Yikes!

Yikes!   Last night we found a 4" scorpion in our living room floor and tonight after church we found this 4" tarantula on our wall.

Can you tell that I got my hair cut?

Family Pic

Working on getting a decent family picture can be quite a task...

Girl Party !

On Saturday, one of athe young ladies from the outreach church in Santa Matilda had her 15th birthday celebration.  This is a really important event in the life of a woman here in Nicaragua as it signifies her time of "coming of age."  They call it a quinceanera  party...

The Cake

The Medlin Girls with Jerling

Jerling the birthday girl!

Leaders from the Church praying over Jerlin

Let's Go To The Beach

We've been ministering with some members of the World Race team over the past couple of weeks and today we all loaded up in the truck and headed off for a day at the beach.  It's amazing how strong the waves and current are here at the Pacific - it's definitely nothing to take lightly.

Central America's Independence Celebration

This past weekend marked the celebration of Central America's Independence from Spain and they really do it in grand fashion.  It's actually the most celebrated of all holidays here.  It's mostly all about the school kids and nearly all the children in school in Nicaragua march in the city-wide parades of their area.  So on Saturday we had thousands of children parading past our house as they walked to the central stadium for the all day extravaganza.  It is wonderful to see the pride of the kids all dressed up for the day.

Rain

September and October are supposed to be the wettest months of the rainy season, which lasts into November.  It's nice from a few standpoints but most noticeably because the overcast keeps the temperature down a bit.  Good for Nicaragua because it's the prime season for growing crops.  The worst issue is that clothes won't air-dry when there is near 100% humidity.  Oh well, the kids don't care either way!

Abigail and Jacob at the park.

Hanging our laundry in the kitchen.

One Memorable Day

If I were to tell the complete story of my day, it would sound like an excerpt from an elementary student's creative writing piece.  You just wouldn't believe it!  Here are some highlights and pictures.  I'll save the details for later when I can tell them in person.  Hopefully they'll seem funny by then.

The children and I rapidly exited the house due to a random fumigation for rats.  Gabriel let the guys with big blowers in, thinking they were going to read a meter or something and leave.  The girls and I ran through white "smoke" so thick we couldn't see, to get to the door and get out.  (It reminded me of Tim Hawkins' bit on the bug truck!)

The neighbor's house airing out after the fumigation.

The neighbors could see we were a bit rattled, so they came over with their pet birds to cheer Abigail (and me!) up.  God answered my prayer about getting to meet them.  It just wasn't at all like I'd imagined.

Carlos with his 20+ year old parrot, Pancho

Freddy, Jacob, and Abigail with the parakeets

Next we hopped in a bicycle taxi to go to New Song for lunch.  We passed these oxen on the way.  Great chance to talk about how Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light.

After lunch we visited a new friend who had an operation yesterday.  Her sister gave us a house warming gift of dishes for the children.  It's quite humbling to accept a gift from someone living with far less than we are.  Thank you God for reminding me to love others like that.

Speaking of wonderful gifts, one of the young missionary's father is visiting this week.  He spent time with us today, and gave us a very nice water filter for our house.  Thank you, Tim!  God knows our needs, and He provides.

Lastly, Michael picked up our table from the carpenter's this afternoon.  It was wonderful to sit down together for dinner.  Thank you God for a full day, totally led by you.  I've got to be honest, I'm glad it's bed time.





 

A Godsent Opportunity

Well Saturday started off to be a pretty normal day but turned out with some fantastic God opportunities.  I (Michael) went down to the mission during the morning to play guitar and have worship time with the staff and the World Race team that we're hosting this month.  Afterwards, there wasn't much else to do today but two things came up.

First is that Joanne, a new good Nicaraguan friend at the mission came by and told us how badly she was hurting because she had just had hernia surgery the day before and she wanted Kellie to come to her house and fellowship with her and her family.  So Kellie took all of our kids over to their home and spent a couple hours just loving on Joanne and her family.  Meanwhile, the kids had a great time playing with the kids in the yard.

During this same time, a guy had come by the mission to talk with Diego, our co-laborer with Christ.  He mentioned that he was teaching an English class up in the town in the afternoon and asked if we would like to come by and share with them.  It just happened that our afternoon would not be busy today so we made the trip up there.  It turns out, we were able to share for about 2 hours in English and with a translator to Spanish all about our testimony's and to really encourage them in seeking the Lord and His will for their lives.  The class was composed of maybe 4 students in middle school and 6 women in their early 20's.  They definitely responded to our discussion and asked some great questions such as "how do you realize what God's call is" and "how do you develop a real relationship with God".  We were so humbled to be able to share with these students at such an unexpected time.  I'm definitely going to pursue coming regularly to the class and try and develop relationships with those who are interested to learn more about our Savior!

Chepita & Joanne

Medical and Dental Clinic & Pharmacy

One of the first projects established here at NewSong Mission Nicaragua was a medical and dental clinic to serve this community.  It is truly a success in many ways as it trains students in medical and dental, treats patients who might otherwise not be treated, and provides a job for 10 local Nicaraguan residents.

Bakery Business

Some of the sweet breads.

This is Jose who speaks very good English and is becoming a good friend.

This is the "mixer" they use which also rolls the
dough.  Watch your fingers!!!

One of the projects here at NewSong Mission Nicaragua is the operation of a wood-fired oven bakery.  It's primary purpose is for the training of local people in the skill of baking breads which they can then sell for profit.  The people here only eat white flour breads and the definitely have a sweet tooth.  Unfortunately for us, we can't make much with chocolate because the environment is too hot.

Bracelets

Kellie found a nice surprise today to find a women at the church making bracelets and she jumped in to try and help and learn.  These will be taken back to the U.S. next month as a fundraiser for the mission.

An Afternoon at Santa Matilida

After church on Thursday, Gabriel and I (Michael) went along with Lisa and Cadence from NewSong to the outlying church in the area of Santa Matilida.  This is another community supported by New Song ministry and they have similar projects going on such as regular church services, English language lessons, afternoon tutoring assistance, Bible studies, and a working farm to provide jobs and income for some of the members of the church.  We just went to hang out, observe, and see what exactly goes on there.  It's a very friendly area and we enjoyed our time with the people there and look forward to become regular contributors to this ministry!

The Church at Santa Matilda

Dance Practice

Tutoring Assistance

Little Ninas Playing

English Lessons

Sandlot Baseball

Gabriel's new 'do' for keeping cool.

Today I'm thankful that.... 

I married a lifeguard, and he bought me a couch for our 18th anniversary!  

Happy anniversary Michael.  

I love you.