tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480965240544057312024-03-12T19:29:42.969-06:00NEWS FROM NICThoughts, updates and ramblings from two folks who don't have a clue why they're in Nicaragua other than God is in to shock therapy!Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-87365055226911283002014-04-17T11:56:00.000-06:002014-04-17T11:56:15.531-06:00I don't like spiders or snakes and that ain't what it takes to love me...<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know, I know...there are other subjects that I need to blog about long before this one. But this one is about something that just happened and I just had to share it! For those of you who know the gentle-gecko-goo-removal side of my husband, here is another facet of the man. The determined hunter and protector. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's been one of those if-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie kind of mornings...and an old Jim Stafford song is playing in my head. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />We have a tall plastic cart with drawers that sits next to our stove. I had formerly used this cart in the study to hold office supplies but this kitchen has no drawers at all, so I use it now to hold all my kitchen utensils, dish towels, pot holders, etc.<br />About 6:10 this morning, Jim went to pour himself a cup of coffee...the coffee pot sits on the counter right next to this cart...and he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye on top of the cart. There was a small garter-type snake that had laid claim to that spot! Jim grabbed the fly-swatter to try to hold it down and grab it but the fly-swatter was too flexible to do the job and the snake was too flexible to be held. It jumped, leaped, fell...whatever...it hit the floor and promptly slithered right into the back of the stove. <br />Mind you, I was still fast asleep at that time and knew nothing of what was going on in the kitchen. I usually get up shortly after Jim but I have not slept well the last few nights so I guess I was extra tired and just kept sleeping on...totally oblivious to the Wild Kingdom adventure taking place in the cocina.<br />When I finally woke up (a few minutes before 8:00 a.m. mind you!), I was startled to see how late it was. I got up, went out towards the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, fully prepared to apologize to my husband for sleeping so late, only to see my kitchen stove in pieces all over the floor. My eyes were open and I was walking but I don't think I was yet fully awake. I looked at Jim, as he was graciously pouring me a cup of coffee, and could tell he was trying to think of a how to tell me what was going on just as I was trying to comprehend why my stove was in the middle of the floor with various parts of it laying all about. <br />The last time the stove was pulled out, there was a mouse that had gotten inside of it and that's what I was beginning to assume had happened again. Jim handed me my cup of coffee and said, very calmly, "There's a snake in the oven." Obviously, he had thought that statement through. <br />"What???" I gasped.<br />"There's a snake in the oven."<br />"A snake? How did a snake get in the oven? How did it get in the house? How do you know it's in the oven?"<br />"I'm not really sure how he got in there but I'm pretty sure that's where he is." Jim's a one question-at-a-time-kind of guy. <br />"Pretty sure???"<br />"Yeah, I don't know how he got in the house..."<br />"Are you SURE he's in the oven and didn't get away somewhere else in the kitchen?" <br />"Yeah...pretty sure."<br />I am not a "pretty sure" kind of gal. I want a definite "yes" or "no" and a lot of explanation to accompany either one. Jim is not much of an explainer, patient as he is...especially when he's been trying for the last few hours to catch, lure, coax or chase a snake out of the oven.<br />I then asked the next logical question, "If you can't find him, does this mean I get a new stove?"<br />Due to my astuteness (assisted by Jim's giving of "that look", I realized all of my questions were not an asset at the moment and so I stood and watched silently (more or less) as he continued to slowly remove pieces of the stove, one at a time. <br />Finally, the fog of my sleeping late lifted after a few slurps of coffee, and I had to venture one more question..."Don't you think it would be a good idea to take the stove out back and do that? What if he gets out and you can't catch him in time? Or what if you try to hit him with something and you break a floor tile?" The one more question obviously took on a life of its own and grew quickly into more. <br />But, Jim saw the wisdom in that suggestion and moved the stove out to the patio area and continued his disassembling. I decided to go take a shower and stay as far away from the process and the snake as possible. I hollered out one more suggestion..."Hook the stove up again and light it...don't you think he'll come out then?" I heard some mumbling and then, "I hope he would come out." That ranks on the same level as "Pretty sure." <br />I got in the shower. Within minutes, I heard something pounding against the concrete edge of the patio and then repeated whacks on the gravel. I hollered at Jim if he got it and his tired but joyous reply was, "Yeah!! Thank you, Lord!!" I echoed those same thanks from the shower!<br />Of course, I rapidly got dressed so I could go see what I had envisioned to be a snake of pythonic proportions. It was much smaller...even if it would have still had it's head attached. But it was still every bit as unwelcome.<br />It seems as though Jim decided to disregard my suggestion of roasting the creature and opted to tip the stove up on its side to see if it was on the bottom side of the stove. As he did, the snake dropped down and began slithering away. He had one of my big wooden cooking spoons and used it to trap it and then finished it off with the machete. <br />That would have been the lovely ending to the story...but there was still a stove to reassemble and a floor to clean (note to self: the stove should be moved out more frequently than when there's a resident rodent or reptile). This also led to sweeping all the floors and scrubbing down the plastic cart to remove any possible remains of snake cooties which then naturally led to cleaning and returning to its proper home, all the other paraphernalia that was somehow needed in this reptilian removal.<br />I am so grateful that I have a husband who will let his wife sleep-in, even when he's in the midst of trying to extricate a stealthy, sneaky, stove-seeking snake, who perseveres in the hunt (the thought of buying a new stove might have helped with that motivation somewhat), who is not going to rest until he has caught his prey and who did not argue when I said, "Throw the spoon away." <br />Oh, how I love that man of mine! He knows I don't like spiders or snakes! </span>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-12136733191114414242014-03-25T21:56:00.001-06:002014-03-25T21:56:15.706-06:00Again...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have come to the conclusion that Facebook has not been
conducive to blog writing…at least not for me, it hasn’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love keeping up with everyone on
Facebook…and I love being able to write a quick synopsis of our day…Facebook
makes it easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blogspot does not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, sadly, I’m not a good multi-tasker when
it comes to my writing and so it seems that I’ve opted for Facebook in place of
blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or I should say, I have for
the past year…I’m going to attempt to change that somewhat and hopefully,
become more balanced with both.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It has been brought to my attention (more than once…kindly,
gently, not-so-kindly and not-so-gently) by more than one person that I need to
get back to the blog since there are folks who don’t have Facebook and don’t
want to have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admire their
stance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once had a similar one…I caved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, when it comes to blogging…I begin
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Life has been more than fast-paced for us the last few
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We flew back to Nicaragua on Wednesday,
March 12<sup>th</sup> and it feels like we hit the ground running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to a friend, we had the a/c in our car
fixed while we were State-side but had to have something concerning it tweaked
and tightened before returning to Somoto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also had some business we had to which we had to attend, some
shopping to do and a meeting to attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, we actually didn’t make it up to Somoto until Friday, the 14<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Since then, we have been crazy busy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been trying to get things ready for
the FBC Cassville team’s arrival which is this next Sunday, March 31<sup>st</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also are involved in the wedding of our
very dear and special friends, Raquel (the director of CINAFE) and Miguel
Angel, who are getting married the night before the team arrives!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have several roles of responsibility in
the wedding so it’s more than just our showing up…and, as great of an honor
that is, that we’ve been asked to participate in their special day, it’s also
added somewhat to the stress level on our end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plus, that time commitment has made things even more challenging with
the timing and preparation for this team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, God has paved the way for us and helped us through each of the
challenges, so far, and I have no reason to think He won’t continue to do so! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The night we got home, it was so nice to be here and to be mosquito
free…it didn’t take long for them to find us again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other things we noticed that night were
all the new cracks in the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that there were some tremors while we were gone but I wonder if a lot of it
isn’t just the house settling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cracks
are just part of a concrete block house…but some of ours are of a pretty
healthy size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be interesting to
see what happens when the rains come again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A day after being home, our freezer quit working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a huge thing for us as we depend
greatly on that freezer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We managed to
salvage most everything and had to wait a few days for the freezer repair guy
to come as he was on the east coast working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankfully, the problem turned out to be a very simple fix and we didn’t
need to buy any parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was such a
huge blessing…freezers are considered a definite luxury here and the parts to
repair them are priced accordingly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The saga of the water tank is about to come to an end…I
hope!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to get someone to install
one has been somewhat of a Herculean task, it seems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were told it would be better to wait until
the dry season so that the concrete pad could set up without a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when we got the estimate to have it
installed, it was more than double what we had thought it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we decided to revamp our plan for
installation to bring the cost down considerably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, that didn’t help with finding
someone to actually show up to do the work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But, after numerous failed attempts, our friend Hermes
finally brought a man named Tonio over who said he would do the concrete
work…and for a very reasonable price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jim liked him and so he and Tonio agreed upon the day he would
arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our responsibility was to get
the materials delivered and to get the water tank delivered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we did both of those things…which never
is as simple as it should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day came when
Tonio was to be at our house at 7:00 a.m. to make the concrete pad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He still hadn’t come by 7:30, but we weren’t
terribly concerned as that’s about par for the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 9:00 a.m. though, we figured out he wasn’t
coming. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim called Hermes to see if he
could find out what had happened with Tonio and a little bit later, Hermes came
by to tell us that he had talked with Tonio’s wife and apparently, he had
forgotten and had gone to work at another job that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am pretty sure my frustration was apparent because a few hours
later, Tonio came by and apologized to Jim for forgetting and promised he would
be there the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this time, he
was good for his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brought
another worker with him so that they could get the job done before it got
really hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, it looks as though they
did a good job.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The concrete should be cured to the point that we should be
able to install the tank tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
order to save some expense, Jim’s going to do the plumbing part himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he’ll show up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if all goes well, we should have a
working water tank in place within a couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can hardly wait!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lose our water on a daily basis these days
and it will be so nice to have a reserve from which we can draw.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We’ve started back to school in El Melonar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enrollment is up for this year which is very
encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have 28 students in the
morning class and the pre-school class has 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our afternoon class has stayed consistent with the same kids from last
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The change that I’ve noticed most
is that the children have been so unruly this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t really being “bad”, but neither
are they nearly as well-behaved as they were last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has made teaching much more of a challenge
and exhausting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we’re going to
have to work on manners and behavior again this year because it seems that many
have forgotten which has been disappointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am praying that the Lord will give me wisdom and some great ideas as
to how to address this in a manner that brings about the desired results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love these kids and want to see them
succeed…in every aspect of their education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We have also been immersed in trying to get the baking
project underway in El Melonar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
opportunity is a result of the generosity of a group of women from FBC
Cassville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had enough money
donated to build an oven in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That alone fired me up and I am so excited about this opportunity for
those ladies who will benefit from this wonderful gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But, the difference in cultures has been very evident in
working towards that goal of helping those ladies get a business started
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without going in to all the
details, the bottom line is that we are soon going to find out who has the
motivation, drive and determination to see this through and who is going to let
their fear and sense of being comfortable in their present circumstances
dominate. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYaw_QIidEtqsuLrVqvR34APVkgqKSIM26euRn0wl1ioByLETPjhfNvGOVcvQtrQX1Ax9DiXL8BeajmGq_QY1LO6nEPaAsK7ZoJ-adQtI03koWMQ5eqhR6BmwMld25xYEYsKwvGBZdUKc/s1600/P1060034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYaw_QIidEtqsuLrVqvR34APVkgqKSIM26euRn0wl1ioByLETPjhfNvGOVcvQtrQX1Ax9DiXL8BeajmGq_QY1LO6nEPaAsK7ZoJ-adQtI03koWMQ5eqhR6BmwMld25xYEYsKwvGBZdUKc/s1600/P1060034.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tired from a full morning of learning</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are five women who have shown an interest and we have
obtained two days worth of training for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, none of them have any business experience nor are any of them natural
born leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we have learned that
this is going to be a teaching project in more ways than just learning how to
make bread which translates in to taking much more time than we had originally
planned and a ton more patience and encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkuZ0Gthmi9y5x_JgcFINsn1eCzcDtOJa6KkPexH8VtPnP4TVqbPe1nJlpa6mgdPaK_zj8sh3NnmkYoCyT5icusaOCNjV55S6y95HO5lmkKofY3fjNGeM6HlvB9ItfsrDel0hZF3q_Usz/s1600/P1060031.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/AVvXsEjnkuZ0Gthmi9y5x_JgcFINsn1eCzcDtOJa6KkPexH8VtPnP4TVqbPe1nJlpa6mgdPaK_zj8sh3NnmkYoCyT5icusaOCNjV55S6y95HO5lmkKofY3fjNGeM6HlvB9ItfsrDel0hZF3q_Usz/s1600/P1060031.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the kitchen, learning to make rolls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WYGgUyCYSD8MYmzJ_mUl8zgq4wKRWrTucSOj1JK1U5XFWJBaJ1N35nbQcawQlZ-yqSVqaFxN3lEvsY1KYWSJBWqaQ4aaLzT2cFMAhAEWGaN-zRw8U45-nXPFLdJ8kUGzkrcns85hGAHq/s1600/P1060039.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WYGgUyCYSD8MYmzJ_mUl8zgq4wKRWrTucSOj1JK1U5XFWJBaJ1N35nbQcawQlZ-yqSVqaFxN3lEvsY1KYWSJBWqaQ4aaLzT2cFMAhAEWGaN-zRw8U45-nXPFLdJ8kUGzkrcns85hGAHq/s1600/P1060039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Marta</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We were out at El Melonar at 6:30 yesterday morning to pick
these 5 ladies up to take them to Cacauli (another community about 20 minutes
away) to spend the morning learning the intricacies of baking in one of these
outside beehive ovens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The lady who is
teaching them grew up learning and practicing this skill as her mother also was
a baker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marta is a sweet person and was
very kind when we spoke with her about hiring her to teach these gals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is not only full of knowledge, she is
such a great encourager and I’m so grateful the Lord led us to her for this
task.</span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE311I99xi4yWE0cjT7ZIk9SkH3yfGyuA0CJOPCWsRICORFSnu8Xu_Bf7W6-w0uZfTPqT-mzNUbtCaKbhlwnoY7ywQeK0Zyzei0TaGfRT5xxfOXZyOlyStyWIeLEm92CTjOudYW1yWx2AZ/s1600/P1060040.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE311I99xi4yWE0cjT7ZIk9SkH3yfGyuA0CJOPCWsRICORFSnu8Xu_Bf7W6-w0uZfTPqT-mzNUbtCaKbhlwnoY7ywQeK0Zyzei0TaGfRT5xxfOXZyOlyStyWIeLEm92CTjOudYW1yWx2AZ/s1600/P1060040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Headed home!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We will pick the ladies up again in the morning (Wed.) and
they will have another morning of lessons with Marta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, we will see if they are ready for
the next step and that’s to begin the building the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several men in the community who
are also interested in this project…and very excited about the prospect of
another similar opportunity in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The thought of keeping El Melonar alive as a viable and self-sustaining
community has energized so many there…others, of course, have a wait-and-see
attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will just keep moving
forward as long as that’s the direction the Lord leads!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We also met last week with five young ladies from El Melonar
whose college tuitions are now being funded by some ladies at FBC Cassville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an amazing gift this is to these
girls!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were so excited that the
worry of paying tuition for this year has now been lifted from their
shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We also have supplied each one of the girls with the
necessary school supplies they need and they were so grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the girls is especially good about
expressing her thanks and she’s probably the one who needs the help the
most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s always a joy to do something
for her and she makes it so easy to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The girls have agreed to volunteer two hours a week with helping
at the school which will benefit Prof. Mario, the students, the community at
large and themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are new
concepts for them and three of the five have embraced the idea
whole-heartedly…the other two will come around although I know it will take
some time for their attitude and their gratitude to match their words!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Volunteering in that way is just not
something that is normal in this culture, but, I have no doubt they will see
the benefit of giving back.<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/AVvXsEgB4UtvZxzuJ1NnjgEuo3bYMtrfBOSjuLu52AxYxOD9oc1wL_fprmWnS7nOg9w2n4Lbszh9vClzjm5DSux700DVBmg7D0JpvRjbjXYRPDFb0QU43z0QYrYMPozfw_PBwRs4SyOa6syPBbKo/s1600/P1050989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB4UtvZxzuJ1NnjgEuo3bYMtrfBOSjuLu52AxYxOD9oc1wL_fprmWnS7nOg9w2n4Lbszh9vClzjm5DSux700DVBmg7D0JpvRjbjXYRPDFb0QU43z0QYrYMPozfw_PBwRs4SyOa6syPBbKo/s1600/P1050989.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Claudia who is studying to be a nurse, Tania and Franlie are studying to be teachers, Lourdes and Nohelia are studying to be English teachers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, for the most part, those are the highlights of what
we’ve been doing the last two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of the smaller projects have included cutting out and organizing
our new Betty Luken's Bible Felt Board Set…another greatly appreciated gift
which we received while Stateside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
a beautiful set with wonderfully vivid colors and we are so excited to begin
our new story time with the kids using this set…that’s scheduled to begin after
our time with the FBC Cassville team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We also have had to spend some time in the garden, trying to
clean up, dead-head, nurse some neglected plants back to health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jim installed a small ceiling fan in the kitchen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That has been a lifesaver the last few days
as the temps have been so hot…95 degrees actual…who knows what the heat index
has been?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just know it has been
ridiculously hot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with the ceiling
fan on the highest speed and our oscillating floor fan going full blast, it’s
been difficult to sleep at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We had to go pay the tuition at a private school for a
little girl that a friend who lives in Managua is sponsoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is always an ordeal…it is not an
organized or a rapid process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We had a week of daily visitors…almost all were unexpected,
including a couple from Germany who has expressed an interest in working in El
Melonar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were a lovely young couple
and it was a pleasure to meet them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
word seemed to spread quickly that we were back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, that’s a pretty concise summary of our last two weeks…at
least it’s somewhat concise for the lover-of-words me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not promise that I will return to the
same prolific posts that I had in the early days of my blogging…time is always
an issue for me…I wish I was a brief writer but I’m not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twitter and I would never get along!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thank you for coming to visit us here at the blog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until next time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-24077437565495086742013-04-20T20:04:00.004-06:002013-04-20T20:04:38.340-06:00Kenneth...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The last few days have been difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not sure how coherent this is going to be...I'm filled with so much emotion and don't seem to be able to get it out as well as I would like. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past weekend, I told Jim I felt like we
needed to go check on Kenneth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
couldn’t explain why, but I was feeling uneasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So Tuesday, we made the decision to go to Managua on Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I canceled our Thursday classes and
rearranged our schedule for other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday morning, I called Danelia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it was Kenneth who answered the
phone and although the voice was soft, I was surprised it was as strong as it
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked if it was Kenneth and there
was no answer and so I then asked for Danelia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was told she had gone to buy something so I just said that we would be
there the next day and was told that was fine and the phone call was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That very brief and mainly one-sided
conversation left me with the idea that although Kenneth sounded weaker, he
still sounded much better than I had anticipated after receiving Dr. Ortiz’s
e-mail and for just a moment, I reconsidered the idea of making the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, we stayed with our plans to go.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had decided my uneasy feelings were just my imagination
getting the best of me and so we left Wednesday afternoon for Managua in good
spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went directly to Susanna’s
house and unloaded the car and dropped Pixie off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Susanna is always so gracious to let us stay
with her now when we are in town and it is such a blessing to not have to worry
about the trouble and expense of hotel accommodations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then headed out to do our Managua
errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday morning, we stopped by the grocery store so we
could get some fresh fruit to take with us to Kenneth and the family and I
picked out all the things that I knew were his favorites…nice fresh bananas,
apples, grapes, plums and limones for juice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also grabbed a Spiderman cake and a couple
of books (one for Lindsey) as an early birthday present for Kenneth in case we
couldn’t make it back the end of this month. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we got to Danelia’s she told me that Kenneth was out
back because it was so hot in the house (and it was brutally hot there Thursday).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked out back and Kenneth had his back
to me, sitting in the rocker with pillows all around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said hi to him as I walked around the side
of the chair and could not believe what I saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kenneth was so terribly thin and his eyes were
vacant…looking, but not really taking anything in and he was basically
disengaged, although awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His cheeks
were sunken in and his mouth had sores covering the inside of his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was bone thin…literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not believe how much he had
deteriorated since we had seen him the last time we were there…which was a
little over a month ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed so
exhausted that even holding his head up appeared to take such effort and his
eyes kept closing although he wasn’t really sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kenneth had on a t-shirt and nothing else sitting with his
knees bent so that his legs were up in the chair and a fan was just a foot
away, blowing directly on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His groin
area looked as though someone had poured scalding water on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even through the thick white burn cream that
was smeared all over the “burned” area, it was easy to see that he should be in
terrible pain with this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I asked her what had happened, Danelia explained that
the doctor said that the combination of keeping him in the diapers all the
time, his constant strong diarrhea (caused by his meds), the natural heat of
sitting and not being able to get up and move around, the unbearable heat wave
that had hit plus his zero immune system had provided the Perfect Storm, so to
speak, for a horribly gaulded young man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His skin is breaking down and more and more pressure sores are now
starting to appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a small-fist-sized
growth that was protruding from his chest with the skin stretched so tightly
against it that the veins could be clearly seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of his skin seemed to be taking on a
more translucent quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t
believe what I was seeing…the child I was looking at barely resembled the
Kenneth we know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wanted to burst in to tears at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to collapse in a heap and refuse to
see what I was seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to
scream and to be angry at everyone and everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to scoop him up and smuggle him back
to the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want him strong and
well and whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want what I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, I took a deep breath, glanced at Jim
and saw on his face the same expression that I feared must have been on my own
and realized this wasn’t what Danelia needed to see at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I pulled up a chair and sat down next to
Kenneth, and began gently stroking his face and his arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I kissed his forehead and asked how he was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He whispered, “un poco major”…a little
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, hidden inside that
broken, deteriorating shell, I found Kenneth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t look better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t
sound better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He certainly didn’t feel better…but
even in his semi-shutdown state, he was positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s our boy…that’s the boy I have fallen
in love with and the one I struggle to release to the One I know loves him even
more than his family does, than we do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I showed him his cake and one corner of his mouth turned up
the tiniest bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I showed him the book
we got him…he wasn’t even strong enough to hold it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then showed him the package that we had
received for him from two very special little twin girls, Audrey and Taylor,
who have been praying for Kenneth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
had sent their pictures, drawings, a Hot Wheel truck and a card which I read
and translated for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I showed him the
part their mother, Jaclyn, had written and then where each of the girls had
said that they loved him and were praying for him and had signed their
names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t quite stay focused
but I think he understood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
Danelia did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up and her eyes
were filled with tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stayed for awhile and talked with Danelia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That's when I found out that it was Lindsey that had answered the phone when I called the day before...which made so much more sense when I thought about it. I had been having such a difficult time in trying to reconcile the strength that I had heard the day before with the weakness I could see before me. </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lindsey was clingy and so I played with her,
held her, snuggled with her (in that ridiculously oppressive heat) and kissed
on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After awhile, she seemed content
to watch the t.v. with its grainy, fuzzy picture along with Ezekiel, her cousin
who is the same age and lives next door. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenneth would open his eyes periodically but
it seemed that most of his efforts were concentrated on just being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His breathing was rapid and labored. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Danelia told me all about their visit to the doctor the
previous Friday…this is the visit where Dr. Ortiz had e-mailed me
afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danelia had called the
doctor a few days before and told her about Kenneth’s “rash” in his groin
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctor told her that since his
appt. was in just a couple of days that they could wait until then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Arturo had taken off work to go with them that Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a terrible time trying to get a taxi
to agree to take them to the hospital…those who would, either wanted to charge
them an exorbitant fare or to charge them an extra person charge for the
wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rest of what I will share must be filtered through the
knowledge that this is coming from a woman who is losing her child to a lengthy
battle with cancer, who is more exhausted than any words could convey, who has
had to deal with more challenges that have taken her far past the point that
would have probably broken the rest of us and a woman who knows that she has no
other recourse at this point than to watch her dearly loved son die.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without going in to all the details, I will highlight what
that last appointment was like for this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although Dr. Ortiz is a very good oncologist, she is not good at
comforting or consoling nor is she a believer in our God who cares for His
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and Danelia have butted
heads from Day One and evidently, this last appointment was not much
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were discussions about what the doctor perceived as a
delay in seeking treatment for Kenneth’s latest skin condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danelia’s response was that she had brought
him in when directed and then he had to sit for four hours in a diaper that
could not be changed before he was seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She reminded the doctor that it was not easy for them to get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also reminded her that it would be much
easier to just bring Kenneth there and leave him at the hospital but that is
not what any of them want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
loves her son and wants to take care of him and she believes she can do a
better job of tending to his needs than a nurse who occasionally comes in to
the room to check on whether his iv is through or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the hospital, Danelia is still responsible
for keeping Kenneth clean, feeding him, taking him to the bathroom plus mopping
their own floor and cleaning their own room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She would rather do all of that at home where she can get the help from
other family members. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a huge
disagreement about the need for the family to consult with the psychologist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danelia and Arturo refused and refused to let
the psychologist speak to Kenneth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
stance remains that they need someone who can provide spiritual guidance and not
psycho-babble…I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medical
professionals think that is a foolish pursuit…Danelia thinks that they’re the
fools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That discussion ended up with the
psychologist becoming angry and leaving the doctor’s room and refusing to sign
the paperwork that was necessary for Arturo to have for his work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Childish behavior at best in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They finally came to an agreement that if
Kenneth needed some sort of emergency treatment that could improve the quality
of his remaining days, then they were to come to the hospital…if not, then they
were to stay home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, future
appointments are on an as needed basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would have thought that all of this would have been
upsetting to Danelia, but she was probably stronger and more focused than I’ve
seen her for some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that
she did not want any more people speaking negativity in to her life or the life
of Kenneth and that her faith was stronger than it has ever been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that she knows God has a plan and
that she has asked Him what she is to do and He has told her to stay firm in
her faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that she still prays
for a miracle but He has not answered that way…He has said that He sees her and
He knows what they are facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, she
trusts Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She then asked me what I thought she should do with Kenneth
and I told her that whatever they decided, it had to be their decision and they
had to be comfortable with it, regardless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If Kenneth would rather be at home and that is what the family wants,
then that’s what they should do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
her it didn’t matter what others may think that they had to do what was best
for their family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no doubt that
Danelia knows that his time is limited…but she also knows that she wants to
make this limited time count for as much as they can and they don’t feel like
they can do that in the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
for now, the decision is to keep him at home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We discussed the new medications that he’s taking and she
told me that she’s not supposed to put the disposable diapers back on him for
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the neighbors gave her two,
very thin used cotton diapers, one of which she was using under him and the
other one was hung up to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fan
that they had was a terrible fan and not moving hardly any air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After leaving them on Thursday, we made a quick trip to the
Boer Market and we bought a dozen cloth diapers and a good oscillating floor fan
which offered various speeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also
bought a large box of sterile gauze pads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On Friday morning, we stopped back by Danelia’s on our way to
Somoto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Susanna had some donations left
of non-sterile pads and packing material plus two tubes of the cream for his “burned”
area so she sent those things with us, also. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim unloaded the items and then got back in the car to stay
with Pixie while I went back to check on Kenneth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danelia was overcome with emotion when she
saw what we had brought her…the tears started but she quickly gained
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her sister was there with her
and was busy fanning Kenneth with a cloth to keep the flies off of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was laying down on the bed that was moved
outside and once again, had on only his t-shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that position, I was able to see much
better, how terribly thin he had become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He reminded me of pictures I have seen of starving children in Africa
but he doesn’t even have the rounded tummy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bones in his back, his ribs and his shoulders made me think of the
pictures I’ve seen of holocaust victims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I was reminded of Yamuleith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From that position, I was also able to observe his bottom
area where the giant pressure wound still remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danelia removed the pad to show me how much
better it looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was true that it
wasn’t as deep as it had been at one time, but it was definitely larger around…and
other areas were starting to be more evident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s as though what little skin and under-lying tissue that he has left
is just dissolving…he truly is wasting away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bent over and kissed his cheek and he gave me the weakest
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him I loved him and he
smiled again and he closed his eyes, once again, going to that place he goes to
when he shuts out the rest of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
stay long as Jim was waiting in the car but made Danelia promise to call me if
there were any significant changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
tearfully nodded her head that she would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pressed some money in to her hand and told her that would help with
making sure he had enough medication to keep him as comfortable as
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, she nodded her
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she hugged me good-bye, she
thanked me for all of the things but most of all, for loving her son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That did it and I began to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her that they were like our family and
that I loved her children as if they were our own grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she knew that and that they know
that, too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then we left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a tearful trip home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tears have
continued to come off and on since then. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t seem to control them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t stand seeing Kenneth like this and a
part of me is ready to let him go…and yet, the thought of not seeing him again
in this life, is too painful to consider right now…but that time is coming and
I believe it’s coming very quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
thinking about that coming day makes my chest constrict and hurt...and it makes
the tears come again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have posted several pictures for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see for yourself how much he has
deteriorated in six weeks which is the time span between the two sets of pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, if you look really hard in to those apparently blank eyes, you can
see the sweetest, kindest and most gentle of souls…and if you listen very
carefully, you can hear him tell you that he’s fine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And he will be soon. </div>
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Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-53029760648016080472013-03-22T21:43:00.002-06:002013-03-22T21:43:23.617-06:00Catching up...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catch-up time: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We went out to El Melonar yesterday and delivered the
translated letters that some of the FBC Cassville kids had written to students
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children were so excited to
get a letter with a picture!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really
enjoyed seeing the faces of their new friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While there, Prof. Mario also had me work with the kids for a few
minutes on their English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this was
a surprise, I had nothing planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I
started reviewing the vocabulary that the children had learned from the
Creation Story taught by the FBC team a few weeks ago...and those kids were
able to respond correctly (or close enough) to almost every question I asked
them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that these kids could
still remember something they had not had reviewed with them for a few weeks
was so exciting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We couldn't have been
more pumped with this kind of response!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">While there, we were able to meet a new student who had just
started school the day before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keyling
is a very quiet young girl who is in the 5th grade and is about 4 weeks behind
the other students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She lives some
distance from the school and was not going to attend but Mario had encouraged
the family to go ahead and send her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
told her that when classes resume after Semana Santa (Holy Week which begins
tomorrow), that we will have uniforms, school supplies and a backpack waiting
for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was so excited! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And…I just realized that I still have to tell you all about
the week that the FBC Cassville team was here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a great week that was and it was so wonderful to see God working as
He was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to have to share all
of that in another post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just not enough
time to do so in this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I still have not seemed to have caught up from life during
the last few weeks…I’ve actually been pretty tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team came March 3<sup>rd</sup> and were
here through the 10<sup>th</sup>…that week flew by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed in Managua after taking the team to
the airport to tearfully see them off and Jim spent the next two days getting
the paperwork for us so that we could leave for Costa Rica to renew our
visas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left for C.R. on Wednesday and
were able to return to Managua that same evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t go in to it here but I will say that
we sure won’t be doing that again in that way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But, one of the positive things we were able to do while at
the border, was to bring our friend, Walter and his mother, who live in Rivas,
up to one of the hospitals in Managua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walter
and Faber, another young man whom we’ve gotten to know somewhat, are the two young
men we always rely on to help us with the border crossing process on the
Nicaraguan side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is so amazing is
that they always seem to recognize our car and I think they actually remember
us because of the questions they ask! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not quite sure how to interpret that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Both of the boys are very good with us and because this can
be a time-consuming process, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to watch others who
work there as they interact with other folks crossing the border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very thankful that God led us to Walter
and Faber three years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for those
of you who have followed us since we’ve arrived, Faber is the young man to whom
we once gave a ride back to Rivas and who asked us what a missionary did, which
led to a really good conversation with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Okay…back to the story…Walter’s younger brother, José who is
17 years old, had been hit by a semi three weeks before and was still in
serious condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were there
at the border, Walter received a call from his mother and she said she needed
Walter to leave work and take her on the bus to Managua, that José was not
doing well and she felt like they needed to go asap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walter and José’s father had been there for
the previous few days and it was his mother’s turn to go sit with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We offered to give Walter and his mother a
ride to Managua which would save them their bus fare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walter was so taken aback when I asked if
they would like a ride…he called his mother immediately and told her to go to
the bus stop on the highway that goes through Rivas and we would come and pick
her up on our way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she must
have had to wait several hours before we actually got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thoroughly enjoyed having their company on
our trip back to Managua and as we dropped Walter and his mother off in front
of the hospital, we also felt led to help the family with the some of the costs
they were incurring with meds that were not being provided by the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t much, but we knew that it would be
of some help and considered it a privilege to be able to help this family whose
son had always gone out of his way to be a help to us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Next update…we have a new housekeeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long story short, we felt the need to make a
change asap and although this was someone we had met earlier and had decided
against at the time for various reasons, we felt that God was definitely moving
us in that direction to hire her at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a lot of prayer, we had made the decision to go ahead and
terminate the lady who was not working out for us and to hire Ileana if she was
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I even had the chance
to call her to see if she would be interested in a job, she showed up on our
doorstep, asking to come to work for us to pay off a small loan we had made to
her a few months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was such an
affirmation for us that we were making the right decision as we had not discussed
this with anyone else at all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And so, Ileana started working for us this past Monday...and
oh my goodness!...what a worker she is turning out to be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We actually had to go out and tell her that
it wasn't necessary to sweep the backyard!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A very typical thing to do here but not one that we feel a need to
incorporate in to our way of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>:)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We couldn't be more pleased
with the job Ileana is doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's very
proactive about finding things to do as she whips through her daily tasks in no
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she does an even better
job cleaning than did Margarita and that’s some pretty high praise coming from
me at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several of the things
I most appreciate about Ileana are her humility and her honesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm truly hoping this all works out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I wrote last night on Facebook about our unseasonably heavy
rain storm and the leaks in our kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, Jim was up on the roof trying to seal any areas he thought might
be responsible for the waterfalls coming down our kitchen wall that we
experienced last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also cleaned
out our gutters so that hopefully, with the next bout of rain, our rear patio
won't be so prone to flooding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But, what we experienced with water in the kitchen was
nothing compared to what Ileana had to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The storm ruined her outdoor kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went over today to look at it and see what
we could do to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had mentioned
that they would try to cover it with plastic but a wood fire inside a plastic
covered enclosure is not a healthy thing to have…and it’s unbelievably hot and uncomfortable
with all the smoke that swirls around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jim did some estimating of what it would cost to build a
simple structure to cover the cooking area and we told Ileana that we would
supply the materials but that her husband and his friends from church would
have to supply the labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband is
a pastor and we're both still a little hesitant to pursue much of a
relationship with him at this time based on some past experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we know that Ileana needs a kitchen (and
that term is used loosely here to describe any area where food preparation
takes place)and from the looks of the house where they live, it would be a long
time before she could ever have anything other than the plastic wrapped around
the concrete fire pit...and even that is a questionable reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ileana thought for a moment and then thanked us profusely for
wanting to help…but then very gently and what almost seemed fearfully, she refused
our offer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that their landlady is not honest
with them, always asking for more money than the agreed upon rent among other
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ileana said they don't know if
they're going to stay in that house or not and she didn't want us to spend the
money for a roof over the outside kitchen when she might not even be able to
use it in a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jim and I discussed some other options and we ended up
deciding to get her a 2 burner gas stove top, which is relatively inexpensive
and a full tank of gas, which is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is also beyond anything that the family would ever be able to
afford to obtain on their own but we felt that it was a viable option as they
could take those things with them if they should have to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also bought some plastic plates and bowls
so that they could have something to eat out of besides their 3 cooking pans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will continue to look for an inexpensive
but sturdy set of silverware for them...believe it or not, that's not an easy
thing to find here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When we came back, Ileana was overwhelmed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had never had anything a cook top before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has always cooked over an open wood fire
and so Jim had to show her how to connect and disconnect the tubing from the
gas tank when they're not using it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
live in a one room house and we want them to be as safe as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had her practice a few times while we were
there so that she would know how to use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Because the only surface they have for the cook top is a
small plastic table, the cook top is now sitting on the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only other furniture that they have is a
double bed which Ileana, her husband and Carina, their six-year-old daughter all
share, and some plastic chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
going to be looking for a small simply made, inexpensive wooden table for them
plus a similar style small wooden shelving unit so that they have something to
put their dishes on and their clothes...which currently sit in a box on a chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The size of their wardrobes is far from large,
to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The house is divided in half by a rope with throws and old
shower curtains providing privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The living
quarters is on one half of the house and the church, which her husband pastors,
meets in the other half. Her house was clean...but then, when there's not much
in the way of belongings, it doesn't take long to pick up...and there's practically
nothing to dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized as I looked
around that this family lives probably as sparsely as any family I've
encountered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even many of the poorer
families we have worked with in Tipitapa, Cristo Rey and Los Cedros had more in
the way of belongings than this family does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I saw Ileana's "groceries" sitting in a bowl in another chair
and saw that they were going to be having spaghetti tonight...mixed with a
packet of ketchup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't shake that
image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did have a small old tube
style television that I’m sure someone had given them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what was sitting on the plastic
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other thing I noticed was
that there were no toys for Carina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
didn’t know that they had her, it would have been almost impossible to
determine so just by glancing around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only
a few pieces of laundry hung to dry on the barbed wire fence out back and her
baby picture leaning against a wall were the only indications that there was a
child who lived there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will
probably have to change at least a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>little along with a few other things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ileana's house is a very neatly kept small government built
house and is one of a string of them built side by side and back to back in a
neighborhood behind the city cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has the one relatively good sized room and a raised tin roof for
ventilation along with a concrete floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are a couple of windows and both a front and a back door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The outhouse and shower are very basic
structures with just a piece of material serving as the covering for privacy
and are right behind their house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of
course, the outdoor kitchen is useable in good weather although it sits in full
sun much of the day and would be very hot to stand out there to cook over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have to tell you that my instinct is to "fix"
this for this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To fill their
house with "stuff".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make
their house more comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And...for
whom would I do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I were honest,
I would say for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their poverty makes
me uncomfortable to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's hard for
me to realize or to accept that this is how they have lived most of their
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that there are so many
things that would ease the hardness and difficulties of life for them and I
want to jump in there and provide them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But that's not necessarily the best thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They are my Christian brothers and sisters...and I am called
to help them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that's exactly why we
didn't do all the other things today that my flesh cried out to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to help them with things that
matter...not with things that don't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
so, we will proceed cautiously with this assistance, but I have no doubt that
we will proceed...we just want to do it wisely and as God would have us to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was payday for Ileana...and that's a
start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A steady income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not something they’ve had for a long,
long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she now has a place to
cook when the rains come again and she has some nice, plastic dishes for
tonight's spaghetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to do more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God says it's enough for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-69394464664291329742013-02-11T20:50:00.002-06:002013-02-11T20:50:40.846-06:00First Day of School...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, today was the big day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first day of school at the Cristóbal Colón school in El Melonar!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We packed the car yesterday afternoon and
made arrangements with the people who were supposed to be riding with us…there
was not going to be enough room for anyone other than Jim and myself, the car
was so full!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we gave Sam (who was
going to act as our translator) enough money to pay for himself, Angelica, the computer
tutor and Professor Mario’s daughter (who lives not far from us) to take a
transport out to the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was so excited I could hardly sleep last night and as a
result, almost overslept this morning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
we managed to get ready without any problems, (thank goodness we had water!)
and we arrived at the school a little before 8:00 a.m. when the program was
supposed to begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice I said, when
the program was supposed to begin…oh, ye eternally optimistic gringos!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little before 9:00 when things
started!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rlv7neie1JW1XukDFXVh_AYhUW8sTZQo-x3Wq1Z2kLXa5xeEZhoSdIp5Oy2Yz8F7p_UUZymSg0LWq27vKwm6wgvvC6aBWWBhHjhhE22vdMfo_JfDm_B2Qr6YOIm-Xfj2DFANpfVpHCr4/s1600/P1020764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rlv7neie1JW1XukDFXVh_AYhUW8sTZQo-x3Wq1Z2kLXa5xeEZhoSdIp5Oy2Yz8F7p_UUZymSg0LWq27vKwm6wgvvC6aBWWBhHjhhE22vdMfo_JfDm_B2Qr6YOIm-Xfj2DFANpfVpHCr4/s320/P1020764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juan, the gov't. superintendent of the area's schools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are always lots of speeches at things like this but I
was surprised that the ones this morning were reasonably short and to the
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Professor Mario started the
morning by welcoming everyone and having the students and their parents sing
the national anthem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately following
that, Juan who is the superintendant over four of the rural schools out the
same road as El Melonar, also spoke briefly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Juan explained that they, the Department of Education, had made the
decision that morning to permanently move Bianca, who was the 1<sup>st</sup>-3<sup>rd</sup>
grade teacher to another school in the district where the classes were
larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That move would mean that Prof.
Mario would be responsible for teaching 1<sup>st</sup>-6<sup>th</sup> grade by
himself and that the parents would need to help even more with their children
and also with volunteering at the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was obvious from the looks on the parents’ faces, that news was not
well-received and I think all of us have doubts as to how well that’s going to
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After Juan’s speech, Pastor Marcos prayed…and oh my
goodness, can that man pray!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
volume is a very important factor here for prayers and if that were to be a
factor to them being heard, then I would have no doubt that he was heard quite
clearly in the heavens this morning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was a little concerned about the direction his prayer seemed to take as it
tended to lean more along the lines of a “name it and claim it” kind of prayer
which is very common here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help
but wonder what people must think about God…or themselves…when they’ve “named
it” and yet there’s nothing that has come their way to claim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s a subject for another post.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After Pastor Marcos, Professor Mario spoke once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke about how there have been so many
changes in their community in the last year and then he began to tell about all
the various meetings we have had since we first contacted him to discuss the
possibility of trying to help the students there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story that he shared that he said touched
him the most was the one of the children at FBC, Cassville, having a garage
sale in order to raise money to help the children there have backpacks and
uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clear that it touched
the parents, also…and…it still touches us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls2d16KkIAK8z5I9GUobvDeejSEAEmgL3s-R6d4AQHwA9QTEKiMpEqeMCDtr9M-4APIq1KO4F2m6zsZNwx3qvfB43hCGZDpKDQEL26ExRnoGqnZRK-m3nmkFSkYdCXa3JUKC7QewpDduS/s1600/P1020699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjls2d16KkIAK8z5I9GUobvDeejSEAEmgL3s-R6d4AQHwA9QTEKiMpEqeMCDtr9M-4APIq1KO4F2m6zsZNwx3qvfB43hCGZDpKDQEL26ExRnoGqnZRK-m3nmkFSkYdCXa3JUKC7QewpDduS/s320/P1020699.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam and Professor Mario</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">He told them that no other school in the area had ever had
been as blessed as the Cristóbal Colón school was being blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then he began to tell them about the team
that is coming the first week of March and what a privilege it is for the
school to have a group come to do an English Camp there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told the parents that it was very
important that they not only show their support for what this group wants to do
but to show their support of their children by making sure they attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said, quite proudly, that this was also a
first for the area and that it was a very special thing to be the school that
was chosen for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re pretty proud
of our church for offering to do this for these kids, as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jim spoke after Professor Mario and briefly told of how we
came to Somoto, how we had prayed that God would show us a school where we
might be able to help and how He answered that prayer by bringing us to El
Melonar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained that the gifts
that we brought were not gifts from us but were gifts from the Lord provided
through the giving of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told
them that there were people all across the United States who were praying for
this little community and this school…that seemed to resonate with many of the
parents there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their expressions changed
just a little and I could see them begin to soften even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then it was my turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried to encourage the parents by reminding them of what an important
job they had by ensuring that their children come to school every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them that those children were the
future of their country and that we wanted to make sure the children had the
opportunity to go to school this year because their education is so
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then told the children that
we did our part in delivering the supplies and now they need to do their part
by studying hard and staying in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told them they need to have dreams, big dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them that I never thought I would be
living in Somoto, Nicaragua but that is where God has brought us and so I know
that with God, nothing is impossible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And then we handed out the backpacks and uniform
packets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when the children came
alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all seemed so excited when
their name was called and they got to come forward to get their bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim took pictures while I handed out the
backpacks and Sam handled the uniform packets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think I had the best job because almost every single child gave me a
handshake, a hug, a kiss or a combination of two or more of those!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They made my heart sing…and my eyes a bit
teary more than once!</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7a9Mf7a8ecfbmk7lWXlzmHneStEXWsbU_klH2a5rtDuSNEaeyBpIMqUCBi4BLgj2YQ1Ljlp5QfwyDR3zq8WdN1-Kv4rPfItJwqGC1WiBUzDsi4Scxq42LSUFH-uAh-lOFBXbiZCATqGDy/s1600/P1020724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7a9Mf7a8ecfbmk7lWXlzmHneStEXWsbU_klH2a5rtDuSNEaeyBpIMqUCBi4BLgj2YQ1Ljlp5QfwyDR3zq8WdN1-Kv4rPfItJwqGC1WiBUzDsi4Scxq42LSUFH-uAh-lOFBXbiZCATqGDy/s320/P1020724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Harold...so anxious to get his things!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlTOYISPWlK_5YfrEXsauJ9dD0CJPx-80XotwfXnljN-tcnp60PrRA44LnKGeEb7aggIKPKd2lvTYcWUnmMARHfMmbgWmYP6fnuJHfIvbV6013-uU1acK56ut6_HEcPibbL84vL-WtP8t/s1600/P1020721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlTOYISPWlK_5YfrEXsauJ9dD0CJPx-80XotwfXnljN-tcnp60PrRA44LnKGeEb7aggIKPKd2lvTYcWUnmMARHfMmbgWmYP6fnuJHfIvbV6013-uU1acK56ut6_HEcPibbL84vL-WtP8t/s320/P1020721.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the joy on that face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HIojzyJK3HqkmpI2XroAyt9EuMwuWxPKBAHgABzmh_iZTDPzOf8C4IB4_WDLCAkJ1A3nYZpTkuzIE6eNuhzTcu8GGGc5pteK-A31oKlwg4yVQWbPZkrqGiUotMqmKIimVN-8JqWwkaDS/s1600/P1020726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HIojzyJK3HqkmpI2XroAyt9EuMwuWxPKBAHgABzmh_iZTDPzOf8C4IB4_WDLCAkJ1A3nYZpTkuzIE6eNuhzTcu8GGGc5pteK-A31oKlwg4yVQWbPZkrqGiUotMqmKIimVN-8JqWwkaDS/s320/P1020726.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Omar...a young man who is very serious about school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiIFXAo2G7HMUfTMTX1te7_VMBHc9zRH1_8RpVEscF_d9baf3e161uhMYGP_UbDdhj_G3_L8QK2Psh-2_lsQAkZvTtFudl8zlB5YCuNitBjeCrOtwIy8DyX59hm3y8uy76lHWkuG8djdy/s1600/P1020761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiIFXAo2G7HMUfTMTX1te7_VMBHc9zRH1_8RpVEscF_d9baf3e161uhMYGP_UbDdhj_G3_L8QK2Psh-2_lsQAkZvTtFudl8zlB5YCuNitBjeCrOtwIy8DyX59hm3y8uy76lHWkuG8djdy/s320/P1020761.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at her Jesus tract</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlt0tvxiJlnGVOIyRsI6OvunR_h6D04ua4evmu3aQrDtpCdKtHAkA8_DVRzzIAdASuCiieGshGbFfhjmHtfG3JtkPAVy5G6oplHrVS2Zmb0WNu8jhL3TahL9nGab63FY4873v5uIQ_DydM/s1600/P1020734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlt0tvxiJlnGVOIyRsI6OvunR_h6D04ua4evmu3aQrDtpCdKtHAkA8_DVRzzIAdASuCiieGshGbFfhjmHtfG3JtkPAVy5G6oplHrVS2Zmb0WNu8jhL3TahL9nGab63FY4873v5uIQ_DydM/s320/P1020734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As if my heart wasn't already melting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt8PhocA9QQh3p3SLSHoMWPAjkfsqVHog3DsPAcxGmwzzZDwsC1mtnVfUVtO9SqImgYU2kTlM7XglaD0cppGabW5MhhhRFzP2B2mR8AYVZq2vtVK571TCAdKuJJwg2-JkL6ESmalsIdjC/s1600/P1020751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt8PhocA9QQh3p3SLSHoMWPAjkfsqVHog3DsPAcxGmwzzZDwsC1mtnVfUVtO9SqImgYU2kTlM7XglaD0cppGabW5MhhhRFzP2B2mR8AYVZq2vtVK571TCAdKuJJwg2-JkL6ESmalsIdjC/s320/P1020751.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katia is a student who wants to be in school and wants to learn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don’t even know how to describe what it did to me this
morning (and now, just thinking about it) to see how those children’s eyes would
light up when it was their turn to come up front to get their things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All but the very smallest said “thank you”
without any prompting and many of the parents did, as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the girls threw their arms around my
neck…one was a pre-schooler and the other one was a sixth-grader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first one was so sweet…the second one was
humbling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To know that school supplies
meant that much a young girl is more than even I can fathom…I didn’t grow up
thinking that going to school was a privilege…it was something I had to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have gained so much respect for
what that opportunity really means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After we finished with the distribution for the children’s
things, we then gave the teachers their supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never thought I would have to explain what
a pipe cleaner was but Prof. Mario had no idea what they were or how they could
be used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the moms immediately
took 2 out of the package and told him that you could make ears for an animal
with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiled politely and
thanked us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don’t think he has
much vision for what he can do with those fun little bendy things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After most of the parents left, one of the moms brought us
wedges of watermelon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice, juicy, sweet
warm watermelon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No plates, no forks and
probably cut with a not-so-clean knife!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t even remember the last time I ate watermelon like that…with the
juice running down my chin and all over my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood outside, laughed, talked and spit
seeds…and as I looked off in to the distance, watching the clouds go over the
mountains, I thought to myself what a wonderful gift it was to be part of this
whole thing and just how very good our God is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once again, I wish I could find the words that would
adequately express the gratitude that Jim and I have for all of you who have
given to support this project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many people
have given so generously to make this happen...your time, your prayers and your
finances; our Pennsylvania friends who collected donated uniforms and sent them
down to us; children who did chores, gave up treats, sold their own belongings,
who gave up their allowances in order to make sure other children had
notebooks, pens and pencils.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all
just so remarkable…such a work of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two simple words just can’t convey what we feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For those of you who have asked, here’s a list of what the
children received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each child received a
backpack with anywhere from 2-7 notebooks, depending on their grade
requirements; a math notebook for the older children; an art pad; 3 pencils, 1
pencil sharpener, 1 pen, 2 erasers, glue, colored pencil set, modeling clay,
white-out, scissors, ruler, geometry set, water colors, calculator, folder and
necessary maps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was some variance
between the youngest grades and the older grades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The uniform packet contained 2 complete
uniforms (2 shirts and 2 skirts or 2 pants), socks and a good pair of
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The teachers received 2 whiteboards, 2 clocks, trashcans, 1 large
plastic trash barrel, 2 more dictionaries, whiteboard markers, whiteboard <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>erasers and cleaner, large packages of construction
paper, ream of white paper, foamies, crepe paper, large bottles of glue,
paints, extra pens, pipe cleaners, material, calendars, a nice mechanical
pencil with refills, and each teacher received an agenda with Bible verses (in
Spanish) on each day’s pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
that’s everything…for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just two more words...thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-87875698199574018472013-01-23T21:43:00.000-06:002013-01-23T21:43:21.186-06:00Another visit from Mario...<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Professor
Mario just stopped by with some news for us. The superintendent of the
schools was visiting out in El Melonar yesterday and this morning and
will return again tomorrow morning. After he heard from Prof. Mario
that the students were going to have their school supplies provided for
them this year, he wanted to come out and visit the community and talk
to the families himself. Evidently, there is now a sense of excitement
and hope that wasn't there before and two families who had not enrolled
their children have now agreed to send them to school!</span></span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Prof. Mario
said that God is touching El Melonar in so many ways and I assured him
that the Lord sees everything that is happening in his community and
that He cares about every single person there. We have had that
conversation before. </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">He told me that God is giving them "other
blessings" now through others...and his excitement level went up
incrementally. Five of the students who will be going to the high
school here in Somoto this year have received new school shoes from
someone else here locally. And there was a young lady who started
working with the older children and teaching them the basics of how to
use a computer. She was doing that the last few months before school
was out and would carry her laptop out to the community and here's the
best part...she was not getting paid but volunteering her time. Now,
she has a friend who is going to join her in doing the same thing in the
coming school year and again, volunteering their time! So the children
will have an opportunity to learn computer skills and that is going to
be such a benefit to them. </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">He was so excited as he talked about
how we made the circle and prayed the last time he was here and how he
can now see God working through us and through others. I didn't think
he could get any more hyper than we've seen him in the past, but he can!
:) </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">I asked him again if he didn't want the school supplies ahead
of time and he told me no, that he wanted us to come on the first day of
school to hand them out. He then said that the community had a meeting
and that they are planning a time of celebration and thanksgiving on
that day. He said that in talking with the parents, that they have
decided they also want to have refreshments - "something simple and
small". :) He asked if we would speak and share with the families our
story...why we are here and why we chose the community of El Melonar.
He said that the superintendent told him that he is planning on coming
and that the regional director of the Dept. of Education has even said
he would like to come for this. </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">Now, I'm getting nervous...we just
wanted to make sure these kids have an opportunity to go to school...and
this seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. Not sure what the Lord
has planned but it seems to be a lot bigger than what we had!</span></span></span></span></span></h5>
Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-65970951353572312132013-01-12T23:38:00.001-06:002013-01-12T23:38:36.079-06:00Cruisin' to Cusmapa<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We took a road trip today (with 3 friends) up to San Jose de
Cusmapa which is a very small village located higher up in the mountains and
nestled right in a beautiful pine forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a local cooperative of women who make and sell pine needle
baskets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNKQBD1VTulD8afMNKMQxJyiZvKsw2_mJWM96DKAxGehcmGXvDN72H-Cdd5ZaLQPM6_i8BkyW2C5PVzvxrxPNboDR4f_s1pk1F0_9rvycUbLCde7WuZ9k0OHy0lShoYnr3XF9RzJf3q0V/s1600/P1020498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNKQBD1VTulD8afMNKMQxJyiZvKsw2_mJWM96DKAxGehcmGXvDN72H-Cdd5ZaLQPM6_i8BkyW2C5PVzvxrxPNboDR4f_s1pk1F0_9rvycUbLCde7WuZ9k0OHy0lShoYnr3XF9RzJf3q0V/s320/P1020498.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the women's cooperative in Cusmapa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6-DH5mZa68RqozkZGH2Xu6hPhuuRE3qyLRUZSRGb_XIdbbbWoslzbYg5AElFrd03CdBcNNsqakdlaH7bsd_446yHDRBbyXGT8_aTo2k-FqMic8TD3GKBKPbDgcwZmo3tbsKoqNQjpwvM/s1600/P1020459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6-DH5mZa68RqozkZGH2Xu6hPhuuRE3qyLRUZSRGb_XIdbbbWoslzbYg5AElFrd03CdBcNNsqakdlaH7bsd_446yHDRBbyXGT8_aTo2k-FqMic8TD3GKBKPbDgcwZmo3tbsKoqNQjpwvM/s320/P1020459.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are raked all day long/takes 2 weeks to dry w/ this method</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On the way to the little village, which is only 21 miles
from here, we saw a coffee roasting place and lots of beans spread out to
dry...so we stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met the
supervisor of the place, Javier, who spent the next hour explaining to us the entire
process from planting and caring for the coffee bushes all the way to exporting
the roasted coffee to the States...extremely interesting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the things I found so remarkable is
that they still hand rake the beans and dry them out in the sun but they use a
computerized machine to determine the moisture content, color, weight and
ultimately, the quality of the harvested beans. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9G1W0Z9Jzz2pKFCMMTWbzvQ4K__1hbV-Tyk6JxUinxJnKI4AQNYs3TFwHIT2I57Jk75uoHl6ut04hjCGVbu-QVpNHoC1gvKZ3A38q0NN6KU0d67ohO1JWOUQpXVqo1aUF-pguFExudzZ/s1600/P1020467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9G1W0Z9Jzz2pKFCMMTWbzvQ4K__1hbV-Tyk6JxUinxJnKI4AQNYs3TFwHIT2I57Jk75uoHl6ut04hjCGVbu-QVpNHoC1gvKZ3A38q0NN6KU0d67ohO1JWOUQpXVqo1aUF-pguFExudzZ/s320/P1020467.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Javier - expert in coffee production and brother in Christ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When Javier found out we were all missionaries (except for a
Nicaraguan friend who joined us), he went from being very reserved and professional
(although very kind) to being so excited, I thought he would burst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His whole countenance changed and his eyes
sparkled and his face was almost glowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He's been a Christian for 20 years and ministers in his church through
music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loved visiting with this
precious brother in the Lord and we left with his name and phone number in our
pockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCMuSw-rBky5yEHaK45N8Ka_eowchToy54t46VMj5cA-BIgl0j7X5FX-zlCWTJvB-C1H9uApevqJqapnU87ebL97wOubiWHUdnLszgf1hZI8PjLOYDoSl-oGy3SuZtRN5YDFpAGbyLJh2/s1600/P1020483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCMuSw-rBky5yEHaK45N8Ka_eowchToy54t46VMj5cA-BIgl0j7X5FX-zlCWTJvB-C1H9uApevqJqapnU87ebL97wOubiWHUdnLszgf1hZI8PjLOYDoSl-oGy3SuZtRN5YDFpAGbyLJh2/s320/P1020483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing coffee beans in to sell / our friend Niki </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The next stop was in Los Sabanas to buy already roasted and
freshly ground shade-grown coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
paid $2.88 for a one-pound bag!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm
really anxious to try it tomorrow morning and hope it tastes as wonderful as it smells!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When we were leaving, a man was bringing in coffee to sell to the Co-op and Niki had to have her picture taken with the horses. The man thought we were all a little crazy to take pictures of something like this! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8eu7j9fck5zkcAYBzXwuz89zPvFGdOrLzXqeNOc2ppID9S3QRedHMzs0lJEbuwGZ1NEtftpT84Pc8rsB2fSS3ZmPBOJ58AhUa1hPDxRpYk_2jrlnsBTj4nHy1KZ-q4vNZnzU7PJB8OAz/s1600/P1020492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8eu7j9fck5zkcAYBzXwuz89zPvFGdOrLzXqeNOc2ppID9S3QRedHMzs0lJEbuwGZ1NEtftpT84Pc8rsB2fSS3ZmPBOJ58AhUa1hPDxRpYk_2jrlnsBTj4nHy1KZ-q4vNZnzU7PJB8OAz/s320/P1020492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We loaded back up in our car and kept climbing up higher in
the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh...I forgot to mention
that the road up is a really rough and bumpy rock road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road is impassable in places during the
rainy season but thankfully, they've not had enough rain lately to prohibit
travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did cross several places
where the water had covered the road but nothing of any significance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally arrived at Cusmapa 3+ hours after
we had left our house!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMFzTSKCyuD8e2kIVrzvYI-ZO-itd78cehSTAa5DVzs9TVAysenqa6wDBubHsH6zyBnJFSC-ZMb8hI3jSq0gTW0IHB1q1ueY2Astb8jDkmKpL6-7klb2lM_554dmsU7HUIg_RbBt8ejlX/s1600/P1020496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMFzTSKCyuD8e2kIVrzvYI-ZO-itd78cehSTAa5DVzs9TVAysenqa6wDBubHsH6zyBnJFSC-ZMb8hI3jSq0gTW0IHB1q1ueY2Astb8jDkmKpL6-7klb2lM_554dmsU7HUIg_RbBt8ejlX/s320/P1020496.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out over the hazy mountain range...beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We pulled up in front of the Cooperative Store and no one
was there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, Marlo, our Nicaraguan friend, hunted
down the lady that works there so she opened it up for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our American friends loved shopping and
bought enough that the lady called the owner so that she could come and help
her with the pricing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6dV-NyYhmdF-AFWYV3dd3ebdpZC1ld_pUPygLUA4C1wV9jMe_APrAe1kc79ON95byGb5V0WeknUgJ2zKubl3VCk2N4Q1jF-BHDJaOIjPuO6M3eV4yzebba4d2fKza9IJT5neb9UPZ1Ak/s1600/P1020502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6dV-NyYhmdF-AFWYV3dd3ebdpZC1ld_pUPygLUA4C1wV9jMe_APrAe1kc79ON95byGb5V0WeknUgJ2zKubl3VCk2N4Q1jF-BHDJaOIjPuO6M3eV4yzebba4d2fKza9IJT5neb9UPZ1Ak/s320/P1020502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One hour later,
three happy women, one soft-hearted husband and a bemused Nicaraguan gentleman
left the shop in hunt of a place to eat lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not an easy thing to find in a small little village on a Saturday
afternoon at 3:15 in the afternoon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
there was a tiny little place on the way out of town that was still open and
offered tacos and enchiladas (Nicaraguan style, not Tex-Mex!) and so we
stopped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx_92fwHHFdcO8uEqMf5sXiLGIIno3K052gvUMnjJA0VPhUcE9wbO87KSNtxlF4D2YWXBEmN1OY9Dh5a5A3biCVoGgYLFvvqUvCJjk3joHVY7AyEu81S4H-YTGDJh_Lyx6xEJSfb_zMWM/s1600/P1020507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx_92fwHHFdcO8uEqMf5sXiLGIIno3K052gvUMnjJA0VPhUcE9wbO87KSNtxlF4D2YWXBEmN1OY9Dh5a5A3biCVoGgYLFvvqUvCJjk3joHVY7AyEu81S4H-YTGDJh_Lyx6xEJSfb_zMWM/s320/P1020507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The restaurant had 2 plastic tables, 6 chairs and 3
dogs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area where the tables were had
a concrete floor...the kitchen and the enclosed adjoining area which led to his
house had dirt floors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked out the
kitchen when we first arrived and made the decision not to look back there
again! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The owner took a broom to chase
out the two visible dogs and shortly after, the one who was hiding behind a
chair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We each got one chicken taco (which resembles a taquito) and
an enchilada (a folded 1/2 moon shaped fried tortilla that had rice, onion and
chicken inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we each got a bottle
of pop...the Orange Fanta had to have the lids removed with a bottle
opener...and the man who owns the place (also the cook and the waiter) asked
Jim and I if we wanted the orange drink or the black...the "black"
drink was Coca Cola!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The food really wasn’t too bad…even the typical Nicaraguan
cabbage salad, that was piled on top of the taco and enchilada, hit the spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is nothing more than shredded cabbage with some lemon juice, salt, sweet
ketchup and crema acida (a kind of runny sour cream but still a little different
in flavor…hard to explain) and doesn’t sound particularly appetizing but is
surprisingly good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit that I
would tell each one of you not to eat that salad but both Jim and I opted to
eat it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, no ill effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our bill for all five of us came to a grand total of 160
cord which equates to about $1.37 per person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The man was so gracious and treated us as though we were VIPs who were
gracing his establishment, expressing his gratitude for us stopping to eat at
his place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, we were the ones
who should have been extremely grateful to have found a place to eat so far
away from anywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim gave him a nice
tip and to say the man was thrilled would be an understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don’t know that we’ll be going back up that
way again anytime soon but I wouldn’t hesitate to stop in again for lunch…I can
overlook dogs in the dining area, dirt floors and no silverware (oh yeah…I
forgot to share that part) in exchange for a smile and send-off like the one we
got today as we were leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remarkable
times…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_n7TR3S8SQVNI0x-_n-E9YjmQn5Ym6Ouc5zL7gDH4mGhCdli9m-RrckZEJi0I6cUehmT-7epdLrdpawytECbO5XhHzC_TWEi3r9b2pkpzlLlPlTF2JTwsbYBH0Yr7mP5K9PK5vO8vBW2/s1600/P1020481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_n7TR3S8SQVNI0x-_n-E9YjmQn5Ym6Ouc5zL7gDH4mGhCdli9m-RrckZEJi0I6cUehmT-7epdLrdpawytECbO5XhHzC_TWEi3r9b2pkpzlLlPlTF2JTwsbYBH0Yr7mP5K9PK5vO8vBW2/s320/P1020481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee bushes and Spanish moss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, it was almost 4:00 p.m. as we started back home from
Cusmapa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little concerned that
we were going to have to navigate those windy mountainous roads in the dark but
coming down the mountain was a lot quicker than going up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We managed to get back to Somoto in about an
hour and a half!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not bad for a 21 mile
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped and gave gum to these children</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-14530755635542696642013-01-10T17:54:00.000-06:002013-01-10T17:54:08.101-06:00A simple thank-you is not enough...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can it really be 2013 already?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could the days of 2012 have passed by so
quickly? And I have a feeling this year is going to go by just as quickly if not more so...January is already 1/3 gone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We want to take a minute to thank you for the
blessing you have been to this ministry with your prayers of intercession and your financial donations...but a simple thank you just can't express what you have meant to us and the impact you have made here in Nicaragua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Through your generosity in giving this past year to Deep Water Ministries, you have
ministered to the hurt, the sick, the poor, the lame, the hungry and the
lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have purchased food for the
hungry, Bible study materials, personal hygiene supplies, clothing, shoes,
school supplies, craft materials, medications, bandages, chemo drugs, paid for
school tuitions, bus transportation for the needy and so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have touched people with the love of
Christ in Managua, Tipitapa, Nindiri, Cristo Rey, El Crucero, León, El Cañon,
San Antonio, Ocotal, Caucauli, Santa Isabel, El Melonar and Somoto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The results of your outreach have been felt in
feeding centers, in slums, in the city, in small neighborhoods, in rural areas,
on porches, on street corners, under trees, in hospital rooms, in classrooms, in living rooms, in wheelchairs,
in the arms of weary caretakers and in the hearts of grieving parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have left your mark on doctors, beggars,
teachers, pastors, single mothers, orphaned, abandoned and abused children,
drunks, drug addicts, students, families, widows, prostitutes, the saved and
the lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do not think for one moment
that you are not making a difference…you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as you read this, know that once again we are humbled and
overwhelmed with gratitude for the support and confidence you have placed in us
with your prayers and your finances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thank
you from the bottom of our hearts and pray that if it is God’s will, that we
will be able to continue in 2013 to be your hands and feet here in Nicaragua,
sharing the Good News of the Gospel in word and deed. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">May our Father bless you in abundance for your prayers and your giving! </span></div>
Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-65234478092968771252013-01-03T15:17:00.001-06:002013-01-03T15:17:28.556-06:00More on El Melonar and our meeting with Mario...<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We just finished meeting with the principal at Cristóbal Colón, the little school out at El Melonar. Mario came over this morning so we could discuss the coming school year and so we could share with him that we would be helping the children with their school supplies, and hopefully, their uniforms. <br />What an exciting and eye-opening meeting that was! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When Mario came in to the house, he was very discouraged. He had received word from the Minister of Education that a pre-enrollment report indicated that there were less students enrolled in the primary grades. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mario was told that the government would then
pay for only one elementary teacher since the class size was going to be less than the required 32 students for a second teacher for multi-grade classes. They only had 28 students pre-enrolled for 1st through 6th grades. The director explained to Mario that meant two things for this next school year...either he
or Bianca (the teacher who taught 1st-3rd grades last year) would have to go and
whoever the remaining teacher would be, would have to teach all 6 grades
by themselves! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mario was devastated! The director explained that the district would like to keep him there because of his experience and move Bianca to another area since she only has a few years experience. But that they hadn't yet made up their minds who would be moved. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I need to clarify something here...</span>this report did not include the 9 children who are hoping to go to kinder...which is a pre-school/kindergarten class that is typical in the government schools and that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cristóbal Colón</span> was hoping to add this year. Kinder has three levels - level 1 is for 3 year olds, level 2 is for 4 year olds and level 3 is for 5 year olds. They have not had one in the past because of a lack of a teacher for such a small group. This year, there are enough kinder students that the district is looking at adding a teacher. But, that teacher would be for that class only and that class cannot be combined with the lower primary grade classes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, as it stands now, there will be only one teacher for the 28 students in 1st through 6th grade and a new teacher (Bianca doesn't have kinder experience) for the 9 students in the kinder class. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We discussed at length some of the ramifications to this decision...two of those being the impossibility to teach all the students in the primary grades at an optimum level and that this kind of assignment will a take a toll on the health/stamina of that teacher...not to mention their voice and their nerves! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I decided to go for a more personal question and I asked Mario what the government paid their teachers. He told me that 3000 cordobas per month (currently about $125) is the standard wage for a rural elementary teacher. He said because of his experience, he also receives a bonus. The bonus is based on each consecutive year that a teacher has taught in a government school and it consists of an additional 20 cord per month (that equates to 84 cents a month more than the base pay)...that's some incentive plan, huh? So sad to see this! Teachers are definitely under-appreciated and under-paid here! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Although El Melonar is logistically considered a part of the Somoto school district, according to Mario, the community is treated differently. Because it is a poorer community, the children are often looked down upon. Many drop out of school because they don't see how their circumstances can ever change with an education...there aren't too many success stories in their small community and so the benefits of a good education is simply a pipe dream to a lot of those families. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Another example of non-spoken discrimination is that the small school doesn't receive many of the benefits and amenities that some of the other public schools receive. When I asked him why, he explained that it is because it's such a small community...and their school has so few students...more of an "escuelita". There are only about 75 families and about 50 homes...many share their homes with extended family members. He shrugged his shoulders as he explained that there aren't enough students to warrant more attention. Broke my heart...every child matters! <br />In the course of our conversation, Mario mentioned in passing that there are a handful of children who don't attend school. When we asked about them and why they didn't attend, he said it was because their families cannot afford even the most basic of supplies...notebooks and pencils. We asked him if the children were guaranteed to have school supplies, did he think they would come...he said he could talk to the families to encourage them to send the children and he thought that they could be persuaded to let them come if they knew that they would have school supplies like the other children. Shame and embarrassment are certainly detrimental to a child's education...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We also asked Mario if those children came, would that boost the numbers up to where Ministry of Education would allow the school to two teachers again. Within a split second, his eyes lit up and said he was going to call the director right then and ask. Well, the director's phone went right to voice mail but we saw a definite change in Mario's countenance. He was starting to put the pieces together...that if we could supply the necessary items for these other children in addition to the current students, then their attendance would bring them up to the minimum requirement of students in order to justify two teachers...and maybe Bianca could stay after all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was so wonderful to see hope in Mario's eyes. He's so committed to helping these children in his community. He said that his dream when he was much younger was to be a pilot but he said God had different plans for him. Now, he says his dream is to help these children realize that they could someday be a pilot. He said several times that he wants them to believe that nothing is impossible for them. I love that about Mario! His enthusiasm is contagious! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We let Mario know that we would definitely be helping the students at El Melonar and to plan on us being there on the first day of school (which has now been changed to February 11th) with a backpack for each child, filled with all their school supplies! He was so excited! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Through Mario, we saw some doors open up for us in not only being able to help meet some real needs with these children but even more so, an opportunity to meet some spiritual needs. We were talking about helping the children with some English classes and maybe a craft class once a week. Mario eagerly agreed and then told us that he would like it if we could also teach the children Bible stories! You could have knocked us over with a feather! The Lord opened the door for us and Mario has shoved us through it! I love it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are really looking forward to see how God is going to work in this. We expect there to be some resistance along the way but I know that after this morning's meeting, that we are even more confident that this is definitely the place that God has called us to minister. We are so excited for the future here!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you would like to help support this project (or our ministry), you can do that by sending donations to the ministry address listed on our contact information or through our church...First Baptist Church, 602 West Street, Cassville, MO 65625. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We would love to have any of you come visit us here...individually or with a team. I'm pretty sure that you would fall as much in love with the Nicaraguan people as we have!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span> Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-6923696690110372952013-01-02T10:50:00.001-06:002013-01-02T10:50:15.678-06:00Opportunity to impact a life...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is a difficult post for me to do...I'm just
not a good fund-raiser, folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the
truth is that school starts here in a month...February 4th and so our time is
growing short to raise the funds necessary for the Sponsor-a-Student Fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We will need to begin purchasing supplies here very soon. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdxoLV4Gbkx6kmnBagfy71kopR7FMqLfOUsJSlXl3qusCparR0WvI-vtDsHB1xQSQ6ywimvznecyQmrXSMTlZsdTE4WgdofbuAnLy8yh2FI-5deoa3Zyi9rB7LNWcIzIN7Jpc-HvYmWrM/s1600/P1000609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdxoLV4Gbkx6kmnBagfy71kopR7FMqLfOUsJSlXl3qusCparR0WvI-vtDsHB1xQSQ6ywimvznecyQmrXSMTlZsdTE4WgdofbuAnLy8yh2FI-5deoa3Zyi9rB7LNWcIzIN7Jpc-HvYmWrM/s320/P1000609.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the look of joy on these faces over such a few items for the school</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Jim and I have basically "adopted"
the small rural elementary school of Cristóbal Colón in the nearby community of
El Melonar which is just a few kilometers from our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a school where almost all of the
estimated 40 children who will attend this 2013 school year are in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not unusual for children to drop out of
school due to the inability to buy school supplies. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out their new things</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For $100, you can sponsor a child for a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sum includes two uniforms (school
uniforms are mandatory here in Nicaragua and having two allows the children to
be able to wear one while the other one is washed and dried), a pair of shoes,
socks, a backpack and all necessary school supplies for the entire year.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFpORMT9nwpVIWRG4qbCzXnBO3pUiCcA6zPpGVFWaPVV-qn0FsmgT_jIjJwVsrONh6ONn___7MtV59bN3jRiaqQrPxZU2FK6rhDF7tY8BDrLylXAZ_mha5cXXHuFz8Aanab7cdS1W9o4V/s1600/P1000620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFpORMT9nwpVIWRG4qbCzXnBO3pUiCcA6zPpGVFWaPVV-qn0FsmgT_jIjJwVsrONh6ONn___7MtV59bN3jRiaqQrPxZU2FK6rhDF7tY8BDrLylXAZ_mha5cXXHuFz8Aanab7cdS1W9o4V/s320/P1000620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving their new pencils and pens...and happy to get them!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For $100, you can impact a child's future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can find it in your heart (and your
budget) to help support this project with any amount, we would be deeply
grateful as will the child you will help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If $100 is just beyond what you are able to give, whatever you might be
able to contribute will go to support these children in their education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No amount is too small when you serve the God
of loaves and fishes and every little bit helps!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can direct your funds one of two ways...either to: </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Deep Water Ministry</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">26126 Farm Road 1000</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Washburn, MO 65772<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">or </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First Baptist Church<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">602 West Street</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cassville, MO 65625</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">PLEASE INDICATE WHERE THESE FUNDS ARE TO GO... we want to
make sure that your donation goes where you intend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thank you in advance for your consideration and your
generosity...in your giving and in your prayers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May the Lord bless you in this coming year as
you give to others and trust Him to give to you in return!</span></div>
Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-85064739663101628532012-12-22T20:11:00.002-06:002012-12-22T20:31:16.120-06:00Christmas activities...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had a great visit with our friend Raquel, who left this
afternoon to go back to the hustle, bustle and noise of Managua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raquel is the director of CINAFE and what was
once a working relationship has developed into a wonderful friendship with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has said many times that we are
like a second set of parents to her and think just as highly of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent hours just yakking with one another
and the time passed far too quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
shall miss her...once again, the house seems inordinately quiet...that always
happens after our guests leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
to have company but because we are now off the beaten path, I want to cherish
every moment that someone is here since I have a feeling that opportunity won't
come nearly as frequently as it did when we lived in Managua.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z4_al0nHF3ST7mNlTB1w3QzrCGJNNkUskBhMGCHNdeZNsvZ6ITwRtd2BflaJz698XZxBJKSrNDuc_HNYTTorGrfv9jb3N22TtJevojznvLz1W7QuprLb6_Wi7m2KAfhLQK32Wdh2qxsR/s1600/P1020268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z4_al0nHF3ST7mNlTB1w3QzrCGJNNkUskBhMGCHNdeZNsvZ6ITwRtd2BflaJz698XZxBJKSrNDuc_HNYTTorGrfv9jb3N22TtJevojznvLz1W7QuprLb6_Wi7m2KAfhLQK32Wdh2qxsR/s320/P1020268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick photo before taking Raquel to the bus station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night, Christmas also paid a brief visit to our house
and we exchanged presents with Raquel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was also a very special time...I was feeling doubly blessed since
we had received our package of cards from the States earlier in the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, we took her to get some Somoto rosquillas
which is almost a rite of passage for everyone who visits Somoto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out that those are her parents'
favorite cookies and she bought 5 big packages of rosquillas to take home with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that, we went to Los Pipitos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were just going to stop by and say hello
as they were having their Christmas party for the children today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had donated some big bags of candy for the
event and the director of the center, Cecely, invited us to come see the
recipients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The place was packed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The business community donated gifts so that
each child who is seen on a regular basis received a Christmas gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were almost 200 gifts and each one was
wrapped with a child's name on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
center also provided a sandwich and a bag of cacao (to drink) for each child
and a parent...plus a handful of candy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_OtPWSIxJEfF2FZXn5-MpdT0nfk3WGaQSA3uulv8SHVONeInKx3w5IuE2EpVg15R1rY4ePUYTbu1HDOIbleIvnjhCr9f4xJefPG8SDJO7HUcSLJrDuqKs_8YUQTFwOnb-64Ir3x2agwq/s1600/P1020272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_OtPWSIxJEfF2FZXn5-MpdT0nfk3WGaQSA3uulv8SHVONeInKx3w5IuE2EpVg15R1rY4ePUYTbu1HDOIbleIvnjhCr9f4xJefPG8SDJO7HUcSLJrDuqKs_8YUQTFwOnb-64Ir3x2agwq/s320/P1020272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the families at Los Pipitos waiting patiently</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our plans were to just stop by for a few minutes and then go
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it didn't work out that
way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cecely introduced us to a full and
overflowing room of families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
streamers and balloons and thankfully, a good, strong wind which helped keep
the room actually quite comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIsXwdyvWqhMh_dp9SPm5t4xEncJR1-TVdx0SO9ojq3Ts-uPNNbpuEU8uafHLJFjGKSJRjwthDGN-fSHFydRm8dIIoeeVOJ2V8D352ClGX-4BWDOw3ISYQWtjTj4Szdp1dbTfMhCdwAtW/s1600/P1020274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIsXwdyvWqhMh_dp9SPm5t4xEncJR1-TVdx0SO9ojq3Ts-uPNNbpuEU8uafHLJFjGKSJRjwthDGN-fSHFydRm8dIIoeeVOJ2V8D352ClGX-4BWDOw3ISYQWtjTj4Szdp1dbTfMhCdwAtW/s320/P1020274.JPG" width="320" /></a>Cecely then asked us to help her distribute the gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her that we needed to take Raquel to
the bus station so that she could buy her return ticket for the afternoon bus
and Cecely immediately called over Wilfredo, one of the men who helps there,
and asked him to take care of getting the ticket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn't sure what that actually meant but
the next thing we knew, Raquel was gone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wilfredo had taken her on his motorcycle to go get her ticket and Raquel
agreed, thinking it was a great idea so that we could stay and help pass out
gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had no idea that I was
worried that she had just disappeared on us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not at all what we had planned to do nor is it a way we like to treat
our guests!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it all worked out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioig8-WsxSlUWmbyS3myPb_EDENnvTzsnBV9Guf2opUykyDtSW55LjW0KKJndYbE9DgdTRYX4LGSNmlJUhshCQH0KLHx97loz95F0lbZcGvROxw1xRFf1j7wlUjom1XgFLUK7GrhXQOd1/s1600/P1020291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioig8-WsxSlUWmbyS3myPb_EDENnvTzsnBV9Guf2opUykyDtSW55LjW0KKJndYbE9DgdTRYX4LGSNmlJUhshCQH0KLHx97loz95F0lbZcGvROxw1xRFf1j7wlUjom1XgFLUK7GrhXQOd1/s320/P1020291.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, for the next 2 1/2 hours, Jim handed out sandwiches, I
handed out gifts and gave hugs and said "Feliz Navidad! hundreds of
times...literally!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And once Raquel returned
and my mind was put at ease that we hadn't allowed our friend to be kidnapped
right under our noses after all, :) ,we had a blast!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKZs98Gjf1JgHl_6xS_v5iQRIW-2WG8jHCE3iNyaTEHLM6r51_SQQBLOq72yZaoUf-l5QCIrI1sXnSr4T5EFC-0gAdPPvU2auX_le2S0ryrVHklrTMQqYTd2dGsnY-SgwiIgvHzW0CRTQ/s1600/P1020281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKZs98Gjf1JgHl_6xS_v5iQRIW-2WG8jHCE3iNyaTEHLM6r51_SQQBLOq72yZaoUf-l5QCIrI1sXnSr4T5EFC-0gAdPPvU2auX_le2S0ryrVHklrTMQqYTd2dGsnY-SgwiIgvHzW0CRTQ/s320/P1020281.JPG" width="320" /></a>Most of the morning was great fun, but there were moments
that really touched my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Los
Pipitos is a center for children who are physically or mentally
challenged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing this intellectually
and seeing such a great number of these children gathered together are two
entirely different things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
impossible not to be impacted by the struggles that some of these children and
their mothers, fathers, grandmothers or grandfathers face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are very poor families but their love
and commitment to care for their children as best they can is so evident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many walk up to three hours to get to the
center, sometimes carrying a child the entire way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the parents and grandparents look so
frail themselves that it's hard to imagine how they are physically able to care
for these children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the children had Down's Syndrome, some had painfully
twisted little bodies due to the effects of cerebral palsy, some were blind,
some deaf, some epileptic, several were amputees, many were unable to walk,
most are very thin...but the one thing they all had in common was that look of
great anticipation in their eyes...they were all so excited to receive a
gift...even those who were a little apprehensive to get so close to a
gringa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the older children, actually more like a young adult,
had been given a 5 gallon plastic bucket filled with something very heavy...I'm
assuming bags of beans, rice and other food items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the young lady wasn't able to carry the
bucket and so her mother, who was fairly advanced in age, was responsible for
carrying the very heavy bucket (I know how heavy it was as I had to hand it to
them!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also had a small child with
them and the older woman was trying to keep him close by her side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Cecely where they lived and she told
me it was quite a distance away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
said that sometimes they walk to the center and sometimes, they are able to
take a transport (a big privately owned truck that gives rides to people...some
have benches in the back, many don't).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About that time, the lady and her family got up to
leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly excused myself and
followed them out the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raquel went with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went up to the lady and pressed
enough money in her hand and told her that should pay for her trip home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was so very grateful, thanked me
repeatedly, hugged me, kissed my cheeks and then holding tightly to my hands,
she said something but I couldn't understand what she was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said good-bye and as we were walking back
in to the center, Raquel told me that she had invited me to come to her house
some day, that she would be honored for me to visit them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now that's a humbling thing to hear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl08jXiPyV5ylYNpnuo8XAatNLnJGzn6RyJW21whSDgwHFTpLHOcsMqS6MqEm6XEkzNWB1sZ6RMY90Q8tpdi7OJIXVsnpvxJf6nCqxOpQ994VYjGEw-hK8hB_9IPmbxBrDH2g0WEpZBNRE/s1600/P1020277+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl08jXiPyV5ylYNpnuo8XAatNLnJGzn6RyJW21whSDgwHFTpLHOcsMqS6MqEm6XEkzNWB1sZ6RMY90Q8tpdi7OJIXVsnpvxJf6nCqxOpQ994VYjGEw-hK8hB_9IPmbxBrDH2g0WEpZBNRE/s320/P1020277+-+Copy.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By 12:30, the center was all but empty with only the staff
and a few stragglers still there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Children were happy, parents were grateful and the staff at Los Pipitos
were exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, it seemed to
be a very successful Christmas party!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a quick trip to show Raquel the Mirador (the scenic
overlook), we came home so that she could get her things packed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not long after arriving home, we heard
someone at our gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was our landlady
with her sister, her niece and nephew who were here visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yelenia, our landlady, wanted her sister to
see our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I gave an impromptu
tour of the house, which obviously didn't take long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it was odd that she would bring her
here and even more odd that the sister was interested in the bathrooms and the
closets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After they left, Jim and I
wondered if the reason they came is maybe that the sister would be interested
in moving here with her children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raquel
said that we needed to quit making the house look "attractive".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's true that we have a year's contract so
we shouldn't have to worry about anything for awhile, but I really, really,
REALLY am hoping (and praying) that this visit was all about nothing and that
we won't have to be looking for another place in a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm ready to stay put for awhile!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, that was about the only shadow on the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temps have been cool and the winds very
strong...I wonder if we could qualify for a wind chill index???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got Raquel on the bus this afternoon and haven't received any phone calls
indicating that she has had any problems going home, so we're assuming all went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So thankful for the time we had with her, the
time we had with the people at Los Pipitos, and the time I have with my
husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's such a good guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that's for another time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Just feeling very blessed tonight.</span></div>
Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-70596902609208448422012-12-18T21:03:00.000-06:002012-12-18T21:03:45.098-06:00Giving the gift of an education...<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jim and I have started a relationship with Cristóbal Colón School, a small elementary rural school in El Melonar, a community not far from our home here in Somoto. The school year here runs from the beginning of February to the beginning of December. This school has 2 classrooms with 2 teachers and had 32 students enrolled last year. Six students from the 5th and 6th grade had to drop out just a few months before school ended because they lacked school supplies. We did not find this out until it was too late and it broke our hearts. We do not want to see that happen again. <br /><br />We are often asked how people can help us here in Nicaragua. What do we need? We usually tell you that we need prayer...and we do. But we now have a tangible way that you can help and that is to provide a year's worth of education for a child in the Cristóbal Colón School in El Melonar. We have a preliminary count of about 40 students for next year and we want to make sure that these children have every opportunity to attend school. <br /><br />The cost of school uniforms and the cost of a year's worth of school supplies would be manageable for most of us in the U.S., but there, in the community of El Melonar, it's far more than most families can afford. Some of the children don't even have shoes to wear to school, let alone the mandatory uniforms that the government requires. Food for a family will always take precedence over school supplies. We think with your help, we can ensure that these children have the opportunity to receive a basic education for this coming year. <br /><br /><b>You can sponsor a child for $100.</b> This amount would provide 2 school uniforms, a pair of shoes, several pairs of socks, a backpack and all the necessary basic school supplies that they would need for the 2013 school year. I’m not going to take the route of trying to guilt anyone in to giving. I’m simply going to ask you to pray about being part of this. You can touch the life of a child in a way that they will carry with them the rest of their lives...the gift of an education. How cool is that? :)<br /><br />If you would like to be part of this, you can take or send your money to <b>First Baptist Church, 602 West Street, Cassville, MO 65625.</b> Of course, we would love it if you could do a full year’s sponsorship for a child for $100 but if you are unable to give that full amount, any amount would be helpful and greatly appreciated. <b>Just be sure to indicate that whatever the amount you give, it is to go to the Cristóbal Colón Student Scholarship Fund in El Melonar.</b> We will be begin purchasing uniforms and supplies in January in order for the children to have them by the time school starts in February. <br /><br />If you are unable to contribute to this financially, we always covet your prayers. Thank you and may God bless you richly for considering partnering with us in this endeavor. </span></span><br />Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-25622396074178726212012-11-28T20:49:00.000-06:002012-11-28T20:49:32.123-06:00The End of November...Really?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wow, has it really been that long since I’ve written a
blog??? I guess that’s another
consequence of having Facebook…quick and easy updates seem to have taken
precedence over thoughtful and time-consuming blogging. True, it’s easier for me but probably not
nearly as informative as I need to be. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, today, I will try to do a re-cap for you. One of the main reasons I have the time to do
this now is because Jim and Sam, one of the young men who frequents our home
here in Somoto, are gone today to Condega, another community about 25
kilometers from here, to get the brakes fixed on the car…a gift from some very
wonderful friends who came to stay with us the week of Thanksgiving. They are generous to a fault but this
particular gift might have been prompted by the fact that we were driving them around
the mountain curves with some squealing brakes!
Regardless, we are most appreciative!
And, I’m sure, much safer!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, most of you already know that we moved here to Somoto
the end of October and we’ve been here a month now. It’s been a little more challenging to feel
settled here simply due to the fact that we’ve had to make 4 different trips
back to Managua in that month’s time and all but 1 have been for 2-3 days at a
time. I’m ready for some continuity in
my routine! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I guess it’s no secret that life for most of us is filled
with changes…some more welcome than others.
And adapting to most changes requires flexibility and patience. I’m pretty good at being flexible for the
most part…but somehow, patience is still a challenge for me, although I do
think I’m getting better at that…but only because the Lord has given me so many
opportunities to practice it! My daily reminder
from my Father seems to be, “Remember, this isn’t about you…it’s about Me.” I’m a bit ashamed to say that it appears I
have to be reminded of that daily. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ministry from Managua was established, scheduled and
comfortable, in the sense that I knew that I had regular obligations each week. I didn’t always know how the result of those
obligations was going to look, but I knew what I need to plan for in terms of
lessons, crafts, etc….and I was busy! Ministry here is taking some time to get going
and even though I’m sure that God has us in this season of “quiet” for a reason,
it’s not a season to which I’m accustomed…which means I’m having to learn how
to do days differently here. This is a challenge
for me…I want to “do” and yet, I think the Lord is telling me to take this time
He’s giving me and to just “be”. He’s
done that before in my life…I recognize it…I just am not comfortable with it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So what are we doing right now? As I said, we moved here a month ago so
getting unpacked and settled in has taken some time. We have also made several visits out to the
school, Cristóbal Colón in the rural community of El Melonar. School ends this week and won’t start up
again until February…this time off is equivalent to our summer vacation. We’ve also been by Los Pipitos several times
just to stay in touch. We’ll be taking
some piñata-making materials there later this week…this is one of the things
they do to help raise funds for their work there. I’ll also be taking some beads and cording
for the children to use as part of their occupational therapy. We’ve gone out to Caucauli to re-connect with
some folks we met earlier in the year.
We’ve been able to purchase some medication for a handful of folks who
are suffering with everything from colds to pneumonia to a deep tissue
wound. We’ve been able to help several
elderly people who made it in to Somoto but were either stranded here without bus
fare or food or were too tired to walk the 5 miles back home. We’ve started a twice-weekly Bible study with
Sam and we’re praying that when the time is right, some of the other young
adults will also join. We seem to have
unexpected guests show up several times a week which means I need to keep a
stocked refrigerator and plenty of ice and beverages on hand! Plus a few other things that may not seem
significant but when your days seem empty of activity, they make for the bright
spot in the day. You know…when I look
back over this, I guess we’ve been busier than I thought. Just not with making lesson plans right now…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We recently had our friends, Chuck and Jeanna Jones from our
home church in Cassville, come to stay with us over the Thanksgiving
holiday. They were so much fun to have
and did more to minister to us than we could have ever imagined. It was so nice to be able to have another
woman to share my heart with for awhile and I know Jim thoroughly enjoyed
having Chuck here to help him with a few projects around the house. We loved being able to show them Somoto and
to introduce them to some of the people we already have come to care so much
about. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They were actually our second house guests. Susanna came and spent a few days with us
when we moved in and her help was invaluable.
I think we just about worked her to death because as soon as she would
finish on one project, she would begin another.
We loved having her here and hope she comes back soon…and this time, I
promise not to put her to work! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our friend Raquel, the director from CINAFE, is coming to
stay with us for at least one night the week before Christmas. I’m hoping we can talk her into two! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Several years ago, we met a couple from Pennsylvania, Karen
and Denny Shenk, with whom we quickly became friends. They visit Nicaragua several times a year and
have a real passion for missions. They
were going to come back this month but Karen’s father became very ill and recently
passed away with pancreatic cancer. They
are now coming in January and have already let us know that they are carving
out a few days in their busy schedule just to come up here and see us. I can hardly wait! It will be a few days of non-stop laughter
and sharing the goodness of the Lord. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then, and this is the visit I’m really hoping and praying…literally…will
happen…our home church might bring a team in March! Just even thinking about it makes my heart
swell and ache at the same time. I love
these people so much…they aren’t just people with whom we go to church while in
the States…they are our church “family”!
And having them come would be like having a piece of “home” come and
visit… just like it was with Chuck and Jeanna only with more people bringing
it! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, that’s pretty much it as far as updating you as to
what’s been going on in general terms. I’ve
also added some before and after pictures of our new home. I still remember looking at it for the first
time this past June. As soon as we
stepped on to the front porch, I knew that this was going to be our home. I have to say that only God could have given
me the vision that would convince me that what we were looking at then, could
become what we live in now. And honestly,
the house has turned out to be so much more than I had envisioned! Just another example of how we’ve experienced
God’s abundant and loving provision since moving here. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope you enjoy the pictures! </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtxLCQ8a7Vi9UsLJe1RSsXAhwhkhpTVROzR9AnFpTVaqyWq-BqfbZ8HFOugssmoKYsr4dr-ywFLxvZV1v0v2nXiXItIeU8ECx6OTCJDja1pJl32U-uoCHtk81GN-l6PhzmKl_yFM0H1qO/s1600/P1000452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtxLCQ8a7Vi9UsLJe1RSsXAhwhkhpTVROzR9AnFpTVaqyWq-BqfbZ8HFOugssmoKYsr4dr-ywFLxvZV1v0v2nXiXItIeU8ECx6OTCJDja1pJl32U-uoCHtk81GN-l6PhzmKl_yFM0H1qO/s320/P1000452.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guest room before (9'x8')</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUIqCcnke2qDLyX_0TokaG2-TSWSk0VWuc0zRCSU78SAJYw445usdauhzKUxbULxTuc622z4-R_tw228CRb2107Nv20fi-qzbOzdpsZpZrphoDW9IfHVheaWQl-QdPPiuPcOa4s5ib3Lf/s1600/P1000453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUIqCcnke2qDLyX_0TokaG2-TSWSk0VWuc0zRCSU78SAJYw445usdauhzKUxbULxTuc622z4-R_tw228CRb2107Nv20fi-qzbOzdpsZpZrphoDW9IfHVheaWQl-QdPPiuPcOa4s5ib3Lf/s320/P1000453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guest room before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF1Ya967FUpIcl6Vuc-OYGRLi8I0TMvjfAwAM77-97OgSjfE2anNN8IMACMcJQ_IO75qjhsmDUcplphr94lxCQePr0Q1hwTeaE8fRp3VmNqixbr0mj6jLMkicEQVWyexMHRSHC-6p9oIz/s1600/P1010981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF1Ya967FUpIcl6Vuc-OYGRLi8I0TMvjfAwAM77-97OgSjfE2anNN8IMACMcJQ_IO75qjhsmDUcplphr94lxCQePr0Q1hwTeaE8fRp3VmNqixbr0mj6jLMkicEQVWyexMHRSHC-6p9oIz/s320/P1010981.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guest room now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_SkQi2RAHEeWqMu0efXiUd366F6v21cQpCDEuZQrNXi9DtzbGBDMsLsOP2CJs-80JFfMkguit9NKgfnjjWQH6_NvswPrirflwGXU6VIQULpjxyDE7X8VuhXvCtq_jx9piVEM3dbmxCuT/s1600/P1010982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_SkQi2RAHEeWqMu0efXiUd366F6v21cQpCDEuZQrNXi9DtzbGBDMsLsOP2CJs-80JFfMkguit9NKgfnjjWQH6_NvswPrirflwGXU6VIQULpjxyDE7X8VuhXvCtq_jx9piVEM3dbmxCuT/s320/P1010982.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guest bathroom now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FWze9-nTenxJpFFI5W8iajBmF0YHFs4MVtfrTg1ccKxTvG5wErx7wToxPobQ4YqnbqdCMtzDh6WVBzAPfURnvsS05mbP0ERYL8Todd3sWhdqQEFrJ9JnOP4Q8ANS6ABgfeezwwCXyx4q/s1600/P1010965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-_rZGwMFupUGNvH_ZcwcTv1DM5Ty6p4p59onHliEA55XCbb-KxQVuj6WLiKDt7cw7wjh9kpB3ca3ytRwtgboQk1FHMPpH-XWZL_nZHblX4vUA0dW6Sj3aLp-0FxtxCv2oY-9jJGAYBcF/s1600/P1010974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W174l1mZ2v7yGmcVWZI2yA912IpJK8NdjarEBAWKahAGFRTimG-MVSWF9K2IWhxO6wVim1CGavTlBLyCJAqFhSupUiv-bMvIgeFUI0sIOxurzxCGGNQ5_1GTLKX8WQ90c61VV9gIZ2DT/s1600/P1010938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_VSvlgMx6lxVwshrbIEOkBvAUs-2yFF37ofh2ube1id65FsKbz2vEHKksOESz51iRtvUFc4uL2G0DBuVo2E2SIROzuk96w6hrS62CIL8j_8TqDbmJOPEqtbdST4uYEK5yayaQqnu6Oed/s1600/P1010985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_VSvlgMx6lxVwshrbIEOkBvAUs-2yFF37ofh2ube1id65FsKbz2vEHKksOESz51iRtvUFc4uL2G0DBuVo2E2SIROzuk96w6hrS62CIL8j_8TqDbmJOPEqtbdST4uYEK5yayaQqnu6Oed/s320/P1010985.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The study now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu2dkNHRrP506lp2Oct5Td3fsoYS_8_O195su4cOfsAWDSxbiQZUK-O_O5FjAoItzfhBalJRUV_nEPM0wwy97hAgYqnxUua94Z2XrBJ4ibib4nlKJK6lFDxH6uxtOpjExfmSF9_HXOd7V/s1600/P1000448.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu2dkNHRrP506lp2Oct5Td3fsoYS_8_O195su4cOfsAWDSxbiQZUK-O_O5FjAoItzfhBalJRUV_nEPM0wwy97hAgYqnxUua94Z2XrBJ4ibib4nlKJK6lFDxH6uxtOpjExfmSF9_HXOd7V/s320/P1000448.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The study before (9'x8')</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXba7xQWWJ-13eoRio17fzgqbYBVxmLink5hESv6VybwZhpJc0PCLzvDKj9TYeyWv0nfyq9WGWvKltHfBS8EcVzSEzrU0Ts01uROyI-zPxyl6ddr2sS_35uoDsgK06lsCQ9vsLLkRz0i8R/s1600/P1000446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXba7xQWWJ-13eoRio17fzgqbYBVxmLink5hESv6VybwZhpJc0PCLzvDKj9TYeyWv0nfyq9WGWvKltHfBS8EcVzSEzrU0Ts01uROyI-zPxyl6ddr2sS_35uoDsgK06lsCQ9vsLLkRz0i8R/s320/P1000446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CpP202-weSxY7VWn28nraUQUid45CHuLDQfCAsW_BLfAZnc9Kd8XqO6mmXpoHOYV5QRf2mO3iPE0nIU0L_sZc4W0n0ytJJNLBq_yXlxd5racuUxUidKuuVyYqOW-_4b-2RpgTQe8uO-x/s1600/P1010976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CpP202-weSxY7VWn28nraUQUid45CHuLDQfCAsW_BLfAZnc9Kd8XqO6mmXpoHOYV5QRf2mO3iPE0nIU0L_sZc4W0n0ytJJNLBq_yXlxd5racuUxUidKuuVyYqOW-_4b-2RpgTQe8uO-x/s320/P1010976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sp0S5eJxLhCIXInx_KtUZd8E-hp_vKgHCgN1QiKYRPgza6BSgnP5WcfbVnqCIusf4KUJsM8Ygd_q4R6HNuIqFEogO1bw33CjwexhB2Kk8po4sbv8Mjo9rIy1Q8rp2Z8kp0swyg1rdwyZ/s1600/P1000447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Sp0S5eJxLhCIXInx_KtUZd8E-hp_vKgHCgN1QiKYRPgza6BSgnP5WcfbVnqCIusf4KUJsM8Ygd_q4R6HNuIqFEogO1bw33CjwexhB2Kk8po4sbv8Mjo9rIy1Q8rp2Z8kp0swyg1rdwyZ/s320/P1000447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPppSV3ddu_RrWrqbxw7CWkr_EMzMWrhhGpO02cuTVLvVsTs0TqoCQYbSU189ul7jBYeeUjnAmyI1JjhQfCotvHsNz5iuZlzgNnDD_-TwiSBiRhHcucB8utaaPD7_VUsjrEhmHa5Wa42ZM/s1600/P1010939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPppSV3ddu_RrWrqbxw7CWkr_EMzMWrhhGpO02cuTVLvVsTs0TqoCQYbSU189ul7jBYeeUjnAmyI1JjhQfCotvHsNz5iuZlzgNnDD_-TwiSBiRhHcucB8utaaPD7_VUsjrEhmHa5Wa42ZM/s320/P1010939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97meEVjP2fAyJ1X9W_xEgFCGyoqTS3jMhNv7ub-nb8k6vHDgDWCwhy4JgmEvUmJ4t4gCGa0NG7xbV11R2Ps44fSdQMpuvDVn5vpuJlQ-VrVv_fykUIsRa2nsZI4QTWJUOfQOE4aD0vI7e/s1600/P1000445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97meEVjP2fAyJ1X9W_xEgFCGyoqTS3jMhNv7ub-nb8k6vHDgDWCwhy4JgmEvUmJ4t4gCGa0NG7xbV11R2Ps44fSdQMpuvDVn5vpuJlQ-VrVv_fykUIsRa2nsZI4QTWJUOfQOE4aD0vI7e/s320/P1000445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_kaTinyCJx122IplR0JxXR2yHZUKl9-ivbpMkKR1d1VTpAZWW69jyy1ZcQKDNXy3Row5H4vDJcD0we5AtQSczPB2HYLJXRZtsgkIek6sSN1C8m3xIHIr4nrPjknm3io8xHJzp7SBa3sf/s1600/P1010964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_kaTinyCJx122IplR0JxXR2yHZUKl9-ivbpMkKR1d1VTpAZWW69jyy1ZcQKDNXy3Row5H4vDJcD0we5AtQSczPB2HYLJXRZtsgkIek6sSN1C8m3xIHIr4nrPjknm3io8xHJzp7SBa3sf/s320/P1010964.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4XrTKG23xGpgl7oZVyFxUg3_tmGSFUqKnd1krXCatGPDkU5XT5Gq3UXlA8tvMKf0LnR8s976UvFlhk3CU-rZUHxQclS9K9LvI1J8-09v8pcy3MvdvgM17p-4TMB3igvxZOwAC342drPv/s1600/P1000444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4XrTKG23xGpgl7oZVyFxUg3_tmGSFUqKnd1krXCatGPDkU5XT5Gq3UXlA8tvMKf0LnR8s976UvFlhk3CU-rZUHxQclS9K9LvI1J8-09v8pcy3MvdvgM17p-4TMB3igvxZOwAC342drPv/s320/P1000444.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen/dining area before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoBvWgqauwOiFEtiqPky5hV7_LZGlCwjoBchW35LM4Cyx4bhyiTMHcLiUK9v8dMBJqGShEWiNWkPk5xCOMhF4Lz1iwHZtFWyWJN_AUDr_-KC8tiwbSw-k0y3zuAo1Hku5nyPKctn23XGS/s1600/P1010972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoBvWgqauwOiFEtiqPky5hV7_LZGlCwjoBchW35LM4Cyx4bhyiTMHcLiUK9v8dMBJqGShEWiNWkPk5xCOMhF4Lz1iwHZtFWyWJN_AUDr_-KC8tiwbSw-k0y3zuAo1Hku5nyPKctn23XGS/s320/P1010972.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen/dining area now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6E4tjjFrPn0g5eQgV2_5BWwobHBs6vtxCdM81c0m3sl5WatqNrMioYQ_psguR9QsDOF_w9LjbBoI8VJggYgkM89aQhwlgOdncEbvfeS9X71nMnqz8OaOQe7Y4Vanrkck9gwr-FwIiL5C/s1600/P1000456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6E4tjjFrPn0g5eQgV2_5BWwobHBs6vtxCdM81c0m3sl5WatqNrMioYQ_psguR9QsDOF_w9LjbBoI8VJggYgkM89aQhwlgOdncEbvfeS9X71nMnqz8OaOQe7Y4Vanrkck9gwr-FwIiL5C/s320/P1000456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front porch before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SaCrP5ZJcFokOuoi3Dakww1mT5MIwYa0WVLhE2X4Ug9IbRVxPDhVgKUXQMhL9xfBIbdjTEGaaOEytHjbH_lQQ2N63Ic96a_bLOyBqjFky8DMo41UVPxGiLR-DJJzuJHuNoxk1Dq0MxWc/s1600/P1020026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SaCrP5ZJcFokOuoi3Dakww1mT5MIwYa0WVLhE2X4Ug9IbRVxPDhVgKUXQMhL9xfBIbdjTEGaaOEytHjbH_lQQ2N63Ic96a_bLOyBqjFky8DMo41UVPxGiLR-DJJzuJHuNoxk1Dq0MxWc/s320/P1020026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front porch now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9W174l1mZ2v7yGmcVWZI2yA912IpJK8NdjarEBAWKahAGFRTimG-MVSWF9K2IWhxO6wVim1CGavTlBLyCJAqFhSupUiv-bMvIgeFUI0sIOxurzxCGGNQ5_1GTLKX8WQ90c61VV9gIZ2DT/s1600/P1010938.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-_rZGwMFupUGNvH_ZcwcTv1DM5Ty6p4p59onHliEA55XCbb-KxQVuj6WLiKDt7cw7wjh9kpB3ca3ytRwtgboQk1FHMPpH-XWZL_nZHblX4vUA0dW6Sj3aLp-0FxtxCv2oY-9jJGAYBcF/s1600/P1010974.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY2QksueR_4fasFOsOwb5aT8-JwvJHegfqfaIETpwRWLaQE5cojK1FbtpWKOwBUGwjbZoGiaCSjn9NcPHINuTML-hTWnYyrEYdiQpofyC7vsD0TqK40qZTJnIi0fqGQFK-0Lg0mJrAxiE/s1600/P1000437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY2QksueR_4fasFOsOwb5aT8-JwvJHegfqfaIETpwRWLaQE5cojK1FbtpWKOwBUGwjbZoGiaCSjn9NcPHINuTML-hTWnYyrEYdiQpofyC7vsD0TqK40qZTJnIi0fqGQFK-0Lg0mJrAxiE/s320/P1000437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the house before the laundry room and our bedroom were added</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FWze9-nTenxJpFFI5W8iajBmF0YHFs4MVtfrTg1ccKxTvG5wErx7wToxPobQ4YqnbqdCMtzDh6WVBzAPfURnvsS05mbP0ERYL8Todd3sWhdqQEFrJ9JnOP4Q8ANS6ABgfeezwwCXyx4q/s1600/P1010965.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fj-wS-tovsj_9avMqkq77w4okJZI_wEac7gKFTJRUErxjR64_cLK-rySODjrlZNVyRzC6SRVqPRv6Ej3gOsyZ_fNFFX4q-AnXBfYipnsS6QSL3zwRlVbfvFC_ekbz4pTPG98qrD3Nb-B/s1600/P1020003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fj-wS-tovsj_9avMqkq77w4okJZI_wEac7gKFTJRUErxjR64_cLK-rySODjrlZNVyRzC6SRVqPRv6Ej3gOsyZ_fNFFX4q-AnXBfYipnsS6QSL3zwRlVbfvFC_ekbz4pTPG98qrD3Nb-B/s320/P1020003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opposite view now that the bedroom and laundry room have been added</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUo0L-bLlmqwLM3ns4JyLLyQhGX3T3xxnn4PptcbNvCRB4jJzyESW7lPjXX1Gc3z1BmaE9HBS43cv4IkYPQZiMgno1LF6hteZtavwHqK6ml_-NyxJO1XGmTG4zmnGe2b7AnsvLZGQkUqe/s1600/P1000441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUo0L-bLlmqwLM3ns4JyLLyQhGX3T3xxnn4PptcbNvCRB4jJzyESW7lPjXX1Gc3z1BmaE9HBS43cv4IkYPQZiMgno1LF6hteZtavwHqK6ml_-NyxJO1XGmTG4zmnGe2b7AnsvLZGQkUqe/s320/P1000441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the bodegas before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-ySjyZgnW25EW-GfRV2YF1tB30GT5Be1HnASxPZIX8PIlpPwjA9I26yGAfEo5xTJ47MJIB9cozK5DZDf5r_HvC8ZzSt118FoeNLfoEilT0sFGFIatJv0eAurYEltyxteOrYPlrTY5hZT/s1600/P1020019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-ySjyZgnW25EW-GfRV2YF1tB30GT5Be1HnASxPZIX8PIlpPwjA9I26yGAfEo5xTJ47MJIB9cozK5DZDf5r_HvC8ZzSt118FoeNLfoEilT0sFGFIatJv0eAurYEltyxteOrYPlrTY5hZT/s320/P1020019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bodegas and back patio now</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/AVvXsEiSuRwHBH_iCj0znRwNgF1TWpeDmK_KuPaFI9OWk9OlJud2vJ2WLAzDYYkjBRY-6xqqmeF3DA8kks5gX-aAAFGOpId1bUMu-OLjZSaOP-m2J4aEWEFxB3P4X-7shM483ai5Tx3UEYWMLEZT/s1600/P1020018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuRwHBH_iCj0znRwNgF1TWpeDmK_KuPaFI9OWk9OlJud2vJ2WLAzDYYkjBRY-6xqqmeF3DA8kks5gX-aAAFGOpId1bUMu-OLjZSaOP-m2J4aEWEFxB3P4X-7shM483ai5Tx3UEYWMLEZT/s320/P1020018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back patio now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcgTkvbnYcCHQ3GjU3kTF2h4F5bi_yjorydjcyil_NmneQtEqdPmobhHxB05wa6gI41qpDcB18nLna4EUMBlQxngLaXXMhUnPZ22qxctfUrnrI3Z42PVAqA9YJ7UbvA1h5oPPdLgbjY9U/s1600/P1020020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcgTkvbnYcCHQ3GjU3kTF2h4F5bi_yjorydjcyil_NmneQtEqdPmobhHxB05wa6gI41qpDcB18nLna4EUMBlQxngLaXXMhUnPZ22qxctfUrnrI3Z42PVAqA9YJ7UbvA1h5oPPdLgbjY9U/s320/P1020020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outside bathroom & shower now</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/AVvXsEha2XG9qC41QlFSaowtXGwq7vq25Jn7hha_ZArK1gwLiYnscBxz-_b4xqCetLhbb8CBH0ZDT0JJd5JYO2kZWJIsnCekz5P3DT_0M_Q21qfyHPqCjne1r1i_5-X5fdbwZ6P42c-D6GwD7P8b/s1600/P1000441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L_Yke9IiWcKVHm9u4qcYZd1RlqnW9AhXFF-fk0SNAHig1VXTTXxgjfOd2qvK-Pk5leU1T9jr0Bho_1hNM_-ArD9RMb4L43pG0SUEykgpS85QqTfEYTPq5d31e10giDPnyiDVeCVhjZoC/s1600/P1000442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L_Yke9IiWcKVHm9u4qcYZd1RlqnW9AhXFF-fk0SNAHig1VXTTXxgjfOd2qvK-Pk5leU1T9jr0Bho_1hNM_-ArD9RMb4L43pG0SUEykgpS85QqTfEYTPq5d31e10giDPnyiDVeCVhjZoC/s320/P1000442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back yard during construction - note the outhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObRdSqrUJ85-j-gzOEDgor3aajTwV8X1ulsebGKdnXrcfT7ymqOX24Tyoo1hl-W3zibc4JNv0OYc9oNURo-zNXjhUqzLZG2ixW6qoR1cZdu9Vz0u3gG8WQoq8vt0Bhl8D1EmWVjVVhuVj/s1600/P1010952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObRdSqrUJ85-j-gzOEDgor3aajTwV8X1ulsebGKdnXrcfT7ymqOX24Tyoo1hl-W3zibc4JNv0OYc9oNURo-zNXjhUqzLZG2ixW6qoR1cZdu9Vz0u3gG8WQoq8vt0Bhl8D1EmWVjVVhuVj/s320/P1010952.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back yard now...including what remains of the outhouse</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpS-q4ujcImARBRbXfcZEqYIKQliv1K6jXeqUdvRlJ3jw9BEcoNzT8B0JgCm6Kfw3nYCPjCsBmyQ60QZPsxNg1iqoxz6XFbxq80jd5VH4EiMqLaCJ54RlSkk6Z-pAdSAsVzz9JgBN6_Yf/s1600/P1010956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpS-q4ujcImARBRbXfcZEqYIKQliv1K6jXeqUdvRlJ3jw9BEcoNzT8B0JgCm6Kfw3nYCPjCsBmyQ60QZPsxNg1iqoxz6XFbxq80jd5VH4EiMqLaCJ54RlSkk6Z-pAdSAsVzz9JgBN6_Yf/s320/P1010956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to make flower beds</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5iU3sFpNkzsbvgCtdcqnjWnDWi17Uk2i0gFSRcnC43nVxdS82eHC6kMInIC63fnmtlEgSbpVhAQIwqhFSftqvgovFZZo5kIQ5Kws4p-ieD2gfwz1866Ty3__Dq6wJ5edb8S2SgcYbhdr/s1600/P1010957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5iU3sFpNkzsbvgCtdcqnjWnDWi17Uk2i0gFSRcnC43nVxdS82eHC6kMInIC63fnmtlEgSbpVhAQIwqhFSftqvgovFZZo5kIQ5Kws4p-ieD2gfwz1866Ty3__Dq6wJ5edb8S2SgcYbhdr/s320/P1010957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to make the yard more welcoming is a challenge</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR9dZxYV2a0BgSGzgXpQx-ncO-D5K_vzaCsCaGtTzClYej6tJhLiVaSyKju-ZHtUASq49K95oDMVwEbfMuh_atqEZjDX68361lSleETdYULJnKV0RNZImT_63lOLgWsRKut018pM4VCqU/s1600/P1010978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR9dZxYV2a0BgSGzgXpQx-ncO-D5K_vzaCsCaGtTzClYej6tJhLiVaSyKju-ZHtUASq49K95oDMVwEbfMuh_atqEZjDX68361lSleETdYULJnKV0RNZImT_63lOLgWsRKut018pM4VCqU/s320/P1010978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hallway which opens in to the newly constructed laundry room area... the double doors used to be the end of the house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK9lZynzZH1xEz-6EM_tq2WamrhLTNBbY3ADVSNShaeT69ogPmz9q9Y-tnriQcLE5HWHBTnA8IPbERut8D7VXZ8nCc93IO0o4cOywoimevOwlFmFodAHLWcg9NFwpXUgC1zVbTP3DH70I/s1600/P1010990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK9lZynzZH1xEz-6EM_tq2WamrhLTNBbY3ADVSNShaeT69ogPmz9q9Y-tnriQcLE5HWHBTnA8IPbERut8D7VXZ8nCc93IO0o4cOywoimevOwlFmFodAHLWcg9NFwpXUgC1zVbTP3DH70I/s320/P1010990.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newly constructed laundry room and missions room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb0m2qtuW9pAG4s-EquqT7Eg-AoEVBLYPP_jMOcygMKsHqoxaLJZePEPpPVqQbSLxmKAjpI3ejpx6BRccaog7r2twqIHozZEFGNjQyalS4JO0G0B40grBPvIlm1Rw6rOs5FzEO0nCq5kF/s1600/P1010991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb0m2qtuW9pAG4s-EquqT7Eg-AoEVBLYPP_jMOcygMKsHqoxaLJZePEPpPVqQbSLxmKAjpI3ejpx6BRccaog7r2twqIHozZEFGNjQyalS4JO0G0B40grBPvIlm1Rw6rOs5FzEO0nCq5kF/s320/P1010991.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards our newly constructed bedroom from the laundry/missions room</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM9Po_H1uro-eqJhvC9SdDBNld7zCLDfvTqyTKK3R7-RRNZHZqOFF-kSnfnmN7qqmlzAsnVG4FMG9F3H9ot_gLo1H31vvEDLADArszudyr4dFdbyEiibwjUtP2I3YsrkylL2URGZbmows/s1600/P1010992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM9Po_H1uro-eqJhvC9SdDBNld7zCLDfvTqyTKK3R7-RRNZHZqOFF-kSnfnmN7qqmlzAsnVG4FMG9F3H9ot_gLo1H31vvEDLADArszudyr4dFdbyEiibwjUtP2I3YsrkylL2URGZbmows/s320/P1010992.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storage cabinets are a must in this house...a great lack of closets</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVotxE8pD4r2x9X0Co1zrysWHnn-qtmxBCPiSlY9SDWYJwbyACEXUbQGEjkvXN_Kwji-0Es-tdks1x4caXX3bk8Mc18txGs6FKjdugnYZu6lkW9BV-34_hvx73RoH9ViN2csxtQum5nMz/s1600/P1010994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVotxE8pD4r2x9X0Co1zrysWHnn-qtmxBCPiSlY9SDWYJwbyACEXUbQGEjkvXN_Kwji-0Es-tdks1x4caXX3bk8Mc18txGs6FKjdugnYZu6lkW9BV-34_hvx73RoH9ViN2csxtQum5nMz/s320/P1010994.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our bedroom</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xd8fuBVzasFPs-Wy9nTFfcZmky9F0XzP00KKuWfhc8lXwNGSwHMcBFxDM0Kvt02f0fAL-fo-WaI16UOWBflvAZzNrLD0VPFP5LiteEDzPaRxvJBAx6RutRnAACWlYtUyrCvWGwqqy7_k/s1600/P1010996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xd8fuBVzasFPs-Wy9nTFfcZmky9F0XzP00KKuWfhc8lXwNGSwHMcBFxDM0Kvt02f0fAL-fo-WaI16UOWBflvAZzNrLD0VPFP5LiteEDzPaRxvJBAx6RutRnAACWlYtUyrCvWGwqqy7_k/s320/P1010996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our locally hand-made armoire closet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrzimhOIiDuAFeHAVelaM8BQ6WwP-9KhESb6iEmrysCQ3R8jsFwCykEuNRQUU7NOrf200lV69xeXnfLyaST-agWTtJQyUNps6lsiKvJqXh-I_x1z79TwyoZNacV7E3_jKxEdCp3FxMf80/s1600/P1010997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrzimhOIiDuAFeHAVelaM8BQ6WwP-9KhESb6iEmrysCQ3R8jsFwCykEuNRQUU7NOrf200lV69xeXnfLyaST-agWTtJQyUNps6lsiKvJqXh-I_x1z79TwyoZNacV7E3_jKxEdCp3FxMf80/s320/P1010997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking in to our bathroom</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rgnc361T5XeGkMgTSxwTtyuRrCum8c8Jd0LXxr3muqI9UCQ-ORcW13cPPxsOxedyQJ-hIUfpAP3d0ihyphenhyphenSE96UgbK9MeLaos5D9tDxF88pimGG0KVL_I9k4gImTX76mKPj1eOgZlEbPj8/s1600/P1010999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rgnc361T5XeGkMgTSxwTtyuRrCum8c8Jd0LXxr3muqI9UCQ-ORcW13cPPxsOxedyQJ-hIUfpAP3d0ihyphenhyphenSE96UgbK9MeLaos5D9tDxF88pimGG0KVL_I9k4gImTX76mKPj1eOgZlEbPj8/s320/P1010999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making storage wherever we can</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6rELGjaytEUYt2roubgUQd7XNmt_DuWThDMkI1h7BXnIuAVaTvb8_nOeBk2X0ikqC0jL0DXaih8ZX3h-fNXeKGjPC8bceYD6qYhkVZhTyVPB6UffsFVzyuD9mfwBMHnxk6-mlAJ4zsXU/s1600/P1000657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6rELGjaytEUYt2roubgUQd7XNmt_DuWThDMkI1h7BXnIuAVaTvb8_nOeBk2X0ikqC0jL0DXaih8ZX3h-fNXeKGjPC8bceYD6qYhkVZhTyVPB6UffsFVzyuD9mfwBMHnxk6-mlAJ4zsXU/s320/P1000657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front porch before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE0PkkdRgk-CgEA0K9xvmCRIrs2wSGPD5t6NX8xpICgGJSf_YqbOMTL7GZBgO4tmUcVwGvZeXwZiq28kXmlNfJqQoCAdXW6ZBG_I_saeL58sYpjUbN_aIiEKFbWP2QWCpVzCLZ1EnnUwh/s1600/P1020004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE0PkkdRgk-CgEA0K9xvmCRIrs2wSGPD5t6NX8xpICgGJSf_YqbOMTL7GZBgO4tmUcVwGvZeXwZiq28kXmlNfJqQoCAdXW6ZBG_I_saeL58sYpjUbN_aIiEKFbWP2QWCpVzCLZ1EnnUwh/s320/P1020004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front porch now</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJewvvZLpWHRHmrANH22-_m-c8ENpcnj8Ja2wjTnxRStAW4jrPfUL3T13bwUZQmvZAZ-08jVafRi0DotZwn0RmMrdSbDfJw2efhKlsLnAylbJP4GHpZe9wdInAudzd2heV2XWXFXofSof/s1600/P1010968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJewvvZLpWHRHmrANH22-_m-c8ENpcnj8Ja2wjTnxRStAW4jrPfUL3T13bwUZQmvZAZ-08jVafRi0DotZwn0RmMrdSbDfJw2efhKlsLnAylbJP4GHpZe9wdInAudzd2heV2XWXFXofSof/s320/P1010968.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see this reminder every day as it's above my stove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqk4k8qKtd8hagbjnsCf167phlPQhWEj9ctUytLVS_kLq6dhoM9MLUodjWQszaLaZSIQOux1ym0lldFwwVz29PPnE6YPGDnokhXWQvaj1lDuEvtGUQQV8svLAgEZ-ak2ml_UVua_eLO56/s1600/P1010969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqk4k8qKtd8hagbjnsCf167phlPQhWEj9ctUytLVS_kLq6dhoM9MLUodjWQszaLaZSIQOux1ym0lldFwwVz29PPnE6YPGDnokhXWQvaj1lDuEvtGUQQV8svLAgEZ-ak2ml_UVua_eLO56/s320/P1010969.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added some bright decals to help with the blankness of the white tile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blocked in window in the dining area...now is my 3 dimensional floral "painting"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AcoNszsPkwVg7A4CBV0cRTnzezQH_w3IAKvtg8iuyrgEtQItHAskgY3-LemOfoUXqoLEGCiX2a1c3InflrPg_rk-GF7COgnxDNa9zlWvps8xH-nK9tR3l4k5a6teQtoxx-yNHJBATH1n/s1600/P1010971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AcoNszsPkwVg7A4CBV0cRTnzezQH_w3IAKvtg8iuyrgEtQItHAskgY3-LemOfoUXqoLEGCiX2a1c3InflrPg_rk-GF7COgnxDNa9zlWvps8xH-nK9tR3l4k5a6teQtoxx-yNHJBATH1n/s320/P1010971.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping my loved ones close</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The door to the back patio with a glimpse of one of the 6 skylights in the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping the kitchen colorful! One of the cutout windows in the kitchen</td></tr>
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Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-33373296170758307172012-04-29T18:26:00.000-06:002012-04-29T18:26:39.932-06:00Happy 4th Anniversary to us...<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Happy
4th Anniversary to us! This is an expanded version of the Facebook post.</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">It was April 29th, 2008 that we placed our feet
on Nica soil committed to go wherever and do whatever the Lord would
have for us. We imagined giving our obedient "yes-es" would be so much easier than it sometimes has been. We romanticized about the "sacrifices" we would be making. We had no idea what those "sacrifices" would cost us until it came payment time. We are not foolish enough to think there won't be more. We were infants on the mission field where maturing is a necessity or returning home is compulsory. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Four years ago, we were so idealistic...today we are much
more realistic. But ironically, the vision remains the same. Share the
gospel with those who have not heard it, explain it to those who do not
understand it and then live it out before those who<span class="text_exposed_show"> have not seen it. Having the vision was simple...working toward its realization has been a little more difficult. </span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Opposition has come in forms and from those whom we would never have imagined. The language of those who profess to follow Christ should speak the language of prayers and encouragement...sometimes, though, we have heard white-washed whispers and words of discouragement, condemnation, accusation or empty promises...and what may have been even worse...not heard words at all. Those were some tough days...days of feeling forgotten or days filled with doubts. Thankfully, there have not been many of them. God has been so very faithful to never have allowed us to sink too deeply in the life-sucking mire of self-pity! He has blessed each of us with a spouse who doesn't tolerate that well in the other one! Jim is much gentler with his admonition than I am...I'm still trying to figure out how to make "Snap out of it!" sound spiritual! :)</span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">We have learned much about the value of making and maintaining healthy relationships...with others, with each other and with the Lord. Living without hiding behind all the distractions that the Land of Plenty offers can be quite disconcerting before it becomes liberating. Our DNA of instant gratification and USA expectations runs deep and it has been at times, a stretch of either our adaptability or clarification genes to make the proper distinction between cultural differences, personal preferences and Kingdom expectations. </span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">We have maneuvered the landmine of car repairs and less-than-legit mechanics (still not out of that loaded field!). We have learned some of the finer intricacies of shopping at the local markets. We have welcomed friends and family with tears of joy and saw them off again with even more hot tears than I would care to admit. We have opened our home to near-strangers and experienced both great guests and not-so-great guests. We have had our eyes painfully pried opened to and our hearts sadly pricked by the hurtful behaviors of others who also call themselves missionaries. We have had to seek the forgiveness of God and the forgiveness of others for our own offenses. We have blundered culturally both here and there and sometimes, we wonder where home really is. And then we're reminded, we are aliens and strangers and this is not our home...regardless of where a GPS might locate us. </span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">The Lord has both challenged and blessed us greatly the
past 4 years. He has granted us countless acts of mercy and has been
patient and forgiving untold number of times. His Hand of protection
has shielded us in situations that we can recount and in times, I'm
sure, of which we never knew. He has led, He has prodded, He has encouraged and He has chastised. He has comforted, He has provided and He has taken away. But He has never left us in any of it. </span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">We have experienced very great highs and very low lows. We have seen the most beautiful displays of God's creation and the ugliest and most depraved sign of man's nature. We have gasped in awe at His handiwork and in horror at the manifestations of man's sinful rebellion. We have been privy to have witnessed and to have experienced great moments of joy and profound moments of pain. I could never have imagined what an
adventure this journey would be nor would I have changed one single
thing, although there have been times of heartache and discouragement. </span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">The Lord has grown my faith exponentially and He continues to take my breath
away every time He takes my hand and guides me into areas I fear to
tread! Whether that is in a dangerous barrio after dark (with a window that won't roll up!) or sharing with the drug dealers about Jesus or praying with a family whose daughter is moments from death or counseling a young woman who is beaten daily by her husband or trying to console the family who frequents the local witch and medium after the death of their beloved grandmother. None of those were places I would have chosen to go...but they were all places the Lord led me. </span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">I feel incredibly blessed today and am so excited to see what He
has for us around the corner on this rough and bumpy road. We sense that road is going to lead to a relocation for us and that He has something new for us in this next year. As much as I want to stay "put" and settled, I don't see that happening. But we'll see. He has been good to keep us unsettled enough that we have to depend on Him so I would imagine "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." That's Ozarkian for "Lynne...learn to travel light!" I am just so incredibly
thankful that Jim is the one who is traveling that road with me and that our Constant Companion is the Lord. I love you, Lord...I
want to love you even more and I am looking forward to the rest of our journey!</span></span></span></h6>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-63295669756611423742012-04-10T21:02:00.005-06:002012-04-10T21:02:53.844-06:00Another day at La Mascota...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well, today's report on Kenneth is almost anti-climactic
after last night's phone call from Danelia...she sounded so upset when she
called me and so this morning was filled with apprehension as we made our way
to Tipitapa to pick Kenneth up to take him to the hospital.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">He was running a slight fever when we arrived this morning and
was quiet but he wasn’t nearly as ill as I had been led to believe last night.<span> </span>After a couple of hours, he was back to being
very ornery and more than ready to pester me while I tried to read!<span> </span>So, I took a break and played with him,
pestered him back and kept him supplied with activities to keep him busy.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As the morning wore on, he became very alert and active and
I became more and more tired!<span> </span>We had gotten
up a little after 5:00 this morning since we wanted to get to the hospital
early…but Managua traffic didn't seem to be on the same schedule we were so we
didn't get to there until a little after 8:00 a.m.<span> </span>I was expecting a full house since we arrived
later than normal but there really weren’t that many there yet.<span> </span>That enabled us to get a seat in the front
where there was room for Kenneth’s wheelchair and where we could sit directly
under a ceiling fan.<span> </span>Jim turned it on before
we even sat down as it was already so hot in the waiting room and it wasn’t
even crowded yet.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Kenneth had his blood taken first thing and then we settled
in the stuffy waiting room to wait.<span> </span>I
knew it was going to be a long morning but didn’t realize how long!.<span> </span>Even though there weren't as many patients
this morning as normal, those who were there all seemed to be on the sick end
of their chemo.<span> </span>Stretched across the
rows of 3-seats were all ages of children, each in their own stage of misery…some
were bald; some had facial sores, some were painfully thin with gaunt, pallid
cheeks while others were so bloated from their chemo treatments that they
looked as if they were human balloons; some whimpered, some cried aloud; a few
were interested in the television, most were not.<span> </span>Most just were in their state of endurance.<span> </span>The pediatric oncology waiting room is not
anyone’s favorite place to be.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Every time we visit, there is always at least one child
(besides Kenneth, naturally) who captures my attention.<span> </span>Today, there were several.<span> </span>One was a little girl, about 5 or 6 years of
age who was terrified to go in to the chemo room.<span> </span>She wore a scarf over her head and she was
starting to have that “look” that most of the children there seem to have.<span> </span>It’s indescribable, but it’s
recognizable.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The little girl began crying very loudly to the point she was
almost hysterical as her mother drug her down the aisle, past us and out the
glass waiting room doors and across the hall to the other set of glass doors
which open in to the chemo waiting area.<span>
</span>Still screaming and trying to pull away from her mother, the little pulled
her arm so abruptly that she inadvertently knocked the necessary paperwork out
of her mother's hands.<span> </span>Her mother yelled
at her and slapped her bare shoulder - and slapped it hard. <span> </span>Of course, this hurt the child and her screams
changed from screams of terror to screams of pain.<span> </span>The mother quickly grabbed her daughter’s arm
again, bent down and picked up the dropped papers and then drug the child in to
the chemo waiting room. <span> </span>I was stunned at
the scene that had just played out before me.<span>
</span>I looked around and no one even seemed to be paying any attention to it
all…only Jim, Kenneth and me.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It all happened so quickly…but not so quickly that there
wasn't time for my own stomach to churn and my own tears to start.<span> </span>I bent my head and shut my eyes and began to
pray.<span> </span>I knew the Holy Spirit was
speaking for me because in my flesh, I would have been more than just a little angry
with the mother for her lack of compassion and the harsh, hurtful manner in the
way she handled her daughter.<span> </span><span> </span>But honestly, my tears were for the mother as much
as they were for the daughter.<span> </span>Her
reaction is not an unusual sight here…some parents are very rough with their
children, whatever their particular trigger might be.<span> </span>I don’t know if this is the way this woman
normally handles tough situations or not…I do know that she must be terrified
to know her daughter is fighting for her life and furious that there’s nothing
she can do to take that fight on herself.<span>
</span>I know that only Jesus can meet the need each one of them has.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In those few brief moments that I prayed, the Spirit in me spoke
to the Father and asked Him to provide comfort for the two unsettled souls across
the hall, to bring His peace to their hearts, to take away their fear and anger,
to make Himself known to both of them so that they would know that they have a
Savior who is mighty to save.<span> </span>When I
opened my eyes, I saw Kenneth watching me intently.<span> </span>He rolled his wheelchair closer to me and
rubbed my arm.<span> </span>His compassion for others
amazes me sometimes and humbles me often.<span>
</span>The whole thing was over with almost as quickly as it started but I have
re-played that scene a hundred times in my own mind today and those mental
re-runs seem to go by much more slowly than they did the first time around.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In retrospect, I wish I would have been closer and I would
have gotten the papers for the lady.<span> </span>I
wish I was fluent in Spanish and wise with my words so I could have calmed the
child and calmed her mother.<span> </span>I wish that
children weren't such convenient punching bags or human pressure-release valves
for their scared and weary parents.<span> </span><span> </span>And in all of those wishes and more, probably
the one I “wished” for the most today is that cancer was a disease of the long
distant past.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The second person who caught my eye was a very tiny baby,
only weeks old.<span> </span>I’m not sure why he and
his mother were there.<span> </span>I am sure that
his mother carried that same vacant look in her eyes that so many parents of
children there carry.<span> </span>The mother took
him up to be weighed…this takes place in the waiting room in front of
everyone.<span> </span>The nurse writes the weight
down on a scrap of paper and that info is given to the doctor.<span> </span>Kenneth and a few other children there no
longer get weighed.<span> </span>It’s a subtle
distinction that indicates the doctors don’t think that there’s really any
point in it.<span> </span>But the baby got
weighed.<span> </span>The mom was weighed first with
the baby and then the nurse took the baby and weighed the mom again.<span> </span>And after the mother got her little scrap of
paper, she walked like a zombie back to her seat and sat very still.<span> </span>I can’t imagine that a baby so young could
have already been diagnosed with cancer…but then, I can’t imagine why a mother
would come and visit such a place if there wasn’t a need.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I didn’t see the third person who captivated me today.<span> </span>I only heard him/her.<span> </span>Like I said, we sat at the front and had our
backs to the rest of the group so the only time we actually saw faces today,
were during the trips to the restroom or the few times we turned around to see
if the waiting room numbers were growing or dwindling.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There’s always lots of noise in that waiting room…children
crying, mothers talking, nurses and doctors bustling in and out, cell phones
ringing, the t.v. blaring, etc.<span> </span>Today,
there was a child who had a recorder (we called them flute-o-phones when I was
growing up!) and he/she was playing various children’s songs and Christmas
carols!<span> </span>I had to smile at those!<span> </span>Eventually, I became engrossed in my reading
and had basically tuned out all the noise around me, including the flautist, to
the point it was just background noise.<span> </span>But,
not long after the episode with the little girl and her mother, I heard the
most soothing music gently drifting its way up to us.<span> </span>I realized the noise in the waiting room had
diminished considerably and I concentrated on the melody being played.<span> </span>It was “My Heart Will Go On”, the theme song
to the movie, “The Titanic” and it was being played beautifully…on what was
probably a simple, plastic child’s recorder.<span>
</span>The mood shifted in that room for just a few moments and it was as
though a much-needed sense of tranquility settled over everyone there.<span> </span>By the time the song was finished, it was quiet
in the waiting room.<span> </span>That’s not a rare occurrence…that’s
a never occurrence…but today, it was.<span>
</span>Everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts, fussy children had gone to
sleep, tired children slept and peace made a brief visit to the pediatric
oncology waiting room.<span> </span>We were so
blessed by the ushering in of that peace.<span>
</span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Now about Kenneth’s update…unfortunately, we didn't get the
doctor I was hoping to get and because there were only two doctors there today
and they arrived 2 ½ hours late for appointments, everyone was rushed in and
out for their appointments.<span> </span>This doctor
is very difficult for me to talk with and today was no exception.<span> </span>He wouldn’t let me finish my sentences and he
wouldn’t answer my questions.<span> </span>He only
told me he wants to start Kenneth back on a low dosage chemo but there isn’t
any of that particular chemo drug in the country and he has no idea when they’ll
get more in.<span> </span>He seemed to think I could
just jump on a plane, fly back to the States, pick some up and come right back
so he can start Kenneth on the regimen.<span>
</span>There is such a misconception here about Americans, their supposed
importance (to whom, I haven’t quite figured out yet!) and their abilities to
get whatever they want with no regard to cost.<span>
</span>This doctor needs a reality check along with about 90% of the country! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">He said Kenneth’s blood work came out fine and that he thinks
he just has a slight intestinal bug.<span> </span>He
didn’t feel that there was any kind of infection or anything to be concerned
about but that he thought Kenneth should start the low dosage chemo again.<span> </span>He is the chemo-happy doctor…the other two
say he shouldn’t take it.<span> </span>Grrr!<span> </span>Anyway, his diagnosis and recommendation was
determined by looking at his tongue for 3 seconds and listening to Danelia who
spoke quite casually about a mildly ill little boy who had several bouts of diarrhea
the day before...obviously not the same kid she called me about last night and
not the same kid who was pestering the daylights out of me just a few hours
earlier!<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, once again, I don’t know what to think.<span> </span>I was reminded of the story of the little boy
who cried wolf.<span> </span>I sometimes feel that we
are dealing with a similar situation with Danelia.<span> </span>We have many of these kinds of calls from her
where she is almost crying, saying Kenneth is very, very ill and yet when we
arrive at their house, whether it’s that same day or the next morning, he seems
to be fine. <span> </span>And going to Danelia’s is a
commitment of time and resources since they live over an hour away from us.<span> </span>But even so, Jim and I both agree that we can’t
take the chance of not responding to these types of calls.<span> </span>Kenneth matters.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So tonight, I guess I am adding something else that I am asking
the Father for regarding Kenneth and that is wisdom in these situations.<span> </span>Thank you all for being so faithful to pray
every time I ask.<span> </span>I don’t want to be one
who cries “Wolf” either but neither do I believe your prayers are “wasted”.<span> </span>Kenneth is still with us.<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-58754819573565309802012-04-03T17:40:00.002-06:002012-04-03T17:40:40.326-06:00God's glory is all around...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Just put the
first batch of mango bread in the oven...I love mango season!<span> </span>Just wish it didn't correspond with 97 degree
temps w/ heat index of 116!<span> </span>And my
kitchen faces the west which only adds to the heat...I wonder if I could bake
the bread letting it sit in the sunshine coming in through the window???<span> </span>It would be like my own Easy Bake oven Nica
style!<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This morning
not only started out hot, but also with a small earthquake hitting about about
60 miles southwest of us when we were doing our quiet time around 7:10 a.m. or
so.<span> </span>It was a slight one and did no
damage but the tremor shook the furniture enough to get our attention!<span> </span>Pretty timely when reading about God's
incredible power!<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This morning
also saw peace come to a war that's been waged all week on our bedroom's little
deck.<span> </span>I waved the white flag of surrender
at the mourning dove that has been intent on building a nest in one of my
flower pots to signify that she had won the battle.<span> </span>I really thought the territory was mine and
was willing to fight for it initially because I didn't want the mess of a bird
out there nor did I want to lose my flowers, but honestly, I just don't have
the heart to keep chasing her out.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There is a
plant place that has some of the more common U.S. plants at really good prices
and so I have a small pot of two geraniums and some rose moss that we just
planted last week...it was my own little piece of familiar flowers and reminded
me of "home".<span> </span>I loved it and
have been making sure every day that the sun wasn't scorching the leaves.<span> </span>I guess the soon-to-be mama bird thought it
felt homey also because she has been relentless about re-building her nest
every day.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggH60nevOXpxOA_D2f9nq4kHmUiwt8eeBFU4dgk42MX_2g90swcxtwPOi4wMPa8DmzxM_wQxugIHdITGHbyIwM69tmrWt-l_8wtDju4q2PY0ITkIsgTUS4majIIWIoPzMNfImGL8JcIvu3/s1600/P1010012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggH60nevOXpxOA_D2f9nq4kHmUiwt8eeBFU4dgk42MX_2g90swcxtwPOi4wMPa8DmzxM_wQxugIHdITGHbyIwM69tmrWt-l_8wtDju4q2PY0ITkIsgTUS4majIIWIoPzMNfImGL8JcIvu3/s320/P1010012.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Oh...Jim
just came down from upstairs and told me that we have an egg in the nest!<span> </span>I'm glad I gave in!<span> </span>I think it's probably going to be the closest
thing to spring I'll see here this month!<span>
</span>Just the thought of baby birds right outside our bedroom slider makes me
smile.<span> </span>I do hope that Mama Dove realizes that the
sun shining on that patio in the afternoon is brutal and could result in
hard-boiled babies if she's not careful! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">God's glory has just been so evident all day today...from this morning's shaking to the tasting of His sweet, sticky mangos to the gift of new life beginning right out on our deck. The wonder of His creation is only surpassed by the love of the Creator!</span></div>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-59837503056053242232012-03-26T12:10:00.000-06:002012-03-26T12:10:46.116-06:00Who is your Spiritual Father?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Another Facebook Post...thought I would share it with you...</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am overcome with emotion this morning. It started out with my Bible reading during my quiet time...I always do that before I do a chapter in whatever Bible study I'm currently doing. My heart was tender this morning as I prayed about some burdens that are weighing heavy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm currently reading in Numbers...you wouldn't think that would be a particularly "stirring" book...read it again. I'm on the last week of my current Bible study, Living Intimately by Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose and they are addressing the prayer Jesus offers up to His Father before leaving the Upper Room and going across the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. (John 17). Very timely considering that Resurrection Sunday is just two weeks away. I have picked this study up and put it down several times over the last six months. I couldn't have planned the timing on this if I had tried. God's timing is always perfect! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The scripture that brought me to tears early this morning...and opened the flood gates of my heart in the following hours...is John 17:20 which says, <i><b>"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;".</b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I began thinking of the number of times that Pastor Dave has said that we are here (as believers) because of the faithfulness of those who have gone before us. I really took that statement and that scripture out and looked at it closely and let it play out in my mind. I was just overwhelmed by the fact that because of the faithfulness and obedience of the disciples to go out and be Jesus' witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) that I am spending eternity with the Lord Jesus and avoiding an eternity in Hell. That baton has been passed on countless number of times to people all over this globe all throughout the last two millennia. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I also began to wonder which of the disciples was my "Spiritual Father"... which one told whoever who told whoever who told whoever and so on...who told my pastor, who told me. To whom do I cry out my thankfulness when I meet him someday in heaven? To whom do I say, "I am here because you loved the Lord enough to follow His teaching, to obey His command, to love the unlovable...to reach out to someone so lost in their sin...someone like me?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know that my salvation does not rest on the shoulders of any man and that it is only by the Father's mercy that He drew me to the Son so that I could repent and find forgiveness for my sins. But I would have never heard the truth of this Savior, plain and straight, if someone hadn't been faithful to have shared His Words with me...and my pastor, and so on in reverse, for the last 2,000 years. For that, I am truly eternally grateful...and humbled by that tie that binds me to one of Twelve who was so faithful to His Lord. That is a treasure that is worth pondering, exploring and sharing! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And for what it's worth...I tend to think it must have been Peter, the brash, headstrong, and at times, quick-with-the-tongue and quick-to-fail disciple...I see some strong "family resemblances" in him! :) </span>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-82948746539272400142012-03-15T17:44:00.001-06:002012-03-15T17:44:43.159-06:00Snippets of life lately...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Still no internet at the house so this is a copy of a Facebook post that I put up today...we're borrowing internet at CINAFE and our time is limited...hope this explains a little bit about what's been going on here the last few weeks. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Sitting
this afternoon at CINAFE...they are graciously allowing us to borrow
their internet so we can check messages. We went to the mall to try it
there and it was sporadic so we decided to stop by here and so far, so
good! Thank you, Lord! It's at times like this that I realize how much
we depend on our internet to stay connected with everyone at home.
Right now, they're saying maybe tomorrow. Have you noticed that's been
the same thing we've heard for about a week now??? :) <br /> The other
news is that the roadblocks are now appearing on almost all of the
major roads leading to the outer regions of the country. There was an
article that their blockade was lifted at Sebaco but only as long as
they get to meet with the gov't. officials today...otherwise, it goes
back up. The inconvenience and frustration are nothing compared to the
actual impact this is having on people in this country. This has caused
an estimated loss of 5.5 million dollars in coffee exports. Goods are
prevented from being sent up north and the fuel supply is already
getting low there. The protestors say they're prepared to keep the
blockade up as long as necessary until their demands are met. So, right
now, thousands of innocent people are being "held hostage" by this type
of behavior. Selfishness and pride are the cornerstones of both ends
of this roadblock! <br /> Jim and I were talking today that when we moved
here 4 years ago, we thought things were difficult. The situations
haven't really changed a whole lot...the only difference now is that
we're not as surprised by them, but they do not go unnoticed. For
example, the internet fiasco. Just as frustrating now as it was then.
Electric rates and water rates are going up. So is diesel...the fuel of
choice here. As are food prices. We're hearing more and more about
water shortages and power outages. Violence against women is becoming
more and more prevalent. An increased confiscations of goods coming in
through customs. Of course, most of this is not making headline news
but there is one thing that has been in the forefront of the news
lately, and that is the government's confiscation of private land.
That's a scary thing...especially for those who are not part of the same
political persuasion as the current (and probably, forever!)
administration. These kinds of things just are a constant reminder
that we are not of this world! Thank you, Jesus!<br /> This is almost like a mini-blog at this point...<br />
Our return this time from the States has been challenging, to say the
least. Of course, the on-going car issues...yes, the car made its
weekly visit to the mechanic on Monday...they were happy to see Jim pull
in, I'm sure. And naturally, the lack of internet...you know how I'm
feeling about that. The ants - they are relentless! Our little 10"
back-up Netbook is on its last leg...the display is temperamental and
the keyboard is no longer usable at all so it's useless for
communication. My Zune has decided in the last few days that it's also
looking at permanent retirement and yesterday, my Kindle began
developing black lines through the display. After researching a little
bit ago on here, I found that's usually the prelude to it dying. The
color on our t.v. has become, well, quite interesting...that's the only
way I know how to describe it. Let's just say that it sees things
through rose...and green colored glasses! I don't know what's going on
with our little world of electronics...and I didn't realize how much we
used them! Of these three things, I think I shall miss my Kindle the
most. It is my companion for my morning devotions, my source for
nighttime reading and helps me keep my sanity during our 6 hour visits
at the hospital. It has an English/Spanish dictionary on it, several
Bibles and lots of still-to-be-read books. I told Jim this morning that
I just love my Kindle and it's breaking my heart that it doesn't love
me back! Guess, I'll get over that heartbreak just like I have so many
others. :) <br /> Finally,, and maybe the thing that has been the most
spirit-bothering of all is that we are beginning to sense some
resistance in Tipitapa. I don't want to go in to detail right now...I
keep thinking it could just be something insignificant or passing...but
the truth of it is, ever since we ramped up our teaching of God's Word,
there has definitely been a change of attitude towards us. Not a
surprise since scripture warns of such things...we'll see how this all
plays out. And we're going to continue with our teaching until we are
no longer able to do so. Obviously, the enemy wishes we would get
discouraged and quit. So, Saturday's lesson is going to be about the
Tower of Babel...and, hopefully, we'll also be able to do a leprechaun
craft...I've already got it figured out how I am going to tie the
imaginary little green man to the very real Jesus! <br /> Okay...that's
all the news that I have for today. Hope everyone is staying healthy
and walking close to the Lord...thanks for hanging on all the way to the
end of this! :)</span></span></h6>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-45852665584857601052012-02-24T21:16:00.001-06:002012-02-24T21:16:13.248-06:00In the waiting room...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Many of you continue to pray for and to ask about
Kenneth.<span> </span>This past week’s appointment
was such a good encouraging visit for him in the respect that the palliative
care doctor said that she’s so impressed with how well he is maintaining.<span> </span>She did stress that he was maintaining and
not improving.<span> </span>His weight seems to have
stabilized the last few months and his energy level remains good considering
the cancer.<span> </span>Now that he’s taking the
morphine along with his other pain medication and as long as he stays on
schedule with those, his pain rarely gets out of hand.<span> </span>His appetite has returned and so he’s back to
eating like he should…it’s only the occasional bouts of nausea or a more
intense level of pain that seem to throw his appetite off.<span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We continue to praise God for the work we see Him doing in
Kenneth and through him.<span> </span>Dr. Ortiz made
sure to tell Danelia and us this time that she, too, believes in God and that
she also believes in miracles but she made it very clear that she is a doctor
first and that she believes in medicine and the work it does and that nothing
has changed with Kenneth’s condition.<span> </span>I’m
praying that God will do a complete healing in Kenneth and use him to teach her
that she needs to reverse the order of those beliefs!<span> </span>But whether the Lord chooses to do that or
not, we don’t doubt for one minute that as long as he’s drawing breath, God has
a plan for him and we’re so privileged to have him as part of our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We are always worth a few good stares from both parents and
children who may not be used to seeing us sitting in the waiting room.<span> </span>There are a few of the children who seem to
be afraid of all of this white skin being so close to them but for the most
part, the kids are extremely curious about us.<span>
</span>So, we often feel as though we’re on display.<span> </span>This observation was reinforced to us during
this hospital visit.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK2w2ud3XkPGU5gaMWXA4TWzigDngHiNWgGwrIZpv6OCnDqYSgS1gKcU1I9pSF8PjOO64e2uG54Atqum9TeQuQMCeg6DnkGf61GVD5QDiwD_6nv_sgNCn1bP2NPnduwpS3VtC_FQjxQx0/s1600/P1070185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK2w2ud3XkPGU5gaMWXA4TWzigDngHiNWgGwrIZpv6OCnDqYSgS1gKcU1I9pSF8PjOO64e2uG54Atqum9TeQuQMCeg6DnkGf61GVD5QDiwD_6nv_sgNCn1bP2NPnduwpS3VtC_FQjxQx0/s320/P1070185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kenneth became very bored early on this visit.<span> </span>He tired quickly of the cartoons that they
were showing on the television and he lost interest in the coloring things I had
brought for them.<span> </span>We did the routine
thumb wrestling until that also got old.<span>
</span>Finally, I asked him if he knew how to play “Roca, Papel, Tijeras”
(Rock, Paper, Scissors) and he told me no.<span>
</span>So, I explained it to him and Jim and I demonstrated how to play
it.<span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9buYhUIjoyLkZmWRHX835G_NgaXkAdNCERXAVNsA_Eo26Snrk8xukxjmXDvMUGOSs2VQscKrpz_CQEpiVaoK8PyHXIndkBPVD5cd0g6HdUqZ5_jUcORSFKqjVLF_yOipM0FLhkectNzc/s1600/P1070184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9buYhUIjoyLkZmWRHX835G_NgaXkAdNCERXAVNsA_Eo26Snrk8xukxjmXDvMUGOSs2VQscKrpz_CQEpiVaoK8PyHXIndkBPVD5cd0g6HdUqZ5_jUcORSFKqjVLF_yOipM0FLhkectNzc/s320/P1070184.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was a new and fun game and before
long, I realized that the children were starting to gather around and watch
while Kenneth and I played.<span> </span>I asked them
if they wanted to learn how to play and they all said no but I watched them try
to make the shapes with their hands.<span> </span>So,
I just told them to try it and I would help them.<span> </span>Before long, we had “Roca, Papel, Tijeras”
games going on all around us!<span> </span>What was
really funny was that when I first started playing with Kenneth, I would wrap
my “paper” around his “rock” to show him how that constituted a win.<span> </span>I also took my “rock” to break his “scissors”
and took my “scissors” to cut his paper.<span>
</span>Well, watching the other kids play, I saw them do the same thing,
imitating everything I had been doing to teach Kenneth.<span> </span>This drove the point home even more that we
are always being watched and how important it is that we are conscious to always
show Christ at all times.<span> </span><span> </span></span><span> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The down side to this week’s visit was seeing one of our
favorite boys that we’ve gotten to know at the hospital.<span> </span>Luis is the same age as Kenneth and they were
roommates during one of Kenneth’s hospital stays.<span> </span>Luis and his family live about 5 ½ hours
away.<span> </span>They are a poor family but Luis’
has a priceless smile.<span> </span>He grins from ear
to ear and we are always glad when we happen to see him in the waiting room…that
is until we remember why he’s there.<span> </span>Luis
has 4 younger siblings, one being a six-month old baby.<span> </span>His papá, a quiet, gentle man, is always the
one to bring him for his appointments due to the long bus ride and so his wife
can stay home with the other children.<span> </span>His
father works on a finca, harvesting and separating corn…it is hard work and
pays very little.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For the last few years, Luis has consistently looked
stronger and healthier than Kenneth.<span> </span>And
even when we saw him last August, the last time we saw him before we came back
to the States for furlough, Luis still looked good.<span> </span>That’s why we were so shocked and saddened to
realize that the horribly thin little boy with the gaunt face and dull eyes
standing before us was Luis.<span> </span>His cancer
had come back with a vengeance and it was ravishing his poor little body.<span> </span>When I looked at his papa, I realized he had
the same empty look in his eyes that I saw in Luis’s…I thought I was going to
cry on the spot.<span> </span>It’s never easy to go
in to the waiting room in the cancer ward…but somehow, seeing a child we had come
to know and care for take such a dramatic downward turn in such a short time
really hit me hard.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">His father told us that they had been at the hospital for
the last 20 days, staying in the housing area (a dorm type system) that is
provided for those like Luis who are there for extended outpatient treatment or
for parents to rest while their children are patients.<span> </span>The doctors were trying to get Luis’ blood counts
where they needed to be so they could start chemo again.<span> </span>But, his numbers weren’t going in the right
direction.<span> </span>They were there that day to
find out what that day’s blood work showed.<span>
</span>If the numbers still weren’t where they needed to be for treatment, they
were going to send them back home and have them just get what treatment they
could if and when his counts improved.<span>
</span>Even before Luis had his appointment that afternoon, I think we all knew
that there was not going to be any treatment and that most likely, his counts
are not going to improve.<span> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When Luis and his father went in to Dr. Mendieta’s office,
Jim and I just looked at each other.<span>
</span>Normally, the time the doctors spend with their patients is no more than
10-15 minutes, going over that morning’s blood work and then writing scripts
for whatever medications might be needed.<span>
</span>Occasionally, a doctor will spend a little longer and we find that
happens quite often with Dr. Ortiz and Kenneth as she seems to be very thorough
in discussing things with Danelia.<span> </span>Dr.
Mendieta is not known to spend that extra time with his patients.<span> </span>It was almost thirty minutes later, when Luis
walked out of his office with his head hung down.<span> </span>His father stayed in the office.<span> </span>Luis didn’t even smile at us when he walked
by us to go over to another office across the hallway. <span> </span>Finally, his father came out and even behind
his sunglasses and his hat pulled down low, we could see the face of a man who
was shaken to his core.<span> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Danelia went and talked with him for a few minutes and then
came back and told us that they were sending Luis home and that things didn’t
look good at all.<span> </span>Luis not only looked
bad, he was bad.<span> </span>She also told us that his
father had stayed so long in Managua that he had lost his job at the
finca.<span> </span>She said that he was going to
have to take the regular bus back home because they didn’t have the money for
the express bus which would cut the travel time by a couple of hours and he
didn’t know if Luis felt strong enough for the bus ride that day.<span> </span>He hadn’t felt like eating that day.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Jim and I were just sick over the news.<span> </span>We have really come to care for this brave
young man…who is just one of many brave children that we see each time we go…too
many.<span> </span>I had asked Jim when they went in
to see the doctor if we could send some money home with Luis’ papá and of
course, he agreed without hesitation.<span>
</span>Thankfully, I try to keep a little extra tucked away in a pocket in my
purse and so I discreetly got it out and tucked it in my jeans’ pocket.<span> </span>When his father went out in the hallway to
find Luis, I followed him.<span> </span>I asked him
what the doctor said and he told me in a very shaky voice.<span> </span>He indicated that the papers in his left hand
were prescriptions for medications and the paper in his right hand was for the
hospital nearest their home town.<span> </span>I got
the feeling that he probably didn’t read well and that he was repeating
instructions from Dr. Mendieta.<span> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When I replied that we thought a great deal of Luis and that
we would be praying for him, I realized my own voice wasn’t nearly as strong as
I had wished it would have been.<span> </span>His
father just looked down at the paperwork in his hands and nodded.<span> </span>I took his hand in mine and pressed the money
in to it.<span> </span>He was shocked at first that I
would reach for his hand but I think he was even more shocked at what I had
left in it.<span> </span>I told him that he was to
use that to buy food for his family or medicines for Luis.<span> </span>He simply nodded his head and agreement and
rasped out a teary “Gracias.”<span> </span>I walked
back in to the waiting room and sat down next to Jim, with that sick, hollow
feeling you get when you know that things just aren’t going to go the way that
you really want them to go in situations like this.<span> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">And that’s how some days go in the waiting room at the
cancer ward for children.<span> </span><span> </span></span><span> </span><span> </span></div>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-68658584417734396802012-02-24T19:51:00.000-06:002012-02-24T19:51:08.386-06:00Spewing steam...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;">CAUTION...This blog post is all about me feeling sorry for myself. I wrote it out of frustration and to let off some steam and worry...God let me have my little emotional snit and then reined me back in to where I need to be...resting in Him. Please feel free to skip it and go on to the next one which is about Kenneth and his friend, Luis and is back to being about our ministry. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Well, since the car is once again at the mechanic’s…3<sup>rd</sup>
time this week, I have some unexpected “free time” today and thought I would
try to get you caught up with us again.<span> </span>This
blog is being written more for my sake than for your information.<span> </span>It’s going to be like the jiggly thing that
lets steam out on a pressure cooker.<span> </span>If
it doesn’t release that pressure, it will blow up.<span> </span>That’s how I feel today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Since our return from the States at the end of November, way
too much of our time and resources have been spent on car issues.<span> </span><span> </span>I find
that frustrating on so many levels…we’ve had to cancel plans, change schedules
and miss out on numerous opportunities…and those are just the things we’ve
known about…who knows what we may have missed and not even be aware of it?<span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We know a 13 year old car with over 147,000 known and
hard-earned kilometers put on it is bound to have some problems and those
normal kinds of things like new shocks, brakes, tires, battery, etc. are not
the issue.<span> </span>It’s the continuing electrical
problems that continue to plague us and the lack of ability to get replacement
parts that are now starting to create even more issues.<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Jim and I agree that we would be fine with our car…if it
could just work as it should.<span> </span>The
problem is that has not happened for a long time now and we’ve just been
putting costly band-aid after band-aid on the problems and it’s never “fixed”.<span> </span>We just keep thinking if we just this one
more thing worked on, then we should be good to go…that’s just not happened and
I don’t know if it ever will.<span> </span>We, or at
least I, have reached the point where I no longer feel safe and secure in our
car as we should.<span> </span>We just can’t depend
on it.<span> </span>We’ve reached the place that we’re
no longer feeling that we can be effective in our own ministry when we can’t
follow through with the plans that we have made because of car problems.<span> </span>It seems as though this is like a line of
dominoes that’s been knocked over and they are now falling faster and faster
and we can’t stop them.<span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have adapted to not having a radio or cd player…that
forces us to use that car time for other things, prayer time, conversation,
solitude with the Lord.<span> </span>We’ve even
adjusted to not having a working speedometer or gas gauge.<span> </span>Neither of which I am happy without but we’ve
managed and as long as the odometer works, we can get along without them.<span> </span>We try to avoid driving at night since the
headlights, turn signals and taillights all choose to work sporadically.<span> </span>Those issues are traced back to the electrical
problems, which just can’t seem to be resolved, and are also now, somehow
causing a drain on the battery so that we’re never sure when the car is going
to start and when it’s not.<span> </span>That coupled
with the problem with the door locks and windows has now knocked down the next
domino which is that it’s affected the car alarm system as well.<span> </span>Sometimes it works.<span> </span>Sometimes it doesn’t.<span> </span>Sometimes the interior light works, sometimes
it doesn’t.<span> </span>The a/c problems continue
and I don’t honestly understand why or even if that has anything to do with the
rest of the car problems but without being able to roll our windows up and
down, we have to have a/c…or to be honest, I should say that’s the one luxury I
really would like to hold on to here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, you might wonder if I do anything other than complain
about this car.<span> </span>I do.<span> </span>I cry.<span>
</span>And I pray.<span> </span>I have prayed asking
God to just keep it going and to keep us safe, and He’s been incredibly
faithful to do so. <span> </span>As a matter of fact,
I can’t imagine what we would have dealt with if He hadn’t kept His hand on us.
<span> </span>So far, we’ve not been stranded anywhere
that has put us in danger.<span> </span>And so far,
we’ve not had anyone break in to our car or try to open the doors when they
were unlocked.<span> </span>He’s protected us as we’ve
traveled out of town in to areas with which we’re not familiar and He’s brought
us back home safely.<span> </span>So, in spite of my
complaints, my Father is so good to us.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, I have to tell you with a sense of embarrassment that
this morning, I prayed for God to provide a more reliable vehicle for us – one that
would still allow us to go to the more remote areas that we sometimes find
ourselves and one that would function as it should.<span> </span>It’s the first time I’ve seriously prayed for
a different car and even though I did so with great hesitation, I’m ashamed to
say that I did ask for that.<span> </span>I really do
try not to pray for “things” but to pray for God’s will.<span> </span>I want to be content in my
circumstances.<span> </span>This morning, seemed to
get the best of me.<span> </span>Paul would not have
been happy with me, that’s for sure!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I shared that with Jim when he got back from dropping the
car off at the mechanic’s and we talked about it…about how guilty we feel in
even asking for such a thing and yet not sure what else we can do.<span> </span>So, instead of praying for a different car, we
have decided to begin a concentrated praying together that God will resolve
this car issue once and for all.<span> </span>If He
can get our old car fixed to where it’s safe and operates as it should, we’re
good with that.<span> </span>We really are.<span> </span>If that’s not to be the answer, then we’ve
decided that’s something the Lord will work out.<span> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It was after Jim prayed with me that I could
feel much of my apprehension and guilt of my own prayer dissipate.<span> </span>I’m so thankful for a husband that ministers
to me in the way that I most need.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Lord really has kept His hand on us and I need to focus
on that far more than on this situation.<span>
</span>It’s not often that I get so completely discouraged about something, but
I’ve allowed this car thing to occupy far too much space in my mind and on this
blog.<span> </span>So, now that I’ve gotten that out
of my system (hopefully!)…let’s look at some of the other things that have been
going on with us. The next blog is back to the subject of ministry. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-71808525380381057152011-12-06T22:35:00.001-06:002011-12-06T22:41:03.464-06:00One Christmas Card...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>This is something I just posted on my Facebook page and thought that I should go ahead and put it on the blog as well. I would be very grateful if you would share this with others you may know who might want to participate in this simple yet very special ministry. </i> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a HUGE favor to ask of all my Facebook friends. You know how at this time of year you always hear about someone who is battling cancer who would like to receive Christmas cards? Well, I have just found out that the wife of a guy I went to high school with (yes, that was years ago!) has Stage 3 colon cancer. Mike had asked his daughter to send a Christmas card to Cynthia as they don't think she is going to make it see next year's Christmas. The daughter has ended up making a FB page called One Christmas Card (you can check it out and read the story yourself) and is asking for folks to just send Cynthia a card. She is NOT asking for donations or gifts or anything other than for a Christmas card to be sent to Cynthia. Could you maybe do this? What a wonderful gift you would give to someone you don't even know...and we know Christmas is all about giving! It doesn't even have to be a new or fancy card...but if you could do this, I would be so grateful. Jim and I are going to try to send a card from here and hope it gets to her on time. I am going to give you her mailing address...oh, and she doesn't seem to know why she's getting all these cards so please don't mention that Mike's daughter is behind this. Also, if you don't want to sign your names, you can do it anonymously or even sign it with Mike's name! Isn't this a beautiful and simple way (as well as inexpensive) for everyone to come together to bring a little bit of joy to someone's life? Thank you so much!!! </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Her name and address are:</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cynthia Flaherty</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">274 North Fish Haven Road</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lake Ozark, MO</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">65049 </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<i>I believe that I know and love some of the most generous and kind-hearted friends on the face of this earth and so I am looking forward to knowing that Cynthia is going to have an inundation of Christmas cards...please remember to pray for Cynthia before you mail the card and if God should bring her to your mind at other times, I know that Mike and Cynthia would appreciate your prayers of intercession on their behalf.</i></div>
<br />
<br />Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-49851219884527846372011-12-01T20:11:00.001-06:002011-12-01T20:46:46.362-06:00Aaargh!!! Cranky over car repairs....<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Car repairs make me cranky! Or maybe it's the need for car repairs that makes me cranky. Or...maybe it's the car repairs that never got repaired that make me cranky. Or maybe...it's figuring up how much we've spent on car repairs that had been completed, that remain to be completed and that were just completed today. Whatever...I'm a little cranky tonight and the majority of the crankiness centers around our vehicle and all those who have been associated with it the last three months! Maybe that's why I've not gone anywhere the last two days...cranky missionaries aren't what any of us want to be - or see! :)</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">As of tonight, the
car's a/c appears to be fixed. The other repairs still remain to be
re-repaired by the mechanic who supposedly repaired them in the first
place! And the billfold is empty. Guess what we are getting each other for
Christmas this year...and our birthdays and our anniversary?! At
least I won't have to spend any money on wrapping paper...and I suppose we've helped do our part in making a couple of car mechanics' holiday season a little brighter. Just doesn't feel like a particularly great way to start our first week back...</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Looks like we'll have to wait until next week to try to get back to the first mechanic's place to have him work on the car again. We got a call tonight from Susanna saying that Kenneth has an appointment at La Mascota early in the morning so we won't be able to do anything more with the car's issues tomorrow. And I'm thinking we probably are going to miss our pot-luck Christmas dinner at our pastor's house as tomorrow will most likely be a long day and I won't have time to fix anything when we get home...plus, we'll most likely be tired and sticky after a day at the hospital and in the neighborhood. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I'm looking forward to getting past these rough patches in re-acclimating to life here. Three months in the States and I'm conditioned to expect things to go pretty much as scheduled and for people to do what they say they will do. I have to remember I'm in the Land of Nothing-Goes-as-Planned and living in the City of Good-Intentions-But-Not-So-Hot-Follow-Through! Saying it's a quick and easy adjustment is a stretch for someone who loves to plan their work and then expects to work their plan! </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">These are just minor irritants in and of themselves...I think it's when they're hitting one after the other like falling dominoes that my frustration level grows. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">I don't want to end this on a negative note so let me just say how terrific the weather has been the last two days! Beautiful skies, lovely breezes and daytime temps in the mid to upper 80s with night time temperatures down in the mid 60s! Glorious!!! And...there's always next week to look forward to now, isn't there? </span></span></h6>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-39098468492407139032011-11-30T21:00:00.001-06:002011-11-30T21:03:00.661-06:00Back in Managua...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our travel day back to Managua: Mandy took us to the airport to see us off. We were so grateful that our four cases all came in under the maximum weight limit. We had to buy a new suitcase this trip home as the old one had reached the TSA’s maximum allowable weight on duct tape on a suitcase! At least that’s what I told Jim, anyway. It has been several years since we had to buy luggage so we were both a little shocked by the prices they were asking for a fabric covered version of a Radio Flyer on end! But, after much searching and a last minute shopping trip, we found a Samsonite that I’m hoping proves to be baggage-handler proof for at least a handful of round-trip flights. I’m not too worried about it being gorilla-proof as I’ve not seen any actual gorillas slamming luggage marked “Fragile” on the beltway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the first time in several years that we have been able to fly out of Rogers for less than out of Tulsa and it was so nice for Mandy to not have such a long drive home. Because we arrived at the airport early, we were able to sit and visit for awhile before we had to go through security. The time chatting together was wonderful but the good-byes are still heart-wrenching. I always try to brace myself to not break down and cry and I always fail. I’m sure that every-time I go through the security checkpoints that the TSA officials must think I’m grieving…in some respects, they are right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For some reason, our flight was late arriving so we were late taking off. It was not an issue for us as we had a 4 hour layover between flights but I know there were some on the flight who were very concerned about the delay. We had a very entertaining and very attentive steward on our flight who was named Boudreaux…I’m guessing he was from Louisiana. He seemed to go out of his way to speak with each passenger and to appear sincerely concerned for our comfort. That probably wouldn’t bear much notice except when we saw him later in the concourse at Houston, he remembered us and made a few sentences of small talk, asking where we were going, etc. I appreciated the personal exchange in this venue, which is by nature, a fast-paced, non-personal world all its own. So kudos to Boudreaux and those rare few who are like him! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 4 hour cushion between flights proved to be a blessing. My knee held out but I obviously wasn’t up to any power-walking and so it was just so nice to not have to rush from one gate to the other…naturally located at opposite ends of the airport! We stopped along our hike and ate a late lunch at Panda Express and then found our departing gate. We each had our Kindles and so we read until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer and I took a short nap…trusting Jim to nudge me if my mouth should fall open or I should begin to drool. Never felt any nudges but my throat was a little dry when I woke up…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our flight to Managua was also a bit late to board and it was completely full. Our seats happened to be on the exit row which didn’t give us any more space width-wise, but did give Jim a little bit more knee room which made it a tad more comfortable for him. We got out on the tarmac and seemed to be sitting there longer than normal. Finally, the captain came on the p.a. and told us that we were overloaded and that he would need to burn off some more fuel before we could take off. I prayed that it wasn’t our stuffed-to-the-gills carry-ons causing the problem and that he would know how much to burn off and how much to keep for the flight! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were 3 North American men, all traveling separately, sitting directly behind us and two of them sat and talked together throughout most of the flight. The young man in the center seat was a Christian and he had engaged the gentleman on the aisle seat in conversation. Most of it was focused on the guy in the aisle seat explaining about his business in Nicaragua and how it benefitted the Nicaraguan people. He is somehow involved in a Zona Franca…which are nothing more than giant sweat shops…long, long workdays, lousy working conditions and ridiculously low pay. I think I would have to disagree that he benefits the Nicaraguan people…I tend to think most of the employees who work there tend to be exploited and not benefitted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The young man in the middle seat asked lots of questions and they were very relaxed in their conversation when the young man began telling the other man why he was going to Nicaragua. He was with a small medical team who were going up north to do some free clinics. He then told him that the reason he was doing that is because he wanted to show the love of Jesus Christ in a very practical way. The aisle guy got very quiet. The middle man (so to speak) also told the aisle guy that God had a plan for his life and then began sharing the gospel with him. Jim and I smiled at each other and we both began to pray silently for the holy encounter going on behind us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we were nearing Managua, I realized that the young man sitting by the window had not participated in any part of the conversation going on in the seats next to him. I glanced back at him several times (the 3rd seat has been removed on the exit rows so it allows for an open space there). He held a book like he was reading it but it was obvious he wasn’t. He closed it up and began looking out the window as we were low enough that we could start seeing lights in some of the outer areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I turned toward the man and asked him if this was his first visit to Managua. He smiled and told me that it was his second and that it was for business purposes. I asked him if his business kept him in Managua or if he was able to travel to other areas of the country. He told me he would be staying mainly in Managua and the Masaya area but would someday love to come back with his wife to just visit. He told me where he was staying and that the company he was working with was very good to have someone available to pick him up and they assign him a car and chauffeur. We chatted for just a few minutes and he asked why we were going to Managua. I gave him the Cliff’s notes version of the “why” (I can be brief when time is of the essence!) and he got a really funny expression on his face. About that time we were landing and so I turned around and faced the front as Managua landings are notorious for being a little rough. This one did not disappoint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I asked Jim for one of our business cards and had him write our current cell phone number on the back of it. I then turned around and gave it to the young man and simply told him that if he should find himself in any kind of jam or needed any help, to just give us a call. He looked shocked and then very pleased and then thanked me. I just smiled and turned around and silently prayed for him. I was pretty sure that He doesn’t know the Lord. During that brief conversation, we never introduced ourselves. Not sure why, but God has brought him to both Jim’s mind and mine several times during the past few days. I figure God has a reason for us to be praying for him and so we do. Hopefully, one day, I’ll bump in to him in heaven and find out why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wrote a little bit on Facebook re: Day 1 and our car problems. I’ll try to summarize it pretty quickly here: a friend used our car while we were gone and the car decided it was an opportune time to begin to fall apart! She took it a mechanic who was one of those” friend of a friend” guys and who was supposed to be really good and was giving a great deal besides. Not so convinced. Yesterday was the first chance we’ve had to drive it since our return. What we found was that the a/c no longer works, the RPM gauge has quit working (which goes along with the non-functioning gas gauge and speedometer – both of which quit the last two times we were Stateside!), one of our belts squeals horribly, the front door locks will unlock themselves every few minutes, the windows weren’t rolling down or up when they were supposed to do so and the back door won’t unlock. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday morning, after we had our quiet time, we went out on the balcony off of our bedroom since it was cooler outside than in…we had lost electricity and as a result, had no fans and no coffee. The fans are a must when it’s hot but the coffee is close to crucial year round. While we were sitting there, Eddie, one of the complexes handymen saw us on the balcony and greeted us. I asked how he was doing and he said fine…and then when I asked how his baby girl was doing, Eddy walked over to stand just below us. He told us that she had an operation last week to have two cysts removed from her eyelids and that she will have to have another surgery before long to remove one off the other eye. He said she was doing very well and he thanked God for that. He also thanked us for asking about her and said that if we needed any work done in our house, to just let him know. At the time, I didn’t…but he did have to come today to replace a washer in my kitchen faucet. That type of repair is included in our rent but I gave Eddy just a little money since I just wanted to bless him. He was so grateful and thanked me several times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back to yesterday…I have to admit I wasn’t giddy with excitement as we left for lunch yesterday. The issues with the car were just so frustrating. Jim and I went to Pizza Hut to eat where we could get our cheapo $8 for 2 meal…of course that now $8.25 meal doesn’t include our drinks or the $2 special on cinnamon sticks but still, it’s a very reasonably priced meal all in all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Jim and I were sitting in the booth waiting for our waiter to come take our order, we were talking about how routine everything seemed to be. I told him that I had always been excited about returning to Managua before but that this time, I felt more resigned to it and that maybe we weren’t supposed to be coming back. (Remember I told you how hard it was for me to leave this time?) I said that I wished I knew for sure that’s where God wanted us. No sooner had I gotten the words out of my mouth than one of the waitresses named Jenifer came up to us and quickly greeted us, shaking Jim’s hand and giving me a kiss on each cheek. She said she had not seen us for a long time and wanted to know if we had been on vacation. (I didn’t think we went there to eat that often!) I told her we had been in the States for the last three months and had just gotten back the night before. She quickly pointed out that she was going to have a baby in March and placed my hand on her rounded little tummy. The baby’s name is Alexis and I’m sure will be as beautiful as her mama. I congratulated her and she told me she was so glad we came back to Nicaragua. After she walked off, I told Jim I had spoken too soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After lunch, we went to get some money changed as we had spent most of what I had on me for lunch. Our cambistas (moneychangers) are brothers and they sit under a tree on a busy street in Managua and change money for those who pull up in front of them. It’s Managua’s version of a drive-through bank! Before we even pulled up, one of the two brothers, stood up and began walking to the curb. When I rolled my window down (and it stayed down on its own, thank goodness), he reached in, shook hands with both of us, told us that he had missed us and wanted to know how our vacation was. He and Jim did their transaction and as we were getting ready to drive off, he said he was glad we were back in the country. His brother waved good-bye. I was surprised that they had missed us but again, pleased that someone had noticed we were gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The final “welcome home” for the day came at the grocery store. One of the sackers we have known since the store opened was so excited to see us. He told us he had missed seeing us and wondered if we had moved away. I told him we had gone to the States for a visit. He said he was glad we hadn’t moved back. I want to say that it’s because we always speak to him when we’re there but I think it’s more about the fact that we give him a tip when he carries out our groceries. Either way…those were nice words to hear. And those positive strokes made for a much nicer ending to the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now, we’re on Day 2 of our return to Managua and I think I finally have everything put away where it’s supposed to go, all the clothes got washed, the throw rugs washed, the thick layer of black mold cleaned from the fridge and chest freezer seals, Eddy fixed the leaky kitchen faucet today, the internet is finally connected, the plants got watered and we have Pixie with us once again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We never know what we’re going to find (or find missing) when we leave for any length of time and this time was no different…other than the length of time we spent away. Three months is a long time to leave a place uninhabited in this climate. We have found a handful of termite runs throughout the place, but only one seems to have been active and it was a doozie! Jim sprayed the dickens out of it and smacked an already flat scary looking bug/spider thing. The closest picture I’ve found on the internet that resembles it is a creepy looking crawlie called a tail-less whip scorpion. They’re not supposed to be harmful to humans. We’ll never know where that one was concerned. Gave me the willies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are several new stains on the ceiling which indicates it had several leaks that we didn’t have before and the sheetrock tape is coming down in a couple of areas. The bodega flooded while we were gone but doesn’t appear to be any major damage out there. And, all in all, the house seemed to fare okay. I think it helped having Margarita continue to come in 3x week and everything still seems to be in its place...plus most of my plants made it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, Jim and our Nicaraguan friend, Martin (who picked us up at the airport), went to get a couple of estimates on getting the a/c repaired. The first place wanted an arm and a leg to fix it and the second place wanted just an arm…we’re going with the arm guy and just praying he knows what he’s doing! Jim and will take it back tomorrow morning and leave it and hopefully, we’ll get it back tomorrow afternoon with a working a/c. Martin is going to follow him there so that he can bring him back home. If that works out as we hope, then Jim and our friend will take the car on Friday to the mechanic who worked on it while we’re gone to figure out what repairs need to be repaired. I’m assuming the mechanic won’t charge for this visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The car fiasco has changed our plans for this week but that’s okay. We probably needed to take a few days to get settled back in before going to visit everyone. Friday night, we’re going to a pot-luck supper at our pastor’s house. Saturday, we’ll stay close to home as there is a large scale political demonstration planned by the opposition to the ruling government. Sunday is church and lunch with friends. Looks like visits will have to wait until next week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-26579665086817226392011-05-11T20:44:00.000-06:002011-05-13T14:46:46.378-06:00Finally...yet again!<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve come to the conclusion that I will never get caught up…and that I will never catch the rest of you up with all that happens in our days here.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I have wondered why it used to be so much easier for me to make the time to sit down and write.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I decided that was before we found ourselves “working” seven days a week!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I’ve also decided that we’ve allowed ourselves to get bogged down in all that we’re doing to the point that we’re facing some serious burnout.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> What that means is that we’ve more than likely taken on more than what God told us to take on or in ways that He had never intended.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> That’s wrong, as well as exhausting.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">First of all…Happy Anniversary to us!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We’ve been here three years now!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> In some respects, the time has flown by…in others, I wonder if Jesus would be willing to move the date up on His return!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Have we acclimated?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> For the most part.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Does this feel like home?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> As much as any place can feel like home for people who don’t feel like they have one anymore.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Are we fluent in Spanish?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Not even close!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Are we glad we’re here?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Most days.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Has our ministry turned out the way we had envisioned?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Another not even close!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Do we still struggle?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Every day in one way or another.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Has it been worth it?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Only Jesus can answer that…we belong to Him.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> What are we doing now?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Holding on.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mondays through Fridays (and sometimes, Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons), we can usually be found at CINAFE, the child protection center that we are currently volunteering at in the position of overseers.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> It has to be one of the most taxing and tiring things we’ve done since arriving here three years ago…and that’s saying a lot considering I thought teaching at Los Cedros was going to lead to my early demise! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have seen some amazing changes in the 15 children who currently live there.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> One of the girls who was a master of manipulation when we first arrived has undergone a remarkable transformation.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> She is hungry to know more and more about Jesus.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> She is quick to help and has taken on the role of mentor to some of the littlest ones there at CINAFE.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> She is a good student and has been demonstrating her natural leadership qualities.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> She still makes some poor decisions and did so again recently, but for the first time ever, she has shown some genuine remorse for her behavior.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> That’s a pretty big step for her.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another young girl would not allow any physical touch from us.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I could not put my arm around her or touch her shoulder when we first arrived.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Now, she almost knocks us over to give us her after-school hugs.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> She will come in the office and just sit and talk…about her day, about her family, about school and best of all, about God.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> She has memorized numerous scriptures and she is now starting to understand that although knowing God’s Word is wonderful to know, He expects us to put in to practice what we’ve learned.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> That’s a harder lesson to learn…but isn’t it for all of us?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are now entering a dangerous time at CINAFE…about 1/2 of our children are now 12 and older.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> That means that there is a constant surge of hormones happening at any given time which only adds to the unpredictability of life there.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> If that weren’t challenging enough, we also have staff issues, government regulations, upcoming presidential elections and all that entails, constant maintenance issues and rising prices.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We feel we are in a precarious position of trying to manage CINAFE in a way that honors God and meets the expectations of the organization’s ministerial board while trying to keep our employees in a state of satisfaction plus parenting 15 kids in a Christian manner in a culture that is so different from our own.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I’m sure it would be easier if we were 30 years young…we’re not!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are days that we don’t get home until 8:00 at night.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We’ll have staff problems or problems with the children which makes it feel more like midnight when we’re leaving or we will have kids who just need some personal attention.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> They know that we start trying to leave between 5:00 and 6:00 and somehow, that seems to be the exact time that one of them wants to talk, or they want to play volleyball or handgames or just hang on us for awhile.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Somehow, they don’t understand that we’re not 30 years younger so there are many nights that we go home with achy muscles or bruises or dirty handprints on what had been a relatively clean shirt…but we also go home those nights with smiles on our tired, line-etched faces and in our uplifted hearts.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Those nights are much more frequent now than they were a year ago which is a blessing…but it is also very tiring!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have been able to implement some different programs for the children there and hopefully, these will grow in to something that will help contribute to a brighter future for these kids.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We now have a general scholarship fund set up for the children so that those who seek to further their education after secondary school (that’s like our high school) can have the opportunity to do so.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> This fund is to be used for either college or a type of vocational training and we’re praying that this will someday be utilized by all of our children.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> The need for a good education is so important if these kids hope to have a better life than the one they knew before they came to us.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We also now have three treadle sewing machines that were donated by the Kenmore Kiwanis group from Ohio.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We have hired a woman who teaches sewing to come in twice a week to teach the older children how to use the machines so that they will all have learned a basic skill.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Although some of the girls aren’t too crazy about learning this craft, others are demonstrating a real talent which is very exciting to see.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> This class is building such self-confidence in some of our girls who have really struggled in this area so we have already considered this program a success.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another venture has been teaching a class in jewelry making.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> That one hasn’t taken off as we had hoped but mainly because our accessibility to affordable quality materials is pretty limited.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We are going to continue to pursue this but are in the process of trying to tweak the program so that the few who show some real promise in this craft, can continue to progress.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my favorite programs that we now have going, is the weekly Bible study and discipleship program we now have in place.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We have a local church who sends several young women over every week to work with the kids through songs, stories and lessons.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We have seen some real spiritual growth happening in several of our older girls and that has been so encouraging.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soon, we will be having Jillian Hoover with us for a month and she is going to help us with a brief music program for the kids.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Jillian is from our home church and we are looking forward to seeing God use her musical talent to minister to these children.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We want the kids to learn how to read music and play the recorder.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We also recently bought a small used Casio keyboard which we are hoping to be able to incorporate in these lessons and we are currently looking for a guitar teacher for our 12 year old boy who loves to strum it and play around with chords.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We will also be having a friend of Jillian’s visit with us for a few weeks.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Crystal Odell also loves music so we’re expecting lots of harmonious sounds to emanate from our munchkins there at CINAFE!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Okay…that’s our update on CINAFE.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Now on to Tipitapa and Rayitas de Luz.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Saturdays are full days for us there.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We have our adult English class which last for 2 – 2 ½ hours in the mornings.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> The class has dwindled down to about a solid dozen students.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> And out of that dozen, about ½ of them are serious about learning English and those six make Saturday mornings worth the sacrifice of our 1 day a week of sleeping in.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After class, we eat a quick lunch that Danelia and Arturo have prepared for us and then we’re back in the hot classroom to take on the 20+ kids who come every Saturday afternoon for their English class.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Those kids energize me, that’s for sure…at least for that hour or so because I’m always drained on the way back to Managua!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week, we had a special activity for the parents of the children and had about 30 parents show up.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Danelia, Anibal (Danelia’s brother) and I each presented an aspect of parenting.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> My talk was the last and although it was short, my focus in my pitiful Spanish was the importance of giving God first place in the marriage.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I hadn’t planned on a question and answer session afterwards but a man stood up and asked if Jim and I argued and how we settled them.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to laugh when he asked me and I quickly assured him that we most certainly had disagreements and that we were two very different people in our personalities and our mannerisms which often presented a challenge when we were on opposite ends of something.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Everyone laughed as many of them already knew us.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I also told them that even when I didn’t feel like it, I try to defer to Jim as God has placed him as the spiritual head of our family.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I realized I had been given an opportunity to keep sharing about the difference between a God-centered marriage and a me-centered marriage and so I jumped on that.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Jim also spoke up and shared a little bit as well.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We all felt the program went very well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We then had a drawing for three prizes that Jim and I provided.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We chose household items that any family could use…2 towels and 2 washcloths, a small pitcher with six plastic glasses and three packets of juice mix and finally, three plastic containers which held a can opener, a scrubby sponge and 4 rolls of dishwashing paste.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We also provided the refreshments of cake and soda.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> It was such a festive time and the parents were so great.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were really surprised and pleased by the turnout but then, God had yet another surprise for us.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Three different couples approached Danelia after the program and told her that they decided they would like to be married and wanted to know if we would let them use the school.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> When Danelia told me that, I was speechless.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Finally, I asked her what prompted that and she said she didn’t know but that’s what they wanted. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We discussed it at length and the only stipulation we put on the use of the building for their weddings was that they would have to counsel with a pastor before the wedding and have a pastor be a part of the ceremony.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> There are two types of wedding services here, a religious service and a civil service.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> A church or religious wedding is not considered a legal marriage in Nicaragua.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> A legal marriage is done by a lawyer and the cost for the paperwork is minimal.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> A religious wedding is recognized only by the church as a valid marriage.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> So, we’re asking the couples to “marry” the two services so that they will have a marriage that is acknowledged by both the law and the church.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We’re excited to see how this progresses and the impact it will have in the community.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The other use for the building is now in the preliminary planning stages.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Beginning in June, Danelia is going to start offering a children’s Sunday School class on Sunday mornings.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> There have already been quite a few parents who have said they would like to send their children to the class and she is estimating about 20 children who want to come.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kenneth’s health continues to decline.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> His legs are so thin now as the muscles have atrophied and his arms are no longer strong like they once were.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> The doctor at La Mascota, the children’s hospital, has upped his pain medicine now to every six hours.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Last Friday, we all felt sucker-punched when one of the pediatric oncologists told us that he not only thinks the tumor in the chest is growing, he also indicated he thinks the cancer may have spread to the brain.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m not accepting that diagnosis yet as the doctor is basing it on the past history of another patient and the fact that Kenneth’s white cell count was highly elevated.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> But there have been no other tests to confirm that so we’re praying against that diagnosis.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I am not at all a fan of how medicine is done here and what confidence I did have has waned considerably with that kind of doctoring.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although Kenneth is declining physically, his attitude has never been better.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> He is eating again and when the pain medication is doing its job, he’s full of smiles and jabbers like a magpie.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> He loves to play games and his newest favorite thing to do while we sit in the waiting area at the hospital are hidden object puzzles.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I have a big book of these kinds of puzzles and he loves finding something before Jim or I do.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Cancer may be taking a terrible toll on his body but it hasn’t dampened his competitive spirit one iota!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> The kid is brutal!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I make light of this because that’s how we are getting through this right now.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Every visit to La Mascota is torture for me…and I’m not the one getting stuck with needles and poked and prodded in all the painful places every two weeks.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> But I am the one who sees the babies with huge protruding tumors over the eyes, toddlers with horribly extended misshapen bellies due to inoperable tumors, young girls and boys hopping around on one leg due to amputations from bone cancer, children who look more like stick figures than human beings who are so weak that their coughs sound like strangled mews thanks to the lung cancers from which they suffer…these visits almost always bring tears to my eyes and sometimes, I can’t hold those tears back.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I look around at all the children that we see each visit (there is an average of more than 70 children treated each day as outpatients in the cancer ward) and my heart literally hurts at their suffering.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Kenneth just sees new friends with whom to share his puzzles or toys.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One day, I think Kenneth sensed what I was thinking as I sat and looked around.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> He never said a word but just took my hand and squeezed it as if to reassure me that everything was going to be okay…it was as though our roles reversed for a moment.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I sat and stared at him and was horrified at the thought that as much as I hate those hospital visits, I am going to be devastated if the day comes (and the doctors are all sure it will come), that there will no longer be a need for us to be there because Kenneth will have received his ultimate and eternal healing.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> On that day, his pain will have ended but I’m afraid ours will continue for some time.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> And I’m so selfish in this…Kenneth has become such a part of our lives here.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> He’s more than a little boy with cancer…he’s a little boy whom we dearly love.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Please continue to pray for him.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now going south from Managua is our newest ministry venture.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I think I told you about Mercy Plate Ministries?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I will explain in case I haven’t and if I have…consider it a quick review!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> It is a fledgling feeding program for the elderly in a community called Vera Cruz which is south of Managua…and no, Vera Cruz is not close to our home either!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> It is run by a wonderful Nicaraguan Christian couple who are from the Atlantic Coast.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Due to scheduling conflicts with our time in Tipitapa, we are currently unable to be present to help Segard and Elsie with the actual serving of the food but we have been helping financially and encouraging them with prayers and advice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have been able to bless Mercy Plate with some games, dishes, silverware, food and today, we took a load of donated clothes and shoes down for Elsie to hand out on Saturday.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> The program is growing so fast.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> A few months ago, Elsie started out with about 9 seniors who came for her first Saturday evening meal.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Now, they’re up to about 50 on the roster.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> She not only gives them a good hot nutritious meal, she also does blood pressure checks and offers them a time of fellowship.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We’re working on trying to figure out a way to do a home delivery system once a week for those that are homebound so that we can get to know them and their families and begin building relationships with them.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> So many do not know Jesus and we know time is so short for a great many of them. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our “big dream” for them is to build a covered outside eating area so that the rainy season will not keep them from coming.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> There is an enclosed building they can meet in but it’s hot and they love being outside.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We want to get some plastic tables and enough chairs for everyone.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Those are big dreams but Segard, Elsie, Jim and I all serve the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> The project of building a simple rancho and some plastic chairs may look like a huge project to us…but we trust God to provide in His time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Segard told us that many of the elderly in that community are skeptical of gringos coming in there as they associate so many of us with the Iran-Contra War so we have some hurdles to cross but we believe God has opened a door for us there and we don’t want to not step through it.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> There is an uneasy dance with the churches in the community as they’re fearful of Segard wanting to start a “competitive” church.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Segard assured them that is not his intention but we all agree that we want to share Jesus with them.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Segard and Elsie are more about the service aspect whereas Jim and I want to be able to visit with the folks and find out where they are spiritually.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We’re also trusting God to provide us with that opportunity in His time.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, that’s a quick general overall snapshot of what we’re doing with our current ministries.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Before I end this I will tell you that this past year has been the most difficult year for me (and I would assume for Jim) for some time.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We will be coming back to the States in August and we’ve decided to stay for a couple of months this time.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> We need some rest and we need to hear clearly from God what direction He wants us to go.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> I am confident it will be to return here…I’m just not confident in what capacity. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> We have many questions that we are laying before the Lord right now and we just want to be obedient to Him in our every response.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Thank you for your continued prayers, words of encouragement and support.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> You are so precious to us.</span></div>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-848096524054405731.post-6525795160112211712011-02-28T22:31:00.000-06:002011-02-28T22:31:55.031-06:00Long overdue...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I’m not even sure how to begin this. I know it has been ages since I’ve blogged and at least twice that long since I’ve done a newsletter. Every few days or so, I tell myself that I’m going to carve out the time I need to “catch up” and yet I I don’t seem to ever start that carving process. As frustrating as that is for me, it was brought to my attention this past week that it is equally, if not more so, for some of you. All I can do is apologize for letting you down in this respect. I KNOW we’re super busy, (and I’ll be the first to admit that we’re probably too busy) but of course, I realize you have no way of knowing that unless I take the time to share just what it is that we’re doing. And if there is anyone who has the right to know what we’re doing here, it is all of you. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">First of all, God answered my prayer to help me find a block of time where I can actually sit and write. I’ve been sick with the flu the last 4 days and today is actually the first day that I’ve even felt like sitting up this long. This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when I prayed that prayer of finding more time, believe me. But, I recognize an opportunity when I see it so I’ll try now to give you a decent recap of what we’ve been doing lately.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You are aware that we’ve moved to a much more secure place to live. Things are unpacked, the study is organized, flowers are planted but it still doesn’t feel like “home”. We have just recently put in 3 ceiling fans which is helping to keep the place cooler. We’re talking about painting the all vanilla-colored walls and replacing the blinds with curtains to help make it feel a little cozier. All the wall décor we had in our house is still waiting to be hung but we want to paint first before we hang them…with concrete walls, the fewer holes Jim has to make, the better. So, right now, we’re safe but still not feeling we have a home. I’m assuming that will happen at some point. Honestly, right now, we’re here so little most of the time that “home” seems to be way down on our “to do” list. I don't have pics yet but maybe if we get moving on the improvements, I'll have some to show.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We continue to spend most of our time at CINAFE and so that’s where I’ll focus for this particular blog. Obviously, too much has happened to catch you up on everything at once. So, about CINAFE… To begin with, the children have just started their new school year and they are so excited. They are sporting new backpacks and new shoes. Many have new uniforms. Right now, it’s all great…but the routine of homework hasn’t gotten old yet so attitudes may change before long. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The majority of the children have returned to the private school (where their tuition has been donated) but we have four of the children who have had to change schools. Thankfully, they are able to attend a school just a few blocks from the home which not only makes it convenient, but also, we’re praying that this will be a positive change for these children. We also continue to have a tutor several times a week to help those children who continue to struggle with their basic subjects. Many of our kids were way behind in their education when they came to us with some having to learn to read and write for the first time.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are working on some new programs for the kids. They not only need a safe and healthy place to live, they also need to have some hope for a future that is different than their past. Thanks to a Kiwanis club in Ohio, we will soon be able to buy some sewing machines for our girls so that they can learn a life skill that they will always be able to use. Through some vocational and aptitude testing, we are discovering some of the older kids’ God-given gifts, abilities and interests with the idea of trying to nurture those through possible outside vocational training. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For example, we have a girl who is extremely artistic, another one who is very interested in and very good in the field of cosmetology, a young man who is interested in carpentry and a girl who enjoys studying English. We all know some children are university material and some aren’t but regardless of their abilities and capabilities, we don’t want to try to force these children in to a mold that doesn’t fit them. So, in conjunction with that, our third stage of this “future of hope” program that is in the process now, is to set up a general Scholarship Fund for any of the CINAFE children who choose to continue with a higher education program or vocational school training. We are very excited about this opportunity for our kids.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Day to day life at CINAFE varies greatly. If ever there were a roller-coaster ride of a ministry, this one is it and it takes an unbelievable amount of time as well as physical and emotional energy to be there day after day. The “fix-it” side of me wonders why sharing the truth of God’s Word doesn’t just make it all better. But then, the truth of God’s Word answers that very question…Satan is a liar and a thief and that he has come to steal, kill and destroy. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The challenges that we face every day at CINAFE, with both the staff and the children, are spiritual battles and they are wearying. Our Hope and our Strength are Jesus Christ and In Him, we hold on to the promises that we are more than conquerors…and He is who we want each one of the children and the staff at CINAFE to come to know as their Lord and Savior. That is a difficult step for so many of them to make as trust is not something that they are quick to give. These children need your prayers. The staff needs your prayers. And we certainly need your prayers. This is a heavy responsibility with eternal consequences.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NyA_pxcCCWVQsf8Vi3LhsnVnBo9y87eaLHZyKalSBC8MXBfy4bu8CFM29E9H-4RjVwHWr3eSlm90jNk0MTXMdhYXftuRAYRDysl6eSx0NaYxBgkKHtaYdQQ8txq0VIQtUZ4iEERPgqnD/s1600/P1020823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NyA_pxcCCWVQsf8Vi3LhsnVnBo9y87eaLHZyKalSBC8MXBfy4bu8CFM29E9H-4RjVwHWr3eSlm90jNk0MTXMdhYXftuRAYRDysl6eSx0NaYxBgkKHtaYdQQ8txq0VIQtUZ4iEERPgqnD/s200/P1020823.JPG" width="200" /></a>Karen, our friend in Ohio and the wife of the CINAFE board president, came to spend part of the Christmas holiday at CINAFE. That was a fun and a very busy week. We had a Christmas party for about 40 children from our local neighborhood plus a poor neighborhood about 1 ½ kilometers away. An American gentleman, Dana, who comes to visit Nicaragua several times a year, rented a giant inflatable jump house castle and we had a Nicaraguan ministry team, Castillo Del Rey, come to entertain the kids. We had games, activities and refreshments ending the afternoon with a presentation of the gospel. It was a fun day for everyone.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY-Q3LSZZ1Alb5XUnJftDbIQ9sEae1ZHD5vU4TzBqYyPNHwmIh5rYoGEDAfFuADPn1rSLH0PcJNxXmU1GUXHh75nFbTizpUBfWOUXSnvXgwgvjfeq31EhV74qJbV3fTKTPavmbFMsLW6T/s1600/P1020947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuY-Q3LSZZ1Alb5XUnJftDbIQ9sEae1ZHD5vU4TzBqYyPNHwmIh5rYoGEDAfFuADPn1rSLH0PcJNxXmU1GUXHh75nFbTizpUBfWOUXSnvXgwgvjfeq31EhV74qJbV3fTKTPavmbFMsLW6T/s200/P1020947.JPG" width="200" /></a>One of the other highlights of that week was taking the children to a poor neighborhood in El Crucero, which is about 13 kilometers south of Managua and the community where all the children attended school last year. Thanks to some very generous folks who donated to this project, the children visited thirty homes, passing out plastic tubs filled with food, including a hot, cooked whole chicken and a loaf of fresh bread. The children took turns praying over each family and everyone sang carols, oftentimes with the families joining in. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiuwFO-a7ZzSr7t2afmwrpQuWK1JbJyVaiZOG6ud5VRkEappPNiQKJAoQTYf46FWOSORfDfRLCBOFF7Va7itJEfKwspYK0wUmkSpJ-PilRs7xXWUZoppl38aaxRRItXDtCOXGetHbaw3P/s1600/P1020946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiuwFO-a7ZzSr7t2afmwrpQuWK1JbJyVaiZOG6ud5VRkEappPNiQKJAoQTYf46FWOSORfDfRLCBOFF7Va7itJEfKwspYK0wUmkSpJ-PilRs7xXWUZoppl38aaxRRItXDtCOXGetHbaw3P/s200/P1020946.JPG" width="200" /></a>The children were in such high spirits, they loved doing this! And the reaction of the recipients was so touching. These were folks who lived in very poor conditions. More than once, we heard that the food baskets were an answer to prayer. One lady had six children and said she had fixed the last of her little bit of rice that morning and had no idea what she was going to feed them that night. Another was an older couple who cried tears of gratitude when they received their basket. Another was a grieving mother who had just buried her three year old daughter who had been hit and killed by a microbus. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Of course, the word spread like wildfire and as usual, there were people who sought us out, asking for food and as usual, there wasn’t enough to go around. That was the saddest part to the day - having to tell people that there wasn’t any more to give. I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to that. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcn0KHbSeHxjoNixGB5KBBniIM2GAKzDQ6ouWi8XUP2dcBaRNKDYw_aZym_DOLLwxSn7r1Aoykk4cso9eo2bco0kAC65bnzIiWJ_GMijNHHekEge4WWoGiIQhiAg9viOdEjriL1yLUDG5/s1600/P1020873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcn0KHbSeHxjoNixGB5KBBniIM2GAKzDQ6ouWi8XUP2dcBaRNKDYw_aZym_DOLLwxSn7r1Aoykk4cso9eo2bco0kAC65bnzIiWJ_GMijNHHekEge4WWoGiIQhiAg9viOdEjriL1yLUDG5/s200/P1020873.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There was another memorable event for the children and that was a visit to Ancianos Coronados. The church Jim and I attend, Covenant Church of Managua, reaches out each Friday and every other Saturday to a community of elderly in a neighborhood called Las Naciones in the south part of Managua. The church has a feeding program for the folks and they meet in the front yard of someone who has volunteered their home for this. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U2RdZMo_t-2lyvSUWfWJD0_QHgA8e-Cq8Re8vZKNmn_na_QsoQOh_zXae6PwL24OCLAIbhRV_qaej8YJRaHQ3aLoE_LQL9-tysHhDT14T_9UmlNnvqI0EXYfCxOhMAM48XJRp5VhQXOO/s1600/P1020891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U2RdZMo_t-2lyvSUWfWJD0_QHgA8e-Cq8Re8vZKNmn_na_QsoQOh_zXae6PwL24OCLAIbhRV_qaej8YJRaHQ3aLoE_LQL9-tysHhDT14T_9UmlNnvqI0EXYfCxOhMAM48XJRp5VhQXOO/s200/P1020891.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We have such high regard for this program and thought this would be a good experience for our CINAFE kids so Jim and I arranged for them to have the opportunity to help serve lunch one Friday before Christmas. Each year, the kids minister in a neighborhood with food baskets (like they did in El Crucero), or caroling or hosting a neighborhood Christmas party but this year, we wanted to make them aware of another segment of people who are so often forgotten or mistreated here in Nicaragua, and that’s the elderly. We want the kids to learn to give as well as receive and we want them to learn the concept of serving others. But we also want them to recognize and respect their elders and to be open to the wisdom they can impart to them. This doesn’t just happen…it’s something we need to be intentional about facilitating.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BuCkkHSKrzBzlBUFhKjeTEkfS0eAUJ_X9hf0pha5wAj28yq8UVGRjXGyG7l6nT-5uAOlxmM6RjWdiiegJCGsZVxUA9fszNSvsWpstlO00wfxt0MsgpjHg4atEKvmKhNscN8wDUuQQuN_/s1600/P1020886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BuCkkHSKrzBzlBUFhKjeTEkfS0eAUJ_X9hf0pha5wAj28yq8UVGRjXGyG7l6nT-5uAOlxmM6RjWdiiegJCGsZVxUA9fszNSvsWpstlO00wfxt0MsgpjHg4atEKvmKhNscN8wDUuQQuN_/s200/P1020886.JPG" width="200" /></a>When we first arrived, I think the children were a little apprehensive and maybe even a little intimidated but it didn’t take long for the generations to merge. The kids prayed and then sang Christmas Carols with many of the Ancianos joining in. Some of them closed their eyes and swayed to the rhythm of the songs. Some sat very still with tears quietly rolling down their weathered faces. Those were the ones who touched my heart the most. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQdjLUJGOVD_GTkFJhtZ-65SYKkLBGJb9bpsBTVvuJIpzxWkqeSi2gtraeFjIrJeIje20K2RTOiH8A-OOfXEy9kaBtmBO5Vwk5F1MAN2SeNzOLQShDtvHfeaB9FEWdESyXqelYunpec0p/s1600/P1020919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQdjLUJGOVD_GTkFJhtZ-65SYKkLBGJb9bpsBTVvuJIpzxWkqeSi2gtraeFjIrJeIje20K2RTOiH8A-OOfXEy9kaBtmBO5Vwk5F1MAN2SeNzOLQShDtvHfeaB9FEWdESyXqelYunpec0p/s200/P1020919.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After the program, the children then passed out lunch that was prepared by a team of local neighborhood ladies that does this each week. It was a simple lunch of beans, rice and tortillas but for many of the Ancianos, that is one of the few hot meals they get each week. This is truly a neglected segment of society here. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many of the Ancianos suffer humiliation and abuse from their own families who view them as burdens and no longer productive or contributing members to the household. They are encouraged to eat their lunch there on site as it has been found that many of them get their food taken away from them if they try to take it home. It is heartbreaking and I am so thankful that our church has undertaken this ministry. These people come not only for the hot lunch, but also for the love and validation they receive each week. They never leave without hearing God’s Word. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNJ-3cSaKTwGj9vB2MDJQGo9c15VeriK54o9-mcv45ke12YL-cnx01ysijlHjQ_HLxsNN7KRwPqzT7TrlIamZtqWjvEnrKgorUzgiLtAiQ8n-dCBivPTrr0NL32N4qmf7ar0TuamktkjR/s1600/P1020933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNJ-3cSaKTwGj9vB2MDJQGo9c15VeriK54o9-mcv45ke12YL-cnx01ysijlHjQ_HLxsNN7KRwPqzT7TrlIamZtqWjvEnrKgorUzgiLtAiQ8n-dCBivPTrr0NL32N4qmf7ar0TuamktkjR/s200/P1020933.JPG" width="200" /></a>There were lots of smiles and even a few hugs exchanged that afternoon. The children finished out their time there with passing out food and hygiene packs to each Anciano in attendance. I wish that I could bottle the kind of joy that we saw on so many faces that day. The children did a great job of serving and their smiles were infectious. The Ancianos loved having the children there. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fkUfF55E5gzqRsWenZkdjPj9OL4zgO3rlTQOTBVw0dojWCtednVUU8ld8T_bazcj5Me491nYx5MzCwzkxUiyuoQKGS8HCBWvaaM3URlaClr6EtxPvoQQZr8GSpqaxdh6hLlp7NawoeyL/s1600/P1030532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fkUfF55E5gzqRsWenZkdjPj9OL4zgO3rlTQOTBVw0dojWCtednVUU8ld8T_bazcj5Me491nYx5MzCwzkxUiyuoQKGS8HCBWvaaM3URlaClr6EtxPvoQQZr8GSpqaxdh6hLlp7NawoeyL/s200/P1030532.JPG" width="200" /></a>Recently, we had a team from First Baptist Church, Cassville, MO. Their main ministry focus was spent in Tipitapa but they spent one afternoon with the kids at CINAFE and I’m not sure who had more fun…the kids or the team! We have seen a lot of teams come through CINAFE and we’re never quite sure how the kids are going to react, but I can honestly say that all the kids warmed up so quickly to the FBC team. Even our older girls, who can be a tough crowd to win over, absolutely went out of their way to make the team feel welcome. I was so proud of those kids! And so proud to share them with folks from home!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jagvuslje_8ejGrty6bPtyOjv92mZNMbsshtyEYFmrZDyNlRwmURn7F226_AqVM202NXsVImLgYP_WRNxRIdwadepSAKS0FHORYPmRA4wMlHIMo1eMe5uFIVPsZG2BQJtkhsyw8uNpT5/s1600/P1030121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jagvuslje_8ejGrty6bPtyOjv92mZNMbsshtyEYFmrZDyNlRwmURn7F226_AqVM202NXsVImLgYP_WRNxRIdwadepSAKS0FHORYPmRA4wMlHIMo1eMe5uFIVPsZG2BQJtkhsyw8uNpT5/s200/P1030121.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJEFX0n2oTTgtqKfnucI6rtisJ7qXFyOAz8rwAaglV8d7HQLtaJcO9Hm-DBiGezyOQ0iQN-9SYLByKQXpZ9EVjcioGfjvEVBFDJI4XT5QGJo6qNfftVJ2GpFFRrjo44vuBRclbRnZ0FPI/s1600/P1030087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJEFX0n2oTTgtqKfnucI6rtisJ7qXFyOAz8rwAaglV8d7HQLtaJcO9Hm-DBiGezyOQ0iQN-9SYLByKQXpZ9EVjcioGfjvEVBFDJI4XT5QGJo6qNfftVJ2GpFFRrjo44vuBRclbRnZ0FPI/s200/P1030087.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFlZAIiqtT6EWuwIZxjAI8lvRjpO-IuHm1dsWcWQDq-yceP0UyIp1A5EA5kFyJcCvlHmo7PoUNJJE9GiEKXr3E3BWRHBFbxPIxfMeNOH_xryfd6-mq1jH5zQlkdHeRXrev7hLJDDQu7m6/s1600/P1010459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFlZAIiqtT6EWuwIZxjAI8lvRjpO-IuHm1dsWcWQDq-yceP0UyIp1A5EA5kFyJcCvlHmo7PoUNJJE9GiEKXr3E3BWRHBFbxPIxfMeNOH_xryfd6-mq1jH5zQlkdHeRXrev7hLJDDQu7m6/s200/P1010459.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju3Hzgj0Bkefj7r3mHH6cIbFIfvR3y0X8yX2RWRfjqOOiAZt1VUIT6jdCl7N31uHmOp6s4GNwf72Vv4bvVy2N9PiNF17d5wlyNZMH4HvoN8PzClBLWX7MevbnjU6-qlST_zoBhIMzZyef/s1600/P1010683+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju3Hzgj0Bkefj7r3mHH6cIbFIfvR3y0X8yX2RWRfjqOOiAZt1VUIT6jdCl7N31uHmOp6s4GNwf72Vv4bvVy2N9PiNF17d5wlyNZMH4HvoN8PzClBLWX7MevbnjU6-qlST_zoBhIMzZyef/s200/P1010683+-+Copy.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfX0PgcJsDK_IQxM2dbrcY9HOGxsY1lu89N8Fp5AAxTypNCB02jbgCfdrwbbyI9upptoCV57QY_rketZTcbOCfjl6QVWKvLUiFguLLgo-TN9DQz8qS6BLSJGHKM-klFdq1fmnH0jhYJHS/s1600/P1030417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfX0PgcJsDK_IQxM2dbrcY9HOGxsY1lu89N8Fp5AAxTypNCB02jbgCfdrwbbyI9upptoCV57QY_rketZTcbOCfjl6QVWKvLUiFguLLgo-TN9DQz8qS6BLSJGHKM-klFdq1fmnH0jhYJHS/s200/P1030417.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eerOLAmq61f1JpAppRtzJ9EmUqU-K8YMLoKyAXalQWBj3RG46_4Pp5_qM_UJ915BfTM_t7aZOPclLprPVhqO2HyA0mZBv8FpVFkaECOcekwTHCTCUFou0n1dXIhw4N76XnrbV6UvE12G/s1600/P1010957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eerOLAmq61f1JpAppRtzJ9EmUqU-K8YMLoKyAXalQWBj3RG46_4Pp5_qM_UJ915BfTM_t7aZOPclLprPVhqO2HyA0mZBv8FpVFkaECOcekwTHCTCUFou0n1dXIhw4N76XnrbV6UvE12G/s200/P1010957.JPG" width="200" /></a>So, in general, that brings you up to date with our CINAFE kids. We have been with them for a year now. We have seen some of them at their worst and all of them at their best. We have celebrated birthdays and quinceañeras. We have helped with homework and taken away privileges. We have attended school events and sat in emergency rooms. We have wiped tears and played pranks. We have cheered and we have counseled. We have seen walls come down and barriers fall. We have gained the trust of some of the most closed-off children and have become a safe place for them to share their fears, frustrations, joys and sorrows. We have made the children laugh and cry and they have done the same to us. I don’t know when it happened exactly, but sometime in this past year, we have opened our hearts to the children of CINAFE, and they have each crept in and firmly planted themselves. And that’s why we continue to put in more hours than we should at CINAFE. We’ve fallen in love! </div>Jim and Lynne Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11695254236600048416noreply@blogger.com1