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.