My Nicaraguan Summer

Final Week

2009-08-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Today I went with the group from Shelby, NC to see 7 people get baptized. Later on we are going to Fanny´s house and after that I am going to Managua and then Esteli tomorrow. Tuesday we go to Datanli and Thursday morning we hed to Managua. I do not know how much about this week but we will see.

Paz

Back to Jinotega

2009-07-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

I stayed an extra day in Managua with Gio, Rodney and Rodney's friend and her two boys. It was rather fun. But I am about to leave the house to go to Mayo Reo the bus station for the north. Love you all

Paz

All is good.

2009-07-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, So here is what is going on. I went on a vacation with my friend Tara when she arrived in Nicaragua. I did not have internet for a week. After that I arrived in Jinotega with no internet again. Tara left today and I am still in Managua. I will be leaving in the morning. I did not know that the family I am living with has internet. It is a older computer, so Skype could be out of the question, I am not sure. I will try to check my email everyday. I will update my blog as soon as I can. Photos might not appear, but I will try.

Love you all and don't worry I am fine. At this moment I am waiting for a group of doctors to come to Jinotega, I will work with them. Then on the 8th of August I will be returninng to Managua to welcome the group from Shelby.

Paz

Vacation

2009-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning Isidro, Tara, and I will be going to Ometepe. We will be leaving at 6 and arriving in Moyogalpa around noonish. After that we will be traveling to Altagracia, for the night. That is the start of our vacation. I do not know how much Internet access I will have. So I will either talk to you soon or later.
Saturday we will be returning to Managua to spend the night and Sunday night also in Managua with Gio and Rodney. Monday we will return to Jinotega. I am excited because I will be able to do some of the things I wanted to do, and Tara will get to do what she wanted to do.

Paz

Tara Coming Courtney Leaving

2009-07-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the 13, Courtney and My friend Tara flew in. Sadly Courtney left today. Tara is a better friend to Courtney then me. Yesterday, we took a bus from Jinotega at about 1:30. Courtney and I arrived in Managua and took a taxi from the bus station to their house in Altos de Najapas. We just hung out until Jimmy one of Gio's drivers arrived to pick us up and take us to the airport.
We arrived at the airport and we waited for Tara's flight to land. Once we saw Tara, Courtney was almost jumping up and down. Okay, so she was not really jumping up in down, but inside I think she was. We got back to the house and hung out for a little bit. Courtney could not find her camera and so it is now in the hands of someone else. I mean it happens but it stinks at the same time. Tara and Courtney stayed up and talked and I hung out with Gio and Rodney.

We woke up early this morning to take Courtney to the airport. Rodney droves us there, we hungout for about and hour. Tara and I walked her through to security check point and she was off. After that we waited for Isidro to arrive in Managua. After, he arrived we all decided that we wanted to stay another night in Managua with Gio and Rodney. Gio wanted to see a movie and so we went to the mall, and saw Boy in the stripped pajamas. It was an interesting experince going to the mall. I have not seen so many gringo, in Nicaragua at one time, except for the airport. The airport and the mall have the most gringos. I feel very odd being at both places.

We ate at the foodcourt and had pizza. How American can you be right? What an experince for Tara, her first day in Nicaragua, going to the airport, and the mall and a movie in one day. Sort of random. While we were eating Rodney was talking about his NGO all of which I already know so I decided just to talk to Gio and Isidro. I figured that I was going to be translating a lot so I did not want to speak English when I did not have to.

So here is the first day of my andventure of Ometepe.

Paz

Safe and Sound

2009-07-13T21:40:00.001-07:00

Courtney and I arrived safe and sound this afternoon in Managua. We took the bus and a taxi to Rodney's house. We ate dinner and then Jimmy one of Gio's drivers took us to the airport to wait for Tara. It is a very interesting feeling to be waiting for someone in the airport. I know I have had to do this in the past, but not for a very long time, and never in a foregin country. I am pretty excited that I will be able to do this again in August. Tara is here and she is safe for all who know her, and who are worried about her arrival. Isidro arrives tomorrow after Courtney leaves for the states. We think we might go and see a movie in the theaters. Wednesday I think we will go Granada, and possible with Rodney and Gio. Tomorrow Tara and I are going to plan our week with Isidro. So all is well and we will be in touch. Love you all

Paz

Situation updated

2009-07-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

We have a place to live. It is in a safe part of Jinotega. The house is owned by Andy, Tere's nephew. The police station is right down the street. We will be living as if that was our house. We will have a key and can come and go as we please. We have been told that this is not a burden on them. Andy owns the Coffee Plantation we visited about a month ago. We will be moving over there tomorrow or Friday. They have internet at the house so we will be able to communicate the same as we have been. Everyday will be just as it has been. Wednesday next week we are traveling to Managua because Tara our friend from the states is flying in. We have planned a week vacation for ourselves. Here is the details about it. We also will be having someone from Nicaragua with us everyday of the trip, his name is Insidro, he is a friend and works at the hotel. Also, Rodney will be taking us to Granada and possibly spending the time with us there. When we travel to Ometepe Andy and his friend will be visiting a uncle who owns one of hotels on the island.

Wed 15
Travel to Managua, Rodney and Gio pick us up from the bus station.
Hang out in Managua, Tara arrives around 6pm
Sleep at Rodney's house

Thursday 16
Leave in the morning for Granada
Staying at Hostel Oasis www.nicaraguahostel.com
Explore the city, with Insidro and Rodney and Gio

Friday 17
7:30 Picked up by Mombotour for our Canopy and Kayaking tours
Lunch is provided with the group
Stay at Hostel Oasis

Saturday 18
Leave early in the morning with Insidro to go to Rivas and then San Jorge - by bus
Arrive at San Jorge take ferry to Omepete Island.
Arrive in the city of Moyogalpa.
Stay at Hotelito Restaurante Aly 505-2569-4196

Sunday 19
Travel to Charco Verde where we meet up with Andy and Achilles. Spend the morning and early afternoon there.
Travel to Finca Magdalena - www.fincamagdalena.com
Explore Coffee Plantation

Monday 20
Leave early in the morning for San Ramon Waterfall
Spend the morning and early afternoon there
Travel back to Finca Magdalena for the night.

Tuesday 21
Travel to Altagracia.
Go to the water eye for a relaxing day at the natural fresh water pool.
Travel to Port Gracia and spend the afternoon and early evening.

Wednesday 22. Ferry leaves for Granada at 12:30am.
Leave the Island of Ometepe and arrive at Granada. From Granada we take a bus back to Managua where we meet up with Rodney and Gio for lunch.
From Managua we take the bus back to Jinotega and arrive about 5 or 6 in the evening.

We will be safe. We will have a local with us every second of the day. And through out the week there are others that will be with us to. So please do not worry. I will have my phone. And if anything happens we can travel back to Moyogalpa to leave the same day. We have back up plans also if something happens.

Please pray that God guides us. We have done some work but there is much to be done. Love you all

Paz

Getting Kicked Out

2009-07-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

So Courtney and I arrived back from class Fanny had something to tell us. Before I knew what it was I was telling Fanny how we were going to Granada and Ometepe and that our friend will be returning with us. I asked if she could live with us in our room and Fanny said no. Fanny continued to say that we are being forced to move out of the hotel. Tere told Fanny that she wanted us out by tomorrow. Fanny told Tere moving by tomorrow is not possible. So We are moving out by Friday, conveniently just before she returns from her vacation. Why you might ask are we being forced out? I have no clue. Tere did not give a reason for this. Not only are we not able to live at the hotel but we are now also not able to eat here also. Yes, I am upset. Mainly, because Tere made Fanny tell us, she made my Nicaraguan Mother cry, because she was too cowardly to talk to us herself.

I know that you can not have the same standards for a non-believer that you have for a believer, and I now that people fail each other. But when someone goes back on their word to you and to several other people it hurts. Now, my respect for her is almost completely gone. My love for her needs to get past my emotion and see her how Christ sees her. As someone who is hurting the body, someone who needs him more than ever.

We are now moving in with Fanny and someone else. Fanny said someone else but I do not remember who. When Tara comes to visit she will also be staying with Fanny with Courtney. I will be staying with whom ever the other is. Well, Helen Keller is right, Life is a daring adventure.

Paz

The Plague

2009-07-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have decided that Courtney has the plague. NO this is not really true. But I do not have time for being sick. Tomorrow I am going to work with Rubenia but I do not think Courtney should go. I need another person to help so I think I might ask Margine. Her sisters can help but I would like someone else to go with me too. I just asked Margine and she said that she will go with me today to help Rubenia.

So we went to Rubenia's house today. She is rather stubborn at times. She is sitting up well, but the same as before. She is pulling her self up, and with a little help from me her legs become straight. Her legs stretch out easily. At points she is not willing to do work. But, when I said that we were going to go she would want to work a little bit more. I do not think she is strong enough yet for the horse. We shall see. After working with Rubenia we visited Nala and Oscar at the church. We sat and talked about simple things. Sunday I am going to go to their church in the morning. It starts at 9:30. Oscar asked me if I was going to help with the kids, I said I can. I think that he might be asking me this for one because Jose works with the kids. I am not sure but we will see on Sunday.

A week from today we are suppose to be on our way to Costa Rica. I will need to talk to Shawn but I think it will work out. Thursday in itself will be a day of travel. And then Monday also. Miguel said it would be like 9 hours. Oh boy I am excited. okay not that excited.

Rice and Beans

2009-06-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

Handing out rice and beans was sort of crazy. People from the group that have come times before this said this was nothing. But to me it was crazy. They have a good system down but it was really anoying because the kids mainly boys wanted to come up behind where you were handing out the rice and beans and steal some out of the bag. I had to continue to say vayan and push boys away. I did not like doing that. Because the amount of people was much smaller than what was expected we gave the extra rice and beans to the pastor of the church.
The church wanted to hold a grand goodbye with presents and everything. It was nice the pastor told me that he did not have a present for me and that he did not want me to feel bad. Of course I did not feel bad, because there was no reason to give me a present. I really hope that I will be able to return for services. I hope Courtney would want to go also.
We shall see what God has in store for the rest of the summer.

Paz

Pecan Grove

2009-06-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a fantastic day. For the past few days there has been a group from a church called Pecan Grove out of Richmond, Texas. They work with a local church on the outskirts of Jinotega. The church´s name escapes me at the moment. The people from Pecan Grove have been extremely nice. They allowed me to travel with them today. Courtney would have gone also but she was not feeling herself today. I ate breakfast with the group, and after their daily time of worship we were off to work. While the men began working on the roofs of some houses the women and I walked up a hill and went inviting people to the church service that was being held at 6:30. I was asked to help translate. For everday conversation I can do okay, but when it come to praying, I have no clue. Translating for religous events is much more difficult than I expected. And for me translating from English to Spanish is much more difficult anyway. I was able to talk around words that I did not know, and I can not for the life of me remember the word for pray. But here it is thanks to wordreference.com ORAR now hopefully I will be able to remember the word. If Jose wants me to interepret for him in the fall I have a lot more practicing.

Anyways, after we finished inviting people to chruch two women from the group their names are Leah and Shonda, and I went to a house to work with a girl who has ceberal palsy. Shonda is a physical therapist and God had put a burden on her heart about this girl named Rubenia. So, I went with her because one I could help this time, and I think that I might be able to help with this girl while I am here. Rubenia is taken care of by her older sister during the morning and when her sister has to go to school Rubenia is left with a neighbor. Shonda showed me what she has been donig with Rubenia, and I also did it so I could return in the future to help her. In the past 3 days Rubenia has had a months worth of progress. 3 days for 1 month, how incredible is that. Another great thing is that I have worked with a cerberal palsy patient for 6 months with hipotheropy. There so happens to me a young man about my age who has a horse, who is willing to help with the hipotherapy when Rubenia is strong enough.

Last night I spent some time with Leah and Shonda, I have now been deemed a prospect for Jose, the man who has the horse. They spent about half an hour last night telling me how great he is. So now this will be interesting, to say the least.
Jim the pastor also told me today while we were inviting people to the church service that I was getting fought over. Appearently, Jose being one of them. Which is compeltely different from the states. So yes, I am a little flatered by the fact that I am getting fought over. So the entire day I have been the topic of the men in the church and the group from Pecan Grove. Okay so maybe not the entire day but the better part of it at least.

We returned to the hotel after eating a wonderful lunch. We had tacos that were made by the pastor or his wife. We returned to the hotel to rest so I read a little bit and was about to hit real sleep when I was awoken by Shonda´s voice, saying that we were leaving at 5. I was kind of sad but I will just sleep well tonight.

They bought some rice and beans to be given at the church service and we were headed back to the church. The service was held outside and it was wonderful. I enjoyed the music so much. Shonda gave a testimony about how God provides. It was about me being here and how it is not a accident and that God had planned for us to meet, and me to go today and see Rubenia. She also happen to say, while saying that Jose has a horse that he so happens to be single and I so happen to be single, and that we do not know what might happen. So as soon as she said that I am sure you could of looked at my face and seen 6 different shades of red. I think that moment was one of my most embarrassing moments of my life. Not only does he kow I am single but now everyone who is in that commuity knows that both of us are single. I am still in shock about the whole situation. I mean you never know what God will be but now it seems like there is a lot more pressure on just a friendship with Jose.

More to come Paz

Honduras

2009-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know, Nicaragua is not really effected by what is going on in Honduras. And now what is going on in Honduras. The president was forced out of office by congress and the military because he was trying to extend his presidency. But his presidency can not be extended. Sunday, the military forced the president out of power. He was exiled to Costa Rica but now there is a large meeting in Managua with all of the presidents from most of Latin America.

Please be keeping Honduras in your prayers. Remember our brothers and sisters and how this is effecting them as well.

Paz

Tomorrow

2009-06-25T21:01:00.001-07:00

Because of the lack of internet and the fact that I would have needed to carry my computer with me to the hotel I have not been able to blog. So tomorrow and saturday will be my catch up day. Including photos

Paz

Medical Group

2009-06-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed having the medical group here. Everyone is so nice, and just a lot of fun. There was a couple from CA, who invited me to dinner last night. We talked about all sorts of different things, one of which being religion. It was fun to here what they believe, I think that it is also interesting that when a person is not a Christian and they have a conversation with a Christian they ask all of these questions about God, and religion, and everything. Questions that sometimes the answer is "I don't know." I think they assume that we have all of the answers. But, the first thing I realized with my relationship with Christ is that there are many things that I will not be able to answer.

Today I was able to go with the group. I do not remember where we went, only the ride up there. The bus driver Orlando was incredible, he backed the bus up without any problems even when there was really no place to back up to. Also, we had to cross this little creek. The bride that was there was not going to hold the bus. I do not even think it was going to hold us as we walked a cross it. There was a place for buses and other cars to cross the creek. After we all loaded the bus again we were off once again to the unknown destination. We arrived to the School only after a few hours, and school was in session. I was told that this is very abnormal, but when we arrived classes were dismissed. We started unloading the truck. At this point I was taking pictures of people unloading the truck.

Almost every doctor had their own room or their own area. The peds had three doctors to a room and the dentists were all in one room. There was also one room that was for starting the paper work. When I was asked to help this was one of the main jobs I had. I would ask for names and ages. When they were giving their information the patients were also receiving deworming medicine. After they leave the room someone takes them to a line for a doctor. This was also one of my jobs. I would run around almost like a chicken with my head cut off, but with more purpose.

The patients would see the doctors and then head to the Pharmacy. Where their medicines would be filled and given to them. This was my third Job. I was asked to help translate what the medicines were for and how often they needed to talk them. I do not think I will ever say take this 2 times a day every day that many times again.

Overall I had a great time. I worked hard, and did a lot of things that I did not think I was going to do when I am here. I met a lot of nice people, and maybe one day I will be able to work with them again. Who knows. here are some more photos from the morning.

La Pena de La Cruz

2009-06-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the cross with the group from Shelby. It was a trying experience. Courtney had a little trouble with her hip but she made it. One the way down my knee hurt a little bit but not much. The view was amazing. being able to see the entire of Jinotega was wonderful. Because, sometime I leap before I think, I slipped a couple of times, Including when I was squatting taking a picture. I can be so off balance sometimes but other times I have all the balance I need. When we got down I had to go back to the hotel and grab the key for the Convention Center, where Courtney was waiting. The pants I wore got really dirty and I knew that there was no way I could get them washed at the hotel, so Courtney and I decided that we needed to hand wash our pants. So we did. And, not a bad job. At least they were clean enough to go with the Medical Group that was here.

In the photo of Courtney and me I was literally clinging/ holding on to the cross. There was enough room for my foot and that was it. So this experience brought many songs to mind but this past week I have been sining Clinging to the Cross. So here are the words if you do not know the song. Tim Hughs wrote the song.

My soul is weak my heart is numb
I cannot see
but still my hope is found in you
I'll hold on tightly, you will never let me go
For Jesus you will never fail.

My soul is weak my heart is numb
I cannot see
but still my hope is found in you
I'll hold on tightly, you will never let me go
Jesus you will never fail 2x

Chorus:
Simply to the cross I cling letting go of all earthly things,
I'm clinging to the cross
Mercy's found a way for me
Hope is here as I am free
Jesus you are all I need I'm cling to the cross

Even Darkness is as light, to you my lord
so light the way and lead me home
to that place where every tear is wiped away
For Jesus you will never fail 2x

Chorus
What a Savior, What a Story
You were crucified but now you are alive
So amazing, Such a mystory
You were crucified, but now you are alive
Chrous

Horses

2009-06-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

After we hung out around the Plantation Andy took us horseback ridding. Parts were sort of scary. He allowed me to run up the hills. that was a load of fun.

Better Late then Never

2009-06-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for the lack of blogging. I am not a huge fan of sitting in front of a computer. Here are photos from the Coffee Plantation. I enjoyed going to the plantation for a couple of reasons. One, I love coffee and it was really cool to see the plants and learn how they are harvested and everything, and two Andy the owner of the plantation tries to be as self sustaining and he tries to reuse everything that is possible. I was extremely excited about that part.
So coffee plants are naturally shaded by banana plants. Allowing the harvest of bananas also. Andy also grows other vegetables and he raises cattle.

Courtney has decided that she wants to touch every animal that she can. It is rather funny sometimes. She wanted to touch the animal that is used for pulling the tractor.

She was rather frightened by it. But she eventually petted the animal. Andy has a generator that is powered by water. He said that it helps but it does not produce enough electricity for what the plantation needs.

But the water from the generator flows down a slide and when they plug up the hole under the bridge, the water fills up and you can go down the slide. It is pretty interesting. He also has water flowing into a swimming pool and when the pool overflows it gives water to the houses.

When the coffee beans are ready for harvest they are either red or yellow, depending on the type of coffee. When they pick them they take them out of their red or yellow shells. What is in my hand is the beans right after they are picked. After that the beans are set out for a day in the slimy sweet mucus that gives the coffee more flavor. Then the beans are washed and the thin shell is taken off of the bean then they are dried by the sun and bagged and sent off if they have been bought. And once they are at their destination they are roasted, ground and brewed.

Moving

2009-06-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

We are moving to Tere's other hotel. Well it is not really a hotel it is a convention center with three rooms. We will be staying there with her for the duration of the two groups stay at the hotel. 54 people will be arriving on friday. That is a lot of people. I am excited to see Becca and the rest of her group. Courtney and I asked Becca to bring us some Heath bars. I hope the is able to bring them. We will see. Courtney and I have all of the paperwork for from Datanli and Los Robles. So we are now processing that information into spreadsheets. I emailed the application to the engineer with Water Missions. We were told told that getting the water project in before we leave could be a long shot. But, the two Peace Corps volunteers who live in Datanli said that they would be able to help with that also.

Paz

Sunday with Fanny

2009-06-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Fanny's house after church. I had so much fun. We ate lunch and we had yuca, which is like a potato but blander. We also ate pork rines which is a normal thing for Nicaraguans to eat. Personally, I am not a big fan of them so I ate very few. After lunch we played cards. That was a lot of fun. Courtney and I taught Fanny, her husband and her son how to play Golf, and Egyptian Rat. He son had a lot of fun with that one. After that Courtney and I were able to ride their motorcycle I enjoyed that very much. I played ball with her son a lot, and when it started to rain we all stayed inside and played catch and monkey in the middle. For dinner we ate quesidillas spelling?< type of things. and played more ball. Her son is so cute.
I like being at her house because it gives a different aspect of her life. For one thing we only spoke Spanish. I can see how living with a family helps you learn another language quickly. I have decided that I want a motorcycle one day. I like it very much.

Paz

Cheese Factory?

2009-06-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today we are off to Kilimanjaro. Yes, everyone we are going Africa. We are hopping into a plane and we are going to climb the mountain. Okay so we are going to Kilimanjaro but it is not the one in Africa. We have been invited by Tere's nephew Andres to visit his Coffee Plantation, which is named Kilimanjaro, because it is a mountain among the hills. We were picked up around 10:00, in a van that said tourismo/tourism. Not the most inconspicuous of cars. We also picked up on of the other men from the Rotary Club. He lived in Canada for over 20 years. He speaks English which came in handy when Andres was talking about Coffee and there were things that I did not understand. I liked him. He was funny, at times he was sort of weird, but he had this cool raspy voice.

We turned into a some sort of factory. I did not read the sign so I did not know where we were. Apparently it was a cheese factory. For some unknown reason we were went on a tour of the factory.
I started searching my mind for memories of a show I have watched about making cheese. Thank you shows like, America Eats, How it's Made, and maybe even Dirty Jobs. Whatever the show I found that memory. It was interesting to say the least. I understood about half of the things the tour guide was saying. There was another couple visiting Andres also. The husband is Andres' brother-in-law, he is from Nicaragua and the wife is from California. She was in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps in the 70's.

Datanli

2009-06-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

This morning we are on our way to Datanli. The one day that Miguel is early, he had to wait on us for a few minutes. We begin walking to the officina de el alcade office of the mayor. I am hoping that we will be able to being the paperwork. But, I am not sure what today will be like.
We arrive at the office and see a truck being worked. on. After a few minutes we assume that this is the truck that we are taking. How lucky are we. :) We wait a little longer for the people going to all show up and paperwork to be finished and then we are off. The ride to Datanli is not bad. We arrive in Datanli and find out that no one has prepared for our arrival. No one knows that we are going to have a meeting. I sort have expected that by now. We also got to see the new church building for the Church in Datanli. It is rather nice, large too. It should be finished in 2 months and I hope that we will be able to see it finished before we leave. I also got to meet with the new pastor of the church. He seems very nice.

We went to the community building. While we were waiting for the meeting to start. Courtney and I met two Peace Corps volunteers. Kara and Simon, a married couple from California. I was really excited to meet them. After talking with them for a while, they said that they would help us on Thursday.

The meeting started with Courtney and me introducing ourselves and the water project. The meeting lasted a long time. There was a lot of talk about future things that could not happen if we do not get paperwork done, and the engineer here. After the meeting was over we arrived at the conclusion that Thursday we will return and have a meeting to get the committee started. And Friday there is another meeting with other people that I am not sure why but Courtney and I do not have to go to it.

After we left the meeting we went to see the water system. I have not been able to fully understand the water system. I hope that after seeing it will help me understand it better. And I was right I do.

The water system is very simple. A pump, pumps the water into the tank. Once a week a guy puts two handfuls of Chlorine into the tank. The water flows under the pump house down the mountain and to both communities: Datanli and Los Robles. Here are the photos.

One the way back Courtney and I were offered unripe mangos. They were delicious. The green mangos were very sour and hard. They reminded me of the yellow warheads. Man I loved those. We arrived at the hotel around 4:30. We had not eaten much all day. Fanny was very worried about us, so she made us order food and eat it right away. I was not complaining because I was very hungry. It was like the Early Bird Special when we were eating. After relaxing a few hours, Courtney, Fanny and I took a taxi to the Pali. Not a horrible day.

Paz

Monday

2009-06-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

Today a lot of people checked into the hotel. Nothing much happened after that. We were not able to teach English at the hotel because of the work load that the new guests but the staff under.

Today we taught our first English Class at Shalom. We waited until 5:30 for anyone to come. Only one boy showed up. He is a 10 year old who looks like he is 7 or 8 named Orenestes. A very cule little boy. We tried working on the alphabet but it was difficult for him to get it until I put how to pronounce it in Spanish underneath each letter. I try to remember how I first began learning Spanish. Mrs. Hurnandez. Senior Year of High School. All I remember doing is a lot of writing, and finishing my class assignments early and getting in trouble for starting on my homework early.

I do not know how to teach English, as a second language it would be so much easier to do so. Second language means that you are in the country where it language is spoken. Here English is a foreign language, and extremely hard to teach.

Tonight we also met with the Rotary Club of Jinotega. We presented the water project to them. They agreed that they would provide the chlorine tablets for the filter. We stayed a little longer in the meeting, they began talking about different things that hey had to do, meetings they had to go to. We found out that hey are going to Leon the last week of July and it is possible that we will be able to go with Tere. Who knows.

Paz

Not Much

2009-06-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today I was awaken by loud noises, foot steps, talking and anything else you could imagine going on at a hotel at 6:30 in the morning. I knew if the noises woke me up, Courtney had to wake by now, she is such a light sleeper. By the use of pillows over our ears we were able to get a little bit more sleep. I finally got up, showered, and dressed. I walked in the the lobby/restaurant of the hotel expecting to see Domingo or Lester to be there but neither of them were there. I was kind of sad. I usually see them everyday, instead there was another guy named Rene, who will work when Lester and Domingo have the day off.

So I ordered my normal for breakfast and then I talked with Magda and Nohemi. Magda had talked to Fanny and she told me that the church was not having normal services. The service started at 9 and I was told this at 9:20. Oh well..... Maybe we will go out again today.

For lunch I was fortunately able to eat gallo pinot again and a salad. How grand a meal.

No More Meat...

2009-06-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today we were suppose to go to Datanli with Miguel. Unfortunately, the pastor was not in Datanli. So we did not go. Courtney and I got ready and waited for Miguel when Fanny walked over and told us that the trip was canceled. Oh well... We both had rough nights sleep so we went back to our beds for a little nap.
We did not have anything else planned today. We did not know how long the trip to Datanli was going to be so we did not plan the rest of the afternoon. After talking to Amada and finding out that she is busy studying for her finals, we were forced to hang out around the hotel.

I want to start reading New Moon, but I did not bring Twilight in English so to build that emotional attachment that I needed. I also began to read Midnight Sun. Oh my goodness Stephenie Meyer is a wonderful author. I continue to have my wonderful problem that I have always had and I was finally sick of it. Courtney and I went to a pharmacy to talk to the pharmacist to see what I need to talk. Don't worry, it is nothing serious, if you are my family and my roommates you know what I am talking about.

So I told her what the problem was and now I will be known as the American with this particular problem. Not, the best reputation that I would like to have, but I can not control it. She told me that I am not able to eat meat (I hope for only the next few days.) and I can only drink water.

Which means......I can only really eat the typical breakfast that they have on the menu.

1st Century Church, Friday

2009-06-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Courtney and I were invited to go with a group from Shalom to la Cruz. So I thought that we were going up to the Cross. The pastor came and met us at the hotel and so we went. So we got on a bus and we had to wait. First experience with the bus system. Not so bad, people will reach in to the buses to sell things and they would see Courtney and I and think, ohh Gringas will buy something.
So we waited and a couple other people from the church go on the same bus. Normal, yes but, the women was wearing a skirt. Maybe we are not going to the cross. ummmm....... We took the bus to a community, about 15 minutes outside of Jinotega. Getting off the bus was fun. People jammed into it that was fun. So you pay when you get off the bus which is different.
We started to walk down the street and the women stopped at every house. They were inviting people to a church service. Every Friday a group from Shalom travels to this community to host a church service. I was able to take some photos of some children. I hope that if I go again I will be able to talk more photos of the service and the women at the houses.

The church service was held outside of someone's house. It was really neat, A van came and brought chairs and a guitar. The pastor played the guitar and a women from the community lead the songs and a women who lives in Jinotega preached. From a miscommunication turned to a wonderful experience.

Paz

Talking in Circles

2009-06-02T14:20:00.001-07:00

Courtney and I had a meeting at 8:30 this morning to talk more about the water project. So we left a little late because of a little stomach issue, so we arrived around 8:35. Which to people in the states that is a little, late but for Nicaraguans that is still on time, or even early. So we waited.....8:45....still waiting.....9:00......still waiting.......Courtney, "At 9:30 I'm leaving".......still waiting....9:20ish One of the women from our meeting yesterday walked in the door. So the meeting did not start until 9:30. We waited an hour. Not best thing when you did not have anything to do with you. The meeting consisted of us, and two other people, and then later a guy who spoke some English. Yesterday, Miguel asked us if we could handle the meeting on our own, so it was just us. Which is fine.

So we were told that two communities use the same water system. Which, is news to everyone from Shelby. So we do not know if they are telling us the truth, or the people in Datanli never told the people from Shelby about Los Robles. We will not know for sure until we go an visit Datanli.

We found out that we are not able to visit Datanli until we have permission from the Mayor. So they will call us on Thursday if we can go ahead with this project or not. We have to email the woman contact information about, Water Missions, Shelby Rotary Club, GCCBA. And that is if I can get the email address to work that she gave me. Once we get the permission it will be great. We will not be able to go up on Thursday but Friday will be the best. Verémos

So the meeting lasted about 2 hours to long. Rodney told us that they would like to talk in circles but it was crazy. We had to repeat ourselves many times. But there was a lot accomplished, at least compared to yesterday's meeting.

Paz

Can You Say Intimidating Much

2009-06-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that today will make it 2 weeks in Nicaragua. If it were not for my watch and that once a week we go to Shalom, I would forget what day it is. I do not mind that feeling that much at all. I woke up this morning and was going to take a shower.

Yesterday, after our meeting we switched rooms. Because this new room has windows which means we do not need to use the air conditioning. So we moved into room 25. Anyways, Courtney told me that the water was cold, but I did not realize how cold. I turned on the shower and hopped into the coldest water I have ever felt in a shower. After the shock went through my body, I decided that showering was not worth this cold water. You know, I normally shower every two days in the states, why change it now.

So I went out to eat breakfast and to read my Bible. I am continuing with my study of 30 days with Jesus, by reading Matthew 5. As I begin to read the guests who arrived yesterday start appearing in the lobby. A group no more than 10 people arrived from the US Embassy yesterday. As Domingo brought my breakfast I look up at the front doors of the hotel and see two Army soldiers standing with rather large rifles. I was not afraid of them but was intimidated by them. The fact that I am in another country and here are two rather large guys with rather large rifles, is sort of intimidating.

They are here for the protection of the group from the Embassy. I think, not completely sure. But, if they are here for their protection, then why are we walking around Jinotega by ourselves? What an enigma.

Greet Each Other With a Holy Kiss

2009-05-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

We went to church with Fanny. The service was especially for mothers, because Saturday was the Nicaraguan Mother’s Day. The pastor asked for all of the mothers to come up and have everyone show their affection by giving them a hug and wishing them a happy mother’s day. I have never been or kissed by so many people at once in my life. IIf you do not know Nicaraguan culture is like may others, in how you greet and say goodbye. It is customary to give a kiss on the cheek, which many times ends up being like two cheeks touching and you either kiss you are or kiss the cheek with the side of your mouth. Greet each other with a holy kiss.

As we were leaving church we stopped and spoke with Marwell. We were able to decide on a time for English Classes Mondays at 5 for the children and Wednesdays at 5 for youth and adults. Now these classes are going to be different, because I think that we will be teaching not only how to speak English but how to read and write. But, I do not know how to teach that. So we will see how that works.

Miguel is coming tomorrow to talk about the water project. So we will se him at 8 in the morning. What else might could happen tomorrow I do not know.

Morning of Misunderstandings……..

2009-05-31T13:00:00.000-07:00

We did not eng up going with the music school today. So Courtney and I decided to go to the morning service at Shalom. So we were getting ready and Courtney went out for breakfast and the people in the hotel said that nothing at the church started at 10. So we decided that we will not go and get back into our beds. We receive a phone call, we were told that they talked to Fanny and the service does start at 10. By the time of the phone call was made it was 9:50/ So we did not go to the service. Amada was suppose to call us so that we could do something, but she never called. Which maybe part of the culture but I am not sure. But, Tere had also invited us to go with her to the social club for lunch with her but because we were going to spend time with Amada. I said no to the invite. I never know if to say yes or to say no to Tere’s invitations

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the Nicaraguan Mother's Day. Mother's day is celebrated with many flowers, all over the place. The entire lobby of the hotel smelled like roses and other flowers. Tere invited us to eat lunch with her son and her 2 grandchildren. One of the grandchildren Chris if 5 years old. He was shy from the beginning. He acted like any other 5 year old that I have met.
Tere's son was in the American Air Force for 6 years. And he got his citizenship. I think that is really cool that he did that. After that we went back to our room for a nap.
Then, as a traditional afternoon snack, Courtney and I walked to a cafe and bought some pico, and ice cream and made coffee drinks and ate pico. It was great!!!!
After that we did not really do anything in particular.

Then we ate dinner around 7 something. Before that Marwell came by and we talked to him about English classes at the church. Right after he left Amada stopped by and told us that she was feeling ill and she was not going to go tonight. So Courtney and I did not go either, and then we also found out that the truck the school was going to use is broken. So they are not going tomorrow either. So our weekend plans just went up in the air.

Paz

Amada's English Class

2009-05-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight Courtney and i went with amada to her English Class. Amada teaches a couple of women English tow nights during the week. Amada asked us to go to her classs so her students will get to speak with native speakers. Finally, I am a natural at something...lol It was interesting to sit and speak with them. There was few awkward moments, waiting for someone to talk about. Because we did not know what they know, and we did not know what topic we to talk about.

After a few minutes passed and the awkwardness faded, and we began to talk about family, music, politics and religion. They asked us what we thought about Obama and if we had voted for him. So we discussed our thoughts. It was interesting to tell someone who lives in a country where abortion is illegal, what Obama's view on abortion. One of the women has been married for over thirty years, has four boys, 2 of them are in their late 20's and 2 of them are younger than 10 years old. The craziness does not stop there; she has 2 dogs, 4 or 5 birds, 2 squirrels, and an animal that she really doesn't know what it is, it is a mixture of a wolf and something else.

At times is was difficult for them to understand me because I speak so quickly sometimes. There northern in me comes out sometimes and it is difficult for native speakers to understand. Amada acted as our mediator. When we did not understand something that they said in Spanish she explained it to us and the same for the two women.

After we finished the class, Amada took us to a store. There are many little general stores all over the place. I am excited about the little stores. I have always wanted to life in a place where everything is within walking distance. And everything that I need at the moment is within walking distance. So Courtney and I bought some Oreos and milk. We had a traditional American dessert/late night snack, and it was Glorious.

Paz

Venturing Out Into the City

2009-05-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

So I have been sick of staying in the hotel all of the time. I like it a lot don't get me wrong but I am sick and tired of being inside. So I went out and walked around with my camera and took some pictures. Courtney did not want to go so I did it by myself. I did not take many photos, and I was not out walking very long either. It was when everyone was eating lunch so there were not many people out on the streets and it was rather warm. And It did not rain today. I do not know why but the rain helps cool everything down but there was no rain.

After, I got back I ate lunch and then taught more English. We reviewed the verbs that they learned yesterday and practiced using them. Asking each other questions. They are learning quickly and I get really excited when they do well. I could get used to this teaching English thing.

Nacatamal

2009-05-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

So life Fanny promised Courtney and I ate a traditional Nicaraguan meal. Nacatamal is rice, veggies, pork or chicken. It is traditional eaten only on the weekends for dinner. I think because it is a little bit more expensive and more of a hearty meal. It has this weird texture, like the rice is soft and small enough that it has the texture of cus cus. I liked ti very much. I could eat that on the weekends. Maybe I could ask Sona if she would make it, and even teach me how to make it. It was wonderful, eating traditional American food.

Café con Fanny

2009-05-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

After returning from the music school concert we went to a cafe less than a block away from the hotel with Fanny, Pamba. It was a nice treat to go and spend time outside of the hotel. We were able to talk about different types of Nicaraguan food. And I told her that I wanted to eat typical Nicaraguan food. So she said that we would eat a typical Nicaraguan dinner tomorrow. I am so excited about that. I love the food in the hotel but I do not want to isolate myself in it, especially with meals. I am glad that they are free but, I have money that I can spend on food. Courtney had a pastry called a pico. It is a very traditional pastry to eat. It has cheese and some spices in it. the flavor reminds me of something but I do not know what. I keep ordering pastries with Pineapple. Because it is expensive in the states to buy pineapple and because it is rare to find pastries with pineapple in them.

Mother's Day Celebration

2009-05-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

May 30 is Mother's Day in Nicaragua. The Music School invited Courtney and me to their concert that they were having for the student's mothers. It was nice seeing people that I have meet before. There were many that I did not remember or did not know. It was a lot of fun. The music was beautiful, many songs would have been great to dance to.

There was a guy who read some poems. His voice would be perfect for the radio advertisements you hear when the cars drive by. Anyways he read a couple then the students played, and then he read another one. It was a lot more comical than the other poems. It was basically more about loving women, and I think hitting on them in different ways. Not exactly sure. But, he went around asking people different questions and at the end he got to me and he asked me in english were am I from and after I answered he said that he loves me and something about my fragrance falls from the sky.... I'm not really sure. It was a little
embarrassing but funny at the same time.

All of the banners were on the walls along with the pictures. After the concert we were invited to go with the school on Sunday to play at another place. So we agreed that we would go. Which means we have to be ready by 6:30. Wonderful!!!! We also were invited to go to the Disco with some of the students on Saturday night. So late on Saturday night and early on Sunday Morning. I will be okay. All I know is that when I return I will have a nice long nap.

Another Class

2009-05-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

I love teaching English. Today was about all about the present tense. So far it is not that difficult to teach English. But I do have a feeling that I am going to eat my words pretty soon. So the present tense, is not that difficult, at least I do not think so. All you have to remember at the moment is that He/she/it has an "s" on the verb. For example
I eat
You eat
He/She/It eats
They eat
We eat

Do is an interesting word. I feel like today will be a difficult day trying to explain what it means. And that it is used for many, many different things.

I thank God that I am a native English speaker. It would be a pain to have to learn English as a second language. Tomorrow we work on questions. I will let you know know that works out.

Address

2009-05-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

If you have been wondering about an address well I do have one. I would not send packages but if you wanted to send a letter you are more than welcome to. I would enjoy it very much if you did. So here it is. Include the Telephone number as well because it will be safer that way.

Jessica Jones
Hotél Cafe
De la texaco 1 cuadra al Oeste
1/2 Cuadra al Norte
Jinotega, Nicaragua
Tel. 7822710

Ode to the Nica Mutt

2009-05-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

While teaching English I received an email from Rrodney that included this poem. It is a funny poem that his friend Ian wrote while serving in the Peace Corps. So I hope you enjoy this little treat of humor. I know Courtney and I did.

Ode to the Nica Mutt

You have the head of a pit bull and the body of a wiener dog
Your lineage is more confusing that "Spaceballs" Mawg.

With a monstrous head that is twice your body's girth
I can't imagine how your scrawny mama ever gave birth.

Nipples so saggy they drag on the floor
It's a wonder your puppies come back for more.

With ribs protruding, eating anything is a must,
I'll bet you could chew up barbed wire and crap out rust.

For now Nica Mutt, you can be my best friend,
But you'll be back on the street when my service ends.

"Dedicated to all the suffering mutts around the World. There IS a doggie heaven"

Ian Wood

Hospital and Dental Clinic

2009-05-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today Miguel took us to the Hospital and the Dental Clinic. We were able to meet with Erwin Rayo the director of the hospital. We were able to ask the questions that Dr. Boudreau needed and the questions that Rodney was needing for us. So we now know that if we get hurt or seriously sick the hospital's ambulance will be able to take us to Managua. Just in case anything happens. Which I pray that it doesn't. So now when Dr. Boudreau comes we will have a meeting with the orthopedic doctors and they will discuss experience, equipment that they might need, so that one day Dr. Boudreau might be able to work with the Hospital here in Jinotega. I forget sometimes that if you say you are going to meet at 11 that the time might really be 12 or later. Courtney and I waited for about half an hour for Miguel. Which is perfectly fine. He said he was late because he was with people from church and they just kept talking. I understand that, if you know me at all, it takes me a while to leave church.

We also went to the Dental Clinic that is sponsored by the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association. We got to see their rooms and meet one of the Doctors. It seems like a really nice place. The one thing that I have noticed is that there are a few Dental Clinics. I know the one at the hospital is free. But, should there be three or four other clinics if there is one for free? Anyways...it was nice to see something that the GCCBA has been a part of.

We also stopped by the Police Department but the chief was not there and so we did not talk to anyone really. Miguel just told one of the officers why we were there, and who we are. So tomorrow we are going back to the Police station to meet with him. Then we ventured over to Miguel's church and then to the bank. Once in the bank, I started to get a little light headed. What a nice reminder that I need to drink water even when it is raining. But we got back to the hotel. I was able to guess my way back with Miguel's help. So I am slowing learning the city. Slowly but surely I will know where things are. And then the next day I will be leaving. :) That would be my luck.
Amada stopped by the Hotel today. She invited us to go to the Music School for a concert they are doing for Mother's Day. I am excited. We will be able to see some of the people that we met in Shelby. So hopefully that will give us more people to hang out with.
Courtney found out today that Joey told someone at the Shalom Baptist Church that we would start an English Class. Which is all well and good. I mean, if I am going to teach English with the Peace Corps the more experience the better. So bring on the classes.

Peace Corps Interview

2009-05-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

So today was my Peace Corps interview. I was not that nervous about the interview. Before I got the phone call I gave it up to God. I know that if God wants me in the Peace Corps he will allow me to be and if he doesn't than I will not be. I also prayed that if I am not suppose to be in the Peace Corps that he would take the desire away from my heart. So my recruiter and I talked about things. She explained the process a little bit more into detail. She explained that she will put together a recommendation, and then my file is sent off to D.C. where after my background check and my medical checks are done, they will hopefully send me an invitation. My recruiter said that I am a strong candidate for teaching english. The next time a group goes for teaching english is in July to Eastern Europe.
Some of the questions she asked me were like,"What do you do when you are bored or lonely," "How does your family feel about you volunteering."
The good thing about this is that July is when I would have to start paying back my loans. So if it works out it would be great timing. So now I wait. And when I get back in August I have to go to the doctor for all of the medical stuff. Which, I have been told if I can live through that I can live through everything.

Paz

Here but not

2009-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Courtney and I were suppose to go to the Music School but that did not happen, for two reasons: one the school is planning something special for us, and two I do not think I could have made it. Yesterday my stomach decided to hate me. I do not know why, but it did. I spent most of the day in my room. On top of my stomach's mutiny against my body my head began to have a lovely ache to it. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to experiencing this joy. Anyways today at 8:30 my time and 10:30 Eastern time I have my Peace Corps interview. I am so ready for this thing....not really. I know if God wants me to be in the Peace Corps than he will allow my to be. And if not, I will not. We shall see. Well i am going to prepare for my interview, ie pray. And I will let you know how it goes after.

Shalom

Consome de Pollo aka Chicken Soup

2009-05-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today, because my stomach has been hating me all day, I decided to eat Chicken Soup for lunch. So I am sitting waiting for my soup to come. I thinking that I am getting cut up chicken and vegetables nothing really fancy or out of the norm of the United States. So Lester brings out my soup and it has rather large chunks of vegetable which is fine because they are soft and wonderful but what was most shocking about the soup was the fact that there were whole chicken wings. Wings like you eat when you eat buffalowings. Those threw me off a little bit. Ohh but the soup was amazing. It was raining outside so the warmth of the soup was fantastic.

Paz

Teaching English

2009-05-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Teaching English was a lot of fun. The girls from the reception desk were a lot of fun.We started with greetings and continued through the process of someone asking for a room, and what not. It was an amazing time, Fany had so much fun with it. They were all being goofy and just enjoying themselves. Courtney and I taught for 2 1/2 hours.
At dinner Courtney and I both realized that we just earned our food. So we sat at the bar and enjoyed our meal. We watched the movie Saint in Spanish. And then we went to the room and did nothing. We waited for things to download on our computer and then nothing again. It is weird being her and once it gets dark we really don't go out because one we don't have any where to go and two after 8ish it gets dangerous. It is very weird.

Paz

La Casa de Don Colocho Pasteleria

2009-05-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today at 10:30 Courtney and I went on our first venture by ourselves. We walked south half a block and west 1.5 blocks to a local pastry shop. It is a very cute little shop with tables large enough that Courtney and I would be able to sit and do some work while we are there. I have found my coffee shop. I think I might go there often. I ordered a pastry with pineapple filling and what they call a Caramel Frappuccino and it was amazing. Both the pastry and the drink cost 30 Cordovas which is a buck fifty. Outside the Pastereria is a school. I do not know what age but while we were sitting next to the window you could here the laughter of the children. It was a good background noise. So sorry to Broad River Coffee Company I do not know if I could ever spend almost 4 dollars on a Frappe any more. :) Yesterday while Courtney and i were waiting for dinner I pulled out my dictionary and said okay the word of the day is......manñoso which means skillful. So we went back and forth picking words of the the dictionary . It was fun. We picked on guys saying that they are skillful at not knowing Moda which means fashion. First word for today is mecedora a rocking chair. Second Lesionar - to injure. I really need to know that word. lol.

Shalom

Feeling like Paul

2009-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

This morning I read out of Luke and John. Such familiar stories but a new lesson. For instance, if we are born of the spirit then our spirit is to be like wind. So that made me think about what exactly is wind. You can feel wind, you can see it, but you do not know where it is from or where it is going. I just thought that it was neat that we are suppose to be like wind. So I was writing down my pray for this morning and I was praising God for the people who have been praying for me. And I began to pray for Broad River Community Church. I also began to miss the community greatly. BRCC has had such an impact on who I am spiritually. So I feel like Paul because he writes to the churches who are teaching the truth and says that he wishes he could be there, and he praises God for them. And I praise God for the community of BRCC. I pray that God blesses you and watches over you. I love you all very much and I miss you with all my heart.

Sunday

2009-05-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today was a very uneventful day. We did not go to the morning service at Shalom Baptist Church because unforeseen circumstances. But, the rain started again around 1:30ish. And around 2ish I went on a walk with Amada. Amada is part of the music school in Jinotega. She was the only girl that came to the North Carolina when the school came in April. We walked around just talking. Then I went to the bookstore. and we were caught in the rain. We waited about 10 minutes in the store to walk a block and wait about another 10-20 minutes for the rain to lighten up a little then we walked back to the hotel. Courtney and I went to Shalom for their evening service at 5pm. It was a good service for not being able to understand most of it. But, it was cool because we go the concept and that is what matters. But also I could feel the presence of God in the building and could see it in the faces of the people. It was sort of weird because not only did I not know everyone but we can not communicate as freely as we want to. But it was fine. I am trying to get used to the looks that I get. I am not saying that I am the only one who will come and girls will get looks, but I am 5'11". Most women are not this tall, especially in Nicaragua. But it is okay. It is who I am and that just means I can help shorter people reach things on the top shelf at the store. Tomorrow we go to the Town Hall and I guess that we are starting what we came here to do. I have been ready to start working because I am not good at sitting in a room all day and doing nothing.

So we apparently are getting treated like presidential guests. It is crazy, I never have been treated like this before. One of the waiters Domingo, is wonderful. He has been our waiter for the weekend. He is such a hard worker. His spirit just overflows and it is wonderful. It makes me want to be his friend so much. Courtney and I have started teaching little English to Fany and Victoria. Just small things. But it is a start.

Today there was a party in the hotel's restaurant. It was a catered event for a baptism. It was interesting seeing all these people here. Sort of funny. There was a guy who stopped me an asked why I was here. He said if I wanted to help Nicaraguans, I need to get them to work. I agree with him. People need to work and not live off of handouts. Anyways tomorrow we start and I am very excited.

Miss you all

Jinotega Here We Come

2009-05-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Friday is the day that we travel up to Jinotega. I am very excited about it. So we call Miguel this morning again. We have been calling him once or twice a day since we have been here. But we have had no answer. So finally he calls us. He says that he has been in the mountains and that he can not get us today. So...Rodney says that he is able to get take us to Jinotega. Praise God for his free time. So we packed up our stuff which made us sweet soo much and we started our journey to Jinotega. Yes, I say journey because it was a journey. We started off going to the bank so Rodney can get money for his residency card. So we say the mall that the bank was in. there was a McDonalds. I really do not want to eat at an American restaurant while in Nicaragua. Anyways so we get the money that Rodney needs and then we all go to immigration. So we pull into this parking lot that is not really for the immigration office. Rodney and Gio know this but it is the safer parking lot. But we walk over to the office and there are people calling at us trying to see if we need photos, or anything for the immigration process. It was interesting. But the nice little finger shake helped a lot with keeping people from coming up and bothering us. So Courtney and I sat and watched Gio and Rodney run from office to office. Finally, Rodney cam and sat down and said that now they have to pay with dollars not cordóvas. So now we had to wait for Gio to go and come back. Rodney explained to us that going to the movies is like the same thing. You have to go to one person get a piece of paper that says what movie you want to watch and then you go to someone else who takes that paper and gives you the ticket. Then if you want anything like popcorn and a drink you go to a person who marks off what you want. Then you take it to a person who gives you the popcorn and signs the paper saying you have received it, and you go through the same process for the drink. The reason it is like this, we were told is because They needed to create jobs for people. Sort of an alphabet soup type of thing but to an extreme. Anyways, Gio cam back and they paid what they had to and Go then went into an office and came out with a 5 year residency card and a piece of paper saying that they will get their money back in a month. It was awesome that he got that. Like many things in life it is about who you know. Which it should not be but it is. After that Courtney and I wanted to take Gio and Rodney to lunch. We were going to eat at the food court but because we all wanted pizza we decided that we should go to Pizza Hut. So there goes my choice of not eating in a American restaurant.
After Lunch we were off to Jinotega. The road to Jinotega, Beautiful, and wonderfully serene, I feel asleep for the first hour in a half, i think. But once I cam back the scenery was beautiful. All along the Pan-American Highway there were several little towns. You could tell that all of them were very poor. On the way when we would find out how long we were away from Jinotega, I would get really excited about being near but then realizing that Rodney and Gio wee going to leave us. I felt like my first time going to week long camp. Ohh if you read Courtney's blog she wrote it before me but I said it in the car. She stole my thought. Anyways. but the feeling of seeing Jinotega and then realizing that we are being left there. But, we will see them soon, which is great.
Well....we arrived at the Hotel and set up or room. We saw Jimmy and Jr's room. We almost got that room. But.. we said that we can not take that one because that is Jimmy's. No not really. That room was not even an option. We are now in the room right next to the kitchen. Room 18. It is nice. There were no dressers so we made do, and then Tere gave us dressers.

Somoza and History

2009-05-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up, and had another great breakfast of fruit and gallo pinto, egg, and fried plantains. A little after that Courtney and I had a history lesson from Rodney. It was a lot to learn in a short matter of time but it was very important. Now we know a little more about the people we are trying to build relationships with. After the lesson we went to Somoza's old house which has been turned into a park. It was interesting to see.

Then after that we went to see Old Managua. We saw the old Cathedral that was left but no one can enter it. It is a beautiful building. There was so much detail everywhere. I can only wonder how it looked when it was still in use. There was an earthquake that destroyed part of Managua. And now there are buildings that are condemned but people still live in them. These photos have been edited if you were wondering. Only the ones of the Cathedral.

There was a boy there, that I thought could have been maybe in his teens which probably means he was a little older. He made Courtney and me each a flour. The flower was made out of a stalk of some sort. It was interesting driving down there. Rodney had said that we would see if it was okay to get out of the car because it is a dangerous part of town. And when we arrive at the Cathedral he says okay get out you'll be fine. Great right. But we were fine. There was no problem.

After we left that part of the city we went back to the house. Where Rodney proceeded to make a Mango Cobbler. After dinner, we had the cobbler for dessert with some vanilla ice cream. Me gusta mucho. It was amazing. I do not think I can eat another cobbler again. It was the best thing I have eaten for dessert for a long time. Courtney and I were able to talk to Joey and I was able to talk to my mom. Both conversations were a blessing.

Tomorrow we go to Jinotega. I am not sure how I can leave Gio and Rodney. But, I will have to. They have adopted us as their family and It has been a great way to enter into another country. But at the same time it has not felt like another country because a lot of English has been spoken. Tomorrow less English. I hope at least

Volcano!!!!

2009-05-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful night of sleep. I slept sooo good. I woke up and went into the kitchen and sat at the table to read my Bible. I have this thing that is 30 days with Jesus and then 60 days with Paul. I also am going to do a study on Philippians. Then I ate this marvelous breakfast that consisted of a plate of fruit including; pineapple, watermelon, and a banana. After that I had 1 egg, some fried plantains, and gallo pinto. It was a wonderful breakfast but rather large. So later that day Courtney and I asked Gio if she could lesson the portion of fruit if we were going to eat everything else too, and it was good after that. The fried plantains were sooooo good. She gave us this cream to eat with them it was not that good. So we did not eat that again. After everyone ate and we were all ready to go we went to the Volcano at Masaya. It was really cool. There are 3 or 4 volcanoes in row. One was filled in. There is a cross there that there are a couple of theories about why it is there.

I can only remember one and it was because when explores came they thought that they found the gates of hell so they marked it with a cross.

You could taste the sulfur a little bit but it was not bad. Rodney has been wanting to do an interview with us. Something that can be put together as a presentation. He wanted to interview us when we first arrived, during our work, and right before we leave. So people can see our different perspectives of everything. So we started the interview and then one of the park rangers came up so say that we were not able to do this. We began to question why and everything and he said that you can only can film for personal use. We explained that we are only using this for personal use but he did not believe us. Mainly this was the case because we are gringos with a nice video camera.

So we hang out for a little longer so see if the ranger's superiors say we can but they continue to say no. So we walk down the stairs and hang out for a little bit longer. Ohh before we went up to the cross, were were at the side of volcano and Courtney got up on a pile of lava rocks and said, "I'm on tome of the world," perfectly normal I rad up and pretended slash actually push her down and I fell and hurt myself. Silly me so I have a picture of my first injury in the country.

We ended up just leaving after trying again with the interview but the wind was too strong. So we left and went back to the house. Rodney took us to meet the Wisconsin Nicaraguan Partners. Apparently Nicaragua is the sister country of Wisconsin. Would we have ever been told this by someone we work with here no. Rodney told us this about a week ago when we met him in the states. Then we went back to the house and hung out. Ate chicken and yellow rice. Another wonderful meal. It was soooo God.

Day of Travel Part 2

2009-05-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

So my dad takes me to the airport and hlps me with my luggage, getting my ticket, and walks Courntey and I to the security check point. Hugs and I love you's and we go through without a hitch. Go to our gate and wait. I called a few people to say goodbye to them and read a little bit. I began observing a group of people at another gate. I really wanted to be their friend. They were dressed like they should be in the Peace Corps or Americorps. I wanted to go up and say hello but I didn't sort of sad but oh well know.

So we waited a little longer for our plane to be ready. We went through the gate and our plan was not the largest plane in the world. But it will work. So we sat on the runway for a while waiting for our turn to take off, which put us back a while. The flight was fine, I asked for Sprite to drink and they gave me water. No big deal. So we arrived in Miami around 12:30, okay not horrible only 20 minutes late, but our flight leaves at 1;00. After 10 minutes of waiting to get off the plane Courtney and I try to find our next gate. We have around 20 minutes to get from Gate D32 to E30. That does not sound to bad but ohh it was. We had to go the entire way of the airport and then wait for a train to take us to a separate building to our gate. We arrived at our Gate at 12:58. The clerks at the desk had locked the doors, turned off the escalator, and everything. This is the closest I have ever been to missing a flight. Who knows if we were there only two minutes later would they of let us in. But once we got on the plane we sat there for almost an hour because of a part that needed to be fixed. So here is the question... Did God have that part break because we were going to be late? Any way you look at the situation, Praise God that he allowed us to get onto the plane.

Arriving in Manauga was sort of funny. We had to walk in front of this thermal camera, so if we had a fever of some sort we would not of been allowed into the country. Pretty funny if you ask me. I went through Immigration fine, without a hitch. Got my luggage and went to meet Rodney and his wife Gio and waited for Courtney. Well it took her about 15 minutes to get through immigration. Do not know why but they would not let her through. She asked why are you asking me questions and you did not ask her any thing, we are going to the same place. All the guy said was that you are different. How ridiculous that was. But oh well she got through and we got to the car and we were off. We wen to a place that sold Papasa. It is a little bread pocket that had different things in it. I ordered one that hand cheese and beans in it. And it came with a slaw sort of thing that was better than any type of slaw I have ever had. After eating we went to the house rested up a little, and then went to the grocery store. Ate a late dinner and then, talked and bed. A nice way to enter into another country.

Day of Travel Part 1

2009-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

So this morning Ihad to wake up at 5:30. Why you might ask if my flight is not until 10, did I have to wake up at 5:30. Well I had to go to work with my dad. Which I interesting but, not something that I really wanted to do. I only had to be there for aobut an hour and 45 minutes. So I woke up to my day knoking on the bed room door saying that it was time to wake up and that he was getting into the shower. Not really sure why I needed to know that he was getting into the shower but whatever. Slowly I rolled around on the bed and then finally put my feet on the gound and I was awake ready to go. I began doing everything that I had to do: brush my teeth, put last minute things in my suitcase, and get them into the car. Stuff like that. So, I was ready at 6am to get into the car and say goodbye to my house for three months.
So basically my time at COATS, the company my dad works for, consistedof: reading, drinking coffee, and my dad showing me off. He would intorduce me to his co-workers and he would tell them that I am going to Nicaragua for the summer. It made me feel really good, because my dad was proud of me, and he was showing me off. It was great. So then i went on my way to the airport in which Courtney was waiting for me there. Went throug secruity find and was off waiting for our plane to leave.

Traveling

2009-05-19T04:43:00.000-07:00

This will be a very short post. I am about to be on my way to the airport from my dad's work. I had to leave the house at 6 in the morning. Yuck!!!! But I also get to spend some more time with my dad before I leave which is very important. It is now 7:44 So...Love you all and I will let you know how the day went in a little less than 12 hours. Our flight lands at 1:35 Pray that we will travel safely and have no problems with custums. Shalom

The Night Before

2009-05-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

So some may say that I am a procrastanator, but I do not think of myself as one, at least most of the time. I had my suitcases packed, but I wanted to go thorugh them again so I started but I thought I had way to much stuff. So I began to try the wonderful task of getting down to one suitcase. Consequently enough, the nice thing is that my sister bought me a new suitcase for my birthday. A beautiful light and large suit case. So after about 15 minutes of going through my belongings I pack up the suitcase and weigh it. How much 54lbs. Not fair. I open the suitcase again. Not really anything that I feel like can go. So I pick up my phone and call Courtney. As I am waiting for her to answer I am praying that she will say she is checking 2 bags. So she answers and I as the question, and what does she say.....She is checking 2 bags. A wave of relief went over me. I will not be the only one taking 2 suitcases. So I repacked some the the things that I took out and then got ready for the early morning.

Shalom

Water Missions International

2009-05-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

Courtney and I drove down to Charleston, SC for training on how to put together and maintain the water filtration system that will be placed in Dantanli Nicaragua. First I want to describe to you what this organization does. Water Missions International is a great organization that follows Matthew 25, and gives the nations water when they are thirsty. WMI puts in the filter but there is much work that the community must go through before the filter will be placed. The Christian organizations, wether it is a single church or a group of churches of different denominations, they must work together before the filter will be placed. The organizations or churches are to build a non-profit organization thats purpose is to maintain the water filter in every way. Once this the organization is established the community needs to build a shelter that will protect the filter from: weather, animals, or any other types of dangers. So after an engineer takes a look at the circumstance of the water source the village will get their filter. They will keep the filter as long as they maintain it properly, and use it. WMI hopes that the organization will use this filling the physical needs as a way to fill the spiritual need of the Living Water; Jesus Christ. Courtney and I arrived at the office an hour before the training was going to begin. We were welcomed with open arms by our brothers and sisters. We were able to join the team at Water Missions in their time of prayer and devotion. Each morning the group shares their victories from the day before and their priorities for the coming day. As we went around the circle a second time we shared things that we are stuck with and need prayer for. Then we prayed and had a small devotion. After the devotion we split off into smaller groups. This was amazing!!! It was such a blessing to be a part of a group, without any questions or worries of judgement. Praise God for what he changes us into. A new creation.

Did you know that 25,000 people die from a lack of safe water and sanitation every day. Every day!! 25 x 365 9,125,000 people a year. That is a lot of people dying when we could do so much for them by giving them clean water. Water Missions has helped 40 different countries have clean water.

In Water Missions International's office there is a map that shows all of the countries that they have helped. Each number and yellow dot represents how many filters have been placed in each country.

During the training Courtney and I were able to see a water system being tested. We were also trained with a guy that was traveling to Peru to remove a system from a village and moving it to another. The village that is loosing the filter has not used it. They decided that they would rather keep getting the water from the river, and not have clean water. Gene, the volunteer who trained us, said that if there is to much chlorine flavor in the water they will not drink it. After we saw how the system worked we took it apart. Taking it apart was fun, many of us got wet. Well, okay so I sort of got Courtney a little wet when I took off the hoses from the manifold. But, it was an accident. *wink, wink* After a nice lunch with the volunteers at Water Missions Courtney and I finished up the day with packing up a system. So now we are even more aware of how exactly the system will look like when we see it in Nicaragua.

Here is a photo of us with the packaged system. Well part of it at least. Thanks to Volunteer Michael for taking the picture

God Bless until next time.

Goodbyes

2009-05-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday night was the hardest yet to say goodbye to someone. I said goodbye to two of my roommates. And thinking of them right now is bringing tears to my eyes. Yes, I will see them again. But, one will be married when I see her next, and the other one will be finishing up his time with the AmeriCorps shortly after my return. Last night Sam was giving me all of this false advice that, was nothing less than hilarious. And that was more difficult to sit through than the hug and bye. I am sitting on my bed in my new room at the BECAP house, remembering all of the fun, crazy, bad, and amazing times that we all have had in this house. Thank you God, for allowing me to move in to this house, and I pray that this next year will be as good or as better has this past year has been. I love everyone who I have lived in the house with. To them I give my love and my prayers.

Less Than a Week

2009-05-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

This time next week I will be in Managua, Nicaragua. It is truly hard to believe. I am still in shock, and slowly my mind is wrapping itself around the idea of three months in another country. I am amazed to see how God has blessed me and put people in my life to help me prepare for a moment such as this one. So, I want to say a quick thank you to everyone who has influenced me, everyone whom God has used to encourage me, strengthen me, and guided me. This week as I have packed it has been a journey through my four years at Gardner-Webb. This place has been my second home. So I have made piles of, "things going home","Things going to Nicaragua", "Things to trash", and "Things to give away." I believe that I have had a very lucky experience at Gardner-Webb that most people do not get. Freshmen year I was given an older brother and sister, people to look out for me while they were here. One of which was the one who got me into photography. So, a big thank you to Kaylin Bowers.

Sunday at Broad River Community Church I was prayed over by my community that I have been apart of for over 2 years. They laid hands on me and I felt the love that God has for them, and for me through those hands. I pray that this memory does not leave me. It tells me of their love and support for me. I will not see them for three long months but, BRCC will be forever in my prayers. I love that community with all of my heart. And I praise God for them, for their support guidance, This community has been such a light to me, other students, and the community of Cleveland County. Their truth will shine through any darkness, because it is the truth of Jesus Christ. I was saying goodbye to one of the members who has been a large part of my life for the last year or so, and I was telling her I was nervous. And she said just walk, and I would be okay, Just walk. What a simple and grand thing to try to do. Walk: to move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet of the ground at once. Walking one step at a time, slowly remembering to have one foot on the ground at a time rooted in the truth and strength of Jesus Christ. So I pray as I finish out this week with training and traveling I pray that I walk, walk to the truth, and into light. Knowing and believing that Christ is right there with me every and all day no matter what. So I beg of you also to walk. Walk at a regular pace, never having both feet of the ground.

Yesterday night was the hardest yet to say goodbye to someone. I said goodbye to two of my roommates. And thinking of them right now is bringing tears to my eyes. Yes, I will see them again. But, one will be married when I see her next, and the other one will be finishing up his time with the AmeriCorps shortly after my return. Last night Sam was giving me all of this false advice that, was nothing less than hilarious. And that was more difficult to sit through than the hug and bye.

The Beginning

2009-05-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

There's the about how my life got turned upside down...... okay seriously.. let me tell you the details about how this summer came about. Shelby, NC has a sister city, Jinotega, Nicaragua. For several years now groups have been going down to Jinotega. The Mayor of Shelby, has been a participant in these trips. He approached Spanish professors at Gardner-Webb University to see if any one would be willing to go to Jinotega and act as a liaison between Jinotega and Shelby. So, in the fall Dr. Moore came to me and told me about this opportunity to spend the summer in Nicaragua. I met with the mayor and began a process of prayer and meditation. So... along came the month of March and Courtney and I bought our tickets for the summer.

We are Leaving May 19 and returning August 15. Which Means less than 9 days.