drenched in experiences

Yesterday was absolutely wonderful... and extremely trying... much fun... and challenging as well. But it was all in all a blessing. When I decided to come here, to follow a calling I felt... I only really thought of all the awesome fun exciting new experiences I would be having. I considered that not everything would be easy or positive, but I didn't dwell on all of the opportunities for things to go wrong. Yet, as I am here and experiences difficulties right along with joy... I still am not dwelling on the "bad." It would be so easy to complain about all the rough things, and the adjusting I have to do... but I signed up for this. I feel I am called to be here surely, but ultimately I chose to make the journey. And on this journey everyday I am learning. I learn as much from the difficulties (if not more than) as the "good" experiences. And each day seems to have a little mixture of both.

Wednesday was such. I woke up refreshed (as I had Tuesday off, because there was no school), and ready to get going! I met up with Guillen and Rafa and took the bus to Zona Franca as usual. I walked through the Market and got on a bus that said "Tipitapa, Managua." This bus wasn't a full sized bus, but I'd taken various looking buses before, and never had a problem. As long as the sign is the same, I feel pretty secure. Well, this was not the right bus. It took a different route through Tipitapa, and did NOT pass by my stop. I am not familiar with Tipitapa, except for my bus stop, and the road that leads to and from it. When this little bus was emptied, and not anywhere near where I needed to be, the bus-man asked me where I was headed... I explained where I needed to go, and he got me a taxi. The taxi man assured me that I should take an Express van towards Masaya, rather than going to the bus stop, because it would be faster. So, I took the advice, and went to an Express van... but while I was waiting, I felt extremely uncomfortable with the doorman. He was just... well for lack of a better word... a creeper, and I did not want to be around him... he was looking at me in a way I did not enjoy... so, while I was waiting in the Express van uneasily, I saw a bus that said "Tipitapa, Masaya" (which is the next bus I take), so I bolted for it. I was not going to be in a situation where I didn't feel safe. I got on the bus, and paid my 6 cordoba... ready to go to Santa del Fine... and relieved... although I was late. Well, I got comfortable too quickly... I hadn't thought to inquire anything about the bus... yet again... and after a five minute busride, was still in Tipitapa... the bus was returning from Masaya. WAY TO GO BEKAH! So, I got off, and got on another bus... that was getting ready to leave for Masaya... and in about another half hour... and 26 cordoba poorer... I was off to my bustop - Santa del Fine. I arrived without a problem. Thank God... and although I was an hour and a half later... and frazzled from the transportation mistakes I'd made... I felt good. I had a nice, muddy, bike ride to the Project... and the day just got better and better!

I missed helping with the 4th/5th Grade art... and I missed my 3rd grade music class... but all was forgiven. People are late all the time here, and since I'm a volunteer, they're just happy that I come help. I was just in time for the Second Grade music class. I had gotten the words for Jesus Loves Me, in Spanish -

"Cristo me ama, bien lo sé. Su palabra me hace ver. Que los niños son de aquel. Quien es nuestro amigo fiel. Cristo me ama. Cristo me ama. Cristo me ama. La Biblia dice asi."

- and then taught them the good ol' summer camp version of Jesus Loves Me. With hand clapping, and shouting "Whoo!"... the whole works. At first they were all shy to sing, as well as horrible with the clapping rhythym (not too mention out of tune), but by the end of the hour they were laughing and singing, and having an awesome time. They sang by themselves, in pairs, in small groups, boys versus the girls... and they didn't want to stop. It was so rewarding to see them light up and receive so much joy, just because I taught them to sing and clap to a song.

The next class I had was first grade music. They were excited to see me, because I spent my first three weeks here in their classroom and they were used to having me there all day. The problem with this was that they knew me so well, they thought they could get away with misbehaving. I had to yell over them, and stop what I was doing to break them apart, or quiet them down, more than once. But once they understood that it wasn't a free for all they settled down. And it was as successful and rewarding as the second grade class. These kids love music, and to sing. They like to have a break from the writing and sitting... to have time to move around and make noise. I am so blessed to work with them, and I am glad I am teaching music!

The good things didn't end there!!!! Yesterday was a special day for Juan Carlos and Karen, a couple at the Project. They have five girls, two of whom had their birthdays yesterday! As well, Juan Carlos and Karen were married! I had thought they were married before, but I kind of gathered that they weren't legally... probably because of money. Anyhow, there was a huge fiesta at their house after school (which let out early for the party). We had two piñatas, and plenty of cake and pop for everyone, as well as a blessing cermony for the family.
It started to rain after the piñatas and we all went inside... but the party was still lively, and enjoyed by everyone. I felt so much a part of it, so included. It is amazing how in such a short time I can become so close to these people and become a part of their lives, their community, their family.

When the rain stopped I biked to my bus stop... because the path was so muddy my jeans were splatted with mud up to my thighs. As soon as I arrived at Santa del Fine the rain began again. In Tipitapa it was raining harder... when I got off at Zona it was pouring buckets, and the street was a river. Walking through the market was like fording a river. The busride home there was not a single person who was not completely drenched and dripping...

Back at the Tellez home the rain continued steadily. We did not have culto last night... but what we did do was as refreshing and beneficial, if not more. Pablo, Janeth, Belen, Isaac, and I gathered in the living room with Pablo at the guitar, for praise and devotionals. We were soon joined by Guillen, Manuel, Karla, and Jeryll. Even the rain would not stop us from praising. It was a beautiful spiritual reunion, as we sang and read scripture and devotional, discussed how it applied to us (And yes, I participated fully... and in Spanish!), and prayed, and sang some more. I cannot describe what we shared as the Holy Spirit moved among us, but I am sure that many of you have felt it before in similar situations of worship.

Renuevame Señor Jesus. Ya no quiero ser igual.
Renuevame Señor Jesus. Pon en mi tu corazon.
Porque todo lo que dentro de mi, necesita ser cambiada Señor.
Porque todo lo que hay dentro de mi corazon, necesita mas de ti.

God never stops showering me in blessings nor does he cease to drench me in new experiences.