Saturday, September 14, 2013

Our Community......

It dawned on me the other day that we have slowly formed a community of people here...God has provided us with those who are encourages, helpers and friends that are slowly forming a foundation of community for us.  We are transitioning from the craziness of the transition to settling...transitioning from everything is new to living....transitioning from where do we fit to this is our home.  There are so many "characters" in our world that I thought I'd introduce you to those who help shape our world here.....

Our neighbors- Between all of us, there are 12, yes TWELVE kids that range in age from 2-18.  We live in a small community called "La Veranera" that consists of four houses in a circle and lots of space for the kids to play.  It is a safe haven, if you will.  A place that we can let Slaton be Slaton.  The kids rise early in the morning sometimes getting in playtime before school starts at 7:25!  The rule is the door has to be open before you can play!  I know our neighbor has opened her door to Slaton's face starting at it many a Saturday.  All of the school-age kids go to school at Slaton's school which makes wonderful for carpooling and daily planning!  Each of the families are involved in different ministries in Nicaragua yet share common ground of being here to serve God.

The Kratovils-Jason, Nadia, Katie, Hudson, Hunter and Harrison-  I had been praying that God  would send us some mentors.  Someone that has been here with a family, passionate serving and is real...and God sent us the Kratovils.  They have been in country for 8 years with children now ranging in age from 7th grade to kindergarten. They freely give us advice, suggestions and encouragement...never once seeming to mind.  I am daily  amazed by their gift of just sharing knowledge with others....this isn't the norm sometimes. In addition to being mentors and friends, their boys provide almost constant playmates with Slaton.  Harrison and Slaton are in the same class at school and pretty much inseparable while at home!  I can truly say that their door (or windows!) are always open!!!  They are church planters that have a church in Managua that has been turned over to the Nicaraguans and have started another in Mateare. 

 The Normans- They have three children that are absolutely precious!  Their girls bring me flowers to buy that smell absolutely beautiful (for 5-10 cords a piece and sweet smiles, who can resist!) and their son is the cutest thing ever!  Karel works at Slate's school as the sports director and Myra ministers at House of Hope teaching the ladies how to bake.

The Ipples- Newest to our neighborhood, Andrew teaches next door to Slaton's classroom at the             school and Ruth ministers as a nurse.  Their three children have nicely rounded out the "playing company" as Slaton calls it!  They have a daughter May that is a year younger than Slaton.  He loves to play with her!   Their house (being the newest at the moment) is the "hot" house on the block with a new stock of legos and toys.....

 On any given day, the kids might be running around playing with home-made arrows and bows, or building a massive city out of all the legos in the community, swimming or just hanging out.  A blessing of a place.

Fatima- Slaton's babysitter- Fatima came into our life by way of David Patterson who wanted to introduce me to a nice, hard-working lady.  Oh my goodness, she has been a God-send.  She doesn't speak English and, of course, Slaton is learning but knows LITTLE spanish and, yet, they communicate unbelievable.  She has been one of his babysitters since we moved here and now exclusively watches him usually about four days a week when teams aren't here and more when they are.  She literally loves on him, dotes on him, worries about him and treats him like a king!  When she watches him, she is always within two feet of where he is...our neighbors have humored us and she literally follows Slaton wherever he goes.  I can honestly say I couldn't do the ministry work that God has allowed me to do without His provision of Fatima.  She has such a sweet disposition that brightens a room....ALWAYS.

Susie-our Housekeeper- I didn't ever think I would want, need, have a housekeeper...I'm pretty independent...but Susie quite literally came with the house that we are renting.  She knows the house better than I do...she's cleaned it for years.  She does our laundry, mops the floors (which constantly get dusty and muddy), cleans as needed, makes incredible chicken tacitos and loves on our family.  She comes three days a week at $7.00 a day....another God-send in my world.  She doesn't read or write so this has made me appreciate being able to read and also the need to recognize literacy or lack thereof while ministering.  Again, would not be able to minister in full abandonment without Ms. Susie. 

Slaton's school- Mr. Avery, Ms. Katie, Mrs Randall, Mrs. Mejia, Liam, Ms Andrea, his Spanish teacher, his PE teacher...the list goes on and on...the gardners, the guards....  They have created a place where children's hearts are encouraged with such lovingkindness that it is almost unbelievable.  During Slaton's transition last year, we had a difficult time...and not one time did they say, this is too much. Not one time, did they hesitate...instead, they prayed.  They simply prayed.  This year, Slaton is doing incredible. He is ahead in his Spanish work, has gotten happy faces stamps EVERY DAY and in his progress report got great marks on all of the places he had issues last year...and he is HAPPY at school!  He loves learning there, loves Spanish (which he hated last year) LOVES PE which he wouldn't even participate in last year!!!!  He LOVES it!  He also has discovered the wonderful world of books which completely excites me!!!  Thanking God that instead of obstacles, they saw potential.

The lady at the intersection-Every morning when we go to H.O.P.E. Central at Siete Sur, there is an old beggar woman that stands between the two lanes and will literally stare a driver down until they either drive away or give her money.  We still don't know her name...but someday we might.  When you give her money or food (my preference) she says "God Bless You in Spanish in the deepest voice imaginable... But she encourages us every day...her presence reminds us to why we are here...every day.

The staff at H.O.P.E. Central-During the past 8 months, we have transitioned into our positions...me in women's ministry and Travis as team liason and community development.  I minister alongside a most wonderful young lady, Claudia.  Whose heart and spirit is so contagious, that you want to bottle it up and serve it to the world!  When I met her family, I realized why she was how she was...they are all like that.  She always tells me that people are different in the country.... She is right beside me serving with abandonment.   Deanna, a young lady from Alaska who fell in love with Nicaragua, goes to college here and translates for us...again, love her serving sweet heart... (Taellor has found friendship in both of them...they all have in common their serving hearts without thought to what others might think or do.  They encourage each other to follow where God is leading them!) Jorge, our maintenance guy, who never flinches at going to the brothels with me to minister or going to the dump with us and instead of just watching and protecting actively ministers alongside.  Travis works primarily with Michel..whose heart is so incredibly big! I love how he knows who is who in the community and loves on all of them.  And then I love the others that we serve with...each one comes with their own sweet spirit and gifts...Dr. Melba, who I love doing medical missions with...who lights up most when serving those who need her most...who I love doing ultrasound with to help with diagnosis.... The guards (Geral, Eddy, Donnie (who always tells Slaton that "Jesus loves you!") and Darion who always greet us so sweetly and never tire of my constant movement in and out of the base:-)  Ana, Scarlet, Mercedes, Janet...sweet, sweet ladies that brighten my day, always.  Angelica, Jerson and Marvin...which are three that have been with Project H.O.P.E. for a long time and come with a wealth of knowledge from the history of the organization. Javier, whose smile and gentle spirit I love to be around.  Eddy (Fast Eddy)...who encourages us daily.  Eduardo, who never hesitates to help us (whether translating or last minute movie nights) Jose, our newest addition to the staff, but who sings beautifully and has such a servant's spirit.  Alejandro, who will always hold a special place in my heart since we walked Yancy (a young sick girl) home in the dark of the night through a banana field so many years ago...he never hesitated to go with me.  And of course, all of our translators that make communication and ministry doable for all of us who are learning the language...servant hearts, they have.  If I missed anyone, it wasn't on purpose...as a group, we minister to serve Christ.

Josimar-our Spanish teacher-poor guy!  He has been so encouraging to us even on the days when I'm sure he thinks we are pretty crazy...He doesn't get Travis' jokes at all but I think is also learning alot of additional words along with them... Example: Clear as crystal.  That one threw him for quite the loop!  We will learn Spanish if poor Josimar has anything to do with it!

Geraldo-our Sign Language teacher- This has got to be the funniest guy EVER! He would win hands-down at the game of Gestures!!!  He is deaf and teaches us Nicaraguan sign language in such an amazing way. The missionaries at the deaf school Matt and Eva Barlow have also been and encouragement to us...guiding us and encouraging us.

Bombaros-the homeless man at Cuidad Sandino-
Loreina in the dump at Cuidad Sandino

Silva and Pastor Horacio in Cuidad Sandino dump-They have welcomed us from the beginning as family into their home and their community. I love the gentle spirits that they have alongwith their desire to serve as partners-man and wife.  A true inspiration...day in and day out.

Martha at the Women's Shelter-She encourages me to serve in wild abandonment...to literally just serve...to not be afraid to just laugh...and to love above all else love.

Other missionaries- April Havlin at House of Hope, Angela-House of Hope, Laura, House of Hope, and the list goes on...but there have been many that have freely shared and given us encouragement that can only come from obedience to God.  We have met so many that have a kind word, or suggestion or just a seemingly vague comment that reminds/directs us.

We have been blessed by so many in our world...there are many more here that ebb and flow in our lives...these are the ones that are consistently in mine...that make up our community in Nicaragua. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Wow! Time has Literally Flown By........

While I intend to be more diligent in blogging...... (I am going to try once again! I do better on Facebook so if you want daily updates (short) go to Tammy Conner Stearns), time has simply flown by...well, not really flown by...time has intentionally moved forward with so many memories that sometimes I have difficulty putting them into words.  Some days, I wonder if God isn't thinking, "Seriously, Tammy, when will you stop being amazed at what I can do!"  These past 8 months, I have been amazed beyond words, amazed being reason and humbled by the provisions of our heavenly Father.  Provisions that demonstrate that He is a God of details... the Great I Am.




 We have finished the team season.  I believe there were a few bets before we came down here on how long we would last.  I kept waiting for the sinking... "Oh my gosh, what have we just done" feeling to come.  I was thinking about mid-June.  However, with each team, we actually became excited to see the next.  With each team, God worked amazing wonders...not just in the village but in the very short-term missionaries that He had sent.  My eyes still tear up at the thoughts of seeing the village new every week through someone who had come for the first time, of hearing someone respond with excitement when they realized why God had sent them here and at the love that Christ has for all of us that He would care enough to involve us in His plan.  We excitedly look forward to next year's team season as we settle in with our year round ministries. 

Slaton has started school again.  Kindergarten!  He is doing absolutely amazing.  All of the teachers have stopped us....even those who don't have him in his class and have commented on his improvement.  He loves PE and Spanish which were two absolute hates last year.  We can only attribute his change to lots of answered prayers.  Thank you to all who pray for him daily.  I know when he walks down the hallway to his class that he is walking covered in prayer.  He continues to struggle with recognizing letters but he desires to learn them which is a blessing.  We continued to be blessed with our new home.  Nestled down a crazy rock and paved road, it has literally become our sanctuary.  A place we can we go and just be family.  A safe place that Slaton can play with the other 10 children that live in the houses surrounding ours.  They start early! (5:30 AM!)   On Saturday morning, the rule is the door must be open before you can walk in.  Many a mornings, our neighbor has opened her door to Slaton on the other side as we have heard "loud" whisperings of Slaton out our windows.  If it is a "stay home day", they spend the day running around in shorts (no shirt or shoes) with makeshift bow and arrows literally playing until dark only stopping to forage food from any one of the four houses.  
 



Taellor has decided to wait until Spring to begin at OTC for online classes.  We struggled with that one but learning Spanish here is one of our top priorities so she'll begin in the Spring and focus here on language and continuing to minister in the areas that God calls her to be.  She is incredible with the children. 
I love watching her at House of Hope just loving on kids. 
She has her Bible study there for the little ones along with Wednesday dance therapy at Blue Bird orphanage.  She has recently started on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons helping teach gymnastics at Slaton's school.  Who would have thought all of those gymnastics lessons would have led her to serving in Nicaragua through gymnastics? She literally blends right in here...our neighbor, who is starting the new church in Mateare, saw a lady from the village seemingly taking something out of his van a couple of Sundays ago.....  Yep, it was Taellor!  It seems as she was created for here.



Travis has continued to enjoy working with the teams in the field...especially with his boys.  There are about 10 young boys in the village (10-14 years in age) that have worked with him all season.  I love watching him mentor them even without the language...side by side.  Working with them, remembering their name and just talking with them.  I can go in the village and if he's there, they are with him....if he's not, they want to know where he is and when will he be there.  He's working with one boy to try to get him back in school after he missed most of this semester to stay home and working with his mom.  He's in 5th grade and his dad is in prison.  No one seems to care that he's not in school....I love that Travis does.  I have found him to be more outgoing here especially with team members.  For those who know him only back home, you know him as someone who doesn't talk much until he knows you and then only so much...well, here, he is totally different.  I have seen him sit with a team member for over an hour discussing and processing the experience.  I KNOW!  This is not Travis...this is God working through Travis...there is no other explanation:-)  He continues to work with Furia Santa assisting Marvin as needed. Again, I love watching this growth in him as he allows God to use him in any manner.


I continue to do our Bible studies at House of Hope, the Cuidad Sandino dump and the woman's cancer shelter along with Pan de la Vida visits.  We also work at the feeding station in the dump on Wednesdays.  Every day, well actually, every place as I leave I tell Claudia..this is my favorite....I don't know which is my favorite...they all are because in each of them, God is closest...  It is those moments when you can just stop for a second and say, "Wow, this is it."  My number of ultrasounds have increased...along with variety of ultrasound exams.  I have now done every (and for my ultrasound colleagues, I mean every) ultrasound exam type.  I love being able to scan here...love being able to bring comfort to a mother who is fearful something is wrong with her unborn child, love being able to "see" what is or isn't the matter.  Something not serious back home can be very serious here....  Dr. Melba is a blessing to work with...this is one of those places where I say "This is my favorite.."  Can there be a favorite?  I liken it maybe a little to heaven.....  What will we like best there?  That's kind of how I feel ministering here. 
 










Not to say that it has all been a walk in the park...sometimes a literal walk in the dark but just knowing that we are obediently following the call of our Father has righted us when our ship would tend to tip.  Carl Rees during our commissioning service at Ridgecrest said, "Remember your call because some days that is the only thing that will keep you there."  That is why we are here.  In the early months, we were jokingly saying we needed a slogan... a motto of sorts... and over time we heard ourselves saying the same six words over and over without realizing it...
" We are here to serve God."  and that is what it has summed up to be.  In the craziness of the city (Never would have thought we would live in a capital city of over 2 million people) to the only thing that is reliable is that nothing really is reliable, we have learned that our foundation is God and God alone.  We are grateful for a home church that is intimately involved in this mission as members offer daily encouragement and prayer.  This, we are learning, isn't something that is common on the mission field.
Team from our home church-Ridgecrest Baptist Springfield, MO
Our family from Pontiac, MO.

Project H.O.P.E. continues, in our mind, to be an organization that is second to none in short-term missions to Nicaragua.  It has been incredible to watch/observe as we serve along side most of the Directors this season.  I have been happy to see confirmation again and again that the purpose of Project H.O.P.E. is Christ.  Team upon team has demonstrated that the relationships created are much more important than the houses that are being built.  Time and time again, I loved watching as team leaders modeled this for their team members.  When you are considering coming into an organization that you have observed from the close proximity but still on the outside, you also wonder what the core portrays.... the core here portrays hard work, solid faith with extreme obedience to God. 

Again, I end with the desire to be more faithful in blogging.  Thank you for your prayers and continued encouragement in this adventure.



Saturday, June 15, 2013

June Update



Family and Friends,

As we continue our journey serving in Nicaragua, I am daily reminded of how blessed we are to have those back home who are praying daily.  As I meet those who have no one, I give praise of thanksgiving on your behalf.  We wanted to send an update on our ministry within Project H.O.P.E.  As the season for short-term mission teams kicks into high-gear, we are given the opportunity to not only minister to the Nicaraguan people, but also to Americans who come here to serve.  

Travis continues to work with the men at Furia Santa (means “Holy Furia”). With the addition of short-term mission teams, Travis started a “block-making” activity that involves Gringos and the Furia Santa men working side-by-side making blocks.  They begin at 5:30 am every Tuesday and Thursday and make approximately 200 blocks.  This time of shared work is then followed by a devotion and testimonies.  By combining work, fellowship and discipleship, God breaks down boundaries and provides an avenue for the men involved to be real in their common struggles and successes.  In addition to working with the Furia Santa men, Travis serves as in the field as a team liason between the short-term mission team and the Nicca staff.  God continues to open doors for Travis to minister to men who tend to work hard…by coming alongside them and working with them, Travis is able to build a relationship first.  

To see God work through Taellor here is simply amazing….A couple of months ago, she was able to come with me to House of Hope for my Tuesday morning Bible study.  She kept noticing the children that were running about that no one was ministering to…and the next thing I know, she has gotten the extra supplies that I had in my tub and is holding an “impromptu children’s Bible study” under a tree.  This impromptu Bible study has continued and continues to grow as she (just her and God) reaches the younger children of the women in prostitution that come to the Tuesday morning outreach.  She typically has about 20 kids ten and younger.  She continues to serve at the Special Needs Orphanage assisting in their dance therapy.  God has gifted her with the ability to just simply love…  In the village that we are building, her time is mostly spent with the children.  They take her to their homes where we often find her assisting them with their chores, carrying water from the wells and building relationships.


 
 

Slaton has finished his PreK class at his school (Nicaraguan Christian Academy).  He will be promoted to Kindergarten next year.  For all of the struggle and difficulty in the beginning, he finished strong in the end.  




 He has made some wonderful friends here and is quickly picking up Spanish phrases.  He, currently, is in the States visiting his grandparents.  One of the ladies from the village gave him a bird that is extremely tame.  He walks around with the bird on his shoulder!   




(When he first heard that we were moving to Nicargua, this was one of the very first things that he asked for!!!)  He is slowly becoming more accustomed to the poverty that he encounters here.  The poverty in the village was difficult for him to comprehend at first.  He still wonders why they make houses out of trash and why they don’t have shoes….






 


My women’s Bible study in the Cuidad Sandino dump continues to evolve! We have anywhere from 50-70 children and that many women…with always a few men. We have added  a small children’s time with a Bible Story and craft before our women’s study.  We recently celebrated Mother’s Day with music (our very own Furia Santa band), cake, games and gifts.  It was an amazing evening to hear laughter and giggles as we tried to determine who had the most kids, who had the most girls and who had the most boys.  I enjoy seeing God work within these group of ladies as He works on me…showing me joy and hope in places of such desperation. 

 

 My Bible study on Tuesday mornings with the young girls involved with prostitution has continued to be such a blessing.  We are currently studying the Beatitudes…taking each one and discussing how it applies to our own lives.  They live in such a dark world…and, yet, Light is apparent.   



On Tuesday afternoons, I have began to spend time (also taking teams) to the Women’s Cancer Shelter.  Here, women await cancer treatment at the hospital nearby.  They are far from their families and typically have very little support emotionally.  Our desire is to remind them that Christ is there for them no matter where they are… 


 




 I have also recently added “Pan de la Vida” visits on Thursday morning! These are quickly becoming such a treasure in my world! (Granted, I think I say this about all of the ministry opportunities that God has allowed!!!) Each Thursday morning, Claudia (my translator), Taellor and I set out to visit 5 homes within the village that we are currently building.  We have began with the very first homes that were built two years ago.  We are simply coming to remind each home that Christ is the “bread of life” and asking how we can pray with them as we present to them a loaf of bread.  We have had times of sweet fellowship…woman to woman.  One of my favorite experiences was a couple of weeks ago.  Typically, we end up with several children following us….the also hear several times the message of Christ as we make our way through the village.  On this day, there was one boy about 9 years old who had been with us for several weeks on Thursdays.  When we came to our final loaf of bread that day and started to walk up to our last home for that day, I noticed there were tears streaming down his face.  This was  his home.  Today was his family’s day.  His mother was at work and he was alone, yet, he clung to that loaf of bread and asked us to pray for his family…for his mother’s health so she could continue to work.  As we prayed and the tears continued to stream down his face, I was reminded again and again of the faith of a child….for it wasn’t the bread that he was crying for….it was the prayers that were being said on his family’s behalf.


The faithfulness of God continues to leave us speechless….  Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as the journey continues.  We realize that there is so much that we have to learn…the language and the culture.  We are currently studying both Spanish and Nicaraguan Sign Language as God directs our path to those He wishes us to serve.   Please continue to pray for the language to take hold, for the health and safety of our family and for the people to whom we serve.



If we wish to follow us on Facebook, we are under (Tammy Conner Stearns) or our blog at stearnsfamilyinnicaragua@blogspot.com  

In His Hands,
The Stearns

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day from Nicaragua

It is strange that Mother's Day in the US is today and Mother's Day in Nicaragua is on May 30th!  A big day is being planned for that day!  At noon, we will be serving lunch to the women at the women's cancer shelter (Marta's) and then in the evening, we will be having a Mother's Day celebration at our women's  Bible study in the dump...complete with music and cake!  Mother's Day is a very special and exciting cause for celebration here.  We've been talking about the one in the dump for a couple of months! 

We are settling in to our new home.  Blessings upon blessings. Slaton has enjoyed his friends and the ability to run and play.  We have been blessed with neighbors that have walked this path long before us and are sharing so much of their experiences with us along with introducing us to their church in Managua.  We plan to alternate churches between ICF and the Nicaraguan church....One is good in English and the other allows us to practice our Spanish!  We begin Nicaraguan Sign Language Classes tomorrow!!!  Very excited about that.  There is such an unreached people group here in the deaf community and God seems to be placing us in the path of some of them.

I've been doing several ultrasounds per week.  I am so excited to be able to continue with my profession here.  I love being able to "see" with the use of technology and being able to assist Dr. Melba in order for her to decide treatment.

We are gearing up for team season to begin at H.O.P.E. Central.  I am so excited about the many friends and groups that will come down to serve.  Mainly, I will be focusing with the groups during the time with the women's ministry while Trav will be more hand's-on in the field with the teams in the community. 

Daily, I am amazed at God and His provision...at His faithfulness....at His sovereignty...  Whether it be during Pan de la Vida visits, the men of Furia Santa or the ladies at House of Hope, He continues to reveal Himself. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement as we walk this journey together!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Settling In.....

First of all, THANK YOU to all of our incredible, wonderful supporters, prayer warriors and friends.  As many of you know, this has been an incredible journey.  A lot has happened since our last post at a month and a half in!  As I reflect on the past couple of months, the most resounding theme is that of God's faithfulness.  

Taellor is still working with Dr. Melba going to do clinics in the communities.  Two of the clinics they are focusing on include one at a deaf school and another serving the elderly.  Taellor is also going once a week to Blue Bird (Special Needs) Orphanage where she helps with their dance therapy.  After going with me to teach a Bible study to the girls in prostitution, I noticed Tae off to the side.  As I walked closer, I realized that she had taken the smaller children (5-9 year olds) and using my left over craft materials was doing her own makeshift class!  So proud of her!! No translator, just a picture book, stickers and a willing heart! One of my greatest joys has been serving alongside my daughter in the field.

In between teams, Travis has continuing to work with the Furia Santa men.  I had the privilege of going with him to meet one of their families.  The depth of the conversation regarding accountability and choices was amazing during the ride home.  It ended with Travis telling him that he had the opportunity to change his family for generations to come...generations.  That is powerful. Travis was also able to go fishing with some of the staff that we work with.  From what I understand, they hiked half-way around a lake and used fishing gear that they had made themselves.  He loved it!!!  The only downfall of the day was when he looked to see Jorge's fish (the only catch of the day) and it got away!

Slaton is doing amazing at school!  Our "Mary Poppins" (Mrs. Andrea) has completely changed his world at school.  The control she has of the classroom is unbelievable..with the grace and patience of no one that I have seen before. He continues to find ministry in places that I don't see...The other day at Subway (our super secret Friday after school snack!) he saw a homeless lady eating out of a dumpster and was appalled that she was eating garbage.  As we watched, she ate an apple (half-eaten), part of a sandwich and some milk.  Slaton slowly began to realize that she was hungry and that was the food that God had provided for her..just like his sandwich for him... He asked if we could buy her one which we did....but I think this lesson will go well beyond him giving her a sandwich.






Buster remains to be an amazing dog.  He is Slaton's faithful companion...not a very good guard dog (He gets sleepy at about 8:00 and won't get up until Slaton does!) 

I've recently started doing "Pan de la Vida" visits.  Based on the Truth that Christ is the Bread of Life, Claudia and I are going door to door to every home in Mateare delivering a loaf of bread.  During the visit, we have been able to have sweet conversation, pray for specific needs and relate woman to woman.  I love being in their homes or on their front porch embracing their day to day life.  One key culture point that keeps ringing true to me over the past couple of months is that to be a woman in a third world country is difficult.  Difficult.  However, what is even more difficult is to be a woman in a third world country without a good husband.  Already, I have sat in the home of one recently single mother with two kids praying and crying and praying some more.  She can't read or write yet knows the importance of education for her son.  We are making weekly visits to her home and reading scripture with her. I continue to do Bible studies for the young girls that are affiliated with prostitution/sex trafficking.  This has been such a blessing.  I am starting to see some of the girls out in the community.  At first, they wouldn't make eye contact with me but after I initiated conversation, they will freely talk to me.  I love how the girls are becoming more "girly" during our crafts..giggling more, smiling.  This is also the case in the Wednesday afternoon women's Bible study in the dump...a true fellowship is forming.

In addition to our growing ministries, we have undergone some pretty major changes over the past couple of months.  The first (actually, they are all important in their own right...so no ranking...just random ordering...) is that we have moved from H.O.P.E. Central into a home of our own.  The decision to move off of base camp wasn't one made lightly.  In our plan, we expected to stay on base for a couple of years or so in order to learn the language and become more independent.  However, God seemed to have another plan for us.  As those of you know who have been to H.O.P.E. Central, it can be a very busy place.  The busyness of vehicles, staff, teams and such combined with a very active now-five year old was becoming more difficult as team season approached.  As God knows our needs before they happen, we found a home that is within a gated, guarded community of three other missionary families.  One of the families has a son in Slaton's class at school and they are having a wonderful time together!  We moved in this weekend and Slaton has been outside playing almost all weekend!  In addition to a safe place to raise our family here, God has given us some fellow missionaries that are incredibly Christ and mission focused!  This move also signifies a more permanent arrangement of a family home....it has been our prayer that we would be able to integrate.

Two weeks ago Wednesday, Travis had gallbladder surgery in Missouri.  The symptoms slowly crept up on him until one night he awoke to what I initially feared was a heart attack.  Dr. Melba attended to him while he was here (He was one of my first Ultrasound patients!) and thanks to Dr. Bob Powers, the transition to care was quick and seamless.  He is doing so much better! The highlight of the visit back home in addition to seeing family, friends and our small group was being able to worship with our home church! What encouragement!!!

As we continue to settle into our new city, I will be posting more frequently.  I am also on Facebook under Tammy Conner Stearns if you would like to follow us there.  I am more faithful updating there.  Mail can be sent to Project H.O.P.E. at 1419 S. Enterprise, Springfield, MO 65804.  (Someone will bring the mail down to us when they come down.)

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Our First Month...and 16 Days!

We have had an amazing first month. The last month has been filled with many changes, transitions and new normals. We've had to learn how to navigate through the streets of Managua and the creek bed roads of the villages along with how to "navigate" the Policia when we get pulled over:). We've had to learn to shop in open air markets ( the fruit and veggies are amazing!).  We have had to learn how to communicate in a language that is not our own..... And we have learned again and again that our God is faithful. From the support that allows us to be here, to the protection that he provides to direction, He has proven again and again that He is constant and unwavering.

Travis is working with Marvin and the Furia Santa men.  Along with their block making, they have spent much time in prayer together, worship songs and discipleship.  I have seen my husband flourish amongst men who need a father figure and mentor. He had also been working in the office with Maurice and with Michel in team preparations. If you travel down here this year, he will the one who will greet you at the airport!

Taeller began volunteering at Blue bird Special Needs orphanage. She continues to thrive being here and loves the challenge of cultural differences and language barriers. I continue to be amazed at  her heart! Today, she spent the day painting at Furia Santa..I'm not sure what got more paint..her or the walls BUT what I do know is that her smile is never ending...and when she serves is when her beauty shines the greatest.  She is also such a wonderful help with Slaton..not sure what we would do without her.

Slaton is adjusting to school and I believe has just realized that this is a permanent sort of move..... to those back home, he misses each of you. Buster has been a lifesaver with Slaton.  Slaton was diagnosed with Aspergers a couple of years ago. We knew coming into this that the constant flux in schedule, the lack of structure and change itself would be a challenge. We had been in contact with his teacher prior to coming here and she had to leave due to her husbands illness before classes started.  This has resulted in Slaton having 5 different teachers since school started.  This week, Mary Poppins literally taught his class. She had a wonderful British accent and is quite simply amazing. Her control of the class is perfect...... Keep praying that this change is finally becoming set.

To our dog lovers out there, Buster is doing wonderful.  I've never been much of a dog person until I have seen the amazing way he is with Slaton.  He is his constant companion here on base.  Where Slaton goes, Buster is always right behind..and if he isn't Slaton whistles and Buster comes running...he knows his master's call.

I am living my dream.  Daily, I am able minister to those that are hurting, lonely or impoverished taking to them not only needed food/clothing but also the gospel of Christ.  I have began a women's study at the Cuidad Sandino dump on Wednesdays. 25 women came the first day! The day after Valentine's Day, we began the book of John. We talked about what love is, why we fall in love, what makes us fall out of love, what breaks our hearts (Wonderful to share woman to woman!) and then we talked about God's love...the love that will never forsake us, never hurt us and will always LOVE us.  We had over 40 adults there (6 men! and lots of children running around!)  We ended with making cross necklaces that glow in the dark.  To remind them that night of God's light that will penetrate through the darkness of this world just as the glowign of their necklace will penetrate through the darkness of the night in the dump...only God's light will never wane or fade.  Nothing better than studying and sharing God's word amongst what some consider the most desperate of this country. The doors that God opens continues to amaze me.

Much thanks to the Home Gardners!  Our house closed yesterday!  What a wonderful relief and closure to the transition to our new home. 

Thank you again for your prayers and support.  Please continue to follow us on our blog or by Facebook at (Tammy Conner Stearns).

In His Hands,
The Stearns

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Almost One Month!

It is difficult to believe that we have been here almost one month.....  In a way, it seems like we've been here much longer (we are so very settled in our new home) and in other ways it seems like the time has flown by!  Slaton has settled into his new school. Thank you for those who continue to pray on his behalf!  He has a little friend, Mateo, who they have become fast buddies.  I do believe that they are partners in crime on alot of things...but they seem to have so much fun!  Taellor is flourishing just as we knew she would.  She has been working closely with Dr. Melba, spent a week with the medical team and going with Eduardo in the children's ministry when she is able.  She is hoping to be able to do some volunteer work in the "Blue Bird" Orphanage...a Special Needs Orphanage down the street.  She has such a gift with crossing all barriers with love.  So very proud of her!  Travis has been working with Marvin and the Furia Santa guys.  One of the boys (Fidel Castro :0) graduated from the program and is doing barber work.  Travis has been getting his haircuts from him and they look wonderful. He has also been working closely with Michel, Javier and Alejandro preparing for the upcoming teams.  I have been...not sure how to put it all into words..but having quite literally the time of my life here.  Yes, it is busy. Yes, it is hot.  We still don't know the language.  BUT, it is the adventure of a lifetime! And to be able to share it with my family! I can't ask for more.  I have been spending time with all of the different ministries that Project H.O.P.E. has going year round and working with Claudia on language, team logistics (translating schedules) and working on what will become our women's ministry.  We already have Bible studies scheduled to begin in March for the girls at House of Hope and the first Wednesday in February at 4:00 at the dump in Ciudad Sandino...a place I have been praying for since I first saw the women and children foraging for food amongst the waste from the city. 

Thank you so much for the prayers and support. I will be posting at least weekly beginning in February.  Our family was given the grace of taking January to settle into our new "world"...however, we have been blessed with the ability to dabble in this wonderful ministry during this month.  If we aren't friends on Facebook, friend me at Tammy Conner Stearns.  I do daily (sometimes multiple daily) updates with pictures from the field.  (Technology is AMAZING!)

Love you all,
The Stearns

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Look Back at Our First Week in Nicaragua

I have started this post I think a million times....at least.  How do you put into words a gift that it so precious?  Yes, the journey here has been difficult. Yes, it was hard to say goodbye.  Yes, it is a transition that will define our lives. But, this past week has been one of the most amazing weeks of our lives. 

The staff at H.O.P.E. Central has welcomed our family (and I mean, our whole family) with open arms.  We arrived in the night with all of our luggage and a four-year old and a dog (Buster) in tow...and the staff, our team, did not flinch once. We quickly were able unpack and get settled.  This past week has been spent learning the roads in and around Managua, finding the grocery stores and then the market (it is cheaper) , exploring the base and learning how to do our lives in a difficult culture.

During this time, we have been able to spend time in the communities (movie night and children's time in Mateare), looking at homes in the other communities that teams will do work in this year and meeting our staffs families and learning the ebb and flow of the country.

What have I learned this week?  I've learned that God answers prayers that sometimes we never voice..... Travis and I hadn't spoke of this dream since 2002 when we first stepped foot on Nicaraguan soil.  I can look back over the past ten years to see how God has prepared us for this time.  I've learned that our God is not a God of waste.  He only gives us what we need when we need it...otherwise we would be holding it until we need it. I have learned to be comfortable in waiting on God's provision....(not that I am always calm but I know where to go to gain the calmness).  I have learned that my daughter (Taellor) is such a lady of grace.  I love how she easily moves from culture to culture from person to person.  I have learned that when you leave certain people (those at home) you literally feel as if your heart is being torn in two...but that God provides the salve for that hurt, if you allow him.  I have learned to look through the eyes of Slaton and see a world that is incredible. 

This Sunday, I sat next to a lady who has been a missionary in Nicaragua for 25 years..she came here alone...just her and God.  She said it was the most difficult 25 years of her life but she has never felt more alive.  In the movie "The Hobbit", the hobbit, while contemplating whether or not he should go on the journey,  asks Argon, "Can you promise that I will return?" and Argon replies, "No, but I can promise if you do that you won't be the same." 

We had a wonderful staff meeting today at H.O.P.E. Central. I am excited about the staff and the work that will be done through Christ's name.  We pray that when we work in our communities that the people will see Christ and not ourselves.

Please continue to pray that our house will sell in the States.  Slaton had a wonderful good first day...and I think that we have found our babysitter!  So excited!!!  Pray that we all can stay healthy and that we can be the servants that we were called to be.

Love to everyone.
The Stearns

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Departing from the Airport!

This was us leaving the airport in Springfield, MO....

Happy New Year from Nicaragua!

Happy New Year! 

We start out the new year at H.O.P.E. Central in Nicaragua.  Our travel yesterday started with a minor hiccup at the airport but once all was taken care of (Thanks to everyone praying!), we were on our way...myself, Travis, Taellor, Buster (Slaton's dog), and no less than 16 bags of luggage (counting carry-ons).  Slaton's first airplane ride was quite an adventure to him...of course, we had to push the blue stewardess button to ask her a question...his question was, "Why are we in the air?" which led to about a 5 minute reply from her regarding how airplanes are like cars. Slaton loved it!  She was awesome.  In Miami, we were able to see Buster unloaded from our plane so we knew that he had made it to Miami.  On the flight from Miami to Nicaragua, Slaton's seat was behind a little girl that was his age.  They played almost all the way there.  As soon as Slaton saw the lights of Managua, he yelled (and I mean yelled!), "Look, it's Nicaragua!!!) and his friend started cheering and before we knew it the whole plane was cheering.  Arriving into the airport, we had a easy trip through immigrations and customs...even with Buster (which was a nightmare of mine!)  (I have to brag on Buster for a bit.  We have never crated him and he is mainly and outside dog but he hadn't gone to the bathroom in his crate for the whole trip!  Now, he went to the bathroom forever once we got to take him!)  Maurice and Eduardo (a surprise for us!) were waiting and quickly we were on our way to H.O.P.E. Central.

As we drove the way from the airport to the base camp, I asked Slaton what he thought...his reply was, "I hate it."  This was quite a surprise for us because he was so excited...so I asked why and his reply was, "There are bars everywhere and it looks so sad."  I realized that we hadn't really prepared him for what he would see here in the way of poverty.  We had completely prepared him for his new world, new home, new school, new teacher....but what about seeing those that live without, seeing homes that are not what he is used to, seeing those going without food.....this we hadn't prepared him. 

However, from the moment we pulled into H.O.P.E. Central, he fell in love, literally, with it all.  For those that have been here...remember the plants in from of the houses?  He calls them his own jungle.  The guard...he thinks they have the coolest job ever and I think he thinks that they are his new best friends....Thankfully, Dennis is trying to learn English so he doesn't mind that Slaton wants to constantly ask him questions!  Buster and Rayna are getting along and Slaton loves Rayna!  This morning after he awoke, I got him dressed and he went outside with Travis and then next thing I knew he's running around with only his shorts on and having a ball. 

Today was spent going to the grocery store (which was a success), unpacking and making our home...our home.  As I write this, Slaton and Travis are taking a nap (both are completely exhausted-Trav was just laying with him until he fell asleep!) and Tae and I are making cookies for the staff who many will return back to work tomorrow.  We are putting the verse Jeremiah 29:11 in each of them.... "For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  This verse was in Trav and I's devotion today...quite fitting for a new year!

Thank you again for all of the prayers and encouragement during this adventure.  While it is so very hard to leave those that we love, we are so very excited and will keep you posted as we go.  I will also be posting under Tammy Conner Stearns if you would like to follow there or our email is stearnstammy@ymail.com.

Specific prayer requests are that our house would sell and that our transition here would continue to be good.