic even though there was a little road work here and there. We coasted down toward La Boquita (the beach) admiring the beautiful Country we are living in. I looked out at all the hills completely dry and brown and Preston and I discussed how dry it is right now, and how there must be a lot of wild fires out here. You see, people who live in the Country and in the City burn their trash, so some of the places we passed were completely black as far as the eye could see...that made me think wild fire. We were enjoying the drive, it was going well...the roads were smooth everyone and was in a good mood. The occasional, "Are we there yet?" chimed from the back seat, and was usually followed up by some kind of singing or giggling. We continued on past the turn for La Boquita because the Effingers beach house is in a more remote location. At one point a wasp or bee flew into the bus and ended up stinging Preston. We got pulled over once, but once the officer saw me fanning the kids with a flimsy piece of paper, he had pity on us and let us go. A couple more insects with stingers appeared here and there, I was beginning to think there was some kind of nest hidden in our vehicle. The road changed from paved to dirt, dirt to rocky, rocky to potholed, back to dirt and this cycle continued for a while. At one point Preston looked at me and said, "Hmmmm, maybe we should have gotten a little more gas". I remember thinking, well that's not something I want to hear...the last gas station was miles back. Finally, we got to the beach house. We asked the Effingers if there was a gas station anywhere near by, they let us know it was about 25-30 miles away, back in town. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>The day was beautiful. We talked, laid in hammocks, ate lunch together, talked some more, went swimming, surfed some waves, sat in rocking chairs, talked some more...Joe and Doug took a walk along the beach and talked while Preston and Raymond road the boogie board and surfed the waves, Caroline just would run in the water then run out with this cute little silly laugh. When we came in (which is an open porch right on the beach) the kids built stuff in the sand and Caroline made sand angels...it was fabulous...and all the kids were FULL of sand. As the sun started to set we were longingly looking out at the water thinking, "I WANT TO GO BACK IN!" but we had to head back while we still had some light. We all agreed that we had to do this again, and next time we should stay the night. We showed Doug and Julie how cool Petrona was, Preston checked the gas and said, "There should be more then enough to make it to town"...we all piled in and started the journey home. Doug told us to call if we had any troubles, but we were pretty sure we would be fine. As we drove away I remember thinking, I wish this day never had to end...little did I know it would soon feel like it never WOULD end.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>As we started the drive back to town I was thinking, "What was I thinking this morning when I didn't grab a shirt to change into?" The tied knot in the back of my super cute swimsuit was digging deeper and deeper into my back. I could feel a bruise starting to form. Every time I wear this suite I have this problem, you'd think by now I'd just grab an extra shirt. Then my thoughts went from that to a small prayer about Petrona not running out of gas in the middle of nowhere, especially now that it was starting to get dark. Just about this time I hear a spu-spu-spudering sound. Insert Preston, "Oh man, what's happening? come on Petrona....what's going on?" spu-spu-spu...dead! At this moment all I could think was, "Man, I wonder if we're going to eat dinner tonight because I am so hungry right now." This was immediately followed up by an urge to start laughing uncontrollably. It took everything in me to hold back, because I knew if I let lose Preston really might think he married a crazy person, we weren't at the, "this is such a funny story" point of this "adventure" yet. We were about 15 miles from town, we were in the middle of nowhere, it was dark and Petrona had run out of gas. We called the Effingers 3 times but figured they weren't getting service or something. We were in front of some kind of ranch, so we pushed Petrona further off the road and took the 3 tired kids out of the van. I could see a bunch of small fires off in the distance from behind the gate of this ranch. We saw somebody with a flashlight and tried to get their attention, but no such luck. So, we stuck out our thumbs and hoped for a passing car to pick us up. The boys were all too eager to hitch a ride, I kept having to pull them back from the road and tell them to stand behind me. The cars flew past one after another, but nobody seemed to want to pick up a hitch-hiking family of 5 at night. At one point Preston said out loud, "Lord please just send a vehicle to pick us up" I'm talking seconds after Preston uttered these words a truck passed and stopped...Preston ran up to the truck and they agreed to take us to town. We had a bottle that would probably fit $5 of gas in it, so we all piled into the back of this truck. As I got in, the tailgate nearly fell off and I thought, "Oh, great these people are going think I'm completely destroying their truck and kick us out!" The trip into town was a long one, about half way there I started wondering how we were going to get another bottle to put gas in, because what we had would not be enough. The truck we sat in was a work truck and was full of some kind of white sand. Periodically the tail gate would fly open and sand would fly into all of our eyes. At one point Preston put his hand on my leg and said, "I'm sorry honey". I just looked into his eyes and thought to myself, there's not a person in the world I would rather be living this life with. How lucky am I? It doesn't matter what life may throw at us, as long as I have my best friend by my side, it's just another adventure. At no time during this was I scared...just hungry. Then, the truck abruptly came to a stop but we weren't in town and there wasn't a gas station in sight. Thoughts of having to walk the rest of the way ran through my head, but fortunately the driver was being dropped off and his wife took over. When we got into town, the woman dropped us off, and all I could think was, "Thank you God for getting us here". <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Now Preston only had $200 cords on him, which is about $10. We walked to a gas station (the woman dropped us off a couple blocks from one) and hoped that they took credit...they didn't. Preston went looking for another bottle to put gas into, and a store owner was nice enough to give him one he had lying around for free. Our plan had been to buy the gas with credit and pay a taxi, if we could find one, to take us back to the van. The gas station didn't take credit, so Preston put $120 cords of gas in a container and went to a nearby clusters of mototaxis. He asked how much it would be to take us back to our van and nobody would go lower than $200 cords. It was quite a ways out (15 miles or so) and exactly the amount both of us thought it would be, so we asked if there was a place with an ATM nearby. Fortunately, there was another gas station near by and Preston was able to get money out and fill the other bottle. The ride back to the van was a long one in the little mototaxi, but felt shorter than the ride to the gas station. Caroline and Raymond fell asleep and Joe was in and out. At one point Preston started to laugh and again I was reminded we are a match made in heaven. I told him about having to hold back when we ran out of gas and he was appreciative that I did. We were a small distance from the van and could see fire in the distance, it looked like a forest fire. Visions of an out of control fire engulfing our Petrona went through my head. Suddenly, we saw Petrona, she was fine! We paid the mototaxi driver, no sooner had the money touched his hand and he was gone. I put the kids in the van and Preston and I put the gas into her. We pushed her into a position where she could get gas. Finally...she started and we were on our way back into town to get more gas. Preston was wondering why the gas seemed to be gone so quickly...I just figured she was a gas guzzler. We got into town and as we pulled in front of the gas pump she died. We put gas in her and started driving out of the gas station. Spu-spu-spu dead! Preston fiddled with the engine...nothing! We tried push starting a couple times...still nothing. A taxi driver and the guy at the pump tried helping a couple times, but they gave up. I went to the door, got in the van and thought to myself...I'm just going to sleep here tonight. Preston looked at me and said, "Come on, let's push." then he looked behind us and said, "Oh did the guys who were helping leave?" I nodded yes and sluggishley sauntered to the back of the van to push again. I started pushing and just then a man came up from behind to help...she started! I thanked him and we continued home. We made it all the way to the front of our neighborhood, accidentally sideswiped the guards car but there was no damage. We made it home. No I did not make the kids take a freezing cold shower, I let them go to bed all sandy and gross! Preston and I took showers and collapsed. Preston made some dip and we ate chips and dip for dinner...WHAT A DAY!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>MEET PETRONA...take a look at her insides<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Preston checking the gas<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>The back<blockquote></blockquote>
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The back seat...we just discovered that this isn't actually bolted down. It is our goal to get it bolted down and seat belts for the kids.
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This is how we lock the back door
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<blockquote></blockquote>The front seat<blockquote></blockquote>
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None of these gauges actually work
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This is our review mirror...at this time we have no side mirrors, but we hope to get some one day :)
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This is a common position for Preston...this is the actual moment he realized the carburetor gasket is bad and she's leaking gas
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MtzpzkbyghDfNb4DJAq-0BlfGwYoypjcgdNQUwsafLOxncQKrmYOvxSYWZVyW2DxjkMZD4qXmQdsXk-G70uVp16jdG68HJE-P3Bdd0A73V8uYoWC6KDQVJlI6IDcRdVx1iswZJsg0rI/s1600/March+2012+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MtzpzkbyghDfNb4DJAq-0BlfGwYoypjcgdNQUwsafLOxncQKrmYOvxSYWZVyW2DxjkMZD4qXmQdsXk-G70uVp16jdG68HJE-P3Bdd0A73V8uYoWC6KDQVJlI6IDcRdVx1iswZJsg0rI/s320/March+2012+017.JPG" /></a></div>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-27388797595540778492012-03-20T20:59:00.000-06:002012-03-21T09:19:04.564-06:00All-in-One<blockquote></blockquote>WOW...these past couple of weeks have been quite eventful...sometimes it seems like the week is over before it even begins! I have so much to talk about that this really is an "all-in-one" kind of blog post. And the heat...OOOHHHHHHHH the heat! it's been pretty dang hot here, and I hear next month will be worse. You know when you walk outside in Texas this time of year...and you walk straight into a swarm of gnats? Or fly season when they seem to be everywhere? That's what it's like with the mosquitoes here right now. I mean they've always been here, but I will sit down and they fly up like dust particles...I'm not joking. I light coils, plug in raid and spray...still our skin is looking quite lumpy from the many bites we've gotten. I've been sick for the past 3 or 4 days...I'm pretty sure it was a parasite because when I started taking the medication, I started feeling better...parasite medication is disgusting...yuck!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>On the up side though, we have been doing a lot. Last week I got a chance to snap some pictures of the English class we do at our house...the kids on our street come and Preston teaches them English. I just teach them songs like...the hokey poky and head, shoulders, knees and toes. I'm sure they think I'm crazy hahaha<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>This handsome young man raising his hand is David...he lives a few houses down and his mom runs a store out of their house. She will be coming over this week to learn how to make pizza. She told me the last time she made it for her husband the crust was so thick that he wouldn't eat it. We have short conversations because my Spanish isn't very good, but I like her a lot. I pray blessings on this family all the time.<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>The girl with her head down to the right is Gabriella. The first time she came to class she was crying because she didn't want to be here, but since then she has warmed up nicely. Her mom is from Honduras and her father is from Korea (I think)...she is so sweet...and her little brother runs over to our house all the time and squishes his little chubby cheeks up against the gate. I just love that!<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Here's a shot of all of the kids! Raymond, Joe and Caroline normally join in the class and learn some Spanish. They enjoy Tuesday's and Wednesday's so much<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>I really like this kid...I can't remember his name right now and Preston's at a church meeting or I would ask him. He says, "Hi" to us every time he sees us<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Of coarse I had to get one of Preston teaching in there...he's so dreamy!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>So the past few weeks really have been crazy and I've learned a lot...especially through our homeschooling experience. One thing I learned is I can't do everything. Another thing I learned is everything doesn't have to be perfect. I broke down and got the kids www.spellingcity.com/ and www.ixl.com/ for math. That coupled with the hooked on phonics math, spelling and reading...has been amazing. Here are a few pics of them doing one of the hooked on phonics math games together. (Please note I know the photos you are about to see aren't the best in the world, but they were working together without fighting which is pretty cute...also, Caroline's hair is special and I thought the world should be privy to such an atrocity)<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>As some of you may know my 30th birthday is less than a week away. I started working on Preston aboout our "need" for a sewing machine quite some time ago...and subtly hinted here or there (on facebook). Anyway, I knew that this could save us money on things like clothing and such...and as a plus it would give me a creative out. I would look at sewing projects on Pinterest and long to be doing them myself...yeah I know...I'm a freak. Well, imagine my surprise when Walter and Susan Bennett from the Conroe Vineyard offered to get it for me. This week, the day I got sick, I purchased said sewing machine. It felt like the best day of my life. I just imagined all the possibilities of thing I could do with it. Hemming pants, sewing holes in shorts and jeans, making pajama shorts for the kids, possibly making a dress or two for Caroline. I was so determined that I braved the Oriental Market with our friends Donnie and Eva while sick to my stomach. It was fun...Eva introduced us to the man who she got all the fabric from her wedding from and he ended up giving me the 2 yards of fabric for FREE! I was ecstatic. I did learn a few things...like...a pattern is what you draw on a newspaper and cut out yourself. When I've asked about patterns people look at me like I'm crazy. Also, I learned that cotton isn't everywhere, I'm not exactly sure what kind of fabric I got, but I know there wasn't any cotton. Here is a picture of the glorious sewing machine...I can't thank the Bennetts enough.<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>The next lesson I learned came today when I was actually well enough to start sewing. I had a pair of Preston's jeans ironed and pinned to hem them (along with the long list of jeans that I was going to hem stacking up in my head:)...I learned quite quickly that you need a more durable needle for hemming jeans. I discovered this when I pushed on the peddle to start my first sewing job and the needle broke. Luckily I had bought some at the market. I went and got the fabric and started on the pajama shorts for Raymond. With a few clicks of the mouse I discovered how to thread the bobbin, needle and thanks to pinterest...how to make a pair of pajama pants/shorts without a pattern...here's what I ended up with<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>I know they aren't perfect but I did learn a lot on my very first sewing adventure...EVER IN MY LIFE! I had tried sewing before, but the machine would never work for me...now that I have one that works...I'm so excited.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Okay, so I will end on this...this is why I have the best and worst husband in the world!<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>I was craving cream cheese danishes, so he made them...and now he won't stop. Seriously people...one day I ate four of them...<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Dear God, please forgive my gluttony...P.S. Please make my husband stop making me be a glutton. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Yours Truley,<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Carrie Kolb<blockquote></blockquote>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-35025180652407885152012-03-01T16:19:00.000-06:002012-03-01T16:19:10.586-06:00A Visit to Sooth the Soul<blockquote></blockquote>Hello people...I know it's been quite some time since my last post. So much has been happening around here. It seems like the longer you go without writing, the harder it is to pin something down to write about. The overwhelming feeling of remembering everything you've done keeps you from the small task of picking a story or two and running with it. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>We've changed things up a biton the homeschooling front. I am basically "getting through" this year with the help of Hooked on Phonics Reading, Spelling and Math. Raymond has his books and curriculum which was sent to us by a Christian School in California, which has been a total blessing. We have, however, figured out that it's not the right curriculum for us. It's not that the curriculum is bad in any way at all, one of the problems is that my 8 year old has to know how to completely navigate a page (which would probably be easier if we weren't in a Country where internet access cuts off frequently). Every time he navegates away from the page it causes a "0". Even so, Raymond is still making A's and B's...the main problem is that he has to log in every day to get credit. This does not in any way work for us and our schedules as a missionary family. Not only do we not know exactly when we will have interent, but we also have to leave the Country every 3 months to renew our visas, help when teams come in town, when family visits the kids are on vacation...we have got to have a more flexible program. Next year Raymond will be in 3rd grade, and I have purchased Switched on Schoolhouse for him...this will be better and all of the kids can use it...yay!<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>On a more personal level, my parents came to visit in February. Oh my heavens! It was the most relaxing, wonderful time I've had in a long time.
<blockquote></blockquote>We went to Ometepe Island for a few days<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>The kids and Dad rode horses<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Mom and Dad relaxed in hammicks while Caroline played with her new barbie doll...yay<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>The kiddos hung out together<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>We went to Ojo de Agua<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote> We happened upon La Vina Ometepe<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Mom, Dad, Preston, Neenaw and I enjoyed the Island...and the kids enjoyed having their family here for what seemed like the blink of an eye.<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Mom enjoyed showing these kiddos what a smart phone is...they were so excited to have their picture taken<blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote></blockquote> Then there was this...hahahaha<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Next was Granada<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote> The boat ride was beautiful<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Gotta love those Monkeys<blockquote></blockquote>
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<blockquote></blockquote>Next was Volcano Masya<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Then we spent a few days at our home in Managua. Everything you read above is not anything we do in a normal day here in Nicaragua. In fact that's the most we've seen of the Country since we moved here. My parents and Neenaw coming to visit us was refreshing and so much fun. When they left, it was heart breaking. Everybody was sad...I barley got the kids out of the airport before the crying started. We explained to the children that we were all sad and let them know how much we loved them. When we got home from the airport Preston had to leave to teach an English class in another town...the kids and I watched a movie, nobody said anything...there were just tears :( Joe put himself to bed about 5 minutes into the movie and slept for a few hours. I kept excusing myself to cry in the bathroom...until Raymond came to me and said, "What's wrong mom?" I said, "I miss them" and he said, "it's ok...we all miss them". It took a good 3 days for the crying to stop and a bit of normallsy to return. I think that really is the hardest part of being here, saying goodbye to friends and family.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote>Okay, so now that you're completely depressed...life is back to normal. I've discovered pinterest which has been wonderful for my love of cooking. We cut down to meat once a week since it's kind of expensive...so it's helped with finding foods I can make here. I started P90X and have been working out in the mornings...and I'm trying to find a sewing machine so I can start making the kids clothes because buying them is so much more expensive here. I will be making more frequent posts to keep yáll updated...sorry about the break. One more thing, we are now officially the Youth Pastors at our church!<blockquote></blockquote>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-51414407478642432802011-12-17T11:20:00.000-06:002011-12-17T11:21:25.875-06:00Church Anniversary 2011<blockquote></blockquote>Here is the video from the 9th anniversary of our church in case you didn't see it on facebook...see if you can point out our kids...lol. Joe didn't want to participate because he didn't want to wear something that looked like a dress...hahaha<blockquote></blockquote><br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LQOxjYMvAsQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-39260556581805485182011-12-16T12:31:00.001-06:002011-12-17T13:40:03.761-06:00The Spiritual EpiphanyFirst of all I want to say a great big huge, "THANK YOU" to Andrea Moede. Andrea and Preston used to go to school together and she has been such a blessing in our lives. She was able to pull family and friends together to donate for us to get this much needed computer. Now I'm able to blog again and, more importantly, to have resources for the kids and their schooling. So today I was looking at one of my go to homeschool blogs, <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/">Confessions of a Homeschooler</a> and came across <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/tag/homeschool-enrichment">10 Days of Homeschooling Enrichment</a>. I thought to myself "this may help add some structure or something to what I'm doing right now" so I went to day 1 <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/02/10-days-of-homeschooling-enrichment-day.html"></a> I filled out "Our Vision for Homeschooling" question #5 asked this...and these were my answers:
<blockquote></blockquote><b>"5. What do I want my child to be like; what is the goal of our parenting when they leave this home?
a. Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.” When your child has grown to maturity, what do you desire to see as fruit in their lives?"</b><blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><b>"b. Mentally (in wisdom):" </b>
I want them to have wisdom beyond their years. I want them to know Jesus Christ and the heart of the man who walked this earth and died for our sins. I want them to not only be mentally sound, but to be able to show and guide others by the wisdom they have.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><b>"c. Physically (in stature):"</b>
Physically I want them to aim to achieve higher goals than ever possible. To be happy with their appearance, healthy, care for their body, cleanliness. I want them to take pride in who they are, yet be humble enough to still hear from and be guided by the Father. <blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><b>"d. Spiritually (in favor with God):"</b>
Spiritually I want them to have favor with God. To know His voice and recognize His calling on their life when they are being called. To never be afraid of doing what the Father has called them to but to walk in confidence fulfilling the life He has made for them. I want them to know that however big or small the decision He is right there with them, making it with them. Seeking the Father in the many life changing decisions they will make, and following Him even when they don’t understand why things are happening the way they are.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote><b>"e. Socially (in favor with men):"</b>
Socially I not only want but also expect our children to show the love and grace that has been shown to them. That they except other people and cultures and not get stuck or caught up in the religion of it all. That they remember that we are followers of Christ himself and judgment and criticism have no place here. That God can use a man, no matter where he is in life, and to remember that when they want to throw a stone. To remember that our mouths can be a tool or a weapon, and what is meant for good can also destroy. To not walk in rejection but in the Glory of the Father who has made them, cared for them and trusted them with much responsibility.<blockquote></blockquote>
<blockquote></blockquote> This helped me so much in realizing the kind of children I want to spiritually raise and the expectations I have for them. It just makes it more of a reality when it's put on paper (or computer) that one day these little rugrats will be adults, all grown up and living the life God has called them to. Now I have a base of what I want our homeschooling to look like...this was so helpful to me.<blockquote></blockquote>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-76257873554326582122011-10-31T12:32:00.001-06:002011-12-16T12:43:42.891-06:00Don't QuitToday from the moment I woke up I was reciting the "Don't Quit" poem I learned in 4th grade (I think that's the only thing I learned that year) over and over and over again in my head. Not only are Raymond, Caroline and I sick with strep throat...but the thought of having to teach without any help from the internet (printouts, games, videos, bible stories...the list goes on) was a bit overwhelming to me. I am a definite planner, I like everything to be ready for me so I don't really have to think about whats coming next. Here's the thing, I'm all about going with the flow, but there's gotta be some structure for me to function. So during our coffee time I bring up to Preston, "What am I even doing. Maybe we can find a cheap school. I don't even know if the kids are learning anything from me. We can't find the supplies we need and when we do they're way too expensive...I just don't know...are we hurting them or helping them?" Being the most awesome supportive husband ever, he reminds me how much I have enjoyed it up until this point. Letting me know how much he's seen the kids grow since having school at home. Giving me an "at-a-boy" and telling me how much better they're doing then they would in school because I'm able to give them the individual attention they need. He said a lot of things that helped. I thanked him and made a plan of some things we would be doing this week that wouldn't really need a computer. I came into the school room with my ideas of what school was going to look like...fingers crossed that our mini would work just long enough for Raymond to get his tests done online. NOTHING has worked on this thing and I worry about Raymonds grades, but again...why worry? There's really nothing that can be done at this point. Anyway, God was totally on our side today because the mini worked long enough for Raymond to take his tests, and then we even got a youtube Boca Beth video out of it. Really this computer doesn't play video, sound or anything that has any kind of movement so it's really hard to do anything on it. It was a Christmas miracle. Last night we had some friends say that they wanted to help us get a new computer so we've started trying to find something on the cheap side here...it just amazes me...no matter how much God takes care of us and gives us what we need, when we need it...every time...it amazes me. Here is the poem...Don't Quit
<blockquote></blockquote> When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown<blockquote></blockquote>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-15075169905988945752011-10-26T11:17:00.000-06:002011-10-26T11:35:56.223-06:00A Nicaraguan ChristmasThis is the same post from our missionary blog at <a href="http://bigpicturemissions.wordpress.com"></a>. If you've already read that, you don't have to also read this post. Thank you to all of you who keep up with us via our blogs. Okay, so here's what's been going on around our household for the past couple weeks...First of all the mother board went out on our computer so I'm not able to upload any pics at the moment. Our pastor let us borrow a computer, but it also hasn't worked since we brought it home :( Computers here seem to be very expensive and we can't really afford one right now, but trying to homeschool our children without internet, when all the programs we use are online, is really setting us back and frustrating me. Nevertheless, God has always provided for us so if we have to do school into the summer, then that's just what we're going to have to do. Right now in Nicaragua the Christmas season has officially started. It's quite weird to go into the mall in October and hear Christmas music playing and see the Christmas tree going up complete with an area for Santa. We've discovered that things are done a little different here when it comes to Christmas, so here's to a season of all sorts of new and exciting tradition! December 24th is really the day of celebration here. So, everybody gets new clothes for Christmas Eve and wears their new outfit all day. They spend time with family and have time together all day. At midnight the kids open their presents and dinner is served...yes I did say MIDNIGHT! Also at midnight fireworks/bombs go off...kinda' like New Years. We already let the kids know, to make it all the way around the world in one night, Santa brings presents a day early here in Nicaragua...they seem to be ok with that. Then at around 3 am we head off to the beach to spend Christmas day. We've been invited to go to the beach and join in this tradition, so Christmas is going to be much different this year, but we're excited about it. Christmas is more about family here, and a lot less about presents...from what we understand at this point, so we've been preparing the kiddos for the shock of Christmas morning having about 2 gifts each under the tree...plus we are working with sponsorships here, so I think that is sufficient. Also, they each brought 1 toy when we moved here, so anything other than a cardboard box, at this point, I think they would be happy with. Although we have gotten a lot of great use out of that cardboard box and suitcases...we've got three incredible imaginations here.Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-62459034302667939752011-10-12T17:03:00.001-06:002011-10-12T17:51:56.585-06:00School DaysWell the past 3 days have been pretty exciting as a teacher. I think I'm falling into the roll. I have to say, "I think", because my boys are constantly remining me how their "real" teachers did things...or "Mrs. Hiracheta says that" or "Mrs. Witt has that"...conversations often go like this, "Mom you know what my teacher said?" I say, "Yes, because I'm your teacher". "No, my real teacher at Sam Houston Elementary." I love that my children had such great teachers...I wonder if they will EVER think of me as one. My saving grace is Caroline...when she asks, "Mommy, have I ever been to school?" I answer, "Of coarse, you're in it right now." She gets all happy and excited about me being her teacher, and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Speaking of teaching I want to give a great big huge "Thank You" to Carisa from 1+1+1=1 and to my bestie Shayla (it helps that she's a teacher and is willing to talk with Raymond over the computer to help him if he's just not getting it). So, we started school a while ago, but officially started in the new room this week. The first day we had no table, thus, everything was done on the floor...
Caroline practiced cutting paper
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while Joe and Raymond worked on the "monsters" greater than and less than. Raymond did a great job at helping Joe with this...and even got Joe adding to see which was the bigger number
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The next day we had a table...yay...and we continued learning about "monster" greater than and less than (the boys loved this). I went with a calendar binder since we couldn't find half the stuff for the board...this is actually good for us because the kids love writing everything...then I write some of the basics from it on the white board.
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Caroline throws a fit while the boys enjoy math
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It's pretty convienent that our sliding door to the outside is magnetic...this makes a great spot to hang our projects!
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While Caroline gets ready for A...
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Joe writes the memory verse...did I mention how great 1+1+1=1 is yet?
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More of the board...
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I started at "Aa" this week because I wasn't sure where to start, but next week I'm going in the order Carisa did them in...I think that will be easier. That along with our Time4Learning (thank you Shayla) and our Kirwood Homeschooling Program (this is mainly for Raymond)...and we've got enough to keep us busy for some time :) Which is important because I'm quickly realizing variety is key!
Caroline and the Apple Puzzle
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Raymond copying the bible verses since we ran out of ink and it was too light to see
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Caroline with her lacy apple
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the board is progressing
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Joe with his sight word puzzle
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Caroline trying out the sight word puzzle...she did a great job
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I hope I wasn't over zealous with the pictures...but it's just so much fun!Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-80271287678302504822011-10-06T13:37:00.001-06:002011-10-06T15:07:45.887-06:00Pitty Party and the Holiday debateI'm so completely overwhelmed right now. There are some great sites that I use for this homeschooling fun but I don't even know where to begin. It's not only that though. Lately I have really been missing friends and family. When I asked a friend what they do here for Halloween and the response was, "Nada", I was a little sad for the kiddos. Look...I know Halloween is this big huge Christian debate, along with Christmas (Santa Clause and trees) and Easter (the Easter bunny) but I think children using their imaginations is fun and wise. I like the fact that they get to dress up and get excited for Christmas presents and can't wait for the Easter bunny to bring candy. I think it's my job to make sure that they also know Jesus was born and died for our sins, but why make them suffer while explaining this point? So they what...associate not getting to do fun stuff with Jesus (especially his birth and resurrection). Children are just that...children! When I was a kid I loved these times of the year and I want my kids to have experiences like that too. Imagination is just that...IMAGINATION...why cut it short? Our children are growing up fast enough...I like it when they act like children and I can see how easy life can be for them. One day they will be adults and hopefully they will be telling their children how much fun it was for them. The truth is I love Halloween...I love the fall fun festival at church...and I love that everybody dresses up and comes together to have fun and eat candy. My dentist may not love this, but I do. Fall is a wonderful time of year, one of my favorites. It's a time of family and fun, just writing this post brings tears to my eyes knowing that I won't be around family for Thanksgiving. Not only that, people here don't do anything for Thanksgiving...why would they? And then there's Christmas every Christmas eve my mother makes us breakfast for the morning...all I have to do is wake up and put it in the oven. Then my in-laws come over while we unwrap presents and that's followed up by Christmas lunch/dinner at my parents house. One things for sure...since fall has come my spirits have dropped. This will be the hardest season for me. I know we are doing what we are called to do, but these are some of the thoughts that go through my head...this is one of the not so easy days of being a missionary. Here are some pics from the past...
The Scooby Doo gang...minus Scooby (year 2009)
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Shayla and I spent quite some time getting all these costumes done...I made Carolines princess skirt
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Little Spongebob
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Bumblebee Transformer
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Raggedy Ann
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Spongebob and Patrick
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Church camping trip
2009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2010
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Thanksgiving...last year we did over 300 pies
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Black Friday at it's finest
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Christmas
2009
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2010
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setting up the Christmas tree
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Please notice all the beautiful snowmen...they're my favorite!
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<b>New Years Eve/Prestons birthday</b>
2009
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2010
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New Years Day
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and I miss this...
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-qob3odW1ll4QMoIHKIbuN-JdBrRLf3_YNY39RyQ26tJJThnRSZs3zK0undBO5lVQbqvFwQSTgG5UNNNi8qq3Rmy2YfHTJWc4b6vshS8lk1SU2isyTzkG3vxM5ERLkDErU7wnA0mcUc/s1600/168172_497670551028_555011028_6319059_5463482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-qob3odW1ll4QMoIHKIbuN-JdBrRLf3_YNY39RyQ26tJJThnRSZs3zK0undBO5lVQbqvFwQSTgG5UNNNi8qq3Rmy2YfHTJWc4b6vshS8lk1SU2isyTzkG3vxM5ERLkDErU7wnA0mcUc/s320/168172_497670551028_555011028_6319059_5463482_n.jpg" /></a></div>
Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-62732953450155960452011-10-05T13:17:00.000-06:002011-10-06T21:53:56.893-06:00Yay for fall fun!After school and lunch yesterday one of our good friends in Nicaragua stopped by the house with his son...I love when that happens. His son played with Raymond, Joe and Caroline while we sat on the porch and had a nice conversation with him. I had planned a time to go out and play in the neighborhood park because the children become wild maniacs in this house sometimes. I recently had been checking out blogs for a craft and found a great fall one for the kids...The kids were going to make a tree...so when our friends left we got a little basket and headed out to find our fall leaves. <br />
Caroline found a fake red flower (I know this isn't a fall leaf but she loved it)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwienPsAg-_0cELrmuK6kiuy19JptzO4DukVzXNIDG4u7ChhxeIirI_4jvFRc-PT4pUU9ddWSG8dOfpAcH5TGqTQVykOBChu2d6rfcyYGo-m79P-4jqmttNSzjVtn0kBdf3ViN2s0yZA/s1600/October+2011+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="271" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwienPsAg-_0cELrmuK6kiuy19JptzO4DukVzXNIDG4u7ChhxeIirI_4jvFRc-PT4pUU9ddWSG8dOfpAcH5TGqTQVykOBChu2d6rfcyYGo-m79P-4jqmttNSzjVtn0kBdf3ViN2s0yZA/s320/October+2011+003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht24bz5k8L0w8fX_c0pJMGSRUYlqnZh40FybMMaqz1WGs2HMYw0J0XN14sOT9nFh9nOVZHuLosoTgdUDA8sg-2It7RqhC72pSqz_NDn4-sUdEGyGf6Pt8bnRNncmsz8hKTzkau8MWsvTU/s1600/October+2011+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="255" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht24bz5k8L0w8fX_c0pJMGSRUYlqnZh40FybMMaqz1WGs2HMYw0J0XN14sOT9nFh9nOVZHuLosoTgdUDA8sg-2It7RqhC72pSqz_NDn4-sUdEGyGf6Pt8bnRNncmsz8hKTzkau8MWsvTU/s320/October+2011+004.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXEAlKT6vKzB0PcL7396dAqpgbtpYFYDHSVjNXSFTqQDWuScg7HBmEtRX5A1laAOxHMn7ltO8fEw0tqRLkVky4Uyn067PMy_6KI_rFb28-FW1lwpjAIuXT4TAbSAdlNvhh_06iwuEM2Q/s1600/October+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="230" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXEAlKT6vKzB0PcL7396dAqpgbtpYFYDHSVjNXSFTqQDWuScg7HBmEtRX5A1laAOxHMn7ltO8fEw0tqRLkVky4Uyn067PMy_6KI_rFb28-FW1lwpjAIuXT4TAbSAdlNvhh_06iwuEM2Q/s320/October+2011+005.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB7Ur3eo-RTJUWZNRs8dNEGC6KZeuKRAxQbUw00pfM5EuOz-1V4Z3Funo_Kk7KQU7BvNC0CSnW5eAFsFNvXQrnYTdsGjtrgn2x11_3tvpuaFi4h2OHQV_rOlHuxlDQEbAy-KB-5Zl-n8/s1600/October+2011+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="247" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB7Ur3eo-RTJUWZNRs8dNEGC6KZeuKRAxQbUw00pfM5EuOz-1V4Z3Funo_Kk7KQU7BvNC0CSnW5eAFsFNvXQrnYTdsGjtrgn2x11_3tvpuaFi4h2OHQV_rOlHuxlDQEbAy-KB-5Zl-n8/s320/October+2011+015.jpg" /></a></div>Looking for the leaves was a group effort<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS4O95HtRYBbQeA3sE1Yx_W5FMrlzu_SFtympXkdFpNLzJRTi1BM2D1O0J0T26bZrS3TtjQ39pH5JeUltsP-zszdQ1p2jfMfsx-rSL751rspsP8JRlda4aZRPwlfFmfaN1_PHauB6-FM/s1600/October+2011+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS4O95HtRYBbQeA3sE1Yx_W5FMrlzu_SFtympXkdFpNLzJRTi1BM2D1O0J0T26bZrS3TtjQ39pH5JeUltsP-zszdQ1p2jfMfsx-rSL751rspsP8JRlda4aZRPwlfFmfaN1_PHauB6-FM/s320/October+2011+020.jpg" /></a></div>Even Preston got a break during his busy day of taking people to Clinics, giving English lessons and going to meetings<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiieGknya-bf3z0Fstg8ps_qhFglLFmDkugpj2q5tM-nCcrVcz3fuhQ6il_bl3UqZD-GnsVMT5NV1N0dJ6bZqzve2iV_RtcYGK-w8Ykhnx43etw7b_m9pxQSHybsULTXHVB7O6my3UvJc/s1600/October+2011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiieGknya-bf3z0Fstg8ps_qhFglLFmDkugpj2q5tM-nCcrVcz3fuhQ6il_bl3UqZD-GnsVMT5NV1N0dJ6bZqzve2iV_RtcYGK-w8Ykhnx43etw7b_m9pxQSHybsULTXHVB7O6my3UvJc/s320/October+2011+016.jpg" /></a></div>When we were done collecting the leaves we went home to start our first school craft...EVERYBODY was excited. First we traced and cut out our arm and hand...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGvgQVEe0Dem7yLi-Q13NMRzNrTCRvYTl3nvdXTWTVVZe1Ei6auPZE9M8dz9Acn3MA7p6UXf0CtW1X7yUocUWhgAQafl5SMt0meKvL9M7tZ8MoyJrIyQ0hkbrVh7ixuloSnVg6mn26WY/s1600/October+2011+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="274" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGvgQVEe0Dem7yLi-Q13NMRzNrTCRvYTl3nvdXTWTVVZe1Ei6auPZE9M8dz9Acn3MA7p6UXf0CtW1X7yUocUWhgAQafl5SMt0meKvL9M7tZ8MoyJrIyQ0hkbrVh7ixuloSnVg6mn26WY/s320/October+2011+021.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSohg2JN2g1m0rIxdKPGqh8AnFFErLkBl1n_0PQFAz-mwGbhrekq21x0iCZR7AWKZ396_6KLipkl71O6ahdtyGgFh6qU5PrJNrd4vxrUJ8n5UanOpODS_dKWU1Qdf4oncbSZlTzmgIgnU/s1600/October+2011+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="237" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSohg2JN2g1m0rIxdKPGqh8AnFFErLkBl1n_0PQFAz-mwGbhrekq21x0iCZR7AWKZ396_6KLipkl71O6ahdtyGgFh6qU5PrJNrd4vxrUJ8n5UanOpODS_dKWU1Qdf4oncbSZlTzmgIgnU/s320/October+2011+023.jpg" /></a></div>Caroline was bored while waiting for the scissors...she kept saying,"Huwee up Waymond it's my turn"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCVhhN4gTaTjEbBB5QLq-wfKkN7RB5074haMSKNJNCFXpItJlqjOx3PTJ6-tAQHedYZTj9BhMa5HHE_20Ddyvi76jTbgtERsVJY_02pRcyP7UINdgT3_LZUXLKQDiM4G7ih6ttxjefbI/s1600/October+2011+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCVhhN4gTaTjEbBB5QLq-wfKkN7RB5074haMSKNJNCFXpItJlqjOx3PTJ6-tAQHedYZTj9BhMa5HHE_20Ddyvi76jTbgtERsVJY_02pRcyP7UINdgT3_LZUXLKQDiM4G7ih6ttxjefbI/s320/October+2011+022.jpg" /></a></div>When our tree and branches were done...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-B0wWxgFQMKV0LpyNzVnMnt3OAib7FSXWZydOJGv_oinA0xNQ6_K5DXcpaUlOC3dHCrIlNpdS_Sgh2vTb7bHl7DD2VfzeLkklXA4D5SbHo6IwYFR04TJHbid4lHFP1PYFFOQTMCOO2Y/s1600/October+2011+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="212" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-B0wWxgFQMKV0LpyNzVnMnt3OAib7FSXWZydOJGv_oinA0xNQ6_K5DXcpaUlOC3dHCrIlNpdS_Sgh2vTb7bHl7DD2VfzeLkklXA4D5SbHo6IwYFR04TJHbid4lHFP1PYFFOQTMCOO2Y/s320/October+2011+024.jpg" /></a></div>we painted them<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg0oUZUwqsAa6bi2NKj2kFLLa3j0feXa6Y41aeoqcZKgR-Q5wxKstHF7HBZIFNJUTbdfA42OmKKGQDBbDgZsoqNfgrHygbomQXSSOb-m4UhvAb-W4fmqnxtcRJxjQj4-z4_hIoG_tovc/s1600/October+2011+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg0oUZUwqsAa6bi2NKj2kFLLa3j0feXa6Y41aeoqcZKgR-Q5wxKstHF7HBZIFNJUTbdfA42OmKKGQDBbDgZsoqNfgrHygbomQXSSOb-m4UhvAb-W4fmqnxtcRJxjQj4-z4_hIoG_tovc/s320/October+2011+025.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlcl9w_TzDzY17WudyP0NYaKPCLbDehUxVaSlvW7ET37jV4FoF_FmkkIFStV8OGIkDyT8Xg0_y8sZdR8CBiHgghPDGkZWrK5cfgp5EVf-y0Sh10ETJUtQhLoCeb3UaZ15ESAe90X3Ye8/s1600/October+2011+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="216" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlcl9w_TzDzY17WudyP0NYaKPCLbDehUxVaSlvW7ET37jV4FoF_FmkkIFStV8OGIkDyT8Xg0_y8sZdR8CBiHgghPDGkZWrK5cfgp5EVf-y0Sh10ETJUtQhLoCeb3UaZ15ESAe90X3Ye8/s320/October+2011+026.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf2o2oTtja_ZgOi2B7YfKZ-44pmS5qvwYijnvAOqzYF2U28m8xrLixrzmOAzJY7z71RqPMpFvOWwBqnifiDYDX3MSHkzZaQkCW98EOJnaT3chYhO5Mr47mkZw1iK0wtzImPvouxHodLk/s1600/October+2011+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf2o2oTtja_ZgOi2B7YfKZ-44pmS5qvwYijnvAOqzYF2U28m8xrLixrzmOAzJY7z71RqPMpFvOWwBqnifiDYDX3MSHkzZaQkCW98EOJnaT3chYhO5Mr47mkZw1iK0wtzImPvouxHodLk/s320/October+2011+027.jpg" /></a></div>Then it was time to glue on the leaves...I had to help the kiddos with this so photos were not able to be taken. Here was our finished products...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Eboq0DjNaIVVR5B1EAO2JlwBij6U7-p-wC_XT8M1F6B5fm0kCI0j9Ip3R6vKQjm24FJTB-RJdRy5JX6Ryioo0rfN559jMvf9u_DqQEAwceqeAIhgOucoV48N1n0ONSDGneiQeVUksk/s1600/October+2011+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Eboq0DjNaIVVR5B1EAO2JlwBij6U7-p-wC_XT8M1F6B5fm0kCI0j9Ip3R6vKQjm24FJTB-RJdRy5JX6Ryioo0rfN559jMvf9u_DqQEAwceqeAIhgOucoV48N1n0ONSDGneiQeVUksk/s320/October+2011+028.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO83imU1gPRqj-44egB-MRCFgpcu6xhH4xBW6oNgcoCRfi_Nr6BgD1qTVCWO8qgyZbetDTlDNlQhzC8Odo5EzlqlEmKIFn24BSqAg7MP7cDmUTLT6Bb-jtBL02_uTbfeC1HJdhokzCRho/s1600/October+2011+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO83imU1gPRqj-44egB-MRCFgpcu6xhH4xBW6oNgcoCRfi_Nr6BgD1qTVCWO8qgyZbetDTlDNlQhzC8Odo5EzlqlEmKIFn24BSqAg7MP7cDmUTLT6Bb-jtBL02_uTbfeC1HJdhokzCRho/s320/October+2011+030.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEtqZldg6QheUrm7NzvJFYfPZKC3M8rHZfXOrY1j1pbUQbXMYd4RMHABu7Foo0XTux032jYbhHW6o3aFIbfvVwGq_IJl1auFsoh0f7gTP4ojgpqep-1OCFVViFR8v4ANmYOcePABCOgg/s1600/October+2011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEtqZldg6QheUrm7NzvJFYfPZKC3M8rHZfXOrY1j1pbUQbXMYd4RMHABu7Foo0XTux032jYbhHW6o3aFIbfvVwGq_IJl1auFsoh0f7gTP4ojgpqep-1OCFVViFR8v4ANmYOcePABCOgg/s320/October+2011+031.jpg" /></a></div>Now all I have to do is find some string so we can hang them!Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-46989442433713120002011-10-03T21:29:00.000-06:002011-10-03T21:30:11.573-06:00Getting crafty with the craftSo we went out looking for the things needed for the board today. You know...pounding headache, crazy kiddos and all. We went a couple places but they didn't have any of the stuff I needed, although I did find other nifty things like pipe cleaners and googly eyes. I was really upset because I thought this board would be the perfect learning utensil for Raymond...he's so visual. I also thought that Joe and Caroline would learn with him and it would take some of the work out for later. The thought of having to re-think the entire thing was overwhelming me...did I mention the headache? So, we go walking out of the store at the mall and I'm like a kid who just dropped her ice cream cone...when I hear this loud music (this is not uncommon in Nicaragua...in fact it's hard to get away from loud music here)...as we walk closer to the parking lot we see these woman dancing to the Reggae Ton band playing. I am not kidding you the woman had these little bra like outfits leaving little to the imagination, with big head pieces (like a Vegas show). There were booties shakin' and hips swayin'...we were watching all of this from behind the stage so decided to go around to the front. I know this may seem all scantily clad and all but the culture here is so different, we had a fun time watching it and it put me in a better mood. Then I thought...You know, we may not be able to find everything we need here, or understand what people are saying all the time, having to hang our clothes to dry isn't always fun (especially during the rainy season when out of the blue it starts pouring on them) and sometimes you want a warm shower (I don't even think I remember what a bathtub looks like), the faint memory of a/c in our home is nice and the comfort of having running water and power 24/7 is also a plus...BUT...there are some parts of this culture that I don't ever want to leave. Over time, we will figure all that other stuff out...in a year I will know where to go and what to say, so for now I can't let this beat me...it's time to get more creative. I need to work with what I've got. It's funny, when you are away from everything and everybody you've ever known and you rely on each other for EVERYTHING how impossible things may seem sometimes. Here's the thing though...I know we're here for a purpose and having challenges is nothing new to me...so...stay tuned to what the new project will be...Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2991512131784171808.post-91945040097932071552011-10-03T12:16:00.002-06:002011-10-04T17:42:15.427-06:00Stepping into the "Teacher" role<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So I'm officially teaching the kids now. We've received the curriculum through Kirkwood Christian Homeschooling Program which IS credited in the United States. This program takes attendance and gives real grades, at the end of it the children are given a Diploma. We are also using Time4Learning, which is a wonderful interactive program for the kids to use. I've mainly just been working with Raymond so far, while setting up and figuring out the programming. I have been surprisingly patient with Raymond and feel a lot closer to the kids since we've started this journey. There are some amazing tools we have here to teach with like live Volcano's. This is us at Volcano Masya teaching the kiddos about Volcano's<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOJYzxlGwnY/Ton5LVOk7cI/AAAAAAAAAO8/AbyG_vym6Zk/s1600/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOJYzxlGwnY/Ton5LVOk7cI/AAAAAAAAAO8/AbyG_vym6Zk/s320/IMG_1750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Although there are great beautiful sights here, it can also be a challenge to find the things we need. Today I go to look for craft supplies...the last time we did this we found construction paper, glue and scissors...that's about it. We learned real quick that with the language barrier it's quite difficult to try to explain what exactly you need. I have wonderful friends who are willing to send us some stuff from the States so that will help. So far Raymond made 100% on almost everything. He's been a great student! I've been trying to find as many Homeschooling blogs as I could to help...and they have helped a lot. So, now I start the craft journey...wish me luck! Our craft project is...<br />
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<a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2010/03/homeschool-calendar-morning-board.html">http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2010/03/homeschool-calendar-morning-board.html</a>Journal of a Missionary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03644891017670395695noreply@blogger.com0