GDEV (Gracias Dios Es Viernes)

Roughly translated it means 'thank God it's Friday'.  I think that if you asked anyone on our team, the consensus would be the same.  We have loved every moment of this week but are a little tired.  Today began with the mental preparation that we would not return to the hotel until after dinner....in other words- a long day.  Our day begins at Villa Roma Church helping to entertain children as the women tackle the pillow case project.  So far this week the women have made a blanket, a purse, and a pillow case.  It is amazing to see how God has helped these women to learn how to use the machines we purchased last year.  When we started this project last August, it took multiple translators and people to help teach the women how to thread the machines and sew together the patterns we brought.  This year, the women work much more easily with the machines and rarely need help when putting together the projects.  

At lunch we were in for a special treat.  Pastor Manuel asked a band to come and play for us as we finished our food.  The band played for a long time- mis brazos (arms) would have died!  There was a young boy that couldn't have been more than 10 helping with the drums and I was amazed at his ability to remember the music and hit his beats.  Near the end we were in for an even bigger treat as our leader, Lori, stood up to dance with Pastora Rosa while the band played.  Lori is such a natural at dancing.....I'm sure Pastor JD wouldn't mind letting her teach a Zumba class or two up at the church when we return home.  

Our story for VBS was about Jesus healing the blind man.  I can't help feeling sometimes that this is a great parallel story for how we as missioners are transformed through mission.  I know personally that mission always seems to help me see people and the world in general with his eyes.  God's eyes see no color or class distinction.  They are not ensnared by what the world deems aesthetically pleasing but rather appreciate the beauty in all people.  Perhaps we are all beginning to wash our eyes with the mud of the Nicaraguan earth and in so doing restoring our sight and spirits.  

After we said our goodbyes to the families at Villa Roma Church, we drove to el campo (the country) to visit Patora Anna Patricia's church, Roberto Clemente Iglesia Metodista.  We were able to visit with Anna and her family for an hour or so.  It was a great time of fellowship for all of us as we were able to hear of the needs for this church and learn more about a different community in Nicaragua.  Anna prayed with us before sending us off and wished us safe return.  

We finished the night at Fridays.............I know can you believe it?  They have a TGIF in Nicaragua.....who knew?  We thought it was fitting to finish our week here since it really was Friday.  When we saw Donovan's sandwich come out we were all a little skeptical that he would be able to finish it......and of course even though he's a growing boy.....he couldn't quite manage it.  In fact I think he loosened his jaw just a bit by even trying.  

My roomies and I finished the night strong with 80's night.  We crooned to some Journey, Michael Jackson, and Guns N Roses as we looked back over pictures from the day.  We have been so fortunate to get to spend this time together.  It really does bond you in a 'special' way hahaha.  We had to bust out the glow in the dark bracelets and take pictures of our 'roomie night'.  We originally went outside and used the flash......yeah dumb.  Our room has no windows so all we really needed to do was shut off the lights. But hey!  It had been a long day!  We can't be held responsible for our less than brilliant thinking at 10 pm.......

Feliz Cumpleanos Vickie

On Wednesday we returned to Villa Roma church for more fellowship and VBS.  We always begin each day by worshiping with the congregation.  Nicaraguans sing with so much energy and passion.  I know they would wonder if we were happy to be at church if they experienced how sedate we are in the states.  However they might be impressed that we stay on pitch.........something that seems to be touch and go here.  My favorite part of the morning is to hear the Pastor lead us in worship that is becoming increasingly familiar.  Last year the songs were a little harder to follow and to my surprise, this year has been relatively easy to sing along.  At this rate I'll be fluent by next year.........well, at least during worship.  

After worship, Lori asked me to go shopping with Rigoberto for party supplies so that we could celebrate Vickie's birthday with the kids.  We had to visit a couple of mercados (markets) because cakes are not easy to come by in Nicaragua.  They are not overly expensive but they are a luxury many cannot afford.  We also purchased a piñata and candy to help entertain the kids.  Piñatas in truth are about three times the size they are in the U.S.  This Piñata would have easily been up to my shoulder.  It is interesting that the characters were almost all inspired by western pop culture.  So many princess piñatas......however, I don't think we were comfortable thinking about Cinderella taking a stick to the face so we settled for a ballerina cat.  

We returned to the church and I was finally able to pull out my beading project that I had brought for the women.  I hadn't really thought the women would enjoy it as much after my initial two days of watching them with the sewing project.  After about two minutes, so many of them were crowded around the table that I was hard-pressed to find let alone reach beads for the bracelet I was making.  Pastora Rosa was very excited that we had the cards to thread the earrings through for sale.  These women have an innate eye for color and design.  They make the most beautiful things.  Pastora Rosa gifted me one of her sets of earrings as a thank you for bringing the supplies.  It was one of my favorite fellowship moments with the women.  

For dinner we were able to eat out with Rigoberto and his family.  Not only do you have to call ahead for a party as big as ours (18+) but if you don't they won't accommodate you at all.  No waiting.........just no comida (food).  Cheese is NOT cheddar in Nicaragua......it tends to have a rubber consistency and be either goat or stinky feta.  Their queso must be served by pulling with a fork as opposed to scooping with a spoon.  I noticed this year that Lori steered clear of the fish......as last year it was served to her blackened on a spit......eye glaring at her.  We were able to ride back to the Hotel with Franklin in a smaller car........first time I've FELT the AC in a vehicle here.  Lori was able to practice her spanish and really perfect her go-to-word response- si.  

Raining Perros y Gatos

Breakfast was a treat as it is every morning!  They have a hard time keeping toast on the table at the rate we consume it.  We had a great conversation about Cuba and the people there.  I know what you're thinking....CUBA?!  I thought they were in Nicaragua.  We are, but Lori is leading a trip to to Cuba in December and we of course had to hear all about this fabulous opportunity.  Jayne led us in a great conversation where we discussed the ins and outs of communism and the Cuban people and the history of their relationship with the United States.  Nothing like starting the day out with the easy subjects! :)


We left for Villa Roma church where we spent the morning in worship and women's sewing classes.  The women are using the machines we purchased on our last visit and they were so proficient.  We didn't hardly have to give any instructions for the blankets they are making.  It is so wonderful to see how much they have learned in one year.  While Jayne, Kristin, and Lori led the sewing project, the men headed out to the back of the church to help build an additional toilet stall.  Andy and John worked hard all morning and well into the afternoon to help mix concrete and put the walls up.

For the rest of us, the morning was spent doing what we love to do most.........play with the kids!  We saw familiar faces, Nelly and Alejandro, who were there last summer.  The kids passed time playing with the chalk we brought and tracing each other on the concrete.  I did find out that the children enjoy games and iPhones....I had to translate Temple Run which I believe came out roughly as 'the run of the monkeys'.......it seemed to work.  They played it all morning.  The children are so good about sharing.  One minute my phone was gone and the next they had created their own gaming community as they sat in a circle and cheered each other on taking turns passing the phone.

After lunch, 8 of us left for another church in the city to help lead VBS.  We stopped along the way at a gas station for bebidas (drinks) and a bano (bathroom) which was under construction and apparently required a security guard to make sure we only went one at a time.  We made it to the church across town and led VBS.  The children loved watching one of our missioners, Donovan, interpret Goliath who fell after David hit him with the slingshot.  We were making God's Eyes for a craft with the kids when the heavens opened up and perros and gatos rained down from above.  The tin rough of the church even started lifting after a few moments.  I was vaguely aware the Rigoberto mentioned tornado activity and seemed genuinely surprised not to have a bigger response from us........little did he know that Oklahomans don't get scared when someone mentions a tornado.  It was probably the only natural disaster that he could have mentioned that was guaranteed not to send us into an immediate panic.  We headed back into the van to pick up the rest of our team before they blew away and came back to the hotel.

PS......Hot Dogs are just Hot Dogs here.....not perros calientes.