Octubre Noticias

We are a bit late getting a new update out, but it's ok, it just means that we are adopting the slower, laid back lifestyle down here. So here is your October news (in Nica time anyway). We've had a busy month: in addition to studying Spanish full-time, Cory's parents came to visit and we adopted a new puppy.

Meet Coconut

                                                    There is a lot happening in Nicaragua at this time of the year. The end of October means the end of the rains and the beginning of the dry season for the next 6 months. I have to admit I will miss the crazy thunderstorms, especially on our new and very loud tin roof. It's charming for us, but dangerous for many of the locals. They celebrate the end of the unpredictable (and yes, they call it cold) rainy season and welcome in the safer dry and sunny days.  

Nicaragua didn't celebrate Halloween, but they did celebrate "The Day of the Dead" on November 2.  At first glance, it seemed to be a beautiful time when families gathered in cemeteries and bought flowers and rosary beads for their loved ones. It wasn't just about remembering, however. They firmly believe that they MUST follow these rituals for their deceased family members in order for them to secure a place in heaven.  Here is a link to "Dia de los Muertos" celebrations across Central and South America: http://blogs.sacbee.com/photos/2010/11/day-of-the-dead-1.html

A woman sells cotton candy at a cemetery in Managua.

The national election is on November 5, the day before the elections in the U.S. While they are not choosing a new president this year, it's still quite an event. We don't have to endure commercials on TV where the opposing parties slam each other, but we do have to wait hours in traffic as marching bands and political rallies take over the streets. ( I actually saw a "dance off" at one rally.) Fireworks go off all hours of the day and night increasing in frequency the closer election day comes. We've been told to not even attempt leaving the house and drive around on the actual election day. It's still to be seen what kind of changes in government will occur with this election and what it will mean for all of us living here.

Stacy and Ella have begun teaching preschool English at the local church we attend, Bethania Iglesia, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. It's a quick walk from our house and they get a chance to meet a lot of people from the community along the way. Amelie attends the preschool on those days and is working on her Spanish, along with making friends. The kids range in age from 3-6years of age. They are making plans to help with the children's Christmas celebrations at the church next month. 

The girls brought in their teddy bear collection to help teach about the names of the animals.

We recently had the chance to deliver a birthday present to an 8 year old Compassion girl, named Jessica. Jessica is sponsored by our good friend, Sharon Stevens. The director of the program told me that only about 10% of the kids in her project receive money from their sponsors for birthday presents. They usually need to spend it on practical items for the child when that monetary gift is provided. It was a special treat to be able to give Jessica a doll and a piñata . She invited all of her neighbors over for the party. Cory's parents were visiting and had a chance to attend the celebration with us. They are now sponsoring another child from this same project in Los Brasilles. 

Jessica with her twin brothers, Marvin and Jarvin.

This past weekend, Gavin and about 80 other youth from Nicaraguan Christian Academy participated in a 30 hour famine. They went without food (and very little sleep) for a day and a half. They did this to raise money for those who are without food.  The youth raised over $6,000 altogether! We love to see young people give of themselves and make a difference in this way. This same group of students have been giving up their Saturdays to serve visit with some people very much in need. 

Once again, God has been taking care of us. We discovered that our brakes were 99% gone last month when we went in for a maintenance check. Considering that most of our driving occurs down a mountain without much in the way of guardrails, this was important. It was costly, but the youth from the Summit Church did a car wash fundraiser for us last month that paid most of the amount. God not only keeps us safe, but he provides the money that we need just when we need it.

Please pray:

Actual size no matter your screen size!

• for us to continue to learn Spanish and more Spanish and even MORE Spanish!! 
• for health...the kids seem to be always catching something, even lice!
• for the infestation of scorpions currently in our house, fortunately, they aren't the dangerous kind. Pray especially for Cory because he is more frightened by these spiders than he is of the cockroaches. (Not really, Stacy doesn't think I proofread these things.) 
• for our good friend's niece, 4 year old Nohemi, who is having surgery and a prosthetic eye put in soon.
• for the country during this time of elections and change.