Finally........some pictures

We've been here a few days now and I finally got the camera out today. I think since we've been before nothing is new and different like last time, so I haven't really taken pictures.

Later I'll make sure I take pictures of some of the fruits and veggies we've been buying that you probably won't recognize.

For now here are a couple of pictures of an avocado I bought today! Almost as big as my head but not quite! That's a horrible picture of me but just wanted to give the avocado some perspective!

We've done more of the same. Been out in service. We had some visitors from El Crucero who I didn't take a single picture of for some reason. It was the wife and son of a brother who is doing work on the house. We had a really nice day with them.

And the Robleto's came today for a little while. Here they are at the table with Charley.

I've done quite a bit of baking these last few days. I gave someone my banana bread recipe, which made me want to make some, so I've made a couple of loaves. Easy and yummy and cheap to buy the ingredients!

Here are a couple of pictures of the downstairs of the house. It's all been repainted since last time we were down here. It looks really nice.

And the back porch has also been extended. Before it just went as far as the nearest pillar you see in the first picture. There's a lot of construction stuff because they're building pillars and fencing for the front of the house to close it all in and make it safer.

And jumping back a few days to this past Saturday in Indianapolis, here are a few pictures we took. All of Charley's immediate family came so we took some family pictures. First a picture of my adorable niece Josslyn. And then a couple of the family pictures we took with my mam and dad and Charley's family.

Josslyn, almost one year old. My cousin's little girl but I consider her my niece.

Charley's sister's boy, Noah & Asa

The Matthews & Flores families

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. That's all for now. 

Oh and I almost forgot, a picture of one of our roommates - isn't he cute?! He's a gecko, but he hasn't tried to sell us car insurance yet. He does have a British accent though.

Measuring spoon added for perspective!

Isaac was kind to us!

Well, here we are, blogging from Nicaragua once again! I’d forgotten how much fun it was to sit here, sweating profusely, writing about our travels! This is the second day I’m trying to finish writing this. When we were just about to go the little store around the corner to buy an hour’s internet, the heavens opened, and it didn’t stop the rest of the night. I think I heard the loudest thunder I’ve ever heard.

Sunday we had an amazingly smooth trip here. We got to Miami on time, with about an hour layover, and our flight left there on time. It was a bit windy and raining when we were there, and I saw tons of cancelled flights on the board, but thankfully ours wasn’t one of them. Charley tried to make us miss our flight out of Miami for the second time – it’s become a bit of a habit. He did this to me last year too, although that time it was on the way home and was because he put the hammock chair we were carrying through security check and forgot to pick it up. If you’ve ever been to Miami airport, you know how far apart everything is!

So, here’s what happened. Charley was on a desperate search for a Starbucks that he didn’t have to go through security to get to. He eventually figured out where it was, but by then our flight should have been boarding. But they hadn’t announced anything yet so we figured we had time. About 2 minutes after he walked away, they started boarding, and since the flight was nowhere near full, it didn’t long to get everyone one. So, I called Charley to tell him to hurry. He was just arriving to Starbucks when they started boarding. By the time everyone else was on there was no sign of him. So I got up, with two carry-on suitcases each weighing about 30 lbs, and one with really bad wheels, a backpack, a laptop bag, my purse, and Charley’s two hats, and tripped over myself dragging it all to the doorway. I called Charley and told him to hurry. But not to Charley-hurry, to Rachel-hurry, ie, RUN!!! He did, spilling coffee on himself along the way, and we got on! I don’t suppose they would have left without us since we had checked luggage on the flight, but it makes for a more dramatic story if you imagine that they would have! And I must admit, his mocha was DELISH, so it was worth the hassle!

So, we arrived, our ride was here with the truck at the airport, all of our bags where on the belt by the time we got to them, we had no problem getting our 90 days of tourist visa. All in all it was a very successful trip down here.

We got to the house, started to unpack a bit, went to the store to buy a few things for the next few meals, and then lost track of time and went to the meeting, getting there about 10 minutes late! It was funny when we walked in because the attendant sat us near the front, so a lot of the brothers saw us and were all grinning and surprised to see us! We visited the congregation that we served in for three months last time, so after the meeting it was wonderful to hug everyone and chat with them. They already knew we’d be serving in a different congregation, but were happy to see us even if just for a week! That night we got home and finished unpacking, almost, and were asleep by 8:30. The two hour time difference caught up with us!

Woke up bright and early, about 5:30, Monday morning. I stayed home and finished unpacking and Charley went out in service with the congregation we visited on Sunday. In the afternoon we went to a local market and bought a few things we needed around the house. We also tried out the GPS and it works down here – thanks Dad!! It had the market in its Nicaragua map and took us right to it.  It was funny though because only the main streets really have names, so after a while it told us in 1 mile to turn left on “Road”, then after that, we turned right on “Road”!!!!

Today we went out in service for a few hours in the morning.  The road we had to drive down was already the worst one in the territory, and since the rainy season started it was even worse! We got within about 30 feet of the house we were meeting at, and left it there since it turned into a bit of a stream at that point! I had a really nice conversation with a girl this morning for quite a while. The sun was really hot thought, and standing talking to someone, it felt like someone had poured a bottle of water down my front and back. I hate sweating like that, but I’ll just have to get used to that!

Well, it’s time to pay attention to our visitors! I haven’t taken a single picture yet! Maybe I’ll take some of the house tomorrow. It looks a lot different to last time, all painted different colors inside. It’s really pretty. 

Hasta luego!

Live from Indianapolis....for the last time!

Well, took me a bit longer to get to this update than I had planned. This not working thing is exhausting! Seriously - I think I need to go spend a couple of days at work so that I can relax a bit!

So, I'll start out by sharing the Pioneer School picture that I didn't want to show you all last time. All of the students in the class have their pictures now, so I can share it. Hopefully none of them mind being online. If any of you are seeing this and don't want the picture on here, just let me know and I'll take it right down.

It was so nice to have a little part in the Pioneer School. We got to eat lunch with them a couple of times during the two weeks so that was a treat. And I got to spend an afternoon with the CO's wife on a couple of my studies. They're off to their new assignment so it was nice to spend some time with her before we all headed our different ways.

What else? We got in a bit of an accident with the Honda. As it turned out it was enough damage to total it we got more from the insurance than we were going to sell it for, and the family who were going to buy it still wanted it, so they got a free car, and we got 3x the price for it!! We also just sold the Jetta yesterday so that was a relief. We just went to the BMV today to take the plates back and get a bit of a refund although it wasn't much, but better than nothing.

We went to Columbus, Ohio for a couple of days to visit some friends. We hadn't seen them since they had their two kids so it was nice to spend some time with them, and with her parents, who were very hospitable. I fell in love with their little girl, Charlotte. Here she is taking a picture of me with my cell phone. She's the coolest little thing! She's not two yet, but she talks really well and has already given her first comment at the meeting. I didn't hear her cry the whole time we were there. I'm sure she cries at times, but all in all, she's a very well behaved little thing. Her little brother cried a bit more, but we'll forgive him for that since he's only a few months old!!! They are just the cutest little family!

Polish food I ate at the North Market in Columbus - yum

Apparantly, Baby Eli's conversation didn't entertain Charley very much.

With Nicci, mommy of two adorable little kids. I didn't get a picture of her hubby.

We've enjoyed some nice meals at a few people's houses this last couple of weeks. People from our hall that is. We have a very hospitable congregation here, and we had a fun time hanging out with them. I don't really have any photos from those evenings I don't think. I might have some on the camera that I didn't download but that camera is buried in a suitcase somewhere so I'm not about to try and retrieve it!

Mam and dad had a little get together for us on the 12th and we had family and a few friends over for a nice evening of food and conversation. Here are a few pictures from that. We usually have an anniversary dinner every year with some of these couples since we all got married around the same time, but we won't be here for it this year, so it was nice to see them before we leave. 

Baby Josslyn - ain't she cute?!

The awesome cake my mam and dad got us!

With Diego & Jill, Alison, Brady & Thomas, and Aaron and Tasha.

Josh & Wendy, oh and Josslyn!

Aunty Lesley and Aunt Glennis

Mam & Dad

Hollister & Thomas enjoying their ice cream.

Charley went backpacking with his sister and her husband for a few days. It's not just not my thing so I didn't go. I figured they'd have a better time without me dragging behind and complaining all the time!!! They went to KY and enjoyed three days of hiking and camping in the middle of nowhere! Charley took some really nice pictures but they're also on that camera that is buried in a suitcase so maybe later I'll post those!

Then our congregation had a going away party for us in the park. We had a really nice time. Two sisters in the hall who are from El Salvador spent the whole time making pupusas - my favorite!!!! And I saw quite a few who helped and learned how to make them too. Someone also made us this really cool gift with paint handprints of all the kids that were there. There's a picture of that below. And the kids sang Song 120 Listen, Obey & Be Blessed for us! That was a real treat! They did a very good job of it.

She only has one tooth but she knows how to use it!

The kids singing

The girls

The guys

So this last week was a lot of saying goodbye, first to my bible studies. Most shed a few tears, but they've been left in good hands so I look forward to hearing how they're doing every now and then. On Tuesday my mam and I went for an English Tea at a place downtown. It was a present from my dad and we had a nice time. There were a couple of things not quite authentic about it, but all in all it was a fun afternoon. We also went around a bunch of Goodwill stores and I managed to get another carry-on sized suitcase, and a big one, for $7.50 so that was a productive outing!

Yesterday we started and mostly finished packing. We have two suitcases each, plus a carry-on each, The checked luggage is filled to the brim, and bordering on the 50lb limit. Hopefully when we get to the airport tomorrow morning we don't have to do any moving around of stuff! Charley even managed to get his juice extractor packed so he was really pleased about that!! It'll be nice to have so many fresh juices all the time down there. I wanted to take my vegetable steamer but in the end clothes won out!

Today Charley's family are coming up to spend the day so it should be a fun day. Hopefully the goodbyes won't be too traumatic! Thursday night was our last meeting and I was doing really well until one of my studies started sobbing, and then I lost it and cried through the next half a dozen hugs as did all the sisters who were hugging me! We leave behind a beautiful congregation, but it's not loosing friends, it's just moving on to gain even more.

So, here we are, 24 hours from now we should be almost arriving in Nicaragua. Assuming that is, that the hurricane heading towards Miami doesn't interfere with our travel plans! But there's nothing we can do about that, so we'll just have to go with the flow! We're really excited about getting down there. Not really too nervous, just excited. I will be glad once the travelling part is over, and we're settled in our home for the next year. 

Well, I think that was more than enough. Keep in touch, it is always very encouraging to hear from you all and know that people are reading. The next post will probably be from Nicaragua, so until then, take care!

Unemployed and lovin' it!

So, Charley and I are both now officially unemployed!!! Woohoooo!!!!!!


My last day at work was Friday. It was really a rather surreal experience. I've worked there almost 13 years, so it felt really odd to pack up my desk and leave. But the day was fun. It was Rachel Day at work! 


After a training in the morning, which was very entertaining, we had a celebration in our breakroom with a cake. Here are a few pictures of that.

The ladies in this picture are the four people I worked most with.
Mercedes, in the white top, is the unfortunate one
who gets stuck doing all my work as well as her's now.
Thanks Mercedes!!!!

Yum - Cream cheese icing - we devoured that cake!

Then about 11 of us went out to lunch at Patachou Cafe. I had a broken yolk sandwich with bacon and avocado and fresh fruit. It was as delicious as it looks in this picture, or perhaps even more so! Thanks again, Marie!

Then I got to leave work a little early, so the day ended with a round of goodbyes. I got a bit choked up during that part of the day. It was just kind of the beginning of the end! Made me think about all the goodbyes that will be coming up, the ones that will be much harder than saying goodbye to my job. 


So, Charley and I have never been so happy about being unemployed. For me, this is the first time in over 13 years that I haven't had a job! But there's lots to do, so the time will no doubt fly by. I'm glad we have these next three weeks to get organized - aka, procrastinate until 3 days before we leave!


We got to enjoy an evening with Josh, Wendy, Aunty Lesley and the kids. I would love to share pictures but I don't have any. Oh yeah, there's a story! Thursday morning Charley and I went to take the Spanish Pioneer School picture. I'll share that picture next week after the pioneer school class has actually had a chance to see it themselves! Anyway, so Wednesday evening, about 12 hours before taking the picture, I find out I left my camera at my in-law's house almost 2 hours away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any other time it wouldn't have mattered. My dad suggested I take the picture with my cell phone - if you've seen my cell phone you'll know why that was particularly funny! Thankfully a brother in my parents congregation saved the day by letting me use his camera. And actually it's nicer than mine, so we ended up with a better quality picture because of it!!! But I didn't panic, or cry, or scream - I was rather proud of myself. I'm working on staying calm in the face of disaster, and I'm a lot better than I used to be!


Well, just wanted to share my last day at work story mostly. The end of an era!

Another ridiculously long update

So, time is flying by. I try not to think too much about it or I start getting butterflies in my stomach!

I’m trying to think what has gone on since I last blogged.

Well, the evening that we bought our tickets we had some friends over for dinner. My mam made a delicious meal and we had great company to go with it. Below is a picture of us that we almost forgot to take until they were at their car! Phil & Heather and his parents came over. Phil & Heather just got back from Haiti where they worked on the construction of a new missionary home. The day after they got back, they were invited to Walkill for six weeks, with the possibility of staying longer, so we managed to find an evening to have them over. It was really encouraging to see their slide show, and hear their experiences, and talk about our plans. It’s great to have friends who are in somewhat of the same boat, and share the excitement. So, that was a lovely evening. 

With Phil & Heather, and Phil's parents Bud & Phyllis

We had a nice anniversary dinner with my mam and dad that week too. They’ve been super generous with us, and we are now the proud owners of our very own GPS complete with a map of Nicaragua in it! We’ve already programmed in the coordinates of our new Kingdom Hall, and one or two other places. We have discovered that if you borrow something from someone enough times, they eventually get sick of your borrowing it and they buy you one!!! Hahahaa!!!!! There’s your handy tip of the day!

Charley gave his last public talk at our hall. And it was our group’s turn for hospitality so we had a nice time stuffing our faces over at someone’s house. Good food, good times! I also took pictures for a family in our hall whose oldest son graduated (see a few below). We had a great time. Here are a few of the shots. The photo book I made arrived yesterday and although I say so myself, it is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! 

 

 

 
 

Last Friday I enjoyed one last lunch with a couple of friends who also work downtown. We went to Le Peeps for old times’ sake and all ordered the same thing we would always get there! It was nice to see them, and they also delivered a suitcase that their parents didn’t need anymore, so now we only need one more and we’re good to go!

And then the weekend was spent down at Charley’s mam and dad’s house. We had a BLAST!!! They had a going away party for us on Saturday evening. About 30 from our congregation came along too. We had some really delicious food, and a hayride, and the kids played until they were exhausted, and the adults danced until our feet hurt! We did some Scottish dances that we always did when I was younger in England. That was a good time. The last dance Charley almost swung me off my feet. I barely managed to hang on!!! I’ll try and get a little video clip of that. He’s really very good at those dances!!! I hadn’t danced that dance so hard since I was about 17. It almost killed me – I’m not 17 anymore that’s for sure! We also had a bit of a yard sale on my mother-in-law’s front porch for those at the party and we were very successful in getting rid of more stuff. It’s amazing how much stuff we decide we can live without every time we go through it all! My family worked really hard putting the party together and it was a HUGE success. Everyone had a GREAT TIME!!!!  Here are a few pictures below. To see them all click here.

 

Sunday we went to the meeting in the morning. We were tired, and almost late, but present! And the talk was EXCELLENT. It was actually given by the brother of our friends down in Nicaragua, so it was nice to see him and his wife before we head down there to live about 45 minutes away from his sister. The rest of the day was spent chilling, and trying to tidy up from the party. Monday we stayed down there too. Charley’s youngest sister started pioneer school in Evansville, so she left early Monday morning, and then his other sister and her boys went home later in the day. We spent quite a bit of Monday taking all the tents down and cleaning everything up from the party. Took quite a bit to get it all sorted!

So, Charley’s last day at work was last Friday, so he was enjoying being fast asleep when I got up for work this morning! But I just have two more days at work left so that’s very exciting. Charley is in charge of feeding Spanish pioneer school tomorrow, so that will keep him busy in the morning. And on Thursday morning we’re going to take the class picture. This is the first year that Spanish Pioneer School is in Indianapolis, so it’s exciting to get to have a little part in it although I always get nervous about taking the picture since it’s a big deal to get it right! Oh well, if they don’t like the picture, I’ll be too far away for them to get at me!!! Friday, some people at work are treating me to lunch. And then after work I’m going to get a massage from a friend – yay! Can’t wait for Friday!!!

We still have two more going away parties, one at my mam’s house, and one that our congregation is organizing, so lots of eating and dancing still to come! And Charley is taking a backpacking trip for a few days with his sister and brother-in-law. It’s just not my scene, so I figured they’d be better off without me! I look forward to hearing their stories afterwards!

We’re also going to Columbus, OH to visit some friends who we haven’t seen in a long time. And everyone in our congregation wants to have us over for dinner so our evenings are filling up fast! And somewhere between all that partying and socializing, we will try to remember to pack!

Well, as usual I included way too much detail! Before we all know it I’ll be blogging from Nicaragua!