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