My Big Adventure!

I know that I am blogging more than usual, but I continue to be involved in interesting things that I need to tell you about.
I am terming yesterday my Nica Day. It was filled with known and unknown things that I have learned to identify with Nicaragua.
I woke up anticipating a full day: breakfast, devotions, skype, grocery shopping, Bible study with friend, cooking for dinner guests, teaching an English class, 30 people over for dinner, clean up and back to bed.
I got up, Stephen made breakfast while I tried to get some emails and Duolingo out of the way; then we ate and did devotions. We Skyped with Stephen’s mom at 9 AM, and I planned to pick up a friend at 10:30 for a trip to the grocery store. She called and hung up, which meant that she did not have minutes on her phone and I needed to call her. We had to postpone the time 30 minutes , but I figured that timing would okay for me to meet for my Bible Study at 12:30-recalculating.
I picked up Fatima for shopping, and we headed to the local grocery store where we picked up the ingredients for jalapeno chicken for 30 people. Unfortunately they did not have chicken at the store so on to the “gringo” store where we spend more on chicken than we did on the rest of the ingredients, drinks and supplies-recalculating.
I dropped Fatima off, knowing that she will be coming to my house at 2 to help me cook the dinner (actually I was helping her). I got home and unloaded the groceries knowing that any minute I would hear from Kelsey about our Bible study. She called; she had had a good but challenging week and needs to cancel- recalculating. Now I had some more time for the usual things- house, food, correspondence, etc. I also was home to find out that Daysi (our cleaning lady) had a birthday the day before, so I pulled banana bread out of the freezer for an impromptu celebration.
At 2 Fatima showed up, and we got right to making a Nicaraguan feast. I now know how to make a great jalapeno sauce, delicious sauce for chicken, and tostones (plantains) using a wine bottle. I was hot and sweaty, but had enjoyed good time of conversation, making a great meal, and learning new things.
At 3:30 I was expecting to have my first English lesson with a neighbor woman. She did not show up- recalculating. Actually, I was secretly happy because it took every minute from 2-6 PM to be ready for dinner.
As people arrived I ran upstairs to take a quick shower. In a country where it is hard to look put together because of the heat and humidity, I did the best I could, and then joined the guests downstairs. Our guests were the men is Stephen’s Bible study and their families. It was great to see them enjoy the time together, the meal, and share what they have learned over the past eight weeks. We also got to celebrate an overwhelmed, young mother’s birthday, honoring her in the Nica birthday sing-along.
At the end some left on bikes, but most piled into the pick-up we have been borrowing, and Stephen played taxi driver and drove them home. One couple stayed and helped me clean up and keep me company-recalculating. If they only knew that as an introvert, I was very ready to be alone. I am sure though that for people who live in small homes with multi-generations it is strange to be home alone in a large house.
This is a country where plans change all the time, nothing really starts on time, there is no guarantee that you will get what you are looking for, but the people are thankful, considerate, and gracious. I have a few things to learn from them.

I just finished listening to Natalie Grant’s version of “In Christ Alone”. I played it as loud as my computer would let me and I sang along. I guess this might be annoying to my neighbors since our house shares the same walls and is designed with a big hole in it! I feel okay though because there is so much noise that I probably only added to the other sounds. I needed to hear that; I needed to be reminded that, in Christ alone I stand, that all other ground is sinking sand. That Christ is not surprised by that. That He stands in victory and that sin has lost its curse on me. I am His and He is mine, and in that power I stand.
Almost a month ago Stephen sent in his passport to get his visa. Since everything we do surrounds around how we can spend the least money, this was the best option so he could be legal in this country. Two weeks later we had not heard from them, so he went in to the office to find that the passport is being help in Managua because the letter we have connecting us with our non-profit is dated 2013 not 2014.
We have to go in and get it, with a new letter, with a translation of this letter, with a translator, and the gracious use of a friend’s truck. Today was the day! We headed out early, the line for extranjeros (foreigners) was extremely short, but the woman at the desk would not give Stephen the visa because the letter was not translated by a lawyer. This letter has already worked for us twice. Very reluctantly she gave Stephen his passport back, and a stamp good for five days ; time to figure out what to do. Our least expensive plan is now heading in the direction of what it would have cost for a trip to Costa Rica, but we still do not have the visa. In the power of Christ I stand.
The second stop was getting the truck we are borrowing in to the shop to be looked at. Abraham was not there so we were asked to come back later. We drove the 15 miles home and then in about 30 minutes we got the call that he was in. Stephen and Roger (our dear friend and translator), went back and just returned home at 7PM. The good news: It cost $24. In the power of Christ I stand.
A discouraging e-mail, a disagreement with Stephen, worry about stuff in the future, and worry about money, ministry, and other people. In the power of Christ I stand

Last night I had the opportunity to attend an anniversary party of a one of the families that we meet with on a regular basis. They were celebrating their 7th Anniversary. The starting time was 5:00 PM and we showed up around 5:40. A few guests were there, but I would say that we were early. Everyone was dressed in their best, and bringing gifts to the couple. Of course we felt a little conspicuous since we arrived with cake, but no gift. This is a family that made a special chocolate drink to celebrate our anniversary the day before. All the gifts were in gift bags that were taped closed.
Spanish love songs were being played on a radio at a very loud volume in the living room, on a radio that was about 2 feet by 3 feet, and a volume knob that is about 3 inches in diameter. All of these details are just to say that it is “the bigger and louder the better” when it comes to sound systems in this country.
This couple is a semi-wealthy couple for the very poor part of town in which they live. Their house is one of the few with a solid foundation, cinderblock and painted walls, and a steel and tin roof. They have an indoor kitchen and three finished rooms. Their “wealth” is evidenced as well by a refrigerator, TV, a large number of plastic chairs that line the walls, and the tablet that he got her for their anniversary.
Most of her family arrived about 6:20, which confirmed why we never start anywhere near to on time in our weekly Bible study.
We have found this couple to be generous, helpful, friendly, and others-centered. Their party was no exception. All during the party, they were the ones who were serving. They brought out plastic cups of Coca-cola, using the lid to a pot as a tray. They brought mounds of vigoron, boiled yucca, seasoned pork and cabbage salad, to us on small plastic plates. Later they sliced into the cakes we brought and served up cake on napkins. It was simple, and good.
At about 7:15 the lights flickered, went out for a few minutes and then came back on. The Nicaraguans knew better than us, though. In our part of town the lights usually come back on and stay on, for them, this means that they have a few minutes before the lights go out for the night. Everyone scattered, the goodbyes were quick and the party was over. Nicaragua, at night, when the lights go out is really dark. Then we drove home to our lights and fans.

Change of Plans

You have all heard the saying, no doubt, that “Life is what happens while you are making plans.” That could not be truer than in a place like Nicaragua. In the past few weeks we have had made our plans, but the Lord has changed our course (Proverbs 16:9).

Two weeks ago we went to our usual Saturday Bible Study, but God orchestrated it so that it was only us and the main family who was there. They were able to share a very difficult family situation, that we were able to support them in and hear the difficulties in their lives.

Friday was Stephen’s birthday. We had planned a quiet day at home just the two of us. In the evening, Stephen’s whole Bible study group came over with cake and soda pop to celebrate with him. It completed his birthday to feel so cared for by these guys in which he has invested .

Last night we were looking at the evening before us, thinking that we might be able to catch up on a few things. The doorbell rang and one of “Stephen’s guys” was at the door with his wife. The husband had brought a bag of mangoes a few days before, and today he was bringing mango nectar and mango jam with cinnamon. They stayed for about three hours, which is quite comical because we do not speak a lot of Spanish and they don’t speak English, but with the help of the computer and miming we were able to communicate. In the midst of the visit, another couple brought their baby over to visit. It was a full evening of laughing and learning, and something we would have missed had we gone with our plans.

I don’t always see these “interruptions” in a positive light, but God is softening me in this area. I am just finishing a study on Love, and it closes with a conversation between God and man. God asks, “How has your heart changed?” And man answers, “I no longer desire to live in order to get love. Now I want to give love- Your love that takes no thought of myself”. Honestly I have a ways to go in this, but I am growing!

June 20, 2014

Today I caught myself smiling several times as I headed down into town to meet my friend and “Spanish Instructor”, Sonja.

I was behind schedule which is not that big of a deal in this country, but I was moving on at a clip because I did not want to give the impression that I did not care about her.  I saw a school bus pass with the name of one of the Catholic schools on it, and about a half of block later I heard someone yell, “Natalia” several times. It was the daughter of our Spanish teacher. It warmed my heart to be recognized in this city that I still feel like a stranger sometimes.

I kept walking and passed by an old woman who sits on the same step day after day.  Sometimes I give her spare change and others I just say hello. As she noticed me, she says with a smile, “Mi Amor” (my love). It feels good to be recognized.

In my haste of leaving, I had remembered my Kindle to show Sonja the Duolingo program. I had remembered the song books from our church that I had covered. I had remembered the container of mango jam I had made to give to our friend Oskar, but I did not remember my Spanish notebook or a pen. The local “Office Depot” was on the way so I quickly headed into the air conditioned building to get the supplies. The usual procedure in this store (and others) is to put your backpack and other bags in a locker before shopping. Theft is big in this country, and they do not want their merchandise finding its way into your bag. As I walked over to place my bag in the locker, the security guard (also common in stores) waved me on and smiled. He was saying, “I trust you”. It feels good to be trusted!

I finally made it to the coffee place to meet Sonja. She greeted me with a smile, a hug, and a glass of water. We talked about her son’s birthday the day before, and the events of my week.

It’s a good day!

June 19, 2014
The rainy season has started! I am sitting in the house in the middle of the day. Cool wind is blowing through and I still marvel at how we live in the elements. Whatever happens outside we are keenly aware of inside. What was a routine to stay cool is now a routine to also keep things dry. I am definitely not complaining though. The rain is something to look forward to each day- it cools the air and the storms are impressive.
With the rainy season also has come more interaction and need in our Nicaraguan community. The majority of our fellow missionaries have gone home for June and July, so we are some of the few who are filling in the gap. Stephen has taken on the leadership of two men’s Bible studies. I am helping out with a women’s study. This means that Stephen and I are the ones these individuals come to in need. In many ways this is financial need. These are fellow believers who have situations like a child needing medicine because he is having difficulty breathing, a man needs money so he can get a police report so he can get a job, a couple has no money for food because he used the money for alcohol. The list continues.
The other needs are emotional. This week we have listened as people have share about alcoholism, abuse, broken relationships, no jobs, not having food, and suffering with physical pain.
The need is big, AND the need is bigger to respond graciously, to respond with what we have, and to be available. I am very aware of God asking us to give and care for our fellow believers, but to be honest; I am still overwhelmed with it all. I hear many of the Nicaraguans and other missionaries say, “God will provide”, and on one hand I believe that, but on the other I wonder how that can really happen. How will God be the “husband” to a woman who has suffered 32 years of mistreatment? How does he find work for men in an environment where unemployment is 40-50%? How does He make it possible for a child to see the doctor when the parents literally do not have money?
These requests come to us, we give and do what we can, I see my heart changing toward these people, but behind it is still a frustration. What if these situations are more for me to walk through than for them? This is tough stuff, but we take it a step at a time…I just have to remember that!

I have made my way to a local coffee shop- one that is eclectic as any you would find in Portland. This is one of my refuges.
This morning I left in search of a place to think and write, and I found myself in front of one of our many Catholic churches. The funeral carriage was out in front so I saw this as a cultural opportunity. The churches here are the standard cathedral type- long and narrow with areas on each side for life-size images of Jesus, Mary, and other saints. I found an open bench in the back with a few other people and watched as they sang, prayed, spoke, took an offering, and burnt incense.
What was more interesting to me was a three-year-old boy that was enthralled with a life-size statue of Jesus holding a lamb. For ten minutes he was captured by this statue. He would look up at it, lay down on the ground in front of it, go up to every person in the area and tell them about Jesus, pointing at him and sharing his joy. Occasionally, he would walk away and look at other statues, but he would always come back to Jesus. I cannot think of a better visual for what Jesus would want for my life. It is funny how one little event can have an impact. It makes me think about Matthew 18:3, “And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” I have something to learn from this child.
I was not disappointed by this cultural experience. As I was sitting there watching this little boy and the funeral service in the front of the church, a crowd of about one hundred people carrying another coffin came in the back, laid the coffin down, sat down, and waited their turn. Of course, silence is not a common trait among the people here, so many side conversations were happening around me. The people in the front of the church looked like they were likely at the funeral of a grandmother or aunt, where as those surrounding me were more likely attending the funeral of a trendy, homosexual man. Two different groups of people, but both facing the inevitable death of someone they cared for.
The first funeral ended, the body was carried out to the waiting carriage, and within minutes the other coffin was put in place at the front of the church. The crowd moved up and the priest took his place.
The coffee shop I am sitting in is on the road between the church and the cemetery. Here in Nicaragua, all who attend the service, walk behind the horse-drawn carriage to the cemetery. I see the people pass in the solemn procession, and I wonder what is going through their minds.

Sunday’s Bible study started with us strategically placing our chairs to avoid being hit by mangoes, and ended with tears and requests for forgiveness.
We joke about the First World Problems- the air conditioner broke, we don’t have the money for a nice dinner AND a movie, etc., but yesterday our Third World (Developing/Majority World) problem hinged around the end of the mango season and the beginning of the storm season. The possibility of getting hit by falling fruit while sitting under a tree has gone up significantly. Yesterday there were no casualties to people, but the fatality of five mangoes. It is the price you pay for living in the tropics and we went home with two mangoes! 
The more significant event though was the family interaction. As we studied Christ the King, there was something else brewing in this family. Although they live a very different life than many of you, the issue of family hurt and division is very real. In the course of discussing how we live our lives letting Christ be the King, the discussion centered on how do you do this when we are at odds with those we live the closest. This is an all-world problem.
We talked with them, prayed with them, shared our experience with them, shared what the Bible says to them, and then watched them ask for forgiveness from each other. It was a precious time. We pray for them and ask you to pray for them too-Noel and Rosa’s family, that they would have the trust in God to make changes in them.
I understand what they are talking about. Sometimes it is easier to not ask for forgiveness, sometimes it is easier to carry a grudge, sometimes it is easier not to help out the other person, so just as we were talking, we are also learning.

Today’s blog comes to you as a compilation of a few different things I have read recently as well as my continued processing of living in Nicaragua rather than the USA. I so enjoyed my time there last week with family, and it will always be home to me, but my pondering brain picked up a few things that I have been ruminating.
Last week as I tried to stay current in news, I read an article called, “The World’s Most Miserable Countries”. Many of these countries were no surprise to me, but when I saw a reference to Nicaragua, I had to see what they were saying. The following is from the USA Today article:
According to Jon Clifton, managing director of the World Gallup Poll, a person’s financial situation is one of five factors affecting well-being and far from a conclusive happiness indicator. Nine of the most content countries had estimated GDPs of less than $15,000 per capita last year. In Lithuania — the third most miserable country — GDP per capita was $22,566. On the other hand, Nicaragua — the third most content country — had a GDP per capita of just $4,548.
This contentment is something that stands out about the Nicaraguans. They do not have much, and sometimes their easy-going attitude drives me crazy, but I have been blessed even this week by the contentment and joy of these people.
Secondly, Louis CK is a comedian that I was introduced to on Facebook. I give some disclaimer, but when I watched his clip with Conan O’Brien called “Everything is Amazing and No One is Happy” ( http://blog.petflow.com/if-you-grew-up-before-the-year-2000-you-will-laugh-hysterically-at-this/#ebekQp57pDLv2hVj.01 ), and I had to agree with this. It is funny and also poignant. Many of the slow things he talked about are still the way it is here, but things are changing.
So, my contentness has been challenged this month. Between my trip to the US, living extremely frugally, heat, continuing to seek direction for me, and cultural and language challenges, I wished a few things were different.
The part of me that seeks God, though, wants to respond differently. There are so many amazing things- avocados and mangos falling of the tree, the power of the rainstorms, Bible studies to encourage believers, great conversations with Stephen, and hopes for the future; sometimes I see the good things, but sometimes I only see the problems. My practices recently have been to start with thankfulness and then go from there, and then try to trust God to take care of the rest!
Love, Natalie