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

 

We get to stay!

This past week we had the privilege to minister and hang out with a group from our home church, West Cabarrus Church.  Even though we have only been here a few weeks before they came it was quite refreshing and uplifting.  It was such a joy to have them working alongside the Harbinsons and us.

  Here we are on the last day which was a "fun day" to visit a volcano and bat cave.

We were able to spend 2 days ministering in the San Antonia village and 2 days in the Las Delicias village.  We participated in projects such as painting tables, a church, a woman's house, fixing an older man's rocking chair, building a bed for a young blind boy, playing games, told Bible stories, several gave their testimonies, and had Worship services.  Through it all, we pray the people at each village saw the love of Jesus displayed from each action and service. 

The 83 year old lady was very excited about her house being painted. 

 The group worked really hard and some came away looking a little blue.  :)

 We believe these children could play the entire day and still not be tired.

 Below is the young blind man that the bed was built for by the group.  He was so faithful to attend each time we came to play games, taught a Bible story, and worship.  We taught him how to speed stack so he could be involved also.  He learned quickly!  We also had him playing "Hot Potato".  We loved his bright smile!

The week before the group came we visited the village to play games and challenge them to learn John 3:16.  We were excited when at least half of them knew the verse this week.  Now they have another verse to learn for the next time we visit.  The ones that knew the verse were rewarded by a sweet treat. 

On the last night at Las Delicias Eric Harbinson was sharing with the people how the WCC group was going to be sad leaving them and the friendships that were made.  I found myself a little sad.  And then all of a sudden I thought, "Hey!  I get to stay!!"  Yes, it was sort of a "well, duh!" moment.  I have been on several short term mission trips.  Each time I remember being sad that I was leaving the people that we met.  Now - PRAISE GOD - He has allowed my family and I to stay here and continue building on the relationships that we have made.  We get to stay here and share His love weekly!  Thank you Jesus for giving us this opportunity!

Please join us in prayer for:
*WCC safe travels home today
*Relationships made at each village...God's Word being planted and hopefully seeing fruit produced fromt the planting.  And pray for their openness to us coming weekly.  We will be returning to Las Delicias on April 22nd to do more AWANA games, Bible lesson, etc.  That afternoon the Harbinsons and our family will be discussing with the Pastor about a good day for us to come weekly.  It appears that he is very willing for us to return.  The day and time will be tricky to figure out.  Some of their children attend school in the mornings and some in the afternoons.  We want to be able to include all of them.  Please pray that we will be able to schedule the best day and time to do this. 
*Our future contact with the First Baptist Church in Matagalpa. 
*Our Spanish learning - muy importante!!  
*Financial provision for a vehicle that the Harbinsons and us to share in the ministry

We treasure your prayers and support!
The Perry Gang

Just being real...

I've always tried to be "real" with everyone.  I never want to be fake - "whatcha see is whatcha get".  Just because my family and I are on the mission field does not mean we are the perfect family.  We are far from it.  And today was my VERY grumpy day!

I could list a lot of reasons why I was grumpy: lack of sleep, still adjusting, "the devil made me do it", but I basically failed in being patient with others and myself.  I have been running so far so fast that I allowed myself to dwell on everything around me that I felt was wrong instead of focusing on the one and only thing that is right and perfect, my Heavenly Father. 

Everything here just seems extra hard for me right now - from trying to communicate, to paying the bills, grocery shopping, cooking, keeping things clean, washing clothes & dishes, wondering when the water will be turned off, or watching the little green light on our router to see if we will have the internet, etc.  I think it all hit me today and instead of immediately talking to God I just decided to be grumpy with everyone else.  To be even more real I will give some examples.  I've been waking up early (@ 5 or 6) to wash the clothes so I can get them on the line to dry before too many activities get in the way.  Well later this morning I asked the children to bring in any clothes that were dry.  They brought be a full basket of half dried clothes.  All I could think about was, "here is more work for me to do!"  So when I started to fuss and Jeremy said, "I thought they were dry too", he immediately got a handful of wet clothes thrown in his face.  Hmmm...not the best example of a loving wife.  Then at one point I think the whole city of Matagalpa heard me yell at one of my children when they talked back to me.  Hmmm...not the best example of a loving mother.

As I was wallowing in my grumpiness, I decided I was going to just send my mother and mother-in-law a long email expressing my anger.  I knew they would listen, not judge, and give me sympathy.  Guess what, the internet was not working!  For an hour I kept going to the computer to try and see if it was working.  The hour turned into almost the whole afternoon.  It took that long for me to realized God was quietly speaking to me.  He wanted me to share my frustrations with Him.  He wanted me to confess my sins, receive His forgiveness, and then be washed in His peace.  After that I was able to calm down and apologize to my family for my behavior.  It was all very humbling!

Yes, adjusting to a new country, culture, and language is hard and will probably get harder.  BUT I do not regret our decision to follow God's call to come to Nicaragua.  Will I, and the rest of the family, struggle with grumpy days and fail many times over this process?  Yes!  Thankfully, we serve a merciful God that loves us despite our failures.  Praise God for His forgiveness and patience!  All I lack He has in abundance. 

God pressed upon my heart to share my grumpy day and failures with you all.  I pray it can help someone with either comfort or a laugh!  Keep up the prayers.  As you can tell we need them!  :)