Poured Out Ministries

I Guess We're Really Doing This...

2011-08-07T22:55:00.000-06:00

We arrived back to Nicaragua in May with a lot on our minds. We spent a majority of the plane ride home, mentally going through our house, pricing and figuring out what we were going to sell. Then we began to talk about how we were going to break the news to our friends, both Nicaraguan and missionary friends that we have become so close to. Oh, how we didn't want to have to do it. If we thought there would be an easier way, we would have found it, trust me! We knew it would be so hard.

When we arrived, we were so glad to be back, but sad because we knew it was for such a short time and we were going to have to say goodbye.

Roger had a conference in Puerto Cabezas, in the northeast, less than a week after we arrived, we also had to get school supplies out to the schools and communities, and we had a clinic in just days. We had a lot going on right away, but also had the impending move in the forefront of our minds. We realized we couldn't think about leaving yet and had to focus. Once we finished those tasks we'd hit it with full force, and did we ever.

I was feeling the weight of all the logistics...selling, packing, leaving. It's always a balancing act, as people leave, to have just enough stuff left behind so you can live but not too much where you are having people in your home up to the last day picking things up; and packing all at the same time. We were talking with some friends of ours one night via Skype (pretty sure God inspired the invention of Skype...amazing) and she gave us a great idea. Sell, pack and get out of your house early, rent a furnished apt. so that you can have time to spend with the people you want to spend your last weeks with, friends. I literally felt the weight of the world lift from my shoulders. It was such a freeing moment. We immediately called some friends of ours, missionaries, who happen to have a guest house. God answered our prayers, they had the house free for nearly 3 weeks so that we could use it.

We began to get serious about this purging thing. Everything must go!!! We could only move back with suitcases and totes. So if it wasn't really important or too big it was sold or given away. Now, don't get me wrong, there were things that were important that we parted with, but it was tough to make the cut :) We were also blessed by some other missionary friends who had teams that were coming down that offered to take some totes back for us; who also happened to live close to where we were moving to...God again!!! I really wasn't for sure how we were going to scale everything down from 9 years of living, and accumulating, to 8 suitcases. God must have known we needed the help. And the kids were grateful too. There were just things that were hard to part with for them, and as a parent, it's hard to ask them to do such a hard thing sometimes. They were already giving up and leaving everything they had ever known.

Well, within a few weeks we had everything sold. It was a very liberating, but sobering realization. This move was really going to happen. I was trying so hard to stay focused on the logistics that when we finally had a chance to catch our breath it hit me hard. We were really saying goodbye to our lives of 9 years. We were really leaving the work in the hands of our new directors there. We were really saying goodbye to so many friends that had become more like family. We were really leaving it all behind.

We spent the last few weeks working with our new directors, Michelle and Eliseo, making sure they were ready to take over the Nicaragua projects and work. We also took every opportunity to spend time with our friends there, both missionary and Nicaraguan friends. We tried to enjoy the last days to the fullest. The goodbyes were, by far, the hardest. Not knowing when the next time is that we would see them. We are still planning on visiting Nicaragua, but after spending year after year with these families, birthday parties, weddings, babies, it just doesn't seem the same to maybe get to see them once a year. It's still hard to think about it. We miss them all so much.

But God had asked us to do something for Him. And we knew it. He had asked us to leave our country behind. To follow Him and His leading. To be obedient in the midst of difficulty, when it wasn't what we wanted. Not our will but His. He had been faithful to us during this whole process. He worked things out before we knew we needed it. Our truck sold in days, we had a house to live in, we were able to bring more suitcases back with us, and just a few weeks before we left Nicaragua we had already found out we had an apt. that would be open for us to rent within 2 days of landing in the States. The hand of God had been over us and seen throughout this whole time. I know it would have been so much harder had we not known without a doubt that this is what God was calling us to do. His peace, in the midst of sadness, reigned in our hearts and minds. Don't get me wrong, there are still days that are hard, but I know God will see us through.

July 10th we landed in the States. Two months and 5 days after we returned to Nicaragua. What a crazy two months they were. Without God, I don't know how it could have come together....but I wouldn't have wanted to go through it without Him.

Didn't See This One Coming....

2011-08-06T21:55:00.000-06:00

As I have laid in bed many a night knowing I need to update the blog, I think, "Where does one even begin". I realize the last post was in March and look back on that date and realize I never knew what was coming.

We arrived in the States, excited, and ready to travel. To see our friends and family. Excited to share all the things that God is doing and extend our gratitude for all those who have made it possible.

Little did we know what God had in store for us.

The trip progressed as normal. We traveled from place to place, realizing that we wished we could stay longer everywhere we went, and realized that wasn't possible. Enjoyed the fellowship, the late nights, card games, and visits. But, there was an underlying theme going on that not many saw.

In Branson, our first stop, the conference was amazing. The Lord spoke and we enjoyed the fellowship as we always do. Then, the Lord said something about coming back to the States. WHAT!?!?!! We didn't see that coming. We weren't even sure if that was the Lord. Can't be. So we just kept that in our hearts, the back burner, and continued our trip. It seemed as though someone would say something about coming back to the States or taking a break, nearly everywhere we went. We both were simmering on that internally. Not even discussing it amongst ourselves. Then one night came where we were receiving prayer and, again, it came up. OK, now this is in a group setting. Can't ignore it. So we went there a bit. Discussed. Cried. Thought.

The days following Roger and I (Rhonda) were in some serious meetings with the Lord and each other. "Was this really His will?" "We've always said we'd stay for the people of Nicaragua." "We love the people." "Our hearts are with them." "They are going through, and are getting ready to go through, such a hard time." "Could this really be?" We cried more, talked more, thought more, prayed more. Later in April we came to an agreement, the two of us, that we felt peace about returning to the States. (Even as I write this I can't believe we did it.)

We kept it between us, for the most part, until early May, when we told family. It was one of the hardest decisions I have been a part of, to date. It was hard for all of us. The kids have never lived in the States. It was a totally new thing to them. They weren't returning to a life they once knew. And we, Roger and I, weren't returning as the people we once were. We've been changed and molded by the time we've been out of the States, 9 years, and the people we have met and the God that has seen us through.

We were about to embark on a journey like no other....

Branson

2011-03-11T09:23:00.004-06:00

We're currently at the Branson Conf. that we attend every year. It has been a blessing to be with the Body and worship together. The Word has been rich, full of conviction, truth and confirmation.

Here's the kids with their "conf. buddies". Yesterday was our Rachel's birthday, she turned 7. The first time we attended the conf. she was just 6 days old. It's been amazing to have that as our gauge of how long we have been blessed with these relationships here. She and Josiah have literally "grown up" in the conf.

We are so blessed that God has not only brought Roger and I relationships in the States, but the kids as well!! He's a good Father like that :)

Let the Journey Begin...

2011-03-09T20:59:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day!! We arrived in the States Monday and have had a couple of days to get some logistics and errands run. We've bought the snacks (got to keep the kids happy for the travels), repacked our luggage and are ready for our 6+ week journey throughout nearly all of the midwest, including Canada. We start out at the United Minister's conf., led by Ira Milligan, that we attend every year in Branson, MO. We always enjoy being with the Body of Christ there. It is always encouraging and will be a great start to our travels.

We are truly grateful for the Lord, once again, providing a way for us to be State side and having the chance to continue relationships He has blessed us with in our family's lives. We can't wait to see what God has in store for our journey!!

Please be sure to check out our calendar here to see where we'll be and hope you can join us somewhere along the journey.

Godspeed!!!

School's in Session

2011-02-20T22:48:00.003-06:00

Tonight I read this from a fellow missionary's blog. These stats are staggering, and on top of that teacher's pay is minimal and only about 35% of school aged children finish the 6th grade. I would say that it sums up part of the reason that we do what we do when we deliver school supplies, provide supplies for teachers, etc... We feel so blessed that we are able to help so many that, on their own, would struggle with such a basic need, education.

Tomorrow we head out to deliver school supplies to all the schools. Between 5 elementary schools, 1 high school and Francisco & Erica's 2 children churches we are able to help provide 400 students with supplies for this year. We are so excited and blessed to see how God continues to take care of details, all the details!!

Food for Thought....

2010-11-19T16:57:00.003-06:00

Thought I'd write one more post before we head to the States. Did I mention we got the biggest blessing and are heading to the States this year for Thanksgiving??? We are soooo thankful :)

Francisco and Erica have been doing a feeding program in their community for a little while now and it's just been amazing. All the kids that wouldn't normally get fed during the day. Mostly because their parents are working and they are left to fend for themselves. Many show up barefoot and hungry. They are told to bring a bowl, spoon and cup and Francisco and Erica will take care of the rest. Many do and some just show up and share a bowl with others. Often times eating with their hands. They have even expanded and are doing one where their other children's church is. The moms there help cook the food provided.

Roger and I had thought that it would be nice to get bowls and cups for every kid that comes. What better time than this time of thanksgiving. I know it's not a holiday here but feeling how thankful we are for the bare necessities, how could we not give them a reason to be thankful.

We went to a big market in Managua, that has the best prices. Found 100 bowls (with lids - important here) and 100 cups. (There are roughly 50 in each community.) We were able to find everything for around 50 cents a child. Blessing all around!! Great prices for us and something to eat with for them. :)

I am always amazed at what a small investment can change a life!!!!

I would like to share something we have been thinking about for Christmas. We have mentioned it in our newsletters but I wanted to share here. We are wanting to give a pair of shoes to each child that attends their children's church. Each pair would come to about $10 a child. Many of these kids, at the most, have a pair of old flip flops. It would be such a blessing for them to be able to start the new school year and go to church with nice shoes on. If you are considering helping drop us a line or you can just send a check to the address on the contacts page with a note "Christmas party".

Thanks for all you have done to make a difference in so many lives!!!

Side note....get to eat yummy Thanksgiving in the States this year....YAY!!!

Haircut Anyone???

2010-10-21T22:56:00.007-06:00

A couple of days ago we were able to bring in a hairdresser and provide discounted haircuts for anyone in Sandinena, the community where Francisco and Erica work.

We had so much fun!! The lady that cuts my hair, Helen, was more than happy to go and help on her day off. We offered the haircuts for about 1/3 of the normal price, 10 cordobas which is equal to about $.50. I promised to provide the other 10 cordobas and we were in business :)

She cut hair for about 3 hours and had 16 clients. She was moving fast! Everyone was so pleased with the results. For many of them this was their first haircut ever!!

Just another reason why you don't have to be able to build houses, preach or anything else than simply use the talents God gave you to minister to someone who needs it. A simple haircut brought so many smiles that day! What gifts/talents do you possess?

We are planning a second visit for haircuts in a few weeks. The word got around :)

Video - - Finally!!!

2010-09-13T20:03:00.002-06:00

We figured it was about time to get a video out there of what we do here in Nicaragua and the people we work with! (With a little push from some friends!!) :)

We are so thankful to all of you who have given financially and of your prayers to encourage us and be that support that we need. This isn't just a job that the Euceda's are doing but it's all of us....working together...doing our part...being the Body of Christ!!!

If you have the time, check out the video. We pray that you are blessed. We are so excited to bring to you a bit of what we do here!!

With much love and gratitude,

Euceda family

Team Wisconsin!!

2010-07-30T14:59:00.006-06:00

Last week we had an awesome team here from Wisconsin. They were here for a week and we had a lot to get accomplished. We planned to put in a bathroom and septic for dear friends of ours, Francisco and Erica.

They came ready to work!!! We went straight away to the hardware store to get supplies and then off to work. Once we got there we got things all laid out and started digging. Thankfully Justin and Llyle know lots about concrete work, plumbing and construction. The rest of us were laborers :) It was such a blessing for us to get to help Francisco and Erica help be a part in making their dreams come true. By the time we were done (3 1/2 days later) the group finished more than we could have even expected. They ended up putting the concrete floor in the kitchen and bathroom, also plumbing for all the kitchen as well.

As I was talking to Erica, when things were coming to an end, she mentioned to me that they are the first one's in their entire community, population of over 600, to have indoor plumbing now. I couldn't believe it. I knew it wasn't far fetched but still they were minutes from town, by foot. What an amazing blessing and testimony!!

On our last day it was bittersweet with the group. Everyone was tired and ready to rest, but I don't thing the group was ready to leave them. As we said our goodbyes, some with tears in their eyes, Francisco and Erica expressed such gratitude I can't put into words. This, for them, was a dream, a dream that seemed so far away, and in 3 days it was a reality for them. I felt so blessed to be a part of it!!

I am so thankful for the Kingdom of God and family working together as we should. All pulling our giftings along with rich fellowship and hard work. Blessed!!!!

To see many more pictures check out our facebook page here.

This is their previous shower.

(This is their old bathroom/outhouse, and yes that red plastic is see through!!!)

(This is the finished, for now, product. The bathroom will have walls around it. :)

(Obed's , their son, first shower ever. You couldn't get him out of there. Erica now says he wakes up every morning early just to take a shower!! His face and the squeals were priceless!)

Never Too Late...

2010-06-26T17:31:00.007-06:00

Well, we've been back in Nicaragua for over a month now. It has been very busy. We've been playing catch-up from all the things that we had to leave when we went to the States for a couple of months, and also continuing with the work here that has already been established.

Since we've been home we've had 2 sets of visitors, a clinic, delivered school supplies to the 6 schools and Francisco & Erica's group of kids they work with, made more and revamped the rocket stoves, had a movie night, and right now Roger & Josiah are up in the northeast of Nicaragua ministering and visiting pastors. WHEW!!! Did I forget anything?? :)

To see a few of the things that we've been doing since we've been back you can go to our facebook page, that we have set up, for many pics and frequent updates to what is going on here in Nicaragua and beyond. You can also just click on the facebook icon on the right of the page.

The Lord is good!!

While we were in the States, the Lord did many things for us on many different levels. We were definitely ready to be back here in Nicaragua with such a sense of what the Lord is doing. It was very encouraging for us to spend time in prayer, with many in the States, for this great country of Nicaragua and for direction here. We began to see a trend while we were in the States. He is calling His people to a much deeper level with Him. He is no longer wanting status quo but wanting those who are completely sold out and willing to give their all. We can't be happy just "being" a Christian but we must be doing that what He's called us to do...no excuses!

We are excited and can't wait for the day when Nicaragua can be that example of what God can do to a nation when His people cry out to Him!! Can a nation be saved in a day? Oh, the hope we have in Him our God, King and Saviour!

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!!!!

2010-03-10T19:40:00.009-06:00

Monday was the day that we hit the States. Our trip was very uneventful....just what we like!! We have had such a great time visiting family and enjoying our daughter's birthday. We will be here in Neosho just through tomorrow and then off to see all our friends in Wisconsin. We are so looking forward to spending time with the Body up there!!! I'm not looking forward to the colder weather but our kids keep asking if there will still be snow. We are truly blessed beyond measure of the goodness of the Lord and the family that we have, both natural and spiritual. Thank you God!!!!

Don't forget to check our Calendar for where we'll be!!! We'd love to see you!!

Heading North

2010-03-04T22:17:00.003-06:00

Well the time of year is coming quickly, when we go the the States. It is always difficult to get things in order here, the 'to-do' list grows by the minute, and just Nica life in general makes every job take longer; but we will be there soon. When we hop on that plane it doesn't matter much, whatever is left will be here when we get back :)

I am finding it more and more difficult with each passing year to leave for the States. I know to many that seems odd...it is the 'promise land' after all..haha. Nicaragua is our home!

Going to the States has been and will always be a great 'recharge' for our batteries. We get to spend some much needed time with family, and get to see so many of our dear friends. Spiritually it is a rest and oasis for our souls. Nicaragua is such an oppressive nation that, at many times, weighs down with hopelessness....BUT God shines through in those dark places! It can become weary of the constant battle that is raging, BUT He again lifts our heads!

I am so grateful with the challenge that God has placed before our family. I look forward to see what great things He has in store for Nicaragua this year!

With much love and gratitude for all that are filling the void and moving forward in obedience to that which we have all been called to do....keep pressing on!!!

Please see our "calendar" for where and when we will be in the States!

And Such is Life!!

2010-02-13T15:03:00.005-06:00

We went into December with the hopes that we would have a little down time to relax and recoop and gear up for a busy beginning to 2010.....that didn't happen :) It went from a very empty month to much busier than we could have expected...yet fulfilling. We knew January and February would be busy. It is the gearing up for the Nicaraguan school year and gearing up to head to the States. School started here February 1st.

We happened to be in Nueva Guinea for youth and evangelistic meetings that weekend before. We returned and immediately got to work distributing all the supplies. We usually wait a couple days into the school year for all the kids to make it to classes so we wouldn't miss any of the kids. This year we had a count of 316 students and 15 teachers that we have the privilege of serving. We also included the children in Francisco and Erica's ministry as well, they have great need in these neighborhoods as well, that added another 58 with a grand total of 374.

On February 3rd we loaded up the truck and set out to deliver to as many schools as possible in 1 day. This is usually a 2 day process due to the road conditions and they only have 1/2 day classes. We were so excited that when the day was done we had made it to all the schools just in time. So many of the kids, and teachers, were so excited. Many had come to school with no materials, because they couldn't afford them, with the hopes we would be there again this year. I am always so excited to see how God provides!!! This is the beginning to the 4th year helping these communities. We have begun to see such openness and the Lord working in so many of their lives since we began with the clinics and schools. God is always faithful to watch over that which He's called us to do to see it come to fruition as He intends. We have to be patient and obedient and realize that our timing is not His timing.

This year I also felt like we were to take on Francisco's group of kids he ministers to. They were so excited when we called to find out how many students there were. They work with 2 very poor communities. We were able to deliver these supplies the week before school to make sure they were all ready for their first day. It has been such a blessing to see how Francisco and Erica are impacting these communities in their faithfulness to minister to these children.

We thank all who have giving to this project!! There have been more lives touched than you could ever imagine. We aren't just touching the lives of the kids but whole families. We will continue to provide school supplies throughout the year, as in the past. We make 3 distributions that provide for 3 months at a time. It comes to a cost of $5/ea for younger kids and $8/ea for bigger kids to provide for the whole year. We are just so grateful for the opportunity to be part of what God is doing here....He is always doing more than what we expect, we always feel like we are the ones that are the truly blessed and ministered too. He teaches us as we go, as long as we are willing to be molded.

To see more pics click here!!!

November Clinic....

2009-11-22T21:11:00.005-06:00

Well I am a bit late on writing this but at least it's before next months clinic..haha. We had such a great time, as usual, doing the November clinic. Rainy season had finally come the end of October and had rained enough that we weren't sure how the roads were going to be. We go no matter what, just a bit more prepared with a tow rope and all!! The roads were quite slippery but still pretty solid underneath, so it was no more than a bit of slipping and sliding as you can see in the pic below. (Roger was driving straight. I think he was a bit disappointed there wasn't more of an opportunity to drive in deep mud..hehe)

We made it in good time and there was a bit of a shorter line, which we expected with the rain that was coming in that morning. A couple of the ladies kept saying, "I told them all you guys would show up." It was so funny, but made me so happy to know that they know we are there for them rain or shine :) Of course as the word got out more and more kept coming. There ended up being a bit over 40 in all. It ends up being nice when there are fewer patients like this, we are able to spend more time with them and pray with them. It's really all about relationships and Him being glorified in it all!!

(This is a precious little girl...I still don't know how they keep their pretty dresses so lovely in the rainy and muddy weather.)

(I had forgotten our step-on scale, but thank goodness Susanna brings her infant scale and Roger his muscles..haha. The kids thought this scale was pretty fun though.)

(This family had come to see the doctor about other things but when the mom asked if we could remove the boys stitches we were more than happy to help. Saves them a trip to town to see the doctor, which could have been a whole day affair. He was so brave and a cutie.)
(And here he is, stitch free!!)

(Went to deliver meds and powdered milk to our faithful old lady, 80+ yrs. old, it was too rainy and muddy for her to have made the walk to the clinic....so we delivered. You like my boots?? haha)

Lights, Camera, Action....

2009-11-01T21:30:00.004-06:00

Three weeks ago we were able to have another movie night at our friends in Dolores, Nicaragua. I was raining a bit so only 35 showed that night. We were able to get our hands on a dubbed version of Jonah, the Veggietales movie. They all were laughing and thought it was the best. (Although now Francisco will have to clear up some parts of the story, like it wasn't that they were fish-slappers in Ninaveh...minor details..hahaha.) It is always such a joy to be able to go and be a part of what they are doing, better yet, what God is doing through them...willing vessels.

We were also able to give out bibles to them. We found a great place in Managua where we can get bibles for $2.75 a piece (prices as good as the States). We bought a couple of cases for them to use there and at the other location where they have been working with children as well. We are so excited to get the Word to those who are hungry!! Total they have about 75 to 80 kids that they minister to on a weekly basis. It is such a joy for us to be able to see God move in His own specific way, whether it be in a city of millions or a community of a hundred.

October Clinic

2009-10-03T19:51:00.003-06:00

Well today was the first Saturday of the month....that means clinic day!! We never know what will happen or how many will show. Today we had almost 40 patients, which makes for a nice paced morning. After last Saturday of being crazy busy and short handed it was a blessing today. Today Susanna, our nurse, was able to come back, we had our doctor, Lisseth, and our dentist, Alcira, and we also had a friend of ours tag a long that lives in Diriamba, Esther. Esther and her family have lived in Nicaragua for 2 years now and she was gracious enough to come and help out. We had a wonderful time of seeing our faithful patients and some new ones. Next month will be 2 years of doing the clinics in this community and we feel so blessed.

I will drop a small prayer request on this blog. We are in need of portable dental equipment in order to do fillings. We are currently only able to do extractions and would love to provide taking care of cavities to help prevent further teeth problems. We have looked and found things in the States at, to us, a high price and we would need to find a way to get it down here. Because of that we are hoping to find something here. We aren't for sure, but are trusting that God will always give us the answer when we need it. Please pray with us that those doors open and we are able to find a good machine at a good price.

I will leave you with a quote that I will continually strive to say "yes" to:

"The world has yet to see what God can do with and through and in a man who is fully consecrated to Him." -H. Varley

Daddy is Home!!!

2009-09-23T16:39:00.004-06:00

Last night was the moment we had been waiting for for 2 long weeks. Roger had been in the states ministering and traveling and fellowshipping. We seemed to hold the fort down here and managed to not get into too much trouble but we sure missed him. There is definitely a difference when Dad isn't around but we seem to muddle through. :)

The kids decided that this time we needed to make posters. It was so sweet!! They had even marked it on the calendar so they wouldn't forget when to do it, the same calendar we were marking down the days. They worked so diligently on their posters and were so excited to see their Daddy again.

Thought I would post some pics of the kids and their fancy-pants posters. :)

(The first pic is the view of the sunset on the way to picking him up...so pretty!)

Some of our favorite things...

2009-09-21T17:40:00.003-06:00

I thought I would add some of the kiddos, and ours too, favorite fruits. The first pic is of our favorite bananas. They are little, sweet and simply delicious bananas. The bad thing is they are small so we end up popping them like popcorn. At least it's a fruit, right. :) We had gone to our local 'banana lady' and she happened to have a stalk of them and for only $1 and then because the ones we bought were still green (they are yellow now in the pic) she gave us a bag of ripe ones for free. The kids were definitely excited.... can you tell? haha

This next fruit is called mamon chino. It is funny looking on the outside but has a yummy fruit on the inside with a seed in the middle. You first have to break open the shell, it's not a hard shell more like rubber, with your fingers and then pick out the fruit. It has the feel of a peeled grape, and somewhat similar texture as well. It is sweet and a bit juicy. You just chew on it till you get to the seed then spit it out. The kids could eat buckets of these. It is so much fun living in another country and getting to try all the different fruits and veggies they have to offer!!!

Only God can!!!

2009-09-16T22:54:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to share this article with all those that have been following our wonderful trek here. It is definitely a good gage on what the situation is here. Whether it is 100% accurate or not, much depends on who's taking the statistics, it is a reality here. Much of what is going on around the world is happening here too. We are seeing an increase in desperation and lack of hope.

This not only has been a hard year but a hard agriculture time as well. It has been a very dry rainy season. Some beans were able to be harvested but most rice was lost and the corn that grew wasn't enough. Here they rely on their ability to grow their own food to last for 6 months until the next harvest. Due to the hotter and dryer whether this is an enormous weight. To add, many farmers borrowed money to plant the crops at the rate the beans or whatever they were planting was selling for and now it's time to pay back loans and they can't because of lack of harvest. I will give you one example; at the time of planting beans were selling for an average of 10 cordobas ($.50) and now at harvest time they are having to sell at 3 cordobas ($.15). They are being taking advantage of and the market is unstable right now. It grieves me to see this happening and not having any answers. To see those that God called us to help, and not be able to.

There is now a people that can do no other than rely on God. No more doing out of our own strength but that alone that can be found in Him. The hope is found that the spiritual land is being cultivated. God is creating a people that will be prime for His harvest. There is a Nicaragua that is much greater. One that God sees as truth and not that which we see on this earth. Hab. 2:14 says that "the whole earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." That includes Nicaragua!!! Let His glory be known!!

Nicaragua Independence Day

2009-09-15T13:12:00.003-06:00

Today is Nicaragua Independence Day we had the privilege to go to the communities and celebrate with them this important date. Following is some pics of the parade (here are more) and here you will be able to read about some of the history of this day. It was such a hot day but the students were so proud. They brought in a band from Jinotepe to perform. These schools don't have the resources to have their own....but it was equally enjoyed. The schools marched both in front and behind the band and proudly with their school flags. What a wonderful day to get out!!

A little example of what the bands sound like here!

Feliz Cumpleaños......

2009-09-09T22:22:00.008-06:00

(some of the kids that attend the children's church. they usually have 40+)

Monday we had the privilege of joining our dear friends, Francisco and Erika, for their children's service. It also happened to be the birthday of their youngest, Caleb, who was turning 2. I had to make sure that Caleb had a birthday cake. :) We always love the times that we get to go and be a part of the group. And our kids just join right in.

There was about 37 of the 40+ kids that showed up. It was a really great time. They shared with the kids about Jesus calming the storm. It was great to see how much they were really responsive to it all. Also I was amazed at how much scripture some of these kids had truly memorized. They have such a hunger.

I love to see how God has placed gems like Francisco and Erika in areas to be a light and a help to those who need it. I think we will all be surprised when we all join up in heaven and see the numerous amount of 'no named' ministers their are in this Earth that gave their lives for Him and not for the glory of man. Success is not measured by our minds, but by that what the Lord sets as the standard. We must be obedient....you'll never know who you might reach and how that can affect to world around us.

May the glory always be for Him alone!!

(this is a pic of Francisco's oldest, Obed, who recently broke his leg)

(b-day boy, Caleb, peering around the corner. this is their home that they sometimes meet in if the weather is bad)

(Here Francisco is with Caleb and his cake. I don't think he knew what to think.)

Super Saturday!!!

2009-09-05T16:56:00.003-06:00

I would like to have pics to show of all that went on today, but thanks to many patients in a short amount of time, that's not going to be. We saw nearly 70 patients in just under 4 hours.

We started out the morning as usual. Getting all packed up, hurrying around, feeling late, and getting there at the same time. We usually arrive at the school at 8:30am and get right to unloading all the meds. and signing people in. Today we arrived and the school wasn't unlocked so we began to search for the keys. We go to one home (the leaders' of the community) and they think they know where the keys are. They send their son on bike to search where they may be. Finally 15 min. later we have keys in hand. By now we are a decent 20 min. late by the time we start signing in patients. When we arrived there was already 20+ waiting, by the time we started it was over doubled.

We sign all the patients in, taking all the necessary vitals before seeing the doctor or dentist. They then go to the next line to see the doctor/dentist then come back to the same room, where we have the pharmacy and wait to have their scripts filled. This is also the moment we get to really visit a bit, multitasking, and joke and pray with those who are waiting.

I am still amazed at each month at all our faithful, older patients that come for their medicines they need for their heart, cholesterol, blood pressure, and so on. But I think what gets me the most is the ones that are new each month. We have been doing this clinic for almost 2 years now and there are still new ones. This clinic is not announced or promoted (it was at the beginning), yet word of mouth tends to move where it needs. We have some come for several miles away, on foot, to see the doctor. And it seems like the longer we have been here the further out they come.

This month we had a little group that all came together from quite a ways just to get their teeth looked at and remove the broken and rotten teeth. We have been so blessed to have such great doctors and a super dentist, who to this date as yet to have one cry and many are amazed at how well she can pull teeth and no pain :) (thanks to lots of anesthesia which is a luxury for some public dental offices, who are limited to how much they can use per patient).

I am so grateful that the Lord has given us this chance to serve these communities in a way that is very tangible. Yes, they need the Lord. But they also need to see the love of the Lord working through us. We must learn to walk as He did. Ministry is more than just preaching in churches or being around or a part of the church, it is the church being that what He called us to be, in the earth. We must be open to situations all around us. It is in the daily or the "mundane" that God could be using us the most. It is when those, that are yet to be part of the body of Christ, is really looking at those, who call themselves christians, to see if they really are who they say they are. Be real, be human, be the God moment in someone's life that could change their reality for the real life that can be found only in Him.

Choices.....

2009-09-02T22:24:00.008-06:00

Life is so full of choices, and hundreds are made everyday. For the last couple of weeks I have been wanting to update this blog. I didn't know where to begin or how. So much time had passed but at the same time there was so much I needed/wanted to write about. The big 'P' (procrastination) started rearing it's ugly head. I don't care to write lengthy blogs but knew it would take pages to write all that had happened in the past couple of months. I have lots of pics on my facebook page so I will try to link those on this blog. I will begin to make a conscious effort to write weekly, bare minimum. Hold me to it :)

I will say that through all the business of life and ministry, I am so grateful for what I have and where I am. I could not want a different life for myself. All the ups and downs make it the excitement that I love. The mundane was something I was never wanting....haven't got!

Here is a list of the links you can click on to see of the pics from the last few months. Happy viewing!! :)

Here is the link to see the pics from the school supplies delivery to the 5 schools.

Trip with Kenny and Matha Skinner here.

Time with Angela Glenz, Curtis Wilson and Jamie Bonner.

Clinic in July.

The Road Not Taken

2009-06-10T12:01:00.006-06:00

We went Monday to deliver school supplies once again. Had such a good time. I will write about it soon. More than anything I enjoy the travel through the communities and passing by friends we know, giving rides where we can. It is so beautiful out there. With a little electricity, running water and better roads could be a perfect place to live :)

Anyway, as we were driving, when I saw the roads we were traveling on it immediately made me think of this poem by Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken. It was one of my favorites when I was younger. I definitely feel like this is true in my life. I pray that I always have the strength and wisdom to make the tough decision to take that road not taken. To not worry about the difficulties of not taking the easy road. The easy road is easy for a reason!! And oh so sweet the reward of taking the road less traveled.

Blessings to all and enjoy the poem!!
Rhonda

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

I KNOW, I KNOW....

2009-05-25T14:07:00.004-06:00

I had really good intentions to keep up with this thing more often but just realized it has been over a month. Where has all the time gone??? I will try to keep it quick, yet catch up.
To finish off our trip to the states we went to Roger's family in New Orleans for a bit over a week. It was so great to catch up and spend time with my awesome nephew and friends too!!! We then took off for a five day vacation as a family. I think it was our first official vacation as a family. We spent time at Emerald Isle in North Carolina. We had such a blast. Relax, family time and recoop. We also had a chance to reconnect with friends and make some new ones.
After NC we returned back to Louisiana to spend time with Jason and Lillian in Eros, and some great crawfish!!! Then we were off to Huntington, TX to be with a new relationship that God has brought our way with Shawnee Church. What a sweet time we had, and once again met family!!! Can't wait to see what God has in store.
Left there and headed north to visit Mitch and Ranae for too quick of a lunch...wish we would've had more time. Then spent the evening with Stacie and Robert in Dallas area. Once we hit this point we knew there was only a couple weeks left of our tour of the USA.
We had one last stop in TX. We headed to Borger, close to Amarillo. We were able to reconnect and spend time with the Garcia family. I don't think my kiddos could have had more fun with so many kids. We really enjoyed our time with the congregation and seeing God move in amazing ways. Now it was on to our last stop....Frederick, OK!! We stayed at Doug and Rita's and had some serious card games going on!! We also had a great fish fry and meeting to follow. I never get tired of seeing how God moves in such specific ways for each place we have been. It was such a great night to see God do his thing. I even had a chance to help out my friend JuJu at the food bank and the cool thing was, is that every person that came was hispanic and there was a couple that could speak english at all. I got some much needed spanish after being in the States for too long :)
We finally rounded out our trip back at my parents house to spend the last few days and seeing some family. It was a long 7000+ miles but worth every bit of it. We truly had a great trip and had an amazing time, but was ready to come home to Nicaragua.
Had a few hiccups on our flights, due to bad weather but made it home just an hour later than expected. Once we arrived we had to stand in line and go through and get our temps to make sure no one had the flu...aka the swine flu. Took quite a bit longer than expected to get out of the airport but when we did it was great to know that we made it. I knew we were home when we were driving down one of the main roads in Managua and there were 3 or 4 people pulling a cart with a fridge on it. Home sweet home!!!
Well there will be more later but I wanted to at least catch up to the current month :)

Finally Made it to Warmer Weather

2009-04-08T18:58:00.003-06:00

We have been so busy traveling here and there. Since the last post we have been back in the Neosho, MO area. Had a couple more meetings close to there. This past weekend we were at the Branson conference. Which for us is like our home church away from home. We truly have been enjoying the fellowship with all the body of Christ. We also went to a great group in Oak Ridge, LA and are now with our friends in Arcadia, LA.

We feel so truly blessed to be surrounded, upheld and loved by so many wonderful parts of the body!!!! God has been and continues to be blessing our family with such insight and confirmation to that which He wants to continue in Nicaragua, using us.

I will like to also say that the weather is finally getting a bit warmer. The last few weeks of colder weather and 2 days of snow (which the kids loved!), this warmer weather was welcomed with flip flops, t-shirt and jeans. Now that's more like it!

We are so looking forward to our continued travels and our visits that lay ahead. Much love and expectation of what lies ahead!!!!!

Havin' Fun in the USA

2009-03-25T12:51:00.004-06:00

I am just now realizing it has been too long since I have updated our blog. What a shame!! The crazy thing is we have been back in the States but have had dial up most of the time....I had forgotten how slow it can be. I will take some time to play catch up.

We made it to the States with no problems on March 10 (Rachel's b-day, they let her sit in the cockpit of the plane for a b-day treat). We had our first layover in Miami and had some lunch with some great friends of ours that we haven't seen since we moved from Costa Rica. We really had such a great time with them and picked right up where we left off....love those relationships!! Finally at 8:30 pm we arrived at Tulsa where our parents picked us up and we were quickly reintroduced to the cold weather...brrrrrr!!

When we got to my parents house we had some time to catch up on business stuff, had a late b-day party for Rachel and a really late christmas :) We then went to Skiatook and spent time with Jerald and Dixie. We had great fellowship and being with the body of Christ is always a good time! We then went to a congregation in Fair Play, MO and had the priviledge to share with the youth group. Wow, what a great group of young people that God has destined to touch the hearts of many in this earth. It was a wonderful group with a passion for the Lord. And the worship...was amazing!!! Finally this past weekend we shared with a congregation in Monett, MO. We enjoyed sharing what the Lord is doing in Nicaragua, and once again the had an infamous "church lunch" for us. You know those where everyone brings their signature dishes and you eat a bit of each to try it all....so good (especially with all the grandmas in the congregation).

We are now with some friends in northern Illinois. It is still a bit cold for us from the deep, deep 'south' but we are managing :) We have so enjoyed all the fellowship, dinners, lunches and visits we have had with so many that we haven't gotten to see in so long. The Lord is so good to bring amazing relationships in our lives that we cherish so deeply.

Well our time to the States is just beginning and we have many more 'places to go and people to see'. I will try to stay up better on the blog while in here. Love to all and am looking forward to seeing the rest of you!!!!

Travel Calendar

2009-03-06T09:00:00.006-06:00

States Schedule - Here We Come!!

2009-03-05T19:50:00.002-06:00

I thought we could post the schedule of the cities we will be in during our 8 week trek through the USA. I know that it would be near to impossible to see everyone that we would love to see while we are there. If there is any place that we will be close to where you are we would love to see you all. Please check the schedule and come visit!!!

March 10 - Arrive to the States
March 11-13 - Neosho, MO
March 14-15 - Skiatook, OK
March 16-17 - Neosho, MO
March 18 - Fair Play, MO
March 19-21 - Neosho, MO
March 22 - Monett, MO
March 23-24 - Ursa, IL
March 25-29 - Janesville, WI
March 30-31 - Neosho, MO

April 1 - Southwest City, MO
April 2-4 - Branson, MO
April 5-7 - Oak Ridge, LA
April 7-9 - Arcadia, LA
April 10-19 - New Orleans, LA
April 20 - 25 - Emerald Isle, NC
April 26 - 28 - Eros, LA
April 29 - Huntington, TX
April 30 - Gun Barrel City, TX / Richardson, TX

May 1 - Richardson, TX / Borger, TX
May 2-3 - Borger, TX
May 4- 8 - Frederick, OK
May 9 - 13 - Neosho, MO
May 14 - Return to Nicaragua

If there are any questions or just want to visit with us while we are in your area please email. We would love to hear from you!!!
pouredoutministries@yahoo.com

Trip to the Northeast

2009-02-27T22:23:00.006-06:00

This past Friday we began our trip, as we do every month that we can, to do the clinic in Rio Blanco. This is a town that is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from Managua. It is the last town on paved road as you are heading east towards one of the major ports. This month was a bit different because we couldn't stay the entire day on Saturday to help out. We had to leave by early afternoon because we had a long and unknown trek ahead of us. We enjoyed our time at the clinic so much, we love going to help!

Saturday afternoon we got a bit of a later start heading to Las Brenas. We were going to spend some time with a pastor and his family. Roger has gone up to this area to work a few times now, but had only traveled by plane. This was to be our first time driving all the way to this community. Before we even left Rio Blanco we hit the dirt road, or better yet the rock road. I can handle a dirt road just fine, but these were rocks bigger than your fist and not smooth at all. There was a constant banging around that I don't think a chiropractor can even fix. It was a bit different getting used to such a drive. We managed to hit one patch of pavement that lasted about 2 mi. and then thankfully we hit another patch of road that they are working on that lasted about 10+ mi. (it may have not been all pavement but at least it was a smooth dirt road.) It was dark before we were even halfway there, which made it a bit more challenging for Roger to drive on a road that he didn't know.

We finally arrived at Las Brenas around 1am, and exhausted! The family woke up to greet us, but we were ready to hit the sack. But not until a quick bathroom break about a block behind the house in the outhouse. (Thank God for flashlights!) We were able to gather our strengths after a good nights rest, Roger had to preach the next day at the pastor's congregation.

Las Brenas is a community right on the main 'highway' but there is no electric lines (they ended 4 hours up the road) and there is no running water. I wondered how the kids would do without all those ammenities that we take for granted. Don't get me wrong we have had a fair share of electricity going out and no water at times, but you never know how your own kids will react. I will have to say that I was truly amazed. By the time the trip was over they didn't want to leave. I guess they wanted to experience the farming life. Josiah woke up Monday morning ready to milk the cows. Rachel helped clean the beans that they had grown. We made all kinds of food from food that they had grown (they are a fairly self sustaining family). I learned how to make cheese from fresh cows milk. It was such a great experience for us all. But most of all, the time with this family was amazing. The pastor's name is Luis and his wife Glendy. They have 6 children; Amir, Kenia, Javier, Julissa, Melissa and Benny ranging from the ages of 17 to 6.

There is truly not enough space to tell of all the fun and new experiences that we had. It is definately a 'sit down with a cup of coffee on a comfy couch' type of stories. I have one last funny thing I will share with you before I leave you with some photos for our trip. Each day when it came time to take a shower you had to learn to be very vulnerable. Their shower room was off to the corner of the kitchen with a large bucket inside in order to use the bowls to bathe. It was closed in of course, but you could hear and see most of who was there at the table (they couldn't see you), but that wasn't the hard part. The other two walls of the shower room were outside walls with gaps between each board at least 1 in wide or more, perfect viewing space both from the inside and the outside. Thank goodness we were in the campo (rural)!!

By Tuesday we were heading back home. It was a wonderful drive back, bumpy road and all. Of course, somewhere along the way we lost our rear license plate. There's no telling where it is now. We made it back home in 13 hours, wasn't half bad!! It was really great to see that much of Nicaragua. What a great trip!!

Here are some pics from our trip, but to see more they are at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rreuceda/TripToRioBlancoAndLasBrenas#

Here is a video of Josiah's first time milking a cow. He was so proud!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxqbYSPjNog

typical house in the northeast

bringing water back from the well or river

Roger ministering at Luis's congregation

Kenia teaching me how to make cheese

Julissa and Rachel getting the beans out of their shell

our bathroom accomodations (a nice hike from the house)

Josiah milking a cow with Amir

Benny and Josiah enjoying a coconut

Julissa, Melissa, Rachel and Kenia playing on the hammock

Javier getting the cows ready to be milked

Amir teaching Josiah how to milk a cow

our drive back home....lovely sunset!!

New Arrival

2009-02-17T17:00:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to send a quick pic of our newest addition to the communities. The mom has been coming for several months to the clinic to get vitamins and other things. This month she showed up with her 15 day old baby. What a cutie she is! It was nice that we weren't overly busy this clinic (just over 50 patients) so I could hold her a bit. Reminds me of my own at that age. These are the really wonderful things about having the clinics....hold all the new beautiful babies.

"Along the Way" Moments

2009-02-15T19:48:00.003-06:00

We woke up this morning and got ready as usual to go to service in Managua. If we have a free Sunday we like to go to Verbo to fellowship with the body of Christ. It is a spanish speaking church but we also have a few good 'gringo' friends that go there as well, and our kids so love going to children's church there.

After service was over we chatted with a few friends and was getting ready to head out the door then a lady stopped me and was asking for some $$ for a doctor's treatment she needed. She proceeded to have me feel her breast (they are very open people here and would have been offended if I didn't), so beyond all my inhibitions I did so. She had a huge mass in her right breast that was the size of a lime. I was surprised. I explained I didn't have any $$ on me and I needed to talk with Roger. He didn't feel like we were to give her $$ but he knew we needed to pray with her. Roger then prayed with her and by the time they were done the mass went down to about the size of a chick pea. God is so amazing!!! She then went on about how she had been running from God. Wow, God sure has a way to bring His children back home!

We then went to get a few things at the grocery stores in Managua, that we can't find in our little town, and headed home. We were home for a while then Lisette, the doctor we use at our clinic, called about a woman that needed some medicine. She hardly ever does this unless it is needed. So we asked what she needed and headed over to her house to meet her and the lady.

Once we arrived we were greeted by Lisette, her 2 boys and Maria. Maria is quite a woman. She lives several kilometers from Jinotepe but goes there everyday to sell tortillas. She is 80 years old. Unbelievable. Her daughters tried to tell her to stay home and they would send money, but this is a woman that has lived her 80 years working extremely hard. She needed the medicine for her heart, but mostly for some serious varicose veins that put anything I have ever seen before to shame. A couple of them looked like bouncy balls sticking out of her legs and the rest were like a mountainous road map. But they still never slowed her up much. We really had a great time talking with her and hearing her stories. She has lived a hard life. She gave birth to 14 children and only 5 lived past the age of 5. Even through all her stories, of which one would be enough to live through for a lifetime, she had a love for life and hopeful courage.

There is only so much that one can plan and schedule and God does amazing things through that, but the "along the way" moments are truly amazing. God has all things in His place and timing. We should always be aware that no matter how our day is going or what things we had planned, it could be changed at any moment....for an "along the way" moment.

Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-14T15:02:00.003-06:00

The best part of any Valentine's Day (now that I am a mom) is the handmade sentiments. They just can't be beat!!

(above is from Rachel and below is from Josiah....my two little artists!)

Also my wonderful husband came home yesterday with a beautiful display of flowers. And we are even going out tonight for dinner....no kids. Wow, I will definately be cherishing the moment. A real date (so few and far between)!!

Much love to all and hope each and every one is having a great day with the ones they love!!

Schools Almost Here!

2009-01-29T20:47:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I am so far behind right now. I need to tell you about our trip to Rivas and our trip to Rio Blanco and so much. The only thing I need right now is time!!! I can't believe it is already the end of the month. Where does the time go??

This past week, after returning from Rio Blanco, we have been gearing up for the Nicaraguan school year to start. This will be our 3rd year with the honor to be able to provide school supplies for 5 rural schools outside of Jinotepe. For those that keep up, these schools are in the same area where we hold the medical clinics every month and also where we have begun to have movie nights. School begins here next Tuesday. I can't believe it snuck up on me this year. We are getting all the final data so that we know exactly how many students there will be in all the schools. This year I have been told it will be around 340.

This past year we were told that it was a very good year for attendance. The teachers and principal have noticed that the children and their parents have taken more responsibility to attend classes and also to stay in school (there is a high drop out rate after 2nd grade). It has really been a blessing to help these families and give them hope. Both through the school supplies and the clinics but most importantly through the tangible love of God.

It amazes me to see how many children aren't able to attend classes because they can't afford a pencil or notebook. Their whole school supplies for a year are around $10 per student. They don't worry about the new pair of shoes, or who has the cool new clothes, or their nice new backpack. The students are supposed to wear uniforms to the public schools, but for the rural schools they wave that so that they can attend. Most kids are happy that they have flip flops to wear, some have no shoes. And from what I have seen, less than half even have backpacks. All these things are the least of their worries. I remember last year Josiah asked if the boys would get upset if they got one of the kitty cat notebooks. I just smiled and asked him to watch as they opened their packs. The boys were just as happy with the kitty notebooks as the girls were with the car ones. They didn't care, it was still paper.

So once again, we are on our quest to get supplies. It is always a tiring week or so but so worth it. Even the teachers get supplies. The govt. only gives out very little, like paper and chalk. And with only making a little over $100 a month, they can't afford to supply it themselves.

Anyway I will quit rambling on about this, I just love to see how God touches these lives with the littlest of things that mean so much. And beyond that, how God reminds me how to be grateful for the little things in my life. Our lives are truly blessed through all the lives that have crossed our path and those who remain.

Thanks to all who have helped and who continue to help....there aren't enough words to express our extreme gratitude, so I will just say Thank You!!

Much Love!!

Movie Night in Dolores

2009-01-22T23:01:00.004-06:00

Wednesday night we had another movie night. It was such a blessing to be able to go and be a support for a dear family that have become such good friends of ours. Francisco and Erika with there 2 boys live in a small community outside of Dolores, about 15 min. from us. They have recently started working with the children in their community. Many of these children have complicated family lives, clothes that are either 2 sizes too big or too small. Quite a few don't even have flip-flops to wear. But yet when they arrived to Francisco's home they were so glad to be there and slowly began to show their beautiful smiles. Francisco and Erika have such a heart for these children. They have started having meetings at their home telling Bible stories, praying with them and visiting their homes when they can't make it. And yet all is done with a Bible and a small book with some Bible stories. I am so excited for the work that the Lord is beginning!

Francisco had asked if we could come and show Bible movies or shows for the kids....and of course we wouldn't want to do anything else!! We were so excited to see all the kids that came. They slowly walked in, many carrying their own chair, waiting for the show to start. As Francisco began to speak to the kids more and more showed up. By the time the video was in full swing there were well over 60 in their front yard. Then after about 1 hour, all laughing and enjoying our time together, we all prayed together and when the time arrived for them all to return to their homes they filed out of Francisco's yard carrying chairs above their heads.

It was such a great night!!! The kids were so happy and Francisco and Erika were even happier. It was such a blessing for us to be able to be a support for them, to encourage them. Their hearts are amazing and truly filled with so much love for these kids. I am looking forward to all the God will do through them and all the lives that will be forever touched.

Much Needed Family Time

2009-01-15T11:31:00.005-06:00

After a busy month in December and an equally busy first week in January we needed a day getaway. We decided to surprise the kids and take them to the volcano. There are several around but the closest one is in Masaya (40 min. away). And it also happens to be one that is still semi-active. Lots of smoking and at night you can see the lava in the crater.

Once we arrived the kiddos were so happy. We had no where else we had to be at a certain time. We could spend all day there or just an hour, whatever we wanted to do. It was so nice not to have anything else on the schedule for that day. When we first arrived they tell you to park facing downhil....hummmm, I was hoping the volcano would behave today. Once it threw big rock out of the volcano and it landed on a tourists car. Kind of funny but I am sure it wasn't for that guy. After we parked it was just a short stroll to see the largest and smoking crater. It was a pretty big drop. At the bottom you could see the opening where the smoke was coming out. Next we walked up a bunch of steps to the top to be able to see the other crater that is next to the smoking one. And as we turned around there was a pretty great view of Nicaragua looking onto the lake as well. This country is pretty stinkin' beautiful!!!

When we came back down from there we realized there was another crater a little ways away. We asked the kids if there were up to taking the hike and they were game. About half way up they had second thoughts, so we stopped for a bit to enjoy the view and for them to get their second wind. We finally made it to the top and it was quite pretty as well. This crater was filled with all kinds of trees and plants, much different than the other two. The others didn't have a single thing growing do to the sulfur, but the rock was beautiful.

Once we were done looking at the volcano and climbing the huge volcanic rocks we headed back down to play in the playground they had. The kids love them some playground!! We had a great time there.

After we left we were a bit on the hungry side so we zipped up to Managua to eat some lunch. Kid's choice of course...family day! Then they, of course, just had to look around at a close by toy store to do some dreaming....as if they need more toys. :) It was so great just to spend the day together. Nothing planned. To do just whatever the day brought. In a strange way, it was quite a restful day. I think we are going to have to make family days a bit more frequent than once every few months. We gotta get out there and really see all of Nicaragua we can before God has us move to the next place.

God bless and enjoy your family and the days God allows us to spend with them!!

Literacy Training

2009-01-10T22:19:00.006-06:00

Well the time finally came for me to train teachers to teach literacy. I had been a bit nervous about the upcoming 2 day training. It was a bit odd, a white girl teaching spanish speaking people how to teach other hispanics to read spanish. I am fairly comfortable in my spanish, but it is just in conversation, never taught a class before.

First I will give a bit of stats for the literacy here in Nicaragua. According to various websites the illiteracy rate is anywhere from 25% to 35%. With the population of Nicaragua at 5,800,000 that leaves anywhere from 1,450,000 to 1,800,000 that can't read. Now back to the training.

Thankfully I had a small class for the first one. I had a wonderful group of 4 that have a real desire to help others to become literate. And it also helped that they were all I know pretty well, so they were a bit forgiving with my spanish if I hit a rough spot.

We started Thursday morning at one of the student's house, Lenin. It is a small one room house and it worked beautifully. We had a wonderful day filled with learning and with fellowship. His wonderful wife had made lunch for us as well. Some very delicious rice, beans, platanos and cheese. I finished Thursday feeling very satisfied and thankful that I got the first day out of the way.

Friday, we began our second, and last, day of training. We had to change location to another one of the student's house, Jhossy. Once again we had a wonderful time learning and laughing together. Her mom was gracious enough to make lunch for us as well, (repeat of the first day, very tipical lunch). Once again a wonderful day. We finished it with 4 teachers ready to teach. I finished feeling a little tired of speaking spanish for 16 hours, and extremely satisfied that the first literacy class training was completed and successful.

8 Great Years!!!

2009-01-06T20:39:00.003-06:00

Today is our 8 year anniversary! I am so thankful for the wonderful family we have today!! It has been filled with ups and downs and loads of adventure....and wouldn't trade a minute of it for the world!!!! I am so looking forward to the many, many years that await us.

Today Roger and Rachel went to run errands in town while I was homeschooling Josiah. When they returned they had a beautiful arrangement of flowers. ( I had made him pecan pie yesterday...what he's been asking for.) After lunch we asked some friends of ours that live close to watch the kids. We went out for the afternoon and watched a movie...not a cartoon (YEAH!), and had some really great gelato (delish!).

Thank you Roger for all the wonderful times we have shared and all that is to come!!!!

First Clinic of the New Year!!

2009-01-04T21:10:00.006-06:00

I couldn't think of a better way to start out the new year than to be out with our friends in the community and have our first clinic for 2009!! Susanna, our friend that's a nurse, was able to be in the States for the holidays, so I was able to great each patient and sign them in. I had a good time but I still have trouble sometimes with their names. It's not as simple as Bob, Jim, Sally and Sue. We had the priviledge to help 67 people this month.

After we finished we packed up and headed back to town for a late lunch...yummy pizza!! As we were on the road we noticed our faithful Emelia (80+ years old) coming for a consult. So we stopped and took care of her on the road and pulled out the meds from the back of the pickup, and of course gave her a ride back to her house. We would really appreciate any prayer for her, she is not doing too well.

As we continued on our drive home we saw this group of girls standing next to this little wagon that they were playing with. I thought it was pretty cool how they enclosed it.

I wished I had my camara but thankfully Jim and Lynne did so her and I hopped out and I asked if we could take a picture of their cart. I asked who had made it so nice and the girls pointed to the inside. I thought for sure that they were just pulling a younger sibling, which is very common here. So we looked in and to our surprise there were 2 bigger kids and one toddler. We just smiled. The kids got a kick out of us, but were proud to show off their wagon. I was very impressed by their good use of materials. They used foam insulation tied with ropes to make the encloser.

These faces of these children is only one of the reasons that we do what we do. How could we not help. What a blessing for us!!!! I thank God everyday for the priveledge He has given us. I so look forward to the things that are ahead.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2009-01-01T00:55:00.005-06:00

Well it's here, 2009!! I can't believe how this past year flew by. I am looking forward to see the amazing things that God has in store for this new year. We desire that God does the same with each and every one of you and blesses you as we have felt blessed to know you all. Happy New Year and live it with expectation!!!!!

Movie Night

2008-12-23T23:18:00.006-06:00

Tonight we had our first movie night out at the communities that we have been helping out with. We were able to get a great little video of "Coco y su pandilla". It is of a guy that does ventriliquism with a variety of puppets. He is a Christian and uses it as a way of evangalism.

First I want to say thanks to all for the support that we were able to purchase a projector with!! So of course we had to try it out. We had a tarp made to use as the screen. (The thing is huge.) Roger had made contact with a local radio station that he could make the announcement for all to hear in the community. Then he went and talked to a few community leaders to get the word out. You never know how many will really show up to something like this, even if you think it would be fun.

We arrived around 6 pm to the school and some of the guys started hanging up the tarp on the outside of the building. They also pulled out some chairs from the classrooms to give seats to as many as possible. We started the video once it was all set up and when we thought everyone had arrived. It worked so wonderfully!!! As the video was going, more and more people kept coming. By the time the night was over, there were well over 100 people that attended!! We were so encouraged. Once the movie was over Roger shared his testimony and led them in prayer.

We talked with many of the leaders in the community to get their feedback, and they were so pleased. They are just as excited as we are about making this a reoccuring event. It wasn't just the kids that really enjoyed the night.

November

2008-12-14T14:31:00.004-06:00

The first week of November I had the priveledge to attend a workshop to teach both literacy (in spanish) and ESL. I wasn't for sure how it would all go but I was so pleasantly surprised.

We have a lot of trouble here of people being illiterate. There are nearly 2 million people in Nicragua that don't know how to read. Even in our town and the communities where we work there are over a hundred that I have been made aware of. I heard of this great program and thought I would look into it. The ministry is called LEI (Literacy and Evangalism Intl.). The great thing is that the curriculum that they use is also used as an evangalistic tool. It talks about the Bible throughout the books.

Here is a pic of the group that took the class in Managua to teach literacy. This was the english version for all the missionaries interested.

A week later I had the priveledge to take a course, closer to where we live, in San Marcos to teach others how to teach literacy.

I was overwhelmed with the information about the numbers that I had found locally of those that are illiterate and realized that it was too much to handle on my own. This was the reason for taking this course. I figured if I could teach others, locally and other places that we travel, many more lives could be effected. We all had such a great time. There has already been a group interested here in Jinotepe to learn to teach literacy. I am hoping that this month we will be able to get together for the 3 day course to equip the saints.

This is the group of us that had the priveledge to learn to equip other teachers with the same heart. (This was the spanish training session. Not a whole lot of us white people in the mix, just me and another friend from Managua, Carey!)

Please pray with me that God would direct my path concerning this project. There are many lives that can be changed, not only with literacy but also spiritually. But without God in the middle of it, it can't accomplish His good and perfect will.

Quick Request

2008-12-07T20:05:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow morning starting at 10 am and going till 1 pm, there will be thousands of believers joining together at the Monte de Oracion (Mount of Prayer). It lies in Crucero, Nicaragua, about 30 minutes south of Managua. We will be gathering to pray for the will of God in Nicaragua. There have been many things that have happened in the last 2 years and have become even more evident in the last few months, both politically and in the people of this country. I would like to ask all who read and all who feel led, to pray for Nicaragua tomorrow with us.

I truly believe that before time began, God has many things planned for Nicaragua. I know that only God can change the hearts of man. Please pray that God's will be done and that the hearts of men and women will be turned to the heart of the Father.

AMEN!!!

Interesting Article

2008-11-14T22:15:00.003-06:00

Today I came upon an interesting article that they actually had in TIME magazine about the recent elections in Nicaragua. I will attach the link so you can have a look. They are a bit more articulate with their writings than I.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1858920,00.htm

I will post more later about some exciting and good things that have been happening in Nicaragua.
Can't wait to share more then.

Elections 2008

2008-11-10T12:40:00.002-06:00

No, I am not going to focus on the States elections, just wanted to share a bit about our elections here. Sunday, all of Nicaragua held its mayoral elections. And today, Monday, is a vacation day. I guess to recoup from the stress of having to vote...:) Anyway, it is the next day and there still is not clear cut winner. And actually both major parties are declaring they won.

It is a bit different than in the States. In the USA, if the person you voted for for president didn't win. You may feel bummed, a bit relieved that the commercials are over, excited that you will get to see and hear real news again, but at least you know who it is and ready for what that may bring. You will get up and go back to school or work the next day, chat a bit about it and back to business as usual. Not here, and these were just the mayoral elections.

The attack mode is fairly the same. This person did this and that, they won't do a good job, blah, blah, blah. We have a bit more parades and rallying, than I have usually seen in the USA but nothing terrible. BUT, the next day, wow.

There are 2 major parties, FSLN and the PLC. The FSLN is the party that is in the presidency now, and some are concerned if they gain control in all of the mayor positions as well. So of course that is how they would prefer it from govt. To have their party in control everywhere. There is a big battle going on though. Both parties have said they won. (especially in Managua, the capital.) The PLC are claiming fraud on the counting of votes. There are to be people from both parties to verify the count is correct but supposedly the FSLN kicked out many from the other party...making it difficult to keep all groups honest. I think everyone was suspecting that this wouldn't be easy...expecting lots of corruption in the elections but what can you do.

I went to bed last night after having watched the news where 10 people were injured, in the town 5 min. from ours, because the 2 political parties were fighting. We woke up to see how the votes were going, they are still in the preliminary counting, to seeing the PLC marching through the streets of Managua, protesting the preliminary outcome....claiming fraud. There are rocks being thrown at people, cars and houses, bats being swung, and claims of bullets heard in the streets of Managua all due to these elections. And they still don't know who won.

I am glad we live in Jinotepe. Further from the chaos in some of the streets in Managua. A bit more "tranquilo" (calm). I just couldn't imagine seeing these types of outbreaks, protest, or violence in the streets of the USA or the news.

Please keep Nicaragua in your prayers!! All is in God's hands!

November Clinic

2008-11-06T22:22:00.004-06:00

This November marked one year of having the clinic in the communities!!! It has been such an amazing year. It has been full of ups and downs, difficulties and triumps. The wonderful thing is to see the relationships that God is creating throughout it all.This past Saturday went so well. We had over 75 patients that came from surrounding areas. We have several faithful older adults that come for their monthly medicines for their heart or blood pressure. And many children that come for those things that pop up with having kids.

Thankfully it had let up on the rain so the road had a chance to dry out a bit. Didn't mean that it wasn't without huge ruts and holes....we could just see where they were this time. By the time we arrived there was already a big group of people waiting. It didn't let up till nearly 4 pm. Surprisingly one of the moms wanted to make lunch for us. We were so grateful, we were so hungry. Usually we just work through and then eat a late lunch (2pm) but this week it went much later.

We have so enjoyed the moments that we have had with each of the patients. The ability to pray with some and to get the chance to check up on them. It has been a great testimony to the community. We have heard so many great things. School attendance has stayed higher than normal, and every student that comes to school gets a hot lunch (which USAID provides) this means better nutrition. So many things are intertwined. Once the trust can be built and they see that you are faithful with them, that we really love and care about them, things can change and hearts can turn to the Lord.

Thanks to all that help with the support to provide the clinic every month. You have no idea the true thankfulness that they have and have shared with us and I want to make sure you all know. We even had our faithful Amelia (80+ years old) to bring her 2 eggs as payment. She always makes me happy.

I am so thankful for the chance we have to serve each and every one of them.

Just Hanging Out

2008-10-25T20:42:00.011-06:00

It is amazing how much you really get to know someone just by doing something together.

We were out at one of the schools today, the only one you can get to due to the pure slush-like mud to try to drive through. Let's just say the roads are so bad we have gone 4 times in the past 3 weeks and due to 20 days of non-stop rain we have gotten stuck all but once. Though we don't feel so bad because the people out there have said that about every truck that goes out there gets stuck. :) The other good thing is that the oxen are readily available to help.

We went to the school to put up a swing for the school kids. The kids at Trinity Christian School in Neosho, MO had been saving money to help pay for a swing set for the school here that didn't even have one piece of playground equipment. They had gotten the money to us a few months ago but the logistics of getting the swing and a way for it to get to the school was a bit hard without a truck, until now.

We had a few guys that said they would meet us to help with putting it together and to set it in concrete. (have to detour the thieves) While we were there we had such a great time getting to know some of the other people in the community that we had not had much time to talk with before. And of course we had our kids and some neighbors of the school to try it out. Seemed to work great!!
(to see more pics go to http://picasaweb.google.com/rreuceda)

While we were there Roger had brought tools and materials to build a rocket stove. There had been a real need to do something about the amount of smoke that fills a house during rainy season when they have to cook in their home, and the cost of the wood to cook with. He had found the basic idea on the internet, from the Aprovecho group, about a rocket stove. And thanks to youtube, got many ideas. It is a very simple design with cheap materials. The total cost is around $5 per stove. We have already made one and had it with a friend in another community and his wife has been so thrilled. So today after they put the swing up, Roger and 4 other guys put the 2nd one together. After we finished the women that were there said they wanted to be on the list for the next and the guys are wanting to do a workshop for all the community to make ones for whoever wants to be a part.

The great thing about the stove is it gives off no smoke (completely burns the wood), saves on buying wood. The first stove, in it's first week, used 50% less wood for the family. (which pays for the stove in less than a month) Cooks faster, and because of not giving off smoke it is better for their health. We see so many people that come to the clinic with so many respiratory problems because of the constant inhalation of smoke within their homes and eye problems.

(to see more pics go to http://picasaweb.google.com/rreuceda)

It has been so great to see the response of the people. They are excited and want to learn how to do it themselves. When we left the school today the guys were going to start talking to others around the community to set up a day to have a workshop. We left the stove we made today with one of the families to show others as they ask. We will soon have a workshop in Dolores, where the first stove is, and there is also talk of doing one in Rio Blanco as well.

It is so exciting how God opens up doors to share the love of God with others. One of the guys that was there today was one of the ones that was part of the group that tried to kick us and the clinic out a few months ago. And he was the one that wanted to help facilitate the workshop. It is so great to see how God can begin to change people's hearts if we just trust Him, obey Him, and love them with the same love that God shows us daily.

These are such exciting times!!!

Family Achievement

2008-10-21T21:50:00.001-06:00

Well yesterday the kids found the first egg from the chickens that we have. We got the chickens a few months ago(wrote in earlier blog) and had just been feeding them and waiting for them to get nice and big to start laying eggs. Just a few weeks ago we started giving food to lay eggs and yesterday it was so great to find the egg. They, of course, had me cook it for them right then. The kids couldn't wait till this morning to go find the next one. I think they checked about every hour. Finally a bit before 6pm they found the egg for today. I can't wait until all three start laying eggs.

Also for the last couple of months we have been enjoying our first crop of cherry tomatoes, and have a nice amount of herbs growing around the yard. I have never had much of a green thumb or been interested in farm animals but it has been nice to see things coming together. And I guess if times get tough we can at least have eggs, and some herbs. :)

Rainy, Rainy, Rainy

2008-10-16T15:04:00.002-06:00

One could never imagine how much it could rain till you have lived in the tropics, or at least have come during the rainy season. I just can't comprehend how it can rain so hard and non-stop. It has rained, at our house nearly 2 days without stopping. a few days ago we had a bit of sunshine but for 2 weeks before that it was the same....rain, rain, and more rain. It has its moments where it is just like God turned on the faucet (or faucets) to full strength and just let it pour. Nearly everyone walks here. Everyone has their boots, or they just take off their flip-flops, and roll up their pants and deal with it.

In the communities where we help some of the teachers have to get there from Jinotepe, the main town. Normally there is a cattle truck that transports people in and out if they can pay for it. The last 2 months there has been so much rain that the trucks don't run. They walk to get to their jobs teaching. The one teacher, Rina, says it takes here nearly 45 min to 1 hour to get to school and by the time she gets there her shoes are filled with mud. There are about another 3 teachers, that I know of, that live further in the communities, but on the other side of a river. Normally that river is a few inches high to cross and get to their jobs. But now who knows. Last year they said they tied ropes across the river to try to make a make-shift ferry to cross, or just walking but using the rope to guide them. I can't imagine that being the norm for getting to work. I know I like getting the parking space the closest to try to keep from walking another 20 feet farther to get to a store. I feel bad when I know people have to walk to get somewhere but in reality it is very normal. And beyond all that they are more than thankful that they even have a job.

I am so glad that God has me here to keep me grounded. To bring reality to life. None of the 'keeping up with the Jones'' business. But just keeping up with God's business. There is no greater feeling than being content, happy, where you are at and knowing you are doing what you have been called to do. No matter if it is at home, office, business, another country, pastor, or friend.

Be content and if not seek it out!!

Great Saturday

2008-10-06T17:10:00.013-06:00

First I will have to apologize, I am bit of a lazy blogger. It seems like days get away from me before I get half of my list done for that day. I am far behind on many of the things that I have thought would be great to blog, so maybe I will try to catch up.

To start, we had the clinic on Saturday. It is the middle of rainy season so the roads are TERRIBLE, and our last clinic was fairly small (a little over 30 patients). I had a feeling it was going to go about the same or fewer. We couldn't get the word out, since there is no transportation going into the communities. We started the day a bit late. We got stuck in the mud, but got out, thanks to the new truck. We arrived about 30 minutes late.

When we got there, there were 20 or more already in line. I don't think the line ended until 3 hours later. It just seemed like they kept coming. The nurse, Susanna, asked if I had more sheets to for checking in the patients. I said no, but I had made over 75, I asked why. She had ran out.
By the end of it we had 86 patients. It was crazy. There was a line to check in, fhere was a line to see one of the two doctors, and there was a line to get the medicines in our makeshift pharmacy. Did I say it was crazy!! We had never had more than 66 patients...needless to say we were a bit ill prepared with the quantity of medicines. By the time we left we were all exhausted. Even Josiah stepped up to help count out vitamins and helped bag the meds when they were ready.

It was over and we loaded up the truck to head back to town and eat a very late lunch. About half a mile from the clinic we got stuck in the road. Roger was driving so good but with all the effort the truck just slid right into the deepest ruts in that part of the road. It is so hard to see where the best place is to drive since the whole road is just a mud mess, and you never know where it is the mushiest and the deepest. Well this time getting stuck there was no moving us. Finally after a few guys tried to help there was still no moving. Finally a guy on a horse and cart gave Roger a ride to a guys house, about another half a mile away, that has oxen to help pull us out.

By the time they hooked the oxen and the chain to the truck, in no time we were out of the mess. The only problem was is they had to pull us out backwards and we had to drive through it again. This time, no problem!! We were slipping and sliding but made it through. All of us in the truck thought...wow, what a great story!! But all in all it was a great day!

4 x 4 Truck!!!!

2008-09-23T07:33:00.004-06:00

Well it is finally here. Yesterday Roger pulled up to the house in the ministries 4x4 truck!!! I can't believe after all this time looking and praying it's in our driveway. God is so good!!!! It's an older truck but the mechanics said it had a good motor...what else can you ask for. We wanted a work truck....God provided!
Thank you to everyone that prayed with us and gave for the truck. We are truly blessed to be in relationship with each and every one of you. Talk about blessing upon blessing!

We just wanted to post pics and say thank you!!

Working together in the Kingdom.
Rhonda

Vacation Well Needed

2008-08-20T21:52:00.003-06:00

Last week we had some friends from Las Brenas (the northeast of Nicaragua) come for a few days. They are pastors in a very small community that has no water or electricity. And there is no need for a car there since the closest gas station is over an hour away. Anyway, they have been pastoring now for over 15 years and have never once had a vacation. Roger has worked with this pastor the last few times he has gone to the northeast.
Luis and his wife Glendy came last week and we had planned to take them around to get to know the southwest part of Nicaragua that they have never been to. They first arrived late, after a 15 hour bus ride. We had a chance to visit parts of Managua, Granada, Catarina, Laguna Apoyo, and of course our local Jinotepe. We had such a great time getting to spend time with our extended body of Christ and to just see them RELAX!!!

On A Personal Note...

2008-08-05T22:58:00.004-06:00

Well yesterday, around 11am, we heard a bit of cracking and Roger went to take a look and sure enough the tree in front of our house finally gave way. We had been hearing it crack with the wind but had no idea that more than just a few limbs would fall. It was laying on all of the cables and two of the posts had begun to bend. Of course, here in Nicaragua, it takes a bit longer to get things done unless you do them yourselves. But, after pushing the owner of the property, we finally got someone to come and cut down the limbs before any cables broke.It was so amazing to see these guys scaling the tree barefoot with ropes and machetes; taking whacks at the limbs, that are sooo close to the cables. They were sitting on, the already falling branches, to cut the ends while tied by a rope with a pulley system, just in case that unstable branch gave way. They ended up cutting about half of the branches and limbs off to keep from anything happening like this again. It is wild how over half a huge tree could be cut down using only a machete. Nothing is ever boring here!!

Zoo Trip

2008-08-04T21:45:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it has taken me this long to write about the zoo trip that we took in July. Last year we only were able to take 1 school. It was a trial run. Because last year went so well we were able to take all 5 schools. The kids were all so excited about the soon arriving day of their field trip. We found out that for all the students, except those that had a chance to go last year, this was their first trip ever to the zoo and for many it was their first trip, period.

We met the 3 buses at 6:30 am to go get the kids in the communities. We had 3 of our friends from Managua that wanted to come out and help (thank God!!) that met us at the buses. We had 2 different pick up points for the 5 schools; 3 of the schools are extremely difficult to get to without a 4x4. We began on our trip around 8:30 am from the communities. We had so much fun on the way to the zoo, the only problem was that I think I somehow got the unlucky bus. There were at least 3 or 4 that "got sick" on the bus....this time I came prepared!! It was so beautiful, on the way to the zoo we passed by the active volcano Masaya. It was such a beautiful and clear morning....we couldn't of had a more precious view for all the kids to see.

Finally we arrived at the zoo, unloaded and got into groups that were led by a guide. Once again we had many with their notebooks to take notes for class. It was great to see how excited everyone was..from 3 to 17 years of age. We spent a bit of time there and then loaded up for a park where we would eat our sack lunches.

It was so nice to have a place to play and to just have fun. When it was about time to load up and head home Roger talked with the kids to share with them about the love of the Lord and to motivate them to believe who God says that they are.

We all loaded back up in the buses and headed home. The mood was much different heading back. It seemed so much quieter :) I happened to be on the bus where the preschool and kindergarten kids were and I think most had fallen asleep by the time we arrived. Included my own 2 kids, Josiah and Rachel. We finally arrived back around 3:30 pm tired and happy. We waited around to make sure that all the kids had made it home ok and then headed back home ourselves.

All in all we had such a great time. We had over 220 students, teachers and helpers. What a day, what a trip...and we will probably be crazy enough to do it again..:)

Medical Clinic

2008-07-15T23:50:00.005-06:00

I know I am late on getting this out but I will have to back track a few weeks. We had out last clinic on the 5th and it went so great. We have encountered some unexpected obstacles, but nothing that God can't take care of. We have always been a bit guarded about certain things in the communities where we have been working. Ever since last year we have had many other eyes watching us. The political party that is in power has many small groups of people that are like watchdogs for the government. They mostly watch for who is doing what and does it affect their control over that area. Needless to say we have had our first round with these "leaders" in the communities.

We were told that they have been holding meetings in the area to begin to regain control over the area. They removed all the pta parents that were not in line with their political party and put others in place...as just one example. At out clinic in June we heard the "good news" that the ministry of health was going to begin to do a clinic 2 times a week. We thought great!!! This is exactly what the people need!! After the news had spread throughout that day, people kept asking us if we would still come. I didn't understand at first but after talking with many moms I soon realized the problem. The local health dept. only has the means to write prescriptions and give the most basic of medicines. And I thought what we have is basic, but nearly everyone walks out with what is prescribed. We also found out that they have been very inconsistant in the past. Sure enough when we came to our recent clinic they had already not showed up the entire last week.

Anyway, the building that we had been using, with permission, all of a sudden was no longer available to us. They had decided, a week before the clinic, that we could no longer hold the clinics there and needed to leave. Many parents stood up against them and said that they wanted the "gringos" here. We began to hear word from our friends in the community about all that was going on and to not worry there were other places that people already offered. The Catholic church even opened their doors to us, as well as a few people's homes. It was so touching to see the rally of the community. We continued to reinforce to them that we are here to help them and not concerned about the politics, God will take care of it. Finally we showed up that saturday and they had actually opened the school to us, for that month at least.

We were not certain how many would show, if any, due to the politic differences of many and the manipulation of those in power. Slowly they trickled in. By the end of the day we had 55+ in all. Throughout the day many continued to thank us for coming again and you could see their fears of us leaving were put at ease.

What is hard to wrap our minds around is that even the little that we do is still an hour closer to their home and many dollars cheaper. They receive all meds and consult for only $1. And they couldn't hardly make it to town for that, let alone think of how they would pay for their meds. There have been several that have walked 1-2 hours to come. Even after doing these clinics for 9 months now, I can't believe this is how people deal with medical issues. There was one grandma, mid 80's, that walked with her grandson nearly 2 hours to come for the meds that she needed. She knew that we always have medicine and knew it wouldn't be a waste of a trip, when she could be at home working. She had told Roger that she had 6 children but 3 of them had passed away due to the fact that she couldn't afford meds. or even to see a doctor. These kind of stories break my heart.

I walk away from every clinic tired and hungry, but the feelings of being overwhelmed by each new story that comes through those doors and the satisfaction to see one more getting the meds that they have needed for days. It would be hard for even the hardest of hearts to not come and be moved to tears. I know we are not in the jungles of Africa and I do know that it could be worse, but I am so thankful for the opportunity we have to be a part of these lives and help in any way possible. It is so incredible the feeling of being so close to everything but in reality being so far away. You can travel 3 miles outside of town and be in a different time period. What a priveledge to help and be a bridge to help for the many in this small part of Nicaragua.

NEW ADVENTURES

2008-06-22T20:19:00.004-06:00

Well you won't believe it but we have chickens. I know, what are we thinking. Josiah says that at least we won't have to go to Pali (our local grocery store) to buy eggs anymore. The kids are so happy. A friend of ours gave us 3 of his chickens, they are only 3 weeks old. Josiah named 2 of them Ironhide and Jazz (from the Transformers, even though the chickens are girls), and Rachel named one Rachel, I guess she likes her name ok. Anyway, we have been making a coop for the chickens. We've all been having fun with it and the kids won't leave the chickens alone. They just want to play with them all day.

Also we were able to put up a tire swing for the kids. They are loving it. The most fun was watching Roger try to figure how he was going to get up that tree to tie the rope up. He's not 12 anymore and able to scale it with his sheer monkey-like abilities...hahaha. He ended up borrowing a ladder from the neighbors. :)

We are putting the finishing touches on our newest and latest zoo adventure. The dates have gone between the 4th or the 18th of July but it is looking more like it will be the 4th. Oh my goodness that is only 2 weeks away....so much to plan. We are also taking all 5 schools instead of just the one that we took last year. It could be easily 200 kids plus teachers and adult helpers. Rhonda M., we are going to miss you this year!! We are looking forward to the exciting day. And the day after we have our next clinic. Lots to prepare for.

I guess I will be learning to pace myself in the next couple of weeks.

WE'RE BACK!!!

2008-06-07T22:05:00.003-06:00

It is so crazy!!! We had been in the states for 2 months (march and april). We then returned to our house and everything in order, thank goodness. The only thing we returned to no phone. Appearantly they were stolen or something...again...which meant we were without internet also. It seems like forever, or 5 weeks since we came back, but finally we have internet and phone again...YEAH!!!! It's amazing how we grow so accustom to the things that we have in our lives. Oh, and one day after we arrived i awoke to killer pain and long story short i was in surgery that night to have my appendix removed. What a welcome back home.

We have gotten back in the groove somewhat. It always seems like it takes longer than one would like. We were able to get a chainsaw up to the north, where the hurricane hit last august. They have been using it like crazy. We've had 2 clinics now. Today was the second. So much fun. And we are delivering more school supplies next week to all 5 schools. It feels nice to get back into things. We are also getting ready to do our zoo trip with the students again. However, this time we are going to do all 5 schools....call us crazy!!! It will be a blast. Just want to get it done before rainy season and we can't get in to the communities because of the roads.

These last few months have been full of their ups and downs but all liveable. It doesn't have to be easy it just has to be lived through and better on the other end. Success is so subject to the one that defines it.

We loved our trip to the states. So encouraging and full of love and friendship. I so cherish our times together with friends and family in the states. They are so valued to us. And we are so happy to be here, home, in Nicaragua, once again. It is just right.

I think this is probably too much for now but i am back in it again.
be a success,
rhonda

School has begun!!!

2008-02-08T19:50:00.000-06:00

this week has been full of ups and downs and just plain busy.

we started mon and tues by delivering all the school supplies to the students and teachers.

mon, we were able to make it to 3 out of 5 of the schools. here the school day is till noon. many of the kids have to go home and help out and they don't have all the extras that take up time in the states, music, art, etc... we had such a great time. thankfully we were able to make it to those 3 with no problem....well the last was a bit interesting in our van. felt like we were about to tip over a few times but roger is a rock star driver. and of course i just held on ALOT!!

tues, we headed out to the farthest school, it took over an hour from our house. i felt like we just kept driving and driving. finally we reached a part where even roger had to get out and check the road. it was a bit rough but we had no idea what was in store. we go down a steep, rut filled road and we found a river over the road....yeah!!! so we stopped, assessed and enjoyed the view. we walked in the river and enjoyed this little gem in the middle of nowhere, really nowhere. got the camera and went exploring. about 10 feet from where we were parked i noticed that the boulders were quite big in the river and i couldn't see the rest of the river. it was the beginning of a 30-40 foot waterfall. WOW!!! so amazing. i think i got a bit too close to the edge, i got that funny feeling in my tummy. it was a great little stop while roger began to assess the steep incline to climb on the other side. not so sure the van was built for this..hahaha. we made it up and about a couple miles more we reach the one room school. it was a blast. we still had to get out again and make it to another school that was as hard to get to before lunch so we spent some time with the kids and had to jet. getting out prooved to be a bit harder. there was more sliding than anyone likes to see as you are coming down a hill and heading toward a river and getting back up the final incline took a few tries. i don't think 4 wheels on a van qualify for a 4wd. haha. about an 1 1/2 later we made it to the next school. we had to ditch the van and walk with the supplies for 200 yards or so.. not so bad. thank goodness it was the other one room school with less than 20 kids.

it was such a great couple of days. it was so much fun to do this as a family and see the looks on the kids faces. it seemed as the farther out we went the kids changed. more open, so grateful and enjoying the small blessings in life. i definately had my moments of laughter and joy and tears. i am truly blessed.

oh and the rest of the week, i won't say much about that. let's just say it consisted of our van being in the shop. enough said. we did get it out sat. which was just in time since roger was heading to northeast nicaragua for a week with some guys from louisiana. it sure makes it easier to get to and from the airport with a car. thank God, He is always on time.

IT'S BEEN TOO LONG!!!!

2008-02-01T12:30:00.000-06:00

i know it has been forever since i blogged. january was a crazy month. it all started with an awesome clinic. we had over 55 people show up. it was non stop for 5 hours and went through tons of meds. we even had people that had to wait outside to see the doc. that was fun!!!

we then got ready for a trip to new orleans. we usually don't go to the states til march but roger's sister was expecting her first baby. he was 10 days late but boy is he cute!!!! that was a nice little break, if you could call it that.

we were so glad to be coming back home a week ago and we were so happy to be back into warmer weather, yeah!!! we hit the ground running once we returned.

we have another clinic tomorrow, so please pray. and we also have the first day of school on monday for the schools that we are working with. we have taken on 4 more schools with a total of 300+ kids. it will be so exciting!!! there was definately no down time.

i am so excited to see what God is doing here. and so glad to be back in the groove of things!

Christmas in paradise

2007-12-28T18:59:00.000-06:00

I had a hard time trying to amp up for Christmas time. Our friends Mitch and Ranae had moved back to the States and other friends here all were heading back to the States or Canada. And of course the warm weather is hard to get use to, especially when I grew up with cold Christmas'.

At the last minute we found some of our friends, one of the teachers at the school we help out at and her sisters, in town and wanted to know if they wanted to come over Christmas day or eve to hang out. The tradition here is to wait til 12 am christmas to really celebrate. they shoot fireworks have a big dinner and open gifts. the family that we invited over don't really have the resources to celebrate. they don't do presents or fireworks and they just have same dinner as they always have, beans and rice. it is so hard for me to see families that can't even go to the local $1 store to get a gift for their kids. we invited them over for christmas eve to celebrate with us, they were so excited.

it ended up being 13 plus us 4. everyone wanted to come. we had grandma, her 3 daughters, grandchildren and 2 neighbor kids came. i really didn't have much planned so we grilled hot dogs and bought fireworks. we all had a blast!! it was so great to see all the kids light some fireworks and the old faithful sparklers. it made it really special to just spend time with each other and not focus on who got how many gifts, or the best gifts. we didn't stay up til midnight but trust me the fireworks woke us up anyway...haha

Butterfly, Flutterby

2007-12-17T18:19:00.000-06:00

sunday, it was just a nice day. no other explaination. we hung up the hammocks, there was a slight breeze and just a bit of clouds. (sorry to all those with the freezing weather) it was so peaceful. as we were swinging away, the most beautiful thing happened, hundreds of tiny yellow butterflies were flying by. we were blessed enough to be there at the right time to see as they passed by. if there was a perfect day here, the best family day!!!

adios and enjoy your own "butterflies" wherever you are.

enjoying where i am,

rhonda

ps. to all those with the snow and the freezing cold, i do envy you a bit. it is so much easier to get into the holiday mood with a bit colder weather. and josiah continues to pray and ask if God can make it snow here in Nicaragua too.;)

First time for everything

2007-12-11T21:31:00.000-06:00

well here we are finally with a minute to breathe. i have wanted to do this for some time.

this year has been a whirlwind and i am looking forward to a bit of retrospect and giving much thanks to our Lord for his amazing grace and mercy on our lives. i thanks him alone for his ability to guide us even in the dark, when we have no clue what to do or should do. the key is to just give him your hand to be guided. so easily said, and definately a daily decision.

i hope this will be a first of many a blog....
hablamos pronto (we will talk soon)
adios, rhonda