tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63793628716182618912024-03-13T08:13:28.235-05:00ADVENTURES IN NICARAGUAFollow a Missouri-raised gringa as she acclimates to Nicaragua, Central AmericaShawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-88621906685735857342016-09-27T17:17:00.001-05:002016-10-13T19:58:07.326-05:00FAREWELL, NICARAGUA<span style="font-size: large;">Five years ago I started this blog to let my friends and family know about my adventures in Nicaragua. Well, I am sad to say the adventure is over. This past year has been very challenging in every way possible, and after some VERY specific prayers, it was obvious to me that it was time to move on. So this is my farewell letter to the land of lakes and volcanoes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were times I loved you and times I hated you. There are things about you I don't think I would've understood even after a lifetime of living with you. But you taught me things I never would've learned if I didn't come. Practical things. Spiritual things. Even though we ended on a sour note, I 100% do NOT regret coming. I know myself and my needs so much better, and my teaching skills have improved more than I could explain. You are a place that has both repelled and fascinated me but has permanently opened my eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No matter my location in the world, there is a part of my heart that will always be hexagon-shaped, smells like frying plantain, beats to salsa music, and is hot and steamy like a mango field after May rains. At the end of day, the best I could say is, </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Nicaragua</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And to all my readers, thank you for sharing in this journey with me. I have appreciated your kind and insightful comments over the years more than you will ever know. And if even a small part of you is thinking about being a need greater whether in your own country or abroad, do it! Do it now! There is no other comparable experience. It will draw you closer to Jehovah and give you friends all over the world who see things just like you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am still available for any direct questions about Nicaragua or need greater life. Just contact me through the comment box at the bottom of this post or a private message using the box to the right of this post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am now living with my sister and brother-in-law in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. I attend a newly-formed Spanish congregation and am enjoying the Cuban, Honduran, Mexican Latino population here. Aaaaannnnddd learning Nepali :) Turns out they're a huge immigrant group here with no group or congregation to help them. Please pray Jehovah blesses my effort to locate them and others looking to help in this work. And who knows...maybe in time we'll catch back up in a blog named Adventures in Nepal!</span></div>
Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-9631055278199699302016-06-11T07:00:00.000-05:002016-09-27T17:05:31.729-05:00OMETEPE ISLAND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Another thing that was on my must see list while I am in Nicaragua was seeing Ometepe Island. It's a volcanically formed island in the middle of Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua). It's made up of one active volcano (the larger one of the left named La Concepción) and one dormant volcano (on the right named Maderas). It is a stunning island that you HAVE to see!!! Definitely one of my favorite things I've done here. When you get there, just drive around the island...the views and the constant presence of La Concepción is breathtaking.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The view from the ferry approaching the island</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Close-up of La Concepción. She's obviously active but truly the most beautiful volcano I've ever laid eyes on</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To get to the island you can either take a ferry from San Jorge, Rivas, or a plane from Managua that leaves twice a week. My parents were visiting and we took our rental car on the ferry. Basically, you drive the PanAmerican Hwy to Rivas and you'll see a roundabout with signs to the ferry. Just keep following the signs and you'll get there in 10-15 more minutes by car. It was a bit confusing booking the car on the ferry. DEFINITELY do this in advance and pay roundtrip. If you have no reservation for the car, YOU WON'T GET ON THE FERRY, and there's only a few ferries per day with room for maybe 9 cars on each one. Will you think the ferry will sink as you drive onto it? Absolutely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's another piece of gold...instead of calling each ferry company individually trying to see if room is available, call Arnoldo at #+505 8966 4981. He'll do the reservation for you with any company for the same price as calling them directly. </b>Roundtrip with a car is $50.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We stayed at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g304024-d7155327-Reviews-Hefziba_Bed_and_Breakfast-Isla_de_Ometepe_Rivas_Department.html" target="_blank">Hefziba Bed & Breakfast</a> in Moyogalpa, and I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the nicest hotel I've EVER stayed at in Nicaragua!! For about $60/night you get a.c., coffee maker in room, hammocks everywhere, paradise-like gardens, free breakfast, refillable filtered water, and the nicest staff you could ever find.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite activity we did was go walking through Charco Verde. It's a nature reserve on the island that's maybe $2 to enter. There are various trails to take depending on the time you want to spend. It's a great example of tropical flora and fauna, is CHOCK FULL of howler monkeys, and has beautiful views of the lake and the volcanos.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My parents at Charco Verde</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Howler monkey...how can something so small be so loud?! A across between a pig squeal and a dog bark</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Butterfly reserve directly next to Charco Verde. Very peaceful inside.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We also visited the famous Ojo de Agua. It's a natural spring in the middle of the island with crystal clear waters. It's pretty packed but has bathrooms, changing areas, and places to order food and drink. You can get a coco loco for about $1 for just the coconut water or $2 if you mix that water with condensed milk and rum!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I just have to add, this very unnoticeable restaurant near the docks was one of the nicest Nicaraguan food restaurants I've ever eaten at. They serve a lot of very authentic food that you'd normally only find in homes like sopa de frijoles (bean soup). We all three loved what we ordered, easy on the budget, and no tummy problems afterwards.</span><br />
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<br />Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-77780186834473793502016-06-04T22:39:00.001-05:002016-06-04T22:39:06.029-05:00SEA TURTLES NICA STYLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the tourist activities I've always wanted to do here has been to watch sea turtle nesting and hatching. I really love animals, so this has always seemed like a dream to me. Well, I met some Spanish sisters who were serving in Masatepe for a time and thought, "perfect timing! They'll want to sight see so it's a good excuse to finally go." </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFxnZe72vgg/V1ObdmJ-kvI/AAAAAAAACAA/7ZEmcrFSR9wpP-WW0dFOKupdqXbqwu0vgCLcB/s1600/P1000972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kFxnZe72vgg/V1ObdmJ-kvI/AAAAAAAACAA/7ZEmcrFSR9wpP-WW0dFOKupdqXbqwu0vgCLcB/s400/P1000972.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">So the sea turtle season is from July to December, and we went in November. If you go to <a href="https://vianica.com/attraction/25/la-flor-beach-natural-reserve" target="_blank">this site</a>, there's a lot of useful information about how to get to Playa La Flor, cost of entrance, and general guidelines. It even has a link to contact the Agricultural Dept of Nicaragua.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I rented a hotel for the weekend, rented a car, planned a trip to La Flor which is about 19km from San Juan del Sur and you have to drive a very isolated, poorly maintained road at 9pm because they only nest at night; so I wanted all of this to go off without a hitch. So I called the office confirming the dates the turtles were expected (based on moon cycles) and that I definitely was talking to the La Flor office. Yes, yes, the woman told me. But, I should've known better. This IS Nicaragua after all and nothing ever goes as planned.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1nvLdz3BB8/V1Obg0aE9rI/AAAAAAAACAI/CG1xJMbGw4QjgUq7M7Y-gTEI_X9zEZzwACLcB/s1600/P1000967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1nvLdz3BB8/V1Obg0aE9rI/AAAAAAAACAI/CG1xJMbGw4QjgUq7M7Y-gTEI_X9zEZzwACLcB/s400/P1000967.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">So the five of us make this long trip and arrive ready to see hundreds of mothers nesting at La Flor. As soon as we arrive, a park employee meets us and says, "so sad you came tonight. If you had come two nights ago you would have seen hundreds, but this batch is over so tonight we'll maybe get one or two." What?! I told him I specifically called to ensure this wouldn't happen. Turns out they don't even have a phone out there and I was speaking to the Managua office three hours away. Grrrrrr.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'll share some gold with you. <b>If you are planning this trip, call the park employee's phone number during the range of dates the Managua office will give you. Call each morning and they can tell you if turtles have been sighted or not. Then book it down to La Flor. The ph#+505 8896 3750.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we combed the beach anyway and only came across some prints in the sand indicating a sea turtle came on land, decided she really didn't like it, and immediately turned around and went back out to sea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The only bonus is that the day after we spent a beautiful time at Playa Marsella and got to relax after a MAJOR letdown.</span></div>
Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-78670899708861667812015-10-25T08:50:00.000-05:002015-10-25T08:50:02.079-05:00LA PAZ, CARAZO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Beginning in October, Nindirí has been invited to participate in a KH build in La Paz, Carazo. Here, even when RBC existed, it never did in Nicaragua. What we have are construction groups who settle in an area 2-3 months and work with the local congregation and surrounding congregations to complete the KH. Each day, two different congregations are invited to support the work. So far, we have gone three times. I have attached some photos showing progress.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALkkIg1P9AY/VizYTg0cpKI/AAAAAAAAB74/BC7rRiaRsvA/s1600/P1000940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALkkIg1P9AY/VizYTg0cpKI/AAAAAAAAB74/BC7rRiaRsvA/s320/P1000940.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Taken Sept 11, 2015. Only dirt. The men spent all day digging a 6 ft. deep trench in a square around that high pile of dirt you see. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Taken Oct 23, 2015. That dirt trench is now the retaining wall that you see surrounding the KH. Lots of progress, right?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because of budget concerns, just about everything is done by hand on the site. And if you're looking for an RBC safety video, better you just turn your head and forget about it. Shoes are whatever fits and hard hats are optional. For instance, that trench I mentioned above could've been done easily with a backhoe, but we don't have one...we used manual labor. On my first build here, men were manually mixing concrete all day...truly back breaking labor, but thankfully, I see that on this build, the one machine we DO have is a small mixer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another big difference is comfort. If you come to work, you arrange your own transportation and bring your own everything. There's no snack girl walking around every hour giving you Gatorade and cookies. And even though it's over 90 degrees, everyone is completely covered because 20 minutes in this sun EVEN with sunscreen, and you're toast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's also a slight difference in the spiritual ambiance. The day does NOT start with a prayer or text consideration nor does lunch. It often seems kind of thrown together, but then again this IS Latin America.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To give you another example of things done by hand, we even made our own concrete...well, to be more specific, we make our own sand to mix with concrete bags. On Friday, my job was separating gravel from concrete. These sisters in the pictures show you how. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gravel was poured into screen netting first.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then the gravel was immersed in a barrel of water. By agitating the gravel, we separated the large bits from the sand. The sand fell to the bottom of the barrel and as the water level rose, we scooped the sand out for later use. *My thanks to my Vanna White-ish model, Cathy Solowiejko from Pan Casán, Granada, for helping me demonstrate this. She was a super fun partner to have on Friday!*</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the wheelbarrow is what we started with. The other pile is the gravel and a pile behind me (which you can't see) is the sand.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The really exciting news though is that when they're done with La Paz in about three more weeks.............THEY'RE COMING TO NINDIRÍ!!!!!!! Yeah, we're up! The congregation is in a buzz about how we're going to provide housing and food to the team coming, but I know that if we have a good attitude, Jehovah will bless our prayers for help. So my hope is that a VERY SOON future post will have these kind of pictures from my local congregation.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUEHO5krL_Y/VizZINYoxGI/AAAAAAAAB8s/jxQRN7AywEU/s1600/IMG_20150313_102537_hdr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUEHO5krL_Y/VizZINYoxGI/AAAAAAAAB8s/jxQRN7AywEU/s640/IMG_20150313_102537_hdr.jpg" width="361" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just as a reminder, this is the land we've purchased as the site for the future KH in Nindirí</span></td></tr>
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<br />Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-16603195427691819632015-09-05T23:09:00.002-05:002015-09-05T23:09:32.800-05:00CULTURE SHOCK<span style="font-size: large;">You know the saying "You can't go home again"? What I've learned is that's 100% true. It's the weirdest feeling to spend 11 months of the year pining for your home country...friends, family, food, everything that's familiar...and then arriving to find that nothing feels quite right. It actually feels like a pretty unfair situation that in the country you serve you often feel on the edge of everything because of language or cultural differences, but then you go home, and you feel the exact same way. Why? Why is all this weirdness happening? I mean, I lived 30 years in the U.S. before I came to Nicaragua, so why do I feel so strange when I go home? Why do I feel like it's my home country giving me culture shock?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's because life doesn't exist in a vacuum. When I go home, friends have moved on, congregations have changed, family dynamic is different, etc. But in my heart I pressed pause the last time I left the U.S., so it feels strange to me. Also, living full-time in a 3rd world country makes the adjustment to a 1st world country quite the kick in the gut. Everything's so big and developed and easy, and it makes everyday decisions feel hard. Constantly debating prices vs. value and feeling really overwhelmed at the amount of choices. I have to carry lists with me of needs when I go into stores because if I don't know exactly what I'm looking for, I get overwhelmed and just walk straight back out. My Mom has had to drive me back to a store to ensure I actually buy what I really need. Whether I like it or not, this land of lakes and volcanoes has gotten under my skin. We have a love/hate relationship, but at the same time, don't YOU talk smack about it, because I'll defend it in a minute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But you know what? In a way, all this weirdness is good. Because do you know what's worse? Having a roundtrip ticket back to Nicaragua but going home and feeling like "THIS is amazing! THIS I could do again. I REALLY REALLY miss all of THIS". Because then you're in trouble. Then you've let yourself get comfortable maybe even dreaming of how life would be back in the land of plenty and basically just ensuring a REALLY hard transition back to your assignment and A LOT of tears at the airport. So my personal wish every time is to feel just a little weirdness...just enough to ensure I get on that plane back each time.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-32853525776429963272015-09-03T16:01:00.000-05:002015-09-05T22:53:17.454-05:00WHAT KIND OF NEED?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know that most of you who read this blog are wanna-be need greaters or may already have some plans in the works. I think it's important to address the question, though, of WHAT KIND OF NEED do you want to fill? Let me explain a few options so you know what I'm talking about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you an appointed brother? Then there's an excellent chance that the need you'll be asked to fill will be elder in a congregation. Here in Nicaragua the maximum elders you'll ever find in a congregation are four. Four elders for 100 people! We have a DESPERATE need for elders. So it may be that although you were thinking you'd be sent in the middle of the country with no running water or someplace like pictured below, you're sent to the middle of the capital!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd1wiGydD2k/Veix8BvrO6I/AAAAAAAAB6o/1yZbqvVXdT4/s1600/P1030168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yd1wiGydD2k/Veix8BvrO6I/AAAAAAAAB6o/1yZbqvVXdT4/s320/P1030168.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are other congregations here who focus on foreign languages within Nicaragua like Miskito, Chinese, or English. They have vast territories they need to census on a regular basis, so you may find that your service with them is made up mainly of search work rather than conducting a million Bible studies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then you have congregations where the need truly is the territory. It may be covered somewhat often but quantity has trumped quality. Or it just needs to be worked period. Here would be your opportunity for those million Bible studies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How would you know what's best for you? Well, if you're only able to come for a month or so, pick a congregation where you can do lots of census. Or come during a campaign to help a congregation with a vast territory. If you're coming for a longer period of time, you can actually cultivate those studies in a need territory, so go for it! Are you married? Although you, as an appointed brother would have plenty to do in a busy, metro congregation, what about your spouse? Would she feel ok working a territory that's possibly covered every two weeks?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are all important things to be considered before choosing a congregation. And I can't stress enough that these are items you NEED to include in your letter to the branch when you ask about need areas. Make sure you are specific in the TYPE of need you want to fulfill. And make it a matter of prayer. Tell Jehovah the exact type of need that interests you most and let him direct the rest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Side note: don't forget about your own needs...physically, emotionally, spiritually. If you're the only appointed brother in the group and have to direct every single meeting, will that be a detriment to your spirituality? If you're put in a vast territory alone in the middle of nowhere, will that effect your physical health? If you're the only foreigner in your district, will you feel too lonely? What about your emotional health? Know thyself...then act accordingly.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-24459006184308941462015-05-20T07:00:00.000-05:002015-05-20T07:00:12.182-05:00PUBLIC WITNESSING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuej55mCSUs/VUrMx9Ep4kI/AAAAAAAAB6E/mjnZmO-KRP8/s1600/IMG_20150505_101720425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuej55mCSUs/VUrMx9Ep4kI/AAAAAAAAB6E/mjnZmO-KRP8/s1600/IMG_20150505_101720425.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't love service experiences? Well, lately we've had some really good ones while occupied in our public witnessing with the cart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week, a man was parked in front of the bus stop we were set up at waiting for a coworker. He got out of his vehicle and said the WT cover caught his attention. In talking, he revealed that a few months ago, his teenage daughter was very depressed and even had started to have suicidal thoughts. However, she was given the Awake! which came out recently about why life is worth living. He said it really helped her, and he credits Jehovah's Witnesses with saving his daughter's life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then yesterday, a woman approached the cart and asked specifically if we had a Bible Stories Book. I said we didn't, but we're regularly in the same location if she'd like to come another day I'd have it for her. But she was from out of town. She was willing to give her address and phone number and agreed to have a local sister call on her to bring her the book. She explained that when she was a girl, she always saw her father reading a large red book edited by Jehovah's Witnesses. The way he read it made her think it was important, so she wondered if we had one. I assumed she spoke of the Live Forever book and explained it's no longer in print, but all the things her Dad was learning was transferred to the new Bible Teach book. I showed her the book and asked her if she personally had ever had an opportunity to study the Bible. She responded that no, just her Dad years ago. So I offered for the local sister to also demonstrate for her a Bible study when she stops by with her Bible Stories book. She agreed to that too! Now it's in Jehovah's hands to make sure she's rapidly followed up on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago, a man approached the cart after watching it for over an hour. He explained that about a year prior, he was in a car accident that killed everyone involved but him. He figured that meant that God had a plan for him and he'd been attending a local church trying to figure out what that plan might be. We were able to share various Scriptures with him, placed a Bible Teach book, and got his information. One of our local brothers now has the information to follow up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We regularly have people who are on the buses and momentarily stopped point to literature and we run it up to them before the bus takes off again. And when the schools let out, all the students come to ask for YPA books. They've seen classmates with them and LOVE them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jehovah's really making the work grow through this ingenious idea, and I'm just trying to do my part in cultivating conversations and extending the conversation past the cart.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-38330691814384551292015-05-13T07:00:00.000-05:002015-05-13T07:00:01.719-05:00CIRCUIT OVERSEER'S PIONEER MEETING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEMx84Nuf_0/VUrKr7KFUzI/AAAAAAAAB5s/y0RgYMl0YgI/s1600/P1000895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEMx84Nuf_0/VUrKr7KFUzI/AAAAAAAAB5s/y0RgYMl0YgI/s1600/P1000895.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> So we recently had the circuit overseer's visit again, and his talk for the pioneers was exactly what I personally needed. We've been having a lot of issues lately with the pioneers having to go alone to their studies. Of course, we'd like to support each other, but we all have so many studies, we often can't combine them all into one afternoon. And for some reason, we can't get publishers to accompany us or invite us to their own studies. It's been more than a bit discouraging, but Bro.Zeledón gave us some good suggestions. It was actually mentioned as a need of the circuit during the large pioneer meeting before the circuit assembly....so it seems the problems extends to more than just Nindirí. I plan on being obedient and putting into practice the suggestions given and just have to trust Jehovah will move the hearts of the publishers to respond.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But look at this big group! I didn't know most of them were pioneering this month, so it was neat to see us all together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had made some brownies as a treat after the meeting. I found out this is what happens if I leave my camera unattended by the brownies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All six of us regular pioneers plus a visitor we've had the last few months from Atlanta (in the blue shirt).</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-1805530258035061222015-05-06T21:11:00.000-05:002015-05-06T21:11:06.148-05:00SEEK RIGHTEOUSNESS CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53wESSRIstc/VUrF7Hhm7uI/AAAAAAAAB5M/oTZLC4nnVRQ/s1600/P1000905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53wESSRIstc/VUrF7Hhm7uI/AAAAAAAAB5M/oTZLC4nnVRQ/s1600/P1000905.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another amazing assembly has come and gone. This time I had the pleasure of going with some visiting friends. When I went to the International Assembly in October in Mexico, I met these fine sisters above. They live in Fresno, CA and Karina (with the red polka dot top) supports a Chinese congregation. They wanted to experience Nica living so have spent the last three weeks here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's always someone who gets baptized at our assemblies, but this time, we were honored to see two from Nindirí symbolize their dedication to Jehovah. I've written about Don Silvio in former <a href="http://shawn-adventuresinnicaragua.blogspot.com/2014/05/snapshots-of-field-service.html" target="_blank">posts</a> (the candidate in the goldish shirt). He was so excited he literally screamed his answers to the auditorium. That kind of enthusiasm is contagious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oliver is the other new brother from Nindirí. So nice to see youth raised in the truth decide to follow the footsteps of their parents. And yes, this is another dress Juanita made for me. Simple but cool. It was almost 100 degrees during the assembly ew!</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-7983918018535992152015-04-04T22:58:00.000-05:002015-04-05T20:10:36.465-05:00MEMORIAL 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope everyone had a great Memorial and campaign this year. It's so much work and preparation getting ready for this most important event, and I just wanted to share some Nindirí activities with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Jehovah we were able to finish our territory this year with the invitations. And it seems like it paid off because we had a larger attendance this year than last. Nindirí had 252 in attendance and our rural group had 80; grand total of 332!! Not bad for 100 publishers! We're especially excited about our group (San Francisco's) potential considering only about 20 publishers are assigned there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since our cleaning is all manual and we're always open to the elements, it's an all-week activity. We had cleaning days Monday and Thursday afternoons and Friday morning. What you're seeing here is over 100 rental chairs being washed by hand. Then each one had rough parts sanded down (by yours truly) and a final wipe down. Then, as usual, we flooded our hall to get a good scrub done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are some of my students who attended. There's one young girl missing from the picture. Also, three of my former students attended so maybe there's still hope there?! Let me tell you about the young lady on the far right, Erania (she brought her friend with her standing on my other side). We've been studying over a year and this is her first KH visit! When I invited her to the Memorial, she said she had a school activity planned on the same night that counted for half her class grade. We read Matthew 6:33 together and had a long talk about faith and putting Jehovah to the test. When I checked in with her again last Sunday she told me, "Yeah, I'm coming!" I asked her if she had worked things out with her teachers, and she waved me off with her hands and said, "Jehovah first." Do you know how much it warms my heart to hear expressions like that from my students?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Just a sampling of Nindirí's beautiful youth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My baby Samir's 1st Memorial with his matchy-matchy parents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my elders and fellow pioneer, Alexis, and his wife, Carla, and I.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So my takeaway this year? We're still growing and there's still so much work to do here which makes me feel REALLY excited. Also, don't give up on my students. Sometimes it's like Jesus´ parable from WT study from a few weeks ago....it just takes a while to see the growth because it's been underground until now.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-23773434948384868642015-03-16T10:32:00.000-05:002015-03-16T10:32:47.033-05:00PEER BEHIND THE CURTAIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, we enjoyed a Special Meeting broadcast from our branch in Mexico. We had a representative from London Bethel and then another from U.S. Bethel present AMAZING talks as well as give us the yearly report. Jehovah knows what we need at the right time, doesn't he? I was already excited for the meeting but then to be able to listen to BOTH of the talks in English (it was interpreted for the rest of the audience) was just beyond my dreams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to share with you guys my favorite point from the session. Bro. Robert Luccioni, helper to the Governing Body (he was the one featured on March's JW Broadcast), expanded on a theme about keeping up with Jehovah's organization. He mentioned that what's interesting is that when you compare the visions that prophets like Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and John had, they all at one point, received the exact same vision...they were able to see a glimpse of Jehovah's heavenly organization. And it really awed them...some fainted, some were speechless, etc. In the case of Isaiah, he was so impressed that when Jehovah later asked for help, he immediately offered himself (6:8). Why? Because he understood who was behind the curtain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Peer behind the curtain" was a phrase used often in the talk, and although it wasn't mentioned, I immediately thought of the Wizard of Oz. Remember after that long and arduous journey, Dorothy was expecting something amazing and instead was soooo disappointed to see who was behind the curtain directing things? Just a small old man.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nCGn7dgRcI/VQb06-Cf-oI/AAAAAAAAB4A/EHMR5FQ9ZA0/s1600/manbehind-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nCGn7dgRcI/VQb06-Cf-oI/AAAAAAAAB4A/EHMR5FQ9ZA0/s1600/manbehind-1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, in our case, it's the complete opposite. When we peer behind the curtain and see that behind our own personal ministry, our congregations, our countries and branches is Jehovah, the Almighty of the Universe....we are filled with such comfort and confidence that we're inspired to be just like Isaiah and offer ourselves for any job needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And they pointed out that although we often just feel like small cogs on a big wheel we are <b>ALL </b>SO NEEDED AND APPRECIATED. Our organization is massive and incredible and would never be possible without Jehovah, but would also never be the same without the efforts being made by EVERY SINGLE PUBLISHER. So look beyond your small congregations and personal struggles and realize that you are a part of something so big and amazing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We've been having these Special Meetings once a year and in every one it's just stressed over and over again the love that the Governing Body and Jehovah have for us. To prove the point, they shared some experiences and comparisons that brought most of us to tears. And they brought out that with basically one Bible study to every publisher (approx 1.7 million if I heard that right) we still have SOOOO much work to do in this region. I don't know about you, but now that <b>I </b>know who's behind the curtain, I feel more zealous than ever to do whatever's needed in Jehovah's service.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-32205340463326791442015-03-13T07:00:00.000-05:002015-03-13T07:00:06.349-05:00HANDMADE OPPORTUNITY<span style="font-size: large;">I have an idea about how to earn some money the next time I'm in the U.S., but I want your feedback on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember I posted a while back about how many bring home handmade goods from their host country and sell them? Ok, so I've stumbled onto this AMAZING opportunity and wanted to see if anyone else is as excited as me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There's this restaurant/store in Granada called El Tercer Ojo and in one shop is incredible leather goods that go by the brand name <a href="http://cocoboloartwear.com/" target="_blank">CocoBolo</a> (click for the website to see examples of work). They're over $100 for a small bag. Well, I was on a study a while back, and the Dad was working with leather in the background. When we take our leave I see he's stamping CocoBolo on his products. Poor thing sells his work to this shop for next to nothing. So I asked if he makes things for people too and not just shops, and he said yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When our friend Andrea was here, she tried it out, and got to customize a crossbody leather bag for a fraction of what it would cost in Granada or her native Canada. Literally, picked size, type of leather, color, number of pockets, buckle vs. zipper, CUSTOMIZED!! Now I have another friend getting a beautiful bag, wallet, and Bible cover for a ridiculously cheap price for leather goods. Here's some pictures of his type of products:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqirguLzXTo/VP-5CRUqd2I/AAAAAAAAB3M/NaqAcXvJwPo/s1600/bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqirguLzXTo/VP-5CRUqd2I/AAAAAAAAB3M/NaqAcXvJwPo/s1600/bag.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Very similar to his style</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andrea's actual bag</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So my question is, would anyone be interested in ordering one?? I'm coming home for a few weeks in June, and I could bring the bag then ship it to you. The gentleman works off pictures and dimensions, so you'd just need to tell me specifics on what you want (sending pix of course), and I could transmit that idea to him. He'll quote me a price, and you can let me know if that + shipping would be acceptable. If so, maybe pay me half now and the other half in June upon delivery.</span><br />
<br />Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-29853525882859578142015-03-10T22:25:00.000-05:002015-03-10T22:25:24.937-05:00WEDDING BELLS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">About a month ago, my good friends Rosaura and Sergio David tied the knot and very kindly invited me to their wedding. They had such a nice courtship and were one of the few couples I could actually stand to be around while dating. I just wanted to share some pix of the happy day and some observations about Nica weddings.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8qIcS_IeCE/VP-xH5VE4SI/AAAAAAAAB2U/bncMdFB6Q0s/s1600/P1000873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8qIcS_IeCE/VP-xH5VE4SI/AAAAAAAAB2U/bncMdFB6Q0s/s1600/P1000873.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the bridesmaids and Rosaura's best friend, Selene, and me</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNm8qapX5OQ/VP-yFpmhxcI/AAAAAAAAB2k/VeNVddz6gUY/s1600/P1000837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNm8qapX5OQ/VP-yFpmhxcI/AAAAAAAAB2k/VeNVddz6gUY/s1600/P1000837.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">First look...just ignore the creeper in the back</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PwBb2_e00Q/VP-yEVHbCcI/AAAAAAAAB2c/MElRvFukjd4/s1600/P1000845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PwBb2_e00Q/VP-yEVHbCcI/AAAAAAAAB2c/MElRvFukjd4/s1600/P1000845.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A missionary who once served Nindirí gave the wedding talk</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfq-Fkqiv4c/VP-yFx-B9KI/AAAAAAAAB2o/h6gW0Kkmh9c/s1600/P1000863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfq-Fkqiv4c/VP-yFx-B9KI/AAAAAAAAB2o/h6gW0Kkmh9c/s1600/P1000863.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The happy couple! Rosaura's dress was incredible...very elegant!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqTsW_QwgbE/VP-ySqYER7I/AAAAAAAAB20/F8e30T7HJ3U/s1600/P1000865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqTsW_QwgbE/VP-ySqYER7I/AAAAAAAAB20/F8e30T7HJ3U/s1600/P1000865.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Groom's family</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcM5HQumXck/VP-yliijx_I/AAAAAAAAB28/pv1MlnVyjcw/s1600/P1000874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WcM5HQumXck/VP-yliijx_I/AAAAAAAAB28/pv1MlnVyjcw/s1600/P1000874.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bride's family</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is now the third wedding I've gotten to attend in Nicaragua, and I've started to notice a pattern. I'm going to try and describe it so you understand what I mean. The wedding part itself always seems kind of thrown together. Usually what happens is we're all meandering around when out of nowhere the bride shows up at the door, rapid-fire her maids or family march down the aisle with her hot on their heels, and somewhere in the process someone remembers to turn on a Kingdom melody. I have no good pictures of anyone coming down the aisle because it's over before you know it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The other strange part comes at the end. At no wedding has the couple kissed at the end. Often they don't even hold hands or show affection during picture taking. For instance, Rosaura and Sergio David presented themselves with a very chaste...hug *deadpan*.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then comes the pictures. Once the talk is over, everyone rushes the stage and poses with the couple for a picture. The thing is, there's no one organizing these pictures and usually no professional photographer. So what happens is you usually have a picture of yourself and the happy couple in the midst of a million people OR with some other random person hanging onto them you couldn't chase out of the picture. And it's like pulling teeth to get the whole family together for one good shot either because they've wandered off somewhere or again, you've got a bunch of random people in the same shot with the family. I feel really bad for a lot of these couples later wondering what the final pictures look like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For some reason, the reception is where it's at. Many Witnesses only attend the reception, and it's always very elegant, well organized, with yum food and booty shaking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No judgement...just observations.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-30669292233186823452015-02-16T07:00:00.000-06:002015-02-16T07:00:02.579-06:00¿QUIERE HABLAR ESPAÑOL?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wua0_K7Pcjk/VNGOYUmXMEI/AAAAAAAAB1g/JW-GoB1jxrA/s1600/spanish-number-1-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wua0_K7Pcjk/VNGOYUmXMEI/AAAAAAAAB1g/JW-GoB1jxrA/s1600/spanish-number-1-15.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">On this blog, we've talked before about the <a href="http://shawn-adventuresinnicaragua.blogspot.com/2014/08/tips-to-learn-foreign-language.html" target="_blank">challenges of learning a foreign language</a>. I know them well as Spanish is the 2nd foreign language I've learned. I actually studied French all through high school and college, lived in France for a time, and used to be fluent believe it or not. My Spanish journey started in February 2008 when I moved into my first Spanish congregation. It's been a long journey but enjoyable mainly because I have always been fascinated with languages.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For about 6 months now I've actually been teaching one!! Yep, I am now officially a Spanish teacher with 6 students, and that's how I've been supporting my need greater activities. Every so often I do piece work or translation through <a href="http://odesk.com/">oDesk.com</a> but mainly everything is classes now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I mention it because I have room (and need, quite frankly) for a couple more students *hint hint*. I charge $15/hour, recommend 1 hour/week, teach both children and adults, and it's all online. I'd be happy to provide references if you so require. My specialty is listening to you converse and read in Spanish and being able to tell exactly where you need to focus your efforts. However, I have other students who started from square one and can fill that need too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you're interested, just send me a message via the private email form on the right side of the screen. Thank you in advance for your consideration and recommendations.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-26788847165082624732015-02-13T07:00:00.000-06:002015-02-13T07:00:05.842-06:00FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<span style="font-size: large;">For all you potential need greaters thinking about Nicaragua, check out the new page "Nica FAQs". It's located between the title and this blog post. Just click on the title and you'll see the page. I'm open to suggestions if any burning questions have been left out.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-42830005132488505432015-02-09T07:00:00.000-06:002015-02-09T07:00:03.915-06:00LOOKING TO HELP A NEED GREATER?<span style="font-size: large;">I get a lot of questions about what gifts or special needs does a need greater have, so I thought I'd do a post to try to help. First of all, let me just say we are so blessed to have an organization where we treat each other like family. I personally have been the recipient of extreme generosity both inside and out of my family so.....THANK YOU!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But let's say you're on a tight budget and see a need greater has come home for a bit. You want to help, but how? Anything still practical but more subtle than an envelope of cash? Here's some ideas:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Work! Need greaters are typically home to earn money to keep their dream going. Is there something you were already going to pay someone to do that you could offer to a need greater instead? You may think the money's so small, it doesn't matter, but remember, they're returning to a country where a few US dollars goes a long way. There's now even a website where you can offer that work...<a href="http://needgr8r.org/">http://needgr8r.org</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Lodging. Sometimes need greaters end up in an area where there's no family because they have more earning potential there. Could you offer your extra bedroom or a few meals to help with their daily expenses while they're in the States? It's temporary and a HUGE financial help. Many come back for Regional Assemblies...do you have room in your vehicle or hotel room for them?</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Family and friends with whom I know I ALWAYS have a place with when I go home :)</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Transportation. Most need greaters sold their vehicles already and used the money in their assignment. As you know, unless you're in a huge metro area in the U.S. where public transportation is available, you NEED a vehicle. Do you have an extra one that could be loaned on a short term basis? Check with your insurance, but typically, as long as you've given them permission to drive, they are covered under your policy for any accidents that may occur.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Direct Order. Lately I've seen a lot of need greaters bring products back from their assignment and sell them in the States for a little profit. They then use that money towards the saving they bring back to serve. For instance, from Nicaragua I've seen exotic jewelry made from coconuts or tortoise shell, organic coffee, leather goods, publication covers, etc. Could you communicate with a need greater before they come and put in an order? You'll often spend much less than buying the same item in the States and the product can often be custom made. Remember, the more the need greater buys, the better discount they receive.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Buy Skype credit for them. Some have given me gift cards when I go home, but it's often not very practical because I have only a month to use it! However, Skype is soooo important to us! It's often how we work and keep in contact with home. Could you put $5-10 on their account for an emergency call home?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Need greaters are often in very primitive conditions and on a tight budget. Luxury goods don't exist for us either because we have no access or can't afford it. A small gesture can often mean soooo much for us. For example, a fancy coffee or cocktail out, a nail polish, a very American dessert, a museum visit, etc. It doesn't cost much and represents everything we can no longer do.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h36VmuYL3IE/VM0HiMpITKI/AAAAAAAAB0U/h1K3sbie9W8/s1600/P1000464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h36VmuYL3IE/VM0HiMpITKI/AAAAAAAAB0U/h1K3sbie9W8/s1600/P1000464.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some NY friends treated by roommate and I to some fine chocolate during my last trip home. It was heaven! And greatly appreciated :)</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Finally...good association! Have us over! Let us show some pictures or tell experiences! Better yet, let us know what's new with you! We cherish our friends back home and time together is so precious, so take advantage!</span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just a few shots of the amazing hospitality I receive every time I go home...these form some of my fondest memories!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If any other need greaters want to chime in, please do so! Everyone's circumstances are different so you may have identified a need I overlooked. Thanks again!</span></div>
Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-60958362213656348252015-02-02T07:00:00.000-06:002015-02-03T21:10:12.362-06:00ANDREA'S BACK!!<span style="font-size: large;">And she's gonna make some trouble...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you guys remember <a href="http://shawn-adventuresinnicaragua.blogspot.com/2013/03/international-sisters.html" target="_blank">Andrea</a>? She served here two years ago with my roommate, Shelina, in sign language. She's Canadian and can't properly pronounce the word "about", but we still love her ;) She is gracing us with a ten day visit, and we couldn't be more pleased. Here's some of the antics we've already gotten into with her...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yC-5S7r-mQU/VMF8Hu9XenI/AAAAAAAABzg/E_bpLRsmoko/s1600/P1000800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yC-5S7r-mQU/VMF8Hu9XenI/AAAAAAAABzg/E_bpLRsmoko/s1600/P1000800.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andrea and I at the English Circuit Assembly. Can you tell who is whom? Well, Nicas can't. When she was here everyone thought we were the same person. You know what they say....we all look alike anyway hahaha.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1UJtHYN9lk/VMF8D80TQvI/AAAAAAAABzQ/hNStDDPrAnA/s1600/P1000802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1UJtHYN9lk/VMF8D80TQvI/AAAAAAAABzQ/hNStDDPrAnA/s1600/P1000802.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Andrea making fun of my food and drink pictures</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHhQw4kHSvw/VMF8GQuYeGI/AAAAAAAABzY/roAjeHrXqPo/s1600/P1000804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHhQw4kHSvw/VMF8GQuYeGI/AAAAAAAABzY/roAjeHrXqPo/s1600/P1000804.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Funday Monday at a restaurant by our house called El Bucanero. If you eat there, you can use the pool for $2 all day. We got there early and took advantage!! Great views of Masaya Volcano and the Masaya Lagoon.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdvT3zXA0jw/VMF8x6UDtVI/AAAAAAAABzo/8WM6BKIa8iI/s1600/P1000809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdvT3zXA0jw/VMF8x6UDtVI/AAAAAAAABzo/8WM6BKIa8iI/s1600/P1000809.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now THIS is how a food/drink pose is to be done, Andrea...live and learn!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIZ3rq5AKZM/VMF8y4jf7-I/AAAAAAAABz0/YaRmtbDpiQc/s1600/P1000810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIZ3rq5AKZM/VMF8y4jf7-I/AAAAAAAABz0/YaRmtbDpiQc/s1600/P1000810.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And like THIS! Shelina ate this and I was jealous. Best seafood soup EVER! Lobster, mussels, crab, shrimp, and a whole fried fish in an amazing broth. $13 or $11 without the lobster.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWWvrUtowZI/VMF8x0TRHII/AAAAAAAABzs/sLK9kZcV7NE/s1600/P1000813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sWWvrUtowZI/VMF8x0TRHII/AAAAAAAABzs/sLK9kZcV7NE/s1600/P1000813.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our view for the day</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u64Toj9z0sc/VMF8-pjtgRI/AAAAAAAAB0A/vVzQ6WgNaOs/s1600/P1000815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u64Toj9z0sc/VMF8-pjtgRI/AAAAAAAAB0A/vVzQ6WgNaOs/s1600/P1000815.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shawn and a volcano!!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-45704508029475349162015-01-29T07:00:00.000-06:002015-01-29T07:00:05.094-06:00URGENT NEED FOR CHINESE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDMP39U2pZs/VMF6H0ufj2I/AAAAAAAABzI/jhBcxYB74F8/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDMP39U2pZs/VMF6H0ufj2I/AAAAAAAABzI/jhBcxYB74F8/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This could be your new home!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just wanted to share some exciting news a friend of mine told me about. You may have read in the <a href="http://www.marinelink.com/news/nicaragua-building382761.aspx" target="_blank">news </a>how Nicaragua has started a project to open a canal connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean. It'll be another Panama canal, so to speak. Well, this presents us Witnesses with an amazing opportunity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see, China is financing the work and has sent hundreds of workers to the Nicaragua/Costa Rican border for a five-year long project. In response, we already have friends here from Pennsylvania who have learned Chinese and are ready to meet the spiritual needs of these workers. Could you come too? The ones I know of are working from San Juan del Sur which is right on the Pacific, has great surfing, and a Spanish and English congregation already established for your meetings. There's also a Chinese group in the capital, Managua, for you to send your addresses to if you can only come for a short time.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-25537860673446992352015-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:002015-01-26T07:00:04.838-06:00IT'S A GIRL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsqBu3oso5o/VMF2Q_XTdXI/AAAAAAAAByw/io9gC3BH_7I/s1600/P1000787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsqBu3oso5o/VMF2Q_XTdXI/AAAAAAAAByw/io9gC3BH_7I/s1600/P1000787.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week some dear, dear friends of mine invited me to their baby shower. After many disappointments, they will be welcoming Miss Dayana Shelina to the world (with Jehovah's help) in March. Soooo happy for them! The party was in Granada and it was really nice to catch up with old friends and relax a bit.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oedj9xoWUXk/VMF2N3hvR9I/AAAAAAAAByo/lwoL66LEKRY/s1600/P1000792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oedj9xoWUXk/VMF2N3hvR9I/AAAAAAAAByo/lwoL66LEKRY/s1600/P1000792.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shelina trying to feed baby food to Alixe while blindfolded. Things disintigrated quickly...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9J58ifAdkQ/VMF2REB4qYI/AAAAAAAABy0/MTQQOxZB_kI/s1600/P1000793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9J58ifAdkQ/VMF2REB4qYI/AAAAAAAABy0/MTQQOxZB_kI/s1600/P1000793.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Diana with her own Mami, Pilar, who is dying to welcome her first grandbaby!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEgCS6rAmDQ/VMF2cQFE6BI/AAAAAAAABzA/TTICKB-zxNI/s1600/P1000796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kEgCS6rAmDQ/VMF2cQFE6BI/AAAAAAAABzA/TTICKB-zxNI/s1600/P1000796.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What?! You've never been to a baby shower that broke out into a dance party? You've clearly never been in Nicaragua...here, EVERYTHING has the potential to break out into a dance party :) And let me just say, when there's no boys around these chicas can GET DOWN!!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-73372254602135549852015-01-22T16:09:00.003-06:002015-01-22T16:09:56.867-06:00CALEB BRINGS SMILES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm baaaaaaaccccckkkkk!!! Now whether you're clapping or groaning, the point is that I've got my new computer (I owe you big time, Andrea) and blogging again! There's so much I want to catch you guys up on so you're going to be seeing a lot of regular posts, I promise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I first wanted to share with you a fun congregation activity we did together back in November. In Nicaragua, school vacation runs from the end of November through the beginning of February. A couple fellow pioneers and I decided we wanted to take advantage of the vacation to do a kids party and catch everyone up on the Become Jehovah's Friend series. 95% of the homes here don't have Internet, it's available through phone by minutes only, and otherwise, one must go to a cyber (computer shop; you remember those from the '90s, right?) which not everyone has money for. So I downloaded all the videos and songs and we invited all the kids and most of the adult publishers from our rural territory (where there's no access to cybers) to come to Clara's house and get to know them. We had such a blast! Most of the kids had only ever seen the Caleb video that was released at the Regional Convention over 2 years ago; my heart clenched a bit to see the kids mouth along with almost every word of that first video; they knew it by heart!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25VgHumpF0c/VMFxxLUmB5I/AAAAAAAABx8/2p2Eo56oI-8/s1600/P1000756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25VgHumpF0c/VMFxxLUmB5I/AAAAAAAABx8/2p2Eo56oI-8/s1600/P1000756.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And to make it seem like a real party we had cupcakes, ice cream, sweet breads, fresco, and tostadas. That is NOT common for Nica parties...usually some chips and soda and everyone feels like they've gotten something special. Then a very generous sister put together "fun bags" for all the kids full of loud toys to annoy their parents. You can tell from the kids' faces below how they felt about it all.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Selene and Clara, fellow pioneers and party planners</span></td></tr>
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<br />Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-92100657223986228502014-12-28T13:09:00.000-06:002014-12-28T13:09:10.074-06:00BIG ANNOUNCEMENT<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>DECEMBER 25, 2014 I TURNED IN MY APPLICATION FOR THE SCHOOL FOR KINGDOM EVANGELIZERS!!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I'm scared to death. My tummy does little flip flops every time I really start thinking about things. I have major questions like:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Is there a chance I can go in English or will I have to cram major studying in Spanish for 2 months?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Will I even get invited?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Will I stay in my assignment?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Will my roommate and I get separated?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">What if I end up with a crazy new roommate?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">What if I hate my new assignment?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">What if I have to learn another language?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm really trying to apply Matthew 6 and not be anxious…especially because it has to do with such an exciting subject! But the truth is that I could use a few prayers from everyone :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall I just decided that being scared isn't a good reason NOT to do something. We ladies have been grumbling and begging for an opportunity like this ever since Gilead started taking couples only, so I feel foolish to have the circumstances and the opportunity and NOT take it.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-86875699231102846782014-12-23T10:34:00.000-06:002014-12-23T10:34:34.215-06:00TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIESReaders, I know I haven't posted anything recently, and I apologize. There's a lot I want to tell and show you, but unfortunately, the motherboard on my laptop blew up and I'm currently computer-less. I have my tablet, but have you ever tried doing a post on those things ugh!<br />
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Anyway, a dear friend is bringing me a replacement in about a month. If you guys will be patient with me, I should have something up and running mid-January. Thanks!Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-36882617865026078172014-12-06T22:31:00.002-06:002014-12-06T22:31:30.052-06:00LOOKING TO SERVE WHERE THE NEED IS GREATER?<span style="font-size: large;">We recently had our circuit overseer's visit, and I explained to him about how I get so many requests from readers about where they should go to serve. I asked him in our territory, where would he send someone? Here's what he said.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">San Juan de la Concepción a.k.a. La Concha</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why? Well, this congregation has about 50 publishers but only 2 elders. These 2 elders are advanced in age and are really having trouble keeping up with shepherding and assignments. They need help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pros...it's in the middle of pineapple country and has a moderate climate. The congregation has an excellent pioneer spirit. It sits right on the bus route to many larger towns like Ticuantepe (where the former branch was; shown below) and San Marcos. Also, if you're not 100% on your Spanish yet, San Marcos has an English group you could support from time to time to boost you up.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWmFJxMgusY/VIPWa4fHJkI/AAAAAAAABxo/zrDrCHeI_2I/s1600/DSCN0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWmFJxMgusY/VIPWa4fHJkI/AAAAAAAABxo/zrDrCHeI_2I/s1600/DSCN0717.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cons...this may all be relative but you'd be the only need greater in that congregation. Also, because of the size of this pueblito, it may be hard to find a rental, but C.O. says you should be able to find something easily along the bus route.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, so what if you're a single sister and therefore, unqualified to fill that need...where should you go?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>
<b> Here with me! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ahem, or at least close. No, really, our <a href="http://shawn-adventuresinnicaragua.blogspot.com/2014/05/san-francisco-group.html" target="_blank">little endeavor</a> in our rural territory of<a href="http://shawn-adventuresinnicaragua.blogspot.com/2014/04/memorial-season-2014.html" target="_blank"> San Francisco</a> is really booming. The C.O. says that if we continue to have the support there that we have, he'll recommend it to be a congregation the next time he visits. We have about 19 publishers assigned there but the meeting attendance is regularly 30something. And it's not just for sisters. There's only 1 elder and 1 ministerial servant assigned (yes, these are different numbers from before; some Nindirí brothers could no longer afford the transportation costs and came back to the home congregation), so if you're a responsible brother, this is an amazing opportunity to get some hard core training.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pros...you're close to Nindirí which is adorable, cheap, and right along the PanAmerican highway making travel a breeze. No trouble finding a rental in Nindirí. Rural territory i.e. pigs, cows, horses, householders sending you home with melons and tamarind!!! Nindirí got approval to build a new KH this year so if you come soon, you can support that project as well. Look how much our lovely need greater Jocelyn loved it last April:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cons...the territory is VAST so you'll spend a bit in transportation every time you go out there. Figure on almost $2 each day you spend out there especially if you're doing r.v.'s or studies and not just straight preaching. VERY small congregation so you'll really have to be willing to pull your own weight. Rural territory--I don't know how but it's not for everyone. Again, you'd be the only need greater in this congregation, but I'd be in Nindirí :) Wait, is that a pro or con?!</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-51559617527613643402014-11-24T11:48:00.000-06:002014-11-24T11:48:09.738-06:00WHAT "BLANK" MEANS TO YOU?<span style="font-size: large;">I was walking home from the meeting Saturday night and with what I smelled and heard and felt, it just hit me....THIS is Nicaragua to me. All those sensations at once just summed it up. You know how sometimes you have like a deja vu moment with a phrase or smell or sound and immediately, you're transported somewhere? With words, I'm going to try to describe what Nicaragua means to me.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">To me, Nicaragua means...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">the smell of fried plantain in the air</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">salsa or meringue music transported over the neighborhood Saturday night</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">fritanga with friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">"adios" to everyone on the street</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">sweep, sweep, sweep on the sidewalk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">that handsweep down the face when sweating </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">polvera on Sundays</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">tropical fruit and palm trees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">constant motion</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Need greater challenge!!!! What does your assignment mean to you? Write a post or comment entitled "what (insert name of assignment) means to me." Can't wait to see your amazing responses!</span></div>
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Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6379362871618261891.post-9356758520203194572014-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:002014-11-13T08:54:21.350-06:00D.F. DAYS 4-6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFcioSHoQ0k/VGAoVnC3fcI/AAAAAAAABvk/9LsNGeiunqQ/s1600/IMG_20141102_095246_pan%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFcioSHoQ0k/VGAoVnC3fcI/AAAAAAAABvk/9LsNGeiunqQ/s1600/IMG_20141102_095246_pan%5B1%5D.jpg" height="80" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, as you can see what came next was the actual Regional Assembly. We had a peak attendance of 19,000 and over 160 baptized. Our guest speakers were Mark Sanderson of the G.B. and a helper to the G.B. named Bro. Mavor. Their talks were translated so we actually heard them in English!!! What a blessing from Jehovah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I took your advice and DID wear traditional garb. I actually convinced the whole group of us to wear it! I think we look beautiful :) We were definitely a hit since there were just a handful of Nica delegates. Our dresses are called <i>un guipil </i>and the sandals are called <i>caites; </i>the men are in a shirt called a <i>guayabera</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How can I sum up? One of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I felt like a princess and learned so much about what true hospitality feels like. I think the sisters below said it best...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw7dd3RgIw7aCIxu2ozM1vIR1EvWaw5BsQoECXPP8DMuMmFnKanKXM4CIo0BKHRv29TGAHgfHIk8w1uNItnrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok so one last funny story. As you see in the photo montage, Bro. Sanderson was present. Saturday after the session we decide we're going to stalk him and see if we can meet him. As we're making our way to the stage, Brett tells me, "Shawn, did you know Sanderson is single?" I just laughed and laughed. What single sister under 100 DOESN'T know Sanderson is single? But how weird would that be to date him? I can just see us in Family Worship and me being like, "Well, I understood <i>this </i>from the reading" and him being like, "Weeeelllllllllll NO." :) I pray he never reads this post.</span>Shawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14803160496139612638noreply@blogger.com1