Masculine Sights, Smells and Sounds

tháng 9 24, 2017 No comments

Ice cream with a buddy

Sometimes I wonder why God filled my quiver with Mighty Men. Is it because He knows I don't appreciate the color pink? ... Did He think I would be intrigued by the sights, smells and sounds that emerge from these masculine forms that habitate our household? ... Perhaps He knew I'd have enough tears for our household or that our boys would need a place to freely share theirs ... Just maybe, He helps me minister more effectively to women without extra female hormones being shared at home ... Is it possible, that in raising our boys He is teaching me how to love, respect and care for the men that accompany the women I minister to? ... Lord knows He's given me the uncanny ability to help an expectant father or those of the male persona relax in an uncomfortable situation surrounding female body parts ... My hubby and Co. have been witness to the fact when "birth or body talk" starts happening, I hold nothing back ... Is it conceivable that, He knew I would work with women, minister to women and teach women so in His mercy, He spared me the drama of raising Princesses in our castle? ... Considering the feminine side of life, the 5 weeks we spent with our niece Jeanessa in our house left me longing expectantly for the day we will have 4 "daughters" in our family ... in His perfect timing. Nevertheless, for His divine purpose, He has chosen me to live a life encompassed by mud, dirt, lizards, Kamikaze death stunts, loud noises, laughter at bodily functions, warrior like love and ... He has chosen me to be the Mama of Males.

John 1:16 "From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another!"

This week I was pondering all the testosterone that has graced our household over these past few months ... The last two weeks in August our evenings were filled with laughter, sweet conversation and Wii as we shared cena with 6-10 extra guys who stayed to work at the base. This past week our table was filled with 3 more as our male Staff returned for Vida220. Our little neighbor buddy, Andres, joined us for ice cream and pretzel supper tonight. And, Adam's little playmates, Dylan, Andres and Mati continue to bring life to our house.

Wealthy in love ... Testosterone in abundance ... His princess I am

Praises
-The privilege of raising our boys in a place surrounded by mighty men (and women) who are challenged to lay down their lives for Christ ...
-Plenty of food and a table big enough for more
-Sista time chatting with girlfriends in PA and Morocco
-Daryl's heart seems lighter
-Play date for Jedidiah
-Micah's boldness in going to a new youth group
-Sweetest date time with Jedidiah, he thrives on 'one-on-one' time
-Soccer team for Jedidiah
-Lego Ninjago movie in English
-El Nido Cafecito ... blessing the women

Prayers
-Vida220 starts next Sunday
-Unity in staff, leaders and students
-Communication for Daryl and I ... feeling the anointing of your prayers!
-Daryl - Psalm 36:8, "That he may feast on the abundance of Your house Lord as you give him drink from your river of delights." ... feeling the persistance of your prayers!
-Safety as work on the Base continues
-Healthy and timely birth of Liz and Manu's baby
-Connecting with the women of El nido
-EMM friends visiting this week
-Patience and persistence for Daryl as he helps to wrap up the fiscal year
-Help us choose a name for the new Base https://poll.fbapp.io/names-for-the-vidanet-base

NO WAY! ... Opening day Lego Ninjago ...
12:30 "normal" kids are in school ... empty theater

First soccer practice ...
"Mom, a lot of them speak English!" ...
filling his bucket

"Arggg, I'm walking the plank to a Pirate Birthday Party"

The "drama" of life with boys ...
Adam needs to snarl ... where's the blood?

He could hardly wait ...
Decaf Peppermint Mocha ...
Late date night, 9:30pm

Robotics class ... Electrical glue ... his nose lit up!

El Nido volunteers and friends ...
celebrating Independence Day ...
Blue - White - Red!

Getting my sleeping baby fix ... He woke up smiling ...

Mamas and kids of El Nido

Cafecito entertainment ... typical dance

Who's living in the 90's ...
We think we're so 'techy' ...
Three different time zones ...
Six hearts sharing life, love and tears!

Lettin' My Hair Down

tháng 9 17, 2017 No comments

Home ... We all need a place where we can be real, let our hair down, say what

Soda Lobo ... better than Smash Burger!

we want and not worry about how it sounds (in English or Spanish), a place where we know we're loved unconditionally ... Home.

Ministry ... the period of service, the office, duties, or functions of a minister. It's what happens on the 'exterior' when your hair is in place, it all looks good, it's where you hold it together, it's what we do, it's what we're called to, it's where relationships are built ... Ministry.

Journey down the mountain with me as we leave our "place of ministry" and enter the front door of the cutest yellow house on the block ... Enter, at your own risk, into the Hoover household. The shoes are sitting beside instead of on the rug where they belong, passed by multiple times is the clean wash, folded neatly on the steps waiting to find their home upstairs in the closet, the toilet seat is left up, what do you expect in a house full of mighty men, the dishes are not rinsed to this Mama's standards, the face making mockery and yelling seem to be as common as the English language! This place my friends, is where the rubber meets the road ... this place, is where the dirt and ugliness of our souls finds life and breath and grows until it's this festering monster of "mental and verbal slander"! In an odd sort of way, I rationalize this behavior by saying "we all need a place to let our hair down." But why? ... Why can't we live as Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity ... That's what we do in Ministry, right? Why is it so hard to do at home? ... uhhhh, in case you're wondering, I don't have the answer!

The struggle is real folks, I'm not gonna lie. When all we knew as comfortable, familiar and 'ours' is stripped away, when we're together 24x7 and life as we now know it is different, new and uncomfortable, what comes forth? I wish I could say it's a kind answer that turns away wrath! For those of you who are listening outside, let me assure you ... Our home is a place of unconditional love, there is a deep sense of brotherly love and we've got each other's back ... sometimes we just need to let our hair down and let it all out. I guess I share these ramblings as a confession, challenge and encouragement ...

He's still working on me ... How loving and patient He must be ... There is Freedom in His grace

Praises

-Friends in Ministry that we can "let our hair down" with

-Save trip to and from Nicaragua, thankful to share the drive and friendship with Liz and Manu

-Connections with women from El Nido

-Alex Grant's counsel and sensitivity

-Date night with Joseph ... he talked NONSTOP ... yes I said Joseph

-Home school relationships, connections for the boys

-Friends to laugh, cry and pray with

-Health

John 1:16 "From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another."

Prayers

-Vida 220 beginning Oct 1st

-Full time cook for the base

-new staff and roles with the start of Vida220, UNITY

-Open communication and listening ear for Daryl and I

-Discipline to do school and not be distracted by technology

-Health

-1 Chronicles 16:11 "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."

Life on the Mountain

Not a date night ... feeling blessed with good food, family laughter and Soda Lobo

Cutest dog ever ... Mom, can we get one? ...
Oh, I'm tempted!

Independence Day Parade ... Blue, White and Red!

When you find the BIGGEST Lemon ever ...
Seriously, I need to add water and sugar to make lemonade?

"Kevin's eyes" ... Creative juices flowing

Jedidiah's Faroles (lanterns) to celebrate Independence Day

Gringo Farole attempt ...
Didn't know it should be traditional CR ...
he's so cute!

Manana finally came ... bringing the Backhoe with it ...
more loads of dirt

Parade of Faroles ...
Adam was so proud to carry his Minion Farole

Yes, the dog is pink ... she's not ours ...
Adam loves her like his own

This boy and his pets ... Can't keep his hands off them ...
size of a small kitten

Date night with Joseph ...
Chocolate donut with Chocolate milk ...
Poptarts hiding in the bag!

Taste of Home

tháng 9 10, 2017 No comments

Celebrating Dia del Nino
with a taste of home ... D.Q.

Wafting from the drive through window was a smell so desirable it caused my mouth to salivate ... I wasn't dying of hunger however this delicacy made my stomach feel like it hadn't been satisfied in quite some time! As this red clad carton was placed gently in my hands, it felt somewhat at home and familiar ... I could hardly wait to indulge in it's salty, crisp contents ... fresh from the fryer, these straw shaped treasures seemed but a dream as they had not crossed the threshold of my lips for almost a year! In haste, I impulsively devoured one regretting my impatience as I burned the tender spot just behind my front teeth. But, as I sat and savored this golden, crisp, salty treasure, the cares of my day seemed to melt away. Like the hurricane swirling off the coast of Florida, the burdens swirling in my mind were overwhelming today ... However, like a sweet glimmer of hope from Father, as the Golden Arches appeared on the horizon I knew this taste of home was just what I needed today. I know, I know ... the sacrifices of a missionary right!

He's laughing with me ... there will be fries in Heaven ... Do not be anxious about anything

This indulging pit stop came with reason ... I had just completed my first two intakes at El Nido and my heart was heavy. A young Mama pregnant with her first, alone and tearful as we talked about the lack of involvement from her baby's Daddy. Next, an experienced Mama raising her tribe of 5 alone, full of hope and confident that God will continue to provide for her as she trusts in Him. She didn't know where their next meal was coming from but boldly declared God's faithfulness. God had introduced her to a neighbor that lead her to El Nido, He will provide! "Oh God ... Can I serve these women justly? Will I be able to communicate adequately? What if I don't understand what they're sharing? I feel so inadequate ... " If I let fear of man consume me it will be a downward spiral and I won't understand, I won't be able to communicate, I won't thrive in the Call Father has placed on my life. And so ... I will Trust in Him, dwell in His land, take delight in Him, Commit my way to Him, Be still and wait patiently for Him ... and by His grace, He continues to give me the desires of my heart. (Paraphrased from Psalm 37).

Praises
Celebrating Dia del Nino ... thanks God for our Mighty Men
Tastes of Home
Feeling loved by our Vidanet community

Healing ... thank you for praying!

My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory
Safety through travel in heavy rain
Sweet connections with our neighbors
Connections for the boys through home school co-op

Prayers
Direction for school for Jedidiah
Daryl ... his heart is heavy with anxiety. Pray for hope to spring forth!
Daryl's counseling appointment Wednesday
Full time cook for the Base
Heading to Nicaragua Tuesday or visa renewal
Alberto's passport to process quickly

Life on the Mountain
Hoover home school has officially started ... Oh God, how I need YOU! ... Daryl is in the office and the receipts are getting organized, at least that's what it looks like! ... Two days of El Nido training and a tired mind ... More good byes, they just keep getting harder ... Date night with Micah ... Lots of travel/talk time with Gloria, we haven't solved all the worlds problems yet, we're just working on ours! ... Home school co-op relationship building, starting to feel like a good fit ... Adam learning to swim ... Taking time to cry together, share together and learning how to listen in a way that shows we love each other no matter what ... Gwaltney Hot dogs, grilled cheese and tomato soup, bbq meatballs sandwiches, cereal, pizza and chips, D.Q (x 2) and McDonalds french fries ... this week we simply needed ... a taste of home!

First official "Kid date night" ... a time to listen ...
tell me what's on your heart

Sportin new swim goggles ... Pequeno Mundo bargain

All by himself ...
Mama can't hold your hand forever!

My brave little boy ... best home school co-op host

Air tank swim shirt ... don't breath in!

I got dressed upside-down ... with love from your big brother!

Art museum ... no interest in the paintings ...
metal lion, now we're talking

Three amigos ... Mati, Adam and Andres ...
neighborly love

This week's work ... sanding, staining and hanging the back fence

McKenzie the Kitten, Adam the Lion and Jedi the Monkey ...
Celebrating the gift of children and all that God has made

Jedidiah's creativity ...
how do you make wheels out of a board?

Quote of the day ...
"Metal sculptures are so cool ... abstract art is dumb!"

Feliz Dia del Nino ... Thanking God for these Mighty Men ...
Raising up a generation to openly display the power and glory of God!

I See God

tháng 9 03, 2017 No comments

What fills your tank ... brings fulfillment to your soul ... what feels life giving to you? Shopping! ...

Looking for God

Ummm, yeah I know, real spiritual right? Quite honestly, truth be told, I can not hide the fact that I love shopping. The gift of having time to aimlessly wander around a store, ponder the bargain I might gain or where I could best put this treasure to use is very life giving to me! Whether I have a treasure in mind, a list to purchase or no reason to be looking ... I love shopping. Of course you should be contemplating where the said missionary would see God in this worldly desire ... oh how He loves me ...

One of my favorite stores here is Pequeno Mundo ... Apparently I've frequented this store enough that Herbert has now become a family friend rather than, the "check out" guy. His smile is infectious as he acknowledges each one of us while he checks our receipt and purchases before leaving the store. Somewhere on our journey of friendship we realized we shared our love for Father. Now when we leave he not only checks our receipt but gives us a blessing as well. Herbert, while doing a menial task, has chosen to make his job life giving. Seriously, am I really equating shopping at Pequeno Mundo to being life giving, filling my tank and bringing fulfillment to my soul? ... Yup, crazy as it sounds, I've seen the love of God and experienced the joy of filling my tank by Herbert, who has chosen to share Fathers love in the mundane task of checking and verifying our receipt ... Oh God, the lessons I learn!

Baring my soul ... Bargain shopper at heart ... God even resides at Pequeno Mundo

Life on the Mountain

Yesterday Daryl and I commemorated 16 years of wedded bliss and pondered the above questions. We were blessed with time to fill our love tank while gazing into one another's eyes over DQ Blizzards. A gift we can't thank the givers enough for ... they willingly volunteered to entertain, or be entertained by, our 4 sweet angelic boys ... While nestled in a cove of Bamboo surrounded by ducks at a local park, we shared and probed the depths of each others soul. We asked some intense questions and contemplated what feels life giving. The comfort of being tucked securely in the hand of God as the thunder rumbled from mountain to mountain, through the central mesa and all around us was so peaceful. He knew the amount of time we needed and held off the storms till we couldn't think or process anymore ... then we walked, laughed and enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of CR life.

The rest of life this week consisted of ... Checking off the work list, painting, washing, cleaning, meal prep, loading school on the boys computers, crying out to God for His strength and understanding, breakfast date and gifting twin clothing to Marjorie from El Nido, encouraging and instructing a young mama on breast feeding and postpartum care, pizza and wings while cheering on CR and USA, first day of home school co-op, praying for one another, more good byes, playing with Andres, crying together, laughing together, sharing our hearts and ... seeing God.

Prayers

Rosario's daughter has a tumor in her abdomen

Gabo's mom having problems with her pregnancy

Safe, peaceful and healthy delivery for Liz (and Manu)

Healing for Jack

Direction for school for Jedidiah

Daryl ... his heart is heavy with anxiety. Pray for hope to spring forth!

To be flexible in the routine

Full time cook for the Base

Praises

Friendly neighbors

Liz and Manu's love for our boys

Video call with extended family

Saxophone and guitar music in our home

Health, healing and life

Remembering names

Herbert's blessing and friendship

Each of you! We were reminded of each of you as we read again of Aaron and Hur holding up Moses' hands in battle ... We feel your prayers, we thank God for each of you and pray for His favor to rest on you!