Pieces of Nicaragua

Yesterday was an awesome day. Preston allowed me to tag along with him, Noel, and Israel to go check out a friend's house building project, and possibly offer a hand. We had to take the bus into town to get to his neighborhood. I really enjoy it when we get to go into the city of Leon. 

I wasn't going to include this picture, but after seeing the lady in the back I totally had to. I think she likes me.

Once you leave the main streets of the city we had to walk a bit to get to where he was building. 

The neighborhood they are building in.

Peeped in on their neighbors yard and found a little friend. :)

Noel standing in what will be their house.

Israel picking a flower. He's so so sweet.

Beautiful little girls that live in their neighborhood.

This house is in our neighborhood. Coolest fence and tree ever!!

This horse also lives in our neighborhood. No fence. He just hang outs.

Okay well just wanted to share some of the shots I took yesterday. Hope you enjoy these little pieces of my trip here in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua Week One

My first week in Nicaragua has been wonderful. I thought the adjustment would be difficult. But it's been like a beautiful vacation where I get to hang out with people I love and talk about God with them. I cannot complain at all. Sandra and Preston have taken such wonderful care of me. Below is some of the fruit I've been talking about. Those are mangos.

This is Douglas. He hates having his picture taken, so I had to be sneaky to catch this shot of him!! Yesterday I sat with him on the bus coming home from church and he told me about how he hopes to go to college where his adopted mother lives in West Virginia in the United States.

Engel and Noel. Two of the original boys who stole my heart in March. :)

Freddy loves being in front of the camera, even though he would never admit that. He's always posing for me!

Noel and I comparing skin colors. The boys call me Chela. Apparently this is an affectionate way to say 'white girl'. Noel and I have gotten the closest of all the boys. We have a special connection. We just seem to understand each other. As I told a friend recently, he is the most precious thing that lives on this earth. He truly is my brother.

Sandra and Preston grabbed some shots of us before we headed to church yesterday morning. Church was wonderful and we got to walk through the market a bit afterwards and even though it was hot it was fun.

Nicaragua: I'm here.

So here I am in Leon, Nicaragua. It didn't seem like I would ever get here, but through your support, prayer and otherwise, I made it. Yesterday and today have been very laid back. Sandra and Preston have allowed me some time to settle in and relax which has been wonderful. One thing about Nicaragua is it's not nearly as fast paced as America. Everything is relaxing and it's almost as if you have permission to take things slow. At home I feel guilty for sitting down and watching a movie, or even laying down for a few minutes when there are other things to be done. So this has been a treat.

The pictures above are just a few shots I took around the home I'm staying in. The flowers are called birds of paradise and I'm jealous that we don't have them in the United States (Except maybe in Florida). When Preston found out I liked the flowers he brought them to me to put in my room. It's incredible, I have come to serve these people and they treat me as an honored guest. Jesus has truly given me a beautiful Nicaraguan family.

The boys have been keeping me on my toes already. Telling me I must say things in Spanish. I must repeat after them. Yesterday Noel came into my room and said: "Te gusta arana?" To which I replied: "Sure!!" Thinking he said: "Te gusta naranjas?" (Do you like oranges?) Which wouldn't make sense anyway because naranja is orange the color, the fruit is spelled (and said) differently. (Hey I never said I was good at Spanish). So I proceeded with him to the front porch where they showed me the most giant spider I have ever seen. A tarantula, I'm sure. After I flipped out, he stomped on it with his flip flop which scared me to death. Anyway, I think the boys are warming up to me. Freddie talked to me the whole car ride back to Leon, so we became instant buddies. Noel remembers me and keeps giving me hugs. Engel has been shy but is beginning to open up again. The other two have been tougher, but I'm working on it.

Israel is in the purple. Then there's Freddie being shy.

Freddie again. And lastly, caught a few pictures yesterday afternoon of Israel picking some mangos!

Absolutely loving the fresh fruit here straight from the back yard. Mangos, coconuts, bananas, grapefruits and more. So that's about it for now. This afternoon I'm headed into town with Sandra to get some things. I'm excited to see more and more of the way of life down here. Keep checking back here for updates!!

Erin & Josh's Wedding

The weather could not have been more perfect for Erin and Josh's big day. The whole day was gorgeous. I had trouble choosing my favorites from this sweet outdoor wedding. There were so many great shots. Beautiful moments from a beautiful day. Such a sweet family. Ashley and I were so honored to be a part of everything. Hope you all love them!! 

The flowers were gorgeous!!

Has to be my favorite cake-cutting to date. Josh's face is absolutely priceless.

Such a sweet toast from the maid of honor!! It had everyone in tears.