Another week gone by

Friends, parents and family!

Another week-plus gone by with plenty to keep us busy. Our week of children's meetings in Camilo Ortega has finished up with a turnout of just over 100 kids on Friday. We enjoyed the privilege of watching several of the young brothers participate in teaching the children's meetings. There are few things better than the privilege of witnessing the brethren's participation during meetings. It is not about talent, having a 'gift', or whether you feel exercised or not. And this is true for me as a sister too. It is a privilege to gather to the name of the Lord, anytime anywhere. A privilege, folks! Do I treat it as such? Or have I begun to take it for granted... do I assume that my participation is not needed. Whether the silent participation of a sister or the audible participation of the men. Both are needed. I can honestly say.... that there is nothing as sweet-sounding than the simple prayer of a brother. Don't let "I don't have the gift", "I'm not talented with words", or "I don't feel exercised to speak up, let the more experienced brothers run the show"--- don't let these be stumbling blocks to you. There is nothing more pleasing to the Lord than a simple prayer straight from the heart; and as a sister, I love to hear the men participate.

More updates....

7 of us young women had the opportunity to visit a poor hospital last week. Now, when I say "poor", its a government-paid hospital. Free care and really outdated equipment. I saw a 4 month old baby who was smaller than the average newborn. His cry was a mere squeak, his limbs were comparable to twigs.

I saw a 3 year old toddler who was likely near death. Completely limp and lifeless in her mother's arms, she laid unmoving. Her eyes were barely open and her eyes were fixated. She never moved. I couldn't stop staring at her, overcome with grief. I watched as her little body took slow, shallow breaths. I felt completely helpless.

With 7 of us ladies and 7 or 8 suitcases packed with stuff... well, Brenda says it was the biggest load they've had! We had to send the suitcases in a separate vehicle with the guys! We had a variety of packages:

Layette packages- a gallon-sized ziplock bag with (typically) a receiving blanket, sleeper, a couple onesies, a diaper or two, and then some fillers (hat, socks, bib, small bottles of soap or lotion)

Infant/Toddler packages- ziplock bag with an outfit, fillers, diaper, shoes, and a age-appropriate toy.

Children's packages (school aged)- coloring book, crayons/markers, pencils/pens, a couple small filler toys.

Hygiene packs- (they pack these age/gender appropriate, i.e. "young guy" "woman")

Smaller ziplock or clear plastic baggies with a washcloth, bar of soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush and toothpaste, deoderant, etc.

The 3 girls from Ontario, Canada have been here a week now. It sure is nice to have some female companionship!!!! Feel free to leave some comments, I sure do enjoy hearing from people!

I love you Tina and Anna and Annette- got your emails and love hearing from you!

As much as I miss everyone.... I can't bear the thought of coming back home.

Parasites are still inside me but not any worse.

Miss you all and hope to hear from you!

Pictures

Bottom: our group who all worked together in our week of children's meetings at the tent in Masaya

Top: Game time! We split the kids into several groups which helped keep things at a manageable level. That is me, bending over the yellow hamper. Proof that my language barrier didn't stop me from helping:)

Parasites, Pickup trucks, and Protection

Let's just say that I quite likely have parasites... could this be why I've been as hungry as a horse all the time?? There's even been a couple times where I've had a snack between 3-4 a.m.. And to shake any doubts off, they feed us very well here. ;)

3 Simple Pleasure of Life.

1. Fans. Small or big, electric or hand-held objects... There is nothing I've enjoyed quite as much as a fan.

2. Toast. There is only 2 ways to eat toast. Your first option- crunchy peanut butter with Canadian honey. Strictly Canadian honey. Even better (all females will understand my appreciation here) is option two: a layer of peanut butter on first, topped with a generous layer of Nutilla (chocolate spread)!! Its like eating a really big Reese's peanut butter cup!!!

3. Riding in the back of the pick-up truck. We are not allowed this adventure in the States. As of today, I chose to ride in the back all the time. Up until today... when the guys couldn't handle it anymore. They decided it was too un-chivalristic for them to all be inside while I was in the bed. :) (you have to admit... its very considerate of them!) There are 2 Andrews here. Today, I was settled quite snugly in the back of the truck. All was well, I was happy. Then the Andrews come up to the truck. Andrew #2 says "Okay Laura, it looks really bad that we're all riding inside and you're out here. You should sit inside." I tried the "Its fine, I love it out here" and puppy eyes tactics. Andrew #1 gives me a very stern look and says "Yes. Its the new rule."

The moral of the story is that the guys are doing a good job taking care of me. Chivalry may be dying, but its not completely dead... it doesn't have to be guys. Take that step. Be willing to be the man again. If a woman influenced by the world scorns your efforts at chivarly- don't give up. God says women are the weaker vessel. God gave men the duty of protecting the women and children. Gentlemen- being a man is what you were made for!

Okay, time for a little story. I want you to picture a pick-up truck in your head. Make sure it has an extended cab. Now, picture your idea of "full". How many people did you fit in it?

I wish I had a picture for you... last night we had 30+ people in one pickup! I didn't know it was possible!!! 8 or 9 people were in the cab. 5 were on the roof. Over 15 were in the bed. I was in the bed with my legs crossed. One foot was on the floor, the other was resting in a girl's lap. The girl next to me was holding on to my legs for support. Neither of us had anything to hang on to and we were on the rim of the truck bed. One rapid move and we would fall backwards! So I put one hand in my lap, the other around her shoulders and hung on to the bookbag strap of the guy next to her. The drive from El Valle to Masaya was about 10 miles. The one thought that kept running through my mind was "this is how people die...this is how people die..." :) But no worries, the driver didn't go much faster than a crawl. And you all know how much I love an adventure, so I found it exciting! :D

I have not yet spotted any tarantulas or snakes. A few ant infestations in my room at night and a plenteous supply of geicos... plus a parasite or two...;)

The guys are out today, setting up the gospel tent in Camilla Ortega. On Monday we start a week of children's meetings and a series of gospel meetings. The gospel series in Masaya is continuing with a very good attendance last night.

I had my first week of Spanish lessons this week. The more I am exposed to the language, the more confidence I gain and the more I pick up. Ike and Silvia joined us this week, I freely claim them as family.

That's the news on my end..... Dale Brandt, can you send me your email address por favor? :)

Your parasitic sister,

Laura

Swatting flies and sweating eyelids

A very warm welcome to all back home!

Your eyelids sweat. So does everything else. Droplets of sweat start running down your back...after the first couple inches the droplets all collect and you have a river of sweat rushing down your skin. My consolation is that everyone else is just as stinky as I am.
Don't know what the temperature has been but a couple days it must have been close to 100. Absolutely no air-conditioning... They said I would get used to it. After the first few days, I discovered what they meant. You do not get used to the unbearable heat, you do not stop sweating...you just get used to sweating non-stop. :)

Our week of children's meetings went very well! The afternoon class was 3-4 times bigger than the morning class. Our a.m. class consisted of 70-90 kids. Afternoon class started out with 250 with just over 400 the last day. About 250 free Bibles were given to those who came 4 out of 5 days.
Our week fly by with so much to do! We left the house before 8 every morning, got back home just before supper and then off to meeting for the evening!


My spanish, as little and primitive as it is, improves as time goes on. At least I will keep telling myself that... ;)

These first days

As my dear friend, Charitina, predicated... time seems to fly by. Tis only the second day here yet it feels like my second week.

The flight went by without any hitches or glitches. My giant, overstuffed suitcase was exactly 50 pounds. The planes were all on time, Andrew Baker showed up, and our luggage didn't get lost! Quite contrary to my previous visit here in January... (If you weren't privy to that story- it started with a cancellation, lost luggage, and a grand finale of a dead car battery which was supposed to drive us to the airport.)

When our plane pulled into the airport on Thursday night, I started sweating and haven't stopped since. How am I going to survive 95 degree weather for 7 more weeks.... but as with all things, great or small, important or tedious, God promises that He will help us handle the task He has given us, until completion.

Thursday night it was stated that we would be ready to leave a little before 7 a.m.. That night I set my alarm for 6. It wasn't until today that I realized, for whatever reason, my phone is an hour ahead. The past two mornings I actually got up at 5. And when "7" rolled around Friday morning, I couldn't figure out why I was the only one up. :p

We headed to a local market Friday morning and did some seed sowing with several of the young believers from the assembly here in Masaya. I didn't quite know how I would be of benefit but they sure don't let language barriers stop ya! (for which I really am glad) So I took one side of the very crowded market, tried to contain my panic, and dived in headfirst. "Un regalo para usted!" In 15 minutes, we had all ours handed out.

Next on the agenda was to pass out invitations to a 1 week series of children's meetings. We made various stops until we had 2000 copies. Then we scouted out the area for schools and split into pairs. Each pair took a school. We spoke with the principal and were quickly granted permission to distribute the invites to each classroom. I handed out nothing but a small piece of paper, yet I felt that I must be akin to Santa Claus. Though I spoke nothing more than small phrases, seeing the excitement-filled faces was totally worth it.

Schools here have 2 sessions daily- a morning and afternoon session. We took a lunch break then repeated this process for the afternoon students.

Currently, there is a series of tent meetings every night at Masaya, where John and Joann Clingen live. John and Brother Raul are speaking; Ike Frazier will replace Raul when they return on the 17th of this month. Last night there was close to 200 in attendance at the tent meeting. These meetings are continuing on. Last night after the meeting, I noticed that Hermanos Raul and John both had people come talk to them.

This morning the guys, Mark and I went to "Saturday school". They do a Sunday school lesson here each Saturday morning in this very poor place. I don't remember how Mark explained it for sure, but I believe it may be a government-owned area; an area designated to house the poorest of people. There were about 20 children this morning.

Shortly I am leaving with the guys to visit some contacts in the Masaya area.

I am feeling very outnumbered with the guy-girl ratio, but this will be temporary. The end of this month will bring 3 girls from Ontario to visit for awhile, which will even things up!

If you want to remember the work here in prayer- specifically remember the tent series at Masaya and the interest there. There are 9 believers from that area now, more believers may one day soon root up another assembly if the Lord wills it!

Also remember the children's meetings which are next Monday-Friday, twice a day. We wish both to plant the seed into the hearts of young ones, but also to reach the parents!

Andrew Baker has been kind enough to let me take pictures on his camera but he is gone right now so no pictures for you, sorry!

How to make friends at the Dollar Store- Trip to the Dentist

First, you want to make sure you are wearing a skirt. The longer, the better, as this raises questions in many minds.

Next, you fill up your cart with toys and various items, until the value is equal to your tax refund check. Once you've reached that dollar amount, grab an ice-cream bar in consolation.

As you proceed to check-out, you wow the cashier with all your friendly remarks. Except...I forgot to mention- you also need to get a triple dose of Novacaine (numbing agent) for a cavity filling. This must be done within 3 hours prior to the DG visit or the full effect is lost. As you stand there and wonder if you're drooling again, you continue to chat as if though nothing is amiss. They may strain to understand you and ask you to repeat yourself, but ignore all these attempts of distraction and keep right on talking.

You may notice that the line has gone from one, patient man behind you, to 7 less patient people.

Feel free to smile and talk to them too, but don't make a scene.

The nice man behind you may likely ask you if you're hosting a birthday party. Answers may vary. I found that explaining my trip to Nicaragua makes for a very attentive audience.

As you find a way to open the door and push a cart through at the same time, be sure to wave to all the people who had to wait behind you.

The nice friendly man is likely going to follow you out to your vehicle and ask you for more details about your trip to Nicaragua. He may then walk away but stop to tell you he really likes your skirt. Smile, then quickly disappear.

Once the seatbelt is buckled, feel free to tear the ice-cream wrapper off. You might have to realize, once its too late, that your jaw is unable to open far enough to eat it normally. Another problem is that the tongue and cheek feel like foreign objects in your mouth and you bite and chew on those along with the ice-cream.

In the end, you realize it wasn't worth the pain.

------------------------------------

Now let me tell you about my trip to the dentist!

This is cavity number 3. Cavity number two was such a fast procedure that I scarcely knew what happened. This time proved to be different. My dentist gets his tools ready, then proceeds to jab me in the jaw in 3 different spots. I'm almost certain he went into my jawbone....... Next thing, we find ourselves chatting about my salivary gland surgeries and how to help those problems. As we're discussing the fact that I had multiple operations in my salivary glands, he asks me if my lip was affected at all (as he reaches out for a touch-test). I was in utter confusion, not knowing how salivary gland surgeries would affect my bottom lip. I finally shrug and say "I guess not..??"

Oh, he tells me. Well that means I didn't get the Novacaine in the right place b/c your lip should be numb by now. He refills the syringe then attacks me with the needle 4 more times. The after-taste is gut-wrenching awful, and my tongue is more numb than anything by now.

We chat about toothpaste next. Which is the best, which one to avoid and why. A few minutes later he asks about my lip and flips it a few times. The only thing going numb is my tongue...

He refills the syringe once more and proceeds to explain to me that the scar tissue in my mouth was not allowing him to reach the nerve he needed to numb. So this time, he explains, he is going to go by the side of my tooth, instead of the floor of my mouth. It may pinch a bit, he proclaims. Beautiful... as if the other times only tickled. Another 5 jabs with the needle and we're finally on the road to numbness.

On the way home, my face feels funny. I do a little self-examination and realize- not only is my cheek and bottom lip numb.... my whole left cheek, jaw, underneath my chin, all around my ear and up to my eye is numb. Oh yes, the tongue also.

Numb mouth and inability to open the jaw... how will I go on!

Gearing up for Nicaragua!

Yippee!!!! Another outlet which allows me to speak my myriads of thoughts.
Are you prepared?! :)

With a bouncing, jabbering baby on my lap, I won't get far right now.

This is where I will post updates while I'm down in the humid climate of Nica.

3 more days...

Laura

----------- Addenum -----------
For you Shelley... because you were so disappointed in me ;)
To start, cut your expectations back a little bit... I love to talk but that doesn't promise it'll always entertain you!

Events of the day... in sequential order...

1. Walking in the door to Loren and Becky's is the best. I am always greeted with big, almost toothless grins. And we're starting to wave, which makes it that much cuter!

2. Waking up Eva. I set Kailey right next to Eva, who promptly pulls the blanket over her head and burrows into the crevice between the mattress and the wall. I finally had to pry the blankets out of her grasp and pull her out of bed. She's not a morning person... ;)

3. Choosing my username---- I wanted something unique, something different, cooler than anybody else's username. (pride goeth before destruction......) So, after an entire HOUR of scouring the recesses of my mind, with every attempt coming up as "sorry, this username is not available"--this is what I settled for. (they say not to do that when choosing a husband...)

4. I repacked my suitcases for Nicaragua for the third time.

5. Naptime!!

6. I take off for a dental appointment. I sat there and browsed through a "Family Fun" magazine for TEN minutes when I suddenly realized... my appointment is tomorrow.

7. "Mommy! Mommy's home!!!" (add a couple high-pitched squeals in there for full effect)

8. The end of my day was as good as the beginning! My hyper niece played hide and go seek with me. I told Eva to go count to ten. This is what I hear, "One, two, ready or not, here I come!"
I hid behind a door and watched her walk past me several times before I finally let her find me. :D To make it more fun, I hid Kailey in the Hello Kitty tent. Eva circled around the room a couple times, yelling "Kaaaailey, where areeee you?" I look over and see this gigantic baby eye staring at me in consternation. Cute beyond words:)

9. Back home again, I unpack, sort, and repack my suitcases a fourth time. And then a fifth time. And then I weigh and measure them all... more sorting...

Good night all.