Rise & Shine!

After visiting for a while, the four of us finally tucked ourselves in for a night's rest. Throughout the night, I heard many noises. I do not recall the time, but I remember learning something new while it was still dark outside. What is is that I was educated on before sunrise? I learned that roosters crow at all hours, not just at daybreak. I thought that maybe I was the only one naive enough to not realize that they crow anytime they feel like it but I feel a lot better about myself knowing that after having asked others, they thought the same thing-that they crow when the sun comes up. As I tried to sleep, I began to hear people in the streets yelling things (they were shouting out items for sale...tortillas, tomatoes, watermelon, etc.). Then, I heard music blaring from outside. I awakened asking Haley what time it was. The clock read 6:00 a.m. I then realized that in Nicaragua, they do not believe in sleeping in. I believe 9:30 was as late as I slept & that was only after waking up & returning to bed later. I knew that each day, we'd be up & at 'em early. The above picture is a shot of me after such realization. For breakfast, the guys walked to a nearby store to buy bananas & milk.

There, the milk comes in a bag (seen in the picture). After getting ready, we headed out & stayed fairly local visiting some sites in Managua.

Overlook en route to Haley's house

Haley's home

The Beginning of a Grand Adventure

After many hours, I finally had landed in Nicaragua, made my way through customs & given my $5.00 to enter into the country. I hurried to the baggage claim to retrieve my luggage & then began to roll my cart in hopes of finding my sister. As I walked, I noticed a window. On the other side of the window, I saw a familiar face-that of my sister! However, I did not see a door in which to enter into that particular area. I continued walking on & wound up outside of the airport & was approached quickly by many offering me taxi services. Haley realized I had walked outside & made her way to me. We embraced & then Jesus hurried over to hug & greet me. I noticed Luis standing to the side so I walked over & opened my arms to him for a hug as well. The guys were quick to grab my suitcases as we headed to the car. I climbed in the backseat with Haley & was in immediate search for a seatbelt. I did not find one though. I questioned Haley & she said that only those riding in the front had to wear one. I let her know that I already did not feel safe. Yet, she assured me that all would be OK. She asked if I was hungry & because I'm me, the answer was, "Yes!" We then stopped at a Mobil On The Run filling station for my first meal in the country. I wondered what we would eat. My meal consisted of fried chicken & fried potato wedges. I never dreamt that I would be eating such in Nicaragua--much less right after I arrived! As Haley & Jesus waited in line to order our food, Luis & I remained at the table with one another. Unsure of what to say, I said very little. Luis would occasionally ask me a question or make a statement to me but that was about it. Once Haley & Jesus returned to the table, the ice began to be broken. We made it back to Haley's home & shortly after getting in, Haley opened the cover to her stove top. When she did, a friendly little mouse went scurrying on it's merry little way. Luis grabbed the broom & was trying to get the mouse (meanwhile, Haley was standing on a chair in hysteria). The rodent decided he was not ready to leave though & made himself at home behind the refrigerator leaving himself unable to be reached (though everyone tried to get him out). At this moment, I knew this was going to be a wonderful week--I was embarking upon a great time & there would be much fun had.

Up, Up & Away...

Wednesday, July 16th - Since I had such a long layover in Miami, I felt it best that I record all my going-on's. Why I thought I should do this, I've no idea. Call it boredom, call it stupidity.

2:30 a.m. : Alarm sounded & I woke up

5:40 a.m. : Boarded plane at Lambert International Airport

6:20 a.m. : Flight departed

6:40 a.m. : Began feeling ill thanks to turbulence. Thought I was going to have to get out a bag & vomit.

9:40 a.m. : Flight landed at Miami-Dade Airport

10:00 a.m. : Off plane

10: 05 a.m. : Bathroom stop & search for something for breakfast began

10:15 a.m. : Settled on Dunkin' Donuts after learning there was no B.K. or McDonald's within the airport-they are on the outside.

11:10 a.m. : Finally frozen-had to pull my sweatshirt out of my carry-on luggage & put it on (who would have thought that I would have lasted that long?!)

11: 45 a.m. : Handsome Middle-Eastern looking gentlemen sat down across from & I admired him for a bit.

12:01 p.m. : Fire alarm went off & P.A. system announced the following: "Alarm that has been activated is under investigation by the fire department. Please stand by for further instructions." I am a bit worried.

12:07 p.m. : Fire alarm finally shut-up

12: 27 pm. : I find myself shaking my head in disbelief as the lady that was too crippled to walk to the gate so she was wheelchaired over. Moments later, I watch her stand & walk with no problem whatsoever.

12:40 p.m. : Began visiting all nearby concourses scoping out lunch options.

1:20 p.m. : Decided upon Chinese & sat down to enjoy Fried Rice & Oriental Chicken.

1:50 p.m. : Back @ gate after visiting with a youth group from Ft. Wayne, IN headed to Haiti on a medical mission trip.

2:45 p.m. : Nice surprise occurs. As I'm on the phone with a friend, I notice someone headed in my direction that I know--Phil Moore (the father of a friend of mine-also the wonderful man who had the patience enough to teach me how to drive)! I called out his name, he came over & we chatted briefly as he made his way for his flight to St. Louis (he's a pilot).

3:50 p.m. : Visited Hudson News to purchase gum so my ears wouldn't pop (I had forgotten to carry some with me & when my flight left St. Louis, it was so early that no stands were open to buy anything). Bought a candy bar & Iced Tea with lemon.

3:55 p.m. : Returned to the gate & asked worker if, as far as he knew, this was still the gate for Managua. He then joked with me & said, "Girl, you been here all day & I'm just now meetin' you?

3:57 p.m. : Sat back down at the gate & continued reading a book..Trapped In Hitler's Hell.

4:45 p.m. : Decided it was time to break out the MP3 player & listen to some tunes.

5:45 p.m. : Begin boarding aircraft

6:15 p.m. : Plane takes off headed for Managua, Nicaragua

6:50 p.m. : Touchdown (Nicaragua is one hour behind CST)

7:30 p.m. : Estimate but I would guess this is around the time that I finally was through customs & had seen my sister's face!

Stay tuned for my many exciting stories.

From Tears to Smiles

Several years ago, I began looking at volunteering my time at some of the children's hospitals in the St. Louis area. As Christ has changed me & continually been at work in my life, I find Him softening my heart to many different areas-one of which is the area of children. As I called around to get information, I learned that I could not just come on occasion to read stories to the kids but I had to make a commitment of 6 months or so. Unfortunately, I did not have the time then to do so. When my Cousin, Lisa, gave birth to her son, Noah, last year, Noah had to be moved to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in Downtown St. Louis due to being born prematurely. I remember the day I went to see Noah. As we were leaving the hospital, a young girl was sitting outside in a wheelchair hooked up to an IV bag that was being rolled with her. She looked to be about 11 or 12 years old. She had no hair. I would assume she probably was a Cancer patient. I choked up & could hardly stand it. I then knew that perhaps I might not be cut out for visiting children's hospitals. I became fearful that if I were to do so, I might become attached to the children & then, if they did not make it, I'd take it real hard.

Recently, I learned that one of our members at work has a 4 year old son who has a brain tumor. Each week, he must go to Children's Hospital downtown for treatments. Today, the little boy was in with his dad. He kept acting bashful-hiding & then peeking around his father to look at me. When our eyes would meet, he'd flash a cute little grin & quickly hide behind his dad again. As his dad approached me to be waited on, I began to talk to Elijah (the little boy). I gifted him with some toys that we had. As I proceeded going about my business & finishing the transaction, I really had to pull myself together as tears were welling up within me. Elijah's tumor is visible & sadly, his scars from many previous surgeries are as well. I began to think about his parents & how my heart aches for them. I was able to compose myself enough to give his dad the receipt & say goodbye to the two of them but as soon as they walked out the door, I nearly lost it. There Elijah stood..smiling, laughing, care-free. Yet, days from now, he'll be back in the hospital hooked up to IV's, machines, etc. undergoing treatment again. Once they left, I was thinking it was going to be a rough rest of the day as my mind would continue to drift back to little Elijah. But...as only God has a way of doing, He provided me with the perfect ray of sunshine during a cloudy moment in my soul.

As usual, I returned home for my lunch break & as I do every day, I signed onto facebook. When I did, I had an instant message that was popping up on my screen. I looked to see who it was from & low & behold, it was from Dabby. In 2005, I met many incredible kids & had wonderful students in Taiwan. Dabby though, was by far, my favorite.Dabby's English-speaking skills were far greater than most of the other students. Dabby was very diligent in her studies and with each thing Crystal & I said, she was entering the words into a translation computer to learn more. I remember Dabby having novels in her back pack. Novels that were written in English. As we inquired about them, she was reading a series. She was very interested in learning everything she could from us--specifically in regards to English. Dabby also was a very gifted artist. On our final day together, she presented both Crystal & I with pictures that she had drawn for us. Her fine detailing was amazing. Clearly, she was a young lady full of talent. Upon my return home in '05, Dabby & I kept in touch from time to time through e-mails. She was very excited for my return visit in '06. Disappointed, we never did connect while I was there in '06. My friend Megan & I walked up & down the streets of her neighborhood yelling her name & asking people about her. No one had any information (this was most likely because of the fact that we were using her English name which she would not be known by to anyone in the area. We did not know the kids' given names). I left Taiwan without having seen Dabby again. Last time I had heard from Dabby was about a year ago. Today when I received her instant message, I was ecstatic. My heart was leaping with joy. As she wrote, it was 1:30 a.m. in Taiwan. We were not able to talk for too long since I had to be back at work. However, we had a nice little visit. She apologized for it taking her so long to type in English. I encouraged her by telling her she was doing a great job (which, she really was. I know people here in America that can't type as well or as quickly as she was). I shared that I would love to be back in Taiwan but I also wish she could visit here one day. Dabby said that she would like to do so but it is much too expensive for her to come to America. I told her she would need to begin saving so that she could one day come and she & I could go visit Miss Crystal (to the students, we were Miss Crystal & Miss Heather. Though, for a long time Dabby has referred to me as "teacher."). As I prepared to say good-bye, Dabby wanted to know if I was on MSN. Her words were, "we can talk visible." I finally figured out what she meant. She wanted to know if I had MSN Messenger so that we could talk via webcam. At one point, I was set up for that but I'm not sure that I am still. I assured her that I would check on it & let her know. I went back to work on cloud 9 after that treat. I have since returned home to see that Dabby's status on facebook states "The world is so beautiful and full of love. I'm happy that I choice sleep late or I won't visit my teacher." For those of you that have not worked with or been around Asian people, you may be trying to decipher that--essentially what she is saying is that she's glad she chose to go to bed later because if she had not of, she would not have been visiting with me. Apparently, she was just as delighted as I was for our meeting today. I've always said & will do so once again...there are no accidents or coincidences with God. He purposed such at just the right time for a specific purpose. I may not know just yet what that purpose was but I'll forever be grateful for that nice surprise. I know not the spiritual condition of Dabby's heart. To my knowledge, she did not receive Christ while Crystal & I were in the class with her. I can only pray that those things which we taught her, the Bible she was given, the love we showed her & the continued opportunities to speak with her will be blessed by God. If Dabby has yet to do so, may this very special young lady come to know the One True God rather than the many gods that so many of the Hakka people bow down to & live in fear of. Please, pray for Dabby.

(Crystal & myself with our afternoon class in Taiwan-Middle School aged).

No R.S.V.P. From Me!

In walked a girl today that just got my blood boiling. The more I thought about how appalled I still was at what she had done, the more upset I became-yet again! What did she do? Several weeks ago, this young lady came through the drive-thru at my work & asked the guys back there if I was working. After informing her that I was indeed there, they summoned me back to speak with her. I looked out, saw who it was, turned the microphone on & said hello to her & asked if I could help her. Her reply was, "I'm sending you an invitation to my graduation party." I simply said, "OK, thanks" & then turned the microphone off & began to rant & rave in disbelief. I'm sure you are wondering why I was so bothered by this (& still am apparently!). I'm disturbed because I hardly know her. My relationship with this young lady is this: her aunt used to be my neighbor many years ago. As a child, she would sometimes be at her aunt's house when we would be over to visit or whatever. Until I began working at my place of employment, I had not seen this young lady since she was a kid--probably at age 5 or 6. She had been in on numerous occasions & never knew who I was until her mom came in with her one day & clued her in on the fact that her aunt used to live by me. As you can see, it's not as if we are friends-barely even acquaintances. The guys couldn't grasp why I was so upset about it all-who knows, maybe it's a girl thing. Or, maybe it's just me. Call me crazy but is that not extremely rude & impolite? For years, people have been telling me I need to write a book. I'm beginning to think I ought to consider writing one on etiquette...not that I'm an expert or anything but seriously...you don't send an invitation to someone you barely know! If I were getting married, I would not dream of inviting people that I had only met a few times. The guys said, "Heather, are you gonna go to her party?" I replied with, "Not a chance that's going to happen!" They encouraged me to at least send a card. Now, let's be honest here...a 18 yr. old high school graduate...do you think she wanted a card--especially from someone she hardly knows? I don't think so. We all know that she wanted the goods that would come enclosed in the envelope with the card! HELLO--I didn't come in off a turnip truck! The invite said to R.S.V.P. if you would NOT be able to attend. I didn't bother calling. I had already envisioned that (not that I ever had any intentions of calling to begin with though)-I would call & say, "This is Heather Wood just calling to let you know I won't be able to make it to your party." Then, she'd say, "Heather who? Who are you again?" I had it all planned out..I'd then say, "And that is exactly why I will NOT be attending your party!!!" So, the party was a couple of weekends ago & it goes without saying, I didn't make an appearance, nor did I send a card. Still, I'm honestly offended that she actually had the nerve to invite me. Might as well just send in a note saying, "I'd like you to give me some money!" Fast forward 2 weeks & there we were today. She came walking up directly towards me as I was the only available one to help her. She let me know that she came inside because she didn't think the drive-thru was open & plus, she wanted to see me (or, as she said, "I was like, I can just go in & see Heather!"). I think a maximum of 25 words were said during the whole transaction (if that many) & then she walked out the door. I stood there shaking my head..still dumbfounded by it all. We're so close that we had nothing to even say to one another. Please folks, when you are having an event & make your invite list--have some class!