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.