Happy Birthday Jesus!!

We survived our first Thanksgiving away from family, friends, and our US home!  Although the Skype session we had with my family almost brought the "ugly crying".  God has provided a good network of friends here to ease the sadness we feel.  Today is Christmas Eve and, again, God has provided people and activities to keep us busy.  And above all, God has been our ultimate comfort through these first holidays away.  He continues to reassure us that we are where He wants us.  Though we do miss our family and friends, we truly feel we are in His Will here in Nicaragua.

 

This month has been filled with many birthday parties for Jesus!  Our goal was to teach the children why we celebrate Christmas - JESUS!  The children we work with are not overburdened with "things".  The materialism that we, in the U.S., deal with is not an issue here thus far.  We were actually surprised when most of them did not realize Christmas was this week.  Many did not really know the Nativity story.  So our focus was teaching about Jesus' birthday and having fun celebrating His special day.  This fun included crafts, piñatas, chocolate cake, etc.  It was such a joy to celebrate with each group of children.

A BIG THANK YOU to all the people who donated money for the purchasing of Spanish Bibles.  We were able to pass out many to adults and children!

In Las Delicias we were able to watch the Christmas Story in Spanish.

 We also had an opportunity to have a Christmas party with our helpers for the Wednesday night children's program.  We had a nice time fellowshipping together by eating, decorating sugar cookies, playing some games, and reading the Christmas story.

For those interested...Coffee season has been in full swing here.  For around 3 months the coffee is picked and processed here.  These are the big money maker months for most people.  The children are on their "summer vacation" and a lot of the children we work with help their parents in the fields picking the coffee beans.  We were told a person in the field picking the coffee beans receives around $1 per basket.  This year the average is 3 baskets per day because the drought has affected the crop.  So the men, women, and children are working all day for around $3.  :(  We appreciate the coffee we drink so much more now that we have been learning about the process and work involved!

 
Please continue to pray for the ministry that God has given us here.  We treasure each day we have to spend with the children.  It warms are hearts to see their smiles, hear them actually call us by name, and feel a little bit a part of their world.
Please pray for hearts to soften to the Gospel...for salvations...for leaders to emerge and want to take over each children's program...our continual Spanish language learning...understanding the culture...and our ears to hear God's voice & broken wills to follow His leading.

Thank you and Merry CHRISTmas!!!

We are back in our Nicaragua!

Hello All!
 
Thank you for your prayers!  We are safely back with all our luggage.  We would like to take a minute and praise God for His provision and thank you for your prayers.
 
*God gave us a great trip back to the States.  We were able to visit family & friends and share God's work in Nicaragua with several churches & preschools.  One new supporter and MANY prayer partners came out of the visit.  So VERY thankful!!

Even though I've already posted about my newest nephew he is just too cute not to put in another picture!

We had a wonderful time with family at the beach.  It was nice to have a week of relaxation and eating a lot!  ;)

 We were able to speak at several churches and preschools on our trip home.  It was great way to share what God is doing in Nicaragua with many people.  And now we have more prayer partners!

 

 

*One of our hopes was to have extra funds when we returned to purchase Spanish Bibles.  God granted that hope and we have enough to purchase around 110 Spanish Bibles!!!!  Woohoo!  We can't wait to get them in the hands of the children and adults.
 
*While on our time in the States, Jeremy and I committed to each other that when we return to Nicaragua we would bump up our Spanish learning.  We knew this would mean extra money out of our funds but just trusted
in God that He would provide the money needed.  We kept this to ourselves.  Before we left a couple of people gave us money just for Spanish classes.  I LOVE how God works!  And we are so thankful people obey when God guides them to give.  We know this was a sacrifice for them. 
 
*There has been a lot of flooding in Matagalpa.  The weather report said there was another big storm coming in that would produce a tremendous amount of rain - the day we would be arriving.  Many prayed and God answered.  The storm turned and went back to sea!!
 
*We were blessed to be bringing back 150 pounds of shoes and 3 boxes of "treasure bag" items.  (Can't wait to see how God will use these items to further His Kingdom!)  We did not even think about going through customs until a few days before when a friend suggested there could be a problem.  A couple of other friends gave us a great idea right before we left.  Our church wrote a letter stating these items were for donations only.  This is true, but it never hurts to have it in writing! 
When we arrived we were the last people  to go through the custom lines (of course) and here we come with 24 suitcases, boxes, carry-ons, & backpacks.  One of the men wanted to know why we needed so much for a family of six.  They chose a couple of boxes to search.  Another one was chosen (the one full of brand new shoes) but somehow - we know it is ALL God - it was never brought over.  Jeremy brought out our letter and presented it to the man in charge.  After searching the boxes the man jokingly said there was nothing they wanted and sent us on our way.  Our family was praying through that moment and knew many back in the States were doing the same.  We are thanking God that He answered!

We were blessed to be given lots of children's shoes.  Our prayer is that the shoes will be used to reach many for Christ.  Above is a picture of Jeremy carrying a 50 pound bag of shoes.

 
*Some of our friends came to pick us up at the airport.  They sacrificed their time and money to do this and we are very thankful!  Then after around 2 hours we arrived safely back to our home that night in Matagalpa.  Then we found out another precious family that was watching our house while we were away had washed all our bed sheets and cleaned our house.  That was another wonderful blessing.  We were exhausted and not excited about the thoughts of cleaning before going to sleep.  Now we were able to drop our suitcases and just enjoy being back.
 
We wanted to take a few minutes and just praise God.  Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in our problems and prayer requests that we forget to just bask in all that God has already done for us.  We know you are all a part of the blessings.  Thank you for your prayers and support.
 
We are now back and trying to readjust.  No big, ugly spiders yet...we have seen a huge rat and heard it and a cat having a party in our roof the last two nights.  But as long as they keep the party "upstairs" we can handle it.  :) 
And for some reason everyone is speaking Spanish here!  So we've got to figure this out.  Ha!

Please continue to pray for us to be instruments for God here in Nicaragua...for our adjustment back...and for us to learn Spanish and Nicaraguan Sign language.

Happy to be back in Nicaragua,
The Perry Gang

Visiting Home

We are half way through our visit home and have not wasted a minute catching up with family and friends.  If only we could fit more minutes in the day...

As part of the Nicaraguan laws, after 6 months we have to leave the country.  At the 3 month mark we are allowed to apply for another 3 month extension (this was not so easy).  Then at the 6 month mark we have to leave the country.  This was a great time to come home for a visit because God blessed us with another sweet nephew and my little brother was getting married!  We can't express the joy and love that we are feeling right now!

  Our newest nephew:  Max Parker

   ADORABLE!!!!!

                         My little brother, Andrew, and my newest sister, Erin!
                            It was a perfect day and they were both gorgeous!

 

 

 

Hike with Papa John & Nannie (Jeremy's parents).  Fun times!

                      Visit with Paw Paw.  This is Jeremy's 90 year old grandpa. 
                                                 We love to hear his laugh!

                                  Had to have time with the bestie, Natalie!

                                                  My Mommy and Me!

 

Four of our precious treasures and blessings:

 

 

Besides the joyous occasions mentioned and many visits with family and friends, we are using this time also to visit a few churches, preschools, and AWANA clubs.  We are thankful for every opportunity to share about what God is doing in Nicaragua and how people can help.  People have been so giving in MANY areas.  Some are collecting shoes for those in need, collecting treasure bag items for the children in the villages when they memorize their Bible verses, donating money for Spanish Bibles, and helping us with some of our personal needs.  We are extremely grateful for everything!  It will be exciting to send back pictures of all the ones that will receive these items that were given in love and sacrifice.

We are enjoying our time state side, but our thoughts and prayers are constantly in Nicaragua.  How is Isamari doing in school?  Are Jackson, Yader, Shelya, and the many other children in the villages learning their verses while we are away?  How are our friends at the Deaf Association?  How about our church and their revival?  How are our new friends and fellow missionaries?  The list can go on and on.  We will enjoy each moment here in N.C. but are thankful for our new home and ministry in Nicaragua.  God has blessed us and we are grateful!!

Prayer Requests:
  *Nicaragua residency - We are collecting the necessary paperwork to try to begin the residency process for Nicaragua.  This will enable us to stay in Nicaragua longer without leaving every 3 to 6 months.  We have heard this is a long and expensive process.  But if we receive the residency then there will be tremendous benefits - time and money will be saved in the long run.  Please help us pray that God will go before us and make the way straight and easy.
  *Please join us in praying for God to give us clarity on our current and future ministries.  There are so many possibilities but not enough time or man-power.  We know for God to be effective in our lives we need to focus on a few ministries and do them well instead of spreading ourselves too thin and doing a halfway job. 
  *Spanish learning!  We are praying this break will help our brains be ready to absorb more when we return.
 
THANK YOU for being a part of our family and lives!

      

Thoughts from Greyson

Thoughts from our oldest son Greyson:

For me, Nicaragua has been a blast!  I’m not fluent in the language, or even close, but I’m getting better at it. I definitely miss my friends in the states, but I haven’t had any problems finding friends here.  

I went to a youth conference about two months ago, and it was crazy hard not being able to talk with the kids from the other churches and communities.  Of course, that didn’t stop me.  I tried to communicate even though I probably didn’t make any sense, but I still had fun trying.   When I think about the contrast between the youth group I attend now, and the one I went to in the States, there are definitely differences.  Of course, the first obvious difference is that I can’t understand the Youth Pastor.  I’ve pretty much gotten used to it, but sometimes it still stinks not getting the jokes  or points of the message.  Also, the same problem I mentioned above.  I can’t understand the language.  Therefore, I can’t socialize with other teens as much as I would back in the States.  I have made friends, but sometimes I want to be able to fluently converse with them.    Although, there is one huge plus over the youth group in the States.  The plus is, that there is a Pulperia (a small family owned store) beside the church! That means that any time I am thirsty, I can whip out 4 cents (that’s right!) and buy a bag of water!  Or I could bump it up to 20 cents and buy a bag of chips.  And if I was in the mood to blow the bank, I could buy a Coke for a whopping 60 cents. J

             In my time here in Nicaragua, I’ve experienced quite a boost in independence.   Oh, how I look back at the days when I had to ask permission to walk around the neighborhood and laugh.  Now, I regularly walk to stores, Church, and other places either by myself or with a buddy.  Also, as of today, I am the proud owner of a cell phone.  I know, it took me moving to a another country to get, but I finally got one!

Moreover, I have learned that Facebook is a blessing, as well as a curse.  I love keeping up with my friends, but it has definitely been hard seeing pictures of camps, parties, and events I have missed out on.  

Going to the villages every Tuesday is great.  It has definitely widened my view and allowed me to grow closer to the kids.   Also, I think the kids love it when I teach.  Either it is because they enjoy watching me stumble through the lesson or because my lessons only take about 5 minutes.  Oh well, whatever makes the kids happy. J

 I have also been exposed to another new language down here:  Nicaraguan Sign language.  I have made a few deaf friends through Mom’s work at the Deaf Association.  I know even less sign language than I do Spanish!  But at least the deaf can understand my charades better than the hearing. ;)   

Lastly, I have really enjoyed being able to see Dad more.  As most of you probably know, he worked 2 jobs to provide for us when we were in the States.  So we didn’t see him too much through the week.  But now, it is much better.  He gets to stay home, do dishes, help us kids out with school, go grocery shopping, and minister here.  I actually wonder which lifestyle he likes better?  J  Jokes aside… It has been great getting to see him more and working in ministry together.

             I like Nicaragua a lot!  I look forward to learning the language so then I can get to know the people here better.  God has a lot to teach me here.

                                                                                                Greyson

                                           Greyson teaching 

 

                                                         Game Time

                                     New friends at the Deaf Association

                                    More new friends - fellow missionary kids

 

 

I need 3 horses...

I need 3 horses.

That sentence sums up my attempts at speaking Spanish thus far!  The language is not coming easily for us.  Of course, Greyson and Avery's young minds are picking it up quicker.  So not fair!  I am studying & practicing and I fumble over my tongue to get out a few words.  Our vegetable vendors have a good laugh each day when I try to communicate with them.  One day I was trying to ask one of our vegetable vendors for 3 onions.  He looked at me and started laughing and then I realized I asked for 3 horses. 

Life here is moving along even with the rough spots.  You can't get away from problems.  The Devil is always trying to stick his evil in wherever he can.  Thankfully, I know and believe in the risen Savior that beat the Devil long ago.  We have victory in Jesus despite the little battles we face on this earth.

Our ministry on Tuesdays in the villages are going well.  The first village always seems to be a challenge, but we know God's Word will not return void.  The second village continues to bring joy.  The children are becoming more faithful in learning their verses and listening during lesson time.  We are starting to know them by name and they are beginning to realize we are going to come back each week.  Last week when we arrived and started walking up the hill to the church it was pure pleasure to have 3 of the "tougher" boys fall in behind us.  We could hear them practicing their verse for the week.  Our prayer is that leaders among these villages will emerge so we can train them to one day take over this ministry.   

Avery teaching about "Blind Bartimaeus"

God is opening more doors in the area of learning Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL).  We were introduced to the president of the Deaf association here in Matagalpa.  Leily is a Deaf woman that wants to see all the Deaf learn their own language and receive a good education.  She tutors young Deaf children and teenagers in the afternoons.  She is also giving Avery and I lessons.  We look forward to getting to know Leily and the others more AND to see how God will use NSL.  My mind has already dreamed up several ideas.  :)  Now just to wait on God to show the right path! 

Isamari, the Deaf child we work with on Thursdays, is doing well also.  I can already see so much improvement.  She seems to enjoy our visits and tutoring now.  We visited her last week again and talked to her parents about possibly allowing her to attend another school.  Leily, the Deaf president I spoke about in the above paragraph, teaches at this school.  She has 15 other Deaf children she works with each day.  I know Isamari would truly benefit by being around peers that communicate her language.

As a family we are continuing to learn how to adjust here.  Some days we feel like we have it under control...other days are filled with discouragement.  But that is just real life - wherever you live!  We are striving to trust in God...wait on Him...pray more...communicate more...and laugh whenever we can!

Thank you all for your prayers and support!
The Perry Gang

Prayer Requests:
*Spanish Learning
*Nicaraguan Sign Language Learning
*Ministry in the villages
*Other possible ministry opportunities - We are asking God to make clear which ones to pursue.
Praise:  God is good all the time!

Jeremy's Side...

      Moving to Nicaragua has been a real journey for me.  Not being able to speak the language has been a huge barrier in itself.  Just getting used to the culture has been a big adjustment also.  While my wife, kids, and I have been adjusting well I know that there will still be much more ahead.

       I can see God’s hand all over this country.  It is such a beautiful place.  I can also see His will for our lives here as I watch how each member of the family has their own way of ministering to the children of the villages and in Matagalpa. 

        I have enjoyed getting to spend more time with my family, especially in the ministry area.  I worked two jobs for eighteen years, so this change has been a pleasant experience for me.  Through those years of working in harsh environments I grew a tough outer layer.  Now God is teaching me slowly – through spending more time in His Word - how to interact more with my family.  I have gotten to see an in-depth look into the lives of my wife and children.  I get tired just watching my wife as she is always on the go and doing things for the ministry.   She really does a great job balancing between the kids and the ministry and I am glad that I am able to help more with the everyday house chores now. 

        Going out to the villages had really been a great experience as well.  The kids really look forward to the games and the Bible study.  Our children are a big help as they do their jobs in the ministry and make friendships with all the kids.  I am thankful to be their Dad.  And God has been working in me through my role as Game Leader.  He has been teaching me the importance of preparation, patience, and showing His love.  I enjoy seeing their excitement each week when we play the games.   

       The language barrier has also brought some great laughs.  Just last Friday, my wife asked a Nicaraguan lady if she had eyes.  She was really trying to ask her if she had kids – “ojos vs. hijos”.  Our friend, Alison, was here to catch the mistake and correct it, but she got a good laugh too.  I’m sure I will have moments like this, too, in the future. 

      While I am not a very savvy with technology, I hope I can share more in the future.  My wife does a great job with all the computer work and keeping everyone up to date with our ministry, but I know it is important for others to see my side of this adventure also. 

       I look forward to what God has in store for us here and how He is going to use our family for the ministry.  Thank you all for praying for us.  Please continue.

 

 

 

 

 

God is Providing Opportunities.

God has been answering prayers and providing opportunities for us to share His love.  Last week we received the "okay" to start working weekly with the children at the Las Delicias village.  Every Tuesday we will be working with this village and the San Antonia village.  The villages are around an hour away so it is a whole day event.  We come home late, very exhausted & dirty but full of joy that God would allow us these opportunities.   

 



Game time is, of course, the most favorite time for the children!  Jeremy & Greyson are heading up this part and doing well.

We are very thankful for the supplies that our home church & AWANA club, West Cabarrus Church, donated for us to use.  They have already been extremely useful!!  Greyson has been excited about the game equipment - as you can tell by his big smile below.  :)  And Avery is ready to use the puppets.  She first plans to use them with teaching children's Bible songs.

 

 

I get the privilege to teach the Bible time part of our day.  Right now we are focusing on the life of Christ.  We have a wonderful translator, Liseth, that has embraced our family and the whole day of activities.   

Craft time!  We will be trying to do some kind of (low budget) craft each week.  Avery and Addyson will be big helpers in this area.

 

Our hearts are full when we look at this group of children.  We can't wait to know each one by name!!

 

 

Recently, God has opened a door for me to learn Nicaraguan Sign Language.  It is different from the American Sign Language that was my major in college.  There are some similarities - I was able to communicate with the Deaf teachers somewhat - but I do have a lot to learn.  Avery and I (maybe Addyson) hope to learn it together.  We will be using it to help in another area that God has opened at Rayito (Little Sun) Special school.  There is a Deaf child that needs to learn NSL along with learning basic math, reading and writing.  This feels like a very overwhelming task, because I am definitely not qualified, but we will take it little by little.  God is in control and able to equip us for this task for His glory.  

 

Rayito Special School

Itzamara is pictured below.  She is the child we will be working with every Thursday.

 

 

There are more opportunities that could be opening up soon, but we are trying to take things slowly and asking God to direct each path.  We know we will not be useful if we are spread too thin.  At times it feels crazy to think we have only been here 6 weeks and at other times it feels like we have been here much longer.  We truly feel blessed and honored that God is allowing us to live here and share His love.  Thank you all that support us for allowing God to use you to help in these ministries!

Please continue to pray for:

*the children & adults at the Las Delicias & San Antonia villages...that they will hear God's Word and follow Him as their Lord and Savior.
*Avery and I to learn Nicaraguan Sign Language in order to help Itzamara...and most importantly that she will learn to love God.
*God's direction in other possible ministries.
*our Spanish learning.  Soon we will be attending an intensive week long Spanish school.  We pray this will boost our current learning.
*money for a vehicle to use in our ministry here.

With hearts full,
The Perry Gang