Returning Home and Life Over the Last Year!

Well, as everyone (whoever might still check out my blog....) can see, I am finally getting around to updating this thing! :o) I have now been back in the United States for over a year. It's hard for me to believe that it's been that long. At other times, it seems like time has gone by so slow, and that I've been away from Nicaragua (and the love of my life, Jes) for much longer than that.

Since returning home, life has been a roller coaster for me. I began searching for a job right after my return at the end of July in 2009. Finally, in March of 2010 I got a job at Lowe's Home Improvement stores. I'm still working there and continuing to enjoy my job. I started out as a Cashier, then got moved to Outside Lawn & Garden Cashier, then was moved to be a Customer Service Associate....sometimes you will find me at the Return's desk and other times I will be at the Customer Service desk. I also still get to be a regular cashier from time to time. I enjoy the job, enjoy the people I work with, and am so thankful to have a job!

I think the hardest part about my returning home was getting adjusted to life in the Untied States. Even though I have lived here my whole life, I found it very difficult to adjust back to life here in the US. (My adjustment to moving to Nicaragua was much easier for me!) Things are at a much faster pace, everyone is always so busy (that includes me)! It was hard to adjust to having electricity all the time, a television in the house, water that runs all the time, a washing machine, a dryer, a dishwasher, an air conditioner (this one too me the longest time to adjust too)...and above everything else...getting adjusted back to a life of having EVERYTHING! One thing I have come to realize over the years, but especially after living in Nicaragua for 9 months...we have TOO MUCH STUFF!!! Living in Nicaragua really put it into perspective what is a WANT and what is a NEED. I'm thankful for the many lessons I learned while living in Nicaragua, and look forward to many more in the future. I also had to get adjusted to the food. While living in Nicaragua I was eating healthier and fresher food, as well as exercising each day. Over the 9 months I lived there I lost over 50 lbs. I was so happy! Once returning home, I fell back into old habits and eating routines and unfortunately have put weight back on...not all 50 lbs. of it, but a lot! While in Nicaragua I had someone there with me each day to exercise and go running with, here, I was missing that. (For a while I did have a running partner, but between my schedule and theirs we slacked off and just completely stopped...) Jes was such an encouragement to me, and we enjoyed running together each night. I know that once we are together again, we will continue to do so. I look forward to when I'm living in Nicaragua again and am living a healthier lifestyle...I only wish I could jump start it here! It's so hard to do it alone!

Another adjustment, was getting used to being under my parents roof again. I have always been an independent person, but even more so after living alone for 9 months and having my own place. It was hard getting adjusted to that...I enjoy having my own space and place to call my own, I guess for now that is my bedroom!

I think the biggest adjustment was getting used to not having Jes around. We spent so much time together while I was living there. We grew closer together as friends and as a couple. I miss being able to see him and talk to him whenever I want. Although we try to talk on the phone (through Skype) each day, it doesn't always work out that way. Between my work schedule and his, we sometimes miss each other. Also, with the electricity in Nicaragua, it's not always a sure thing that his phone gets charged while on the charger! Often times his battery is dead! We both know that even if we do not get to talk each day, that our love for each other is still there, and we will talk to one another soon. It's been such a long journey for him and I, we are both ready to be together...FOREVER!

So, since my return home there has been joy and sadness. One of the great things that has taken place in my life since returning home is the volunteer work Heather and I do with ISI (International Students Inc.) on the campus of Lindenwood University. Our church (First Baptist Church of Harvester) became partners with ISI in August of 2009, immediately Heather and I knew this was something we would be interested in. Each Tuesday night we meet on campus with the other volunteers and international students. Sometimes we play games, sometimes we have discussions, sometimes we watch a movie. We also do many activities throughout the semester to keep the students busy and entertained. We are also there to just be there friend and help them whenever we can. Over time, it also opens doors to being able to share Christ love with them. Since volunteering, my family has had many students enter into our home and visit with us. We've done things such as movie nights, game nights, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Day, Carving pumpkins, putting up Christmas decorations, and so much more! It has been a true joy and pleasure to volunteer with ISI! I have made so many great friends, whom I will always hold dear in my heart. Many have become family to us, and I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters. This ministry and outreach has been a true blessing to me...not only have I been able to meet many wonderful people but it has helped fill my empty time and keep my mind off of missing Nicaragua and Jes so much!

I guess that is about it for life over the last year...at least all I can think of to write about for now. I'm sure any of you reading this will be stunned to see that I have even written this much...usually Heather is the long-winded one! Currently I am preparing to visit Jes...in 18 days!!! Although we have talked on the phone, and seen each other via webcam, we have not seen each other in person since July of 2009. My trip is well overdue! We are both anxious and excited to see each other and make wedding plans. Hopefully, I will update the blog and little more often now, so you do have to read so much at once! Below I'm adding a video of pictures I put together from my volunteer work with ISI....I will add another one later as well! Enjoy and Blessings to all of you and your families.

Update

For any and all who are curious...over the next few days/week I plan on trying to update my blog. I'm not really sure how many actually look at my blog anymore (other than my sister...), but I thought it was time I get on and share the things that have been going on in my life over the last year. Update coming soon...

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.