One Whole Month
Hello friends and family!
I know that it has been a while since you have received an update for me, and that is because I have spent the last four weeks settling into life here in Managua, Nicaragua. I really cannot believe it has been one whole month since I have lived here. These last weeks have flown by and yet at the same time have inched along.
There are so many updates that I would love to share with you - so many new relationships, new experiences, new food, new surroundings, etc. I wish I could write each one of them down in this update, and yet it would probably read more like a novel and less like an update. If you want see more regular simple updates from me, I would encourage you to follow me on Instagram or Facebook where I try to post stories more often.
I made it!
After a redeye flight I landed in Managua, Nicaragua on May 19th. I am thankful that God went ahead of me and protected me as I went through customs here. You see, it is typical for customs agents to go through your bags as a foreigner and hold back certain elements, which you later have to come back and pay a fee and retrieve them. While my bags were checked, I was not required to pay any additional fees on my luggage. My team Director and his wife, Phil and Olivia, picked me up from the airport, took me out to lunch and then to my hotel for the next several days. While we had made plans for me to spend time with a host family, they would not arrive until that following Tuesday.
So, I spent the first several days at a hotel as various team members picked me up and took me to various places - the office, a mens retreat and church. That Tuesday morning I finally met my host family and began my two weeks with them.
Home Stay
During my time with my host family, I had the opportunity do life with them - going to church several times in the week, shadowing them in their ministry (Christ for the City), attending one day ministry retreats, visiting family in rural areas, running errands to barrio (neighborhood) markets and even adventuring into the infamous Oriental Market (the largest open aired market in Central America - some 300-500 square meters, or 3300-5300 square feet).
During my two weeks with them, I began my search for an apartment/house. One of my teammates here was gracious enough to drive me around through several different barrios. After prayerful consideration, and seeking the advice of my parents, my host family, my team here in Nicaragua, and some other nationals, I made a decision to move forward with a one bedroom apartment in the barrio of San Patricio. I also began my search for a vehicle and most importantly a dog. :)
I could tell many stories of the conversations that we had or the stories that were shared. Instead, I would like to share with you a little bit about my host family.
Relationship Highlight
Let me introduce you to Bismarck and Emma. They have been married for 10 years and together they have four adult children: two sons from Bismarck and a son and a daughter from Emma. They are both involved in a ministry called Cristo para la Ciudad (Christ for the City) - a multifaceted ministry that provides medical care, discipleship, skills training and food for needy communities. Bismarck is also a teaching pastor at his church.
Apartment - Check
About two weeks ago I left my host family and their home, and moved into my new apartment in San Patricio. My apartment is one of eight in a single building. The building is surrounded by luscious tropical gardens and has a perk - a small pool perfect for cooling down after a long day. The landlady lives on site in a home in the back corner of the property and the entire property is surrounded by a brick wall, a locked gate, and 24/7 security. My apartment is in close proximity to public transport and within walking distance of several grocery stores. God truly blessed me with a safe and secure apartment where I have been able to slowly get to know my neighbors.
Dog - Check
I know some of you may think that I’m crazy, but with a big move to a new country I wanted to have a dog - a steady companion and a friend. I spent time looking for one and on the last day of my homestay I found a two month old mini Sausage Dog. I traveled with Bismarck and his ministry out to a city called Chinandega. They already had a trip scheduled for a time of discipleship, so I tagged along and found a puppy. So, I would like to introduce you to the newest member of my family, Maximus.
Car - Check?
Over the last several days, I have had the opportunity to see two cars. The challenge for me here is that most cars are manual and I only know how to drive an automatic. After much searching with my host family we came across these two potential cars. Bismarck picked me up and we went and saw the first car on Friday morning. Then, on Saturday morning we went and saw the second car. Both cars were of the same make and model, the only difference between them was the year (2007 vs. 2013).
God’s hand has truly been at work even in this detail. Bismarck was formally a mechanic and has helped several families acquire new vehicles here. He is not only wise and discerning when it comes to vehicle and it’s engine, he is also an incredible negotiator.
While both would serve me well, the newer car would be the better option for obvious (newer make) and non-obvious reasons. You see, the process of buying a car here is extensive. It involves previous owners, transfer fees, and most importantly paying for the vehicle which can prove to be a difficult process. However, the car owner currently lives in the US and that will make payment of the vehicle easier.
Oh yeah, work!
Last week was my first official week in the office. While I am only going in several days a week, it was nice to begin establishing a new routine. I have learned to use public transport to get to the office and to get back to my apartment, a process that I am becoming more and more comfortable with.
My main reason for going into the office was to begin Spanish lessons. Some of you may wonder why I would need them since I already speak Spanish. However, I lack the fundamental knowledge of grammar, verb tenses and their conjugations. My language coach worked some time at the US Embassy and therefore is able to help me understand the differences between translating verbatim from English and translating with the correct intent.
Finally -Church
Over the last four Sundays I have had an opportunity to visit three local, Spanish speaking churches. The first Sunday I was here I had an opportunity to go visit the Quails (teammates of mine) church, the next two Sundays I attended the church with my host family, and today I had the opportunity to go to the Phil and Olivia’s church.
I will most likely be spending the next several weeks going to different churches in order to find a church home for me.
Prayer Requests
That I would continue to grow my relationship with my host family.
That I will continue to meet neighbors - learn (and retain) names, build a foundation for a good friendship and continue to meet other neighbors. That through these relationships I could share my faith in Jesus.
For final little details in my apartment, that I would find the right pieces and truly feel settled and established.
For my training with my dog Maximus. That he would become adjusted quickly to new schedule and to new surroundings.
For my car search - that God would provide clarity and open doors for the right vehicle and allow all of the details to fall into place.
For general safety, especially as I take public transport to and from work.
For work - this past Tuesday I found out that my laptop just stopped working. We have submitted a formal ticket to dell and are awaiting a response and solution. Without a laptop it will be very difficult for me to accomplish any work here.
For a Jesus centered, scriptures based, loving church home and community.
Friends and family, thank you for your prayers and for checking in with me. Thank you for giving me the time to settle in and begin this new journey which God has placed before me. As always, I would love to hear from you and know how I can be praying for you. You can reach out to me via email, located below, or via social media.
Love,
Micah