Yesterday marked my first official day teaching music. (The reason I am not at Chacocente today is because of the ridiculous amount of rain yesterday, school was canceled today... yes, they have rain days as we have snow days!)
My day began with Pre-scholar. They are probably the easiest to teach because the extent of their defiance is not standing up when asked, or sitting down while they ought to be standing. I taught them two songs that I learned doing Children's Evangelism in Paraguay: "Adentro, Afuera, Arriba, Abajo. Soy siempre muy feliz." (Right In, Right Out, Right Up, Right Down, I'm Happy all the time...") and "Lee su Biblia, y Ora cada Día" (I don't know that this is a song in English, but it translates, "Read your Bible, and Pray each Day").
At first none of the children wanted to do anything. But once I got them moving around, they had a good time. Because the first song has a lot of movement. Reaching up and down and out... before we sang we had to prepare ourselves. So we had to do some stretching... And we reached for the sky, and then touched our toes... up and down and up and down... until they almost fell over laughing. They were a fun fun group. I am looking forward to working with them more and I really think they will be able to learn countless songs and motions with them.
Next I had 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. I decided I would actually teach them to read music. Then, whenever I buy a keyboard for the school, they will be able to learn to play it. I don't expect to have any prodigies... but learning to read music is a good skill that many people don't possess. Unfortunately, they had a lot of difficulty understanding that each line and space on the staff was a different note. I really expected more out of them than they gave, which I guess means I just have more work in front of me. Yet, I think I will able to do it.
The next three grades were more difficult.
With second grade I did not know exactly what to expect. I wanted to teach them the solfage, so they could learn the notes separately, and then later we could apply it to songs. We worked on it the whole time, and when it was over, no one could sing it alone... although Jonathan was really close and he can carry a tune very well. Although this helped me know better what to do with first grade... and that I needed to change my plans for Music Class.
The first graders are insane... mostly because I've been working with them and gotten to know them for 3 weeks already. So, they feel they can act in whatever capacity they please. With them, we worked on the solfage... "do re mi fa so la si do"... here it is not "ti" it is "si" I learned - thankfully before I went to teach them anything. I don't know that it matters at all, but that's how they do it. After learning it, and them attempting to sing it we did an exercise with it. I wrote in chalk on the floor 8 lines with one of the syllables on each line. Then I would sing one of the notes, and they had to jump to it. It loosed a lot of their energy and hopefully made some connection of how the notes don't just go in order whenever you sing. After this I taught them "Adentro, Afuera..." They had a lot of fun with it, and wanted to learn it in English, but after singng it once in English they were content with Spanish haha.
With third grade, I started with the solfage again... just to make sure and see if it was just the second grade (and a little bit the first as they had some trouble with pitch) or if it was maybe not the best way to teach these kids. It was about as successful as before. But then Gretel, who really wanted to sing, led us all in "Te amó más que mi vida" a praise song we sing in culto here quite often. Then when we finished I asked how they felt about learning to read music. Their response was greatly positive, and encouraging. The results were about the same as the 4th, 5th, 6th grade - which shows me that I have a lot of work cut out for me, but that they can do it.
I've decided that if I mix singing with learning to read the music, and even learning to write out the notes to a song they are already familiar with, they might be more responsive. Especially once I have a keyboard. With the First and Second graders I'll probably focus more on singing - like with the pre-schoolers - except I think I'll actually do musical exercises with them. I need to purchase my keyboard, I just haven't had the opportunity to go do that... and I await some songbooks that I ordered.
Yesterday I also had the pleasure of meeting three volunteers who are working with MEFEL a Christian Mission Camp in Tipitapa. They are volunteering at Chacocente for a week or two, and are doing other work with MEFEL during their 6 weeks or so in the country. Two of them are from the States, and one is actually from Nicaragua - she just really loves volunteering, and takes up the opportunity with different groups whenever she can. Andy, Ana, and Esperanza are all my age, and here for different reasons, but ultimately they too will be accomplishing God's will... some at the Project, and also at other places in the country. Please remember them in your prayers as well. They will be working with MEFEL until the end of October.
Yesterday at the end of the schoolday it rained, horribly. So, we waited until it stopped before we rode our bikes to the road. The pathway, was so muddy and slippy, it was ridiculous. But I would have rather biked it than had my shoes caked with mud. The rain started again while I was on my second to last bus. And it rained worse and worse as I got closer to my stop. When I got off the bus for my short walk home The street was ankle deep with water, and the rain was pelting. My rain jacket was not much good... I arrived home soaked through... but I felt very refreshed, rain feels nice after a hot day...
Showers of blessings were provided for my first day as Music Teacher... I am excited for what tomorrow will bring.
martes, 30 de septiembre de 2008
martes, 23 de septiembre de 2008
comfort in plans
The past few days have been absolutely wonderful!
Sunday was the 47th Anniversary of the AICN (Asociacíon de Iglesias de Cristo de Nicaragua - Association of the Church of Christ in Nicaragua). There are 150 churches in the AICN. Pastor Pablo - my host dad - is the President of it (which is a Bishop-like position). All of the churches met for a large joint worship service at the Campamento. A large Campground that has a huge pavilion where we held church. All of the members of El Buen Pastor piled in the bus here in front of my house at about 6:30 in the morning to go to worship! We arrived at the camp around 8:00 and we left at 12:30. It was a marvelous testament to connectionalism within church denominations... and made me feel right at home!
The past week or so, I've been helping my friend Marli - a young person in the church - with an English presentation that she had to give. One part of the Presentation was to sing a song in English, so we were practicing Oh Happy Day together. She asked me if I could take a day off at the Project to sing with her for her presentation, and I readily agreed (I love a performance!). So on Monday we spent our morning preparing her for all aspects of the presentation, and then we headed out to her school, Cornerstone, for class. However, things aren't always what we plan. The second Marli introduced me to her Professor I was hustled back to another classroom with the further advanced students to speak with them. I felt awful leaving Marli high and dry... (fortunately it turned out that the song-aspect of her presentation wasn't until Tuesday, and so I wouldn't have done anything in the class anyway.)
I walked into a room of around 20 or so people, ranging from probably around 16 to 30. I introduced myself, and was ATTACKED with questions! I have NEVER had a room of people so attentive to me. Never have I given a presentation, or shared to roomful of people (about ANYTHING) where I have truly been the center of everyone's focus (although Pops assures me that I am the center of the universe all the time... I never felt so sure of it before yesterday hahahaha). It was so much fun to meet all of these people (in second and third level) and speak with them. Cornerstone is an interesting program, each level is 2 months... there are 6 levels and within a year you are fluent in English. The second and third level students had EXCELLENT language skills. I'm not sure that my Spanish skills don't compare with their English skills... and only one person in the class had ever been to the USA.
They asked about me, my life, my town, state, family, food, hobbies, talents, education, country... they talked of their country, history, politics, tourism. They wanted to know what I was doing in Nicaragua, where I'd been, what I liked of it, etc. etc. We discussed History of both countries, as well as Politics, Religion, and I had an AWESOME opportunity to evangelize - which I completely embraced. It was such a great experience. I was invited back, they would love me to come as often as possible, and I'm sure I would return - I feel I could really have an impact for Jesus there.
Then there was today - Tuesday. Originally I was going to take another day off (I know that sounds like I am just not working) to go with Isaac to visit his University, and also to do some shopping (not shopping just for fun... although it would have been... but to get some things that I need). Well, Omar - the volunteer/delegation organizer for the Project - gave me a call yesterday, and asked that I come to the Project today. So, I changed my plans.
I went to the Project this morning and when Omar arrived we discussed what I've been up to. He's been busy with other aspects of his job, and hasn't been able to devote as much time to my work at the Project as he maybe should have been... but Nicaraguan time isn't exactly a New York Minute... When he realized that all I was really doing was teaching reading to 5 first graders once a day, and then just filling in when people needed help, he felt badly. Usually they've had a position pretty much set up when Volunteers arrive... and usually there is another volunteer here who is about to leave, and can take the new volunteer under his/her wing and teach them everything they need to know. Well, with little me that hasn't exactly been the case... another reason why I've been here over three weeks and ball has hardly been rolling...
So, I have a real position, and tomorrow Javier (the school director) and I are going to meet to figure out my specific schedule!!! I am going to be teaching Music! I will also be assisting Bermon (the Art/English teacher) with Art class... because he was only teaching Art because no one else was available at the beginning of the semeseter. I'll have one or two music classes on Monday Tuesday and Thursday, help with Art on Tuesday and Thursday (I believe those are the Art days), and continue to be the first grade advanced readers' teacher. This pretty much encompasses what my work at the school will be for the next three months. It will definitely be difficult/taxing to come up with a music program, and teach it, with little music vocabulary (but God will provide!). Because of some donations I'll be able to purchase some much needed materials (Thank You everyone who has supported me monetarily).
As I have briefly mentioned (in my Life is Like a Box of Chocolates entry) I will also be implementing an after school club for the young girls. We don't have a specific start date yet, I imagine that ball might not get rolling until the beginning October - but no worries, when it starts I am sure it will have an amazing impact. (October is only 8 days away!) Also, as school ends for the semester at the end of November, I will be here for most of December, and be able to continue the Girl's Club whenever they don't have school - it being my main focus/mission. Anyway, I am glad it's not starting right away, because I need to get the music class squared away first!
I know you are all already praying for me... but just to recap - please thank God for the opportunities I have to serve him here - whether I go to Cornerstone and help them with their English, while witnessing... or whether I am teaching music, helping with Art, or working with the Girl's Club (we're really going to have to come up with a name for it... any suggestions?? "Girl's Club" sounds rather LAME) - I feel God is using me in amazing ways and has so many plans and purposes for my short time in this place. I am so blessed to have this opportunity - but it's not MY mission - it's obviously God's, but as well it's YOUR mission. You at home who are thinking of me, praying for me, and supporting me, have as much a role to play... so continue to keep our work in your daily talk with Jesus.
Thank you for being together with me in mission and in Spirit. ¡Que Dios les bendiga!
Sunday was the 47th Anniversary of the AICN (Asociacíon de Iglesias de Cristo de Nicaragua - Association of the Church of Christ in Nicaragua). There are 150 churches in the AICN. Pastor Pablo - my host dad - is the President of it (which is a Bishop-like position). All of the churches met for a large joint worship service at the Campamento. A large Campground that has a huge pavilion where we held church. All of the members of El Buen Pastor piled in the bus here in front of my house at about 6:30 in the morning to go to worship! We arrived at the camp around 8:00 and we left at 12:30. It was a marvelous testament to connectionalism within church denominations... and made me feel right at home!
The past week or so, I've been helping my friend Marli - a young person in the church - with an English presentation that she had to give. One part of the Presentation was to sing a song in English, so we were practicing Oh Happy Day together. She asked me if I could take a day off at the Project to sing with her for her presentation, and I readily agreed (I love a performance!). So on Monday we spent our morning preparing her for all aspects of the presentation, and then we headed out to her school, Cornerstone, for class. However, things aren't always what we plan. The second Marli introduced me to her Professor I was hustled back to another classroom with the further advanced students to speak with them. I felt awful leaving Marli high and dry... (fortunately it turned out that the song-aspect of her presentation wasn't until Tuesday, and so I wouldn't have done anything in the class anyway.)
I walked into a room of around 20 or so people, ranging from probably around 16 to 30. I introduced myself, and was ATTACKED with questions! I have NEVER had a room of people so attentive to me. Never have I given a presentation, or shared to roomful of people (about ANYTHING) where I have truly been the center of everyone's focus (although Pops assures me that I am the center of the universe all the time... I never felt so sure of it before yesterday hahahaha). It was so much fun to meet all of these people (in second and third level) and speak with them. Cornerstone is an interesting program, each level is 2 months... there are 6 levels and within a year you are fluent in English. The second and third level students had EXCELLENT language skills. I'm not sure that my Spanish skills don't compare with their English skills... and only one person in the class had ever been to the USA.
They asked about me, my life, my town, state, family, food, hobbies, talents, education, country... they talked of their country, history, politics, tourism. They wanted to know what I was doing in Nicaragua, where I'd been, what I liked of it, etc. etc. We discussed History of both countries, as well as Politics, Religion, and I had an AWESOME opportunity to evangelize - which I completely embraced. It was such a great experience. I was invited back, they would love me to come as often as possible, and I'm sure I would return - I feel I could really have an impact for Jesus there.
Then there was today - Tuesday. Originally I was going to take another day off (I know that sounds like I am just not working) to go with Isaac to visit his University, and also to do some shopping (not shopping just for fun... although it would have been... but to get some things that I need). Well, Omar - the volunteer/delegation organizer for the Project - gave me a call yesterday, and asked that I come to the Project today. So, I changed my plans.
I went to the Project this morning and when Omar arrived we discussed what I've been up to. He's been busy with other aspects of his job, and hasn't been able to devote as much time to my work at the Project as he maybe should have been... but Nicaraguan time isn't exactly a New York Minute... When he realized that all I was really doing was teaching reading to 5 first graders once a day, and then just filling in when people needed help, he felt badly. Usually they've had a position pretty much set up when Volunteers arrive... and usually there is another volunteer here who is about to leave, and can take the new volunteer under his/her wing and teach them everything they need to know. Well, with little me that hasn't exactly been the case... another reason why I've been here over three weeks and ball has hardly been rolling...
So, I have a real position, and tomorrow Javier (the school director) and I are going to meet to figure out my specific schedule!!! I am going to be teaching Music! I will also be assisting Bermon (the Art/English teacher) with Art class... because he was only teaching Art because no one else was available at the beginning of the semeseter. I'll have one or two music classes on Monday Tuesday and Thursday, help with Art on Tuesday and Thursday (I believe those are the Art days), and continue to be the first grade advanced readers' teacher. This pretty much encompasses what my work at the school will be for the next three months. It will definitely be difficult/taxing to come up with a music program, and teach it, with little music vocabulary (but God will provide!). Because of some donations I'll be able to purchase some much needed materials (Thank You everyone who has supported me monetarily).
As I have briefly mentioned (in my Life is Like a Box of Chocolates entry) I will also be implementing an after school club for the young girls. We don't have a specific start date yet, I imagine that ball might not get rolling until the beginning October - but no worries, when it starts I am sure it will have an amazing impact. (October is only 8 days away!) Also, as school ends for the semester at the end of November, I will be here for most of December, and be able to continue the Girl's Club whenever they don't have school - it being my main focus/mission. Anyway, I am glad it's not starting right away, because I need to get the music class squared away first!
I know you are all already praying for me... but just to recap - please thank God for the opportunities I have to serve him here - whether I go to Cornerstone and help them with their English, while witnessing... or whether I am teaching music, helping with Art, or working with the Girl's Club (we're really going to have to come up with a name for it... any suggestions?? "Girl's Club" sounds rather LAME) - I feel God is using me in amazing ways and has so many plans and purposes for my short time in this place. I am so blessed to have this opportunity - but it's not MY mission - it's obviously God's, but as well it's YOUR mission. You at home who are thinking of me, praying for me, and supporting me, have as much a role to play... so continue to keep our work in your daily talk with Jesus.
Thank you for being together with me in mission and in Spirit. ¡Que Dios les bendiga!
sábado, 20 de septiembre de 2008
Five Advanced Readers
My current main position at Chacocente is to teach Reading to the Five advanced readers in first grade. (We have more plans for my volunteering, but they have yet to be put into the works... time moves slowly here).
Nelson, Edwin, Ramón, Douglas, and Adriana are my students...
Because I'm working so closely with them, I thought you might like to know what they're like:
Nelson (6 years old) is smart. It's his first year in 1st grade. He reads generally well. Unfortunately, he has serious issues paying attention (can anyone say ADHD?). He doesn't want to try anything new if he doesn't think he can do it - or if he doesn't feel like it. He enjoys reading, accepts correction, but doesn't like reading when someone asks him to. His favorite time to read is when it's someone else's turn!!!
Edwin (is probably 7, but I'm not sure... it's his first year in 1st grade) I think, is the slowest reader in the group. Yet, he works hard to keep up. If he makes a mistake he wants to fix it. He's very careful and persistant. He wants to learn more, read more, work hard. I don't think he's as natural of a reader as the others, but he can sure keep up!
Ramón (not sure of his age, 6 maybe, is also a first time 1st grader). He is smart! He likes to read fast - and thinks that makes him a better reader. However, because he reads quickly he often stumbles. He doesn't particularly recognize the different consonant sounds and connect them with what he's reading on the page. He also gets distracted, but he can read.
Now there's Douglas (he's 8, and a second time 1st grader because part way through the beginning of last year his parents pulled him out of school). He's my brainiac. Douglas reads well and swiftly, rarely faltering. Yet, not too swiftly so one can understand. He likes to show off. He doesn't respond well to criticsm. If he's corrected while reading, rather than look again at the words to understand his mistake, he just continues as though he never faltered. Yet, he's among the smartest in the class in general.
Adriana is my only girl (she's 8, but I don't know if she's a repeater). She's quiet, shy, and unconfident. She's also VERY bright and works hard. She always gives her best and performs well. Adriana works diligently and does not show off. She soaks in correction, and is always improving herself. But, if she doesn't know somethingrather than take a stab at it, she shies away from the page unless she is prompted or encouraged otherwise.
They're a good mix of kids to work with, although they don't always work well together. They do enjoy reading and learning! And they are all very special to me.
Nelson, Edwin, Ramón, Douglas, and Adriana are my students...
Because I'm working so closely with them, I thought you might like to know what they're like:
Nelson (6 years old) is smart. It's his first year in 1st grade. He reads generally well. Unfortunately, he has serious issues paying attention (can anyone say ADHD?). He doesn't want to try anything new if he doesn't think he can do it - or if he doesn't feel like it. He enjoys reading, accepts correction, but doesn't like reading when someone asks him to. His favorite time to read is when it's someone else's turn!!!
Edwin (is probably 7, but I'm not sure... it's his first year in 1st grade) I think, is the slowest reader in the group. Yet, he works hard to keep up. If he makes a mistake he wants to fix it. He's very careful and persistant. He wants to learn more, read more, work hard. I don't think he's as natural of a reader as the others, but he can sure keep up!
Ramón (not sure of his age, 6 maybe, is also a first time 1st grader). He is smart! He likes to read fast - and thinks that makes him a better reader. However, because he reads quickly he often stumbles. He doesn't particularly recognize the different consonant sounds and connect them with what he's reading on the page. He also gets distracted, but he can read.
Now there's Douglas (he's 8, and a second time 1st grader because part way through the beginning of last year his parents pulled him out of school). He's my brainiac. Douglas reads well and swiftly, rarely faltering. Yet, not too swiftly so one can understand. He likes to show off. He doesn't respond well to criticsm. If he's corrected while reading, rather than look again at the words to understand his mistake, he just continues as though he never faltered. Yet, he's among the smartest in the class in general.
Adriana is my only girl (she's 8, but I don't know if she's a repeater). She's quiet, shy, and unconfident. She's also VERY bright and works hard. She always gives her best and performs well. Adriana works diligently and does not show off. She soaks in correction, and is always improving herself. But, if she doesn't know somethingrather than take a stab at it, she shies away from the page unless she is prompted or encouraged otherwise.
They're a good mix of kids to work with, although they don't always work well together. They do enjoy reading and learning! And they are all very special to me.
miércoles, 17 de septiembre de 2008
Worship in Sabana Grande
The past few days I haven't been doing much. Monday was Independence Day here in Nicaragua, so Chacocente hasn't had school since last Friday. They start back tomorrow. I've had a little vacation from the Project... just enjoying my new family, new friends, new church. Sorry I haven't blogged, but I really didn't know what to talk about. I thought maybe you'd enjoy an overview on what Church is like here.
La Iglesia - El Buen Pastor is part of Nicaragua's Church of Christ Denomination (it has no relation to the USA Church of Christ - but in fact does have ties to our United Methodist Church). Its Pastor - Pablo Telléz (my host dad) is also the President of the Church of Christ Denomination of Nicaragua. There is another Pastor in the church, sort of like an associate - Hermano Pedro. He's about 30 years old, and preaches once or twice a week.
Church usually begins at 7:00 pm Monday through Wednesday, and Friday. Saturday is Youth Service. On Sundays morning church is usually at 8:30 or 9:00 (they never really start anything "on time") and evening church is at 5:00. However, the first Sunday of each month early church is at 5:00 AM. On Sundays the women of the church cook soup to raise money for the church. Janeth (my host mom) pretty much leads that. It is excellent soup, but like nothing I've ever had in the States.
El Buen Pastor is a more contemporary Evangelical Church - there are very traditional ones as well (I went to a traditional church service about a week or so ago). Church generally begins with gathering music. Pablo leads sometimes, and there are about 5 or so others that lead at other times. Some night's there is just guitar, other nights there is just voice, sometimes we have drums and piano as well. But whatever the case, the singing isn't done solely by the people up front! During the singing we'll have La Lectura (a reading). Someone from the Congregation (generally someone different every night) comes up to read the Bible reading and then pray. After which there is more singing. Then we'll have the offering. Someone else from the Congregation will come up and hold the offering basket, standing at the front of the church. Then while we sing joyously people parade up front to place their offerings in the plate, in front of the entire congregation. (This is very Old Testament - but totally awesome). After the song, the person holding the offering basket prays. Then we may sing some more. Or we'll have Especiales. We don't have Specials every service, but maybe two or three times in a week. People from the Congregation who so desire go up front and sing a song, whoever is on guitar just picks it up and starts playing. Sometimes the congregation sings along, and sometimes they just enjoy the music. But usually 3 or 5 or more people will go up and share. After which we may sing some more praises, or have the Message.
The message always begins with another Scripture reading. Pastor Pablo usually gives it, but Hermano Pedro does often as well... and a couple times we've had others give it. At times someone will give a testimony before the message. Then finally we'll end with prayer and song and benediction. Then everyone goes around the church and greets each other "¡Que Dios te bendiga!"
That's just an outline of the service, but experiencing it is something else. They don't have a screen or hymnals or songsheets to read the words to the songs. They all KNOW them. And they clap and sing strongly and move around. Whenever there's a point in the service where there's a technical difficulty, or a short break, or whatever, the congregation fills it with Hallelujahs, Amens, and Praise Gods (such things are also distributed quite effectively throughout the entire service). It is such an overwhelming feeling of warmth to worship with these people. One of the coolest things that is done often is the Singing of Psalms. They have music that goes to many of the Psalms, and they all just sing the words straight from the Bible like a Praise Chorus! It's so cool!
Something else they do is Celebrate people's birthdays... we've had 3 since last week. At the end of the service the Birthday person goes up front and we sing and sing various birthday/blessing songs while we all parade up front and hug them. Then we recite this special birthday blessing, which I don't know, with our hands outstretched. Pastor Pablo prays, and the Birthdayee has an opportunity to speak. He/she usually just talks for a minute or so... praising God and thanking people and the Church for the impact its had on his/her life.
I just think it's awesome that everyone has an opportunity to partcipate in worship. Whether with Specials, or Testimony, or Reading, or doing the Offering, or having a birthday. It's not up to a few select people or groups. It really is about the WHOLE church.
There is nothing uptight about Worship here. No certain time requirements to meet, no structure that must be followed, no offense when you sit in someone's spot, or anything like that. It's okay to get up in the middle because something comes up...
(for instance, last night... Yesterday was hot. It was really really hot. I did my laundry and hung it on the line to dry. Before Church it still wasn't completely dry, (i dont know why but church was at 5:00 last night... probably because of the Holiday). So, I decided to wait until after church to take care of it. While we were sitting in church it began to get really dark, earlier than usual, and it was very cool and windy outside. I knew it was going to rain, it felt like rain, it smelled like rain... and I wanted rain because it had been so hot! BUT all my clothes were on the line, and Pablo was just starting the message. I was sitting in the front row of the church. Well, I just got up, walked out the side door, and took all my clothes down. When I was about halfway done the rain started to drop... and by the time I was pulling my last shirt off the line I realized I had started just in time. I got under the porch roof and it just poured! I put my laundry in my room and walked back over to church and sat down... No one looked at me when I came in, no one asked me why I left.)
Another thing I love about this church is the Young People. They have a thriving group of around 20 or 25 Young People. Who are all pretty regular, and involved. They don't do Youth Group like in the States though. The Young people begin at about age 16 or 17 or so... and goes till about 30. (They have younger kids in the church, but they're still in Sunday School... which they have once or twice a week during Culto). Guillen, he's 20 as of yesterday, is the President. Every Saturday night they have service, led by themselves. It begins just the way the regular services do, with worship and offering, but instead of a message they break into small groups and study scripture. After studying it someone from each group shares what the group's thoughts are. I really enjoy it a lot, and Saturday night I spoke up in my Small Group and gave my thoughts on something... I only had to ask Isaac for help with 2 or 3 words... so it was good. LuzMarina said that everyone understood me! After the Bible Study we go back to the pews (girls on one side, boys on the other) and have a competition. First it begins with Guillen reading scripture and us racing to find where he's reading it from. The first person to find it stands up and reads aloud along with him. I can't participate in that one, because even with a Spanish Bible, I won't know where to find it... it takes me long enough to figure out exactly what he's talking about, and then after that to figure out where it would be... I can't do that yet. After this, they might give a passage and the first person to say the first word of it gets a point. There are various other games they do this way. They also do a memory verse part. How many memory verses can each team recite in 1 minute? and Bible Trivia Questions. I participate in these two because they let me say memory verses in English, and my Bible Trivia is pretty good. At the end of the Competition we add up the points, Boys versus Girls. The girls won on Saturday. So Youth Service is like a cross between Worship, Bible Study, and Youth Group... it's so much fun. When it's over a lot of us remain to hang out at Parsonage... actually the Young people do that every night after church. Some nights they might go get a 3 liter of Coke and Pico for all, and other nights they just sit around and talk. The regulars are Guillen, Rafael, Hermano Pedro, Karla, Marly, and Joel. Sometimes more stay, sometimes less.
This is probably the best description I can give worship here in words. But it doesn't amount to the emotion and warmth one experiences while participating in the loving community of worship at El Buen Pastor.
La Iglesia - El Buen Pastor is part of Nicaragua's Church of Christ Denomination (it has no relation to the USA Church of Christ - but in fact does have ties to our United Methodist Church). Its Pastor - Pablo Telléz (my host dad) is also the President of the Church of Christ Denomination of Nicaragua. There is another Pastor in the church, sort of like an associate - Hermano Pedro. He's about 30 years old, and preaches once or twice a week.
Church usually begins at 7:00 pm Monday through Wednesday, and Friday. Saturday is Youth Service. On Sundays morning church is usually at 8:30 or 9:00 (they never really start anything "on time") and evening church is at 5:00. However, the first Sunday of each month early church is at 5:00 AM. On Sundays the women of the church cook soup to raise money for the church. Janeth (my host mom) pretty much leads that. It is excellent soup, but like nothing I've ever had in the States.
El Buen Pastor is a more contemporary Evangelical Church - there are very traditional ones as well (I went to a traditional church service about a week or so ago). Church generally begins with gathering music. Pablo leads sometimes, and there are about 5 or so others that lead at other times. Some night's there is just guitar, other nights there is just voice, sometimes we have drums and piano as well. But whatever the case, the singing isn't done solely by the people up front! During the singing we'll have La Lectura (a reading). Someone from the Congregation (generally someone different every night) comes up to read the Bible reading and then pray. After which there is more singing. Then we'll have the offering. Someone else from the Congregation will come up and hold the offering basket, standing at the front of the church. Then while we sing joyously people parade up front to place their offerings in the plate, in front of the entire congregation. (This is very Old Testament - but totally awesome). After the song, the person holding the offering basket prays. Then we may sing some more. Or we'll have Especiales. We don't have Specials every service, but maybe two or three times in a week. People from the Congregation who so desire go up front and sing a song, whoever is on guitar just picks it up and starts playing. Sometimes the congregation sings along, and sometimes they just enjoy the music. But usually 3 or 5 or more people will go up and share. After which we may sing some more praises, or have the Message.
The message always begins with another Scripture reading. Pastor Pablo usually gives it, but Hermano Pedro does often as well... and a couple times we've had others give it. At times someone will give a testimony before the message. Then finally we'll end with prayer and song and benediction. Then everyone goes around the church and greets each other "¡Que Dios te bendiga!"
That's just an outline of the service, but experiencing it is something else. They don't have a screen or hymnals or songsheets to read the words to the songs. They all KNOW them. And they clap and sing strongly and move around. Whenever there's a point in the service where there's a technical difficulty, or a short break, or whatever, the congregation fills it with Hallelujahs, Amens, and Praise Gods (such things are also distributed quite effectively throughout the entire service). It is such an overwhelming feeling of warmth to worship with these people. One of the coolest things that is done often is the Singing of Psalms. They have music that goes to many of the Psalms, and they all just sing the words straight from the Bible like a Praise Chorus! It's so cool!
Something else they do is Celebrate people's birthdays... we've had 3 since last week. At the end of the service the Birthday person goes up front and we sing and sing various birthday/blessing songs while we all parade up front and hug them. Then we recite this special birthday blessing, which I don't know, with our hands outstretched. Pastor Pablo prays, and the Birthdayee has an opportunity to speak. He/she usually just talks for a minute or so... praising God and thanking people and the Church for the impact its had on his/her life.
I just think it's awesome that everyone has an opportunity to partcipate in worship. Whether with Specials, or Testimony, or Reading, or doing the Offering, or having a birthday. It's not up to a few select people or groups. It really is about the WHOLE church.
There is nothing uptight about Worship here. No certain time requirements to meet, no structure that must be followed, no offense when you sit in someone's spot, or anything like that. It's okay to get up in the middle because something comes up...
(for instance, last night... Yesterday was hot. It was really really hot. I did my laundry and hung it on the line to dry. Before Church it still wasn't completely dry, (i dont know why but church was at 5:00 last night... probably because of the Holiday). So, I decided to wait until after church to take care of it. While we were sitting in church it began to get really dark, earlier than usual, and it was very cool and windy outside. I knew it was going to rain, it felt like rain, it smelled like rain... and I wanted rain because it had been so hot! BUT all my clothes were on the line, and Pablo was just starting the message. I was sitting in the front row of the church. Well, I just got up, walked out the side door, and took all my clothes down. When I was about halfway done the rain started to drop... and by the time I was pulling my last shirt off the line I realized I had started just in time. I got under the porch roof and it just poured! I put my laundry in my room and walked back over to church and sat down... No one looked at me when I came in, no one asked me why I left.)
Another thing I love about this church is the Young People. They have a thriving group of around 20 or 25 Young People. Who are all pretty regular, and involved. They don't do Youth Group like in the States though. The Young people begin at about age 16 or 17 or so... and goes till about 30. (They have younger kids in the church, but they're still in Sunday School... which they have once or twice a week during Culto). Guillen, he's 20 as of yesterday, is the President. Every Saturday night they have service, led by themselves. It begins just the way the regular services do, with worship and offering, but instead of a message they break into small groups and study scripture. After studying it someone from each group shares what the group's thoughts are. I really enjoy it a lot, and Saturday night I spoke up in my Small Group and gave my thoughts on something... I only had to ask Isaac for help with 2 or 3 words... so it was good. LuzMarina said that everyone understood me! After the Bible Study we go back to the pews (girls on one side, boys on the other) and have a competition. First it begins with Guillen reading scripture and us racing to find where he's reading it from. The first person to find it stands up and reads aloud along with him. I can't participate in that one, because even with a Spanish Bible, I won't know where to find it... it takes me long enough to figure out exactly what he's talking about, and then after that to figure out where it would be... I can't do that yet. After this, they might give a passage and the first person to say the first word of it gets a point. There are various other games they do this way. They also do a memory verse part. How many memory verses can each team recite in 1 minute? and Bible Trivia Questions. I participate in these two because they let me say memory verses in English, and my Bible Trivia is pretty good. At the end of the Competition we add up the points, Boys versus Girls. The girls won on Saturday. So Youth Service is like a cross between Worship, Bible Study, and Youth Group... it's so much fun. When it's over a lot of us remain to hang out at Parsonage... actually the Young people do that every night after church. Some nights they might go get a 3 liter of Coke and Pico for all, and other nights they just sit around and talk. The regulars are Guillen, Rafael, Hermano Pedro, Karla, Marly, and Joel. Sometimes more stay, sometimes less.
This is probably the best description I can give worship here in words. But it doesn't amount to the emotion and warmth one experiences while participating in the loving community of worship at El Buen Pastor.
miércoles, 10 de septiembre de 2008
Life is like a box of chocolates...
So, right now it´s 11 00 am. I didn´t go to the Project today because I woke up feeling sick. I don't know whether it's allergies, or a cold, or what... but my throat and head don't feel great... and my stomach isn't doing amazingly either. But that's alright. I slept in and I feel a lot better and rested now.
Monday... Monday was my worst day so far. You have to take the bad with the good, however. When I woke up Monday I was excited to go to the Project. I had gone by myself before and hadn't had a problem, my bike was supposed to be fixed, it was a new day! Well on my third bus I missed my stop at Santa de Fine. I don't know what happened... but when the buses are so full and you really can't see much of anything it's pretty easy to do. I realized it as I started to see landmarks that I did not recognize. I was frustrated and near tears at this point, but I held off on the crying. I arrived to the end of the route in Masaya and wanted to just take the bus on the same route back. But they weren't leaving for awhile. So, I wandered around a bit until a lovely little taxi man asked me, "¿A dondé va?" (Where are you going?). I told him I needed to get to Project Chacocente, and he told me it would be 80 cordoba (divide that by 19.5 and you get dollars, so it really isn't that much money... but a busride is only 8 cordoba). He took me there, and I arrived at 9 05, I usually get there about 8 30 or so... so it really wasn't all too bad. I arrived after the first graders were done with their Spanish, so I didn't get to help my advanced readers. Really, all I did was observe, and that frustrated me even more. I was a little depressed, and I began to feel sorry for myself (which in turn made me more angry). I was here to help people, to be selfless and giving. Not to be depressed and caught up in my self. Sure I would have times where I would be sad and frustrated but just look at what these people have been through! Well those didn't stop how I felt. After missing the bus and Spanish class... I began to miss my family, things about the States, and being able to understand what people said to me. I felt really alone. The kids were all great, as always, but it didn't change my sadness. After school ended Cheryl (Project Director) had come with Gabrielle and Omar to have a meeting with the adults of the Project. I decided I would wait till it was over and talk to Omar and Charito about how I felt. I also really didn't want to get back on the buses yet, or ride my new bike, although I was glad it was fixed! I just wanted to go back to Sabana Grande! I sat in the school cafeteria and had a little pity party as I cried. Then I stopped and was just sitting in the cafeteria window waiting when Evert walked by, he was on his way home. Evert is 10 years old and has the same mannerisms as my little brother Caleb. He hugs me the same way too. Well he came over to me and rested his head on my leg for probably 5 minutes. It was all I could do to choke back tears... I missed my little brother... and my family... and this and that... the thoughts started streaming again. After I said adios to little Evert I began to cry again.
Then Eliam came over. He was a little Godsend. I had never talked to Eliam before, but he just came right up and said "Hola," in a shy way. I responded "Hola" and hoped he would then go away. He did not. So I opened up conversation. His day went well. He was 8 years old and in 3rd grade (awesome!!!). He was waiting for his dad (who was working on some construction) . Then he pulled himself up next to me on the windowsill and pulled out his Spanish book. He wanted me to read to him. So I read a silly little story out of it. Then he wanted another, and another. By the fourth one, I asked him to read. He did it, but he had some troubles. So I was able to help him. He read probably 3 stories as well. It felt so good to help him with his reading, keep him company, and stop thinking about myself. Thank you God for little Eliam! After we were done I was on my way over to sit in a bit on the meeting while I waited for it to end. As I walked over Eliam ran up to me and handed me a butterfly wing. It was orange and black, and absolutely beautiful. I guess it was a kind of "thank you," and I love it!
After the meeting Cheryl asked me if I was going with them. I had trouble answering without crying, and I said that I wanted to and I really didn't feel like taking the buses this afternoon. (I had already told her what had happened that morning... that was before I had started my cry fest). She said that was fine! I was always welcome to come with them. And then Omar came over and asked if I was going to ride my bike. I broke down. He left to go take care of my bike and Charito just hugged me. She held me close and said to me "You're so courageous." I didn't feel courageous at all. I felt like I was being childish and selfish. I felt like I'd given up. But she comforted me. The whole trip in the truck she just chatted away about anything, but she didn't pressure me to express what I was feeling or to open up anything that would make me break down again. She knew why I had been crying, she understood that I was frustrated. A little fact about me is that I don't cry very often. I cry whenever I'm very frustrated. Before Monday, the last time I had cried was last January, because I received an 87% on a paper, that was probably the best paper I'd ever written (that's another story). So, I was long overdue for tears I'm sure, but I'm not a practiced cryer.
On the way home we stopped at Papa John's... Mejor Ingredientes. Mejor pizza. (yes they have a Papa John's here!!!) for a snack of cheesesticks and I had a sweet tea (it was really good!). Charito talked to me a bit about this idea she has for what I'll be doing at the Project... something more than just helped 1st graders read. She wants to start a kind of Club for the girls. Here in Nicaragua when a girl is about 13 or 14, some boy will tell her he loves her, she'll marry him, have a baby or two or more... and then he'll leave her. She's stuck with children, and no way to support them. She wants these girls to have opportunity. She wants them to go to college, to University, to have options (even here in this poverty stricken country). She doesn't know what the curriculum will be, we might do some dance, or some music, anything to give the young girls something outside of school and home. I'm so excited for it! (And I wish I hadn't been sick this morning because Charito is at the Project today, and she and I need to make a lunch date to put the curriculum together. But, I think health is probably a top priority. )
So that was the end of my unpleasant day ... there was definitely some positive in it though, but overall I felt horrible. When I returned home and was asked how my day went I responded that it wasn't good. And my lovely family didn't pressure me for answers. They understood that it would be difficult sometimes. I was fed, I went to church, I hung out with the youth, and I went to bed. I did not want to get up in the morning.
Tuesday I was nervous. I did not want to repeat the day before. I went as usual with Guillen and Rafael by bus to Zona Franca where they work. Guillen waited with me until I caught the bus to Tipitapa. I got there without a problem. I got on the bus to Masaya. And I was nervous. I had a seat near the front and could see well. I was still nervous. I was sitting up straight the whole time. I had told the bus driver and the money collecter that I had to get off at Santa del Fine. But I kept thinking I would miss it. I didn't. I got off at the right stop, walked across the street and picked up my bike. My bike is wonderful, it is fixed! There are some parts on the path where it's pretty difficult. Being out of practice on a bike made it annoying at points. But I made it without falling or any serious bike maintenance problems (Thank you God and Juan Carlos). I was soaking with sweat, because it was so hot... but I felt wonderful.
I walked into the class and was attacked by 14 1st graders. They all came running and shouting "¡Profe Rebekah!" Then they all hugged me at once and I nearly fell over! The day went well, I helped with Math and anything else they were having trouble with. I played with them during the lunch hour. A really bad storm started up, so the kids were sent home not long after lunch. I'm not sure that it rained, so I think it was a heat storm. Verma the English/Art teacher was correcting the English grammar to someone's translation. It was horrible. I don't know who did it, or what it was for, but it looked like they stuck it in a free online translator. Verma isn't really an English nerd, like me. So I kind of took it over. Then I translated a two page document from Spanish into English for the same person who had written the previous. I don't know why I was doing it, but I'm glad to have helped. I learned a few more words in Spanish that way! And it made me feel better about my language skills and more useful.
While I was doing this Juan was working on some Spanish. Juan is 15, and he doesn't read very well. He was working on about first or second grade Spanish consonants. I could see he was frustrated, and embarrassed. But he kept at it. It rips at my heart to see that. He should be a sophomore in High School not learning how to read. And it isn't that he doesn't want to learn. If he didn't, he wouldn't be there struggling with his consonants! Please remember Juan in your prayers.
At about 300 I left the Project, and had a lovely bike ride back to the road. I waited for a caught the bus, and got off, and caught the next, and got off and walked through the Market. While I was waiting for the Sabana Grande bus at Zona Franca, Pastor Pablo's brother came up to me. I had recognized him from the church, but I didn't know he was Pablo's brother. He kept me company, directed me to the right bus (since it was his too), and made sure the bus people knew I was getting off at the church. He also kept conversation going with me. It was great to practice some more. I arrived at the house tired, but in a great mood! I enjoyed my dinner and then I helped Jereson (I think that's his name) with some chords to a praise song on the keyboard.
In worship last night I read La Lectura. The Bible reading. It was a surprise because Pablo had said that I would be reading sometime, but he didn't say when or what (and he seemed to have forgotten that). I had to pray after reading Psalm 1, and I at first I was nervous until he told me that I could pray in English because God understands everything. That made me relax, and I read Salmos 1 in slow Spanish. But I did it, and it was great to be a part of the service. I went to bed fulfilled... and happy to be here serving God.
I'm going to have bad days. I'm 18 years old, in a country thousands of miles from home, I've been away from home alone longer than ever before (Friday marks one month that I have not slept in my bed), I don't speak the language perfectly yet, my diet's changed, my schedule's changed, the climate is different, the customs are different, and riding buses is not always a great experience. But regardless of the difficulties, I am here with a purpose, and as it is beginning to unfold I feel even more content and at home...
Pablo told me last week, I don't need to be nervous. If I felt God calling me here, then He will walk with me.
Monday... Monday was my worst day so far. You have to take the bad with the good, however. When I woke up Monday I was excited to go to the Project. I had gone by myself before and hadn't had a problem, my bike was supposed to be fixed, it was a new day! Well on my third bus I missed my stop at Santa de Fine. I don't know what happened... but when the buses are so full and you really can't see much of anything it's pretty easy to do. I realized it as I started to see landmarks that I did not recognize. I was frustrated and near tears at this point, but I held off on the crying. I arrived to the end of the route in Masaya and wanted to just take the bus on the same route back. But they weren't leaving for awhile. So, I wandered around a bit until a lovely little taxi man asked me, "¿A dondé va?" (Where are you going?). I told him I needed to get to Project Chacocente, and he told me it would be 80 cordoba (divide that by 19.5 and you get dollars, so it really isn't that much money... but a busride is only 8 cordoba). He took me there, and I arrived at 9 05, I usually get there about 8 30 or so... so it really wasn't all too bad. I arrived after the first graders were done with their Spanish, so I didn't get to help my advanced readers. Really, all I did was observe, and that frustrated me even more. I was a little depressed, and I began to feel sorry for myself (which in turn made me more angry). I was here to help people, to be selfless and giving. Not to be depressed and caught up in my self. Sure I would have times where I would be sad and frustrated but just look at what these people have been through! Well those didn't stop how I felt. After missing the bus and Spanish class... I began to miss my family, things about the States, and being able to understand what people said to me. I felt really alone. The kids were all great, as always, but it didn't change my sadness. After school ended Cheryl (Project Director) had come with Gabrielle and Omar to have a meeting with the adults of the Project. I decided I would wait till it was over and talk to Omar and Charito about how I felt. I also really didn't want to get back on the buses yet, or ride my new bike, although I was glad it was fixed! I just wanted to go back to Sabana Grande! I sat in the school cafeteria and had a little pity party as I cried. Then I stopped and was just sitting in the cafeteria window waiting when Evert walked by, he was on his way home. Evert is 10 years old and has the same mannerisms as my little brother Caleb. He hugs me the same way too. Well he came over to me and rested his head on my leg for probably 5 minutes. It was all I could do to choke back tears... I missed my little brother... and my family... and this and that... the thoughts started streaming again. After I said adios to little Evert I began to cry again.
Then Eliam came over. He was a little Godsend. I had never talked to Eliam before, but he just came right up and said "Hola," in a shy way. I responded "Hola" and hoped he would then go away. He did not. So I opened up conversation. His day went well. He was 8 years old and in 3rd grade (awesome!!!). He was waiting for his dad (who was working on some construction) . Then he pulled himself up next to me on the windowsill and pulled out his Spanish book. He wanted me to read to him. So I read a silly little story out of it. Then he wanted another, and another. By the fourth one, I asked him to read. He did it, but he had some troubles. So I was able to help him. He read probably 3 stories as well. It felt so good to help him with his reading, keep him company, and stop thinking about myself. Thank you God for little Eliam! After we were done I was on my way over to sit in a bit on the meeting while I waited for it to end. As I walked over Eliam ran up to me and handed me a butterfly wing. It was orange and black, and absolutely beautiful. I guess it was a kind of "thank you," and I love it!
After the meeting Cheryl asked me if I was going with them. I had trouble answering without crying, and I said that I wanted to and I really didn't feel like taking the buses this afternoon. (I had already told her what had happened that morning... that was before I had started my cry fest). She said that was fine! I was always welcome to come with them. And then Omar came over and asked if I was going to ride my bike. I broke down. He left to go take care of my bike and Charito just hugged me. She held me close and said to me "You're so courageous." I didn't feel courageous at all. I felt like I was being childish and selfish. I felt like I'd given up. But she comforted me. The whole trip in the truck she just chatted away about anything, but she didn't pressure me to express what I was feeling or to open up anything that would make me break down again. She knew why I had been crying, she understood that I was frustrated. A little fact about me is that I don't cry very often. I cry whenever I'm very frustrated. Before Monday, the last time I had cried was last January, because I received an 87% on a paper, that was probably the best paper I'd ever written (that's another story). So, I was long overdue for tears I'm sure, but I'm not a practiced cryer.
On the way home we stopped at Papa John's... Mejor Ingredientes. Mejor pizza. (yes they have a Papa John's here!!!) for a snack of cheesesticks and I had a sweet tea (it was really good!). Charito talked to me a bit about this idea she has for what I'll be doing at the Project... something more than just helped 1st graders read. She wants to start a kind of Club for the girls. Here in Nicaragua when a girl is about 13 or 14, some boy will tell her he loves her, she'll marry him, have a baby or two or more... and then he'll leave her. She's stuck with children, and no way to support them. She wants these girls to have opportunity. She wants them to go to college, to University, to have options (even here in this poverty stricken country). She doesn't know what the curriculum will be, we might do some dance, or some music, anything to give the young girls something outside of school and home. I'm so excited for it! (And I wish I hadn't been sick this morning because Charito is at the Project today, and she and I need to make a lunch date to put the curriculum together. But, I think health is probably a top priority. )
So that was the end of my unpleasant day ... there was definitely some positive in it though, but overall I felt horrible. When I returned home and was asked how my day went I responded that it wasn't good. And my lovely family didn't pressure me for answers. They understood that it would be difficult sometimes. I was fed, I went to church, I hung out with the youth, and I went to bed. I did not want to get up in the morning.
Tuesday I was nervous. I did not want to repeat the day before. I went as usual with Guillen and Rafael by bus to Zona Franca where they work. Guillen waited with me until I caught the bus to Tipitapa. I got there without a problem. I got on the bus to Masaya. And I was nervous. I had a seat near the front and could see well. I was still nervous. I was sitting up straight the whole time. I had told the bus driver and the money collecter that I had to get off at Santa del Fine. But I kept thinking I would miss it. I didn't. I got off at the right stop, walked across the street and picked up my bike. My bike is wonderful, it is fixed! There are some parts on the path where it's pretty difficult. Being out of practice on a bike made it annoying at points. But I made it without falling or any serious bike maintenance problems (Thank you God and Juan Carlos). I was soaking with sweat, because it was so hot... but I felt wonderful.
I walked into the class and was attacked by 14 1st graders. They all came running and shouting "¡Profe Rebekah!" Then they all hugged me at once and I nearly fell over! The day went well, I helped with Math and anything else they were having trouble with. I played with them during the lunch hour. A really bad storm started up, so the kids were sent home not long after lunch. I'm not sure that it rained, so I think it was a heat storm. Verma the English/Art teacher was correcting the English grammar to someone's translation. It was horrible. I don't know who did it, or what it was for, but it looked like they stuck it in a free online translator. Verma isn't really an English nerd, like me. So I kind of took it over. Then I translated a two page document from Spanish into English for the same person who had written the previous. I don't know why I was doing it, but I'm glad to have helped. I learned a few more words in Spanish that way! And it made me feel better about my language skills and more useful.
While I was doing this Juan was working on some Spanish. Juan is 15, and he doesn't read very well. He was working on about first or second grade Spanish consonants. I could see he was frustrated, and embarrassed. But he kept at it. It rips at my heart to see that. He should be a sophomore in High School not learning how to read. And it isn't that he doesn't want to learn. If he didn't, he wouldn't be there struggling with his consonants! Please remember Juan in your prayers.
At about 300 I left the Project, and had a lovely bike ride back to the road. I waited for a caught the bus, and got off, and caught the next, and got off and walked through the Market. While I was waiting for the Sabana Grande bus at Zona Franca, Pastor Pablo's brother came up to me. I had recognized him from the church, but I didn't know he was Pablo's brother. He kept me company, directed me to the right bus (since it was his too), and made sure the bus people knew I was getting off at the church. He also kept conversation going with me. It was great to practice some more. I arrived at the house tired, but in a great mood! I enjoyed my dinner and then I helped Jereson (I think that's his name) with some chords to a praise song on the keyboard.
In worship last night I read La Lectura. The Bible reading. It was a surprise because Pablo had said that I would be reading sometime, but he didn't say when or what (and he seemed to have forgotten that). I had to pray after reading Psalm 1, and I at first I was nervous until he told me that I could pray in English because God understands everything. That made me relax, and I read Salmos 1 in slow Spanish. But I did it, and it was great to be a part of the service. I went to bed fulfilled... and happy to be here serving God.
I'm going to have bad days. I'm 18 years old, in a country thousands of miles from home, I've been away from home alone longer than ever before (Friday marks one month that I have not slept in my bed), I don't speak the language perfectly yet, my diet's changed, my schedule's changed, the climate is different, the customs are different, and riding buses is not always a great experience. But regardless of the difficulties, I am here with a purpose, and as it is beginning to unfold I feel even more content and at home...
Pablo told me last week, I don't need to be nervous. If I felt God calling me here, then He will walk with me.
domingo, 7 de septiembre de 2008
Thanks for Internet!!!
Well, it turns out the Cable service was significantly more timely than Isaac predicted. We have internet again!!!! Only one day (how wonderful is that?)
So, continuing off from yesterday...
Cheryl Avery (Project Chacocente´s director - fondly referred to as Charito) was telling about some of Project Chacocente´s history. If you are interested in specifics the website should be up and running in about a week´s time... www.outofthedump.org
Anyway, she was talking of the school and the children who attend. As you may know the residents of Project Chacocente originally lived in La Churreca - Managua´s City Dump. Now living in a small agricultural community with an excellent school, their lives are significantly altered for the better. Cheryl was speaking of improvements in the last 5 years. For instance 5 of the families have been awarded their land. They are now independent, and able to support themselves. The school is thriving, and the children are working hard. Within the next two years Project Chacocente II will begin... with 20 families being brought out of La Churreca!!!
Cheryl told a story of one child not too long after they had begun the Project. This little boy did not come to school regularly, although he was very intelligent. One day he threw his notebooks all over the room and said, "Mi papa dice que, ¡Educacion es mierda!"(My dad says that education is s$!%). This was a common thought for people who didn´t need education because their livelihood was supported by garbage. For their children though, now living in Chacocente that´s not so. Well fortunately in the last 5 years this attitude has been transformed.
Another thing the Project is doing is working on their large community building. The upstairs is going to be turned into 3 small dormitories for volunteers or small delegations to say, because it is right in the Project and they wouldnt have to worry about transportation. (like how I take 3 buses one way). In the downstairs they will have a small Pulperia (like a convenient store) and a beauty shop, the other room they aren´t sure what it will be, but it will be a business of some sort.
They will also be building a library onto the school, and soon enough another school because whenever the Children of Project Chacocente II come to the school it would be far too difficult to integrate them with children who have been out of a dump for 6 or 7 years. The behavior would be too different. They also have dreams of building a High School, so that after the children graduate 6th grade they don´t have to travel to a High School (which has poorer standards than the Project´s school).
It is so awesome to hear and see all the possibilities and potential that this Project has. Please keep it, and my little work there in your thoughts and prayers.
Now for the rest of Friday... On the ride home I enjoyed talking with Gabrielle (he´s like the Project Manager, I guess). He and I were talking about the poor and rich in Nicaragua and how they live side by side, yet it is two totally different worlds. We talked about the life of the Church in Nicaragua versus the U.S. The effects of poverty in Nicaragua. Our duty to help each other... etc etc... It was so awesome to have conversation outside of small talk IN SPANISH! Yay!!! I´m improving!!!
Today was Sunday. As it is the first Sunday of the month El Buen Pastor has culto at 5 in the morning!!! (No one woke me up... so I slept through most of it... but don´t worry they have an evening service too!!!) I got up about 730 and got ready to go swimming. Isaac, Joel, Rafael, and I went to a pool close by and had a great time swimming, relaxing, playing on the swingset etc. It was a really enjoyable day because the weather was SO hot and the pool was the perfect way to cool down!
This evening in church we had communion, and it was beautiful. I love it here!!!
Tomorrow I have to get up at 530 and be off to Chacocente to begin another week!!!
I will write more as more occurs!!!
Mucho amor!!!
So, continuing off from yesterday...
Cheryl Avery (Project Chacocente´s director - fondly referred to as Charito) was telling about some of Project Chacocente´s history. If you are interested in specifics the website should be up and running in about a week´s time... www.outofthedump.org
Anyway, she was talking of the school and the children who attend. As you may know the residents of Project Chacocente originally lived in La Churreca - Managua´s City Dump. Now living in a small agricultural community with an excellent school, their lives are significantly altered for the better. Cheryl was speaking of improvements in the last 5 years. For instance 5 of the families have been awarded their land. They are now independent, and able to support themselves. The school is thriving, and the children are working hard. Within the next two years Project Chacocente II will begin... with 20 families being brought out of La Churreca!!!
Cheryl told a story of one child not too long after they had begun the Project. This little boy did not come to school regularly, although he was very intelligent. One day he threw his notebooks all over the room and said, "Mi papa dice que, ¡Educacion es mierda!"(My dad says that education is s$!%). This was a common thought for people who didn´t need education because their livelihood was supported by garbage. For their children though, now living in Chacocente that´s not so. Well fortunately in the last 5 years this attitude has been transformed.
Another thing the Project is doing is working on their large community building. The upstairs is going to be turned into 3 small dormitories for volunteers or small delegations to say, because it is right in the Project and they wouldnt have to worry about transportation. (like how I take 3 buses one way). In the downstairs they will have a small Pulperia (like a convenient store) and a beauty shop, the other room they aren´t sure what it will be, but it will be a business of some sort.
They will also be building a library onto the school, and soon enough another school because whenever the Children of Project Chacocente II come to the school it would be far too difficult to integrate them with children who have been out of a dump for 6 or 7 years. The behavior would be too different. They also have dreams of building a High School, so that after the children graduate 6th grade they don´t have to travel to a High School (which has poorer standards than the Project´s school).
It is so awesome to hear and see all the possibilities and potential that this Project has. Please keep it, and my little work there in your thoughts and prayers.
Now for the rest of Friday... On the ride home I enjoyed talking with Gabrielle (he´s like the Project Manager, I guess). He and I were talking about the poor and rich in Nicaragua and how they live side by side, yet it is two totally different worlds. We talked about the life of the Church in Nicaragua versus the U.S. The effects of poverty in Nicaragua. Our duty to help each other... etc etc... It was so awesome to have conversation outside of small talk IN SPANISH! Yay!!! I´m improving!!!
Today was Sunday. As it is the first Sunday of the month El Buen Pastor has culto at 5 in the morning!!! (No one woke me up... so I slept through most of it... but don´t worry they have an evening service too!!!) I got up about 730 and got ready to go swimming. Isaac, Joel, Rafael, and I went to a pool close by and had a great time swimming, relaxing, playing on the swingset etc. It was a really enjoyable day because the weather was SO hot and the pool was the perfect way to cool down!
This evening in church we had communion, and it was beautiful. I love it here!!!
Tomorrow I have to get up at 530 and be off to Chacocente to begin another week!!!
I will write more as more occurs!!!
Mucho amor!!!
sábado, 6 de septiembre de 2008
contentment
Hello all...
it is with regret that I must inform everyone that this may be my last blog for about a week. The internet at the Tellez home is not working so I am at a cyber cafe (and paying 12 cordoba for one hour... which is about 75 cents haha). So youll have to savor this one because it will have to last you an entire week!
The last couple days Ive spent at the Project have been even better!!! Thursday morning Charlotte took me on the bus route so I could learn how to do it in the morning. And then we walked to the Project because of all of the rain. I am assured that my bike will be fixed for Monday, however. My feet were soaked and muddy, my windsuit (which was given to me by Janeth before I left) was the same. I felt completely disgusting and a little exhausted.
I arrived in my classroom 40 minutes after school started and Yamileth (the first grade teacher) and Enmannuel (her son) came right over to me and helped me hang my wet things and I cleaned myself up with my handy dandy Equate wipes (you can purchase them at WalMart for all of your hygiene needs haha). Once I was settled in Yamileth went back to teaching Math. Theyre still doing subtraction. On this day they were separated into groups. Only 9 of the 16 students showed up to class because of the rain. So there were only 3 groups. Nelson... hes a wild one, but probably my favorite (if Im allowed to have one), doesnt work well with others. And quite frankly Evert (who reminds me of my little brother Caleb) and Ramon were sick of him. So Yamileth had him work on his own. I watched him as he raced through the five problems and then sat in his seat, well wiggled and moved around... he cant sit still! (infact he often gets out of his seat and turns a few cartwheels whenever there is downtime) I would say he has ADHD.
Well, seeing his quickness I went over to check out his problems. They were all WRONG. Hes really intelligent, but he lacks patience. So I sat down and helped him. He was so anxious and eager to do well. One thing I LOVE about these kids is that they LOVE school! Their eyes are always wide open and searching. Every single one of them has a deep desire for knowledge, and it is so apparent in their classroom behavior. Little Nelson (hes 6 years old, typical for a 1st grader in the US, but hes the youngest in his class) was so funny to work with. Each time we finished a problem I pointed to the next one. He would slowly look up at me and say "¿Mala?" because he knew they were wrong. By the fourth one he was saying it with laughter. Then whenever he was done, and I gave him a look of approval he ran up to Yamileths desk "¡Profe! ¡Profe!" he shouted. And he confidently handed her his notebook. He came back with Excelente scrawled across his notebook and he was beaming when he brought it back to me. On the way back he showed off his work to the boys who had been in his group. They had gotten one wrong. It was so cute because they then came running over to me for help!
In the afternoon I had to teach them Art because Verma (the Art and English teacher) didnt show up. Well I was put on the spot, so we did something I knew well. I taught them to make Oragami Paper Cranes! (thank you Aunt Naomi). They loved it! They were so intrigued by my paper folding, and so excited to do it themselves!!! While I was teaching there were shouts all over the room "¡Profe!" because they would get frustrated... but they all did well, and in the end they were throwing their "palomitas" all over the room (i didnt know the word for crane, and i figured a dove is close enough).
We didnt have church Thursday, because its the only day of the week they dont have Culto. But the Youth had a meeting because we are planning a trip to somewhere... we dont know where yet. It will be fun though. I love the young people in the church!!!
Yesterday morning Guillen came by the house at 625 and we walked to the busstop together, picking up Rafael on the way. They both work in Zona Franca, which is where my first bus goes! They took the bus with me there, and then Rafa waited until i caught the bus to Tipitapa before he went to work! They are so sweet, like big brothers the way they watch out for me.
I got to Tipitapa and caught the bus to Masaya, and got off at the project without a problem! I took the nice long walk, and it was lovely out. The view is the most beautiful thing ever!!!
When I got to class I helped my 5 advanced readers. They are Adriana, Nelson, Douglas, Ramon, and Edwin. I love them so much because they just wanted to read and read more and more. They loved reading aloud to each other, and practicing.
I also had a great time taking pictures. These kids LOVE to have their photos taken!!! So i took probably 50 yesterday!!! It is such a blessing to watch these kids grow and learn!
I sat in on their English lesson, and 5 of them were awarded lollipops because they were able to remember the months of the year in English!
After class I enjoyed seeing Charito (the project director!) the teachers had a meeting I sat in on, and I was able to understand everything! My comprehension skills are improving immensely! The meeting taught me a lot about the Project, but my hour on the Cyber Cafe is up, so Ill relate that at another time!!!
I love and miss everyone, and as soon as I can I will blog again and let you know about the interworkings of the Project, my lovely students, my new friends, and how life is here!!!
Hugs and Kisses
and thanks for all the prayers!
it is with regret that I must inform everyone that this may be my last blog for about a week. The internet at the Tellez home is not working so I am at a cyber cafe (and paying 12 cordoba for one hour... which is about 75 cents haha). So youll have to savor this one because it will have to last you an entire week!
The last couple days Ive spent at the Project have been even better!!! Thursday morning Charlotte took me on the bus route so I could learn how to do it in the morning. And then we walked to the Project because of all of the rain. I am assured that my bike will be fixed for Monday, however. My feet were soaked and muddy, my windsuit (which was given to me by Janeth before I left) was the same. I felt completely disgusting and a little exhausted.
I arrived in my classroom 40 minutes after school started and Yamileth (the first grade teacher) and Enmannuel (her son) came right over to me and helped me hang my wet things and I cleaned myself up with my handy dandy Equate wipes (you can purchase them at WalMart for all of your hygiene needs haha). Once I was settled in Yamileth went back to teaching Math. Theyre still doing subtraction. On this day they were separated into groups. Only 9 of the 16 students showed up to class because of the rain. So there were only 3 groups. Nelson... hes a wild one, but probably my favorite (if Im allowed to have one), doesnt work well with others. And quite frankly Evert (who reminds me of my little brother Caleb) and Ramon were sick of him. So Yamileth had him work on his own. I watched him as he raced through the five problems and then sat in his seat, well wiggled and moved around... he cant sit still! (infact he often gets out of his seat and turns a few cartwheels whenever there is downtime) I would say he has ADHD.
Well, seeing his quickness I went over to check out his problems. They were all WRONG. Hes really intelligent, but he lacks patience. So I sat down and helped him. He was so anxious and eager to do well. One thing I LOVE about these kids is that they LOVE school! Their eyes are always wide open and searching. Every single one of them has a deep desire for knowledge, and it is so apparent in their classroom behavior. Little Nelson (hes 6 years old, typical for a 1st grader in the US, but hes the youngest in his class) was so funny to work with. Each time we finished a problem I pointed to the next one. He would slowly look up at me and say "¿Mala?" because he knew they were wrong. By the fourth one he was saying it with laughter. Then whenever he was done, and I gave him a look of approval he ran up to Yamileths desk "¡Profe! ¡Profe!" he shouted. And he confidently handed her his notebook. He came back with Excelente scrawled across his notebook and he was beaming when he brought it back to me. On the way back he showed off his work to the boys who had been in his group. They had gotten one wrong. It was so cute because they then came running over to me for help!
In the afternoon I had to teach them Art because Verma (the Art and English teacher) didnt show up. Well I was put on the spot, so we did something I knew well. I taught them to make Oragami Paper Cranes! (thank you Aunt Naomi). They loved it! They were so intrigued by my paper folding, and so excited to do it themselves!!! While I was teaching there were shouts all over the room "¡Profe!" because they would get frustrated... but they all did well, and in the end they were throwing their "palomitas" all over the room (i didnt know the word for crane, and i figured a dove is close enough).
We didnt have church Thursday, because its the only day of the week they dont have Culto. But the Youth had a meeting because we are planning a trip to somewhere... we dont know where yet. It will be fun though. I love the young people in the church!!!
Yesterday morning Guillen came by the house at 625 and we walked to the busstop together, picking up Rafael on the way. They both work in Zona Franca, which is where my first bus goes! They took the bus with me there, and then Rafa waited until i caught the bus to Tipitapa before he went to work! They are so sweet, like big brothers the way they watch out for me.
I got to Tipitapa and caught the bus to Masaya, and got off at the project without a problem! I took the nice long walk, and it was lovely out. The view is the most beautiful thing ever!!!
When I got to class I helped my 5 advanced readers. They are Adriana, Nelson, Douglas, Ramon, and Edwin. I love them so much because they just wanted to read and read more and more. They loved reading aloud to each other, and practicing.
I also had a great time taking pictures. These kids LOVE to have their photos taken!!! So i took probably 50 yesterday!!! It is such a blessing to watch these kids grow and learn!
I sat in on their English lesson, and 5 of them were awarded lollipops because they were able to remember the months of the year in English!
After class I enjoyed seeing Charito (the project director!) the teachers had a meeting I sat in on, and I was able to understand everything! My comprehension skills are improving immensely! The meeting taught me a lot about the Project, but my hour on the Cyber Cafe is up, so Ill relate that at another time!!!
I love and miss everyone, and as soon as I can I will blog again and let you know about the interworkings of the Project, my lovely students, my new friends, and how life is here!!!
Hugs and Kisses
and thanks for all the prayers!
miércoles, 3 de septiembre de 2008
estoy cansada y contenta
Hay muchas cosas que necesito compartir con ustedes! espero que yo pueda recordar todos!
Here goes
I´m terribly sorry I haven´t blogged in a few days. I´ve been busy! In about two hours I will have been in Nicaragua for 1 week! I´m really beginning to feel at home and comfortable here. However, not everything has been peaches and cream.
I will do my best to recount the happenstances since I wrote last.
There´s not much to say for Saturday. I went to a couple Supermercados with the Tellez family. I had a bit of frustration because my ATM card wouldn´t work. In fact I actually became unsure of my pin number. (Fortunately it turns out that it was the machine´s fault)
Saturday night is Youth Group (sort of) and the Jovenes de la Iglesia El Buen Pastor fueron a un otra iglesia para culto. (the young people of my church went to another church for worship). It´s just like when Youth Groups in the states take a trip to another church. It was this night that I befriended Karla. Karla is 18 and a leader in El Buen Pastor. She teaches Sunday School and she works a lot with the Youth. I really enjoy her a lot!
Sunday was a blessing as well. Isaac (he´s become my crutch because he speaks English with me) went to another town because he had to work on something for college with a peer. Therefore, I was left alone all day. I wasn´t physically alone, I just didn´t have any fellow English speakers. This proved to be wonderful because I had to practice! I spoke with Guillen (Pablo - my host dad - says that if you can understand Guillen you can say ¨I speak Spanish!¨) Rafael and Ricardo. We had two services on Sunday, one in the morning, and the next in the evening. I have been able to basically understand the main points of the message, and I always understand the Bible readings (yes, even when I don´t have my English Bible with me). Sometimes I know the songs in English, sometimes I know them in Spanish, and sometimes my hands do a whole lot of extra praising =)
Monday I went to the Project for the first time. I met some of the people, the teachers, was reintroduced to some of the children whom I remember well, and to others I hadn´t known. It was nice as I spent my time observing. I observed first grade. There are 12 students ranging between the ages of 6 and 10. I discovered that first grade Math is just like I remembered it, and that I really do love Math - because it´s the same in every language. After lunch I returned to Sabana Grande for another night of great worship and visiting with the young people afterwards. The Tellez home is ¨the place to be¨after culto and on the weekends.
Yesterday I went to the Project again and met Verma. He is the English and Art teacher. Verma is from Nicaragua originally, but he lived in the States for most of his life. He began working at the Project 2 months ago. I think he may be an extra project of mine, I see in him a lot of interest in the faith, but no foundation. I hope that I can be a witness to him.
I spent the morning helping him with Art. The school principal - Javier - was at a meeting Tuesday, so his office was locked. All of the art supplies are in the office, therefore, Verma didn´t have a lesson plan. (sidenote please excuse my lack of colons and semicolons because I have yet to find the key for it on this tecladora!) So, we borrowed some construction paper and crayons, and he asked me if I had any ideas. I happened to have O Cuan Lejos Llegaras (Oh the Places You´ll Go by Dr. Suess - in Spanish) in my bookbag! So, I read them the story, and then had the students draw a place that they would like to go.
It was a rewarding morning. I left early again because I had to learn the bus system and Charlotte and Samantha (two girls from the Cayman Islands who had volunteered at Chacocente in the past and were visiting the country for awhile) had to show me the way. The buses are an interesting experience, and I hope that tomorrow afternoon I can do it by myself. I am nervous about it but Pablo assures me that I will be fine. He tells me that if I believe I was called to Nicaragua by God to do His work then I have no reason to worry.
Today I went to the Project again, I have been placed with an assignment finally! I am going to be working with the Advanced First Graders in their reading. There are 5 who are significantly past the rest of the class. They are Nelson, Adriana, Edwin, Ramon, and Douglas. I´m sure I´ll be talking a lot about these children in the future. Yamileth (the first grade teacher) and I spent awhile working out a rough lesson plan for them. Then I spent the rest of the day just spending time with the first graders. I love the class, it is filled with intelligent eager students.
I was able to practice my Spanish a lot today with Yamileth and her son, and also with the other teachers at lunch. I think I am improving!
The rough part of today was the bikeride to catch the bus. We left around 330 and it´s a long walk (I know because I walked it yesterday) and a difficult bikeride. Especially because my bike needs some work. It isn´t as safe as Juan Carlos and Omar deemed it. The right brake doesn´t work, the gears don´t shift so it´s in 3rd forever, and it veers significantly to the left. I was riding with Jacqueline (the third grade teacher) and at one point we actually tried to switch bikes and she was having trouble on mine as well. Hers was too tall for me. We had to walk quite of bit of it because of my bike. She was so helpful and kind though. I felt bad because I haven´t ridden a bike in awhile anyway, so I probably would´ve been a better companion, even on a broken bike, if it hadn´t been so long since I´d ridden. But although I was sweaty, hot, tired, dehydrated, and my hands were blistering, we made it to the road to catch the bus. We had to wait awhile there and I chatted quite a bit with Jacqueline. She is so sweet and truly caring.
I met up with Charlotte in Tipitapa and she road the bus system home with me again. God has placed so many wonderful people here to help me along the way!!!
Well, I´m late to church because I had to send this out, AND it´s a song that I actually know in Spanish!!!
Here goes
I´m terribly sorry I haven´t blogged in a few days. I´ve been busy! In about two hours I will have been in Nicaragua for 1 week! I´m really beginning to feel at home and comfortable here. However, not everything has been peaches and cream.
I will do my best to recount the happenstances since I wrote last.
There´s not much to say for Saturday. I went to a couple Supermercados with the Tellez family. I had a bit of frustration because my ATM card wouldn´t work. In fact I actually became unsure of my pin number. (Fortunately it turns out that it was the machine´s fault)
Saturday night is Youth Group (sort of) and the Jovenes de la Iglesia El Buen Pastor fueron a un otra iglesia para culto. (the young people of my church went to another church for worship). It´s just like when Youth Groups in the states take a trip to another church. It was this night that I befriended Karla. Karla is 18 and a leader in El Buen Pastor. She teaches Sunday School and she works a lot with the Youth. I really enjoy her a lot!
Sunday was a blessing as well. Isaac (he´s become my crutch because he speaks English with me) went to another town because he had to work on something for college with a peer. Therefore, I was left alone all day. I wasn´t physically alone, I just didn´t have any fellow English speakers. This proved to be wonderful because I had to practice! I spoke with Guillen (Pablo - my host dad - says that if you can understand Guillen you can say ¨I speak Spanish!¨) Rafael and Ricardo. We had two services on Sunday, one in the morning, and the next in the evening. I have been able to basically understand the main points of the message, and I always understand the Bible readings (yes, even when I don´t have my English Bible with me). Sometimes I know the songs in English, sometimes I know them in Spanish, and sometimes my hands do a whole lot of extra praising =)
Monday I went to the Project for the first time. I met some of the people, the teachers, was reintroduced to some of the children whom I remember well, and to others I hadn´t known. It was nice as I spent my time observing. I observed first grade. There are 12 students ranging between the ages of 6 and 10. I discovered that first grade Math is just like I remembered it, and that I really do love Math - because it´s the same in every language. After lunch I returned to Sabana Grande for another night of great worship and visiting with the young people afterwards. The Tellez home is ¨the place to be¨after culto and on the weekends.
Yesterday I went to the Project again and met Verma. He is the English and Art teacher. Verma is from Nicaragua originally, but he lived in the States for most of his life. He began working at the Project 2 months ago. I think he may be an extra project of mine, I see in him a lot of interest in the faith, but no foundation. I hope that I can be a witness to him.
I spent the morning helping him with Art. The school principal - Javier - was at a meeting Tuesday, so his office was locked. All of the art supplies are in the office, therefore, Verma didn´t have a lesson plan. (sidenote please excuse my lack of colons and semicolons because I have yet to find the key for it on this tecladora!) So, we borrowed some construction paper and crayons, and he asked me if I had any ideas. I happened to have O Cuan Lejos Llegaras (Oh the Places You´ll Go by Dr. Suess - in Spanish) in my bookbag! So, I read them the story, and then had the students draw a place that they would like to go.
It was a rewarding morning. I left early again because I had to learn the bus system and Charlotte and Samantha (two girls from the Cayman Islands who had volunteered at Chacocente in the past and were visiting the country for awhile) had to show me the way. The buses are an interesting experience, and I hope that tomorrow afternoon I can do it by myself. I am nervous about it but Pablo assures me that I will be fine. He tells me that if I believe I was called to Nicaragua by God to do His work then I have no reason to worry.
Today I went to the Project again, I have been placed with an assignment finally! I am going to be working with the Advanced First Graders in their reading. There are 5 who are significantly past the rest of the class. They are Nelson, Adriana, Edwin, Ramon, and Douglas. I´m sure I´ll be talking a lot about these children in the future. Yamileth (the first grade teacher) and I spent awhile working out a rough lesson plan for them. Then I spent the rest of the day just spending time with the first graders. I love the class, it is filled with intelligent eager students.
I was able to practice my Spanish a lot today with Yamileth and her son, and also with the other teachers at lunch. I think I am improving!
The rough part of today was the bikeride to catch the bus. We left around 330 and it´s a long walk (I know because I walked it yesterday) and a difficult bikeride. Especially because my bike needs some work. It isn´t as safe as Juan Carlos and Omar deemed it. The right brake doesn´t work, the gears don´t shift so it´s in 3rd forever, and it veers significantly to the left. I was riding with Jacqueline (the third grade teacher) and at one point we actually tried to switch bikes and she was having trouble on mine as well. Hers was too tall for me. We had to walk quite of bit of it because of my bike. She was so helpful and kind though. I felt bad because I haven´t ridden a bike in awhile anyway, so I probably would´ve been a better companion, even on a broken bike, if it hadn´t been so long since I´d ridden. But although I was sweaty, hot, tired, dehydrated, and my hands were blistering, we made it to the road to catch the bus. We had to wait awhile there and I chatted quite a bit with Jacqueline. She is so sweet and truly caring.
I met up with Charlotte in Tipitapa and she road the bus system home with me again. God has placed so many wonderful people here to help me along the way!!!
Well, I´m late to church because I had to send this out, AND it´s a song that I actually know in Spanish!!!
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