Traveling...

Just a quick note…we are currently in the U.S. and as a result, it will be several more weeks before I am back to blogging. I guess I just figured those of you who read the blog on a regular basis would realize that but I have recently realized that is not necessarily the case…sorry for any undue worry! We’re fine…just really busy!

We are thoroughly enjoying reconnecting after a year with our families and our friends…it’s been such a privilege to share our hearts with so many of you in person and to receive such support and encouragement in return…once again, we feel we are blessed beyond measure in so many ways.

We’ve had to laugh about the number of times we’ve been asked if we’re getting rested up. Not hardly! We’ve been on the run since we touched down and have had a ball seeing everyone. Plus, we’ve been fed some of the best meals you could imagine! We are so thankful we know such amazing cooks and fabulous bakers…I think that has to be a prerequisite to being a Baptist! I’ve already decided my idea of losing a little bit of weight while State-side is totally far-fetched. I am miserably happy or happily miserable, I’m not sure which. Either way, it’s safe to say that we’re not in any danger of going hungry here.

For those of you who have asked, the grandkids are fantastic and so much fun! Maddie is beautiful – inside and out. Sam is taller than I am…enough so I can put my head on his shoulder! Benjamin’s smile continues to light up hearts. Jeremiah commands center stage and knows exactly how to make sure that all are compliant! Nathanial couldn’t be any sweeter…he is as every bit as precious as we had hoped. Our time with them is flying by much too quickly.

We will be back in Managua in about three weeks and are excited to see what God has in store for us when we return. We are also looking forward to checking in with our friends there and to see how they are all getting along. I will update you on Kenneth’s condition as soon as I can as well as how things are going with Miguel and Elizabeth. Please keep us all in your prayers. We appreciate you all so much.

No one like our God...

I want to finish telling you about our finale to Mother’s Day here. Just to warn you, this is another lengthy blog. Some of you may remember that there was going to be a celebration for Mother’s Day at the school in Los Cedros and that I needed to have the kids sing a song in English for their moms. You also may remember that not only did I have doubts that I could do this, I had doubts that the kids would do it! Oh, me of little faith!

Plans and programs at the school continue to be a surprise to us. At some point, I’m sure I’m going to expect the unexpected instead of what has been formed as “normal” by my own upbringing and culture. When Pastora told me we were going to have a Mother’s Day program, I assumed it would be a simple little program where some of the moms would come and watch their children fidget and wave while loudly singing off-key through a few songs. I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

The last few months have been frustrating as far as trying to get the kids to learn their respective songs. Overachiever that I am, I decided to divide the kids in to two groups, thinking it would be easier for group practices, participation, etc. 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades go to school in the mornings and 4th, 5th and 6th grade attend in the afternoon. It just made sense to me to have two songs. Of course, I didn’t realize I was probably suffering from a mild heat stroke at the time when I made such a decision!

The morning classes were to sing to the tune of the children’s song “B-I-N-G-O” and their words were very simple…”I love her and she loves me and Mommy is her name-o, M-O-M-M-Y, M-O-M-M-Y, M-O-M-M-Y, and Mommy is her name-o.” The kids were to sing those verses all the way through the first time and then each subsequent time through, they were to drop the last letter of the spelling of the word, M-O-M-M-Y and clap one time for each letter, eventually clapping out the name in its entirety. The idea was this was to all happen in a coordinated manner.

Simple enough, right? Well, if you think my explanation was difficult to understand in English, you should have seen the kids try to grasp it in my butchered Spanish! Actually, after a couple of weeks of practicing it every time we had class, they pretty much got the premise of the mechanics of the song and then we worked on the pronunciation of each word…remember, these are foreign words to these kids. Once we got the pronunciation to where it was somewhat understandable, the biggest hurdle was getting them to clap at the appropriate time and only then. That seemed to be Mission Impossible with some of the little ones…they loved the clapping and often couldn’t wait nor could they stop!

I decided that the majority of the kids did well enough that we would just continue to teach by example and hoped that they somehow would catch on to the timing and the pattern. The kids all loved the song and it got to be that when I would walk in to their rooms for English class, they would spontaneously start singing their song. It was so cute, so encouraging…and so repetitive! But I know that’s how these kids learn best so that was a positive.

I had tried several times to get all three grades together in order to coordinate their singing but there was always a scheduling conflict with the other teachers. Now I know why as they were busy working on their own class programs but at the time, it was a bit frustrating. After being put off for several weeks, we finally were able to practice as a group for the very first time the day before the celebration and then it was only for about 20 minutes. Later I found out I had to give up my English class time of 40 minutes with 1st grade for that 20 minute practice time. Somehow the trade-off didn’t quite balance in my mind, but I never was considered a math whiz…anyway, it was at the point I needed to do whatever it took for us to have an opportunity to practice together.

That sounds like a pretty good length of time to have those three classes together but by the time we got them all out to the rancho, lined up and quieted down, we were able to go through the song only twice…and it wasn’t the greatest rehearsal, believe me. The kids were distracted by being outside, being with one another and with hitting and punching on their neighbor. Add to the fact that the ladies in the kitchen were getting ready to serve lunch in a little bit and the children’s little tummies were growling, there was just too much going on to capture their full attention.

Although they knew the words for the most part, they didn’t seem to remember the timing of the clapping part at all and I couldn’t get them to sing very loud. Regardless, I praised them to the hilt – something I try to be very intentional about doing when I see them put forth any effort in any capacity – and of course, they responded with the biggest smiles. Jim reassured me saying that he thought they would probably do better when their moms were sitting in front of them. I hoped he was right.

Well, the little bit of concern I had regarding the little ones was nothing compared to the flat out anxiety I was suffering in regards to the 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes. Those kids didn’t want to sing the same song as the little ones and they had voted to sing a song to God instead of to their mothers. Initially, it seemed like such a wonderful decision and we chose the song, “God of This City”. The kids liked the music and they seemed to like the significance of the words. I had printed it off in English for them to learn the words and in Spanish, for them to understand what they were singing.

Sixth grade took right to it and wanted to practice all the time. They managed to hang on to their song sheets for several weeks. Fifth grade could have cared less and although they wanted me to bring the CD player to class, it was more so as a diversion and an excuse not to have English class. They threw away their song sheets right away which irked me to no end as we pay for every copy we make for class and only two or three even pretended to try to sing. Fourth grade loved the idea of singing the song but they really struggled with the words. They came out strong on the chorus but never did catch on to the fact that the last word in the chorus changes at a certain point.

After several weeks of struggling to try to get the kids enthused about their decision and somehow motivated to practice, we were met with a new obstacle. We started losing electricity every afternoon during our 4th and 5th grade class times. No electricity – no music. No music – no participation from the kids. My anxiety level grew in direct proportion to my frustration. Even sixth grade seemed to lose some of their steam, preferring to grab the cd player, tune in their own rock stations and wanting to listen to that instead of practicing their song. After managing to ruin my beloved Chris Tomlin “God of This City” cd and without any remorse over the fact, the kids lost the privilege of operating the cd player.

We had to have the song on CD and so we bought a blank cd, went online and paid to download the one song so we could have a CD of it again to use with the kids. Jim became the only one to operate the CD player. I was frustrated with the childrens’ behavior and I was frustrated with their lack of participation. It had become a chore that we all had to do. The joy was gone in working even with the sixth grade on their song. My anxiety had taken on a real heaviness. I so badly wanted these kids to do this well. I wanted their moms to be proud of them and if I were honest, I would have to say that I wanted them to be proud of me. That pride thing is always biting me in one way or another…it’s a nasty pet to have around.

I’m absolutely sure that God was just waiting for me to run out of my own resources and I finally reached that point the day before the celebration. Like the morning classes, I was able to gather the afternoon group together for a short time. Most of the afternoon kids were there that morning for their class with Jim and for the lunch that is provided three times a week. Jim graciously sacrificed part of his time with the sixth grade class for me to get the kids together for a group rehearsal.

The morning kids looked like professionals compared to the afternoon kids. The kids who normally at least tried to sing in their own classes were self-conscious in the large group. The sound of the music was lost in the vastness of being outside in the rancho and they didn’t even have the security of the singing on the cd to fall back upon. Only one student out of all three grades had her copy of the song. The smell of lunch was powerful and distracting. We sang through the song once and it was awful. We tried it again…it was worse. It was my worst nightmare. The next day was the celebration and I knew this was it. I also knew that if we had another month, it wouldn’t be any better. I was discouraged and defeated.

I took a deep breath, told the kids that this was to be a song for their mothers and that it was now up to them how they performed. I reminded them they had one day to learn their song and to decide to sing it and that it was totally their decision how the performance would come out the next day. I dismissed the kids and felt sick at my stomach. I felt like a complete failure. It was bad enough to struggle with teaching them English…well, good grief! I couldn’t even teach them a song! One of the easiest ways kids learn. Yuk. At that moment, I was tired of fighting to reach these kids. I was tired of trying to teach them Godly values. I was tired of trying to teach them English. I was even tired of them…I’m sorry to say that wasn’t one of my most sterling of moments.

God granted us electricity that afternoon (in spite of my internal temper tantrum!) and we were able to go through the song one more time in both 4th and 5th grade…we didn’t have 6th grade class that day. The practices weren’t much better than they had been earlier in the day. There was minimal effort from 5th grade and basically, just noise from 4th grade. It wasn’t looking good and I was more than ready to leave school that day.

There were no classes on Friday and the celebration was scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. As with most things here, time is a suggestion. It was unbelievably hot and humid. There were thunderheads all around us and not a breath of air. There were tables and chairs set up in the rancho and the area was decorated with a welcome banner. The mothers and children began arriving. The older kids immediately headed out to the soccer field and the younger ones to the playground.

Some folks were dressed in their very best, others in their well-worn work clothes; some were young mothers full of life and energy and some were grandmothers, tired and life-weary; some had attitudes of anticipation, a few sadly seemed to be there out of duty…thankfully, the children seemed to be oblivious to any negativity. Their last few months of memorizations, practices and rehearsals were about to come to fruition. Sadly, not all of the children or all of their mothers came…they don’t know what they missed.

There were speeches, poems, songs, dances, skits and recitations. Some were serious, some were traditional, some were funny. All were a joy to watch…at least for me. God had performed a miracle in my spirit. I was as proud of each one of the children as if they were my own. We took lots of pictures, (sadly, most were on our zoom feature and they came out awful) applauded loudly and hugged each child tightly as they came by to either greet us before their performances or for affirmation afterwards. It was easy and natural to do so. My heart was filled with love and pride for each one of them and we were having a ball watching the children perform their best for their mothers.

It was our turn…it was time for the morning classes to sing their song. It was announced that the “profesora de inglés” had taught the children a song in English. The children gathered in a tight little knot and we had to make them move forward and spread them out. I told them quietly in Spanish to watch me and to clap when I clapped. They were very serious and I had a moment of concern that they were going to freeze up on this. Not a problem. They did fantastic! They sang their little hearts out, enunciated their words and for the most part, clapped when they were supposed to do so…it was terrific and the moms loved it! At the end of the song, I told them they were perfect and they responded as they always do to praise…with smiles so bright and hugs so tight that it almost makes my heart burst.

After a few more other performances, it was then time for the afternoon classes to sing. I had printed about 20 copies of the song the night before, color-coded the verses to help the kids know what to sing and when, taped them to red construction paper that had “Happy Mother’s Day” printed on the back and handed them out to the kids to share. I think there was security in just having something in their hands.

They had set up a speaker system so the kids were going to be able to hear the cd play. The music started, I smiled at them and off we went…and they sang!!! Not loudly to begin with but their volume grew as did their confidence. There were a few who refused to even pretend to sing but for the most part, the majority of them tried…and that’s all it took for me. I was so impressed and the kids improved with each line of the song. It was unbelievable and I could feel the tears starting to form…these kids had either been holding out or I was witnessing another one of God’s miracles…I believe it was the latter.

We finished the song and the kids scattered. Most think they’re too big and too cool for hugs but they quickly responded with huge grins when I praised them. The translation of the song was read. Some mothers obviously were puzzled why the children wanted to sing a song to God instead of to them…some mothers nodded their heads in affirmation of the message. This “mother” couldn’t have been more proud of those kids. They gave their best to their mothers and it was wonderful. More than that, they gave voice to the fact that God is indeed, sovereign over their town, their people, their country, over all…a praiseworthy message in any language.

The program soon finished. Each mother received a wrapped package – I have no idea what they received as they all observed the “don’t open it here” rule. The mothers and all the children were also given a plate of food. Most of the kids ate right then whereas the mothers took their plates home to share with their husbands or with others in their household. The teachers, including myself, were given a gift bag which held a fruit basket, as a thank-you from Pastora. That was a wonderful surprise…as most of the evening had been…God continues to bless us in the most unusual ways here...as well as remind us He is God of this city, King of these people and Lord of this nation...there is no one like our God!

The month of the mother...

I wrote this Saturday night but didn’t get it posted until tonight. Trying to coordinate my “blog” time to work with the time our electricity is on has been a challenge the last few days…hence the discrepancy in time. The message remains the same…

May is the Month of the Mother and today is officially recognized as Mother’s Day here in Nicaragua. I thought Mother’s Day was a big deal in the U.S. but this country has taken it to a whole new level…the Nicas know how to celebrate their mamas. Even the very poor families recognize the significance and honor the position of the mother in their homes…at least on this day, they do.

On Wednesday of last week, Jim and I had gotten settled in the upstairs Sunday school room where we have class when Miguel excused himself and went back downstairs. I assumed he needed to go to the restroom. A few minutes later, he came back up the steps and I noticed there was someone right behind him. It was Elizabeth! She had come to surprise us and what a great surprise it was!

Of course, we had our hugs and kisses and then she handed a pretty gift bag to me. When I asked why, Miguel told me it was my Mother’s Day present. I had told him the week before that I was really missing my girls on the Sunday that Mother’s Day had been celebrated in the U.S. I explained that I had not gotten to talk with Mandy that Sunday and that although our grandkids had left a voice message on our Skype and that Sadie had written “Happy Mother’s Day” on Facebook, that it just wasn’t the same. He seemed unduly concerned and I told him I was fine, just missing my family. As with most folks, spending holidays away from my family leave me momentarily feeling a bit hollow.

Well, evidently, Miguel and Elizabeth thought they needed to rectify that situation as best they could. So, even though Mother’s Day in the States was past and Mother’s Day here had not yet happened, they chose that day to celebrate this mother! Somehow, it seemed so apropos to be in the middle of both and not really belonging to either…much of how this entire year has felt at times. Their thoughtfulness coupled with my own remnant of homesickness still hanging on, immediately brought me to tears…you know, the kind you want to stop, but just can’t seem to be able to do so.

So, with Elizabeth periodically patting my arm and hugging me, Miguel asked when Father’s Day is celebrated in the U.S. We told him it would be June 21 and that we would still be in the U.S. at that time. Miguel handed Jim a wrapped box and told him he could go ahead and open it. I think I’ve mentioned before that it seems in this culture, gifts aren’t opened in front of the giver but Miguel has learned to appreciate the joy it brings to see delight expressed by a grateful recipient. He very much likes our custom of opening the gift in front of the giver and apparently has adopted that as his own, at least where we’re concerned.

Jim opened his package and found a handsome new black “Nicaragua” t-shirt. The note in the package was written exactly as follows,
“Happy Father’ day
Thanks Father for your help, and your teaching
God Bless you
We Love you
Miguel Elizabeth”

It was a wonderful note and I know Jim was deeply touched, not only with the thoughtfulness and the sentiment, but also by the sacrifice we know they made in buying a gift for him.
Then it was my turn. Miguel said something quietly to Elizabeth and she then told me I could also open my gift. I was surprised and asked her if she was sure. She told me yes…I’m sure Miguel had told her it was okay for me to do so then and I think she probably remembered just a few weeks earlier when I had urged her to go ahead and open her birthday presents at our house.

I opened the bag and the first thing I saw was a single-stem silk scented rose with a small little white teddy bear attached to it. These are immensely popular in the markets and are recognized gifts of affection. I then pulled out a tissue-wrapped gift, opened it up and was so surprised to see a small wall clock placed in a Nicaraguan-shaped piece of wood. This particular type is often found in the tourist booths of the markets and although most Americans would not have found this to be a terribly expensive item, I know it was costly for them. Clocks are a luxury here, for whatever reason, and seem to be one of those things that I think are priced too high…again, this represented yet another sacrifice for this precious couple.

Miguel said that if we were to ever leave, then we would have a remembrance of Nicaragua and of them. At the moment, I thought that was odd as I couldn’t imagine leaving and I couldn’t imagine us ever forgetting our time here if we did. But later, I realized that was both a verbal and a physical representation of how important our relationship with Miguel and Elizabeth has become to all of us.

I also had a note in my bag which again, was written exactly as follows,
“Thanks mamita for your counsel, teaching, and your Love
We are very thankful for you
God Bless you.
For: Lyne
From: Miguel y Elizabeth”

Mamita is a name that has special meaning for me. Just the week before, Miguel had brought me a small package from Kenneth and his mother, Danelia. It was a thank-you gift from their family and held two wonderful gifts…a key holder, similar in style to the clock from Miguel and Elizabeth from Danelia which we now have hanging in our kitchen and a beautiful handmade butterfly from Kenneth which has “landed” on our refrigerator.

Danelia had written a beautiful thank-you note, expressing her gratitude for our friendship and help to their family. It was a lengthy note so I won’t copy it here but it was full of appreciation and an acknowledgement that she believes God has brought us here. Her open expression of concern about her children, especially Kenneth, and how we had helped alleviate some of that worry, was touching, rewarding and humbling all at the same time.

Kenneth had also written the sweetest note for me and he had addressed it to “Mamita Lin”. I had asked Miguel to explain to me why he would address me as “little mama”. Miguel told me that it is used here as a term of endearment for a family member who is much loved. Of course, that was so special to me to have Kenneth refer to me in such a way but to have Miguel and Elizabeth to also call me by such an affectionate name in their Mother’s Day note for me, somehow seemed extra special. I am a woman abundantly blessed and immensely thankful.

I don’t know if you noticed or not, but neither Miguel and Elizabeth nor Kenneth spelled my name correctly. I’m not sure why but it used to bother me a little when people didn’t spell my name correctly. I think I somehow took it as a personal offense. Through the years I’ve become accustomed to the fact that most folks aren’t going to write my name as my mother thought it should be written. But never have I had it misspelled quite so beautifully as I have these last two weeks. In this context, Shakespeare was absolutely right when he penned, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet…”

As sweet and as special as the name “Mamita” is to me, I am reminded that there is a Name above all names. God’s Word says in Acts 4:12 that “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Philippians 2:9 says, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,” Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name. Nothing has the power to save but Your Name.