#faithwalking

A Day in the Capital-Managua

/ Nicalady / Leave a comment

I treated myself to a haircut and pedicure today. My taxi driver friend picked me up and is escorting me wherever I want to go.

It is a strange atmosphere here in Managua. I would call it SOBER .
The hair shop where i go is usually very busy and I always have to wait. Today it was different. Hardly anyone there and nobody was joking and laughing like before. SOBER. I mean, the stylists were friendly and as always, did a great job. But no smiles. There was a tension.

As I rode with my Taxi friend, I noticed something – how could I not. There were non-smiling police everywhere. EVERYWHERE; Lined down the roads.

I still have a dentist appt but there was a gap of 2 hours between appointments (due to the less time required for my first appt). What to do? I got dropped off at the big, popular Mall – Galeria. (I had already resolved to shop in only particular stores.) The atmosphere here is so SOBER.

I am hungry so I came to the restaurant part. Well, maybe I won’t take photos but it is empty. So empty.
And not even music playing. Que triste.

Please understand that, by nature, the Nica people are a welcoming people. I always feel like they ‘See’ me. But today people are introspective.

What effect has this experience had on me? Am I tempted to find another country to experience? NO WAY. These are my people and I am theirs.

My heart is heavy but I will hold on tight to HOPE and the FAITH that there is still the amazing Divine Presence that has guided me here for so many years and also has given me so many stories to share. We here are NOT abandoned. The future is still coming and the Nica smiles will once again shine, and when they do, so will mine.

FAMILY

/ Nicalady / 2 Comments

 

me and all my kids

Presenting my children 

I made it to San Jose, Costa Rica with a few good stories to add to my collection. Those are coming up in the next posts.  But I think the most important post that I can write is about my family, specifically my ten children and their families (being I just left the states where I was with many of them). I truly without a doubt could not do what I do without their support and patience and love and acceptance. I travel between Nicaragua and the states for my job and for my life. I do not mind when one of my children move because then I can get to know a new place! I have children in Nicaragua, Denver, San Antonio, and Austin. Also great siblings in Florida and Michigan. I can travel to my heart’s content! I borrowed and kept for my own a saying years ago: “I get by with a little help from my friends.” because my family ARE my best friends.

family at lukes wedding

Almost everyone is here

I have lived for the last couple of years without a home and without a vehicle (due to the desire to be able to follow my heart). And without burdening anyone too much. How do I do that? Family.  I stay at each home for just enough time to love on them and their kids and visit and catch up and then I am gone. It is me who keeps the clock running, not them. I have this thing that I never want to be a burden to anyone. They offer to lend me their vehicles and drop me off at the airports.(I am believing for a van next). Most of all, they love me just as I am. They listen, they engage, they speak the truth in love and give solid advice.  I love my family.

me and my grandbabies

Surrounded by almost all my grandchildren

Please note this. I am a single mom (for the last many years) with ten children and soon to be nine grandchildren and I DO NOT REGRET any of it! We may have been kinda poor when they were growing up, they just might have worn many hand-me-downs. But did we go on adventures!! Anything I wanted to do, I just took them along. You CAN raise a big family without lots of money.  I repeat YOU CAN RAISE A BIG FAMILY WITHOUT LOTS OF MONEY. 

So, here is advice from a woman who has already lived a full life. The best thing you can give is your love. Look what I am reaping! And believe me, I dragged them to maybe too many places and worked too hard helping others outside the family. But it is okay.

Love covers all.

 

 

 

Here I Come, Mi Nicaraguita

/ Nicalady / Leave a comment

 

me and flag

I left my precious home in Nicaragua in early May of this year. I already had my plane ticket when the political Troubles hit in April. It was hard to leave, not knowing what would happen, but I was convinced that the best thing I can do for the people whom I serve is Do My Part – which always has been helping them have a better quality of life. It took many hours of prayer, thought and discussion to decide and feel peace about What My Part Is Now. I will be successful in raising awareness and funds in the States as I plan to travel and connect with like-minded people. I am believing for a Van Home in early 2019.

Van Life 1992

Pregnant me and my children – Van Life in 1992

 

baldo and family on beach

 

Next Monday I am getting on a plane and going home to Nicaragua for a month. My daughter Sarah is married to a wonderful Nicaraguan man and their due date for the birth of their 3rd son is October 6th. I have been blessed to be at every birth of my daughters

 

 

Maritia with the Ultrasound Project

Missions of Grace Ultrasound Program

I have a very exciting appointment for our Missions of Grace Ultrasound Project on my first stop in San Jose, Costa Rica. I plan to stay a night or two and then take a public bus to Nicaragua. I will be posting some stories for you!)

bus

I love to meet new friends while riding the bus

I am going on this trip with hands empty but my heart full of love and concern. Our support has dropped off the last couple months, but God knows and will supply what is needed.

Keep me and the precious people of Nicaragua in your thoughts and prayers!

Talk soon!

Cheri

beans

I love cooking on an outside stove