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

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!

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.)

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

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

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

Departing from the Airport!

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