July 2009-Heather's Visit to Nicaragua

As you can see, I am a little behind in blogging! Since I have been back in the United States I have not sat down once to write about anything! I will try to write, and catch anyone who might actually read my blog, up on lifes happenings. This slideshow contains pictures that were taken when my sister visited me in Nicaragua. Luis, Jes' cousin came and stayed with us the week too, and was our "driver" for the week. We had such a good time together. Heather loved Nicaragua and getting to see the many beautiful places Nicaragua has to offer a tourist. We traveled to Managua, Leon, Granada, and many other locations. We took a boat ride on Lake Granada to go feed the monkey's, enjoyed Nica meals all over the place, and even had time to sit and talk, and play UNO. We also did a zipline in Sandino. It was my first time to ever do one, as well as Jes' and Luis'. It was a blast. I had been looking forward to doing one, one day, now that I have...I would love to do it again! Next time, I will go to the bigger one on Mombacho! Jes and Luis were very nervous in the beginning, but loved it! Overall the week was wonderful. For me, the best part was that Heather was finally able to meet and spend time with Jes. Now, she not only knows him from what I've told her and my family, but she was able to personally get to know him and spend time with him. I knew she would love him, and I was right. They hit it off! When Jes and I do get married one day, he will fit right in with the family! I'm so thankful Heather had the chance to come and visit and spend time with us.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Visitors

Make a Smilebox slideshow

June 29, 2009: Jenny and Penny Auld arrived along with a young lady from Jenny's church in IL. They will be here for the week, working with two orphanages, as well as doing some sight-seeing. I went with Alvaro to pick them up at the airport. On the way back to my house, we stopped at a lookout point. I had wanted to stop here many times, but never had a chance to. I'm happy I was finallly able to get some pictures from this beautiful spot. It was wonderful getting to spend a little time with Jenny and Penny, as well as meeting Holly, before they headed off to do other things. I will hopefully get to spend a little more time with them before they head back to the states July 7th.

COSTA RICA

At the beginning of May, Jes and I took a mini vacation to Costa Rica. We left on a Friday and came back on a Monday. So, Friday and Monday were travel days. We went by bus, and it took around 9 hours each way. Saturday and Sunday we were able to visit many places in San Jose, Costa Rica. We enjoyed our short trip there, and hope to go back one day in the future, when we have more time and more money. We walked around a lot, went to several different parks, took a tour of an old cathedral, listened to music, ate, and enjoyed relaxing! Hope you all enjoy the pictures. This was also Jes' first time out of Nicaragua, so that was exciting. He now has a few stamps in his passport. It's always fun when you get your first one...I still get excited when I get stamps in my passport, and I've had mine for almost 10 years now. Hope you enjoy the slideshow...as always, I took plenty of pictures!

Compassion International

June 12, 2009 I had the pleasure of meeting Bismarck Eliezer, the young boy I sponsor through Compassion International. I have sponsored through Compassion for many years now, and have always dreamed of one day meeting the child that I sponsored. Not too long before I left the states to come to Nicaragua I had received a notice that the child I previously sponsored (in Kenya) was no longer living in a Compassion Project area, and that I would not longer be sponsoring him. Immediately I got online to look for a new child to sponser, and wanted to look in Nicaragua. I saw a picture of this adorable boy, who reminded me of so many of the kids I had seen before on my trips. I read that he was behind in school and struggling with his studies. I knew this was the child I wanted to sponsor. I prayed that somehow my donation each month would provide him with the things he needed to encourage him to do better in his studies. After moving to Nicaragua in November, I knew that I would contact Compassion and see about meeting my sponsored child. I got in touch with Compassion and the meeting was arranged. That Friday morning, a young woman named Scarlett (who works with Compassion) met with Jesus and I to take us to where Eliezer was waiting. We arrived at his Compassioin Project, and he greeted us at the door. I of course gave him a big hug, but could instantly tell that he was nervous about meeting me and shy. I could tell he was excited to meet me, just very nervous. He then took us to his room and showed me where he sat. He sat right smack in the front of the room. I explained to him that when I was in school, I hated the front...I tried to sit at the back if I could. He told me that he sits there because he can see the board better. I told him I understood that too. He then asked if I would like to come to his house and meet his Grandma and some of his cousins. I said yes, and we headed back to the taxi that was waiting for us. As we walked Jesus and I talked with him a little bit, but he was still very shy. I asked him if he was nervous and he got this huge smile on his face and said yes! It was great to see him smile though! We got in the taxi and as we were riding I told him that if he had any questions for me to ask away! He said he had questions but he was too nervous to ask me any of them. When we arrived at his house though, he asked if he could hold my hand and he led me into his house. I thought it was adorable, and it filled my heart with joy. We entered his house, and seats were given for everyone (at this point his Grandma was not there, she was at another location taking care of her 104 year old mother). There was Jesus and I, Scarlett, the man that is the director of the Compassion Project that Eliezer attends, his teacher from Compassion, and another lady, along with Eliezer and some of his cousins. We learned that Eliezer lives there with his Grandma and Aunt. He has 3 older sisters as well, but they live with his Mom in another town. I'm not sure why he lives with his Grandma, but I'm guessing his Mom found him to hard to handle and passed him on to someone else. Although I was curious, I did not ask....knowing it could be something he may not want to talk about. Eventually his Grandma came in, and from the moment she walked in the door, till the moment we left...she did not stop talking. She was very nice though, and told us many things about Eliezer. I too asked her if she had any questions for me, and she said she was too nervous to ask any as well. We talked about Eliezer and how he was doing in school, I was very pleased and proud of him. His grades have improved greatly since he has been with Compassion. He attends public school each morning, then two times a week after his regular school he attends the Compassion Project. The director explained to me that once the kids are over the age of 11 they attend life skills classes with Compassion. Right now Eliezer is taking a baking class. After that class in complete he will be taking a computer class. I was happy to see that Compassion offers them classes that will help them with life skills that they need and are helpful for jobs in the future. His Grandma also got out some photo albums and showed me the few pictures she had of Eliezer when he was a baby and toddler. He was adorable! We talked about his grades some more and I told him how proud I was of him, that his grades and improved a lot since the first time I saw his grades. Only problem in school right now is he likes to fight. Right now he is at that age where he feels like fighting is the answer to all his problems. So, Grandma said that the school calls all the time because he has gotten into another fight. We talked about this for a little while too, and I explained that this was not the right solution for our problems. He promised me he would try to do better in this area. We took some pictures, I gave them some groceries, and then our time was over. It went by so fast, but it's a memory that I will treasure forever. I now know the child that I sponsor, and he has been able to meet me as well and put a face with my name. He never really did open up too much, but he had this beautiful smile on his face the whole time. He had a light in his eyes, that I see in so many of the Nica faces here. It's a happiness that comes from the heart, and shines in their eyes. He walked us out, gave me a hug and waved goodbye as the taxi pulled away from his house. I hope that one day I will be able to visit with him again, and maybe he won't be as nervous this time! The day is a memory engraved in my heart forever.

Project H.O.P.E.

Well, finally an update! I'm sitting here at the cyber (internet cafe) right now, waiting as all my pictures load into a slideshow to add to this blog. Hopefully the loading process will go smoothly and I will be able to add the pictures today with no problems! So, June 8th through the 11th I had the pleasure of once again working with Project H.O.P.E. to help build homes in a nearby community. During the week they also had a medical clinic, a hair salon, a Women's Bible Study time, and a Children's time. I never made it to the Women's Bible Study, but made it to each of the others to take pictures and see how things were going. At the clinic Dr. Ted would see the patients that had more "serious cases" while others with more minor issues saw a nurse that was also on the trip. The would prescribe medicines and give them to the patients. This was a huge deal, the medicine was free, and so was the "visit" to the doctor. I know that during the week Dr. Ted saw many people and helped many people as well. At the hair salon children and adults could come and have their hair cut, shaved, or briaded free of charge. There were two ladies on the trip that are hair sytlist back in the states, their names were Dana and Courtney. It was funny watching some of the boys get their heads shaved...they looked pretty sad that their hair was getting cut off! I did have the pleasure of helping with the Children's Bible time two of the days. One day I was observed and took some pictures, and eventually ended up feeding a baby and playing with him while his older brother (who had been taking care of him) did the craft project. I had a blast playing with the little guy. He was so cute! The next time I was there, I helped my friend Byron lead a song with actions in Spanish. Then later the kids were split into groups to do the craft activity, and I was given a group to help. They were given a piece of paper with two Bible verses on it, and were supposed to decorate the paper with stickers that had been given to them. After they were all very proud to show me their papers and how they had arranged their stickers. It was tons of fun, and I was able to practice my spanish even more. We also cleaned up our mess...instead of throwing our empty sticker pages on the ground I explained that we needed to keep the area clean and when they were all finished to give their trash to me. It was funny...kids from the other groups saw my kids handing me their trash, so other kids began bringing me their trash as well! We had a great time, laughing, making designs with stickers, and talking! The rest of my time was spent working. When we arrived to the worksite in the mornings we would open with a group Bible time. Ted Burden (my former youth minister) would lead a short morning devotional along with some worship time. Then we would split into smaller groups and discuss the morning devotional more in depth. Pray with the families that were in the group then go to work! I was given the assignment of "nail crew." My job was to hammer nails into the post of the home. I was on a team with 3 other ladies. So the first day and a half we spent our time hammering nails. (They put nails in the post to make the homes stronger. When they pour the cement into the holes, the cement grabs onto the nails, maker a stronger wall.) We finished one road of houses and asked what to do next. We were given the instruction to find another crew and join them. On day two, in the afternoon after lunch I joined a "block crew" which was responsible for building the walls...laying the blocks, pouring cement, etc. I was with this crew for day 3 and day 4 as well. I enjoyed my time doing this as well. I did a lot of bending over and standing up. One of the task is to put dirt, or rocks into the two holes of the cement blocks (this also helps make the house stronger)....this ended up being my job (along with a few others) most the time. I also was able to spend my time talking with the Nica's that we were working with. On the block team I was able to get to know two of the teenage boys, their names were Elbing and Brian. We enjoyed talking with each other and learning more about each other. Plus, it gave me more opportunities to practice my Spanish! It was interesting for me...this was the first trip I was on that I was able to really communicate with the Nica's I was working with. It was a new experience for me, and one I had wanted for a very long time. Each trip I've been on, I have always enjoyed, but always wished I could speak more with the people and not need a translator there every min. This time I was finally able to do that. I even had some of the Amerian's on the team asking me to come and help them translate. It was a unique to say the least. Fortunatley, I didn't always know everything that was being said, but understood enough that I could pass the message along. When I was working with the block team, Brian and Elbing would look to me every time someone would speak to them and they didn't understand. I would explain to them the best I could what the person had said. Thankfully, we understood each other each time. Also during the week, they had a shoe store. Each of the families that were receiving a new home was able to go to the shoe store and pick out a pair of shoes for each member of the family. I did not personally "work" the shoe store, but stopped by to see what was going on and take some pictures. It was so fun to watch not only the kids, but the adults as well, pick out a pair of shoes for themselves. Lots of smiles on lots of faces during the week. As always, it touched my heart in ways no one can understand unless they are there and go through it too. The most meaningful thing to me during the week took palce Thursday morning. Thursday morning each of the families were given bags of food. Rice, beans, sugar, etc... We were in our small groups when they brought these to the families. One of the men from our small group stood up to speak to us. As he tried to speak tears began to flow from his eyes. He couldn't find the words to say what he wanted to say, the only thing he could do was come to each of us (the American's) and offer us the biggest hug he could give. With tears streaming down his face, he hugged each of us and thanked us for the gifts we had given him and his family. I of course, had tears flowing from my eyes as well...along with all the other American's in our small group. It is when something like this happens you realize how much of a difference you can make in someone elses life, just by donating your time and energy...and if you can't do that...by donating your money to organizations like Project H.O.P.E. that offer God's love and Hope to so many people.

A Chicken, A Mouse, and A Sink

As you read the title for this blog, you were probably confused and very curious. I’m sure as you continue to read, you will find much laughter in this blog, and you might even shed a few tears! These are just a few events that have taken place over the last three weekends.
Three weekends ago, Jesus was here visiting. It was a Friday afternoon, Jesus and I were watching a movie. Suddenly, natured called and Jesus needed to use the restroom. We paused the movie, and Jesus headed to the restroom. Next thing I know, Jesus is calling my name. I walked in to see what was going on. As I got closer to the bathroom door, I can hear a chicken. I looked at Jesus and asked him if there was a chicken in the bathroom, he shook his head yes, all the while, he was laughing. Apparently, Jesus had made it in the bathroom and was just about to go when the chicken came out from behind the shower curtain. Jesus quickly opened the door to get out. After finding out there was a chicken on the loose, I kindly excused myself into the bedroom, closing the door behind me. I told Jesus that he could take care of getting it out! I would occasionally open the door to take a peek and see what was going on, but that was all for me. (If you don’t know, I am scared to death of birds…any kind of bird…including chickens!) At one point Jesus thought the chicken had gone out of the bathroom and out the front door, so he once again entered the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Within a moment, I heard an interesting noise, and the bathroom door came flying open. Jesus quickly came out, with the chicken behind him. I once again quickly closed the bedroom door. I peeked out long enough to ask where the chicken was, to find out it was now under the T.V. stand. I gave Jesus the mop, told him to open the back door and chase the chicken outside. Finally, the episode was over, and we were chicken free. Unfortunately, at this point not only did Jesus still need to go to the bathroom, but after laughing so much I too needed to use the restroom. To my surprise and disgust, the chicken had also needed to use the restroom, and had pooped all over the floor in the bathroom. Not little poop either….like puppy dog poop! I had the unfortunate pleasure of getting to clean the mess that the unwelcome visitor left behind! Overall, it gave both Jesus and I a good laugh, one that we won’t forget anytime soon.
Two weekends ago, Jesus and I had another unexpected visitor. During the afternoon I had been in the kitchen about to cook lunch. As I opened the lid to the gas stove top, a friendly little mouse ran out. I did take a jump back, but realized it had quickly left, and all was well. This was not the first little mouse I had seen, so although I don’t like them, I’m more used to seeing them now. He left though, and I thought no more about the little creature. Not until later that evening anyways! Once again the story takes place in the restroom, and involves none other than Jesus. Jesus was in the bathroom and as he was finishing up, and pulling his clothes back on, our little mouse decided to enter the scene. Not sure what scared the little guy, but something caused him to run like crazy and head for escape. Apparently, as he entered the bathroom he ran up Jesus’ leg and into his underwear, just as Jesus’ was pulling them up. I was in the other room, and heard a strange noise, but thought nothing of it. Then Jesus came out of the bathroom and was laughing. He explained the story to me and showed me how he jumped and shook until the mouse ran out of his underwear and into the shower, where he instantly found unexpected water, and died. Yup, that’s right. Thanks to the shower not draining still, the little guy ran into a shower that was still filled with water, and drowned to death. I couldn’t believe it! Two weekends in a row, and something had happened to Jesus in the bathroom, and each time I laughed so hard, it brought tears to my eyes. Later Jesus was kind enough to take the dead mouse outside, where I’m sure a hungry cat came along and ate the little guy.
The final story once again involves the bathroom and Jesus. This time Jesus was in the bathroom after lunch brushing his teeth. I had gotten my toothbrush and was brushing my teeth, walking around, like normal. As I was walking around I heard a loud noise in the bathroom. As I looked inside, Jesus was holding the bathroom sink in his hands. He had been leaning on the sink, and it fell right off the hooks and into his surprised hands! He turned around and gave me a look of HELP, but all I could do was laugh. He had toothpaste all over his mouth, toothbrush hanging out of his mouth and was holding the bathroom sink in his hands! I went and quickly finished brushing my teeth, while laughing the whole time. I did go back and offer him my help, while he at least went and spit out the toothpaste and set his toothbrush down. He kindly left me guarding the sink that he had replaced back on the hooks. When he returned, he thanked me for all my help during his time of need and I told him how welcome I was, and laughed some more. We finally got the sink back where it belonged and the pipes put back in place.
Each one of these moments, I wish I would have grabbed my camera and had a photo for each one! However, I didn’t think that fast, so I don’t have photos of any of this candid camera moments. However, these three funny stories will forever be embedded in my mind, and I know for years to come Jesus and I will still be laughing about them!

Pictures...

For all curious...I finally got the pictures from the Fiesta up on here. I'm sorry it has taken me so long. Slide.com was not being nice to me! Unfortunately there are no captions with the pictures, but I didn't want to take even more time for that. Hopefully you enjoy the pictures, and once again I apologize for it taking so long to get them posted for you all to see! More soon...

Katty

I want you all to meet Katty. Katty is a 9 year old little girl who comes around each day selling homemade tortillas to help earn money for her family. Each tortilla is one cord. To help you understand how cheap that is...you can get 20 tortillas for right about $1.00. Right now the exchange rate is right abou 20 cords to $1.00. This adorable little girl showed up at my door one day asking if I wanted to buy a tortilla. Most days, I don't, but some days I do. They are good for breakfast, as well as for making tacos. And I will be honest and tell you, the store bought tortillas that we get in the states have nothing on the homemade tortillas you can buy here! They are delicious! So, over time, Katty got used to seeing me each day. One day she asked if she could come in, she wanted to look at the pictures I had out. So we talked about my family and her family. She then headed out the door. School has started now, so I only see her on Saturday's but before school started she made sure to come by each day. One day, she asked if she could come in for a while. She was hungry and had some oranges. I peeled them and cut them up for her. While sitting there we talked more..she had many questions about my family and about the United States. She wanted to see many pictures, on my computer and in a book I brought with me. She also wanted to show me all the names of the people in her family. I let her type them on my computer. You should have seen the smile on her face when she realized I was going to let her type on my computer! I don't know how many times, if ever she has even touched a computer. It took her a long time to find the letters and type, but she was happy to be doing it, so it made me happy. At one point she needed to use the restroom, as she got in the bathroom she saw the shampoo sitting in the bathroom. When she came out, she asked if I could wash her hair for her. Although her hair looked clean to me, I decided if she wanted to wash her hair, that's what we would do. So, I took her outside to the outside sink (less of a mess there), and washed this adorable little girls hair. As I was washing her hair she just kept talking about how good it felt, and how good the shampoo smelled. What to me was a simple and normal occurance, put a huge smile on this little girls face. She was so proud to have her hair washed and smelling good! She ended up staying for about 2 hours. I took a few pictures here and there. This past Saturday she brought her Mom to the house with her. She wanted her Mom to meet me. She was so excited to introduce me to her Mom....it was cute. As they were leaving, she said to her Mom...that's her, that's my friend. She made me feel like a Princess that day! I was happy to hear that something so simple made that little girls day! Please pray for Katty and her family as they deal with the everyday struggle here in Nicaragua of earning money to support and feed their family!

Building A Hut

First, let me apologize for taking so long to update my blog. Not too much has been going on lately. I have been spending some time with new friends, and as the title of this blog might lead you to believe...helping build a hut! So, a couple of weeks ago a friend of mine, Oscar, came by. I was of course in the shower, great timing huh? He was asking if I was willing to go with him and help him and some friends construct a shelter for a new Young Life Bible Study group that would be starting that Saturday. I of course said yes, I would love to help. I was however disappointed that I had just gotten fresh and taken a shower, and was in turn heading out the door to get dirty and nasty. But was ready to help with some work. (I also was rushed out the door, and forgot to crab my camera as well. So, I apologize for not having any pictures. My friend Oscar was telling me I needed to hurry. All of you that know me, will be shocked to hear, I literally jumped out of the shower, ran put on some clothes, brushed my hair, put on my shoes and walked out the door. Yup that's right...no makeup...nothing! Oscar was in a hurry though!) So we arrived at this house and a friend of Oscar's was there and greeted him. Oscar then introduced me and told him that I would be helping them out. He looked a little shocked that Oscar had brought a girl along to help out! It was fine though. A few more guys showed up here and there to help, but no other girls. I ended up having a good time though, and learning how to build something I never thought I would need to learn! When we first got there, they had already gotten big limbs and put them in the ground as the poles for the shelter. From that point we got more limbs to make the outline of the roof. After that was done, I was told I was needed, and was sent following some guys to go do something...at this point I didn't know where I was going or what I would be doing! Come to find out we were going to gather palm branches to make the "roof" of the shelter. At this point I felt very "Survivor" like! Never in a million years did I imagine going and gathering palm branches and thatching a roof together! It was me and three other guys, and well as two little girls who decided they needed to follow me around! On the way there I talked with the girls a little and found out some about their families. How many brothers and sisters they had, etc. They also asked me about my family and where they were. One of the girls even held my hand as we walked. It was cute. All the kids here love Americans for some strange reason...especially female Americans. I love it though. So, the guys cut down a bunch of palm branches for us to carry back to the house. I'm guessing it was probably about 1/3 of a mile or close to 1/2 a mile walk there, and 1/3 mile or 1/2 mile back. I started out with 4 palm branches, most of us were carrying at least 3 or 4. However the two little girls that went with us, each carried two. One of the girls was lagging behind everyone else, so I made sure to stick with her. We were probably about 1/2 way back and she looked at me and said, in spanish, I'm tired! So, I took one of the palm braches from her, and was then carrying 5. When we got back to the house, all the guys were quite surprised to see that I a girl, had been carrying 5 palm branches when some of them had only been carrying 3 or 4. So, we made a big huge pile of palm branches. Then we all needed a drink. I of course had taken water with me, but during the process of our palm branch adventure, they had gotten a coconut as well. They opened it up, and poured the milk/juice (whatever you call it) into a glass. Next thing I know one of the girls is heading my direction with the glass. Well, I will be real honest and say I do not like coconut. I kindly said no thank you, but no was not an option. Everyone was looking at me and expecting me to take a drink of this stuff. So, I kindly took the glass and took a drink. To my surprise, it was not the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted, but it is also nothing I would want to drink again. They were happy I had taken a drink though, and then she moved on to offer a drink to the next person. My friend Oscar also tried saying no thank you, but he too was made to drink. We then began "thatching" the roof. I was in charge of putting the palm leaves up. They would put the palm branch up and wire it in place and I would go and push all the hanging leaves up in a criss-crossing pattern. So, I now feel like I've lived on the Island with the Robinson's and built a shelter on Survivor! But, the good news is...I now know how to build a hut! We got it done though, and it's now used for a Young Life Bible Study group there each Saturday. I have not been back yet to see how it is holding up, but I'm sure with my great construction skills, it's doing just fine! It was nice to get out and help with a worthy cause for the day. Sometime I am going back to join them for one of their studies, and will make sure to take my camera that day. That way you all can see what the "hut" looks like! Also on here I'm adding a picture or two of my friend Oscar. I met him back in December. He works full time with Young Life and deals with a lot of teens who have previously been in gangs and had dealings with drugs and alcohol. I believe he is 22 or 23, I don't remember for sure. He knows a little bit of English, but is trying to learn.

Me & Jes

Here are some more pictures of Me and Jes. We have been able to spend some more time with one another here and there. He has been busy working though, saving money to help out his Mom and little brother whenever he can. We spend as much time with one another as we can. Over the last 4 years I have been amazed at how much he has changed. When we first met, it was so hard to get him to smile for pictures. Now, as you can see, he has no trouble smiling! He even enjoys having his picture taken now. I think every time we are together he wants to look at all our pictures. Makes me laugh. Our relationship is only growing stronger and we are becoming closer to one another. I am so thankful for him and God bringing him into my life. God knows what He is doing..Jes and I did not meet 4 years ago by chance, but instead it was in God's plan all along. Jes is what I have been praying for all these years, I am blessed!

Fiesta Time!!!

During the holiday season so many are forgotten and not thought about...this year me and some friends decided that we didn't want the kids of the Verbo Orphanage to be forgotten. We got together and decided that we would throw a big Fiesta for all the kids (and young adults) living at the Orphanage. We would go in the morning, clean their rooms and bathrooms as well as the dining area. We would then also prepare a special lunch for them, along with Soda to drink. Afterwards, we would take the festivities outside for some singing, skits, and short message, and Pinatas! Then we would all enjoy some cake to celebrate Jesus' birth. Things pretty much went as planned. We arrived early, some began cleaning the boys area, the girls area didn't need any cleaning. The dining area was also cleaned and made ready for lunch. As some were cleaning, I was in the kitchen with some of the women who work at the orphange (in the kitchen), and began helping them prepare lunch. Needless to say I did a lot of watching, and when I was helping, they did a lot of watching me. I'm sure I was pretty entertaining to them...seeing that I don't know much about Nica cooking. I then began the picture taking process...which I am much better at! The kids finally arrived back from Church and the party began. For lunch they enjoyed soda, and a rice meal that had chicken, shrimp, and beef mixed in. After lunch we all headed out back for some music, speaking, and Pinata's. I mainly walked around and took pictures, but was also asked to sing for them. I sang Silent Night in English for them, afterwards they sang it in Spanish for me. It was beautiful. Then it was finally time for the Pinata's to be broken and the candy to fly! We had two seperate Pinata's...one for the girls, and one for the boys. As you might have guessed, the boys got theirs open much faster than the girls did. It was so funny to watch them swing away, and see the smile on their face when it finally came open and candy began to fall out. As soon as candy fell out...kids were everywhere! It was crazy! Following the Pinata's we passed out cake to everyone. I must say, it was pretty good cake! It had a carmel icing on it that was quite yummy. The kids then scattered and went about their own activities. Some hung around and talked with some of us, others went to play, some began a game of soccer. We also had presents for the younger kids, for the boys we had cars and trucks, and soliders. For the girls we had make-up kits for the "older" girls, and Barbies for the middle girls, and little kitchen sets for the younger girls. They had big smiles on their faces which made all the hard work worth it all! I love seeing the kids faces light up when something simple is done for them. I hope you all enjoy viewing the pictures, I know I have tons, but I hope you will take the time to watch them all.

A Place To Call Home

For now, I finally have a place to call home. I am living in the neighborhood that my friend Alvaro lives in. The house is actually right across the street from his house. Thought I would share a few pictures with you all so you can see where I am at. I recently bought a new bed, as well as a dresser. I still have some things in my tubs that I brought all my stuff in, but it's nice to finally have a place to put my clothes. I don't have much, but I like where I am living. The neighborhood is nice, and I have many new friends here that I see each day.

Christmas Eve and Christmas 2008

Christmas, one of my favorite holidays. I have always enjoyed the time spent with family, laughing, playing, and making memories that will last a lifetime. This year my holiday season was much different that any I have ever had before. There was no hustle and bustle, or crowding at the stores. I did visit the market this year to buy a few presents for my family and for Jes, but this year was a money saving holiday season for me. Although gifts are given by some here in Nicaragua, not all get into the giving. More focus on the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus' birth. My Christmas Eve was spent with Jes in Masaya. We spent the day with one another talking, watching a movie, and enjoying a meal out. After dinner we said goodnight, and looked forward to the day ahead. Jes headed back home to be with his family, while I stayed at a hostel in Masaya. The next morning Jes arrived to pick me up, and we headed back to Managua to spend the Christmas day with one another. Not only Christmas day, but his birthday as well. Yes, Jes was born on Christmas day. We left in the morning on a bus back to Managua. We made a stop at a place called MetroCentro, which is a mall, to eat a lunch at the foodcourt there. Afterwards we headed to my place to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and spending it together. I had hopes of spending the day with his family, but that was not an option this year. His Mom ended up working Christmas Day and his brothers and sisters were enjoying time with their own families and extended families. Maybe next year we can spend some time with his family during the holiday season. So all in all, I had a great Christmas, but it was very different from what I am used to back in the states. Here the stores were open, people were working, and for many life continued just like every other day. It was strange, but as I said before, I enjoyed spending the day with Jes for our first Christmas with one another. I hope that you and your families all had a blessed holiday and celebrated the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas y Feliz Navidad!





Me & Jes on Christmas Eve

Jes wearing one of his gifts I had made for him. He loved it!

Me on Christmas Day, wearing a shirt I bought in the states...just for Chirstmas Day!!!

Jes liked his shirt so much he wore it Christmas Day!

Happy Holidays from Haley & Jes

Nica Update

Wow, it has been a long time since I updated my blog!!!! I apologize for taking so long to fill you all in on all the happenings here in Nicaragua. I have lots more to add, but will do this a little at a time. This slideshow has some random pictures taken here in Nicaragua. Some are from time spent with friends before Christmas, but they will give you an idea of what the decorations looked like here. You will also see pictures from my first time hand washing my clothes. Let me tell you, it's not easy! I'm still getting used to washing my clothes. Down the street from where I live, there is a family with a washing machine. Every time I walk by their house and hear the washing machine running, I get sad! Makes me long to have a washing machine again! It's a good experience for me though, and the more I do it, the more used to it I become. It's very different from what I was used to though. I have also included some pictures of some more time spent with Jes and cousin Luis. Jes loves to go to a place called Catarina. I think we have been three times since I've been here in Nicaragua. It's beautiful, and in the evening, very cool. We need to plan better when we go....we never have enough clothes on to keep us warm. It's a nice place though, very peaceful. We enjoy going and sitting and talking with one another while watching the sun go down. Hopefully you enjoy looking at the pictures...many more to come! Blessings to all.