Workshops

Well, life is so full lately, but so much of the same, that I don't really know what to say. My voice is normal again, thank goodness! It wasn't really on Tuesday, but I didn't get a chance to talk to Bill Hybels anyways. And yes, I would have been able to because I attended a workshop where he was the speaker. He flew down to Nicaragua for this leadership training day, and many people from the Nehemiah Center went. It only cost me $5 to see the great Bill Hybels!

Alicia and I decided that he's not necessarily the great Bill Hybels, though. At least not in Nicaragua. He was not culturally aware, and this ignorance was a major short-coming. And I'm a little wary of the big power executive type pastors anyways. I agreed with some of the things he said, and I disagreed with others. He said that you can rank people on a leadership scale. He made it seem too easy. What qualities make a good leader? (please feel free to respond because I'm seriously wondering) I don't think he can make a person a 2 and another person an 8 unequivocally. He also said that the 8s won't follow a 2, but isn't serving others part of leadership - even if the person isn't as good of a leader? I think it will make a good KSP paper for next semester.

I am attending a lot of workshops and conferences with the Nehemiah Center. I go to their trainings for church leaders and write reflections. I hear that the Ezra Team is pleased with the speed with which I finish my tasks. María Luisa, one of my supervisors, says that they don't want to abuse my time, but I tell her, please do! I love working there. It puts a smile on my face all the time.

I also enjoy riding the bus and talking to Roberto. He is becoming a good friend of mine, and we talk about some really deep stuff. He is a nice bridge for me because I feel like I can be honest - completely - with him, and I can ask him awkward questions about culture, religion, anything. I got to see him in action last Sunday (see picture above), and I enjoy knowing more about his work since I'm at the Nehemiah Center with him.

Life in León is good. I feel more and more Nica all the time. I will be glad to go back home, but if I decided that this was going to be my life, I think I would be very excited about that too. The culture here is very alive and rich. There are more and more gigantonas (tall dancing woman - really a small boy under a costume) and drummers in the streets, practicing for December 7, the big celebration of Mary in León. When it comes, I'll explain what I see. From what I hear, it's sort of like our Halloween - Catholics go from house to house, sing a song of exaltation to Mary, and receive treats from the owners of the houses. It will be interesting to see.

I think I'll sign off for now. Tonight they are going to operate on my Papito (my mamá's father) because his prostate is enlarged and he is experiencing a lot of pain. Please pray for guidance for the doctors and healing for Papito. May the Lord bless and keep you.