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