Experiencing Nicaraguan Life

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Experiencing Nicaraguan Life
It has been great to communicate with many of you via emails and phone calls. Technology is wonderful and sure does make the life of a missionary easier these days. Some common comments from many of you have been- What is it like there? What are some of the differences? What is your average day like? We would like to share with you some of the answers to those questions.To be honest, life in Nicaragua can be somewhat frustrating for a North American, especially those who are list makers, goal setters, thrive on efficiency, and measure their daily success by how many things they got checked off their list. (Smile) These first few weeks for us have been spent trying to get our house in order (we won't talk about de-batting again), learning how to run the household efficiently in a country that has frequent power outages and a water shortage. (Just trying to figure out when the best time to wash clothes, so that we will still have enough water for everyone to be able to take a bath and brush teeth has been a daily challenge- just when we think we have it figured out- it changes). We have had to learn where to go and buy things and even when to go. We are also still adjusting to having a guard at our house 24 hours a day and really just to the whole Nicaraguan culture. We have also been dealing with many emotions. We have all had moments of homesickness and the Lord is helping us all to deal with that. We are all trying to develop new friendships with Nicaraguans and with other missionaries, and are trying not to compare everyone we meet with our wonderful friends in South Carolina. We are trying to focus on learning the language first (we plan to devote 3 months of intensive training to this- knowing that it will take longer than that to master it). Many who have gone before us have counseled us to do this. They have all said that we will be more effective sooner if we work on the language first.

Our children's days are spent at school, then home doing homework, and some extracurricular- Stephen basketball, Luke will start soccer soon, and we would like to get each of them back into their musical instruments soon. ( There are some missionaries here who teach piano and guitar- as part of their ministry and Stephen may be able to play his trumpet in the Nicaraguan Symphony- we will know more about that next week.) They are not as busy as they were in the States and they seem to enjoy just coming home and playing soccer together in the yard for now.

We have met several Nicaraguans that we have bonded with; one is our language instructor- his name is Freddie and he is not only teaching us the language, but he is also teaching us about the culture. He loves his country and the people of his country and he is helping us to have a better understanding of them. Learning why they do some of the things that they do has helped us with some of the things that have been frustrating for us. They are truly a gracious people and the Lord is giving us an even deeper love for them and their country. We are praying that this love will continue to grow. We mentioned the man that we bought our car from in our last note. Mark called him yesterday and he told us again that we were "his family". We also met two sisters the second day that we were here, Marisol and Violeta. They are both in college and speak great English. We had them to our casa (house) last Friday night for spaghetti. (They were our first house guest). We feel like we have 2 more children and Markie feels like she has 2 big sisters. We are also beginning to meet some of our neighbors.The Lord is helping us with all of these things. His ultimate goal for all of us is to bring us closer to Him. Yes, we are here to minister, but He is using this time to do a work in us. We are having to depend on Him more than ever, and that is a good thing. When we have a hard moment we are reminded of why we are here and somehow the moment gets a little easier.Thank you all so much for your prayers and your support.We Love You,Mark, Cindy, Stephen, Luke, Markie, and Philip
Posted by ********** at 9:56 PM
3 comments:
jack said...
Hi Sweet Family,We love you! Glad to read the update. Call ANY time!Love,The Robinsons!
January 27, 2007 8:22 AM
Sabrina said...
Hey guys! I've been wondering how you are so I was glad to see an update. I know it's difficult at times, but after a while, Nicaragua will start to feel like home! Keep relying on Him and know that you are being prayed for.much love from SC!
February 3, 2007 11:34 PM
Guy4God said...
Hi Quillens! I'm glad to hear that ya'll are doing well! I hope that ya'll continue to settle in well and that ya'll continue to learn the language! I hope ya'll's multiple injuries continue to heal! I hope to hear from ya'll soon! TTYL! Lots of love! GOD bless! ---Graham McBride
April 3, 2007 8:14 AM
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Our First 3 Weeks

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Update
Dear Friends and Family,

Please forgive us for the delay in getting an update out. Mark showed me how to " blog" today, so I may now be the official " blogger".On Saturday, Jan. 6th we got a German Shepherd puppy. We named her "Gabi " after one of our precious German friends back in Spartanburg. Our friend says she is honored and we hope she really feels that way. We meant for it to be an honor. Gabi has been great for the whole family, but especially the kids. As many of you know, we gave our 2 dogs, Striker and Shooter, to a sweet young couple in Gaffney. They love them and are giving them a great home. Our last week has been spent continuing to get settled, which for us has included continuing to deal with the BATS!!! As of Thursday, Jan. 11th the bats are officially gone. The owners of our house sent Gorge (we lovingly call him Bat Man) once again to flush out the bats and reseal the space between our ceiling and roof. That, along with duct tape on the cracks of the ceilings and closets, has remedied the bat situation. A new use for Duct Tape. Maybe we will send this in to the company to help with their marketing.

On Wednesday, Jan. 10th Daniel Ortega, was inaugurated into office. We stayed home that day, per the advice of other missionaries and our new Nicaraguan friends. During the inauguration, which lasted all day, we heard gun shots frequently. This is a way of celebration for the Sandinista party. The day before the inauguration we were doing errands in the city of Managua all day and we saw many policeman and army men. We were told that they were there to prevent rioting. Overall things have seemed calm here politically.

Thursday, Jan. 11th was not only de-batting day, but it was also our children's first day of school at NCA, Nicaragua Christian Academy. They all had a good first day, and said that they liked the school. For lunch they eat Nicaraguan food and so far we have not had any complaints. They wear uniforms to school which consist of a white shirt, navy blue pants (or skirt for Markie), black belt, and black shoes. For PE they wear royal blue shorts or gym pants and a white T shirt. Stephen will get to play on the basketball team and Luke will play on the soccer team if the soccer team gets off the ground.Friday, Jan. 12th we received a call from the school. Philip was hit right beside his eye with a swing on the playground. No stitches were needed, but his new PE shirt was speckled in blood, and he is now sporting a nice black eye.

Saturday, Jan. 13th we traveled to a small town called Mesatepa, to buy some furniture for our house. A young Nicaraguan College student, named Marisol, whom we met our first day here, went with us to interpret. Mesatepa is a small town in the mountains 45 minutes from Managua that has many street side stores that sell handmade furniture for inexpensive prices. We were able to find some bedside tables and a small desk for Markie.Sunday, Jan. 14th we went to the missionary church, International Christian Fellowship, to lunch at the mall with some of the missionaries, and then home. Our guard leaves at 2:00pm on Sundays, so we have to be home by then. Our house cannot be left unattended at any time. Our night guard comes at 6:00pm each night.Monday, Jan. 15th Mark and I started our Spanish lessons. Our teachers name is Freddy and he is an excellent teacher. His testimony is amazing. He is 33 years old and until he was 17 years old he was unable to speak clearly due to a problem with his vocal cords. His family could somewhat understand him, but no one else could. Because of this he turned to fighting to release his anger and frustration. He has actually fought professionally. After his surgery, he had to undergo one whole year of intensive speech therapy in which he had to learn how to talk. Now the Lord uses him to teach English to Nicaraguans at the University and Spanish to Missionaries. He is even using some of the techniques that he used in his speech therapy to help Mark and I in our pronunciation. God really can take the hard places in our life and use them for His purposes!Tuesday, Jan. 16th Mark and I went into Managua while the kids were in school to register our family with the American Embassy. We should have done this sooner, but we have just not made the time. Even though it is the American Embassy the employees are Nicaraguan and do not speak English. After 45 minutes of trying to communicate why we were there, we went through the security checks and got to the appropriate place to get the forms. When the man gave us the forms, which are in Spanish- by the way, he politely smiled and told us that we would have to come back between the hours of 1-3pm, take a number and wait to talk to the appropriate person. :) Welcome to Nicaragua! Even at the American Embassy.Wednesday, Jan. 17th Mark and I had our second Spanish lesson and our teacher is convinced that we will be conversing fairly in 3 months and well in 6 months. We hope he is right. We have been able to communicate basic things (we even ordered Pizza over the phone, with Stephen's help), but knowing the language will be a tremendous help in our ministry. We want to take this time to thank all of you for your prayers and support. Without you we would not be here. Remember that you are a part of what God is doing in Nicaragua. Please continue to pray that God will help us to develop relationships with Nicaraguans. This is key to what we will be doing. Also please continue to pray for our children. They are adjusting well, but Markie especially is struggling with being homesick. Again, we love all of you and would love to hear from you. We have a Vonage phone line that enables us to have our former Spartanburg number. If anyone would like to call from Spartanburg this is a local call for you. You will not be charged. We were not sure if everyone understood this. Our number is: 595-1582. ~ Love, The Quillens
Posted by ********** at 2:52 PM
3 comments:
Tony, Courtney, Caroline, Camille, & Vivian said...
We are glad you are doing well! Caroline, Camille, & Vivian say "Hey Markie, we love you". We will pray for God to bring many new friends your way and opportunities to share his love with the people there. By the way, they are calling for possible snow showers here tonight. Love, Tony, Courtney, Caroline, Camille, & Vivian
January 17, 2007 8:16 PM
Pastor Lee & Miss Renee said...
Hello Quillen family!We just wanted to let you know that we miss all of you and we agree with the other Quillen family that Markie will soon have many new friends there! As well as the boys. Sorry to hear about Philip's encounter with the swing...ouch! Luke, we hope everything works out for you to play soccer. Stephen, hope you do well on the basketball team too.We're glad to hear the bats are finally gone - that was a really interesting story!We know you will all enjoy your new puppy, we're sure she will be a joy for you to play with.We will continue to pray for you in children's church. Keep in touch! We love all of you!!Pastor Lee & Miss Renee
January 19, 2007 9:44 AM
BackesHouse said...
Hey Quillens!!I'm so happy that you have a blog. I can't wait to read how the Lord will use you and your obedient hearts. We'll be praying for all of you.Love, The Backes'Marc, Jenni, Trey and Josh
January 21, 2007 5:57 PM

Up and Running in NIcaragua

Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Up and Running in Nicaragua

We are up and running in Nicaragua! We are so sorry we have not been able to communicate until now. We thought our home would be internet ready once we moved in but internet access was the only utility that was not ready and connected until Saturday January 5. But now that it is up and running we can email and place phone calls to the U.S. which is wonderful.
The Bagwells have been life savers. We owe a great deal of appreciation to Tim and Chris Bagwell. They have taken time out of their demanding schedules as missionaries here in Nicaragua to pick us up at the airport, drive us all over the place to look for beds, appliances, tools, groceries and much more. Tim drove me to the cable company to establish a cable and internet account and then on to the cell phone company to set that service up. The Bagwells have been invaluable! They have encouraged us and pointed things out to us that we have needed to know and take care of. They have interpreted for us in stores, on the phone and in personal conversations. They have introduced us to many other missionaries and contacts that will be valuable to us in the future. They have truly been friends. They have given to us and sown into us and we pray that God will return it to them a hundred-fold!


What have we been doing since landing Friday afternoon December 29?

• Stayed in a boarding home the first night.
• Purchased beds, a washing machine, refrigerator, and groceries on the 30th, set these items up in our rental home and moved in the same day.
• Unpacked and set-up our personal belongings, learned how to operate the water tank system, exterminated our home of bugs and bats, and repaired the home where needed. (the bat thing has freaked Cindy out; we are still battling these rascals) This has taken a good bit of our time.
• Hired a guard for our home (I came thinking I was not going to do this, but after the owners shared with me why they strongly recommended we hire one and our neighbors and missionary friends strongly suggested the same we have done so. (he walks our property all night with a machete and a whistle)
• Purchased a vehicle ( Hyundai Galloper) It's a rugged type of 4 wheel drive vehicle that seats 7 people and can take a beating and keep on going. (A missionary who is also a diesel mechanic spent a great deal of time helping me, he knows what to look for in used vehicles here which was priceless. He was a tremendous help)
• Traveled all over the city of Managua trying to navigate and learn the roads and directions to certain key places.
• Attended church at International Christian Fellowship this past Sunday. Most of the members and attendees are North American Missionaries. It was good worshipping with other missionaries who can relate to our transition and encourage us.
• Met with the school director of the school our children will be attending and the children have been through 3 1/2 hours or evaluations (they did great!)
• Taken the children to purchase the necessary clothing and school supplies(the requirements for school uniforms and supplies are very specific here)
• Continuing to set up our home and office. We brought 30 cases of luggage in all. This included our carry-on and checked luggage. Whatever we did not bring and find we need we will acquire over time.

We miss you and appreciate you!

Cindy and I are so humbled at the love, support, and encouragement that everyone has expressed. Friends, family, and the family of God are what life is all about. Everything else is a distant second. You are allowing us to pursue the vision outlined to the right of this article. The hardest part of this transition is the reality that we are not in steady contact with the friends and family we love. We really miss you all!

What brings you to Nicaragua and what will you be doing?I continue to share with everyone here that asks me why we have come to work in Nicaragua that I sense that this is a special and unique moment in the life of this country. God's heart is turned towards this country in a special way. We want to be in the middle of this move of God that is touching not only Nicaragua but many countries right now! God is bringing things to a head. This is a grand moment for a harvest of souls coming into the kingdom and experiencing the kingdom of God on this earth. Other missionaries and Nicaraguans sense the same thing. This is exciting!

The following three areas will be our focus over the next few months:

1. Getting our children settled in school and adjusted to the culture and their new surroundings. This is huge. They are doing well and are enjoying the newness of it all and yet have been genuine in expressing their concerns, homesickness, and apprehensions.
2. Language training - we want to delve into this so that we we can communicate proficiently and comfortably with the people here. Our sessions begin January 16.
3. Acquire the International School of Ministry Spanish curriculum rights for Nicaragua.

Adopted by a Nicaraguan family

I mentioned earlier that we recently purchased a vehicle in Managua, Nicaragua this past Thursday. We had spent a long day looking at a variety of vehicles at a variety of lots and made one last stop. As I discussed the vehicle with the owner of the car lot I really sensed a genuineness, an honesty and a diligent work ethic that I had not sensed with some of the others I had interacted with. The more we talked the more we hit it off. His name is Alberto Pereira and it turns out that he is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International for all of Nicaragua. Alberto's heart reflects a beautiful brokenness for the Lord. It is incredible. Over the next several days he and I met to handle the transaction of purchasing the vehicle and he would share with me how the Lord delivered him from alcoholism and had restored his marriage, how the Lord saved his soul and how the Lord now ministers miracles through him. Every time he shared with me about the Lord he would cry. God is amazingly good! The FGBFI sends him to other countries to give his testimony. This Sunday evening he and his family had us over for dinner at their beautiful home. He cooked a special meal for us, the kids swam, and we played pool and talked and prayed together. He has six children and told us that he felt like the Lord had added six more members to his family; referring to us. This family has really embraced us and welcomed us to the country from a Nicaraguan point of view and explicitly told us to come to their house any Sunday for dinner and that our family is welcome at their home any time and they meant it. What a blessing! I had prayed for a relationship with a Nicaraguan family like this and it looks like the Lord has opened the door!

Some things that really stand out to us:

• Things move at a different pace here. Time is general not specific
• Stores and office operations reminds one of the way things may have been in the 50's in the U.S.
• Some of the processes and ways of living are antiquated
  the roads are not well maintained
• You use your horn a lot when you drive
• Its hard to get things you wouldn't think would be so hard to get.
• The sun comes up really early and goes down early.
  Where we live, waking up in the morning sounds like a cross between a wildlife preserve and a farmyard. You hear a lot of tropical birds and roosters.
• The Weather - January and February are the mildest of all the months. A typical day is in the mid 80's, mild humidity and very windy.
• Politically - Daniel Ortega will be sworn in January 11 as the new president of Nicaragua.

If we can do anything for you please don't hesitate to contact us at 864-595-1582 or by email at markquillen@yahoo.com. We would love to hear from you. God Bless you!
We love you,
Mark, Cindy and children
Posted by ********** at 9:26 PM
8 comments:
Karen McBride said...
Hi Mark and Cindy...The blog looks great...I am excited that we will be able to keep up with you guys this way...we love you..Jeff, Karen, and kids...
January 10, 2007 11:59 PM
The Sparks said...
I am so glad that you have a blog. I can't wait to read how the Lord is using your family. You are in our prayers.Love, Travis and Alyssa Sparks and kids
January 11, 2007 9:21 AM
Sabrina said...
I'm glad y'all made it safely! We were all just wondering about you yesterday. Please keep us posted and let US know if there's anything we can do :)much love!
January 11, 2007 9:39 AM
Sherry and Ryan said...
Wow, its great to hear from you guys! As I read your entry, I could picture everything in my mind - but I bet its nothing like I picture it. God has some amazing things in store for your family! I cant wait to hear about them. Sherry and I are doing well. We found out last week that we are having a baby girl. She is due in June, right in the middle of training season! Keep us updated! Ryan
January 11, 2007 9:43 AM
zack said...
Hi Guys,The blog page looks great! It was good to talk to you this morning. Hope school went well for all.love, Angie, Jack and kids
January 11, 2007 4:35 PM
GuyOnFire4God said...
Hey Quillens! I think the blog looks pretty cool! I've used Blogger before and it's pretty fun! I hope that you guys are doing well down in Nicaragua! Thanks for continueing to keep in touch while you're down there! I'll be sure to check this frequently! Hope the kids had a great first day at school! TTUL! GOD Bless!
January 12, 2007 6:50 AM
Prophetess4Him said...
Hey guys,The blog looks great. It definitely looks like you guys have been through a lot since you've been there, but I know God will supply ALL your needs! Hope the kids are doing okay in the new school. Have a great week!Christina J.
January 14, 2007 3:13 PM
Shay said...
Hi, friends! I was so glad to read your blog and share bits of information with the class. Philip's friends really miss him and were especially "impressed" to hear about the bats and the guard. You're in my prayers. We love you all.Miss Jones and Class
January 16, 2007 9:39 AM
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