Saying good bye

     It is hard to say good-bye. But saying good-bye to new friends, without knowing if you will ever see them again, is very difficult.  As our time approached to say good-bye, all the children would ask "When will you return?"  When will we return? ......... Will we return with a mission team from North Holland Reformed Church?  Yes, we  hope so!!!!!!!!  Will we return as a family?  Who knows.  Will we return with friends?  Hopefully.

  



     Good-byes are filled with hugs, kisses, tears, prayers,  looking forward to returning home to Michigan.....but at the same time wanting to stay in Bluefields.  We had a little farewell party at the Comedor before we left Bluefields.  Anyone could speak or pray.  Everyone from our family stood up and said things they appreciated about Bluefields, the Tabitha House children, or the Comedor.  They appreciated us washing dishes, drying bowls, serving food and the hours spent with the children at the Tabitha Homes. It was a beautiful experience.

  
  
     As we stood in the airport this morning, the song over the loudspeaker was "The Little Drummer Boy"  in Spanish.  That was the same song that Shayan and Arlene (girls at the Tabitha Home) sang to me as they practiced for their upcoming Christmas concert.  God said he would never send another flood - but there was one in that airport lobby coming from my eyes.

    The words, faces, kindness,  smells, tastes, hugs, joys and difficulties over the past 6 weeks flooded my mind.
We are grateful to many people, but especially to God for allowing us to spend time in Bluefields. This is my mantra from the movie 'God is not Dead'..... God is Good, all the time.  All the time, God is Good.

Praise be to God!!





                             Reminder:

to make a Christmas gift to the Comedor

 click on the RCA link:  

               

Feed One 

                                                              

Thanks for your support! 

Peter's Post - Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

     Every day we walk pass some old and rotten wood homes. I always think what it would it be like to live in one of those houses. They don't have air conditioning. There is no TV.  At the boys home they just have broken toys and chips (these toys in a Corn Flakes box).  I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for.
     First I really need to thank Miss Sylvia. She is the lady who owns the house that we rent an upstairs area.  She was very kind and welcoming when we first got here. Next, Shayan, because she would translate for me when my mom wouldn’t.  Shayan is a girl at the girls home. I am thankful for Joyner and Kenan because they like to play games with me and other kids at the comedor.  Pastor Adrian was very helpful by taking us places in his truck.  I’m also thankful for Reyna.  She lets me work and maybe she is thankful for me because I help her work and practice English.  She teaches me Spanish and I have had a lot of fun working with her often because she lives downstairs and is Miss Sylvia’s daughter. 
     Now at every Thanksgiving Day I’ll be way more thankful than I ever was. It won't just be a turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy day. I will always look back at our experience here in Bluefields, Nicaragua and thank God for all the things He has given me and the time I could be in Bluefields.  

Adrian taking us places

Homes I have seen

Kenan and Joyner

Helping Reyna do dishes

Adventure weekend 12/11/14

This  past weekend we had another grand adventure, more than what I would ever expect.  Be ready to read and laugh!!!!

There are no roads leading to Bluefields. The only way to go to another town is by boat or airplane.  On Saturday morning, when it was raining cats and dogs, we went on a Panga (20 passenger boat) to Pearl Lagoon, a small town 40 miles north of Bluefields.  The panga went through wide rivers (we felt like we were on the Disney ride "Jungle Cruise") at about 40 mph.

Life jackets - but no zippers or buckles to strap on the jacket

200 hpr - Yamaha

 During our ride, it started to rain hard, so over our heads went a big plastic tarp to protect all passengers from the rain.  Pearl Lagoon has a nice lagoon to swim in so we walked there.  We also went to a bathing hole (a place where people bathe, swim, hang out, and wash clothes).  The boys LOVED the warm water of the swimming hole.

Swimming hole

Swimming at Pearl Lagoon

Saturday wash day

After a few hours in Pearl Lagoon, we hopped on a rickety old rusted out yellow school bus for 1 hour to arrive at the small town of Kukra Hill. The bumpy bus ride was deafening as every rivott sounded like it was going to pop out and the sides of the bus would fall off at any moment. This was the conversation on the bus ride... Peter - "if the bus tips too far to the left, mom, should I put my feet on the side of the bus so that will be my floor if the bus tips?"  Jack -  "if we get stuck mom (with all the mud), will another bus come to pick us up or will we have to walk?"  Those 2 comments describe our bus trip. If it wasn't muddy or trying to avoid mud holes in the road, it was bumpy.  I really liked it, it reminded me of a bus ride in Bolivia 25 years ago. There were even a few chickens on the bus in a bag a guy was carrying.

 Once we arrived in Kukra, we needed to walk to Dina's mothers' house, who lives on a finca (farm).  Reyna was with us and asked someone which road to take.  We started walking, maybe 1 1/2 miles, with no idea how long this walk would be. Someone did pick us up, which was good b/c we had another 2 miles to go.  He dropped us off about 1/2 mile from the farm. The road was too muddy and slippery for him to drive. 

We slid and slipped all the way to the farm that had no running water and no electricity. When I arrived, I was excited to be there and experience life on a small farm in Nicaragua, where a family just tries to provide for what they need to survive day by day.   When the sun set at 6:00pm, the kerosene lamps and flashlights came out.  We also had marshmallows over the kitchen fire.  As we prepared for bed, I wondered where we all would sleep in this 2 bedroom home, with a small open fire kitchen and a family room 9ft x 14ft.  Dave and I were in one bedroom,  and the kids and some adults laid blankets on the wood planks in the family room. 10 people lined up on the floor and 1 in the kitchen doorway.  At 3:10am a rooster crowed and reminded Dave why he killed our own rooster.  As we all settled down again, a radio was turned on in grandma's bedroom. I looked at my watch and it was 4:00am!  Dave and I just looked at each other and laughed - only in Nicaragua.  It was a worship service that we listened to for the next few hours. 

Lined up to sleep at night

 

By 5:30am we all got up.   We had the privledge of milking a cow.  Ana, Peter, Jack and Dave all did their best at milking, but that did not go so well.  We had delicious coffee with fresh milk - the best cafe' con leche I ever tasted yet - it was better than J.P.'s!!!
Later that morning, Peter had a brief lesson in machete use and went to town chopping the long grass growing under the banana plants with the boys. We also filled a sack with oranges to take back to Bluefields. We were able to drink coconut water, pick mandarins, and suck on a Cocoa plant where we get our cocoa powder and chocolate.   The family that welcomed us into their home were beautiful, warm and inviting.  I would return there again - without a 
second thought!!!

Breakfast of rice and beans, cheese and bread - delicious

Peter's favorite place to be!

roasting marshmallows over a wood fire in the kitchen

Ana's Birthday Blog

My 14th birthday will be a birthday I will never forget. 

In the morning, as we were lounging in the kitchen, I noticed that Peter was missing, as usual. He was downstairs showing off to Reyna, his girlfriend.  At around 7:00 he came back up with a plate full of pancakes. As soon as we had finished the plate Reyna came in with ANOTHER plate of pancakes. We had plenty of pancakes and it was a great birthday breakfast.

We were invited to Adrian and Bernardeth's home for lunch. As we walked into their house, all the Tabitha girls were there and they started singing happy birthday and other songs with Adrian playing his guitar. They sang 5 or 6 songs. For lunch we had rice and beans, Swiss steak, plantains, carrots and broccoli, and pop. All of the food was cooked in coconut milk. It was delicious. After lunch, we played freeze tag, tag, and red light, green light. 

The next surprise was as I approached Miss Sylvia's house. Jose grabbed the birthday cake from my hands and Heidy and Maricela rushed me into Digna's bedroom. I was befuddled when I saw a purple, lacy, sleeveless, prom dress laying on the bed that fit me perfectly. Digna motioned for me to put the dress on and then put a little makeup on me. After finding sliver high-heeled shoes that also fit close-to-perfect, she led me upstairs. I still was confused until we walked out onto the balcony patio. I saw tables covered with flowers, lights and ribbon covering the railing and lights spelling out "Feliz Cumpleaños Ana." Miss Sylvia and her family were up there along with a couple of other friends. Londi, Maricela, and Heidy ran up to me, gave me a huge hug, and handed me their presents. They started bring up pans of food: corn, mac and cheese, meat, yucca, rice and beans, potato salad, bananas covered with marmalade, and lobster. Soon, more and more people started coming bringing gifts with them. Soon about 50 people were there! When I sat down to eat, Digna handed me a plate of food with mac and cheese, rice and beans, yucca (my favorite food), and meat. The food was absolutely delicious! After we ate they put on music and some people started to dance. Jack found a little girl who always wanted to dance with him or Peter. I loved dancing with Maricela, Londi, and Reyna. A beautiful full, orange moon came out and silhouetted against the water. It was so beautiful. This will definitely be a birthday I will never, ever forget. 

Heidy, Londi, me, and Maricela

Miss. Sylvia

Dancing

All the food!! (plus another table)

Many people who came brought gifts: bracelets, earrings, and purses.

The next day we had birthday cake and ice cream at the comedor with the boys and girls from the Tabitha's homes. The cake and cookies and cream ice cream were delicious. The pastor led the singing and Miss Amy (Dad calls her big mama) said a very special prayer.  

Kids singing Happy Birthday

Miss. Amy (big mama) and the Pastor

It's Beginning to Look alot Like Christmas 12/10/14

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas sign on a front door.

 Christmas stars are put on a light bulb and shine brightly in the dark

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
People are getting into the Christmas spirit in Bluefields, Nicaragua.   Christmas stars and Christmas signs are the most popular.

 Some people have trees and/or lights on their homes. Miss Sylvia, where we live, has the most decorated house in Bluefields and workers have been working on it for the past 3 weeks.

Christmas products on sale

Miss Sylvia's house

 Her 2 little granddaughters, Marisela and Londi, who we play with daily, asked Ana to write a letter to Santa Claus for them- in Spanish.   Hopefully Santa Claus will be able to read what they want!!!




The interesting thing is when we go to the Tabitha Homes - the children there don't really know if they will receive anything for Christmas.  If they have parents, they are not sure if they will see them that day.  Such a contrast to what we experience! I'm sure Bernardeth will make sure they have 1 present for Christmas - but oh so different than our homes piled up with presents under a tree.


The churches are decorated with Advent wreathes, red bows, and a Christmas Tree. Here is a picture of our Advent Wreath this year!

Give A Gift - to the Comedor

      I know this is a busy time of the year.  We would love to challenge you - to give the gift of food to a child at the Comedor.  The Comedor feeds approximately 80 kids a day.  Would you please help us and make one of your gifts this Christmas to a child at the Comedor?
     For $25 - you can feed one child for two months.  We would love to have each child provided for by your  donation.  Thank you and be blessed as we have been blessed serving in Nicaragua!

Reformed Church in America Link to Donate:  Feed One

Jack's Blog....12/3/14

A Blog from Jack.......

Sunday School at Old Bank Chapel

Jack serving food at the Comedor

What do I like about Bluefields? I like the TV and the air-conditioning. I like the TV, but I can't forget why I came because God sent me here to work at the Comedor and help the Tabitha Boys' Home. I also like the air-conditioning but God didn't send me to use the the air-conditioning he sent me to play with the kids and teach them tricks, songs, and games. What I like about Nicaragua is that it's always summer!  When I wake up on any day I always think what God is calling me to do.  I always think that I can be loving, kind, or helpful to someone.  I like being in Nicaragua but some days, wish I was home. God sent me here to do good things not bad things.

Jack soaking his head in the rain at the Comedor.

The Best and the Worst..... 12/2/14

Remember the favorite song by Julie Andrews.....' These are a few of my Favorite Things'. Well we have a list of some of our favorite things............


T.V. - Jack's -  even though it is in Spanish. They have cable and 70 channels to choose from.  About 5 are in English, but they have watched Toy Story and Frozen and Home Alone in Spanish.

Anyone want to watch Frozen in Spanish?

Daniella - the cook at the Comedor. She speaks Spanish and English and Dave likes to joke around with her. 

Rice and chicken with a slice of Banana is on the lunch menu for the children at the Comedor

The Children - The kids are wonderful and love to play with our children.  They always ask.. Are you coming to my house today?

Ana painting nails with Yuveisi

Church... Worshiping our Lord

At church with the Girl Tabitha House

Playing a game with the girls after church

Walking on the streets and taking in the sights...oh so different than Holland, Michigan - but it is beginning to look familiar.

Aberdeen's - Ana and Dave's favorite American coffee shop.








Taxi's - Peter so he doesn't have to walk to the Comedor.

Notice every corner of the taxi is dented!

We Love the view!

Our View -    The view of the water, the barges filled with goods coming from Managua to Bluefields, fishing boats  going out for the day, the view is beautiful - when it is NOT raining!!













 

Making Empanadas with Reina

Learning to cook new food!















The Comedor! - Pastor Gonzalez is so good with the children . He gets 90 kids attention, does a bible lesson, sings fun songs and know everyone of them by name.  He leads good devotions.  His wife lost her leg (due to cancer) so he is responsible for all of the housework and making an income as a pastor.

Satana no Podra Vencer!  No, no, no.   A favorite song of the kids

Going to school - When Peter went to school he loved it.  You all know how much Peter can talk, well he hasn't stopped.  Even though he can't speak Spanish - it hasn't stopped him from trying to communicate. He gestures, he talks Spanglish, he loves being with people and communicating.  He knows how to play UNO in Spanish and telling kids to "draw 2".  He made up this tune in Spanish "I win" - all the girls and boys sing the tune as well.  Ana is quiet but loves to spend individual time with each person.  Jack - is still quite shy, but loves working.  Peter hasn't dried a dish yet!!

Peter at school.   The school is now on a 3 month vacation, December - March.

 

So what are difficult things........

The Shower and water - there is no hot water.  I have washed dishes and clothes all with cold or tepid water that comes from a big water tank on the roof of our apartment.  Taking a shower is difficult since there is no hot water.  Peter sings while he is in the shower so he doesn't have to think about the cold water.  Jack just jumps in and out (who knows if he uses soap or not) - he will need to be disinfected when we come home with a long hot bath, bubbles and bath toys.  We take showers at night.  After a hot day, the water feels refreshing, but it is still cold.  The hotels in Bluefields have hot water.  We can't wait to get back to a Managua hotel and take a hot shower. 

Dogs - They are everywhere!  There are tons of strays everywhere, tipping over trash barrels looking for food. They are all pretty skinny.  Dogs come into the Comedor in search of some rice on the floor, the kids shoo them away.  Some bark at Dave and I while we run. I just turn around and yell at them in English. Here is our favorite that hangs out at our house.. Pink dog we call her.

Blessings to everyone!!!
Love,
The DeKruyter