Tesoros de Dios needs to grow. This isn't a want or a desire or a dream. . .it is a need! 100 children and their families are being served each week through Tesoros' unique education/therapy programs. . .which is awesome. Praise God for the lives touched! I know I'm blessed by my weekly interactions with 15 of the 100. But the waiting list to get into Tesoros de Dios stands at around fifty. 50 kids. . .the vast majority not receiving any type of therapy or education while they wait. . .and wait. . .and wait. There just aren't many feasible, free options for the typical Nicaraguan family. And so, yes, we need to grow, for the need is here.
The last few board meetings have been exciting and scary, outlining proposals of growth. . .new land for building expansion, new satellite site in Matagalpa, new teachers and therapists. That is the exciting part. The scary part is that is takes money to grow! And so the second part of our "visioning" is always tethered and grounded by Tesoros' complete dependence on generous donors and churches who share our vision for supporting children with disabilities in Nicaragua. We need money to grow.
How are we growing or hoping to grow?
New Land and Buildings: Our buildings are full! Every space in every building is well-used. We are dreaming of expanding our buildings, and of covering our horse therapy area to enable kids to ride even in the rain (May-November) or the horrible heat and blowing dust (right now!). We're also landlocked. I was able to meet with the owner of the surrounding land, along with staff from Tesoros, to continue an ongoing and fairly tense conversation about purchasing land, which would enable future growth. Land is EXPENSIVE in Nicaragua, and we're kind of talking about in the middle of nowhere!
Outreach Ministries: A few years ago, Tesoros recognized the huge need for education and training outside of our walls. We now have a few dedicated positions with the goal of training church leaders, school teachers and administrators, and university students. This team also seeks to facilitate good special education practices in the schools that some of our students attend (not all attend school, but some do) and help ensure that our students' churches are accessible. These outreach ministries are now an essential part of Tesoros. I get to benefit from these outreach programs at NCA International through the SOAAR program. We have utilized the services of the speech and language teams that visit Tesoros. A physical therapist works with an NCA student twice a month in my classroom, training me and the assistant as well. I've participated in multiple trainings offered by Tesoros for professional development.
Increasing Nicaraguan Support: For a few years, Marvin Solis worked as the office accountant at Tesoros de Dios. But he had dreams and abilities that have allowed him to shift into a new role. . .connecting with people and resources right here in Nicaragua. Nearly all of our support comes from the US. Nearly all of that US support from a handful of churches and very generous individuals. Marvin's role will help us become more sustainable. . .and will hopefully connect Nicaraguans and their resources to the work that is happening in this local ministry.
Will you take a minute to pray for Tesoros? Please pray for our fundraising efforts. For careful, well-planned, and sustainable growth. For an increased number of children, families, schools, and churches reached. For the children on the waiting list. For the director, Michelle.
Consider joining the Tesoros de Dios support team. You can sponsor a child. . .and I assure you, your ministry support will be well-used, an enabler of growth in ministry. We don't want a waiting list! Click here if you feel called to support Tesoros through general donation, child sponsorship, or the purchase of yummy coffee.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
How the Ippels recharge
We have
been busy lately. We are always busy
(and if we are honest, we kind of like being busy), but these past couple of
month have seemed even busier than normal—we are coming off 2 and a half months
full of visitors, our ministry responsibilities (NCA, Tesoros de Dios, AMOS,
House of Hope, church) are in full swing, Andrew is involved with the high
school musical and currently has daily rehearsals, we are preparing to host a 7th
grade NCA student in our home during the school week, and more! These are all great things, but you may be
wondering what we are doing to stay sane and emotionally healthy—what we do to recharge.
I (Ruth) am
the Rest and Relaxation Dictator in our family.
These are some of the things I try to make sure happen on a regular
basis:
Watch
TV. Most nights, after we tuck our kids
and monkey into bed, Andrew and I watch a TV show. We are very thankful for Netflix (did you
know that Netflix is different in different countries? We have some of the same
shows that you have in the US, but a lot of different ones too). Often, we fall asleep before the show is done—evidence
of how tired we are.
Play sports.
One of my favorite ways to recharge is to play sports. Most Sundays, we play Ultimate Frisbee at the
school. On Wednesday evenings, I play
volleyball. Any time there is an
opportunity to play a sport, I jump on it (we even tried football one day… we
probably won’t do that again).
 |
| Andrew playing Ultimate |
Have games
nights. We have several friends who we
play games with on a regular basis. This
is a great time to fellowship, catch up with each other, and just have fun.
Some of our favorite games right now are Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Euchre,
Rook, and Sushi Go.
Go on
dates. If you would have told me 3 years ago that I would eat Sushi in a
developing country, I would have told you you were crazy. Now, sushi is our date food of choice. We go on a date at least once a month,
sometimes more often. We have started taking
our kids on dates as well. Henry’s first choice is also sushi. His other date
request is to go to our brand new Walmart.
 |
| Andrew and Mae on a date--Mae choice? TGI Fridays and gelato |
In the
midst of our busyness, we recognize the importance of these seemingly
unimportant habits. We want to live well
and serve well, so these are the things we do behind the scenes to recharge for
the days, months and years to come.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Volunteers! We need you!
The SOAAR program at NCA has ONLY come to fruition this year due to the commitment of several volunteers this year. . .Gina, Katelyn, Olinda, James, and Candace have enabled NCA to serve SO many more students that I could ever do on my own. Some volunteers spend most of their time with one student with significant needs, while others float from class to class to give additional support to small groups of students. As we begin to think about school year 2016-2017, I am a little anxious regarding the SOAAR assistants. I know that God will provide the perfect people for the job. . .he certainly did this year!. . .and I need to trust that. At the same time, I'm excited to the get the word out! Please inform your friends, neighbors, and recently graduating college students that we need YOU at NCA International!
I sat down with current volunteers Olinda Keegstra and Jim and Candace Ducharme to ask them some questions about their experience volunteering with the SOAAR program, to give potential volunteers a little more information about what it might be like. Okay, in truth I actually emailed them these questions as we rarely have time to all sit down together:) I'm thankful they took the time to respond to my questions.
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself--where are you from? What is your education background?
Olinda :I am from a small town in British Columbia Canada called Houston. I was raised on a farm and love the outdoors as well as traveling. I have an Educational Assistant Certificate. I have worked in multiple schools over the last couple years.
Jim and Candace: We are Jim and Candace Ducharme and we are from Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. We've been married for 39 years and have 2 sons, 1 daughter, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and a total of 5 grandchildren. Over the past decade we have been blessed to be able to serve the Lord through teaching English in the Dominican Republic, being House Parents at a home for at risk teens, working for Youth for Christ as well as assisting mentally and physically handicapped individuals reach their full potential.Jim's focus of education was in Residential Youth Care as well as with Vulnerable Persons.Candace's background is in Bookkeeping and Counseling.
2. How did you hear about NCA and the SOAAR program?
O: I receive the CRWM volunteer newsletter. There was an advertisement that said "Educational Assistant needed in Nicaragua to help with children who have special needs in a SOAAR program."
J and C: We heard about NCA while searching the internet for a place to serve. The positions that were available at NCA International seemed to be a perfect fit for both of us as well as NCA.
3. How are you paying for this volunteering experience? Are you with an organization?
O: Over the summer prior to leaving for Nicaragua I did some fundraising booths at farmer markets. And now I also have support from my home church as well as another church that I had attended.
J and C: We were blessed to be able to save up money over the summer to cover a large part of our expenses here. Candace's parents also contributed and very dear friends of ours, who have huge hearts for missions but are no longer able to go themselves, covered our return airfare. We are not with any organization and right now the exchange on the US dollar is brutal for us Canadians making this a much more expensive venture than we were expecting.
4. In a few sentences, summarize your job duties as a SOAAR volunteer.
O: In the mornings I work with a PreK student who needs support in language and social skills. In the afternoons I mostly help out in other elementary classrooms with reading support.
J and C: Jim has been focusing a lot of his time being a support worker for a 2nd grader with Asperger's Syndrome, general grade 2 classroom assistance and a bit of remedial work with a few other students as identified by the SOAAR program and classroom teachers.
Candace has been doing remedial work consisting mainly of math and English language skills with several students, assisting in various classrooms as needed and tutoring.
5. What is the hardest part of your job?
O: I would have to say working with the PreK2 student. I need to be on my toes and always trying to think one step ahead of him. It takes a lot of energy to keep up with him.
J and C: Watching students struggle with learning issues.
6. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
O: It is rewarding for me to see the PreK2 student do well in his classes and with his friends (like when he voluntarily shares with another student.)
J and C: When even the smallest of goals have been achieved and we can celebrate the successes.
7. What qualities or previous experiences do you think are important in a potential SOAAR volunteer?
O: I think anyone who works in the SOAAR program should have some previous experience working with students who have special needs or has a deep desire and willingness to help and not be
J and C: Our thoughts are that some background in Special Needs experience, be it through formal education or personal experience, would be an invaluable asset. It is the type of work that can be both mentally and physically demanding so coming into it with that knowledge base would be a big plus.
Set aside your own agenda and any pre-conceived notions of how things should be done. Come with a willingness to serve the kids you're going to be working with, it's not about your own abilities, it's about what God can bring about through your willingness to serve.
8. Tell me a little about your living situation and community.
O: I live with a missionary family, They work at the school so I ride with them. I like the feel of family life and she cooks gluten-free things which helps me out a lot. They live in a community where a few other teachers with families and single teachers live, so I can walk over to hang out with them too.
J and C: We live in Quinta Allyson which is a gated apartment/townhouse community where many of the teachers and other NCA staff make their homes. We have a small 1 bedroom apt. that is absolutely all we require. We've only been here a month but so far the internet has been pretty decent so that's a plus. Speaking of pluses, you will pay extra for internet. The place has a nice pool area, the grounds are clean and it is only about a 10 minute walk from the school, if you want/need to walk. There is not, however, any place convenient to walk to for just a few groceries and Quinta Allyson and the school are situated out of Managua itself.
9. What are the biggest challenges of living in Nicaragua?
O: . The biggest challenge for me is not knowing the language and not having a vehicle.
J and C: For us the biggest challenge is not having our own transportation; we really miss the independence of going places and doing things on our own schedule. There are buses but since Managua streets are not marked it is hard to even know where you are never mind where you want to go until you know the city somewhat. Taxis are normally an option but when the support is meager you may just be staying home.
10. What is next for you?
O: I don't know yet.
J and C: Back to Canada for a few months, renew family ties and friendships and we'll have to see what's after that.
For a specific job description and application, please click here.
For information about parterning with the SOAAR program through Christian Reformed World Missions, click here.
Any questions? Please contact Andrew Ippel (aippel62@gmail.com)
I sat down with current volunteers Olinda Keegstra and Jim and Candace Ducharme to ask them some questions about their experience volunteering with the SOAAR program, to give potential volunteers a little more information about what it might be like. Okay, in truth I actually emailed them these questions as we rarely have time to all sit down together:) I'm thankful they took the time to respond to my questions.
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself--where are you from? What is your education background?
Olinda :I am from a small town in British Columbia Canada called Houston. I was raised on a farm and love the outdoors as well as traveling. I have an Educational Assistant Certificate. I have worked in multiple schools over the last couple years.
Jim and Candace: We are Jim and Candace Ducharme and we are from Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. We've been married for 39 years and have 2 sons, 1 daughter, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law and a total of 5 grandchildren. Over the past decade we have been blessed to be able to serve the Lord through teaching English in the Dominican Republic, being House Parents at a home for at risk teens, working for Youth for Christ as well as assisting mentally and physically handicapped individuals reach their full potential.Jim's focus of education was in Residential Youth Care as well as with Vulnerable Persons.Candace's background is in Bookkeeping and Counseling.
2. How did you hear about NCA and the SOAAR program?
O: I receive the CRWM volunteer newsletter. There was an advertisement that said "Educational Assistant needed in Nicaragua to help with children who have special needs in a SOAAR program."
J and C: We heard about NCA while searching the internet for a place to serve. The positions that were available at NCA International seemed to be a perfect fit for both of us as well as NCA.
3. How are you paying for this volunteering experience? Are you with an organization?
O: Over the summer prior to leaving for Nicaragua I did some fundraising booths at farmer markets. And now I also have support from my home church as well as another church that I had attended.
J and C: We were blessed to be able to save up money over the summer to cover a large part of our expenses here. Candace's parents also contributed and very dear friends of ours, who have huge hearts for missions but are no longer able to go themselves, covered our return airfare. We are not with any organization and right now the exchange on the US dollar is brutal for us Canadians making this a much more expensive venture than we were expecting.
4. In a few sentences, summarize your job duties as a SOAAR volunteer.
O: In the mornings I work with a PreK student who needs support in language and social skills. In the afternoons I mostly help out in other elementary classrooms with reading support.
J and C: Jim has been focusing a lot of his time being a support worker for a 2nd grader with Asperger's Syndrome, general grade 2 classroom assistance and a bit of remedial work with a few other students as identified by the SOAAR program and classroom teachers.
Candace has been doing remedial work consisting mainly of math and English language skills with several students, assisting in various classrooms as needed and tutoring.
5. What is the hardest part of your job?
O: I would have to say working with the PreK2 student. I need to be on my toes and always trying to think one step ahead of him. It takes a lot of energy to keep up with him.
J and C: Watching students struggle with learning issues.
6. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
O: It is rewarding for me to see the PreK2 student do well in his classes and with his friends (like when he voluntarily shares with another student.)
J and C: When even the smallest of goals have been achieved and we can celebrate the successes.
7. What qualities or previous experiences do you think are important in a potential SOAAR volunteer?
O: I think anyone who works in the SOAAR program should have some previous experience working with students who have special needs or has a deep desire and willingness to help and not be
J and C: Our thoughts are that some background in Special Needs experience, be it through formal education or personal experience, would be an invaluable asset. It is the type of work that can be both mentally and physically demanding so coming into it with that knowledge base would be a big plus.
Set aside your own agenda and any pre-conceived notions of how things should be done. Come with a willingness to serve the kids you're going to be working with, it's not about your own abilities, it's about what God can bring about through your willingness to serve.
8. Tell me a little about your living situation and community.
O: I live with a missionary family, They work at the school so I ride with them. I like the feel of family life and she cooks gluten-free things which helps me out a lot. They live in a community where a few other teachers with families and single teachers live, so I can walk over to hang out with them too.
J and C: We live in Quinta Allyson which is a gated apartment/townhouse community where many of the teachers and other NCA staff make their homes. We have a small 1 bedroom apt. that is absolutely all we require. We've only been here a month but so far the internet has been pretty decent so that's a plus. Speaking of pluses, you will pay extra for internet. The place has a nice pool area, the grounds are clean and it is only about a 10 minute walk from the school, if you want/need to walk. There is not, however, any place convenient to walk to for just a few groceries and Quinta Allyson and the school are situated out of Managua itself.
9. What are the biggest challenges of living in Nicaragua?
O: . The biggest challenge for me is not knowing the language and not having a vehicle.
J and C: For us the biggest challenge is not having our own transportation; we really miss the independence of going places and doing things on our own schedule. There are buses but since Managua streets are not marked it is hard to even know where you are never mind where you want to go until you know the city somewhat. Taxis are normally an option but when the support is meager you may just be staying home.
10. What is next for you?
O: I don't know yet.
J and C: Back to Canada for a few months, renew family ties and friendships and we'll have to see what's after that.
For a specific job description and application, please click here.
For information about parterning with the SOAAR program through Christian Reformed World Missions, click here.
Any questions? Please contact Andrew Ippel (aippel62@gmail.com)
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
SOAAR Semester 2
The new program of SOAAR (Students of All Abilities Recognized) continues to grow and develop at NCA International. I remember towards the beginning of the first semester feeling very discouraged and down about the program that I had hoped and prayed for--was it really needed? Was this a waste of resources? Would we even have enough students? There were days that I was. . .yes. . .bored! As we enter month two of second semester, I find myself longing for those days:) My days are full now (over-filled, actually) and SOAAR students are keeping two teachers and four assistants VERY busy from 7:30-2:30 five days a week! So yes, I've answered my own question. . .the SOAAR program WAS needed and is needed, and is providing important space and important resources for many NCA students. Here's a smattering of successes from the last week or so--a testimony of God's faithfulness.
--A preschool student entered his classroom during circle time a week ago, and found two kids in his normal spot. He said, "Move, please." The kids moved. He sat down. The lesson continued uninteruppted. You have no idea what a huge success this is. . .language skills! Social skills! Managing impulse and behavior! Wow! Praise God!
--A middle school student chronically fails to complete long-term assignments. The assignments are overwhelming, and the feeling of overwhelm can be very paralyzing for this student. So at the beginning of January, we made a very detailed outline of an upcoming Bible assignment that required 20ish summaries of Bible chapters to be done. A few days before it was due, I checked her assignment. My heart sank; she hadn't stuck with the plan. We made a revised plan, but I decided to let her manage the work and figure out how to get the massive amount of work done on her own. And she did it! It was turned in, and turned in one day early! Praise God!
--A second grade student is now supported by a classroom assistant for about half of the day to help him navigate the social waters of school and to help him manage behavior and emotions. Last semester, without the support, this child was in my room multiple times a day, crying and upset and frustrated. This semester, with increased support, this student is SO successful in his classroom. I see him daily, still, but only ever with huge smiles! He is relaxed, enjoying school, and learning so much--not just school stuff, but social stuff, too. Praise God!
--A new Kindergarten student joined our school in January. With a physical impairment similar to cerebral palsy, this student is unable to sit or walk unassisted. She requires a lot of support with motor tasks, and while she is learning English, she has no cognitive or learning challenges--the challenge is for us, figuring out how to give her a voice and involve her in the classroom. It is beautiful to see her hands (one of which is missing fingers) being held so lovingly by classmates, whom initially were filled with some fear and apprehension. This young girl is open about her emotions--when she is sad or upset, she'll certainly let you know--so I know that she loves being included at NCA by the smile she wears! She enjoys our time together in the SOAAR classroom, but when our 30 minute sessions are finished, and I ask her if she's ready to get back into her classroom, you should see her face light up as she nods "yes" vigorously! That maybe should make me sad, but it's quite the opposite! I'm glad my classroom is not her educational home! Read more about this student and her Kinder experience in a beautiful blogpost written by her teacher here. Praise God for this child and the way she is being included at NCA!
--A preschool student entered his classroom during circle time a week ago, and found two kids in his normal spot. He said, "Move, please." The kids moved. He sat down. The lesson continued uninteruppted. You have no idea what a huge success this is. . .language skills! Social skills! Managing impulse and behavior! Wow! Praise God!
--A second grade student is now supported by a classroom assistant for about half of the day to help him navigate the social waters of school and to help him manage behavior and emotions. Last semester, without the support, this child was in my room multiple times a day, crying and upset and frustrated. This semester, with increased support, this student is SO successful in his classroom. I see him daily, still, but only ever with huge smiles! He is relaxed, enjoying school, and learning so much--not just school stuff, but social stuff, too. Praise God!
--A new Kindergarten student joined our school in January. With a physical impairment similar to cerebral palsy, this student is unable to sit or walk unassisted. She requires a lot of support with motor tasks, and while she is learning English, she has no cognitive or learning challenges--the challenge is for us, figuring out how to give her a voice and involve her in the classroom. It is beautiful to see her hands (one of which is missing fingers) being held so lovingly by classmates, whom initially were filled with some fear and apprehension. This young girl is open about her emotions--when she is sad or upset, she'll certainly let you know--so I know that she loves being included at NCA by the smile she wears! She enjoys our time together in the SOAAR classroom, but when our 30 minute sessions are finished, and I ask her if she's ready to get back into her classroom, you should see her face light up as she nods "yes" vigorously! That maybe should make me sad, but it's quite the opposite! I'm glad my classroom is not her educational home! Read more about this student and her Kinder experience in a beautiful blogpost written by her teacher here. Praise God for this child and the way she is being included at NCA!
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Before We Moved To-Do List:)
After 1.5 months, we're back in the blogosphere! The reasons for our absence? After 30 days straight of blogging in November, we were. . .well. . .really sick of it! And so in December, we agreed to not do any blogging for our sanity and our self-care. AND we've had back-to-back time with visitors for 34 days recently (our next blog post will feature pictures of some of our adventures in December and early January with Jan, Mur, Micah, Isla, Dayna, and Hannah, followed by a post about SOAAR's start in the second semester--THANK YOU to so many who prayed for the program this week. Your prayers were heard.)
SO here we go. . .
Wow. I was just cleaning up my Google Drive and came across this interesting list from Spring 2013. It made me smile. It also made me relieved that we aren't currently dealing with such a long to-do list! And it made me thankful (retroactively!) for a God that provided and helped work out all of the details involved in transitioning from Grand Rapids to Nicaragua. Can you find your name somewhere on this list?
SO here we go. . .
Wow. I was just cleaning up my Google Drive and came across this interesting list from Spring 2013. It made me smile. It also made me relieved that we aren't currently dealing with such a long to-do list! And it made me thankful (retroactively!) for a God that provided and helped work out all of the details involved in transitioning from Grand Rapids to Nicaragua. Can you find your name somewhere on this list?
Documents
Charlotte Passport--done
Check all passports for date of expiration-done
Official Marriage (2) and Official Birth Certificates (2) for all of us-done
Plane tickets. . .Charlotte & return tickets buy July 20
Scan and copy all documents--send to Nicaraguan consulate
get thing from SOS
House
Talk to Juanita-done
Talk to Kyle and Allie-done
Talk to Phil V.-done
Call Seminary. . .done
Ruth--call Calvin for password. . .done
Schedule carpet cleaning. . . ask if we can do it after expiration if we schedule now. last week of July. If i don’t have to be here any morning. done (reschedule?)
Belongings--DONEish!
Goodwill pile!--done
The van--peter and kari?--done
Baby stuff--Once upon a child
Garage sale--done
TAKESELL
DONATE
TRASH
SAVE
FIND A TEMP. HOME FOR
Support
Email Dan-done
Meet with Nalini-done
Talk to church--next Sunday-done
Set up church “event”--done
Email Rehoboth Church? Sherman Street? Prestonsburg UMC?
Neland/Plymouth Heights/Mayfair/GamGams Church? done
Let everyone know! (email and Facebook) next Monday. . .-done
Mission Vision Values-done
picture--done
Nica Night service--done
Input address for mailing list
Thank yous
Teaching and Ministry
Visit Pre-schools-done
Email my new principal-done
Figure out how to “quit” at GRPS correctly with benefits-done
Random Other Stuff
Cell phones?
Piano lessons--Sarah? Rachel?--done
Cutting up credit cards. . .
Spanish learning?
Ruth email Rhonda and Pam-done
Xtra drivers licenses
Health
Dentist--done
Dr.--Andrew schedule--done
Vasectomy--June 28
Eye Dr.-done
Health Insurance--Cobra and Nicaragua
Evac. Insurance
Contacts--done
Ruth glasses--groupon
Prayer Team
Carla X
Megan X
Micah--A
Marie--X
Virginia--R
Kathy--X
Noah--Andrew
Phil--A
Rob Poel--A
Monday, November 30, 2015
30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 30--YOU!
We feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives--two wonderful, supportive families, friends who have become like family, multiple church families, a community at school that pours into our children, and the large group of you who support our ministry prayerfully and financially. Each of you is a gift to us, and we are thankful for you!
Sunday, November 29, 2015
30 Days of Thanksgiving: Days 28 and 29: Coffee and Traditions!
Day 28: Ruth and I both need our daily cup of coffee to get us going. Yup, we're addicts. I LOVE waking up with a strong cup of coffee (or two or three). The fact that we have really great coffee grown right here in Nicaragua makes it even better! No Foldgers here. We were able to spend the last two nights at a hotel/farm/coffee plantation called Selva Negra. We had fun hiking through the cloud forest and through the coffee bushes. . .from bean to mug. . .awesome!
Day 29: This was actually year 2 of spending part of Thanksgiving break in Selva Negra with our friends the Starkenburgs. We stayed in the same house as last year, ate some of the same yummy food, drank the same hot chocolate, played some familiar games, and enjoyed the same frigid mountain air! Our kids loved hanging our with their "Nicaraguan cousins," even though 6/7 kids were sick at some point (including Henry, our latest Chikingunya victim). We are thankful for traditions today! We don't have a lot of traditions yet, having only been here for 2.5 years, but we are certainly finding how special and important traditions are for our family and hope to create more and more each year. Next year in November, Selva Negra here we come!
Day 29: This was actually year 2 of spending part of Thanksgiving break in Selva Negra with our friends the Starkenburgs. We stayed in the same house as last year, ate some of the same yummy food, drank the same hot chocolate, played some familiar games, and enjoyed the same frigid mountain air! Our kids loved hanging our with their "Nicaraguan cousins," even though 6/7 kids were sick at some point (including Henry, our latest Chikingunya victim). We are thankful for traditions today! We don't have a lot of traditions yet, having only been here for 2.5 years, but we are certainly finding how special and important traditions are for our family and hope to create more and more each year. Next year in November, Selva Negra here we come!
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| Chikingunya:( It hurts. |
 |
| Fever! And "purple berries!" She doesn't know the word for grapes as we eat them so infrequently:) |
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