Glancing Back at 2009

Early 2009 brought about a period of adjustment as I still was getting used to the absence of my sister. Though Haley had been living in Nicaragua for several months when they year began, I still missed her immensely. I am forever grateful for friends from church that I grew closer to in the time that Haley was away. The first few months of the year were fairly uneventful. As much as I enjoy the winter months, I was anticipating spring for one reason and one reason only--Cardinals baseball. I managed to get tickets for me and my dad to go to opening day and it was, without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable opening days that I had ever been a part of. Snow was falling down and the temperature was quite frigid. However, even the cold could not stop us from enjoying the game. And how could I go without mentioning...my first hotdog for the baseball season. Mhmm....

Spring also brought about a great change as Pastor Bob was called to shepherd our church. Since his arrival, God has used him to speak straight to my heart week after week. Never before have I looked forward to hearing a pastor preach as much as I do with Pastor Bob. I feel so blessed to be under his leadership.

Some of my Sunday School class and me with Pastor Bob & his wife, Jana.

Never having much time to travel around and visit with friends, I found time in the spring to make the drive to Kansas City to spend the weekend with friends Ben, Shellie & their 2 kids. We had a wonderful time visiting with one another and were up into the wee hours of the morning reminiscing and laughing.

Me & Brother Ben (one of my best friends)

For sure, one of the highlights of the year was when St. Louis played host to Major League Baseball's All Star Game. Though I was not able to afford tickets to the game itself, my dad and I were able to take part in some of the festivities..such as FanFest. FanFest featured baseball memorabilia from many eras, hands-on activities, free give-aways and opportunities to get autographs from baseball greats. In addition to attending FanFest, my dad, my cousin and I went down to the stadium and sat outside to watch the HomeRun Derby on a big screen and just soak in the atmosphere. Who knows if the All Star Game will ever be played in St. Louis again during my lifetime. So, for me...just merely standing back & watching from afar was a treat.

In July, I celebrated my 30th birthday. Knowing that should I remain at home, a birthday party would probably take place, I was smart enough to book a flight out of the country. I took a week and flew to Nicaragua to visit Haley as well as to meet her fiance' for the first time ever. We had the time of our lives while I was there. I did not expect to like Nicaragua and yet, I walked away having fallen in love with the country. While there, I spent a week getting to know Haley's fiance's Cousin Luis too. When Haley was not present, Luis did a great job acting as my interpreter.

Luis & me

Having heard much about Jesus (Haley's fiance'), it was a pleasure to finally meet him. He is the real deal...a genuine nice guy with a heart and love for Jesus. Though we do not speak the same language and had a difficult time communicating with one another, we shared many laughs.

Me & Jesus. Wearing the hat he picked for me to wear at the market & we just had to have the wooden armadillo in the picture!

My 30th birthday--spent with beautiful children

My 3oth birthday was everything I hoped it would be--no big affair. We ventured out in search for a waterfall that Jesus thought he remembered and in the midst, came upon some beautiful children. The kids followed us all over the place and were eager to have their pictures taken and then rush to our side to see the image appear on the screen. We had so much fun loving on those kids--even though our time together was short.

If you have known me for any amount of time, you may gather that I am probably not the most adventurous person on the planet. If anything, I may be one of the most cautious, careful individuals around. Danger never goes with my name. Risk do not come into play with me. For me, deciding to do the zipline in Nicaragua was probably the most daring thing that I had ever done or ever may do. Surprisingly, once I jumped off the platform to "zip" down the first line, I felt no fear. There was a rush that came with doing such and I would do so again in a heartbeat.

By far the most exciting thing that took place in the year was the return of my sister to the USA. I was so happy to have Haley back at home. Yes, we talked via the webcam, through e-mails, etc. while she was away but it was not the same as having her here. Knowing that she'd been missing out on baseball, one of the first things I did was take her out to a game. It was so good to have her by my side rooting on the Cards!

At the beginning of September, Haley and I ventured out on a roadtrip-just she and I. On our way to Alabama to visit family, we stopped in Nashville to stay a night with our friends Greg & Jen. I was so glad to see them as it had been a long time since we had seen one another. I had a blast playing with their daughter Cali. Even though we had little time to visit, our time together was so sweet. Me & Cali

Thanks to facebook, some time before we went to Alabama, I reconnected with an old friend of mine named Mandy. Mandy and I were good friends through the middle school and high school years. After having not seen one another in about 12 years or so, I was delighted when Mandy and her 2 sons paid us a visit.

Mandy & myself

I had heard much about the Georgia Aquarium and some relatives had raved about it after visiting there earlier in the year. I was envious of those that had been while I longed to go. I love aquariums. My uncle gave Haley and I a huge shock when he surprised us with tickets to the aquarium. We spent a day in Atlanta looking at all the fishies in the deep blue sea and enjoyed some pasta at the Spaghetti Warehouse. T'was a special time.

Uncle Rog & I encompassed by sharks and fish.

Generally, our visits to Alabama our so quick and short that we are not allotted much time for seeing people. Haley and I were very excited to have our Cousins Emily and Tabatha come by.

After having been asked numerous times when I would come for a visit, I finally made visiting my friends Greg, Rox & their 3 children a priority. While there, Greg & Rox took me to experience something for the first time ever...a state fair. I must say, I was quite intrigued by it all. Greg was more than eager to have me try a deep fried Oreo (or maybe it was a Twinkie..what was it Greg?). I am so richly blessed by the friendship of the McGhee's..I love them dearly.

Above: Fun at the fair!

A number of years ago, I began writing and sending care packages to soldiers overseas in Iraq. Of those that were recipients, was a man named Matthew. While he was away, Matthew and I spent a fair amount of time corresponding one with another through both e-mail and snail mail. It was my hope that I would one day get to meet him face to face and thank him for his service to our nation. I finally was able to do so on my drive home from Dexter, MO. Matthew and his family do not live too far away from my friends Greg and Rox. I touched base with Matthew and the plans were made. On a Sunday afternoon, I pulled into the driveway of his home and was thrilled to meet not only him but his wife and one of his sons as well. We shared a delicious meal together (thanks to his lovely bride) and had such a sweet time of fellowship.

Big thanks to Matthew for his willingness to serve our country!

In the early fall, a friend of mine from church approached me with a flyer and asked that I pass it along to those in my Sunday School class and see if anyone would be interested in helping out. I had no idea what he was talking about. He told me he did not have to ask me to help because he already knew I would--he knew my heart. Brother Doug was absolutely right. Moments later, I looked at that piece of paper and did not even have to think about whether or not I was going to volunteer. That which he had brought to my attention was that which I had been praying for. For nearly 4 years, I had asked that God might open the door and show me some way in which I could be involved with internationals. A'las, the time had come. Towards the end of September, Haley and I began working with ISI (a ministry that reaches out to international students at universities all over the nation) as volunteers. You may be wondering what that entails? Basically, we attend meetings every Thursday evening and just hang out together. Sometimes we play games, watch movies or thought-provoking discussions. In addition, Haley and I have spent much time both one-on-one with students as well as rounding up groups for activities such as: hayrides, bonfires, game nights and pumpkin carving. I have developed such incredible relationships with so many of the students. I definitely have felt like I have been adopted into the Nepalese family though as all of the guys (I am not sure why I rarely see the girls) have welcomed me with open arms. Just as I was getting to know a few of them better, they moved outside of the state. They've only been gone a couple of weeks and yet I miss their friendly faces.

Jeremy (Missions Director at FBCH), Sulove, Rabin, Ishwor, Durga, me, Aprish and Achyut at an ISI Dinner in St. Louis.

ISI has afforded me the opportunity to meet students from so many places all over the world: Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nepal, Mongolia, China, Japan, Italy, Georgia, Paraguay, India, Iraq, Germany and more. I have found great humor in watching the African students try to adjust to the winter weather of St. Louis. I eagerly await the first big snowfall so that I may get them for a time of sledding and snowball fights!

Theo and me

For my 21st birthday, my parents gifted me with a guitar. Unfortunatley, I never took the time to learn how to actually play the instrument. I had been thinking for a long time of giving the guitar away but was unsure who to give it to. While sitting in IHOP eating a late night dinner one night, Theo expressed that he had always wanted to learn how to play the guitar but he did not have one. As Theo spoke, the wheels in my mind were turning. Haley said she knew right away what was going on in my mind. She was right. The following day, Theo was ecstatic when I gave him the guitar. Theo is yet another one of the many students that we have been blessed to have met. He is from Ghana.

In case you were unaware, Haley does some photography on the side. She thought it would be fun for us to do a photo shoot with some of the students and also allow the students to have pictures taken of themselves that could be made into a book to be sent to their families back home. Below is one of the many pictures taken at Forest Park.

L-R: Suman (Nepal), Claudia (Germany), me, Del (Mongolia), Haley

and...Kwaku from Ghana is on the ground.

Back Row: Parmeswor (Nepal), Durga (Nepal), Haley, Volter (the Ukraine), Del (Mongolia), Bold (Mongolia), Nara (Mongolia), Oyunaa (Mongolia) and Oyunaa's boyfriend.

Front Row: Suman (Nepal), me, Galyna (the Ukraine) and Bold (Mongolia)

Thanksgiving was a busy time but a blessed one. While my parents traveled to Alabama for Thanksgiving, Haley and I remained here at home and opened the doors to welcome 11 students in to spend the day with us. Our Aunt Sheryl, Uncle Arlon, Grandpa & Cousin Rob & his family were here with us as well as our Cousin Lisa & her son, Noah. We could not have done everything had it not been for all of Sheryl's help. Celebrating Thanksgiving was a new experience for the students and I think they more than enjoyed themselves. Seemed everyone loved the food (as most had seconds and some had thirds!) and they loved speaking with our family members. I think all of our family would agree that allowing the students to join us was one of the greatest things ever. Working with ISI has afforded me the opportunity to get to know people from my church that I otherwise, still may not know. I have loved meeting Bruce James (Associate Pastor/College Minsister) & Jeremy Tosh (Missions Director) and seeing their passion for people of every walk of life. One of the things Haley and I have tried to do is to invite the students to join us in taking part in activities that are traditional to our country and our holidays. We were pleased to take several to the City of St. Peters Tree Lighting Ceremony where they heard Christmas music being played and sung by area choirs. A couple of them took advantage of the opportunity to sit on Santa's lap. Everyone watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as well. Of course, Christmas lights is a common thing here in America. Some of the students joined our family for a ride to go see lights one evening. Over this last weekend, Haley and I took a few students to Belleville, IL to the Way of Lights Park at Our Lady of the Snow. We were able to observe Christmas trees that portrayed trees throughout different eras. We had a group photo taken just as though we were one big happy family. Though none of the students expressed interest, Haley and I decided to spend the $5.00 to ride a camel. If you have not ever been on a camel and are considering riding one at some point, I will give you forewarning that they are uncomfortable. I was only on the animal for a few minutes and yet, it was long enough for me to determine that I would never venture out across the desert by way of a camel. Still, to be able to say that I rode a camel is all that really matters to me...especially since most people would never envision me doing such.

One of the biggest surprises of the year has been the friendships I've developed with a few unlikely coworkers. Though we've worked together for quite a while now, it has just been within recent months that we have started to associate with one another outside of the workplace. It has been great fun getting to know them further and share many laughs with them. I have also enjoyed watching them interact with some of the international students as they have been somewhat involved with ISI too. Everyday, they keep me laughing. I truly enjoy working alongside of them.

Me with 2/3 of my coworkers (Kurtis, me, Zach) at the ISI Thanksgiving Dinner

Overall, 2009 has been a terrific year for me. Never would have I guessed that at this time, this is where I would be...constantly busy, staying up late and hanging out with college students. The year has had it's highs and lows as every year does. In the end, I can only be thankful for all that God has carried me to and through. While my heart has not been broken, several experiences have in some small manner, bruised my heart a bit. Through the pain, God has only opened my eyes more though. For that, I'm thankful. I have experienced things that I never dreamt I would and I could not be any happier than I am now. I know with all certainty that at this time, I am right where God wants me to be. There is such peace in following that which He calls you to do. 2010 is just days away. We never know what lies ahead..sometimes, things do not go as we had planned and sometimes, things go better than we ever could plan. I look forward to continuing on in my efforts to reach out to people from around the globe and keep loving on them. I have already began saving to hopefully make a trip overseas at some point next year. Destiation is not nailed down yet but I am looking at a sight-seeing trip to Nepal or a mission trip to either Indonesia, China or Thailand. Whatever I endeavor upon, I hope that one thing will remain-the desire to share the love of Jesus with those that I encounter whether it be by my words or my actions. I am excited about being summoned to jury duty for the first time ever and look forward to hopefully being selected to a case. Anyway...I pray for each of you this Christmas season. May God richly bless you and yours in the days, weeks and year ahead. Love to you all.

Wagons, Weenies, S'mores & More

Every year, the singles group from church goes on a hayride & has a bonfire. This year, after some individuals cancelled, I inquired as to if it would be alright if we invited some of the international students along. I figured that more than likely, they had never experienced a hayride. I was told there were 5 slots open & quickly, I had those openings filled. I was certain to stress the importance of the students wearing layers of clothing so as to not freeze to death. I made sure they understood that we would be outside all night long & that the temperature would probably be very cold. While it was a bit cool outside, it was no where near what it could have been. Got lucky with that! The students seemed to really enjoy the hayride (for the most part--Claudia, from Germany, runs track & for her liking, the ride was a little too slow. She said, "I could run faster than that.").Volter, from the Ukraine, was seated next to Haley. Haley said that he was taking in the fresh, country air stating that it reminded him of home. Suman tried multiple times to stand up while the wagon was moving & I had to yank him by the pants to get him to stay seated. One of the members from our Sunday School class threw some hay over on me & that led to somewhat of a "hay fight" between everyone. I am sure some would disagree with me but it seemed as if I went home with more hay in my hair & clothes than anyone. Which, no complaints about it...it was fun. After our ride, we stopped at the fire pit to roast some weenies & enjoy s'mores. Having never cooked hot dogs over an open fire, the students had to be shown exactly what to do & taught how to know when their hot dog was ready to be eaten. The s'mores were a huge hit. Claudia said, "I think I could eat 10 more of these!" While many of us visited one with another, Kwaku (from Ghana) entertained the youngsters that were present. The kids took a liking to Kwaku in a hurry & Kwaku was having the time of his life arm wrestling them, chasing them & loving on them. We returned to the church parking lot & continued having ourselves a good time. I am not sure how it came about but while standing around, I suggested that Haley & I teach them how to play Leapfrog. So, Leapfrog we played. Then, the guys taught us some dances...I attempted to follow their lead & do the dances as well. Unfortunately, I am not sure I did the dances much justice. We all had a wonderful time & for those that chose to talk to & get to know the students, I think they too, were probably blessed. I am so glad we were able to allow them to be a part of something that we oftentimes do here in the fall time--hayrides & bonfires.

My Heart, My Desire

Since my trips to Taiwan in 2005 & 2006, there has been a deep yearning in my heart to be involved in building relationships with those from other cultures-specifically Asians. I have been lost with where to go or what to do. Several had mentioned that I should head to Lindenwood University & work with the International Students. While that sounded great, I had no idea what I could do or who I would even need to talk to that could help me. A few months ago, a friend of mine approached me at church & handed me a flyer. He did not ask me if I wanted to take part in this ministry or if I would even be interested. His only request was that I get the word out to others about the ministry that our church would be partnering with. Doug did not have to beg & plead with me to jump at the opportunity because he knew my heart. He knew that I would not have to think about it or hear more details. That which was being presented, was what I had prayed for long ago! 2 weeks ago was the beginning of fulfillment for me as I walked into the room at the Spellman Center at Lindenwood & met a number of International Students. Strange how I am generally an introvert & when in a group, say nothing but when put in a room amongst many internationals, I have no problem being outgoing. I find myself walking right up, extending my hand & introducing myself. I long to talk to them, find out where they are from, learn about their country, hear about their interests & so forth. All of these things have been pouring out of me as I have gotten acquainted with my new friends. As I continue to spend time with these students & our relationships deepen, I pray that God stirs their hearts & that He uses me to share His love freely. I think back to 2006 when I came home from Taiwan & began to write of my experiences & mail those out to you, my friends. Included with my letter, I sent out picture prayer cards that had both myself as well as one of my students. On the card, I had the following scripture: "Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. " - Romans 10:1 Three years later, my prayer remains the same for the Hakka in Taiwan & 3 years later, my prayer is also the same for my new found friends. When I think of them, immediately the song above (in the video) comes to mind. Truly, that is my heart, my desire.

Entering the World of Gaming

Who'd have thunk that I would ever be entering the world of gaming? By gaming, I mean video games. Yes, I have succumbed. Early in the summer, I ran into an old friend (well, more of an acquaintance really) at a store. Over the last few months, we have begun to spend more time one another. Of his many interests & hobbies, is his intense devotion to playing video games. Having never really played much, he's been kind enough (if that's what we should call it) to allow me to join him in playing. For someone who is an avid player such as he, having to play with someone who has not a clue about remotely anything has to be frustrating. Yet, at the same time, I think he is pleased to show me up as well as laugh at how pitiful I am. On our first night of game playing, we played Mario Kart.I am keenly aware that Mario Kart was designed with children in mind & that many kids play the game. I, however, might not learn as fast as most. While it is true that I drive a car nearly every day & seem to operate it just fine, managing a tiny steering wheel for a video game is a bit more complicated-at least it seems to be for me anyway. After not fairing well in Mario Kart, my friend allowed me to drive his Lamborghini in the game Need for Speed. He was quite amused that in a game requiring speed, I was finding it hard to move beyond 65 mph. Even at that, I felt a need to slow things down. In my attempt to play things safe, I managed to crash into the wall numerous times & go the wrong direction several times (I might add that I was not even aware that I was going the wrong way until my friend pointed it out to me). My first evening of "gaming" was less than stellar. Apparently my friend felt that I needed some more practice because he offered to let me return for more games. Last week was round two. For some reason, we did not play any racing/driving games...I wonder why? This time, he picked out games that he thought I might be more suited to. I do not think he would tell you that I was great but I do think he would say that I was better at some of the other games than that which we played the first night. In my second attempt at playing video games, we did Lego Batman...he was Batman, I was Robin. Good thing it was not real life because I did not make a very good sidekick to Batman.We played Peggle (which, in my friends words, was easy enough for me) & I absolutely loved it. As the night went on, we tried out some other games as well. While I am not going to be beating anyone in these games anytime in the near future (or ever more than likely), I am enjoying trying them out. Who knows, now that I've started on this ride, maybe I'll set out to watch Star Wars, Star Trek & jump into the world of comics next. Then, when the next round of Beauty & the Geek airs, maybe I'll be "geeky" enough to enter as one of the geeks...I'll walk in as a Superhero or something. OK, so perhaps that might be a bit overboard. I think Sci-Fi is out of the question for me-no one need fear that I'm going to be moving into the nerd-herd.

Better to Have a Broken Heart?

Working with the public, I hear anything & everything. People seem to feel an openness to share their entire lives with us regardless as to whether or not it's something we need to know or even care to know. From time to time though, individuals do bring about conversations with us that are pleasant, comical or leave us wondering a lot. Today I experienced such. A man a year younger than myself (for those asking how old I am, I'm 30...there, I said it!) came in & presented both cash & checks for deposit. One of my coworkers rushed up to begin speaking with him. Evidently, the two of them went way back. The money going into his account was given to he & his fiance' at a recent bridal shower. On October 17th, he will become a married man. As he & my coworker talked there at my station, I was obviously privy to everything that was being said. My coworker was asking him how he found the place that the reception was going to be held at. After telling her all about it, he then informed her that when her oldest son "finds the one", he should look into renting the same place for his wedding reception. The two then began to discuss her son's broken heart. After dating a girl for a couple of years, the girl had broken up with him. His mom seemed to think that he may finally be over the girl. At this point, the young man told her that he believes that no one should ever get married until they've first had their heart broken. He spoke of dating many girls & giving no thought to dumping them back in the day. He said that after ditching so many girls, he was finally the dumpee once & his heart was crushed. He then realized what it felt like & that he caused a lot of pain to a lot of girls. Upon this realization, he said he called every girl he had dumped carelessly in the past & offered them a heartfelt apology. Because he had been through heartbreak himself, now he was able to love & appreciate the one he was in love with. Call me crazy but I think it will be just fine with me should God bless me with the love of my life without my having to bawl my eyes out & sit in misery over someone that has decided to trample all over my heart. Have I been in love yet? No. There was someone that I think I probably believed I loved at a point in time in my life but those feelings were not returned (after a few years, God has shown me that though a great guy, he would not have been good for me). I have had interest in many wonderful guys but they have never expressed interest in me past friendship. While that can be disappointing at times, I've not been devastated over it. No matter how much I may desire someone, I realize ultimately that God is in control & I'm better off letting Him lead. As most are aware, I've yet to be in a serious relationship. Therefore, I've not had my heart broken. Some may say this is a bad thing. I, on the other hand, see this as God watching over me & protecting me from hurt & pain. So, while this fella today feels everyone needs to have their heart broken, I think I'm going to disagree. I don't consider myself a prideful person but I can honestly say that I am proud that, with God's help, I have kept my heart guarded & that still to this day, the only hands I have placed my heart in are those of the hands of my loving Jesus, who will never break my heart. I trust that I will one day (Lord-willing) be rewarded for my patience in waiting on God's man for me. Then, in that moment, will I share my heart with another.

Dweeb to Dancer

In just a while, I will turn the channel on the TV over to ABC to watch the season premier of Dancing With the Stars. While I had heard of the show, I failed to watch the first couple of seasons assuming that dancing would be of no interest to me. I don't recall why I finally tuned in to the program. I only know that when I did give it a chance, I was roped in. To see those that have had no previous dance experience (for the most part) attempt to rise to the level of professionals is not only humorous at times but riveting. When speaking of sports or athletes, most of us would mention things like baseball, basketball, boxing, Tiger Woods, Eli Manning, Albert Pujols and the list goes on. I can't say that I've ever heard anyone spout off the names Cheryl Burke, Derek Hough or any other ballroom dancer when talking about sports. Until watching the program, I never in a million years would have thought dancing could be so physically demanding. I've been a fan of the show now for several years & each time I watch, I see the endurance that the dancers must have as well as the strength required for the dances. Truly, dancing is not for wimps or sissies. Hysterical it has been to watch big ole' boys like Warren Sapp step on to the dance floor & admit that dancing ain't easy....it's hard work. I don't need to tell anyone that I've no coordination--we all know that. I've no rhythm. I can't dance. Yet, each time I watch the show, there's a piece deep inside of me that longs to be able to glide across the floor doing the Vienesse Waltz, rage with the bull in the Paso Doble or trot smoothly doing the Foxtrot. In all reality, I know such will never happen. I'm simply far too clumsy to even try to dance. Yet, I can dream. I never went to a school dance & that's fine with me. I've never gotten up to dance at a wedding reception & I even managed to talk my best friend out of having a bridal party dance at her wedding because I (her Maid of Honor) did not want to have to dance. I am not the girl that longs to be held in the arms of my loved one for a first dance (or any dance) at my wedding reception (should I ever marry) & I can only hope that if the Lord blesses me with a mate, that gentleman will not want to dance before a roomful of people. Perhaps, one day, we can just jive across the kitchen together. Anyway...here's to another season of dancing hopefuls. I'll soon make my prediction as to who I think will take home the infamous Mirror Ball Trophy at the end of the competition.

Teach Me O, Lord

Been quite some time since my last entry...apparently I've not seen the importance of recording my thoughts. Days have been busy & I have been tired. The last 5-6 months have proved to be a bit of a roller coaster ride for me. I've allowed myself to get my hopes set high only to see them come crashing down. Disappointment has set in. I've anticipated much & in doing so, been let down. Throughout these times, I've been reminded repeatedly of James' words: " Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1: 2-3 While every step of this journey has taught me something, my prayer is that first & foremost, I would allow God to use every moment to mold me more into His image. When the tears want to stream down my face, may I remember that my Heavenly Father has my best interest at heart & as much as I would like things my way & in my timing, His plans for my life will always be better. Lord, help me to wait patiently, trust wholly & be joyful always.

Feliz Cumpleanos a mi' (Happy Birthday to Me)

July 18th...welcome to the thirties Heather! Yep, I awakened that Saturday knowing that my 20's were gone & I was now..over the hill. Smart as a whip, I planned my trip accordingly so that I would be out of the country during the momentous event. I knew that I would be able to avoid all the fuss & escape the birthday being a big deal. I am so glad that I chose to go to Nicaragua over my birthday. I could not have had a greater celebration. For me, a lack of celebrating my birthday is a grandiose occasion. Haley & I were ready to head out for the day but had to wait on the gentlemen to shower & get dressed. Having not really "seen" much of the neighborhood, Haley & I took a walk around so that I could see everything. We then left for the City of Leon. Again, we saw more old church buildings, etc. Another beautiful town. Trying to think up other activities, Jesus' remembered visiting a waterfall as a child. He & Luis began asking around to try to discover where the waterfall was located. We kept driving, driving & driving & finally turned on a dirt road headed back into the fields. I was beginning to get a bit concerned & eventually asked Haley if all of those they had spoken with were pointing us in the same direction or if we were getting conflicting stories (obviously I did not understand a word that was being said since they were speaking Spanish). She said that everyone was saying the same thing..."It's back this way." We kept getting further & further back & I wondered if we would be able to get out once we were back there. We were passing shack after shack, countless numbers of wild animals & yet, I did not see a river, a lake, a stream or even a dribble of water. We came upon a man & Jesus' learned from him that the waterfall that we were in search of was in the yard of the home of a man nearby. We had passed the house already. We turned back around & found the proper house. Luis got out & approached the home & returned moving the fence in front of us so that we could pull into the yard. In the yard, were dogs roaming around. I love dogs & am used to dogs. I, however, am not used to being on property with pigs. Yes, there were pigs. The grass was tall & the place looked dirty. Everyone jumped out of the vehicle & I posed the question, "Are we really getting out here?" Haley laughed & said, "Yep!" I then became aware of the fact that to get to the waterfall, I was going to have to walk through the weeds. For me, doing so is not an everyday occurrence. I don't consider myself prissy or high maintenance but I certainly would not refer to myself as an outdoors woman. Having not put any insect repellent on thus far in my stay, I figured it was probably an appropriate time to do so. Once Haley got me all sprayed, we were ready to go take in the fall. We quickly had a whole slew of kids around us. They were all staring at us as we got out of the car & the very minute I flashed my camera towards them, they took off hiding. They'd peek around to check on us & just laugh. Haley invited them to come have a picture with us. Once they did so, they stuck to us like glue following us all over the place. They would strike poses waiting for us to take their picture & then hurry to our sides to see the image on our digital cameras. When the image would appear, they'd erupt in chuckles at themselves.Off into the woods we went...with the kids tagging right along. Ahead of me, I saw a downhill slope & wondered how I was going to make it down there without tumbling. You must know, I'm not the most graceful individual & I move at a snail's pace. To come across a hill is to me, the equivalent of having to walk on ice--I'm unable to do that also. Nice as he could be, Luis climbed back my way & gave me his arm & helped me down. Pathetic, I know...just like a little old lady (maybe I was just living up the expectation of my body falling apart since I was turning 30). And then we arrived & the sight of the waterfall left us speechless. It was a sight like I'd never seen before. I've never been to Niagara Falls but I can't envision it topping this waterfall. See...here it is: Yeah so, Nicaragua had not had enough rain for there to be enough water to produce a waterfall. Not quite the scene that Jesus had remembered it being. So, we drove all that way to see that! Ridiculous as it may seem to have done so, our time there was by far, my favorite memory spent in Nicaragua. I had hoped that I would get into an orphanage to work with some kids or at least be surrounded by Nica children at some point. That was the only time that such happened. For me, that was all the birthday present I needed. Watching those gorgeous boys & girls smile & seeing their innocence filled my heart with such joy. As we walked back to the car, one of the older girls was encouraging the younger kids to use what little English they knew. The kids repeatedly said, "Hello" & "Thank You."After more pictures, we got in the car & waved goodbye to the line of kids that were gathered to say farewell to us. Though we had no intentions of winding up back in the sticks with people we did not know, it was a huge blessing & delight.

Tip-Top, Trees & Thirty Nearly

Whether for business, pleasure, a mission trip or whatever, two of the most frequently asked questions to the returning traveler are: "How was the food?" & "What did you eat?" That is why I felt it important to try to photograph as many meals as my mind would allow me to remember to do so. As atypical as I thought it was to be eating fried chicken in Nicaragua, it was just as uncommon to me to be sitting down ordering chicken strips. One might question if I really left North America & was in Central America! Tip-Top is Jesus' & Haley's favorite chicken place in Nicaragua. Naturally, they wanted me to share in that which they love. I was quite taken with it too. As far as the atmosphere or style, I would compare it to our KFC or Popeye's Chicken. Unlike here, you sit down there & a waitress comes to take your order. Where we would generally have our food within a few minutes here in the states, you could be waiting a while there-just like an actual restaurant. Tip-Top was "mucho bueno" (very good). Jesus' will actually begin working soon at a Tip-Top near his home. Before we left there, I went to the front of the building to snap a shot of the Christmas tree made out of lights. As I flew into Managua, I saw one of these trees from overhead. I was surprised to see so many of these as we drove around. According to Jesus', they like to celebrate Christmas all-year long there in Nicaragua. Once we made it back to the house, I decided to put on a little show for the guys. Throughout the day, the topic of my birthday being the following day had been discussed numerous times. At one point, after asking how old I would be, Jesus' stated that I looked like I was going to be 40 rather than 30. Some have seen these pictures & questioned if we were spinning around the bat & then trying to run in a straight line or what was transpiring. The bat was being used as my cane. However, as I tried to set myself up for portraying an old lady, Jesus continually caused me to burst into laughter breaking up my ability to keep a straight face. After multiple tries (which I did not post them all on here), we finally got a good one--what a beauty.