tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80750217065317565792023-11-15T22:49:03.605-08:00A Walk On WaterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-4089020317716021512015-06-25T13:01:00.001-07:002015-06-25T13:01:58.861-07:00Back HomeI had a chance of a life time. Working as a program developer and coordinator for EartH2O in Costa Rica these last 5 weeks has taught me so much. A mixture of beauty, travel, and work and to add that I got paid for it all. Kind of hard to believe. I have met so many people across the globe, learned so many cultural and business lessons it is really surreal. I would tend to say that I have learned so much and experiences so much in the last couple of weeks that I feel as if I have been here for 3 months. I am sorry for only blogging about my time in CR minimally. That just means you will have to ask me in person ;)<br />
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I'm sitting here now in the airport waiting to board the plane. As I am doing so I am thinking about all that I have learned, all that has changed since I have been away from the states, and all that has changed me while away. Time flies, yet time still changes things. To think that I will be returning to my grandma and college friends getting married, friends having babies, and friends continuing to graduate programs. Life's a roller coaster, seeming to never slow down.<br />
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I am so ready and excited to come to Texas, California and Oregon to see the people I love and cherish. I am thrilled to start a new beginning and life out of school. Thanks to my time abroad I know my own visions have matured, my cultural perspectives shifted, my spiritual walk strengthened, and that I as a person have become stronger.<br />
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I love you all. Thank you so much for following me on this journey and keeping me in your prayers.<br />
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Con Amor,<br />
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LindseyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-3422127161648944812015-06-06T16:54:00.001-07:002015-06-06T16:54:23.752-07:00pH and WaterYesterday while preparing presentation material for students I found myself on a learning rabbit trail. One of the activities we will be doing is taking water samples at various locations along Costa Rica and measuring for the basic water quality parameters of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), turbidity, temperature and pH. In so preparing a brief lecture on the importance of these parameters I got stopped by pH as I chose to look more into the importance of pH in water.<br />
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I found out a couple more details about pH from being curious. Guess I had apparently forgotten about them in my chemistry class. First off, being that the pH (potential of hydrogen) scale ranges from 0-14 (0-6 being acidic and 8-14 being alkalinic) the pH of our bodies should normally be 7.35. This means that our bodies are slightly more alkaline than acidic.<br />
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The importance of pH and our human health is surreal! When we eat more acidic things, aka soda, fried meals, salt, and greases our pH levels drop. When we eat more alkaline foods our pH levels rise. It must therefore be a system of balances. What I learned from my research is that it is better for our bodies to be on the more alkaline side. Why? Well, diseases, viruses and bacteria thrive in acidic environments and CAN NOT persist in alkaline environments. Think of the average American diet, where consuming sodas, fries, fried chicken and chips is the norm. Now think of how acidic that person's pH level is as a result. A Coca-Cola soda for example sits on the pH scale as 1.5! It takes a lot of water and green vegetables to rebalance that level.<br />
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How does water play into all of this? WELL LET ME TELL YOU! Water sits on the pH scale as neutral at 7. The more water we drink the more we are able to neutralize our bodies and for better health stay away from the acidic scale. However, many people turn to <i>bottled</i> water as it is the most convenient commodity around. But there is one problem with bottled water: it is most times acidic! How? Well all of the chemicals from the bottle itself over time leach into the water itself increasing the sources acidity. Furthermore when water sits in a container for a long period of time it looses oxygen and becomes heated. The heat impacting the stagnant water actually breaks the hydrogen and oxygen bonds in the water creating free radical hydrogen molecules not connected to the other HO molecules. Since H are + , these free radicals increase the pH of the water (see diagram above on the left column to visualize how added H+ decreases pH). Therefore when drinking bottled water, most of the times you are actually contributing to the acidity in your system. (Different bottled water brands have been different levels of pH most around 5 and 6 but some going as low as 3 and 4 on the pH scale). When water is oxidized, oxygen molecules are able to reconnect to the free floating hydrogen radicals thereby reforming a stable H2O molecule--decreasing acidity in water.<br />
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Since it is the acidic environment that disease, bacteria and viruses inhabit it is important to maintain a level of alkalinity in your system. Alkaline water has been proven to actually cure diseases!<br />
Here is an example chart of the foods that can improve and harm your health based on the pH scale. Helpful:<br />
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You should at least be drinking half of your body weight in oz. of water.<br />
<b>When we however are conscious of what enters our body, we are in turn being mindful of the pH scale--and there are benefits!</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-89055390080134238022015-06-05T21:50:00.001-07:002015-06-05T21:50:47.059-07:00Sailing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This last Sunday I had the opportunity to go out sailing on a small catamaran with some friends. It seems like everyone here around the lake are friends or are connected in come way. The boat we went sailing on was a friend of JPs. Lake Arenal is a beautiful and pristine lake. I am amazed of how clean the water and beaches are. There are hardly any boats on the water and very few docs. It is as if this lake is untouched--something unheard or unseen within the pollution and overuse practices of the 21st Century. </div>
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My opportunity to be on the lake, and this beautiful Costa Rican lake at that, is a reminder to me of how the Lord has blessed me in so many ways. As if I haven't been blessed enough, I felt as though this was something extra special. The air was fresh, water clear, and no other people out on the water. Its amazing how God speaks to us when away enjoying His beautiful creation. Just had to share!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-30128658857946476692015-05-31T10:18:00.001-07:002015-05-31T10:18:30.080-07:002 Weeks in Costa RicaGreetings all!<br />
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Just a quick update. So I have been in Costa Rica for the past two weeks. For those of you who don't know I am currently working for the Earth2o Program (<a href="http://theearth2oprogram.com/">http://theearth2oprogram.com/</a>). This is a sustainable study program taking place in Costa Rica. It is a new program that has some previous reputation and establishment. We are however now creating the program into an institution. What is my part in all of this? I am developing and coordinating the upcoming 12 - day program for students touring in Costa Rica. The focus of the program is focused on water resources.<br />
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How did I get here? Well in January 2014 I was a student on a Green Renewable Energy Education Network (GREEN program) taking place here in Costa Rica. Part of that study abroad program was develop a capstone project--aka an innovative idea based off of all that I had learned on my trip. During that trip with a group of 4 of us, I presented my capstone project called "the BLUE program." As much as my team enjoyed and were passionate to learn about renewable energy, we were more passionate about our water resources. So our BLUE program was to create a similar study abroad program we were on, however focused more on water resources and its local and global issues.<br />
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After that presentation JP (one of the program owners, also owner of the Lake Arenal Hotel) invited us all to work on such a program. Over the past 1.5 years I have kept in touch with JP to create such a program. (Here is the link to check out the hotel where I am staying: <a href="http://www.lakearenalhotel.com/">http://www.lakearenalhotel.com/</a>)<br />
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So here I am now in Costa Rica working on developing and coordinating our upcoming Water's Program. This 12-day trip is apart of the new Earth2o Program/ Institute. So far this has been a really great opportunity for me to learn about coordinating and planning, advertising, business, sustainability, renewable energy and of coarse WATER RESOURCES! And its only been two weeks! So thankful for the opportunity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a high side view of the lake where I am staying at. This place is absolutely beautiful.</td></tr>
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Pura Vida,<br />
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LindseyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-74027364450359419912015-05-22T10:56:00.001-07:002015-05-22T10:56:17.878-07:00My Last Day at CCAMy last day in class with the kids of CCA was so sweet. All of the teachers had made me a card. Not only that but I received so many cards and pictures from many students of the school. Fifth grade decided to have a going away party for me. It was a surprise to me! During my time with Fifth grade one of the sweetest things one of the girls said to me before I left was, "Your are so special to me, and you have made a big impact on my life." This really touched me to hear this.<br />
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After my party with fifth grade I promised third grade that I would throw them a party. So when I walked into the room with the cookies and punch I had made I opened the door and was welcomed by a big "SURPRISE!" They kids had put balloons all over and had made signs to put all over the walls. Then we ate the snacks I had made. Then I gave them individually the cards I had written for them. I took this as an opportunity to speak identity into them. One by one they would come up and I would tell them and their classmates the good character qualities that I saw in the them as a form of encouragement. This was a really impactful time for all. After this time we watch a video I had made of them all. Garret had given me a good worship song for kids called, "WE WONT BE QUIET." I had them learn this song in English and we would have fun learning new words and dancing around. One day I had video taped them dancing and singing to this song. I promised them on my last day that we would watch our class music video...so we did! They absolutely loved watching themselves on the screen. All in all it was a fun and joyous goodbye time. I received so many hugs, and notes to last me a life time! I really am going to miss these kids. They will forever be in my heart.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my fifth grade class. The girl in front of me Melissa was the one who took the lead in throwing this party for me. She was keen on doing it and I appreciated her for that!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the cards I had written for my 3rd grade class: a means for encouragement.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last picture with my 3rd grade class. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Ms. Mierdna (3rd grade teacher)</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-12245701271378453452015-05-22T10:46:00.003-07:002015-05-22T10:46:25.197-07:00Final Lessons in NicaraguaRebecca and I created a Volunteers book for all volunteers at CCA to write about their time and experience. Here is what I wrote in my pages:<br />
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During my time here at CCA I have served as the 3rd grade English teacher and also computer teacher for 3rd through 7th grades. I worked on an English curriculum for 3rd grade. For computers I also workd on a curriculum, set up a computer display, pushed to see a lap top be used in the computer lab, got the projector up and running, put in a white board, prayed relentlessly for new computers, and painted a colorful keyboard in the computer lab with Kristie Beavert. I was fortunate enough to be able to hand over my projects and ultimately class to a new Nicaraguan teacher--Mr. Giovanny. It is encouraging to see it all in his hands and to continue even after I leave CCA. The above are only the projects I performed at CCA. My experienced here however has been marked by so much more.<br />
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It has been really cool over the past 4 months to see how God had developed a passion for me to have a <3 for 3rd grade and for computer classes. The vision I had for computers was -- "Inspire through Technology." Technology is so important to the advancement of any country. But we here at CCA have the opportunity, through a Christian lens, to teach computers and t oshow these kids how technolgy can be fun, purposeful and honoring for Nicaragua and furthermore for Christ's kingdom. And through this vision I cam to recognize a greater thing. While God gave Barry and Susanna a vision for starting CCA, He gives all teachers and volunteers visions to better things within the school. What will be your vision?<br />
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The greatest thing I have learned while at CCA is the importance of relationships. For a good portion of my life I have been racing full force ahead, working hard in school and by this sacrificing relationships in order to accomplish my goals. But the funny thing is God works quit the opposite, we actually need others. We need the help of others, we need their affirmations, we need their accountability, we need their advice and wisdom, and we need their skills, we need their different personalities-- WE NEED ONE ANOTHER. We need one another, not only for ourselves, but for the glory and for the work of the LORD.<br />
<br />
While in the In2House I got to live with many different cultures and also age groups--Koreans, Niccas, Brits, Americans from ages ranging from 19-75. One of the greatest experiences was when Auntie Joyce (beautifully and wonderfully aged), asked me (23) about any areas of her personality that need critique so she could strengthen her weaknesses. I had been going to Auntie Joyce for advice and input many times, but her receptivity to my youthfulness amazed me. This experience was an example to show how that despite culture, age and background we are a body her to sharpen one another to become better in Christ.<br />
<br />
I have come to find that we all hold something unique to share with our body, and if we don't embrace and reach out to<br />
the talents and gifts of others then we as a whole won't go as far. We need to also be willing to be vulnerable with one another. Taking time to first build relationships should be the first and most important task before trying to accomplish any sustainable project here at CCA.<br />
<br />
When you can learn to die to yourself for the benefit of your community, and ultimately for the will of the LORD, then there you will make a difference.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMHCHf5ZTEBdpwvFyxVkfezDG0dxSPbDhyphenhyphenV3HqrYKCrfRxlKOdhOTtqtBl0CTmgpzbaEdZq4GSKLwVHHKZv1vQSXCZu9Oj5h1n095CzCcUEs7Elsk1gQTB_shuwmLuuzxJk8XbeZF-FE/s1600/IMG_9129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMHCHf5ZTEBdpwvFyxVkfezDG0dxSPbDhyphenhyphenV3HqrYKCrfRxlKOdhOTtqtBl0CTmgpzbaEdZq4GSKLwVHHKZv1vQSXCZu9Oj5h1n095CzCcUEs7Elsk1gQTB_shuwmLuuzxJk8XbeZF-FE/s320/IMG_9129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of the colorful keyboard that Kristie and I had painted in the computer lab.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj9C7ES0H_H4Gnb2zKggnTq-eBI27ad74Rs28Bfb994p5V2AfxHfeP4TeNEm5zhcxZUblH26aSYgEw14o2JiyEcST9o8IJIwSkgdZt1ZspQpSFzpiuTCHhNS-H3SIKB4sZgNY5SP_Itk/s1600/IMG_9131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj9C7ES0H_H4Gnb2zKggnTq-eBI27ad74Rs28Bfb994p5V2AfxHfeP4TeNEm5zhcxZUblH26aSYgEw14o2JiyEcST9o8IJIwSkgdZt1ZspQpSFzpiuTCHhNS-H3SIKB4sZgNY5SP_Itk/s320/IMG_9131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EIZMrmlvihvdMZXTU5ifizwQGP03F3v5_zNlZGtVqtGrXT2iZHvrFkrXk1rDvV0BKaRUsSQ1B3PCz0aKik9SGvqAFOmPiwb3D-7goQd4fOIOLIM7jXkk6uODX0Y2pA7ZohIQ1tArQrY/s1600/IMG_9130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EIZMrmlvihvdMZXTU5ifizwQGP03F3v5_zNlZGtVqtGrXT2iZHvrFkrXk1rDvV0BKaRUsSQ1B3PCz0aKik9SGvqAFOmPiwb3D-7goQd4fOIOLIM7jXkk6uODX0Y2pA7ZohIQ1tArQrY/s320/IMG_9130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class room set up after my time here. Now Giovany is able to use a projector, has a lap top to use, and the student's computers are as up to date as they can be ;)</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-6095687483076011822015-05-22T09:41:00.000-07:002015-05-22T09:42:37.865-07:00Safe Trip to Costa RicaFirst of all I just wanted to say that I am safe here in Costa Rica. Thank you to all of my family and friends who had been praying for safe travels for me. I came to find that many of you were far more worried about my safety than I had thought. With this I would like to take the time to better described my trip crossing the boarder.<br />
<br />
The trip was smooth sailing with no glitches. I took a Ticca Bus, a bus much like our American Greyhound, ran under a professional Costa Rican travel service. With that being said, the service was accustomed to taking their customers across the boarder and helping us all with those processes. Rebecca took me to the bus stop at 7:30am, and my bus left at 8am. From there it took 2 hours to drive to the boarder. We spent about one hour at the boarder. There our passports were processed and we had to take all of our luggage off the bus in order to go through a security screening.<br />
<br />
During this whole process I had met a white lady from Alabama who spoke English. She has a family in Nicaragua and was familiar with all of the processes. I stuck with her and her family for crossing the boarder. It turns out that they actually lived in Dolores, Nicaragua, the same town I had been living in at CCA! She said I looked familiar. Anyways because of this relationship the whole transition was not stressful, and I felt like I was traveling with family.<br />
<br />
It took about another 2 hours to get to my stop in Cañas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (I arrived at approximately 12:30pm). There was no formal bus stop here so I had to ask the driver to let me off here. Because I didn't have a cell phone I asked a man on the bus if he would let me call JP who was on the other end to pick me up. The man was very kind, and even though I offered to pay to use his phone, he refused. Because of the man's kindness I was able to talk to JP and let him know exactly where I would be dropped off according to where the bus driver had described. Upon being dropped off, JP was there within one minute. It was all smooth, no glitches, and completely safe. From Cañas we drove 30 minutes to Tileran.<br />
<br />
Again thank you for your prayers. I was confident that my God was protecting me the whole way through, and here beyond.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4</i></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-54581609282508531392015-05-14T12:50:00.002-07:002015-05-14T12:50:56.739-07:00Adventure in the ClassroomToday in English class we went on an adventure! The lesson for this week was learning vocabulary of various natural locations including: Sea (el mar), Rainforest (la selva), Beach (la playa), Mountains (las montañas), Desert (el desierto), Tree (el arbol), River (el rio), Island (la isla), Land (la tierra), Junge (la jungla). I drew some of these various locations in chalk in the outdoor auditorium. Others like mountain, and desert there were places around the school property where the kids could pretend that they were at these locations.<br />
<br />
When I told them we were going on an adventure yesterday they all grew big ears and gave me the most attention from them I have probably gotten thus far. I assigned each a location and asked them to bring one thing that they might need for their destination. So at the beginning of the class they all shared their item. Then we hopped aboard a ship...aka a parachute...to set sail to a new land! They were all about the pretending and so thrilled.<br />
<br />
When we jumped off of the ship they all ran to find their destinations. I had given them a map and once they found their locations they were to write the names of them in English. It was all quite a blast. I showed up to class in a safari hat and sunglasses and they started beaming.<br />
<br />
My motivation for this creative lesson was a few things. One, there is a boy named Matthew who wants to be an explorer when he grows up. So this was primarily dedicated to him. Today he brought binoculars and I had him wear my Go Pro on his head (he loved it!). Two, learning can and should be fun, I wanted to continue to show the kids and Ms. Mierdna that. Three, I love the outdoors, natural resources, and adventures so why not one in the classroom?!<br />
<br />
I love that I am so free to be creative with my lessons and kids. It has made it all that much more fun. Tomorrow is my last day with them and we will have a fiesta!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-27732267972078125462015-05-12T14:09:00.003-07:002015-05-13T06:48:24.570-07:00Isla de Ometepe<div class="MsoNormal">
On April 24<sup>th</sup>- 27<sup>th</sup> Kristie and I had
journeyed to Ometepe Island. This is an island located in the middle of Lake
Nicaragua and has two volcanoes.</div>
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We arrived to the Island Friday afternoon and left Sunday
afternoon. We took a bus from Jinotepe to Rivas, and then got on a ferry boat
to the island. The trip in total was about 4 hours. As we were on the boat
Kristie and I asked any of the gringo travelers if they were up to share a tour
guide for climbing Volcán Concepción.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A guy from Sweden was interested in doing the same thing so we all
instantly became friends. His name is Adam. That day us three went out to a point
called Punta María Jesús.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
so hot that day so we were all anxious to get wet and cooled off after our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">muy
caliente</i></b> boat ride. The point is a long point that extends from the
island and enabled us to see a good view of the big volcano we would be hiking
in the next couple of days.</div>
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Saturday was my favorite day. For as long as I had been
anticipating our trip to Nicaragua I have been dreaming of riding dirt bikes
around all of Ometepe Island. Saturday was our day to do just that! The hostel
we stayed at set us up with motorcycle rentals and we left first thing in the
morning. We had from 8am to 5pm to have the bikes. We ended up touring around
2/3 of the island, around Volcán Maderas because this is what our time frame
had allowed. We also stopped to take a splash in a place called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ojo de Aguas</i> which is a cool spring of
water located in the middle of the island.</div>
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Sunday we hiked Volcán Concepción. We had to leave our
hostel at 5am that morning. It was definitely a long and treacherous hike,
considering there was no path. But that is just Kristie and my style, taking the
less beaten and traveled path. It was illegal to not take a guide so we paid a
local guide $15 to hike to the top. We were accompanied by our friend Adam (the
Swed) and two others who were actually from Oregon! Because of the strong winds
and sulfur, we were only to hike about 100 m shy of the top…this is an active
volcano after all!</div>
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Our time on Ometepe would be our last GRAND adventure. We
loved every bit of it. Here are some pictures to show you just that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCqz4u8ZkSF9Quhd_aLzdlST-m9cOFCI4wcha7VCdCCPcuLxx1oyhKHW6PqTeB7EB-yzm_GP58DFEGNHV-QOFK5ZeQ7roiYciJoxhL5zk4ElvA6XpLVtURu9OgrCT8vG2vwnq2z_IYnY/s1600/IMG_8097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCqz4u8ZkSF9Quhd_aLzdlST-m9cOFCI4wcha7VCdCCPcuLxx1oyhKHW6PqTeB7EB-yzm_GP58DFEGNHV-QOFK5ZeQ7roiYciJoxhL5zk4ElvA6XpLVtURu9OgrCT8vG2vwnq2z_IYnY/s320/IMG_8097.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punta María Jesús</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQI8q9m4CRVye6UXw-EvPJwTRekJXmImnuuwj_2n5_V_ixCbSinfiVzGzn972F9ROmwd_Twh0psVRZg_kMf5cRTqNv-N6zDY5OV_5J1w6Dog-EksswETrNws7NEsS0t2hAYqFUvhSovc/s1600/IMG_8098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQI8q9m4CRVye6UXw-EvPJwTRekJXmImnuuwj_2n5_V_ixCbSinfiVzGzn972F9ROmwd_Twh0psVRZg_kMf5cRTqNv-N6zDY5OV_5J1w6Dog-EksswETrNws7NEsS0t2hAYqFUvhSovc/s320/IMG_8098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Los Tres Amigos!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOeAxj9XqeNsBomC1arC5axgl0HzVfhhqTOfeyHxiaMxC51jrNDrUhq2sBw4T-uDwAVLsNCM1VtP6i2e7TgjT1o6NfHwhKo6ICF5hAH0IK-XDUJaY3gWmwmMrYYlAccPYzf1dnTorfkE/s1600/IMG_8111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOeAxj9XqeNsBomC1arC5axgl0HzVfhhqTOfeyHxiaMxC51jrNDrUhq2sBw4T-uDwAVLsNCM1VtP6i2e7TgjT1o6NfHwhKo6ICF5hAH0IK-XDUJaY3gWmwmMrYYlAccPYzf1dnTorfkE/s320/IMG_8111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristie and I both have our motorcycle license and have been capable of driving dirt bikes for some time. Adam story is different. Many people who saw us three said it was funny to see two chicks on dirt bikes and one guy on a scooter ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD2ShooqTYl0ZLBjhLPr3DSLKfyo_Ho0dtbJPymsPtdc1H4bhxvJxkWWoIN2rgEKBDCUCq2v0usS8Qvagc2K2NyZG2xofDh-aLHer11cypO443VnS0rSDg1w6xYlNW2vJrTGzoFtdSIY/s1600/IMG_8113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD2ShooqTYl0ZLBjhLPr3DSLKfyo_Ho0dtbJPymsPtdc1H4bhxvJxkWWoIN2rgEKBDCUCq2v0usS8Qvagc2K2NyZG2xofDh-aLHer11cypO443VnS0rSDg1w6xYlNW2vJrTGzoFtdSIY/s320/IMG_8113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, I ate it once! When turning off of this road behind me onto the dirt my back tire slipped and I ATE THE DIRT! Thankfully a man driving saw me and offered for us all to go to his house to clean up. His wife and him lived right down the road and were from Southern California. They were very hospitable and it was nice to get the dirt out of my teeth. The bike was fine but I did have to pay $10 for some scratches.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jTOhZrL0NAGyXLavm-29Fp2xdWIXw8W-tAqS8ZcGEiY-ympdJEHcgCfJiOJR4KQxGHH4UIvY3LTlus2_ogUHtX6PQWrLnFPAjdwnMrwPB7k-tX3TZOuBvsw8pHFwcTED4vrYMMGSLoU/s1600/GOPR0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jTOhZrL0NAGyXLavm-29Fp2xdWIXw8W-tAqS8ZcGEiY-ympdJEHcgCfJiOJR4KQxGHH4UIvY3LTlus2_ogUHtX6PQWrLnFPAjdwnMrwPB7k-tX3TZOuBvsw8pHFwcTED4vrYMMGSLoU/s320/GOPR0361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO99o8qnqHnK5NsjM3TPFRftXA76lcv6cybdf1tVGYxMDYQUV9mYRl6xNtMFFTVzOdowD7Q_iZfYUZ75SryoQuBfobcz5Trv2_IGnUpL3p4o2IEjqhZXcJsZPPw8OvziBHyLfcENVvpM/s1600/Dirtbike+riding_Ometepe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO99o8qnqHnK5NsjM3TPFRftXA76lcv6cybdf1tVGYxMDYQUV9mYRl6xNtMFFTVzOdowD7Q_iZfYUZ75SryoQuBfobcz5Trv2_IGnUpL3p4o2IEjqhZXcJsZPPw8OvziBHyLfcENVvpM/s320/Dirtbike+riding_Ometepe.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding around the Ometepe. UNFORTUNATELY the chest strap I had bought to take Go Pro videos point at a low angle. This was the best shot I got showing an upward view. The rest were all of my legs and the front of the bike :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY-D1dj1U68ZMwsnJZHN7Giu6zx95fSzO714EP2noOJOoJaicNJYKQoBib8Cdn13Br6s1GPOyTz2RQGt6lu_VRH5JfH5NnB0_Hw1mEwfnB_qUU8NnrHftkpUnrY6tukNsk8aGO44regs/s1600/IMG_8141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghY-D1dj1U68ZMwsnJZHN7Giu6zx95fSzO714EP2noOJOoJaicNJYKQoBib8Cdn13Br6s1GPOyTz2RQGt6lu_VRH5JfH5NnB0_Hw1mEwfnB_qUU8NnrHftkpUnrY6tukNsk8aGO44regs/s320/IMG_8141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the clouds, at our peak on Volcán Concepción.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmDf4WDvRfHBy2UQSQuR8AtXl_pDvKU8lgcCIdO0glWNvJ0o_TKrms82FM0xOPG9uA9tnkMNZAPPm9mjzh0wbyCSrVAgP2ymK7iciw1qZjEECCjoT2Rd9_T2tt7f358IxSpIZZ_ymp2A/s1600/GOPR0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmDf4WDvRfHBy2UQSQuR8AtXl_pDvKU8lgcCIdO0glWNvJ0o_TKrms82FM0xOPG9uA9tnkMNZAPPm9mjzh0wbyCSrVAgP2ymK7iciw1qZjEECCjoT2Rd9_T2tt7f358IxSpIZZ_ymp2A/s320/GOPR0395.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cool splash in Ojo de Aguas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iRGsy-sPnFiuHCEEsUZEi1borb9YznKqa6ab5fO1dpzDjpPJjwNk-iAVu9Te7QmP_wMgzEly_GVpR5iqwK_mKXTtEJfkjdQ-3muHWk3a3gfUOcLnYSg6uDTWy1brRwzNPac9PMcmxh4/s1600/GOPR0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iRGsy-sPnFiuHCEEsUZEi1borb9YznKqa6ab5fO1dpzDjpPJjwNk-iAVu9Te7QmP_wMgzEly_GVpR5iqwK_mKXTtEJfkjdQ-3muHWk3a3gfUOcLnYSg6uDTWy1brRwzNPac9PMcmxh4/s320/GOPR0423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us three Amigos!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-2935564151556279302015-05-12T13:27:00.002-07:002015-05-12T13:27:36.119-07:00The Jinotepe Market<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was my last day at the Jinotepe market. Every Tuesday
Kristie and I have taken the responsibility to go shopping for groceries for
the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me describe our
system to you first. Five days a week dinner is prepared for the whole house.
During those days, one pair of volunteers (Kristie and my day was Wednesday) cooks
dinner for all of us. On Tuesday mornings before we head to the market each
pair writes their grocery list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
lists, combined with the grocery lists that our housemaid Doña Corina makes for
all lunches throughout the week, are compiled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The market is busy, loud and full of culture. Going to the
market has been a time for us gringas to absorb and build relationships with
the vendors. We love shopping with Doña Corina because she knows who sells the
best vegetables, and who sells them for less. We often find ourselves paying
more for food because we are white and foreign. To add to this, when shopping
with Doña Corina we often have to hide ourselves so she (Nicaraguan) can get
the best deals! Its quite funny but at times frustrating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was strolling through this fast paced vending place, I
began to process all that this place had taught me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) I give much respect to the people of Nicaragua for
getting up every morning willing to earn money by selling vegetables, fish, q
tips, flash lights, and any other random items we privileged can find at our
local Wal-Mart. I don’t think I would ever have motivation to sell such things.
But this is how they provide for their families. 2) Time at the market is time
for people to converse and get to know one another. 3) When the men say
“good-bye” they are really are meaning to say hello and converse to us in
English. 4) Prices for vegetables in the states are outrageously out of this world in comparison to food here in Nicaragua. 5) Taking time to buy and prepare food shouldn't be seen always as a "waste of time," or something to slow us down. Take time to enjoy the fruits of life!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Below I have included some photos that I took today on my
last day. One is with a man named Fernando.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always stop at his vegetable stand because it is the best
and he gives us great prices. Today he saw me noticing a new fruit to me called
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">granadia </i>and gave it to me as a gift.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>It’s a fruit that is often used to make
juice and it was very nice for him to give it to me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y-qZRHkvqYUe9KlzKWLw6Q6vXMdDGx7eT5IhoMx1zk5JzQIL05wK9j6DNsYKZBYHsZEbeRqznqhdd2uyoavgUY7l9oG95M5qiEnFpm4FzeOlsxJiA2vpBxXCDZrFKoKEFP2dFUFiyzk/s1600/IMG_8244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y-qZRHkvqYUe9KlzKWLw6Q6vXMdDGx7eT5IhoMx1zk5JzQIL05wK9j6DNsYKZBYHsZEbeRqznqhdd2uyoavgUY7l9oG95M5qiEnFpm4FzeOlsxJiA2vpBxXCDZrFKoKEFP2dFUFiyzk/s320/IMG_8244.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Fernando's Vegetable Stand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will miss this wonderful place, its food, its people, and its
lessons.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-61939943455306367612015-05-10T14:51:00.001-07:002015-05-10T14:51:51.606-07:00Taking A MomentAs I take a moment today I am reminded of all of the blessings I have been given. Just recently I graduated from Baylor, started a relationship with a wonderful man, moved to Nicaragua to serve, and got to spend the past three months living, learning and laughing about life with one of my best friends. My time here is soon coming to a close. It has all been a lot to happen in the last 5 months, a roller coaster in many ways, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I have impacted and have been impacted by my time here in Nicaragua. I see myself maturing, and have been affirmed by my community to have been maturing in my faith, attitude and communication with others. I am stronger, better, and have a clearer vision ahead of me because of my time. My prayer right now is that no matter what comes my way, no matter what disappointment, no matter what good distraction, no matter what path I walk down, no matter what that I am always unwavering from the person whom God has called me and the things he is calling me to. <br />
<br />
Standing Firm,<br />
<br />
Lindsey<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0eLBWsLjbu5KOCUOzZXojxg1CHSd-i_t2ahS2pXCWcix2WfGTtpCahKYkf9suRBFA9gjeTY5DJG8N-7R4m8uVH7-ByWfUVFoYOzGGmaxBwvoLxMAVNLu-bdM4sVYhJ_0K4tU0EjcB6U/s1600/linds+(116%2Bof%2B123).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0eLBWsLjbu5KOCUOzZXojxg1CHSd-i_t2ahS2pXCWcix2WfGTtpCahKYkf9suRBFA9gjeTY5DJG8N-7R4m8uVH7-ByWfUVFoYOzGGmaxBwvoLxMAVNLu-bdM4sVYhJ_0K4tU0EjcB6U/s320/linds+(116%2Bof%2B123).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-2718339428482911402015-04-27T15:40:00.001-07:002015-04-27T15:40:25.017-07:003rd to Last WeekI can't believe how quickly my time here in Nicaragua is coming to a close. I have three full weeks of school left here at CCA. My biggest question: where has the time gone?<br />
<br />
This past weekend Kristie and I took a trip to Ometepe Island, located only about an hour and a half south of Dolores. Like always we were sure to make it an adventure. On Saturday we rented dirt bikes and toured the entire island. This was something I had been looking forward to for the past 9 months of us talking about this trip. It was also neat to take my go-pro and get some good footage of all that we saw on our bikes. On Sunday we hiked to the top of Volcan Concepcion, 4,500 m. It was for sure an adventure, the only way we like to take our breaks and we are definitely tired from it.<br />
<br />
This week I will continue my transition with Ms. Mierdna and Giovany. Giovany has been doing great and I am looking to come up with a better plan to help Ms. Mierdna feel more comfortable with teaching english, but we are sure on our way. Also this week we will be having teacher training sessions after school. On Tuesday and Thursday I have been asked to lead more team building exercises. This will play two roles. One is to help the teachers work better as a team, the other is to encourage the teachers to incorporate team building exercises of their own within their classrooms.<br />
<br />
Thank you to all who have been praying for me during this time. It is so encouraging to get random e-mails from those of you who have been reminding me of your prayers for me.<br />
<br />
Much Love,<br />
<br />
LindseyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-66250092197918072222015-04-21T17:15:00.000-07:002015-04-22T06:54:52.819-07:00SCUBA and Snorkel<div class="MsoNormal">
On Friday morning Kristie and I had set up to go Scuba
diving. We are both Open Water PADI certified and scuba diving in paradise
sounded just too tempting. In the morning I took a quick refresher course since
it has been 3 years since my last dive. This was well worth it. At 11 am we set
out for our big dive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While doing the refresher course I was a bit nervous. It had
been a while since I had breathed under water like that. Unfortunately my
goggles kept filling up with water too. This is the one thing I despise when
being under water. Thankfully my instructor swapped me googles and I got to get
new ones for the dive. There was a moment during my refresher when I was in the
mind set that the refresher ws good enough for me…after it I didn’t need to go
for the big dive. I think it was because everything was feeling so unnatural
and I wasn’t trusting myself enough to take on the dive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After recognizing my train of thought, I got over it and I
went on that dive! I was proud of myselrf for doing so. Breathing under water
is so unnantural. Big inhale in and another out. Using your lungs to adjust
your buoyancy. Equipmet: BCD, regulator, oxygen gauge, goggles, fins, weight
belt, and oxygen tank. Diving is inclusive of maintaining all of these
apparatus’, breathing under water, and enjoying God’s wonderous water world. It
is so surreal!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond the beauty of the nurse sharks, colorful fish,
lobsters, coral, algae there was something further for me to see and learn from
this incredible experience. I learned when everything seems impossible to
control and is uncomfortable, choosing to see the beauty is far more important.
I was worried about my amount of oxygen, worried about equalizing, and
especially worried about water getting in my goggles. But if I would continue
to worry about these things then I would miss out on what was in front of me.
THE MAGNIFICNCE OF GODS WATER WORLD! So I chose to put the worries behind and
to focus on the fish, focus how wonderful of an opportunity it is to breathe
under water. How cool it was to swim with those fish and sharks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This lesson, I see, will be applicable to an upcoming transition period of life for me. My time here in Nicaragua is coming to a close. When I return I will be deciding where I am to plant myself. Back to school? What job? There are so many factors to consider in my decision making process. My diving experience was a great reminder that I could choose to focus and worry about the factors effecting me, or I could choose to see it as a journey to not be missed and enjoyed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh549dOGZu9PWuMNVWOkHCxSdPDQfXDdggV1OkWkG3a_q5yhWpOdMcL-4WyYGhAuGjNpJa1MyIb9ovLO4_4ShgpbTyUQDXsuMIs1WpXH0a5CbY9i5GOl3dW3r4OjHB5gPlaR-6edDl3Vsg/s1600/GOPR0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh549dOGZu9PWuMNVWOkHCxSdPDQfXDdggV1OkWkG3a_q5yhWpOdMcL-4WyYGhAuGjNpJa1MyIb9ovLO4_4ShgpbTyUQDXsuMIs1WpXH0a5CbY9i5GOl3dW3r4OjHB5gPlaR-6edDl3Vsg/s1600/GOPR0210.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the boat ride out to the dive site. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i-m8dZ48huIMPb9w4UzozUx29K2nse4Zci_3Zd1yYhzvy8K4xIAbph90_IXelZ3nW1lICI7oKmT0letc79Ihsu8odpmGKlyyh4MGJbqYRvTi5OAABwT0xdSvn45DhEqoG_bc42fMnfk/s1600/IMG_5935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1i-m8dZ48huIMPb9w4UzozUx29K2nse4Zci_3Zd1yYhzvy8K4xIAbph90_IXelZ3nW1lICI7oKmT0letc79Ihsu8odpmGKlyyh4MGJbqYRvTi5OAABwT0xdSvn45DhEqoG_bc42fMnfk/s1600/IMG_5935.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGAjf65il5F318j65GDqTyrjSenAr3huWqbzjSn9Gr82F6aaXNYqzCziEttG-dSWaFTDjJjIt77mrMiHBTdod9p_7mZaen2MUsgAqEd8MRpL5GYZFW14pZBn02uTXAzQ8sYMNj8QdOkk/s1600/IMG_5941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGAjf65il5F318j65GDqTyrjSenAr3huWqbzjSn9Gr82F6aaXNYqzCziEttG-dSWaFTDjJjIt77mrMiHBTdod9p_7mZaen2MUsgAqEd8MRpL5GYZFW14pZBn02uTXAzQ8sYMNj8QdOkk/s1600/IMG_5941.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before our big dive! Unfortunately I didn't bring my Go Pro for some cool underwater pics because I didn't want to have to juggle more things while underwater. It was after all my first dive since three years. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnR7cQm8CFmnIwSzvArr_4lzd8XeFIJHkDRbOFiTsfs0NRCn1For56comaU2YJluHHXq_f0T0gkv5wSxy5xc-q-JGP183oUWGHU_svjtAS-i1T-7Sn6mZ24EuWh2py5jdzpqIOs-7ZWY/s1600/GOPR0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnR7cQm8CFmnIwSzvArr_4lzd8XeFIJHkDRbOFiTsfs0NRCn1For56comaU2YJluHHXq_f0T0gkv5wSxy5xc-q-JGP183oUWGHU_svjtAS-i1T-7Sn6mZ24EuWh2py5jdzpqIOs-7ZWY/s1600/GOPR0219.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some fun beach pics on our hike back from Scuba diving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyttDlOqc0bVXGvz0lBVN3kkKcAC0nY3hw60PWZUs0wP3aANTr9K6RfARChbFccafWCqwvwcnTE9iOExgmIGzXRWd7rnv20nN03ry_qgYFi8jyvF40gFMaC6XijXHD9nV4N7GMrU4fjnU/s1600/GOPR0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyttDlOqc0bVXGvz0lBVN3kkKcAC0nY3hw60PWZUs0wP3aANTr9K6RfARChbFccafWCqwvwcnTE9iOExgmIGzXRWd7rnv20nN03ry_qgYFi8jyvF40gFMaC6XijXHD9nV4N7GMrU4fjnU/s1600/GOPR0232.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing a palm tree is not as easy as it looks :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa3Js40cSKtsWgHnOTLY0yu37FTrbOSZHDde4pLtcv3-zOGFX6K3h98uh-hTcIaeFEZLrQJZhhJZI6PF1QfkTglazDcLOklTgOtmJ_XwJ5FRelX_PoW8pGyryD7w9RdEZtbAeGCbyp4k/s1600/GOPR0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa3Js40cSKtsWgHnOTLY0yu37FTrbOSZHDde4pLtcv3-zOGFX6K3h98uh-hTcIaeFEZLrQJZhhJZI6PF1QfkTglazDcLOklTgOtmJ_XwJ5FRelX_PoW8pGyryD7w9RdEZtbAeGCbyp4k/s1600/GOPR0246.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje99SkPpzIyk71qaqnPGkT9UyrmOtGxH9qm7r7ZgiMdaxgFzADTdHQMux34sWZGzWZ6WFcBemzG5ray8gAq28OX9HKtnTPyUvpDfBD_SXZKY7Gs9rQ36pO53Y6szVz86SAgHJeVTrjbR8/s1600/GOPR0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje99SkPpzIyk71qaqnPGkT9UyrmOtGxH9qm7r7ZgiMdaxgFzADTdHQMux34sWZGzWZ6WFcBemzG5ray8gAq28OX9HKtnTPyUvpDfBD_SXZKY7Gs9rQ36pO53Y6szVz86SAgHJeVTrjbR8/s1600/GOPR0283.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also went snorkeling on the Big Corn Island. We found a sunken ship!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr12PSTwusf5Nv6dmUZGjrDabJroVDOllwFWS4IfI-onDhyphenhyphentaDJuR3arrw4Y7u5wtgNLWdkbNH-UIfycxqFbFDedCXynZ_iZ9zv99CJf6wBpH4Y9NMkeiPmzr1mc6eCfpPy-qfqNc0o2M/s1600/GOPR0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr12PSTwusf5Nv6dmUZGjrDabJroVDOllwFWS4IfI-onDhyphenhyphentaDJuR3arrw4Y7u5wtgNLWdkbNH-UIfycxqFbFDedCXynZ_iZ9zv99CJf6wBpH4Y9NMkeiPmzr1mc6eCfpPy-qfqNc0o2M/s1600/GOPR0302.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDDJqL4i-g2oSTA1MepOVnfrd9iD8cXBEsvO-iOqCy5OT9oitokrZCKsX_vxhfAsKAlnFWHjX4Wryi3Lu0a9Zg2ujFK_phLyG3C5XjWzsd38cxtX1G2i4HUzHOj6idg4WORYN6t3PMH4/s1600/GOPR0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDDJqL4i-g2oSTA1MepOVnfrd9iD8cXBEsvO-iOqCy5OT9oitokrZCKsX_vxhfAsKAlnFWHjX4Wryi3Lu0a9Zg2ujFK_phLyG3C5XjWzsd38cxtX1G2i4HUzHOj6idg4WORYN6t3PMH4/s1600/GOPR0306.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIir1HoK2fCxmMahC6cf0m6HWliqlHGfSSkSD5hnGrv8vGBwSXZNZLmWDDGdYkv_38SqCY1AZFQnXhJc-qdBQkewCVQbNgDXi5NTHv8bchVdjao5LMetFMsdGVjI8w_K7kbNGWc-BNXA/s1600/GOPR0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIir1HoK2fCxmMahC6cf0m6HWliqlHGfSSkSD5hnGrv8vGBwSXZNZLmWDDGdYkv_38SqCY1AZFQnXhJc-qdBQkewCVQbNgDXi5NTHv8bchVdjao5LMetFMsdGVjI8w_K7kbNGWc-BNXA/s1600/GOPR0319.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoU352Gux_c22JL33sVbc-7HFq7-BzV1K-0dYuE7CJurpIxZm1rGYHMQSZl_7uqhgpcqTWAUNgB1V6yocRl8iIQdKKsUu9NoVlDi842UclmRbAWi_Z0ZMmTuLMfPIYJL1wmkFkYT84DI/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-07+at+5.57.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoU352Gux_c22JL33sVbc-7HFq7-BzV1K-0dYuE7CJurpIxZm1rGYHMQSZl_7uqhgpcqTWAUNgB1V6yocRl8iIQdKKsUu9NoVlDi842UclmRbAWi_Z0ZMmTuLMfPIYJL1wmkFkYT84DI/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-07+at+5.57.00+PM.png" height="158" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey O! Sunken Ship!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-53751403993599284972015-04-20T17:00:00.000-07:002015-04-22T06:55:28.973-07:00ON BOARD and Reaching Paradise<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday was our day! We got in line extra early to get in
line for the same boat tickets to the Corn Islands. We were approximately 10<sup>th</sup>
in line. However after 2 hours of selling tickets we still didn’t have tickets.
Many people began cutting in line. Then people would come to the people cutting
and tell them they would pay them in order to buy their family tickets. Lesson
B) order is non-existent. Even the workers working for the boat were allowing
the cutting to happen and not moving to change anything. This whole situation
was extremely frustrating. We literally had to push to hold our place in line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow we got a ticket after about 200 people got tickets
before us standing 10<sup>th</sup> in line. We apparently got one of the last
tickets sold! Walking infront of the Immigration official with a boat ticket
and my passport in hand felt so good! And then to finally get on the boat.
Finally!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boat ride was a trip in itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristie and I parked ourselves in the
most available area: the front of the boat. I wish I could have the words to
describe the people we met, the experience we had while on the boat. It was
loud, full of culture, full of fun interaction, and free on the sea. The joy of
it all didn’t last too long for me though. Once we started out on the rougher
Caribbean waves, my stomach couldn’t handle it. I began my sequential vomit for
6 hours :( I had just finished eating a new fruit popular in Nicaragua called
Aguacote. This fruit ended up all over my T-shirt, life vest, pants, sandals
and the side of the boat! LOL. It was so disgusting! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the last time I had been so sick in my life.
I remember hurling over the side of the boat looking down at the beautiful blue
ocean and thinking, “I would rather be home RIGHT now.” I found somewhat
comfortable sleeping position on the bottom of the front deck floor. This let
me rest and gave me a good position to throw myself over at any moment. To make
things brighter the whole front of the deck was getting splashed. I was soaking
wet, in vomit, sleeping on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is hilarious writing about it now because I can only laugh
hysterically. Then not so much!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1MZsnQnLk-SJPNjnSci54R5J84k0yxAzdFdTBJ5RQURmsuG_y11qU5Yhfy2EF2DZlat6dDzaWjcyyGACi3xR4YHGz8rwXCDWAkGsxm2ZpOEGgviX1K_-8c8WUd6tor9Y_UEgpk7qFBY/s1600/IMG_5871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1MZsnQnLk-SJPNjnSci54R5J84k0yxAzdFdTBJ5RQURmsuG_y11qU5Yhfy2EF2DZlat6dDzaWjcyyGACi3xR4YHGz8rwXCDWAkGsxm2ZpOEGgviX1K_-8c8WUd6tor9Y_UEgpk7qFBY/s1600/IMG_5871.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristie was such a kind friend to remember to take a picture of me in my misery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1GU8sXJ5-YaO0pW-XEtGtIx3Gg3MtGc0aYiJyT7as-cpiG8lu4eqkSdSJ8voq4k8feVCaF_gKzbUMB1RjIDJyCxSeWCwtI4GkH4BGSddct6jrXfkjhFT6NMVjanjyQx3XNbRIsWmhmw/s1600/IMG_5875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1GU8sXJ5-YaO0pW-XEtGtIx3Gg3MtGc0aYiJyT7as-cpiG8lu4eqkSdSJ8voq4k8feVCaF_gKzbUMB1RjIDJyCxSeWCwtI4GkH4BGSddct6jrXfkjhFT6NMVjanjyQx3XNbRIsWmhmw/s1600/IMG_5875.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out at sea!</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When I woke up near the shore everyone was taking pictures
with Kristie. Apparently this girl was having a ball loving the waves and
engaging with others. It was such a hilarious contrast to me being so sick. I’m
glad no one wanted pictures with me at that moment!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first goal when getting off that boat was for me to take
a shower! We cleaned up in our hostel, then headed to the hotel that Auntie
Joyce and Rebecca had been staying at, Paraiso Hotel. There Rebecca and Auntie
Joyce bought me a birthday dinner. It was really nice getting to spend some
time with them considering our time was shortened because of a change of
events. Dearest Kristie…That girl stood up in front of the whole restaurant and
announced it was my birthday and asked everyone to sing happy birthday to me.
She really went out for it and I was happy that such a great friend would do
that for me. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning, Thursday, we had breakfast with Auntie
Joyce and Rebecca before they left back home from the Island by plane. Kristie
and I would move on to the Little Corn Island. It was only a 45 min boat ride
from the Big Corn to the Little Corn. We had arranged a hostel to stay at
called Ensuenos. This hostel was on East side of the Island, farther away from
the small village near the boat dock we go off at. Since there are no cars
present on the island, it would take us a 20 min walk to our hostel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFs75MwpxBATfJr58X49T5-Qg5L7BTsExATtghuyLQUjW5tMW4E3mE6CphT3X9znagiDeVBGbTX2y2gErtqRFeYZsJ056XTb_jC_FmFcAHIOqm3l_X26K7KH5YeoPLtjMIaRz0JulxC8/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFs75MwpxBATfJr58X49T5-Qg5L7BTsExATtghuyLQUjW5tMW4E3mE6CphT3X9znagiDeVBGbTX2y2gErtqRFeYZsJ056XTb_jC_FmFcAHIOqm3l_X26K7KH5YeoPLtjMIaRz0JulxC8/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Breakfast with these ladies on the Big Corn Island, just before we headed to the Little Corn Island.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxV7mhFYuIfamDSFXkZiV6EIuiwg1dM3bOaEeld7x5rpm56IQjo5xNf0-jSr3BxbX3zvxTMxbG3zhR1HyHkJ6fPUcnb6YCdURR1GmaOj0y6AgPnDTxUQUYczFjgHtpWSmZO3vUL4GWfo/s1600/IMG_7969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxV7mhFYuIfamDSFXkZiV6EIuiwg1dM3bOaEeld7x5rpm56IQjo5xNf0-jSr3BxbX3zvxTMxbG3zhR1HyHkJ6fPUcnb6YCdURR1GmaOj0y6AgPnDTxUQUYczFjgHtpWSmZO3vUL4GWfo/s1600/IMG_7969.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I love my Auntie Joyce!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We traveled to the other side of Nicaragua to see its
greater beauty, to the Big Corn Island to see a glimpse of paradise, to the
Little Corn to see a greater paradise and to the more secluded East side of the
Island to see the best of the best of the Island. Our destination was worth the
journey and was truly paradise! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz7_74eRP6N-2Y8AENlJ6bt6lSM6YnL1Joj_yPIDUpCM4rpgl67uvt_m-ktGXN0_3tRCYN9uvVje32ojLuEZAbCEENJ33HfIUHZhQ5P4IQLsh0IbxV4a3YUm0aPjlKMGaGAmyTnp9Dqg/s1600/IMG_7971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEz7_74eRP6N-2Y8AENlJ6bt6lSM6YnL1Joj_yPIDUpCM4rpgl67uvt_m-ktGXN0_3tRCYN9uvVje32ojLuEZAbCEENJ33HfIUHZhQ5P4IQLsh0IbxV4a3YUm0aPjlKMGaGAmyTnp9Dqg/s1600/IMG_7971.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Yet, another boat to the Little Corn Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe-GcLSh32jBk8pif39valuk41kNlFChRvRS9zhR3ExFnLOcWRh0e7XEeuH4sVc0pjyl_rrRI7lO-RzWJMLXgsoG1HHAZ0rpEqVGFq-h_-Apq62VhH59mpCE8CDrwwxxU94OBmVa75xY/s1600/IMG_7975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpe-GcLSh32jBk8pif39valuk41kNlFChRvRS9zhR3ExFnLOcWRh0e7XEeuH4sVc0pjyl_rrRI7lO-RzWJMLXgsoG1HHAZ0rpEqVGFq-h_-Apq62VhH59mpCE8CDrwwxxU94OBmVa75xY/s1600/IMG_7975.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Hike to the eastern side of Little Corn Island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJQeRsyTKO-6qHMNY6MrvBYkWMxgmhyphenhyphenzuMYyr9MDMxk4HTqx73Ly5rB25lzay-Y8_VC8gLlFoqtWeMci4cG1EDQ3r5x5RU-7bUgbre_ze1uG9u3x0_cuOA7wT3voUDmW8TeFBhu3yvEM/s1600/IMG_7979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJQeRsyTKO-6qHMNY6MrvBYkWMxgmhyphenhyphenzuMYyr9MDMxk4HTqx73Ly5rB25lzay-Y8_VC8gLlFoqtWeMci4cG1EDQ3r5x5RU-7bUgbre_ze1uG9u3x0_cuOA7wT3voUDmW8TeFBhu3yvEM/s1600/IMG_7979.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Almost there...paradise in sight!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEYm5xoAV4AB87gJ0vf6YFkDcAYSovcAU4vMCdNib7fAgL9ud7orXu1zhNhoRvnl6Z7DMuZi5g4NPSDEiqDSHAeYwAG3dKaaQd7vpl0WtTvok-ccBrRJv0dpv8Jn32RKfQdrr9yvz_gQ/s1600/IMG_6078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEYm5xoAV4AB87gJ0vf6YFkDcAYSovcAU4vMCdNib7fAgL9ud7orXu1zhNhoRvnl6Z7DMuZi5g4NPSDEiqDSHAeYwAG3dKaaQd7vpl0WtTvok-ccBrRJv0dpv8Jn32RKfQdrr9yvz_gQ/s1600/IMG_6078.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">A jelly-fish we found on our walk around the island.</td></tr>
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The first thing we did when we got there was to put on our
snorkels and get in that water! I then wanted to walk around the whole entire
island so we began that trek as well. We found so many treasures, and our trek
confirmed that our hostel location was indeed on the best part of the island. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JcLPnJwdx2heyjBdLEikb6rYXQGGpcHjAQKSwR0DyQ2Y4NsfZ3zt-2ZJRmVvBblRatGh0tSfwLx4ExUAMBmjM3kGYqnvpOHGpgVy4fpW2sosDEB3VMa7l5UvGKhhweo3zYBD3OHnlw4/s1600/IMG_8024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JcLPnJwdx2heyjBdLEikb6rYXQGGpcHjAQKSwR0DyQ2Y4NsfZ3zt-2ZJRmVvBblRatGh0tSfwLx4ExUAMBmjM3kGYqnvpOHGpgVy4fpW2sosDEB3VMa7l5UvGKhhweo3zYBD3OHnlw4/s1600/IMG_8024.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally in paradise. Am I dreaming?</td></tr>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn2IX3sXD0pp_w_zoNpeo3gQQxiOsLvWj1q1tIdGHiqup4E0mLZgl6nj6EGwDJek2UFrVV48cTGAI6-Z7XAvBvPuCnY2phWM5OckJgJeh9jmre9j3pWv9t82vatq5VcKPKZ63Cb53wXY/s1600/GOPR0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn2IX3sXD0pp_w_zoNpeo3gQQxiOsLvWj1q1tIdGHiqup4E0mLZgl6nj6EGwDJek2UFrVV48cTGAI6-Z7XAvBvPuCnY2phWM5OckJgJeh9jmre9j3pWv9t82vatq5VcKPKZ63Cb53wXY/s1600/GOPR0250.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7KHg5k2bjCJcYyo38zvv527wxqFUWpHU5GMvnDR0oEip8WtCrB7S60LqoNvyJKkTaNlYzRmIVEn7XC9j2ovHWIZHTGnNytdhlTa8OAptT6fxWLdjOq-PNPu-udkWt2Xz-p9MgsjjIMM/s1600/GOPR0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7KHg5k2bjCJcYyo38zvv527wxqFUWpHU5GMvnDR0oEip8WtCrB7S60LqoNvyJKkTaNlYzRmIVEn7XC9j2ovHWIZHTGnNytdhlTa8OAptT6fxWLdjOq-PNPu-udkWt2Xz-p9MgsjjIMM/s1600/GOPR0253.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two happy girls in their Caribbean ocean!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjAzUU4jh8jzR8tavu98fFqeTRk1EyfUvyV51dp1-_3D9tMdOKnpA6AHLqnVe58EK11-VqGLUBr1VkTtNbKyhzDUJlKjd7AL08osduWjU9UhUvpacwILBvgVkIIwc8BjYAtn4WRVyIjo/s1600/GOPR0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjAzUU4jh8jzR8tavu98fFqeTRk1EyfUvyV51dp1-_3D9tMdOKnpA6AHLqnVe58EK11-VqGLUBr1VkTtNbKyhzDUJlKjd7AL08osduWjU9UhUvpacwILBvgVkIIwc8BjYAtn4WRVyIjo/s1600/GOPR0257.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB02HvaCBfYWef0-ADuIia7-Ktj_haXNUEE7PFrgsy_IwM-6b_0tXqOjLkMa8LFJx2DlSiDn1OeG6wx3g_4kwgh6i5cfSA0fQAqZ547ghxy6PYdZHHCKzCG0j6jdGpfoAHO-IDaikxFY0/s1600/IMG_8000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB02HvaCBfYWef0-ADuIia7-Ktj_haXNUEE7PFrgsy_IwM-6b_0tXqOjLkMa8LFJx2DlSiDn1OeG6wx3g_4kwgh6i5cfSA0fQAqZ547ghxy6PYdZHHCKzCG0j6jdGpfoAHO-IDaikxFY0/s1600/IMG_8000.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the bungalo beach house we stayed in. It was at a place called Ensuenos located right on the beach. <br />
The view from our window was impeccable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35UuRnbau0xYtKtmB4tPn4lzP_ouHt2dYanXxmLA_Brdu0yYcikvNDXZOLqRLRCVA2zJxzdWyjtsLVlBdcMxMeMluIVbW1CRidWH7DM6phsjw-abbigEAJXXUpfD6bvN429SuF8OtlZY/s1600/IMG_7997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35UuRnbau0xYtKtmB4tPn4lzP_ouHt2dYanXxmLA_Brdu0yYcikvNDXZOLqRLRCVA2zJxzdWyjtsLVlBdcMxMeMluIVbW1CRidWH7DM6phsjw-abbigEAJXXUpfD6bvN429SuF8OtlZY/s1600/IMG_7997.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not going to lie the room seemed like a honey moon suit. lol! <br />
It was nice to have lots of space after all of that traveling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4FFXsU9BtsmlQFJHDWae4QVk4xpuaSkfZ1styX0JPea-Qzwm9a_8CEpC2AuE2ZU1DU-NnBLvGiRONzLLgZjUhNJVeQjAPks0ft5LAGMLp43Xa9hoUYapnTYXtefNvUtL8UjPBspz69A/s1600/IMG_8027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4FFXsU9BtsmlQFJHDWae4QVk4xpuaSkfZ1styX0JPea-Qzwm9a_8CEpC2AuE2ZU1DU-NnBLvGiRONzLLgZjUhNJVeQjAPks0ft5LAGMLp43Xa9hoUYapnTYXtefNvUtL8UjPBspz69A/s1600/IMG_8027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRdLjEBTv1VZFZ8nTHos4Yk_L1znwUT7u7pyJqkxqz7cyvSxocI1tJs8fXdzJKYFglFupanF1dETWMnxZirsBuLexqx9aNyOtwKoRNt-l3-Ph6uky-UlkPGEufH-vEplW3uy4pmoTl38/s1600/IMG_8035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRdLjEBTv1VZFZ8nTHos4Yk_L1znwUT7u7pyJqkxqz7cyvSxocI1tJs8fXdzJKYFglFupanF1dETWMnxZirsBuLexqx9aNyOtwKoRNt-l3-Ph6uky-UlkPGEufH-vEplW3uy4pmoTl38/s1600/IMG_8035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensuenos!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-44094453007612879442015-04-20T07:55:00.001-07:002015-04-20T07:55:07.710-07:00Transition from TeachingToday is the day that I will begin my transition out of teaching. This will be the first day that Mr. Giovany (computer teacher) and Ms. Mierdna (Third grade teacher) will begin taking over the classes I have been teaching. I will still be in the class as an aid and resource. I am excited for this, but also sad. It has been such a joy to get to plan, create, and customize my style of teaching to the classes and culture. I knew from the beginning that I couldn't get too attached to the work I was preparing because I would have to hand it over. So in this sense the idea of "my work" being handed over is not going to be the hardest part. I am thinking the challenge will be wanting to make sure things are done the right way. HOWEVER I already see that my American style of teaching is different than the Nicaraguan. It will be a balance of aiding the teachers during the transition, discerning the good things of their teaching style, and encouraging new and different ideas. The hardest thing will be preparing to separate myself from the kids in the month I have remaining. Please pray for me during this transition!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-85759701690229233132015-04-17T14:33:00.000-07:002015-04-22T06:56:24.703-07:00Lessons in Bluefields<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The lessons I learned in Bluefields was so unexpected and so
life changing. Kristie and I conversed that it was Bluefields where the Lord
wanted us to be for some time. Because of all that was learned I am choosing to
be a bit more vulnerable and have you read straight from the pages of my
journal. The Lord really spoke to me in Bluefileds. From the pages:</div>
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<b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span> (Monday,
March 30<sup>th</sup>) </b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
“Where you are
hungry and thirsty there you will find understanding, there you will be open
and desperate for me the Bread of Life, the LIVING WATER.” </div>
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–God’s Word to
me Today </div>
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<br /></div>
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What a journey
this trip is turning out to be. We are at Pastor Ed’s house now from Verbo
church in Bluefields. This was a contact Barry gave to help us pick up our
passports. We showed up here tired, thirsty, hungry and on a voyage. We first
stopped by Verbo church and a man at the church let us use the restroom of the
Church then paid for our taxi for us to go to Pastor Ed’s house. This was quit
a humbling experience to have that Christian man pay for our taxi. It was a symbol
of help is here, I am your brother in Christ.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
When we showed
up to Pastor Ed’s house we explained how we heard of him and how we thought he
could help. He asked us if we had a place to stay and offered us a room to stay
until Wednesday. Pastor Ed gave us water and food and let us use a phone. </div>
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An image I had
while reflecting in a rocking chair on the family’s porch was the image of what
it is like to sit at the door of the Lord and knock. Would HE let me in? Pastor
Ed let me in to his house. His family gave us water and food. But the Bible
says not everyone who says to me Lord will enter the kingdom. What a thought.</div>
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This is such a
peaceful place.</div>
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Later today we
went to the Verbo Orphanage that Pastor Ed’s church has just recently begun. We
got to visit the seven orphans who live there currently. What a joy it was to
be there and see them. We tried walking on stilts that Kevin, one of the adults
living there, made for them. It was fun to all hop in the back of Pastor Ed’s
truck with the kids. We took a drive to a nearby community that makes a living
by smashing rocks. They do this in order to make concrete to sell. Wow!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMwK4JRGvAgMKrBy__qxLKlv_8rCvB7gFo-C5p9dsaH1TWImHudkldLNM3q-Fy0xZUZQ_fWwcWiisv6seEMfYyTdlyu6ETGUkti4MbyJRLrkpc7AMrIWq5XauZif1YxUR_cTzJ6m8PPw/s1600/IMG_5861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMwK4JRGvAgMKrBy__qxLKlv_8rCvB7gFo-C5p9dsaH1TWImHudkldLNM3q-Fy0xZUZQ_fWwcWiisv6seEMfYyTdlyu6ETGUkti4MbyJRLrkpc7AMrIWq5XauZif1YxUR_cTzJ6m8PPw/s1600/IMG_5861.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristie walking on stilts with some of the orphans.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv72-q4K4cMGaQj4lNky6i7NY7gNVtnOAiboCqoEw3gwD48v-90tp_CIxyCyLvNGIfPGGNSWC45pF-svyHaQDtPi4HnCYHiNZmlRL54LzKnBf8N4CGpoxgOBgdaYqVF_dHDbeM8-aVmo/s1600/IMG_5852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv72-q4K4cMGaQj4lNky6i7NY7gNVtnOAiboCqoEw3gwD48v-90tp_CIxyCyLvNGIfPGGNSWC45pF-svyHaQDtPi4HnCYHiNZmlRL54LzKnBf8N4CGpoxgOBgdaYqVF_dHDbeM8-aVmo/s1600/IMG_5852.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfW_8i08fPA7kE79j5PZ-fpUwh4ryonlWBLbh2AtapFZlGj2hdNC5Zrgz3T_QVrPsu3so9j0g1sA2HbgzJsWEqMf0lniJiQvaSLCE8NNucKlWsN2wUgT7TuwEz6_vPqCUyKpcBwizFNs/s1600/IMG_5853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfW_8i08fPA7kE79j5PZ-fpUwh4ryonlWBLbh2AtapFZlGj2hdNC5Zrgz3T_QVrPsu3so9j0g1sA2HbgzJsWEqMf0lniJiQvaSLCE8NNucKlWsN2wUgT7TuwEz6_vPqCUyKpcBwizFNs/s1600/IMG_5853.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">These are photos of the rock quarry we visited. Many families, including the children, would work here in the heat crushing rocks to make concrete. This was their source of income.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
After that eye opening
tour Kristie and I got a taxi to the airport. It was there that our passports
would arrive from Managua. What a joy it was to open the package and see myself
inside (my passport picture that is : ) HALLELUJAH! THANK THE LORD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved Kristie’s comment after opening
our passports, “Man, now everything will be easier and less of an adventure.”
Her comment was an example of how our view has changed about the way this trip
is not going according to our plan. We both loved where the Lord has led us…in
unexpected eye opening places.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
We finished the
great day off with a dinner of real food from the town (as opposed to the
ramen, beans, and rice we had been living off of while traveling). Danny a
missionary escorted us to the Tasbpounie Village (near Bluefields) and Brother
Henri a resident of the village. Both men were staying with Pastor Ed’s family
for a few days before going back to the village. It was great to be around
these Christian missionaries and to hear about the needs of this village in the
bush. Danny apparently sleeps in a hammock to live and serve in this rural
community. It was able to speak Mesquite to Brother Henri since Jasper (a
friend from Pearl Lagoon) wrote down some of the language’s phrase for me
yesterday while in Pearl Lagoon. “Pain Pain,” I told Brother Henri. He started
to laugh hysterically! I suppose it was funny to him that a white girl from
America knew some Mesquite! The phrase means: fine, fine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
I want to learn
from them what life as a missionary is like in such a poor and desolate
community. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
(BACK AT PASTOR
ED'S HOUSE)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
Tashi was one of
Pastor Ed’s grand daughters. She is beautiful. She wouldn’t talk at first then
wouldn’t stop. She started asking me the names of all the colors on the porch
in Spanish. She then showed me on the map where in Bluefields I live, and where
my sister Melissa lives. It was so cute <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span> She even got to say hello to Melissa, my mom, and to Garret over skype.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
Man today was so
unexpected and so so wonderful. Your ways’ are far above mine God. “A man plans
his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” This has been true of this week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
LORD I know you
are calling me to abroad missions. Continue to guide me in this voice, in
spirit and in direction. Speak to me through the people I meet, missionaries,
and others I interact with. I want to be all in your will. Could it be to serve
orphans? Could it be to bring water to the thirsty? Give food to the hungry?
Show me. Give me a clearer vision. I want all of you, O GOD. I love this
unexpected, not my way, difficult glorious adventure, because <u>YOU </u>are in
control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="text-align: left;">(Tuesday, March
31</span><sup style="text-align: left;">st</sup><span style="text-align: left;">)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
This morning
Brother Henri helped Kristie and I maneuver to find if we could buy our boat
tickets early. And to also get information about the boat back to Rama. It was
so nice to be helped in this way and from a brother in Christ. God bless this
man.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
We later had the
opportunity to go and serve at the feeding center at Verbo Church. There we met
the coordinator, cooks, and a man that entertained the kids being fed. There
was 50 kids fed today. They received gallo pinto, fish, and a boiled platano.
We also served them juice. Kristie and I were there four about 3 hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr3yKPO9YBqjH61BOTdL0Hms_-s3wAWTzSVba0N0mj75rEg-JhG0wD_CUQw-XoII4ETFRJpW63fmtl95uHqNKKc313yy_vxD9VUHqiWRjsFexsWLmQyHTZLhnjZcraREznF1lC2231dY/s1600/IMG_7920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr3yKPO9YBqjH61BOTdL0Hms_-s3wAWTzSVba0N0mj75rEg-JhG0wD_CUQw-XoII4ETFRJpW63fmtl95uHqNKKc313yy_vxD9VUHqiWRjsFexsWLmQyHTZLhnjZcraREznF1lC2231dY/s1600/IMG_7920.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">At the counter of food. Looking at the 50 kids needing to be fed for the day. <br />
The church provides one meal a day Monday-Friday for the kids of the Bluefield's community.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCAGOczRDh0I4VPencR9tJDH2XjMUGDZY5IiKJIsTm82bY-GkeMYn5j70vG7GS-NtFkiBxoeSVNaUpkJDtKZgRy7L_kk0XWAK7zIkKpToy5DrYL2FQY2LxiC_8kcjDSX5OUThlBEQ4tc/s1600/IMG_7923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCAGOczRDh0I4VPencR9tJDH2XjMUGDZY5IiKJIsTm82bY-GkeMYn5j70vG7GS-NtFkiBxoeSVNaUpkJDtKZgRy7L_kk0XWAK7zIkKpToy5DrYL2FQY2LxiC_8kcjDSX5OUThlBEQ4tc/s1600/IMG_7923.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Kristie, Me, and two full time volunteers from Verbo church that work for the feeding operation full time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
This experience
opened my eyes up to the simplicity of service within the church. There is no
politics to be seen in this church, simply service. I love how Pastor Ed is
able to be home and how people come to his house for their needs. The
simplicity of his church enables him to interact with people and serve them in
grace and in a home setting. You can ask for a taxi anywhere in Bluefields and
tell them to take you to Pastor Ed’s house, and they know where to go. People
come all throughout the day to get advice and help from this man. It is obvious
that without him and his family the city would not be what it is. The way Pastor
Ed pastors is against the norm of American churches. I think of my pastor in
Waco. Great, great Pastor! He however is so busy, scheduled, and has even
opened up to our church how it is difficult not being able to spend time with
the people. He has to be at the office from 8-5pm. This is expected of him
though. But how great would it be if he could be home with family and minister
to other by opening up his home?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAjFD6egHmDqJUBYzBaSV2675l9inMO-j9jIsfcF8QhARycYXDzjhGemdbA4GSttbWujOgANhB0N67RESydZs3sXIh5DCi9PmTGyPa-QEdHuEZOMUk0QzhN4vmKk-fGdQb8VInQnNrFI/s1600/IMG_5865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAjFD6egHmDqJUBYzBaSV2675l9inMO-j9jIsfcF8QhARycYXDzjhGemdbA4GSttbWujOgANhB0N67RESydZs3sXIh5DCi9PmTGyPa-QEdHuEZOMUk0QzhN4vmKk-fGdQb8VInQnNrFI/s1600/IMG_5865.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Pastor Ed before we left in the morning. The white house behind the truck is their big white SHALOM house. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
Being here is
making me see things that I want to be apart of my home and family. I desire to
make my home a place of peace; a place of peace and comfort for the weary
traveler. I want my home to be a place where they can be fed spiritually and
physically. I want to be a wife that affirms my husband—he will be father to
many, wise counsel to those who come to him. I want to be a noble wife to
support my husband in the mission God has given him. I want to show love to
others, collaborate by mission in my house. I want to find joy washing dishes,
clothes and cleaning because by these things I will be serving others in my
home. I want my house to resemble Pastor Ed’s family’s home—their Shalom. Don’t
forget the blessing this family has been to you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-86698551211936114692015-04-16T08:44:00.001-07:002015-04-16T08:44:11.555-07:00Pearl Lagoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">In the moment of rejection by the Immigration officials, I
would have to argue that in that moment I was more bummed than Kristie. We were
both extremely disappointed but being the one communicating in Spanish and then
rejected, I didn’t know what decision to make next. Thankfully though Kristie
saw that there was another river taxi “panga” boat traveling to Pearl Lagoon.
And to our great satisfaction we didn’t need to have our passport for that
boat. This boats entry with no
passport is an illumination of rule B) order is non-existant! Anyways, we
quickly decided to go to Pearl Lagoon a recommended location to visit according
to our Lonely Planet travel guide. We would end up spending Saturday, Sunday,
and Monday there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The whole Caribbean side of Nicaragua is influenced by
Creole communities. Therefore the culture in Pearl Lagoon, Bluefields, and Corn
Islands is completely different than the side of Nicaragua we live on. The
people in Pearl Lagoon were black, speaking predominately English with a heavy
Jamaican type of accent. It was like we were in a whole different country. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took our time in Pearl Lagoon to rest
after our long day of travel and then sudden disappointment. We also spent time
devising a plan to somehow get our passports. Kristie and I agreed that we were
both too motivated to simply drop the Corn Island destination. We even
discussed traveling all the way back to Dolores to get our passports.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Our time at Pearl Lagoon was marked by going to “Aguas,”
beach to swim, eating delicious Creole food, and attending the community’s
festival on the night of my Birthday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC3VD72uyMiW-JRcOaEYvgFr34Avb8jrDt1Bp5r-O69ttaWStL7AGTJba6tE5qH7uEl4dRHCGVCyUSEUhk-XGWwmwj1EruS12pJZ3agpRdDIo5K5PMPti3gvmoq6jAXPGB9yd_9pNEW4/s1600/IMG_5822-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC3VD72uyMiW-JRcOaEYvgFr34Avb8jrDt1Bp5r-O69ttaWStL7AGTJba6tE5qH7uEl4dRHCGVCyUSEUhk-XGWwmwj1EruS12pJZ3agpRdDIo5K5PMPti3gvmoq6jAXPGB9yd_9pNEW4/s1600/IMG_5822-EFFECTS.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found my own private island for my Birthday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9ze8YqGDLPbb1f4SzMUzxnO_9XELyy2KRF967uqbba2MTYj9UnkLl2XzwXskZlOhpratAnofk2BvthcSufNRc-iUmshyphenhyphenr1FwfzG2gzc4J1UjPMbScajweMYMJbB4DtWCdyMYkGL_AgI/s1600/IMG_5829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9ze8YqGDLPbb1f4SzMUzxnO_9XELyy2KRF967uqbba2MTYj9UnkLl2XzwXskZlOhpratAnofk2BvthcSufNRc-iUmshyphenhyphenr1FwfzG2gzc4J1UjPMbScajweMYMJbB4DtWCdyMYkGL_AgI/s1600/IMG_5829.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear friend Kristie setting up my hammock<br />
while onlooking the Caribbean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Coconuts! Picked straight from the tree. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Our Mesquite friend Jasper climbed a tree for us :)</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWBb07yVd_E0em8WsCwctWx1z4Cvses-EuuZ3X1u7x99W967tjcQwEyFVdVwsSm4cc_STtNh0-Y9W8bca9xWmD7djoGjp9fJgj0r3SfMQx_70HmmekTihyqtZOI68vXf3HLsdcmRD9-o/s1600/IMG_7898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWBb07yVd_E0em8WsCwctWx1z4Cvses-EuuZ3X1u7x99W967tjcQwEyFVdVwsSm4cc_STtNh0-Y9W8bca9xWmD7djoGjp9fJgj0r3SfMQx_70HmmekTihyqtZOI68vXf3HLsdcmRD9-o/s1600/IMG_7898.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We left Pearl Lagoon Monday morning. We had anticipated
traveling all the way back to Dolores until we found out from Barry that the
airlines service from Managua to Corn Islands has a mailing service. I was
hesitant to trust any Nicaraguan airlines service with my identity, but after
prayer and discussion I had a great peace about this. Barry also mentioned we
could go back to Bluefields where the airplanes touch down from Managua before
going to the Corn Islands, and get some further assistance from a man he knew
named Pastor Ed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHtgim31Ih0cngaPW3x1T5XkWhfmfjJvcaDKLRFZPqgWGgIvhmSuKDKzXTHbXHRdh_LhxEL6AVJznA21HMIuZH5mhFfTTW3SJXq5bOzU9vpWIacynbGMso3sLUlO_7N7mO8u-nlSp1xY/s1600/IMG_7912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHtgim31Ih0cngaPW3x1T5XkWhfmfjJvcaDKLRFZPqgWGgIvhmSuKDKzXTHbXHRdh_LhxEL6AVJznA21HMIuZH5mhFfTTW3SJXq5bOzU9vpWIacynbGMso3sLUlO_7N7mO8u-nlSp1xY/s1600/IMG_7912.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this picture I took of one of the village homes <br />
under the sun set. I took it while we were on our walk to Aguas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We left Pearl Lagoon anticipating getting our passports back
in Bluefields, and furthermore just beginning to see the beauty of this
unexpected route and where it was leading us.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-4220854811746791342015-04-12T14:03:00.004-07:002015-04-14T08:05:02.767-07:00"Get Behind Me Satan" from Mark 8:33
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Upon resting while in Pearl Lagoon I was reading in Mark and
came across this Mark 8: 33 When Jesus began to predict his death, Peter began
to rebuke Jesus for saying such things. Jesus responded, “Get behind me Satan!
You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God used this passage to speak to me in
my moment of frustration and annoyance about my trip not going how we had
planned. I had only in mind the way in which I wanted the trip to go, not God.
I was in a sense rebuking God for our trip not going as WE wanted it to go. In
this moment the Lord told me He wanted to show me something better. Even though
I had in mind how our trip should go, God had another route for us to take. That
night I journaled asking God, Where will be end up? What shall we see? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAtjEyPynMg_RvF3AVsEZWSe-7se95e3_L079s8fo4ic8GqaPdu1aaEf4Tmwg9kQYID-Rsad3YB51l1lhrTKQeRgf75iYxmxl5oUQdffXMn4dfFZR8u_DAk8bohzH88cp1mJ_lQOE8Js/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-12+at+2.59.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAtjEyPynMg_RvF3AVsEZWSe-7se95e3_L079s8fo4ic8GqaPdu1aaEf4Tmwg9kQYID-Rsad3YB51l1lhrTKQeRgf75iYxmxl5oUQdffXMn4dfFZR8u_DAk8bohzH88cp1mJ_lQOE8Js/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-12+at+2.59.53+PM.png" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-77140420828433789392015-04-12T13:11:00.004-07:002015-04-12T13:11:59.391-07:00Adventure to Corn Islands<div class="MsoNormal">
What an adventure it had been. Let me start by saying that I
don’t have the words to describe my trip to you so I will do my best to give
you at least a sliver of what happened and of what I learned. I think breaking
some of it in parts will be helpful too. So here it goes…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Friday, March 27<sup>th</sup> Kristie and I headed out at
5:30 am to begin our voyage to the Corn Islands of Nicaragua. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After taking two taxis, one 7 hour bus
ride, and a 2 hour water taxi we would end up in Bluefields, Nicaragua just
before dark. Why did we not take a plane you may ask? We paid approximately $21 to travel the way we did across the country, a plane ride cost $150. Uncomfortable,
yes. Cultural experience, yes! Cheaper, oh ya! Kristie and I are all about
taking the rougher, cultural path rather than the money laden tourist track ;)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgRkbNCFFy9a49XNZYkAKRYE5TTLfAIF0v5MehrKvsV4pZsRKBfj0Dxi2DtQl0JQ-IVOZw25uzq2E9wrKFTs346BygEbucvptWF25qwKJZspykw81XfGcM-0dAwmNMu6YkojHp0CqBSU/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-12+at+2.08.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgRkbNCFFy9a49XNZYkAKRYE5TTLfAIF0v5MehrKvsV4pZsRKBfj0Dxi2DtQl0JQ-IVOZw25uzq2E9wrKFTs346BygEbucvptWF25qwKJZspykw81XfGcM-0dAwmNMu6YkojHp0CqBSU/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-04-12+at+2.08.09+PM.png" height="513" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a look at our route of the trip that ended up happening. Hope this gives you some perspective as I tell my story through the upcoming posts.</td></tr>
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We chose to travel to Bluefields because this is where the
boat to the Corn Islands departs from. The boat we were to catch was leaving
early the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To our
great delight we rested in Bluefields at a clean and comfortable hostel
($17/room/per night). We woke up early the next morning, as advised, to get in
line for our tickets for the boat.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Tickets were to be sold at 7am, so we got in line
approximately 30 min before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
there is anything about Nicaragua that I have learned when traveling it is A)
you can’t plan too far ahead, B) order is existent, and C) things always
change! We were about to experience all of those things real soon. The line
that we were standing in was only about 30 people long. It took however 1.5
hours to sell tickets to these people. And then it all happened…when we finally
arrived to the ticket window the lady asked to see our passports. So we pulled
out the copies we had taken with us. She shook her head and asked, “los originales”
(the original ones)? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time
when traveling we didn’t bring our original passports because we had heard that
in Nicaragua traveling with a copy only is accepted. We hadn’t had any problems
thus far without them. The lady then said I could talk to the Immigration
police. So knowing me, I couldn’t simply stop with an initial no. I was ready
and prepared to knock hard on that door until it would open the door! Lol. </div>
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A kind and helpful taxi driver drove us around town to find
the office of immigration. No official was there so we headed back to the boat
dock. The lady at the ticket booth did allow us to buy a ticket and said we
could return it if the official rejected us. So we took our chances and got on
the boat. There is when we finally found the Immigration police. He asked us to
show us our passports. We showed him our copies. He too shook his head. I then
began my door knocking. All in Spanish, I explained to him the situation. He
wasn’t having any of it. I explained how we had heard and seen from authorities
in Managua (capital city) that for travelers to carry copies was an ok thing. I
told him next that our friends Rebecca and Auntie Joyce were to be on the Big Corn
Island in the next couples of days and would have our passports on the other
end (this was in fact true). I explained to him that we were volunteers in
Dolores here to serve the country of Nicaragua and that we simply wanted to
enjoy more of Nicaragua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
started to listen to me when I told him that our friends would have our
passports on the other end. He called his boss over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the Jefe I also began explaining our situation. </div>
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After a long and tiring plead, all in Spanish mind you, neither
official would let us ride the boat. We walked away with our tails between our
legs. All that way, with a boat ticket now in hand, and now we weren’t aloud on
the boat. No Corn Islands?</div>
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Our trip would take a soon unexpected turn around because
according to rule C) Things always change! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-63558807414387210602015-03-23T14:35:00.001-07:002015-03-23T14:45:05.733-07:00A Few Thoughts About Teaching Today<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">I have a few raw thoughts I would like to share
about teaching.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> These thoughts are inclusive of culture, teaching, mind-set,
and how to train the mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The past weeks I have teaching 5<sup>th</sup> through 7<sup>th</sup>
grade basic formatting skills using Microsoft Word. The students seem to know a
few functions, but no teacher has ever explained what each function on the
toolbar does and how they are best used. The students have, more or less, used
them by smashing the buttons. I additionally gave them abotut 30 vocabulary
words to memorize so that they could be more literate in using the computers.
So my goal for the past few weeks was to build vocabulary, teach them basic
formatting skills and functions, and to practice these actions.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Today after a “pruebita” (quiz) I had an exercise for them to
practice the formatting skills for their upcoming Exam. Here is an example of
the basic instructions:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Bold this
line of text.</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Negrita
esta línea de texto. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ol>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Underline
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<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Align this
line on the right side of the page.</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Alinear esta línea en el lado derecho de la página. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Pretty straight forward. These are basic
instructions that I had written in both English and Spanish ( in order to</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> eliminate the
language barrier). One thing that was frustrating about today was the way the
kids seemed to need help at every step of the exercise. Some are so concerned
about the way I want it, that they limit their own mind power. The words,
"No puedo" (I can't) seem to echo from their lips. Part of this
"incapability" is yes age, another part is culture. In discussing
this issue with Mr. Barry he assured me that it is culture for parents to do
many things for their children, even up till high school. In a like manner the
students desire the teacher to do their work. In addition to culture, the
people here are accustomed to taking orders; therefore they desire constant
instruction of how to do things rather than of thinking of new creative
solutions, or in the case of this exercise simply following directions with
their own understanding of how it should be done. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">This was a huge mental block to me today. How come some of these
students simply quit? How come they can't simply follow instructions? Why do
they feel like they need to make sure every step they do is OK'd by a teacher?
I just want them to use their minds to think. I am so used to thinking of new
ideas, developing solutions, and to problem solving. This has been the base of
my education and I can see more than ever why I should be thankful for the challenges
my professors gave to me. They were training my mind.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Today I thought of all my teachers growing up who seemed to love answering my questions with a question. Their answers, at the time were so frustrating. "Can't I just get an answer," I would think. But I see the fruit of their annoying questions now! I see now that my teachers responded to me in this way because they wanted ME to think, they wanted ME to be creative, and they wanted ME to expand my mind. Well now the tables are turned. I am starting to ask these kids questions as an answer to their questions. Let's see if these questions get them to think, expand, and train their minds.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-40265951022156577462015-03-19T18:58:00.002-07:002015-03-20T07:00:43.523-07:00Traveling With My Girl Kristie<div class="MsoNormal">
Man I love this girl! We have some great times traveling
around. What I admire about Kristie most is her positive perspective ON
EVERYTHING and in EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before we left for our trip it was pouring down hard with rain. Her
comment was, “I think this is just going to be one of those days.” My response,
“Well what do you mean?” Her reply, “One of those days where everything goes
wrong.” Because of the gray I couldn’t help but laugh and agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though it was thought to be a
dreary and wet journey to Leon, her attitude was all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a tendency to think about the
bad things for longer periods of time. She however accepts them as reality and
chooses to face them with positivity. Our interaction and time together is
helping me grow in this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Btw,
the weather turned out to be sunny that day. Perfect weather for a perfect day!
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the water bottle that Kristie insisted we turn around in our taxi for. She left it at the hotel. While climbing Mt. Hood Kristie took a 30 ft fall and this water bottle attached to her hip kept her from breaking her leg. It was a sentimental thing. I had to give her a hard time about turning around. So here I am posting about it to the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This was in the van packed with 28 people. I think during this photo 4 had left. Personal space is not a thing here. We have to stack our legs in order to fit! In addition some man's three duffle bags kept me from being able to move. It's quit the trip.</td></tr>
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One of my favorite parts of our trip traveling to Leon and
back was when we were in a micro bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Public transportation is a big thing in Nicaragua considering not many
families can afford a car. It cost us 80 cordobas (that is about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$3) to travel from Dolores to Leon
(approximately 120 kilometers / about 75 miles) by public transportation. We took
micro buses, which are 15 passenger vans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though these buses hold 15 passengers the Nica workers pack as many
as they can in order to make the most money. I always like to see how many they
can fit, and how many people are wiling to be squashed. This trip back to Leon,
28 fit in the van. It was a record for me :D <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so packed it was hard for the worker to even shut the
door!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This weekend we are traveling to Camoapa, Nicaragua. About 150 km drive by bus, aka a 2.5 hour ride squashed on a school bus ;) We are staying the weekend with two of the teacher's from the school. They live in the In2House with us during the week and then head to their home back in Camoapa on the weekends. I am excited to spend time with Isnia and Indira and to get the opportunity to stay in a real Nicaraguan home.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-2862793083950966702015-03-19T18:36:00.001-07:002015-03-19T18:36:07.915-07:00Pan de Vida and Francela<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead of telling you what all happened at the Sunday
morning church service at Pan de Vida, I would like to share with you what the
Lord shared to me during my time there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wrote this in my journal during some of the service:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RbutKb8mU8guMrnELj0N8C37hHrW57tZLxJPKyTY7RbTXetaNm7UsOFxCprv0MKtP7T6okRmuOYeV86Yklpe-fC58IHh2TZ38hSq79oTjkJSu3Co98honD4-h_dFsuvg_vK9pjSQc3I/s1600/20150315_104834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RbutKb8mU8guMrnELj0N8C37hHrW57tZLxJPKyTY7RbTXetaNm7UsOFxCprv0MKtP7T6okRmuOYeV86Yklpe-fC58IHh2TZ38hSq79oTjkJSu3Co98honD4-h_dFsuvg_vK9pjSQc3I/s1600/20150315_104834.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristie and I in front of Iglesia Pan de Vida.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What an experience to go to Iglesia Pan de Vida (Bread of
Life Church). I am sitting right now in a plastic chair, on concrete, with an
open roof, and by the way there is a stray dog roaming around. This church is
NOT the building; it IS the people. Here are things that the Lord is speaking
to me during my experience right now</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We in America expect to be entertained during
worship. There are no instruments, projector, soundboards, or microphones here.
BUT THERE IS WORSHIP. There is joyful worship here. Don’t be expecting when
worshipping. Instead OFFER your worship. Be reminded also that you can worship
God in all circumstances, in any place, and without music.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There is a freedom here to respond and worship
that I wish the churches in the states could worship with. When you go home,
worship freely and unrestricted. Be an example of the freedom I have given you.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The gospel is simple, don’t complicate it.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Learning to live with little is a gift.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing most notable about this service in comparison with
the other Nicaraguan churches I have been to, is the way in which Nicaraguans
are FREE in their worship. They feel free to wave their hands, to dance, to
move out of their seats, and to sing loud in praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may be a theory but I think this may be because they
aren’t required to sit still in class either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a teacher in Nicaragua, I was so shocked to see how it
isn’t required for students to always sit when the teacher is talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though there are negatives to
this, I see how it has given them a sense of freedom in the things they do
including worship. By contrast, we in America are taught and expected to sit,
be still, and to be quiet. In a like manner, it seems that these expectations have carried into our style of worship. Feeling more restricted and less freeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, this is only my
hypothesis. This reminded me of Psalm 100:1-2.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXqeVZgvSilQ2CAzh_6M07PS76X0BIrpdqzJKJPJj47YfWmyMyFumukzU7ajMyvMBS-xRQHqeIIYsoMg6vZRrISFyvd6W74RSHKIlqCumK5_vukgprMJZBtxPSsSneuDcrojNjibN03Q/s1600/20150315_122543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXqeVZgvSilQ2CAzh_6M07PS76X0BIrpdqzJKJPJj47YfWmyMyFumukzU7ajMyvMBS-xRQHqeIIYsoMg6vZRrISFyvd6W74RSHKIlqCumK5_vukgprMJZBtxPSsSneuDcrojNjibN03Q/s1600/20150315_122543.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor is on the right and translator is on the left. We came to the church with the mission team from the church from Oklahoma. Notice the stray dog laying at the pastor's feet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congregation responding after the service and after the mission team shared their testimonies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture with one of the most thankful ladies I met, Ms. Francela. </td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition I would like to mention Miss Francela who I met
at Iglesia Pan de Vida.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Francela was the most joyous Nicaraguan lady I have met so
far. She was the very first lady from Pan de Vida that greeted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat next to her during the service
and began speaking with her in Spanish. She could not read or write and her
children neither had a way to learn. I couldn't imagine not even being able to read my own Bible. She however had the glory of the Lord
always on her lips. Praise to God continued to show even amongst her circumstances.
Francela was joyful with nothing and expressive in her worship. Content in
being filled by the Holy Spirit and eager to share this good news with all around
her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0Leon, Nicaragua12.5092037 -86.66110830000002411.5172887 -87.952001800000019 13.501118700000001 -85.370214800000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-21605139897884995272015-03-18T07:29:00.000-07:002015-03-18T07:29:15.365-07:00About Voice of Hope<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here I would like to describe how I met Charlie, the
director of Voice of Hope and explain a little bit about what Voice of Hope
does as a ministry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I met Charlie Brown on the plane headed from Houston to
Managua. I remember finally sitting in my seat and realizing that I was by
myself headed to a foreign country. The previous busy month inclusive of
graduating college, having all of my family in town for Christmas, going to my
Uncle’s wedding, and entering into a new relationship with my wonderful boyfriend
Garret were all joyful, exciting things happening in my life, however because
of them I hadn’t taken the moment to think of traveling alone to a foreign
country. Therefore when I finally sat in my seat was when it all finally sunk
in. I remember a bit of fear striking me. It was however in this very moment
that Charlie Brown introduced himself as part of a team from Voice of Hope and
also asked about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was eager
to share the gospel and asked me about my testimony. This is definitely a man
who is ready at any moment to share the gospel—just like it should be! Anyways
during that time I remember feeling more secure knowing that God had surrounded
me with my brothers in Christ. This was comforting to know that I wouldn’t be
alone when stepping off the plane. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During our conversation Charlie had invited Kristie and I to
come check out Voice of Hope in Leon. I knew this would be a great opportunity
to see another ministry taking place in Nicaragua. So this past weekend was our
chance to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kristie and I spent two days in Leon. Saturday, March 14<sup>th</sup>
we arrived. Upon arriving at the hotel the ministry is operated out of, we had
lunch and then were off to touring the feeding centers. Two pastors from a
church in Arkansas had also come to visit for the week to see if this was a
ministry that their church wanted to partner with. Because Charlie was giving
them a full tour of their ministry, this allowed Kristie and I to see in detail
all that the ministry does as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuC4YDi3cZHHz0oxdiX6q-ArR_EqeVIjbQnZGWUIn9sfEqlD_cu3H9B3tS2HD7hcPAhOhesHRAj8-dt_s_2xG4yCABlDJ_MmeE8eD3WnMsE_3PM8jPbu3rn1vvMh4CDKyp-GV0aNsHjA/s1600/20150315_144758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuC4YDi3cZHHz0oxdiX6q-ArR_EqeVIjbQnZGWUIn9sfEqlD_cu3H9B3tS2HD7hcPAhOhesHRAj8-dt_s_2xG4yCABlDJ_MmeE8eD3WnMsE_3PM8jPbu3rn1vvMh4CDKyp-GV0aNsHjA/s1600/20150315_144758.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the gang that we traveled with. Great crew! The mission statement of Voice of Hope is on the poster behind us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabDZiwJGytgzXzrlbomvr8sG1FkQSCa3wT6yRx4konZsQPNrWhR6KhR_7L4l4XXxkrmRO-MVA4u6eaLp8dGNyasw8wCTSLOUk8nL3t__FQGG6evAP8CbGScgfAPjGX5yazg7eE1sQumg/s1600/20150314_223645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabDZiwJGytgzXzrlbomvr8sG1FkQSCa3wT6yRx4konZsQPNrWhR6KhR_7L4l4XXxkrmRO-MVA4u6eaLp8dGNyasw8wCTSLOUk8nL3t__FQGG6evAP8CbGScgfAPjGX5yazg7eE1sQumg/s1600/20150314_223645.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone meet Rocky! He was my pal while hanging out at the Hotel. He is three months and has SHARP sharp teeth :D</td></tr>
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Voice of Hope has seven active feeding centers and is in the
process of building four more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
feeding centers are small buildings made out of cinder blocks and are built
approximately 10’ x 12’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
kitchen has a wood burning stove, two metal kettle bowls, and approximately 5
to 7 large utensils like a spatula, knife, and ladle. These feeding centers
have been placed in extremely poor communities where families live in tin roof
houses, can’t afford to send their children to school, receive water from a
well, and well can barely afford food. Voice of Hope has also worked to build a
church shelter right next to every feeding center. This is really just a roof
over a concrete slab. </div>
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How the system works. Voice of Hope partners with churches
back in the United States, asking them to support the children in Nicaragua to
be fed. I think it takes about $40 to feed one of these children for a year.
This money then goes to buy the food to be taken to the feeding centers.
Supported children receive a card, bring that card to the feeding center, and
are able to receive one meal per day. On average each feeding center serves
about 150 children per day. This becomes an opportunity for the ministry to
share the gospel.</div>
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Churches who support Voice of Hope typically have mission
teams come for one week to have evangelical events at the feeding center and
church that they individually support. Actually late Saturday night, a team
from a church in Oklahoma had come in for the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to meet all 20 of them Sunday morning as we all
headed to Pan de Vida. The church Pan de Vida was the church connected to one
of the feeding centers. This “pair” or “unit” was one that the team from the
First Baptist Church in Oklahoma has been supporting for four year now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore their interaction with the
community was familiar. The rest of their week would include fiestas that they
put on with the kids and families of the community, inclusive of games and
prizes. This will act as an opportunity for them to interact and to share the
gospel with these communities.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuI3vok9nCceYETZwB_TCl0_xSmInFts0KOc-Wm4tqihWDZdqJktnp-vYy6S7AUa8kI_VHfk7CNoiR2zCIEALLyG5cZ0WHWCarCnGZLKY7uRhjIsxnXOlw9spqcwpP5aTAGMGCMrxPrY/s1600/IMG_8346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuI3vok9nCceYETZwB_TCl0_xSmInFts0KOc-Wm4tqihWDZdqJktnp-vYy6S7AUa8kI_VHfk7CNoiR2zCIEALLyG5cZ0WHWCarCnGZLKY7uRhjIsxnXOlw9spqcwpP5aTAGMGCMrxPrY/s1600/IMG_8346.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture inside of the feeding center. Large industrial size kettles and spatulas. The stove is on Kristie's left.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xiI4BppXK_jsZBfVcR40L97M0Q757PFFdR1iaTL9A2nBy6jEMJCFI18Txw5yGBSZkU8-UfFVEJDjUR2YTuI7pBlyE5l9tnify7qDu1-u7LiOTfcNWIOap40Lz7dceZ4AwjIH0WDJTYo/s1600/IMG_8411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xiI4BppXK_jsZBfVcR40L97M0Q757PFFdR1iaTL9A2nBy6jEMJCFI18Txw5yGBSZkU8-UfFVEJDjUR2YTuI7pBlyE5l9tnify7qDu1-u7LiOTfcNWIOap40Lz7dceZ4AwjIH0WDJTYo/s1600/IMG_8411.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is what a typical church connected to the feeding centers looks like. The lady was watering the concrete to keep the dust down.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
That is Voice of Hope in a nutshell. When touring all of
these shelters one thing that stuck out the most to me was Charlie’s iteration
of how simple the gospel is, and how simple it should be shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t need to take much to share
the love of Christ. Why do we make it such a complicated thing?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NRZuaIvOa9MzcESrrkz7ttNO8wXr5CRaOfKkHz2XTkL2DxsgUtMle_C8yEaCNpuRMIsem3n2s7y4Hok-sZ4nl-9TyLe6K6FNlqCfKr0AXBSRw3yAHcw6qNVeFSoiWcbI2oi649o2qvk/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NRZuaIvOa9MzcESrrkz7ttNO8wXr5CRaOfKkHz2XTkL2DxsgUtMle_C8yEaCNpuRMIsem3n2s7y4Hok-sZ4nl-9TyLe6K6FNlqCfKr0AXBSRw3yAHcw6qNVeFSoiWcbI2oi649o2qvk/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a typical house in the communities where we were visiting. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6LKYawEwcOYyvlL6D1YRpUtkr6s_7vVfaC2kaeUiw-hw0z7eaROT9KSJ6e_JQMN9nfm8kEUfCaOsaYGzNvWV62rS63Hch-xzpQqCAQRRfe3v3lLO2yqpzjhAmLaE9NagM7YnyM3T5qU/s1600/IMG_8442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6LKYawEwcOYyvlL6D1YRpUtkr6s_7vVfaC2kaeUiw-hw0z7eaROT9KSJ6e_JQMN9nfm8kEUfCaOsaYGzNvWV62rS63Hch-xzpQqCAQRRfe3v3lLO2yqpzjhAmLaE9NagM7YnyM3T5qU/s1600/IMG_8442.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-35428528230629185512015-03-16T08:09:00.002-07:002015-03-16T08:18:58.578-07:00Journey to Leon Highlights<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday, March 15<sup>th</sup> was one of the best days I
have had in Nicaragua for a few specific reasons. This past weekend Kristie and
I took a trip to Leon, Nicaragua to visit Voice of Hope ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This ministry is directed by Mr. Charlie
Brown one of the men I had met on the plane from Houston to Nicaragua. During
our conversation on the plane we talked about what each other were doing in
Nicaragua. I shared about me teaching and he shared about Voice of Hope. During
that conversation he extended an offer to come up for a weekend to check out
the ministry in Leon. So this was the weekend we did just that! Because I
experienced so much in a short period of time I have decided to break up the
things that I experienced and blog about them individually. Here I will share
with you the two reasons that made this weekend one of the best. <br />
<br />
Reason #1 for those who know me well you know that I am deeply passionate about water and working towards pursuing missions with WATER. In other words I would love to help provide clean water to those in need in order to share with them The Living Water: the gospel. Saturday part of this vision came true! In one of the remote poor villages were were touring I saw a well that had been installed by the mission organization Living Water International (a Christian ministry I have been in contact with). I got to pump water out of one of the wells with some kids from the village.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYmmdgiKb_K8h1jfdvS_pjQ1MMIO_UKGacEFOoM8n713s2IaPyy4wKqDWhowHZzwhXyQLpuqqqOQFmR_JJKuu90_B-0cMj84Pb9VqOS_YiCXRE4GgyIByROsnTnvo1ymlX6An7TBMvaM/s1600/IMG_8387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYmmdgiKb_K8h1jfdvS_pjQ1MMIO_UKGacEFOoM8n713s2IaPyy4wKqDWhowHZzwhXyQLpuqqqOQFmR_JJKuu90_B-0cMj84Pb9VqOS_YiCXRE4GgyIByROsnTnvo1ymlX6An7TBMvaM/s1600/IMG_8387.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This is one of four wells I got to see in the outskirts of Leon. This was part of the dream come true! (</span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Btw the taxi in the back is ours. These people barely have food and water, let alone cars.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Reason #2 while in Leon and going out to dinner I saw a group of students from non-other than Baylor University! One of the girls in the restaurant walked in with a T-shirt that Baylor Outdoor Adventure had made for an event. (This was the department I worked for at Baylor). It was surreal! I took a Sic 'Em picture with a handful of girls from the group. We got to talk about their trip here in Nicaragua as part of a medical mission trip during their spring break (they were all Baylor pre-med students). They asked me about my journey in Nicaragua and so I shared with them about what I am doing here and also about my vision for water ministry. I then got to pray over them and for the Lord to use their experiences here to inspire them in what they are pursing back home at Baylor. This was a special moment. All this was in the heart of Leon with large beautiful cathedrals.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPadfCnXwfcrNE-03j9JQoCsdm2vSOUTzbpUykjUQTP6m31dBS6Uw0PFcMCb03EaF0ehBb1iHIrDNLn1QeHE8-VAEHgT8YSG1GzItusvsquwcd-yiyYfH_iEyZHWRK7gzb-Vg6kZLyPvA/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPadfCnXwfcrNE-03j9JQoCsdm2vSOUTzbpUykjUQTP6m31dBS6Uw0PFcMCb03EaF0ehBb1iHIrDNLn1QeHE8-VAEHgT8YSG1GzItusvsquwcd-yiyYfH_iEyZHWRK7gzb-Vg6kZLyPvA/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It always makes me feel at home to do a Sic 'Em! I got to pray over these girls too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0fv6fsgaCKXXUYFY6EnUhVUIu_5XHEunWr5tGg6ioigdXnPG9FU3G2iawk0s5BiM2-6jL_1a6v_5xTkZNc8f8ir4Ja1aM5wHk9N2YWU_508FiFUykqWE4gzhE8CcBNyzcmI308C4ugY/s1600/IMG_8459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0fv6fsgaCKXXUYFY6EnUhVUIu_5XHEunWr5tGg6ioigdXnPG9FU3G2iawk0s5BiM2-6jL_1a6v_5xTkZNc8f8ir4Ja1aM5wHk9N2YWU_508FiFUykqWE4gzhE8CcBNyzcmI308C4ugY/s1600/IMG_8459.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second oldest Cathedral in all of Central America.</td></tr>
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I would also like you all to watch this video about Voice of Hope. It will give you an image to some of the things I got to see and experience. I posted the video before this post.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8075021706531756579.post-32193179542531945262015-03-16T07:58:00.000-07:002015-03-16T07:58:06.002-07:00Voice of Hope Video<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jxRKwV2DpBw" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a video about Voice of Hope ministry in Leon. A glimpse of what I got to see and experience during my weekend.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01302714585541954083noreply@blogger.com0