Our Second Christmas
We celebrated our second Christmas in Nicaragua. Last year, as you may have read, was filled with exploration and adventure. This year, things were quiet. Almost too quiet. Many missionaries often feel a sense of loneliness at different times while they are in the field. Christmas morning was the first time I felt this. I think it was the isolation of being in a foreign country combined with the new season of our lives where the excitement of Christmas morning has lost its pizzazz. What Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" and cinnamon rolls could not fix, prayer and perseverance did.
Trip to La Finca Argentina
After Christmas, our family went north into the mountains to stay with a Nicaraguan family for a few days. On this farm they plant, harvest, and prepare coffee as well as other typical farm chores. Experiencing life with a Nica family was enlightening, peaceful, and reflecive. Gallo pinto and Nica cheese were served at each meal with either soup, fresh chicken or eggs. The house had electricity, but it ran on solar power only. The sunlight charged a battery pack that powered the home with lights, and even television. Little 5 year old Maria Belin knew that no sun means no cartoons today. All of the water was directed to the house from a spring that runs through the farm.
In return for their hospitality, our family prepared an Italian meal for their family-15 people to be exact. Jeremy prepared chicken fettucine alfredo, I prepared a salad and garlic bread, and Spencer and Hannah served them. They were refusing to eat until we sat down with them, but Jeremy convinced the family that this is something we wanted to do for them. Reluctantly, they started without us. Here are a few moments from our time with Nelson Rizo and family.
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| Sharing Spencer's guitar. Douglas had not played in years! |
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| Picking my one of my favorite things...COFFEE! |
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| Spencer hauling 150 pound bags of coffee to the husker. |
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| This little guy works at the farm. La Finca Argentina employs over 20 people. |
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| Jeremy & Spencer sorting the grades of beans. |
Teacher Retreat
Each year before the beginning of second semester, NCA teachers and staff get together to refresh, reconnect, and rejuvenate. It was a great time of relection on our relationships with Christ and team building.
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| Jeremy in catching marshmallows from his teammates. |
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| The van push/pull relay. |
Arrival of an Intern
In early January, we had an intern from Cedaredge arrive to spend two months with us! Megan Bradshaw will be working at a local orphanage, helping out at NCA with the library move in the coming weeks, and experiencing life on the mission field. We are happy to have her!
Spiritual Emphasis Week
As the second semester is in full swing, we experienced yet another first. This past week was Spiritual Emphasis Week at NCA. Throughout the week special activities led to up Friday, where normal classes were cancelled in exchange for praise and worship, breakout sessions, and a wonferful keynote speaker. Students were able to choose from sessions such as "The Connection Between Science and Faith", "Worth the Wait (ladies only)", "Dealing with Depression", and "Coping with Stress and Worry." Although there were many more sessions from which to choose, students had to decide on four. Tough questions were answered in a safe place as relationships were fostered between teachers, students, and the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.
I think that sums up our busy month! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!
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