tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78436765921866777572024-03-05T22:36:26.709-07:00CAREY'N ONLife and thoughts as we journey onwardCareyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-35514421390691696802016-06-18T06:44:00.002-06:002016-06-18T06:44:16.843-06:00Oops!<h1>
Oops! </h1>
<br />Hello Friends! I'm so sorry that an email went out a few weeks ago with an old blog post. I'm still battling it out with technology. :-) Now the score is: <div style="text-align: center;">
Technology 5 Carey 0 </div>
<div>
If you are wondering what is the latest news you can check out my two latest blog updates </div>
<div>
<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://careyfranklinnic.blogspot.com/2016_04_01_archive.html" href="http://careyfranklinnic.blogspot.com/2016_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">http://careyfranklinnic.blogspot.com/2016_04_01_archive.html</a><br /><br />I promise not to bother you with more emails but would love to respond to you personally and hear how you are doing and what is new in your lives. My contact information is on the blog under the contact tab. <br /><br />Love and blessings,<br />Carey</div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-84672291219500134062016-05-07T06:25:00.000-06:002016-05-07T06:25:15.314-06:00FAQ'S<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
FAQ’s<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are listed in no particular order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s next?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trusting God in the day to day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working my admin assistant job and adjusting
to many new things for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This first
year back I am giving myself some margin to be able to adjust to new
surroundings and prayerfully consider the opportunities that God opens up to
me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why did you leave
Nicaragua?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether to stay or whether to go is something that has
always been covered with much prayer each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I moved to Nicaragua I had made a 2 year commitment yet knew that I
would be there for longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of you
have heard me say,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m here until God
sends me somewhere else.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God affirmed
that for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the past 2
years as I prayed about the next year I felt that God was preparing my heart
for an upcoming change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 year ago as I
was praying and seeking Godly counsel from my leaders it seemed like the path
was laid before me to leave Nicaragua and return to the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>as right as I knew the decision was it was really hard for me to accept
the idea of leaving Nicaragua,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
people and place I have grown and loved so dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through a variety of different
circumstances, conversations and people God confirmed the timing of my
return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How will we know
about what is happening at NCA Matagalpa?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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You can follow NCAM’s facebook page to see pics of some of
the happenings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also ask me, I am still in
communication with people there and can share updates as I have them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Will you go into
education in the US?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m still praying about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to take a break for this year from
the pressures and emotional commitment that being a teacher involves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My head and my heart need a little recovery
time before I’m ready to get back into that area of ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>my current teaching certificate is only valid in the state of Texas and
I will need to apply for a transfer to South Carolina when I am ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you know me well you know that I
can’t stay away from kids and opportunities to be involved for long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found a few local opportunities to
use my Spanish and my teaching heart to volunteer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I have a peace about this and am
enjoying being able to leave my job at 5pm and not have loads of lesson plans,
grading and school work to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Will you return to
Nicaragua?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point only God knows what the future holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I
will go back and visit but as far as moving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>back for ministry I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I miss my friends, the culture and the school very much and anticipate a
visit to see them all in the future but as far as moving back<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we’ll see where God leads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What do you need
right now?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Prayer for a few good, close friends here in
Greenville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy in this culture
to have lots of</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
friends that you can hang out with and have a good time with
but my heart is longing for a few deeper friendships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Prayer for the continued re-entry process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Praise God I am covered financially as
I transition from my support with Christ For the City<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and now having a job as I set up a home and
life in the USA for now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What are ways that I
can continue to support NCA?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You can continue to collect Spanish books for
the Library.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Every year in May we have
access to a shipping container and can send the books down to the school.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You can also support</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">building Capital Fund projects, the library
and more through the Resourcing Christian Education website.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><a href="https://rceinternational.webconnex.com/34000" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://rceinternational.webconnex.com/34000</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">and select NCA Matagalpa Capital
Projects</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">or NCA Matagalpa Library</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Support other missionaries who are serving at
NCA Matagalpa</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nathan
Sandahl and his family Nathan is the Operations Manager at the school and he and his family are a tremendous blessing to the community.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Missionary Ventures International</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8.5pt;"> P.O. Box 593550</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8.5pt;"><br /><span style="background: white;"> Orlando, FL 32859-3550</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>What is your greatest joy when you think about your time in Nicaragua?</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">The beautiful relationships that filled my life. Relationships with dear people that became like family both Nicaraguan and members of the ex-pat community. Also the relationship with the culture as I learned the idiosyncrasies of the day to day.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>What Nicaraguan food do you miss?</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">I miss me some good ol' Gallo Pinto (red beans and rice). I've made it a few times here and it is just not quite the same as Alba's Gallo Pinto back in Matagalpa. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you have more questions please feel free to email me and I'll add them to the list.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-23692326012335428592016-04-25T03:54:00.001-06:002016-04-25T03:54:48.365-06:00The Writing on the Pages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPqAuo6-C9ZXS5BEmC_ZUhWr8-0B5-jpHI49ZYruXOcf7tREkZp5bQ6-oFbTT9W_5Pj5MwOPro2TBO6S3Plqx39nbHR_uXQlIEvGNpxjSf0OfuQeDQbj_31Nz_Vm0cdwVae5bUVZhPsY/s1600/IMG_1712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPqAuo6-C9ZXS5BEmC_ZUhWr8-0B5-jpHI49ZYruXOcf7tREkZp5bQ6-oFbTT9W_5Pj5MwOPro2TBO6S3Plqx39nbHR_uXQlIEvGNpxjSf0OfuQeDQbj_31Nz_Vm0cdwVae5bUVZhPsY/s200/IMG_1712.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqNpqgi-Y_s_tlzNZUu2SrPON1McW6O8Zdu1fLk2I1GfLQGTIhm9VUCEkjOZEpSKZKp76PUna2XlIP3PJVrya4MswizFLKemJPsmih-3Jm4hfz2_XBnGQDa4hlduBx4cnpoqO5gbAchk/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrOdNeYDSNJwOJukOAW4J-JIxkuocj30PWeRqULxVPJBQL-_Pyi9e8iZJDxWI0ZLWEszmPuBST_ansul-cFCqrhQVXJI-vcUxh6UWxTB1qOLxPgWsBw0t79g7G85r5WZo2nWgVbFShRc/s1600/IMG_1717.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPqAuo6-C9ZXS5BEmC_ZUhWr8-0B5-jpHI49ZYruXOcf7tREkZp5bQ6-oFbTT9W_5Pj5MwOPro2TBO6S3Plqx39nbHR_uXQlIEvGNpxjSf0OfuQeDQbj_31Nz_Vm0cdwVae5bUVZhPsY/s1600/IMG_1712.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTZnTTRqvjmGm0LDQ1JyyoFNdZdGQMVGp5v0_8an0p3RI4P8rxT-rQh_srjA1Lcd7m0rbW6nHXZNcyccwFkWmHXRY_leqPWjNrySco3vvvCe3ci2UU1l_pFYA-uoJs8fF_0W3Rwj-Dv8/s1600/IMG_1655.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBks-Sj1O1KPqnVMUMuVr4ZPrTlfPTyWujKe4ytBp5UbsGo-IUpOKSu4tYhCEI9zwb_vkn9f60FLsGcNwyah-nFifrRG7oG2JYRQcZjL64SlXmkcsZpryx6ayuGaeEZmrif5BzsJ2-nMc/s1600/IMG_0704.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuFSl5HKnvEWg7-opwakd7vPsQ5CkSY1aoCuChdIO4MhsD4v_vA9M9joJPOAcubEP6mQqJfK3gFJiQYilnIBj0WO-AWwdM_GWO7rmzYEwMniQpqbgnoPdFJjVkqzsYq6UmhsL_hGFUlk/s1600/11098185_558184667655124_4533053458167752883_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuFSl5HKnvEWg7-opwakd7vPsQ5CkSY1aoCuChdIO4MhsD4v_vA9M9joJPOAcubEP6mQqJfK3gFJiQYilnIBj0WO-AWwdM_GWO7rmzYEwMniQpqbgnoPdFJjVkqzsYq6UmhsL_hGFUlk/s200/11098185_558184667655124_4533053458167752883_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjBaQ2wT3t_8bZFQtuE45bOL3ebdGeEpB4DO5qoM__4dE8qlXQQpF7eCOz0QnyYQDN2itAtyS_4elbMtQerxhqRDEkq0yT4z0FjdlkyqrcUK5ONVI_rEIDuuRKZknKsdJWwdHcvVsTGM/s1600/IMG_1014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjBaQ2wT3t_8bZFQtuE45bOL3ebdGeEpB4DO5qoM__4dE8qlXQQpF7eCOz0QnyYQDN2itAtyS_4elbMtQerxhqRDEkq0yT4z0FjdlkyqrcUK5ONVI_rEIDuuRKZknKsdJWwdHcvVsTGM/s200/IMG_1014.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Writing on the Pages</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where does one begin when asked to sum up an 11 ½ year
chapter of your life? The answer is hard
to put down into words. I have been trying to
write this update for the past 3 months.
Struggling to find words to adequately convey all that God has done, the
growth I’ve experienced, relationships built and life-change experienced and witnessed through
God’s hand seems an insurmountable task. In the coming week I'll be posting some FAQ's for you all too. In the mean-time here goes....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><u>The Nicaragua Chapter</u></span><br />
<div>
<u><br /></u>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqNpqgi-Y_s_tlzNZUu2SrPON1McW6O8Zdu1fLk2I1GfLQGTIhm9VUCEkjOZEpSKZKp76PUna2XlIP3PJVrya4MswizFLKemJPsmih-3Jm4hfz2_XBnGQDa4hlduBx4cnpoqO5gbAchk/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqNpqgi-Y_s_tlzNZUu2SrPON1McW6O8Zdu1fLk2I1GfLQGTIhm9VUCEkjOZEpSKZKp76PUna2XlIP3PJVrya4MswizFLKemJPsmih-3Jm4hfz2_XBnGQDa4hlduBx4cnpoqO5gbAchk/s320/IMG_1874.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you ever had a load like this guy?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say that this journey has not been full of paradox would be far from the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t recount the number of
times when faced with what seemed like impossible situations that could have
left me feeling hopeless yet I was filled with unexplainable peace and
confidence in God’s greater perspective of the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That's not to say that I didn't have some freak out moments! :-) </span>These past four years serving at NCA
Matagalpa have been rewarding and challenging in the deepest of ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I reflect back I see so many little ways
that God had been preparing me for the work that He would have me do in
Matagalpa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My interactions with
Nicaraguan school teachers and school directors in churches that <a href="http://www.cfcinicaragua.org/" target="_blank">Christ For theCity</a> partnered with in my early years in Nicaragua were just the beginning. Those experiences helped me understand the struggle it is to
find teachers who teach with their heart, and how difficult it is to say to
parents behind on their school bill due to unemployment that they have to
find a way to catch up so that you can have the funds to give their son’s
teacher a paycheck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ability to comprehend the power of fear that drives Nicaraguans<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to only do precisely what their employer has
directed them to do and no more for fear of losing their job and thus not being able to
provide for their family. All of this and more have opened my eyes to see what has led to such lack of experience in critical problem
solving and squelched creativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These experiences and more have been God’s way of
preparing me to partner with <a href="http://nca.edu.ni/matagalpa/" target="_blank">Nicaragua Christian Academy </a>and open a new campus
in Matagalpa and serve alongside a stellar team for the past few years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through applying my knowledge and experience with the framework
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my Nicaraguan <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>coworkers we were able to address some of
these hurdles from a different angle and achieve deeper levels of success and
systemic change because WE collectively identified the “Why” before moving towards the
“How” of making positive changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The school, staff, students and families are growing, collaborating by leaps and bounds and it makes my heart sing God's praises for all that He is doing at NCAM.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However nothing prepared me for the pain of saying good-bye to these
special people that I have worked alongside for these past few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When your heart strings are tied in so
closely to the people and the place God has placed you to serve the separation
is painfu<span style="background-color: white;">l. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #333333;">Leaving
a place you love and truly felt called to is grief.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel so blessed to have been able to meet and work with so
many incredible teachers, co-workers, students and parents and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sit here in awe and ask,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“God, who am I that you chose to use
me?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is I don’t have the
answer but He rejoices in the growth, life, love and acceptance that has grown
from me, a simple, broken vessel, that has been laid before Him during this
chapter of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf-fHOvUjuGj3VFKex746pUfaFS8YdIJf8CbzzLpbtuUFr5X9N8FOnpWscTEosa-lDHzcxXREboSPdKc8SWpHAn6s5tmpvF5k6klKmdHr16s9_ANkEtlkqzu1ZRVpG5SyjiDjNA8-YPI/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf-fHOvUjuGj3VFKex746pUfaFS8YdIJf8CbzzLpbtuUFr5X9N8FOnpWscTEosa-lDHzcxXREboSPdKc8SWpHAn6s5tmpvF5k6klKmdHr16s9_ANkEtlkqzu1ZRVpG5SyjiDjNA8-YPI/s320/IMG_1730.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabella a 3rd grader and her Dad at their family's coffee farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4Wwqm4x7tUeMfssVdov91jI7O24Xp3UeE4cy72Qwn4vEuDt_DeheRpBEnJ-DBAzlQUcLrxC2gbVaNL8EaJKTbRI2PHyTQMlt-6pK_86JMncZKMH6WGBaJnEOl_Umndw1Td3-YrulVao/s1600/IMG_2559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4Wwqm4x7tUeMfssVdov91jI7O24Xp3UeE4cy72Qwn4vEuDt_DeheRpBEnJ-DBAzlQUcLrxC2gbVaNL8EaJKTbRI2PHyTQMlt-6pK_86JMncZKMH6WGBaJnEOl_Umndw1Td3-YrulVao/s320/IMG_2559.jpg" width="320" /></a>November and December were filled with busy schedules as I
trained, explained and handed over lots of files to the new director Mr. Kynast
and filled out the last evaluations, finalized our growth plans and had our
last collaborative meetings with team members and began the process of saying
good-bye to so many people that I love dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stepping into classrooms, hugging students that you’ve gone the extra
mile for and having parents approach you with overwhelming hearts of gratitude
filled the last weeks of classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time was filled with tearful good-byes and
walks down memory lane as we recounted so many precious memories of God’s
overwhelming faithfulness together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
do you say good-bye to a people and a place that has welcomed you in and allowed
you to learn and grow with them for more than a decade?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is you can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You leave a piece of your heart with all of
those people and places you loved and your heart grows bigger with all of the
love and memories you carry with you as you leave the place you called home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #313131; font-family: "pt serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 11.5pt;">―</span></b><b><span style="color: #313131; font-family: "pt serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> Miriam Adeney</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><u>The Page Between</u></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My focus since returning to the US has been setting aside
time to rest and recover from a particularly busy season of life and re-center
my life and energy in the One who made me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you are running 90 mph<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>every
day from sun up to sun down and a little beyond you don’t stop long enough to
realize just how tired your mind and body really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long, quiet days have been wonderful to
enjoy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>time alone with God and slow my
brain down to a healthier rhythm with fewer distractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a week in the Colorado mountains at
the Potter’s Inn for an intensive time of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>rest and reflection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt as
though God had been preparing my heart and mind to glean so much from this
one-on-one time with a spiritual director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recognizing some unhealthy habits that I’ve developed as I have found my
identity in what I do rather than who God has made me to be and I've begun taking active
steps to find my fulfillment in who He has made me to be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrOdNeYDSNJwOJukOAW4J-JIxkuocj30PWeRqULxVPJBQL-_Pyi9e8iZJDxWI0ZLWEszmPuBST_ansul-cFCqrhQVXJI-vcUxh6UWxTB1qOLxPgWsBw0t79g7G85r5WZo2nWgVbFShRc/s1600/IMG_1717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrOdNeYDSNJwOJukOAW4J-JIxkuocj30PWeRqULxVPJBQL-_Pyi9e8iZJDxWI0ZLWEszmPuBST_ansul-cFCqrhQVXJI-vcUxh6UWxTB1qOLxPgWsBw0t79g7G85r5WZo2nWgVbFShRc/s320/IMG_1717.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fredssy doing a science experiment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward three months and here I sit writing this update
in Greenville, South Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has
provided for me in amazing ways as I was able to spend some quality time with
my family in Colorado and Kansas as well as see some dear friends along the way
as I headed out East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 4 weeks
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>getting the lay of the land in
Greenville my head is still spinning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
guess the easiest way to explain this is that I’ve moved to a new country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure the US is my passport country but it has
changed a lot and so have I over the years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar to when I moved to Nicaragua<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have
to learn the customs and culture of this “New Country”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it may not be as technical of a
transition as my move to Nicaragua in 2004 the reality is that it is just as
full of uncomfortable cultural mishaps, language miscommunication, new
friendships, adventures and emotional roller coaster rides as a cross-cultural
move. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX96WfmViAfd4czEFN-wUa0R0bWhqcH4wmGzPimtt1G4Yu3_CKV1TtMwa4VcWwTQuOggmiBMkxY7WVpMTwHpCXNsp8IiEY_idPnuOLORddwzAAgkuWpc0EsTFZI4S2dvdPJKqCtRlH4HI/s1600/DSC_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX96WfmViAfd4czEFN-wUa0R0bWhqcH4wmGzPimtt1G4Yu3_CKV1TtMwa4VcWwTQuOggmiBMkxY7WVpMTwHpCXNsp8IiEY_idPnuOLORddwzAAgkuWpc0EsTFZI4S2dvdPJKqCtRlH4HI/s320/DSC_0151.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students making a playhouse for the elementary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><u>The New
Chapter</u></span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new chapter of my journey is just beginning as I go
through the process of getting connected on a deeper level with new people and
get a pulse on where I am being called to serve and live here in Greenville. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite the overwhelming number of choices and decisions I
encounter at every turn I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have seen some
pretty cool provision from God in unique ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A former missionary family has graciously let me stay in their garage
apartment while I get settled. God provided an awesome car and some super
knowledgeable people to go with me to check<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>it out and make sure that the vehicle passed the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I’ve met some other people who are just
super connected to service opportunities in the community<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that I am really excited to get to know more
in the coming months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even provided
a camping opportunity that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>filled a need
to be outside in nature with a cool new family that I met at church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also provided a job to work as an
administrative assistant at a circuit board repair company while I get my feet
underneath me this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Connections are
in the works in many ways but as with all good things they take time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
serve a mighty King who is worthy of all praise in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>struggle and in triumph.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I close with some lyrics of a new song I just learned
from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elevation Worship called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVygdWkcoMc" target="_blank">Only KingForever</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10.0pt;">What do we have to bring<br />
This is our offering, our hearts before<br />
The risen Lord<br />
All power in Your Name<br />
Jesus the one who saves, be lifted high<br />
Our song will rise<br />
<br />
Oh great and mighty King<br />
You reign in majesty<br />
Before Your throne we sing<br />
Holy holy<br />
Oh great and mighty King<br />
For all eternity<br />
We bow with heaven and sing<br />
Holy holy<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<o:p>What do I have to bring to Him in this new chapter? My heart, broken open for others in service to the King. May He reign in majesty! Thank you all for joining me on this journey. I am eternally grateful for your partnership in so many ways.</o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Join me in praying</div>
<h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A roommate and housing by the end of May</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Cultural re-entry</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> The grieving process of missing my home
(Nicaragua) </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> New Friends and Community </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Unity for the NCA Matagalpa Team as they continue to grow </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Wisdom in the journey ahead</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Balance for the new Director as he learns the ropes and settles in to his new community</span></li>
</ul>
</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b> Continued professional development opportunities and coaching for the NCAM staff and that they would continue to rise up and teach others what they know. </b></span></li>
<li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ3XSn1wSLLXGSCkrou3Jm1KOGq-jsTQiYYtpttgryurxArQVbnbmnOWeJmp2rxPF1gFNS3RVet3Y2_bnMWEOex-wzNeTq49TJa8Etfr5T2ayUKatU1CWfRCzOzoUZOso7K5JM8wiubo/s1600/IMG_1532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ3XSn1wSLLXGSCkrou3Jm1KOGq-jsTQiYYtpttgryurxArQVbnbmnOWeJmp2rxPF1gFNS3RVet3Y2_bnMWEOex-wzNeTq49TJa8Etfr5T2ayUKatU1CWfRCzOzoUZOso7K5JM8wiubo/s320/IMG_1532.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of my Nicaraguan Missionary family. Dear, dear friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBr0WnHa1pfGkQ2aBaDot0BbaijDo_35A7PR1gscBdTMhe90vcceJlUEm4GAH5LSmtMXc93xR9QdAGcGkoz4ITnu9dm_3yY1cTUzhVj4QIZQnnqzoju70261IrppHc1haASUu1-lO7Fg/s1600/IMG_1528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBr0WnHa1pfGkQ2aBaDot0BbaijDo_35A7PR1gscBdTMhe90vcceJlUEm4GAH5LSmtMXc93xR9QdAGcGkoz4ITnu9dm_3yY1cTUzhVj4QIZQnnqzoju70261IrppHc1haASUu1-lO7Fg/s320/IMG_1528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our AMAZING staff!!</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-68863265571560878352015-10-03T09:01:00.000-06:002015-10-03T09:01:46.887-06:00Seasons of Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Love and laughter'; font-size: 16pt;">“The reality of God’s presence is not dependent on any place, but only dependent upon the determination to set the Lord always before us.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Love and laughter'; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Love and laughter'; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Love and laughter'; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Love and laughter'; font-size: 16pt;">- Oswald Chambers</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Seasons<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of Change<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">We all experience different seasons of
change in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now the
weather in the US is transitioning from Summer to Fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rhythm of the earth</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
changes bring the sense of a slow and steady march towards the changes ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost unseen to us the plants and trees
little by little are preparing themselves for a season of rest as the Winter
cold envelops the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our lives
march onward with this same cadence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVPj0BrX-qb02vVfqVCTkObcT9kTa8r_bX-PPlNnzejBtqtLQrNT0yh9_8paf3pbjLH2D8EQk3YDluEMAjl0q64npnCt5dHoV-ZNGxNnk5gPcEDKIXkBl5Zf2L7pKW3rYnsPft9y1lTs/s1600/11952794_608233149316942_231930600342044866_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVPj0BrX-qb02vVfqVCTkObcT9kTa8r_bX-PPlNnzejBtqtLQrNT0yh9_8paf3pbjLH2D8EQk3YDluEMAjl0q64npnCt5dHoV-ZNGxNnk5gPcEDKIXkBl5Zf2L7pKW3rYnsPft9y1lTs/s200/11952794_608233149316942_231930600342044866_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">During the past year I have been
praying<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for wisdom and direction in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has revealed an upcoming
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have prayed and sought counsel from
mentors and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pastors <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am preparing for my own season of
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In early January <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2016 I will be packing my suitcases once more,
turning in my residence card in Nicaragua and taking up residence in the United
States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first packed my
suitcases in 2004 to move to this lovely land of lakes and volcanoes that has
become my </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">home</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">
I never imagined that I would be here for more than 11 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of leaving is bittersweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people, culture and community that I have
been a part of here have really become </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">home</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">What</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
Next</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">…</span></b></u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DqX5Xwt4vMNK6iJkix8Udne5T7Fjch9ISFvt6ESQzWO1uFFFrJlWGc6Lk-z-xA_0bKGT5oOeZxwljvvrad1UDYn6LwEnUIlz63NAsD3ouuqDw6GlqVPbiN3Unw7dINm4Q0iU2gE4XQk/s1600/11953469_608232352650355_4403555169390975249_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DqX5Xwt4vMNK6iJkix8Udne5T7Fjch9ISFvt6ESQzWO1uFFFrJlWGc6Lk-z-xA_0bKGT5oOeZxwljvvrad1UDYn6LwEnUIlz63NAsD3ouuqDw6GlqVPbiN3Unw7dINm4Q0iU2gE4XQk/s200/11953469_608232352650355_4403555169390975249_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">In January I will head to Colorado and
Kansas to spend some time reconnecting with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will participate in some re-entry
counseling for missionaries leaving the field and returning to their </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">passport
country</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, in February I</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">ll
head to Greenville, South Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a terrific church, lots of friends and a community that has walked
this Nicaragua journey with me waiting <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to accompany me as I weather this next season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many details that are still
unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I do know that just as
God took care of all of the details when I moved to Nicaragua eleven years ago
I know that He holds the future in His hands and that His plans for me are
good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can pray for me as I seek God</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
direction for these next steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Above
all,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful for the peace that
God has granted in this decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may
not know the details but I know the God who holds them all and there is
tremendous peace in that.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";"><u>What will happen at NCA?</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83dRunQmXrmwMpev891G6DPr48au5fxRrmOnI40HrDHpr76dzOG6X5ELK_OOn9Ya7tDvtkSxUPVPz3iSX4vEAwLq1yvGoApv_oHhZuzRYTo5OqXN0qCr4WzFDcAA7C5EyEh_MIbfDSJA/s1600/11402629_568364366637154_3169223609724663649_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83dRunQmXrmwMpev891G6DPr48au5fxRrmOnI40HrDHpr76dzOG6X5ELK_OOn9Ya7tDvtkSxUPVPz3iSX4vEAwLq1yvGoApv_oHhZuzRYTo5OqXN0qCr4WzFDcAA7C5EyEh_MIbfDSJA/s200/11402629_568364366637154_3169223609724663649_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">So glad that you asked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In May of this year a new director was hired
to assume the leadership if NCA Matagalpa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Greg and his wife Grace will be arriving in Nicaragua in November to
begin settling into their new home and learn the ropes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has provided in a miraculous way for
the NCA community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg was the director
at NCA in Managua and was the person who hired me as the first grade teacher
there 12 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
heart for relationship with students, parents and teachers is remarkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so blessed because I feel like
God<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>paid special attention to some of
the specific details of my prayers and has provided the right man to continue
to lead and direct<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NCA with a heart of
service and dedication to God first and then to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRFmRIOto4HVBO40QqHuPEmmEMcjKFFYDFL6A6S_RxT-8Ud-az4dudlJKNsIFwh4b5SWH5G_XongemaJ9_h-BlS0TFhy_nCSa_kVOExuD76nqkU1gy9GEXQ2YymlhOFzRT8KtDTEok2s/s1600/10985409_605338832939707_7684039768170157608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRFmRIOto4HVBO40QqHuPEmmEMcjKFFYDFL6A6S_RxT-8Ud-az4dudlJKNsIFwh4b5SWH5G_XongemaJ9_h-BlS0TFhy_nCSa_kVOExuD76nqkU1gy9GEXQ2YymlhOFzRT8KtDTEok2s/s200/10985409_605338832939707_7684039768170157608_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">The honest truth is that God has blessed
NCA beyond measure and He will continue to grow the school, the teachers and
the community in remarkable ways weather I am a part of it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The foundation is firmly set on God</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
Word and the commitment flows from both <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teachers and parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so privileged to have been a part of
the first chapters of the school</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s development and I look
forward with great anticipation to the fruit that our labors will bear in the
next generation of leaders and professionals in Matagalpa.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">How to Support<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me in this Transition</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">…</span></b></u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">First of all thank you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you! I would not still be here 11
years later if it were not for all of those who have faithfully given and
prayed for me and the ministries that I have served alongside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still need your support and prayers in
this next season of transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
need full financial support through June of 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can imagine there are lots of details
to work through in moving back to the US and I know that I need a little time
of rest and reflection before jumping right into a new job and
responsibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Wisdom from those who have gone before me
in the transition to life in the USA says that I will need time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time to process life and the end of a long
chapter of service and testimony of God</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
work both in and through me, time to adapt to and understand living in US
culture once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And time to rest
after an incredibly busy, stressful and life-changing season of ministry in
Matagalpa.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiwYj2aNQYemjdZp78yg33nBllUNpxwfaAInNNuOBOcCBiqlzt0ulDFuVNunN7GW0LWtc3LZ8vfwp_vyFU9OpRonvLbKY33pjG1mHqn77nolV5lFqeiO5bVfe_ZowjL437SmWG9Pm4BM/s1600/12039030_877202655649073_36967563511297141_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiwYj2aNQYemjdZp78yg33nBllUNpxwfaAInNNuOBOcCBiqlzt0ulDFuVNunN7GW0LWtc3LZ8vfwp_vyFU9OpRonvLbKY33pjG1mHqn77nolV5lFqeiO5bVfe_ZowjL437SmWG9Pm4BM/s320/12039030_877202655649073_36967563511297141_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">So I ask if you have been a faithful
financial supporter through the years to please stand in the gap with me
through June of 2016 as I re-adjust to many, many new things and set up life
again state-side. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for God</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
direction during this time of transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please feel free to call, write and ask deep questions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'cinnamon cake';"><b><u>How to pray</u><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Unity for the NCA staff, parents and
students as we all continue to move forward in mission and vision<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Peace for all of us in the middle of
transition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Wisdom as I seek God</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">s
direction for the next steps (job, where to live, etc)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Continued financial provision in this season
of transition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Sweet times of reflection and closure as I
finish out these last 3 months in Nicaragua<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Patience in the process of re-entry <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">As believers we know that our plans are not
ours but God asks us to trust Him with our future, our desires and our
talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With total confidence I am
stepping forward into this new season knowing that the same God who led me to
live and serve in Nicaragua will go with me as I return to the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea of the opportunities and
future adventures the Lord will orchestrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have no doubt that God will use the skills and abilities that he has
been developing in me to expand His kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you for being a vital part of what God is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">In His Service,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cinnamon cake";">Carey</span></b></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-19552879399887129242015-03-22T18:38:00.003-06:002015-03-22T18:38:54.087-06:00Consistency<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3RNsErc_RP8RyrurP7pWIb43nqdhX-ROTNIUdp2LVFKgO7XnF4HvCfBX32iRxMuEDpj0MTNrHTVLNwkSya4JO8pB7GE65VApePTj7EkdUzkkWjEAaexvsq-Putw1emo-BlAmRoTzRQk/s1600/IMG_1323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3RNsErc_RP8RyrurP7pWIb43nqdhX-ROTNIUdp2LVFKgO7XnF4HvCfBX32iRxMuEDpj0MTNrHTVLNwkSya4JO8pB7GE65VApePTj7EkdUzkkWjEAaexvsq-Putw1emo-BlAmRoTzRQk/s1600/IMG_1323.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauricio with the robot he designed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
New School Year, New Staff, New Students, New Goals and above all JOY!<br />
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<h2>
New Opportunities</h2>
We've done it once more... we've grown. Our student body has grown from 144 last year to 207 at the start of the 2015 school year. Yeah! We are celebrating with the many new families that are joining the NCA family. They have already jumped in and started getting involved in all sorts of different ways. It is a joy to see both new and old working together to make the NCA community theirs.<br />
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New Roles</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXx9tq7fycqxjWn57i6heGLsEMNa5Vga01JT9h9FbeFQfK1V_4yCy1E4zDHKaLGPPirOW4ajvsgrMRUASZ3XJLOmvmqrCVGQQJXRrnESc0XFdEmnG72tjL0HqGrk6HdNCR6I00eCaaBA/s1600/IMG_1348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXx9tq7fycqxjWn57i6heGLsEMNa5Vga01JT9h9FbeFQfK1V_4yCy1E4zDHKaLGPPirOW4ajvsgrMRUASZ3XJLOmvmqrCVGQQJXRrnESc0XFdEmnG72tjL0HqGrk6HdNCR6I00eCaaBA/s1600/IMG_1348.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Kindergarteners waiting for their parents to pick <br />them up delighted me with their little reading voices</td></tr>
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I am so thankful for some of the new roles that are being filled at school. As we all know starting new things requires a few people to wear many hats until finances and experience come along and you are able to pass those hats/ roles along to others. I'm delighted to have Annel, the sub-director moving out of the classroom and into the office full time. She has been a tremendous help in managing all of the discipline and logistics of our secondary classes. Consistency has been our focus this year in school wide procedures and expectations.<br />
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<h2>
New Staff</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ6NxSsJtj-VC6OsYI0SnnTlD9fbtilUtY3Lx7uq9enfJL6g8-PMOIhT-58b5FccgFVlzIzsURYsztDocUZT6JRDJJoHtvvNy-fTJiWzNWnPBzKqCIL1xoe83YsFYmcITh6UsFIJi1Jo/s1600/IMG_1350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ6NxSsJtj-VC6OsYI0SnnTlD9fbtilUtY3Lx7uq9enfJL6g8-PMOIhT-58b5FccgFVlzIzsURYsztDocUZT6JRDJJoHtvvNy-fTJiWzNWnPBzKqCIL1xoe83YsFYmcITh6UsFIJi1Jo/s1600/IMG_1350.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parent teacher conferences for secondary</td></tr>
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Capturing the vision and mission of NCA is exciting and we are blessed to see God's hand of provision in 10 new staff joining us this year. Join us in praying for them as they live and learn so many new things in the next few months<br />
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Nora- school counselor<br />
David- Tech consultant<br />
Martha- 2nd grade<br />
Norlan- 3rd grade<br />
Vilma- 4th grade<br />
Freddy- HS Science<br />
Yolanda- HS vocational classes<br />
Felicia- Elem. English<br />
Samantha- HS. English<br />
Ulises- PE Assistant<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSXlKLqm9GHIRlsgufS3_8EEORE7mEKBwbr1ttsItdm1gefbAaS-OqzBMXrRl4MwvSbi_Bwnlo-Xrj-aI7OXa5Cjo-FYhii6j_-qouwUxKMrlLOJ2EncmL6rAJ17hicaZ-WhFbi1ZIBA/s1600/IMG_1318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSXlKLqm9GHIRlsgufS3_8EEORE7mEKBwbr1ttsItdm1gefbAaS-OqzBMXrRl4MwvSbi_Bwnlo-Xrj-aI7OXa5Cjo-FYhii6j_-qouwUxKMrlLOJ2EncmL6rAJ17hicaZ-WhFbi1ZIBA/s1600/IMG_1318.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martha excited for our Celebration time</td></tr>
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<h2>
New Goals</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM9-Zbu-LieO4WeOi-HvJEJSq7nTbtBRnWmFO7qz52csVJtgWjjUl5_h8nj_qUwPAAdaVzMXoR79xW966_f5R31P_NtC3Or6R1CGYLxF0l3DVYNebdsVD_qglNaBEAUhKTzoDbm127ic/s1600/alto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM9-Zbu-LieO4WeOi-HvJEJSq7nTbtBRnWmFO7qz52csVJtgWjjUl5_h8nj_qUwPAAdaVzMXoR79xW966_f5R31P_NtC3Or6R1CGYLxF0l3DVYNebdsVD_qglNaBEAUhKTzoDbm127ic/s1600/alto.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you notice something different here?</td></tr>
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Consistency: As I shared earlier our focus this year is being consistent in our school-wide procedures and with discipline. We are already seeing positive results from our efforts and that is very motivating. However as we all know consistency is not something that you accomplish in one day but rather something you come back to every day all year long. The importance of consistency <br />
is paramount when setting high standards for what is expected both academically and behaviorally. There is danger that comes from inconsistency. This picture is a stop sign here in Matagalpa at a pretty major intersection. There are three of them placed around town. At first we thought that they were a joke put up by someone in town because it was not consistent with the international requirements for a stop-sign. People ran the stop sign and did not respect as being placed by the local transportation office. This stop sign is a perfect illustration of what can happen when we are not consistent. Pray for the NCA Matagalpa staff, students and parents to strive for consistency.<br />
<h2>
New Home</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialDvlCyhDneYn9PKhtg0-4f1bvvzKdbNijMZVZfiw3As6nn-B2JOZkhUmjzGLH4Ov42thF8OIXiBC4z43fhe9VhyqYm8OZriZCjRq51SAY4uswIcVmIpZtIc6Tb2PST_ShRJ2ARYmKG0/s1600/IMG_1326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialDvlCyhDneYn9PKhtg0-4f1bvvzKdbNijMZVZfiw3As6nn-B2JOZkhUmjzGLH4Ov42thF8OIXiBC4z43fhe9VhyqYm8OZriZCjRq51SAY4uswIcVmIpZtIc6Tb2PST_ShRJ2ARYmKG0/s1600/IMG_1326.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
In December my roommate Elisabeth moved out of my downtown apartment. I was able to stay in the apartment for a few more months and God has miraculously provided a great place on the outskirts of town. It has only been 3 weeks but I am loving watching the sunset from my porch. God has provided in a wonderful way and I am so thankful for a calm, quiet place to call home here in Matagalpa.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcjWIQrErPdiCbcEEigyl118xJ5w3fPHxkcJdjxp3NB-4ufBRAa8EsU2EcQx47vRFs0y-bhh-n2XH-5EsgfAbz8STgxzRKUbQarhi8M0Kypnwf6516iZPx9uF6IX5UYrwJd0gi2Q1hzo/s1600/IMG_1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcjWIQrErPdiCbcEEigyl118xJ5w3fPHxkcJdjxp3NB-4ufBRAa8EsU2EcQx47vRFs0y-bhh-n2XH-5EsgfAbz8STgxzRKUbQarhi8M0Kypnwf6516iZPx9uF6IX5UYrwJd0gi2Q1hzo/s1600/IMG_1327.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-4712473189239948412014-12-14T18:18:00.003-07:002014-12-14T18:18:49.120-07:00O Come Let Us Adore Him<div style="text-align: center;">
O Come Let Us Adore Him</div>
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For you alone are worthy!<br />
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Wow! This year has been full of many ups and downs! Celebrations and struggles and through it all He ALONE is worthy.<br />
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Recently NCA Matagalpa held its first Christmas concert. It was a night filled with joyful singing, beautiful recorders accompanying choruses of students artfully telling the story of Christmas. The night concluded with the classic Christmas carol O Come All Ye Faithful or Venid Adoremos in Spanish. I was overcome with reverence for our King as I sang the words surrounded by students, parents, and the staff of NCA.<br />
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I don't stop often enough to bow in worship of the One who is Faithful, the One who is triumphant, the One to whom all glory belongs. In an attempt to recap just a bit of this year and to recognize the One who has been and forever will be Faithful I bring this humble offering.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">O come let us adore Him</span></div>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span></span><br />
through great growth in numbers and in unity at NCA this year<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjt-f1AS9jcuPfCEzbOVVxYK1P46xUC9XbjYJKJLXu9wWcu5ICnW9WTnq2J953BFGIPEfoHlY-eLgNmngnpo-R8IEh-OGOMTb4FWa1eQPtej0-OYT7dFA1bwoDdyKJ7ufa8PkYnkupog/s1600/DSC02199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjt-f1AS9jcuPfCEzbOVVxYK1P46xUC9XbjYJKJLXu9wWcu5ICnW9WTnq2J953BFGIPEfoHlY-eLgNmngnpo-R8IEh-OGOMTb4FWa1eQPtej0-OYT7dFA1bwoDdyKJ7ufa8PkYnkupog/s1600/DSC02199.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> on the days when the road seemed so long and hard yet I was not alone<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
through the trials of trusting Him for the answer in His perfect timing<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
in joy as I am reminded of His call on my life to serve where He has placed me<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfyY1SG7rifTDqmE-jDa_TLtnBntQmrXrnzYMaOgBLiaHbndVEUWQaE3Fh3VCGXaNCpQ2JFyDVETAVZTjK47v3GBdGK_Yurmiw6ZriQU1q4pHcHDK3maOPpDXYW59_Mqsgw0-k3eR4LY/s1600/DSC02564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfyY1SG7rifTDqmE-jDa_TLtnBntQmrXrnzYMaOgBLiaHbndVEUWQaE3Fh3VCGXaNCpQ2JFyDVETAVZTjK47v3GBdGK_Yurmiw6ZriQU1q4pHcHDK3maOPpDXYW59_Mqsgw0-k3eR4LY/s1600/DSC02564.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
as students who have struggled with learning and behavior begin to feel that they have an important place in our NCA family and begin to see that they can learn and overcome bad habits<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
when relationships are broken and can only be restored by the grace and humility of submitting it all to Him who has made restoration possible.<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
for the opportunity to run and play ultimate frisbee with community in Matagalpa<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLnm7MqSZRhMmB3fXLVIPUmlN_xFkHo28C2cGX0Rg-rcUZq8Sie-l_i-JwO8oNRXYdPpln-udvRElF7SFWTokBoRdWfLYDoEoehiGoIA26SkmT9w1VfFEGxg9LQbHCB_MCU_NGIBJb5I/s1600/DSC02753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLnm7MqSZRhMmB3fXLVIPUmlN_xFkHo28C2cGX0Rg-rcUZq8Sie-l_i-JwO8oNRXYdPpln-udvRElF7SFWTokBoRdWfLYDoEoehiGoIA26SkmT9w1VfFEGxg9LQbHCB_MCU_NGIBJb5I/s1600/DSC02753.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
when conversations are difficult but can only lead to growth and greater trust<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> for the opportunity to travel to Milwaukee and see great teachers and administrators in action and be reminded of why I love teaching</span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him </span> <br />
seeing my sisters become great, loving moms to their energetic, full of life boys<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX12517_fkt6zLHPN6WOCkWlzSzQDfcdNu6dm_KyK19bBLTs6N3eHEtUzpiR2LzNdcKpUQFAsHGwfUwGVk1n7dumRKTpCx_A-CLczdEap53R-Q0cLnO5xGEjz5etygE4vt1D4GFTV50EI/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX12517_fkt6zLHPN6WOCkWlzSzQDfcdNu6dm_KyK19bBLTs6N3eHEtUzpiR2LzNdcKpUQFAsHGwfUwGVk1n7dumRKTpCx_A-CLczdEap53R-Q0cLnO5xGEjz5etygE4vt1D4GFTV50EI/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
timely visits and conversations with friends and family that reminded me who I am and that God is asking much because He wants to give much<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him</span><br />
watching teachers grow in confidence, creativity, and their love and knowledge of the Word through a Biblical worldview<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.</span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-6807342509859219982014-07-01T06:41:00.003-06:002014-07-01T06:41:12.924-06:00Community <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihozHSSa4Vx3Vyh1_P8MXpcpaAWvuibFNrEtIvGD2pScxOREjoYgJwzoFEcrZQq_0IZ3YM7TgckfYvDA-nGnBd79l1CiOMRcT4NIdAgUqKOh8GXz7CfWyNYTmAI3f-HQAhb8xPB_u7g8o/s1600/10454187_416015838538675_2016496256752016879_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihozHSSa4Vx3Vyh1_P8MXpcpaAWvuibFNrEtIvGD2pScxOREjoYgJwzoFEcrZQq_0IZ3YM7TgckfYvDA-nGnBd79l1CiOMRcT4NIdAgUqKOh8GXz7CfWyNYTmAI3f-HQAhb8xPB_u7g8o/s1600/10454187_416015838538675_2016496256752016879_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stars on our staff<br />Custodians, guards and IT </td></tr>
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We are made for community. God designed us to live life with others in it... not a life of self-sufficiency and solitude. This is a reminder that God so graciously gives me every once in a while to remind me that I can not do it all on my own. "Share the load." He says. "Cast your cares on me and I'll help you." <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1iF4da3rnnXucQYNOLjFKbWNMT3l0mK6khN5Py06Ih8lBqZbiQKnmjbeZUueUKSvv2WmA7zRNiebJbJ7-m-gmBnse8i57n8prdE2GkkB_Mn497gz5GbAcayL-BS_hQbtGMe922jCj6Q/s1600/10450075_416074905199435_156457505755020938_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1iF4da3rnnXucQYNOLjFKbWNMT3l0mK6khN5Py06Ih8lBqZbiQKnmjbeZUueUKSvv2WmA7zRNiebJbJ7-m-gmBnse8i57n8prdE2GkkB_Mn497gz5GbAcayL-BS_hQbtGMe922jCj6Q/s1600/10450075_416074905199435_156457505755020938_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elementary World Cup Winners!</td></tr>
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This month we have been working on trying to develop a strategic growth plan for <a href="http://www.nca.edu.ni/matagalpa" target="_blank">NCA Matagalpa</a>. This has involved some time for reflection on what are our values as a school and what are the things that we don't want to change in our school community whether we stay the same size or grow to 500 students. <br />
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Due to our large growth spurt this year I was curious what our student and staff value about our community at NCA. I sent out a little survey to our staff and students this week and I was encouraged by the things that stand out to them as important and valuable to our school community. <br />
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Here are some of their responses:<br />
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<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5jEjpMgc2dcehBlg6kabj1ogkp4Hz4WY5FAkzKiMJ8HF5Pw4Nx3M40iLEgiPj6-ov0msKTVSRrVO0e8Xh5QMz_TaGpZyWymr_Nw7Sc-GfiCiIj2neVSnB2neefwvfkPwFpGzrsuqqKA/s1600/10514278_416014955205430_2697905929936819093_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5jEjpMgc2dcehBlg6kabj1ogkp4Hz4WY5FAkzKiMJ8HF5Pw4Nx3M40iLEgiPj6-ov0msKTVSRrVO0e8Xh5QMz_TaGpZyWymr_Nw7Sc-GfiCiIj2neVSnB2neefwvfkPwFpGzrsuqqKA/s1600/10514278_416014955205430_2697905929936819093_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>
<li>Devotion times </li>
<li>Respect for the opinions of everyone</li>
<li>Organization</li>
<li>Trust</li>
<li>Strong sense of family</li>
<li>Genuine interest in helping us succeed</li>
<li>The variety in the staff and students</li>
<li>English</li>
</ul>
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There are so many things to be thankful for with these responses. Our students and staff are growing into a community of grace. A community where we recognize the need to love, encourage and live life together. We are in no way perfect in this but we are in the beginning phase of building this community and by God's grace and sovereign design we are valuing the important things.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3H1uaKS-LleXbVkC_2dAtnSDTgFQDTg4BOPsgf2ibY3DuNeIXs_ilHnZexN869M_Wo6Lyu9fO9YAJCIp0yuYBIWtJkYFMjrlXB3Un1ysJkl3vEcoCDLqy1VUY27rNQzkf7oyi4RvSXE/s1600/10497067_416074895199436_3265136520107519568_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3H1uaKS-LleXbVkC_2dAtnSDTgFQDTg4BOPsgf2ibY3DuNeIXs_ilHnZexN869M_Wo6Lyu9fO9YAJCIp0yuYBIWtJkYFMjrlXB3Un1ysJkl3vEcoCDLqy1VUY27rNQzkf7oyi4RvSXE/s1600/10497067_416074895199436_3265136520107519568_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7th grade Girls World Cup Winners</td></tr>
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As we look forward and pray for the growth and development of our students, staff and parents we ask for your prayer support. This a challenging journey for us at times and we are anxious to see and know God more with each step.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-33789747628025493602014-04-18T12:51:00.000-06:002014-04-18T12:51:55.860-06:00He is Not Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbboINRoDNIZ_5NEqPYpNDP5Ftov_cIDwJ4_7w_2FeZUJdpiwcSgzu2nTkFIOlPbvRJ2k2XEA_J8t1vDvEJzCvbJtokVsvfaSfFctqOLTFzvUVzpDRVqV-Yg6_ggoOlWuLHZhWopWXrZ4/s1600/DSC_0135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbboINRoDNIZ_5NEqPYpNDP5Ftov_cIDwJ4_7w_2FeZUJdpiwcSgzu2nTkFIOlPbvRJ2k2XEA_J8t1vDvEJzCvbJtokVsvfaSfFctqOLTFzvUVzpDRVqV-Yg6_ggoOlWuLHZhWopWXrZ4/s1600/DSC_0135.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
In this season of Easter we often reflect on the great demonstration of God's love for us through the sacrifice of His only Son on the cross. It is only because of that sacrifice that you and I today and can experience a glimpse of the grace and love He lavishes on us. As I look on this great demonstration of His power and saving grace I sometimes limit my view to the "big" demonstrations of His presence and miss the day to day manifestations of this same great power and love. Dare I listen to the message of the angel to the women at Christ's empty tomb, "He is not here, He has risen!" I'm in no way saying that what took place on the cross is any less important simply that it is not only there that we find reflections of His sovereignty and love.<br />
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Where is His presence in the day to day? With eyes wide open I can see His hand at work all around me. Wanting to give Him all the glory here are reflections of His hand moving among us here in Matagalpa.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUWZ9KA_R2z7LGTFQnBbfTRWrNIxgUseegiaYB-my0uI8hDQ9w4njUdwBB1PWBnAIwNzpLpKZ5AhL__85_Wn7ScsI2qjTK4-Fpl6VaJ-req40eblZWdfP3ORVElS7I0DnEEvJoOwEuuM/s1600/172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUWZ9KA_R2z7LGTFQnBbfTRWrNIxgUseegiaYB-my0uI8hDQ9w4njUdwBB1PWBnAIwNzpLpKZ5AhL__85_Wn7ScsI2qjTK4-Fpl6VaJ-req40eblZWdfP3ORVElS7I0DnEEvJoOwEuuM/s1600/172.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Schoolers using recently donated microscopes</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV2smksxTX_DclQlQqkm9Jj8oG4P62sdLQeTAsMWFIGtf2o08aXd9503ISRZmshKJbsTslLIL5WToHtzZqhyphenhyphenH4oju6Z_yIHn_iBRjUclCIc7a8LUVgcf3Dxf_tSq3CHkrCb6YHfZvynM/s1600/132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV2smksxTX_DclQlQqkm9Jj8oG4P62sdLQeTAsMWFIGtf2o08aXd9503ISRZmshKJbsTslLIL5WToHtzZqhyphenhyphenH4oju6Z_yIHn_iBRjUclCIc7a8LUVgcf3Dxf_tSq3CHkrCb6YHfZvynM/s1600/132.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Graders doing an experiment with dancing raisins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
NCA is growing by leaps and bounds. More students means more parents and more lives to invest in. Some of our student's stories are heartbreaking, filled with hurt, distrust, shame, anger and brokenness. This month I have had the privilege of seeing divorced parents come alongside their teenage son to support him in becoming a responsible young man. My first encounter with the parents was an icy one as neither of them wanted to accept their part in the character formation of their son but instead heaped insults and blame on the other parent. When asked if all of us could meet together to formulate a support plan for their son both parents said NO. Through nothing other than the hand of God in the hearts of both of these parents they agreed the following week to meet and we were able to talk openly and honestly about the steps each one of us needed to take in order to support and hold their son accountable. Fearful of the explosive potential of this meeting I asked many to be in prayer for God's peace to reign during the meeting and God's peace and wisdom was revealed in the hearts of all present. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mjr_fRT92DL6bN9o3NwnfigCL9oM05S9KQBWpWznf-5yljLGRaf4ZTCm87Y62dZFHKJFD5f78Fwb1L7jWv6eJFMxV3C0ljihN2pxYLaU92yeg1VF7S5qy74B6-m_2id_6YULGbdNtBM/s1600/1932695_375673125906280_1074237523_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mjr_fRT92DL6bN9o3NwnfigCL9oM05S9KQBWpWznf-5yljLGRaf4ZTCm87Y62dZFHKJFD5f78Fwb1L7jWv6eJFMxV3C0ljihN2pxYLaU92yeg1VF7S5qy74B6-m_2id_6YULGbdNtBM/s1600/1932695_375673125906280_1074237523_o.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara chatting (right) with a parent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Providing learning opportunities for the teachers and staff at my school is a strong desire of mine. It is a personal struggle for me as I am so busy doing much of the admin stuff for the school that I don't get to prepare for and lead as many training sessions as I'd like. However, God in is goodness continues to bring amazing people to us that are eager to share their ideas and help our staff grow. This year he brought us Sara. She is an amazingly gifted teacher with experience as an instructional coach at a school in the Dominican Republic. She has been a GIFT to NCA in so many ways. Encouraging us all to grow in new and challenging ways. In addition to Sara others like Brianna have come to spend a week sharing creative science experiments with our staff and students. I can not help but be overcome with gratitude at the countless ways that our Father makes His presence known in our lives and reminds us that He knows the desires of our hearts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXYl3SJokIDtMHRxzXcmmE52ZZ5mJfRiYJE2XS_BBxiuVak-g3q-XuxqZuj97OkhP8X3apvbYEAULiDitYW1TbvWvE7_m-uIaoYVXT6CeDeDppkdFVSgmFp3bW8Ek3uu4n1Kb_X1LOf8/s1600/Experiments+with+Brianna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXYl3SJokIDtMHRxzXcmmE52ZZ5mJfRiYJE2XS_BBxiuVak-g3q-XuxqZuj97OkhP8X3apvbYEAULiDitYW1TbvWvE7_m-uIaoYVXT6CeDeDppkdFVSgmFp3bW8Ek3uu4n1Kb_X1LOf8/s1600/Experiments+with+Brianna.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brianna doing an experiment with the 5th graders</td></tr>
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In the past week Nicaragua has experienced several earthquakes measuring 6+ on the richter scale followed by hundreds of aftershocks. God's hand has been over the country as there has been relatively little loss of life and damage compared to similar earthquakes in the past. We praise God for his protection and continue to pray for peace and provision for those who have been affected. There is still fear of more quakes especially in Managua.<br />
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It is my prayer that this song from I Chronicles 16:8-14 would always be on my lips.<br />
"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strengths; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Israel, his chosen ones, the children of Israel, the children of Jacob. He is the Lord our God; his judgements are in all the earth."<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFEOa6gFHj1cfyDDP77grpt5Idwsojq5katjqU9v8xcyBmMiYjsipRyeRzjQURCq1DlPvp-fB56wF2hv6u99uBm6R7q8I9w2zDwDMjv7cPc4mkqPi-rlA2FpK5hLOF1D-JiH_vAU308E/s1600/1781013_376772765796316_1361517909_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFEOa6gFHj1cfyDDP77grpt5Idwsojq5katjqU9v8xcyBmMiYjsipRyeRzjQURCq1DlPvp-fB56wF2hv6u99uBm6R7q8I9w2zDwDMjv7cPc4mkqPi-rlA2FpK5hLOF1D-JiH_vAU308E/s1600/1781013_376772765796316_1361517909_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parents and students building a flower nursery for NCA</td></tr>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-22718231078026539512014-03-09T17:03:00.001-06:002014-03-09T17:03:20.610-06:00Ready, Set, GROW!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh4dlvnfo8b19hkvFfbikWNT7J4284w_PEFOjdE23Szmrud0GaNhsGCxUbc3l9TMmLwlrqT8HNaMaRjj1lND4ZogatPhoq-kU46Ug-kOGSFSKHhjqOd6t_ohIMHSW5dB8OnseW9UpoAs/s1600/1782541_360265827447010_460852454_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh4dlvnfo8b19hkvFfbikWNT7J4284w_PEFOjdE23Szmrud0GaNhsGCxUbc3l9TMmLwlrqT8HNaMaRjj1lND4ZogatPhoq-kU46Ug-kOGSFSKHhjqOd6t_ohIMHSW5dB8OnseW9UpoAs/s1600/1782541_360265827447010_460852454_o.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning how to play Corn Hole during recess</td></tr>
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<b>Ready</b>. Do we ever really feel ready for the big race, that presentation, test or conversation. The answer rarely is yes! Ready... was I ready for this job as the director of NCA Matagalpa? My answer was no but God knows better. He knows that the mere fact that not feeling ready means that we are more likely to recognize that we are not the ones really in control and are dependent on Him who is <u>always</u> ready. I recently found this quote from Phillip Yancy that clearly expresses this idea for me. "A person who lives in faith must proceed on incomplete evidence, trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse." <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6wOKYFXhm1dsQIvcuHGjwd3zPyQxpkUioQTFNA6aFF6b3rqqMWy_wqk4YGaNmifOSGUcaw5gBbxNq7gObdMDvtbYwHtcJE-UPQ4yCJqd-QuCT1SIHN6R-onxz3GVH_TFoL8yzBsfSV4/s1600/1926019_360265187447074_767821535_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6wOKYFXhm1dsQIvcuHGjwd3zPyQxpkUioQTFNA6aFF6b3rqqMWy_wqk4YGaNmifOSGUcaw5gBbxNq7gObdMDvtbYwHtcJE-UPQ4yCJqd-QuCT1SIHN6R-onxz3GVH_TFoL8yzBsfSV4/s1600/1926019_360265187447074_767821535_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the day off right!</td></tr>
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<b>Set</b>. Setting up for a new school year is yes, overwhelming for teachers but there is a sense of excitement in the air. A fresh new start. New faces, new school supplies, themes and techniques to try out. The start of year 2 for NCA Matagalpa is an exciting one. We learned so much in our first year and are excited about the new challenges that more students and more staff bring but we are even more excited to see what God has in store for the lives of the families and students we serve. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy_rPuB0jp5JMmkEGsdvWHzLtj3fgYUqmSDdBLJdQCnx5ohRlWLAKE70OKH8cO9fb7he9xyzPpVqddh0fgS2hLSgXSGPrdcSTiKpoQiM5csB6Ka5WsMeFiH2cyKBF6i6o9aEjbYZtubY/s1600/1921119_360267547446838_590591706_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy_rPuB0jp5JMmkEGsdvWHzLtj3fgYUqmSDdBLJdQCnx5ohRlWLAKE70OKH8cO9fb7he9xyzPpVqddh0fgS2hLSgXSGPrdcSTiKpoQiM5csB6Ka5WsMeFiH2cyKBF6i6o9aEjbYZtubY/s1600/1921119_360267547446838_590591706_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NCA Winter Olympics 2014</td></tr>
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<b>Grow</b>. Usually growth is a slow and steady process. Then there are those quick growth spurts where it seems like things happen overnight. This year we are experiencing one of those growth spurts. NCA Matagalpa finished the first school year with 42 students and currently has 140 students enrolled. The teaching staff has grown from 8 to 16! The school facilities have also expanded with the help of many hands building, painting and donating $. This year we've added on 3 more classrooms and another set of bathrooms. <br />
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<b>Move</b>. As the school year has now begun we are definitely moving, a lot. The year started off with lots of excitement helping many new students get situated. In an effort to help bring together the 5th-8th graders we had our own version of the Winter Olympics. Students were divided to represent 6 different countries and participated in events like speed skating, luge, biathlon, curling and more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqNjX04OfR1iuXjbBRGf-mhfjPwCu6ToYU6VZk4mRUwUV8aOxiRPTZptxorc-yT5K11Fr93KiUdBLhccME7fZ5mOyE1jF4qbrr_bYxOAaJGDgRYHHKRJQcfJErhjm8yczJCRyI7Jgdao/s1600/1557343_360265510780375_30628070_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqNjX04OfR1iuXjbBRGf-mhfjPwCu6ToYU6VZk4mRUwUV8aOxiRPTZptxorc-yT5K11Fr93KiUdBLhccME7fZ5mOyE1jF4qbrr_bYxOAaJGDgRYHHKRJQcfJErhjm8yczJCRyI7Jgdao/s1600/1557343_360265510780375_30628070_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Medalist in the Luge Nica Style</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H8QJn2mRBLjQvuoMfWKxsWVkiTiPs8YMCzdVfg7r9vp0LU2uixiglguTUpLB3gaz2vSu8_MSenJHiRHKTxkSMegq-sggylsomN1sXm_Eo9oS_AlagYG0OqEv6rsb6KrGL4IejukBFXo/s1600/1795971_360266527446940_420479928_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H8QJn2mRBLjQvuoMfWKxsWVkiTiPs8YMCzdVfg7r9vp0LU2uixiglguTUpLB3gaz2vSu8_MSenJHiRHKTxkSMegq-sggylsomN1sXm_Eo9oS_AlagYG0OqEv6rsb6KrGL4IejukBFXo/s1600/1795971_360266527446940_420479928_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Pakistan</td></tr>
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<b>Serve</b>. Serving our new families and students comes with lots of growth-spurning conversations, research into our students special education needs, conversations with students and parents as well as a healthy dose of time. Serving is fun and exhausting. We've already seen some great adjustments by some of our new students and we are confident that the God we serve will give us the strength we need to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (Heb 12:1-2).<br />
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<b>Love</b>. Love is such a simple, yet complex word. Loving our students the way Christ loves us but not loving their destructive behavior and attitudes requires lots of prayer and consistency. As we live, learn, love and teach others it is our prayer that we would love as we have been loved, blindly. Not loved because of our looks, brains, socio-economic status, name, experiences or job, simply loved because we are His. Ephesians 1:5 "In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ8mlXEOTisYAt1ZKNBBv4We7XTmiZ8DFXFdyUvL9WdenNg_I9Y7P4hdwuCZw851hqXW8GMzxPiN-poqCnzCbl9sOvsvlW970s_6GDqVNx9GR9UYGa0jFiuyEX244yx2oiK3hkyAUHZw/s1600/1912493_360267004113559_468860803_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ8mlXEOTisYAt1ZKNBBv4We7XTmiZ8DFXFdyUvL9WdenNg_I9Y7P4hdwuCZw851hqXW8GMzxPiN-poqCnzCbl9sOvsvlW970s_6GDqVNx9GR9UYGa0jFiuyEX244yx2oiK3hkyAUHZw/s1600/1912493_360267004113559_468860803_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>Please pray for us as we continue to live, love and serve. We are daily dependent on the grace and wisdom of God who leads and directs our steps. Pray specifically for our teachers and students with special needs. <br />
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Thank you! Thank you for your patience, your prayers and your faithful support.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnFDjkp-WFZHk11U6k-wbYsF5gR4RUXhU27aZAUN1lzPVLkqIPRRaioMge9AfL3UfwvPyfdBv-1nlwD817Z4brSn41rDZB-293sktemzlOKm_OOkXjlqTQ2UzU0WQ9UIFvIIBAmD_Sv0/s1600/1939488_360265260780400_1927634019_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnFDjkp-WFZHk11U6k-wbYsF5gR4RUXhU27aZAUN1lzPVLkqIPRRaioMge9AfL3UfwvPyfdBv-1nlwD817Z4brSn41rDZB-293sktemzlOKm_OOkXjlqTQ2UzU0WQ9UIFvIIBAmD_Sv0/s1600/1939488_360265260780400_1927634019_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excited to be in First Grade</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-29094823710516519642013-12-03T18:37:00.003-07:002013-12-04T04:21:20.216-07:00With a Thankful Heart<h2 style="text-align: center;">
With a Thankful Heart</h2>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF2oJ_b8Ng6WRXpFdG08JYt3TmFwrClCl1ZGqpnCgcnkZpmmV5YVirEpkC3p8sgsZnbY_vtAPWdV9lrwImdVrUL8YSrYhyphenhyphent45JYEpcJIBs71bR4UKtHDYBKrfsNpQndSUfJQBLBzYZLA/s1600/school+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIF2oJ_b8Ng6WRXpFdG08JYt3TmFwrClCl1ZGqpnCgcnkZpmmV5YVirEpkC3p8sgsZnbY_vtAPWdV9lrwImdVrUL8YSrYhyphenhyphent45JYEpcJIBs71bR4UKtHDYBKrfsNpQndSUfJQBLBzYZLA/s400/school+pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The 2013 NCA Matagalpa student and staff pic!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year has been a year full of firsts in so many ways. As I have been learning how to do many things for the first time it has humbled me and allowed (not always so willingly) to look to God for provision, wisdom, strength, and creativity when I normally would not have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a school director is hard work! Being a school directer is an incredibly rewarding job! It is hard not just because of the endless to-do lists and "problems" that you are greeted with on a daily basis but because a director works with real parents, students and teachers. Because a director works with real people when someone shares a hurt with you a little bit of the burden becomes your burden. When a student has a hard time learning and you can't figure out why you lie awake at night trying to think of different ways to help them. You want to see students change their behavior and yet they sometimes disappoint you. Parents come to you when they are angry, bothered or concerned looking solutions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a school director is the most rewarding job because everyone shares their birthday cake with you. :-) You get lots of sweet notes from students and parents. You get to count little behavior changes for students as success. Because you work with real people you get paid in hugs, cards, smiles and cheerful "Good morning Profe!". The opportunity to walk alongside students, faculty and staff and help them set goals and rejoice with them when they reach them abound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So now with a Thankful Heart I praise God for the countless ways he has been with me each step of the way during this year of firsts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me count the ways...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8 God-serving teachers who have have served on an incredible TEAM</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">desks and chairs for all of our students</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">friendly smiles and hugs from students big and small</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">kind words from dear friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tears of surrender when i can't go another step on my own</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">grace </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wisdom under fire </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">morning runs with Sara</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a humble servant who was willing to wear many hats with me this year, Dave</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">internet that works just when we need it to</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a reputation in the community that speaks for itself</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">unconditional love from our Father</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a special community who loves to eat breakfast for dinner on Sunday's </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">kids loving to read new books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">many, many family and friends back home giving to support God's work through me here in Matagalpa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a shipping container with books, furniture and blessings that has finally been released after 1 year of customs struggles.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a reliable car and breakdowns close to help and not in the middle of nowhere</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">miracles of funding just in time to keep construction going </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">visits from good friends and weddings too</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and so much more</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are just a few pics of the first and last days of school.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FmcgJhMxmKZwP0-4GUb8l55kgMoJ0okeWH5jYFfv_7GvxA7VNW43YqtaqKpEeQ6DqPq2gY6xGQ-ciU3c9ZJvOxq1LEJWlWVq45fTRcM3o64xw0WoUwWQkKnScqWMDj0YycSy2dZ0Rvk/s1600/IMG_7271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FmcgJhMxmKZwP0-4GUb8l55kgMoJ0okeWH5jYFfv_7GvxA7VNW43YqtaqKpEeQ6DqPq2gY6xGQ-ciU3c9ZJvOxq1LEJWlWVq45fTRcM3o64xw0WoUwWQkKnScqWMDj0YycSy2dZ0Rvk/s320/IMG_7271.JPG" title="Open House 2-13" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our open house Feb. 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Library for the first time</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faculty and Staff Feb. 2013</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtrr4LormP7HellWQxzY1rcE1vFKoWGGIwpIk-c7Vcu2wvuS6FIf8AuJtoml5MidfBbvL7ciyNFy-edf3D6ZQGVsZaoiEKJfpSwubuFEuzesTUdnIQxsRCKa1VJvQofoMG_ydHmuOrG4/s1600/IMG_7582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtrr4LormP7HellWQxzY1rcE1vFKoWGGIwpIk-c7Vcu2wvuS6FIf8AuJtoml5MidfBbvL7ciyNFy-edf3D6ZQGVsZaoiEKJfpSwubuFEuzesTUdnIQxsRCKa1VJvQofoMG_ydHmuOrG4/s320/IMG_7582.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Grade praying to start the day off right</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbN-ZhZ0dOPr2leNtl7Bv7Qd_bmuWl6Mf2HM4J1mDNVbuWGP2RXiwKE9ql1E4HCbsBxIlDRStQqvK-moB-6meL2K-_b84_UJEIuggdLw9Ax0fc4p0X3AzezsA135S8wL_zH3qxn4VKAo/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbN-ZhZ0dOPr2leNtl7Bv7Qd_bmuWl6Mf2HM4J1mDNVbuWGP2RXiwKE9ql1E4HCbsBxIlDRStQqvK-moB-6meL2K-_b84_UJEIuggdLw9Ax0fc4p0X3AzezsA135S8wL_zH3qxn4VKAo/s320/IMG_7704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the bus is so much fun!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now for the last day of school</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting the breeze with their homeroom teacher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go Allan! Get that Beauty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94coPV86kPkDb3v5u9xhfSZBKppZnRpIST1MBqCxcJV12VXhyYafRLg2Lqm9j0fXt9ji-Ey8NAntyC7l3h9MQr2byn9mQK2sdPF4UWEJbxBGaLuJTTGzuJXcVU5Kk80xsk9AXYSq2e70/s1600/painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94coPV86kPkDb3v5u9xhfSZBKppZnRpIST1MBqCxcJV12VXhyYafRLg2Lqm9j0fXt9ji-Ey8NAntyC7l3h9MQr2byn9mQK2sdPF4UWEJbxBGaLuJTTGzuJXcVU5Kk80xsk9AXYSq2e70/s320/painting.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students helping us paint the new classrooms for next year</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2013 NCA Matagalpa student and staff pic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amigos en 2nd Grade</td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com3Matagalpa, Nicaragua12.92081 -85.91735790000001312.858905499999999 -85.998038900000012 12.9827145 -85.836676900000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-58520297798529031112013-09-25T06:30:00.000-06:002013-09-25T06:30:03.374-06:00Making School Count as an OpportunityWow! It is hard to believe that September has come and is almost gone. Fall is here. While Fall for many of us means new school clothes, notebooks, backpacks, pumpkin bread and cinnamon candles Fall in Nicaragua is time to hunker down for the rainiest part of the rainy season and finish the school year strong. Our students have successfully finished 3/4 of the school year and are eager to add one more school year to their resumé. Sixth graders are planning for their graduation, first graders are eagerly reading any book they can get their hands on and the rhythm of the school year continues to march on.<br />
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The 2013 school year will soon be over and my desk is filled with textbooks, scholarship applications, budgets, calendars and uniform orders for next year. One year ago I could not even imagine what it would be like to be here now planning for year two of NCA Matagalpa. As we started this journey of faith last year we awarded scholarships and gave discounts in faith that we would have friends and neighbors who would partner with us to "sponsor" Christian Education for students and families that needed some extra help. God has been faithful and has provided a few faithful sponsors for this year. 32% of our students received discounts and scholarships based on financial need.<br />
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Looking ahead we know that there will be many more families who will need a little help making this dream a reality in the coming school year. The reality is that there are already 11 applicants waiting for an answer. We need your help. Can you make the commitment to partner with NCA and families needing a little extra help to make Christian education a possibility for their child? We want to say yes to more families but it is hard without knowing there are more people partnering with us on this journey of faith. Visit our <a href="http://www.nca.edu.ni/page.php?campus=sponsorship&child=How-to-Sponsor-a-Child" target="_blank">web page</a> to find out more.<br />
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Check us out on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NCA.Matagalpa" target="_blank">NCA Matagalpa</a> and you can see some of the great things God has done through our students this year. <div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-24330790260199732852013-08-25T16:07:00.000-06:002013-08-25T16:07:07.048-06:00UpdateI realize I am long overdue for an update on my blog. This Summer has seen the busiest and most challenging season of my life to date. While it has been challenging it has also been full of God's amazing blessings.<br />
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Here are just a few highlights:<br />
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Students continue to learn lots as we make headway through our second semester. Students and teachers are learning new ways to work together. We have been able to build important relationships with students and God has given us some really neat opportunities to mentor and pray with them through some difficult choices.<br />
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July brought some fun visitors from the old days. First, Kate came for a few weeks from New Mexico. Kate and I taught together at NCA and were roommates for many years. She helped out for a few days and then provided a great excuse to sneak away for the weekend and enjoy some of the great outdoors. <br />
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Then a team from <a href="http://gracechurchsc.org/" target="_blank">Grace Church</a> came to Matagalpa. The group split up and worked in three areas. A medical clinic, Pastor/leader training at a local church and then at NCA Matagalpa. 7 teachers from Greenville, South Carolina spent the week with teachers talking, teaching, playing and learning from each other. The week was a tremendous blessing. They were able to do so much of what I have not had the time to be able to do. Now thanks to someone from my small group who is bilingual the teachers can continue their relationships and communication.<br />
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Mary stayed on after the team left and came back up to Matagalpa for a few days. We went for a couple hour bike ride just like old times. It was refreshing to sit and share life with a good friend who loves Nicaragua just as much as I do.<br />
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The 5th and 6th graders planted squash around the school at have been faithfully checking up on their plants. Right before the two week vacation in July the kids pulled this out of the garden. Their firstfruits. YIKES. It was huge. Each of the students have taken one home to share with their families and they even gave some to the cafeteria to cook up and add to the lunch menu. Now, they are going to plant spinach and maybe some other vegetables.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-54128501395189893092013-05-12T11:07:00.001-06:002013-05-12T11:07:00.738-06:00Book Crew ReminderFor those of you who are sending books to the shipping container this is the week to mail your boxes. All boxes should be mailed by Saturday, May 19th. :-) <br />
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Thank you to all of you who dedicated to the NCA Matagalpa Library. We have a "real" librarian coming to visit us this week and help us organize and do things better. Praise God for his many blessings. <br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-89414976864294260522013-04-21T11:51:00.003-06:002013-04-21T11:53:14.200-06:00Book Drive<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzA7vMvP-AKnasXEwKbt3cuC8p5DFAHYlXy3quVdxONYvbtjmc1NWauphJs1VL06NAnikImyQ21bMazqxj_EkU2R9e6wBNq8i-DiJMC-9-TcHYK1Wgv-EHaH7JIpmuLhyo67JjSyahe8/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzA7vMvP-AKnasXEwKbt3cuC8p5DFAHYlXy3quVdxONYvbtjmc1NWauphJs1VL06NAnikImyQ21bMazqxj_EkU2R9e6wBNq8i-DiJMC-9-TcHYK1Wgv-EHaH7JIpmuLhyo67JjSyahe8/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read to Live is the theme for International Book day this year</td></tr>
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NCA Matagalpa opened the lending portion of our library last week and the kids are really excited about the opportunity to check out books and read them at home with their parents. None of our students have ever had this opportunity before. It is refreshing to see students getting so excited about reading. One of the best ways to get them engaged and reading is to have a variety of good books for them to choose from. Obviously an obstacle to this is that books weigh a lot and it is harder to get them here in suitcases because of weight restrictions from the airlines.<br />
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This is where I need your help. NCA Matagalpa has access to a shipping container being loaded up at the end of May. We can send as many boxes of books as we want to Florida for the next 5 weeks and all you have to pay is the local rate for shipping. <br />
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Can you help collect Spanish books from your local thrift stores and book stores and help us grow our library collection? You can even order books from our Amazon wishlist. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/36US9W4LK0D6T/ref=topnav_lists_1" target="_blank">Spanish Books for NCA Matagalpa</a>.<br />
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Are you interested?? Yes, ok here's what you need to do in order to minimize problems with Customs once the container arrives in Nicaragua.<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Scour your community for Spanish books, set up a collection box at your church or in your small group. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Once the box is full. Make a list of all of the book titles packed in the box and write a letter to Susan Hall stating that these books are a donation for Nicaragua Christian Academy. Print the inventory and the donation letter and put them in the box.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Send an email to <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Susan</span> <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Hall</span> at <a href="mailto:hsprincipal@nca.edu.ni" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">hsprincipal@nca.edu.ni</a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times;"> and me </span><a href="mailto:cfranklin@nca.edu.ni" style="font-family: Times;" target="_blank">cfranklin@nca.edu.ni</a> with an electronic copy of the letter and the box inventory attached.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Mail the books to the following address. <b><u>NOTE</u></b>: If you send the box with USPS get delivery confirmation. Last year many books were lost and never recovered by USPS. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Nicaragua Christian Academy </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">c/o TAN Cargo Edgard Toruño</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> 7215 NW 41st St. Bay E</span><br />
<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Miami</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">, FL 33166</span><br />
<a href="tel:305-470-9730" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank" value="+13054709730">305-470-9730</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Contact person at TAN Cargo: Edgard Toruño </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Ship the books to the freight forwarder in time for them to<b><u> arrive by May 31, 2012</u></b>. </span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If you order the books online and want them delivered directly to the freight forwarder please send a copy of the order inventory or confirmation that you recieve to Susan Hall and myself so that we can print this for the customs agents here.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Thanks for your great partnership in this way! I can't tell you what a blessing it is me and to all of our students. More pictures to come soon of our Celebration of International Book Day. :-) </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-7220213922886741562013-03-17T10:51:00.003-06:002013-03-17T10:51:47.333-06:00Right Where He Wants Us To Be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life is full these days as we get things up and running at NCA Matagalpa. As I sit here and reflect on all that God has done to bring each team member to the school I stand in awe of God's creativity and perfect plan. Each member of the team is just right for their position. We are all in a place where we are being stretched but are excited about the opportunity to share/use our gifts to teach, learn, lead and mentor students. <br />
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Cultural differences come to light in a variety of different ways. Some differences are light hearted and fun while others are harder to swallow because they are just that.....so different.<br />
There are some things that are always hard to take for me. The idea of relationships just seem to come at a different angle most of the time. <br />
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One of our teachers has been faced with a difficult situation within her family. This is the first time that she has had full time work. This is great news for her family financially. The whole family is making adjustment to having mom at work all day. Her husband is having to make some adjustments at meal times and his wife's availability during school hours. However these adjustments have been difficult and now he has left our teacher with a decision to make. Keep the job or keep me! Tough, heartbreaking decision my dear friend faces. My heart breaks for her as she gives up a dream for now in hopes that there will be more opportunities in the future. Family first is a good choice and the right one, yet a hard one sometimes. <br />
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Thankfully, this teacher still wants to be involved in the school and will continue to attend training sessions and will help substitute when we need her. Praise God for the ways that he has opened up a connection for a new teacher to take her place. Cinthya our new teacher was already on campus as a volunteer before we even knew of our need. She has jumped right in and has been a blessing to both the students and the staff. <br />
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God's grace and provision seem overwhelming at times as I reflect on all that He has given us. We don't deserve to have a beautiful facility and an amazing team of willing and hard-working teachers yet, God lavishes these things on us. Lord help me to always remember these things when the toilets are clogged, mis-behaving students are in my office and there is no water on campus. Remind me of your great provision and the opportunities to grow and depend on you more and more when challenges come. You have not left us rather you have placed us here with purpose and are equipping us through the challenges, encouraging through the victories and constantly bringing us to our knees seeking wisdom and strength to carry on.<br />
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It is a humbling and exciting place to be in the center of God's will. Facing cultural differences, priorities, languages and a right attitude is a daily opportunity to take our eyes off of ourself and put our focus on Christ and all that He has done and continues to do.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-68719454941559960582013-02-26T17:56:00.001-07:002013-02-26T17:56:27.343-07:00IndoctrinationYes, I said the secret word. It is true in more ways than one. As the director of a private school in Nicaragua I am required to go to many meetings organized by the ministry of education. They are very enlightening as I get to peer into the political system and see first hand the power of intimidation.<br />
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Here is an article that was just published by an online periodical. You might find this very interesting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nicaraguadispatch.com/news/2013/02/nicaragua-asks-cuba-to-help-revamp-education/6892" target="_blank">http://www.nicaraguadispatch.com/news/2013/02/nicaragua-asks-cuba-to-help-revamp-education/6892</a><br />
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The "live pretty" campaign is real and it is being implemented in almost every school in Nicaragua.<br />
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Our prayer is that the TRUTH would illuminate the lies that are being fed to the teachers, students and parents and that people would stand up for the truth.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-62512443230007357532013-02-12T19:44:00.000-07:002013-02-12T19:44:46.849-07:00A Day Full of Firsts<br />
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It is strange for me to say that a new school year has started and I did not spend the day with a group of eager 6 and 7 year olds. Instead, the day was spent with 36 kids who were spending their first school-day at a new school with new teachers and a very different vision than they have seen or experienced before.<br />
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We rejoiced as we (the staff) started the day off in prayer for one another and warmly greeted our new students and parents. The first recess time was full of excitement as the boys had a large covered place to play soccer. We searched for solutions as a student missed the bus this morning and then as the wind kept blowing out the gas on the stove in the cafetín. Uneasy introductions followed by warm welcomes and hearty laughter filled the classrooms. Small classes, big classes, fast learners, creative spirits, active little ones and eager story tellers, hungry kiddos are just a few of the things that filled the classrooms and hallways on the first day of classes at <a href="http://www.nca.edu.ni/" target="_blank">Nicaragua Christian Academy Matagalpa</a>. <br />
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We couldn't have done it without the prayer covering of all of you who have walked with along this path of Firsts. Thank you for your continued prayers as we face new challenges each day. We rejoice with Thanksgiving for all that God has provided from buildings to desks, to teachers and students. We recognize that we could not do any of this if God was not first in it. <br />
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The year is just starting and we know that there are many challenges that lay ahead and many more opportunities to see God's mighty hand at work. Continue to pray for grace and wisdom for each and every one of the staff and faculty of NCA Matagalpa. <div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-34167344180148440232013-02-03T20:58:00.001-07:002013-02-03T20:58:21.499-07:00A New Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday marked the official start of NCA Matagalpa as we hosted the first Parent Open House. We celebrated the beginning of many new relationships and an exciting new adventure for both teachers and students.<br />
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On Thursday afternoon I received information from the Ministry of Education here in Matagalpa and they informed us that we would not be permitted to start school on Feb. 4th as we had planned. After making many phone calls and exchanging emails with board members we realized that this was a Gift of time that we are being given. School will now officially start on Monday, February 11th. The teachers are excited about taking the opportunity to learn more on the computers this week. In addition, it gives us one more week to wait for the shipping container to be released as well as time to finish a few more final touches on some of the construction projects still pending.<br />
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Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement. As we look forward to this extra week of preparation join us in praying for more students to join us for the new school year.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-16291829970149751222013-01-26T05:38:00.003-07:002013-01-26T05:39:34.480-07:007 Days and Counting<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Count Down To The Start Of A New School Year</b></div>
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Time has flown since I first learned about the start-up of Nicaragua Christian Academy Matagalpa. It seems like the last 6 months have been a blur of meetings, planning, reports, interviews and now teacher training. We are now 1 week away (Saturday, February 4th) from the official Open House for parents and students.<br />
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As you can imagine there are many things yet to be done. Construction projects are fighting against set backs and teachers are now beginning to feel the time crunch in order to have everything ready. It is at this time that we can really use your prayers. There are thousands of details to cover in the next 7 days and a limited number of hands and brains to cover them all. <br />
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<ul>
<li>Pray for time management and inspiration as the teachers plan their lessons and incorporate many of the new skills and concepts they have been learning.</li>
<li>Pray for the new guard staff as they take on the job of protecting the students and families that enter through our gates</li>
<li>Pray for more families to see the value of a Christian education for their children and to take the plunge and join the NCA family. Pray especially for 5th graders to come. There is only 1 5th grader registered right now.</li>
<li>Pray that the shipping container that has the refrigerator for the cafeteria is released this week. </li>
<li>Pray for peace, patience and joy in the process for me as I face many, many challenges with some of the Nicaraguan processes of people and businesses always promising tomorrow.</li>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-83807537884347591622012-12-30T13:55:00.002-07:002012-12-30T13:55:56.329-07:00A Life Well LivedSome of you may remember my story of <a href="http://www.careyfranklinnic.blogspot.com/2012/03/words-from-wise.html" target="_blank">Mrs. Oliver</a> last Spring. She was the dear 94 year old woman I had the privilege of getting to know. <br />
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Today I learned that Mrs. Oliver went home to be with Jesus on December 27th.<br />
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Mrs. Oliver taught me so much in our short time together. She was a strong woman who believed in the provision and mighty hand of God in her life and the lives of her family. Here is just a glimpse of one of our times together.<br />
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"I have always been
drawn to pictures of the harvest. I think that the story comes from my mother. She painted this picture for me with
her words. When we would pass by a harvest field she would tell us it is like
how we as humans are working in a
harvest, God’s harvest. We should
be His reapers in His harvest.
As I think more on this I think of the sower who may never be seen
again. He plants the seeds in the
soil then the reaper comes along and is seen reaping the field. The reaper receives all of the
praise while he may not have been the one to do all of the work. We may just be the sower of seeds
in our lifetime. I
hope and pray that maybe I can enrich somebody’s life for Jesus during this
life."</div>
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Well Mrs. Oliver you have! You have touched my life in a special way and reminded me of the God of the harvest. May you rest in peace and my your family be comforted by the sweet embrace of the Father as they grieve your passing.</div>
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-3727973235611886132012-12-23T18:08:00.000-07:002012-12-23T18:08:41.416-07:00Off To A Good Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Wow! This week has been amazing! Now NCA is starting to feel more like a school. This week we started teacher training. Having teachers on campus sure adds a lot of laughter and learning to the classrooms. Not to mention color. Our teachers have been busy so far with four full days of training on Biblical Worldview and then we cracked open the faculty handbook. After that we looked into John Trent's Book The Blessing. <br />
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This is the school's mission statement: To equip children of Christian parentes with the spiritual discernment, moral courage and academic excellence to impact society through Christian living motivated by a heartfelt love for God.<br />
The mission statement is a tall order but we spent quite a while talking abou the three main parts of our mission as NCA. Spiritual discernment, moral courage and academic excellence. We know that it is only possible through the help of the Holy Spirit. The teachers artistically shared their own representation of the school's mission statement through poetry, song and art. Quite remarkable. <br />
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Now it's time for a few days to enjoy the Christmas and New Years with our families and friends and then it is back to work in January for more great training. Thank you for all of your prayers. We certainly felt God's presence all week.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-7194028023635442132012-12-10T05:42:00.001-07:002012-12-10T05:42:33.099-07:00Urgent Prayer RequestNCA Matagalpa is starting teacher training on December 17th and we still need two teachers. We are looking for a Nicaraguan teacher to teach Science for grades 4-7. The second position is for an English teacher to start in January. Please join me in praying for the right people to fill these positions.<br />
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If you know of someone that might be interested in volunteering to teach English at NCA Matagalpa please contact me. You can check out our updated website. <a href="http://www.nca.edu.ni/matagalpa" target="_blank">www.nca.edu.ni/matagalpa</a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-32476305830028284092012-12-05T08:54:00.001-07:002012-12-05T08:54:43.304-07:00Christmas Catalogue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several people have written and said that they can not access the link that I previously posted. Here it is again. :-) Thanks for considering NCA Matagalpa this Christmas.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sponsorship.nca.edu.ni/emails/view.php?emailid=028c205135402d4fe488c2ba5e13e649" target="_blank">http://sponsorship.nca.edu.ni/emails/view.php?emailid=028c205135402d4fe488c2ba5e13e649</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-7539191035223342762012-12-01T14:40:00.001-07:002012-12-01T14:40:35.215-07:00Abundant BlessingsYes, Thanksgiving is over and now everyone is gearing up for Christmas. I feel like I have received a great early Christmas gift from God. After 3 months of car searching, saving and praying I have a new car. <br />
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It's a 2004 Toyota RAV 4 with 4WD. It is in terrific shape with low miles and came at just the right time. The car is more than I imagined but is a tremendous blessing.<br />
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Thanks to all of you who have been praying and helping financially. God is good.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7843676592186677757.post-79519060427585830552012-11-22T06:10:00.000-07:002012-11-22T06:12:52.540-07:00Let Me Count The Ways....Let me count the ways God continues to show His faithfulness, mercy, forgiveness, lovingkindness and well all the rest.<br />
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The truth be known I could never count up all the ways that God has blessed, protected, corrected, loved and forgiven me but I can give testimony to these things and continue to live under His mercy and grace each new day.<br />
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Here are just a few of the things that I am grateful for today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annel, Flor and a friend</td></tr>
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<li>Over the past few months I have had more car troubles than I can count on one hand. While these have served as challenges and frustrations at times I can see God's hand of protection. Every time that I have broken down I have been near a city where I can call someone to help me. In addition God has provided great mechanics to help as well.</li>
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<li>Flor de Liz joined our staff last month and it has been such a joy to have someone so friendly and helpful to work with. </li>
<li>As we continue to interview teacher candidates God has brought us some amazing people. We now have all but two positions filled. I look forward to seeing the team work together.</li>
<li>Safety, safety, safety. Lots of miles back and forth between Managua and Matagalpa and God has been faithful to provide safety, alertness and vehicles to borrow for my travels.</li>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzXHaa3CO18/UK4es1RtqDI/AAAAAAAAC6s/BwfWk-aQags/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzXHaa3CO18/UK4es1RtqDI/AAAAAAAAC6s/BwfWk-aQags/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Parents Bethany, Chris and Vincent</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7y4ooIJ0hek/UK4fqyrasiI/AAAAAAAAC7I/9I1HKQ779VQ/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7y4ooIJ0hek/UK4fqyrasiI/AAAAAAAAC7I/9I1HKQ779VQ/s320/IMG_0156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethany and Marnie, Vincent and Corbin sporting their Nica shirts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_lSKtsxEqs/UK4fB_x_ULI/AAAAAAAAC60/qCb0OFYfq6Q/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G_lSKtsxEqs/UK4fB_x_ULI/AAAAAAAAC60/qCb0OFYfq6Q/s320/IMG_0043.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meme and Corbin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix0ctwFhoP0fzaFqi7y3twgIRaJ_Soy2TAp1frzLxg0oELRakMfj5rRS3EKij1GyOvlLD_cshMoOl1MhT5Vh_yLMy6qKojfUQQX-EtWZdOeIr4Q-IiMb7H1gyHh6FPkY3glkUc0Zwmo8/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix0ctwFhoP0fzaFqi7y3twgIRaJ_Soy2TAp1frzLxg0oELRakMfj5rRS3EKij1GyOvlLD_cshMoOl1MhT5Vh_yLMy6qKojfUQQX-EtWZdOeIr4Q-IiMb7H1gyHh6FPkY3glkUc0Zwmo8/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a party!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwE9VYDzs0s/UK4gUV8FNdI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/Rm8awnhDUd4/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwE9VYDzs0s/UK4gUV8FNdI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/Rm8awnhDUd4/s320/IMG_5599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jared, Nick and Mary camping with some of their Nica snacks</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>A SWEET visit home for a few days to meet my new nephew Vincent and celebrate my other nephew Corbin's 4th birthday. Being so far away and missing so many of those special events makes the ones I can attend that much more special.</li>
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<li> A timely visit from 3 dear friends from South Carolina. They provided some great man power in prep for our Open House as well as lots of laughs and encouragement. </li>
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On this special Thanksgiving Day I have so many reasons to sing of God's goodness and presence in my life. The song "Bless the Lord" by Matt Redman has been a song I have found myself singing over and over these days reminding myself to bless the Lord in all things. There are two lines that stand out today.<br />
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Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me let me be singing when the evening comes.<br />
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For all your goodness I will keep on singing, 10,000 reasons for my heart to find, bless the Lord oh my soul.<br />
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I pray that my eyes would always be open to the reasons to bless the Lord. <br />
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Here is the song on youtube if you want to enjoy it too!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.bible.org/votd</div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16134262514000596240noreply@blogger.com0