Today I came upon an interesting article that they actually had in TIME magazine about the recent elections in Nicaragua. I will attach the link so you can have a look. They are a bit more articulate with their writings than I.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1858920,00.htm
I will post more later about some exciting and good things that have been happening in Nicaragua.
Can't wait to share more then.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Elections 2008
No, I am not going to focus on the States elections, just wanted to share a bit about our elections here. Sunday, all of Nicaragua held its mayoral elections. And today, Monday, is a vacation day. I guess to recoup from the stress of having to vote...:) Anyway, it is the next day and there still is not clear cut winner. And actually both major parties are declaring they won.
It is a bit different than in the States. In the USA, if the person you voted for for president didn't win. You may feel bummed, a bit relieved that the commercials are over, excited that you will get to see and hear real news again, but at least you know who it is and ready for what that may bring. You will get up and go back to school or work the next day, chat a bit about it and back to business as usual. Not here, and these were just the mayoral elections.
The attack mode is fairly the same. This person did this and that, they won't do a good job, blah, blah, blah. We have a bit more parades and rallying, than I have usually seen in the USA but nothing terrible. BUT, the next day, wow.
There are 2 major parties, FSLN and the PLC. The FSLN is the party that is in the presidency now, and some are concerned if they gain control in all of the mayor positions as well. So of course that is how they would prefer it from govt. To have their party in control everywhere. There is a big battle going on though. Both parties have said they won. (especially in Managua, the capital.) The PLC are claiming fraud on the counting of votes. There are to be people from both parties to verify the count is correct but supposedly the FSLN kicked out many from the other party...making it difficult to keep all groups honest. I think everyone was suspecting that this wouldn't be easy...expecting lots of corruption in the elections but what can you do.
I went to bed last night after having watched the news where 10 people were injured, in the town 5 min. from ours, because the 2 political parties were fighting. We woke up to see how the votes were going, they are still in the preliminary counting, to seeing the PLC marching through the streets of Managua, protesting the preliminary outcome....claiming fraud. There are rocks being thrown at people, cars and houses, bats being swung, and claims of bullets heard in the streets of Managua all due to these elections. And they still don't know who won.
I am glad we live in Jinotepe. Further from the chaos in some of the streets in Managua. A bit more "tranquilo" (calm). I just couldn't imagine seeing these types of outbreaks, protest, or violence in the streets of the USA or the news.
Please keep Nicaragua in your prayers!! All is in God's hands!
It is a bit different than in the States. In the USA, if the person you voted for for president didn't win. You may feel bummed, a bit relieved that the commercials are over, excited that you will get to see and hear real news again, but at least you know who it is and ready for what that may bring. You will get up and go back to school or work the next day, chat a bit about it and back to business as usual. Not here, and these were just the mayoral elections.
The attack mode is fairly the same. This person did this and that, they won't do a good job, blah, blah, blah. We have a bit more parades and rallying, than I have usually seen in the USA but nothing terrible. BUT, the next day, wow.
There are 2 major parties, FSLN and the PLC. The FSLN is the party that is in the presidency now, and some are concerned if they gain control in all of the mayor positions as well. So of course that is how they would prefer it from govt. To have their party in control everywhere. There is a big battle going on though. Both parties have said they won. (especially in Managua, the capital.) The PLC are claiming fraud on the counting of votes. There are to be people from both parties to verify the count is correct but supposedly the FSLN kicked out many from the other party...making it difficult to keep all groups honest. I think everyone was suspecting that this wouldn't be easy...expecting lots of corruption in the elections but what can you do.
I went to bed last night after having watched the news where 10 people were injured, in the town 5 min. from ours, because the 2 political parties were fighting. We woke up to see how the votes were going, they are still in the preliminary counting, to seeing the PLC marching through the streets of Managua, protesting the preliminary outcome....claiming fraud. There are rocks being thrown at people, cars and houses, bats being swung, and claims of bullets heard in the streets of Managua all due to these elections. And they still don't know who won.
I am glad we live in Jinotepe. Further from the chaos in some of the streets in Managua. A bit more "tranquilo" (calm). I just couldn't imagine seeing these types of outbreaks, protest, or violence in the streets of the USA or the news.
Please keep Nicaragua in your prayers!! All is in God's hands!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
November Clinic
This November marked one year of having the clinic in the communities!!! It has been such an amazing year. It has been full of ups and downs, difficulties and triumps. The wonderful thing is to see the relationships that God is creating throughout it all.
This past Saturday went so well. We had over 75 patients that came from surrounding areas. We have several faithful older adults that come for their monthly medicines for their heart or blood pressure. And many children that come for those things that pop up with having kids.
Thankfully it had let up on the rain so the road had a chance to dry out a bit. Didn't mean that it wasn't without huge ruts and holes....we could just see where they were this time. By the time we arrived there was already a big group of people waiting. It didn't let up till nearly 4 pm. Surprisingly one of the moms wanted to make lunch for us. We were so grateful, we were so hungry. Usually we just work through and then eat a late lunch (2pm) but this week it went much later.
We have so enjoyed the moments that we have had with each of the patients. The ability to pray with some and to get the chance to check up on them. It has been a great testimony to the community. We have heard so many great things. School attendance has stayed higher than normal, and every student that comes to school gets a hot lunch (which USAID provides) this means better nutrition. So many things are intertwined. Once the trust can be built and they see that you are faithful with them, that we really love and care about them, things can change and hearts can turn to the Lord.
Thanks to all that help with the support to provide the clinic every month. You have no idea the true thankfulness that they have and have shared with us and I want to make sure you all know. We even had our faithful Amelia (80+ years old) to bring her 2 eggs as payment. She always makes me happy.
I am so thankful for the chance we have to serve each and every one of them.
This past Saturday went so well. We had over 75 patients that came from surrounding areas. We have several faithful older adults that come for their monthly medicines for their heart or blood pressure. And many children that come for those things that pop up with having kids.Thankfully it had let up on the rain so the road had a chance to dry out a bit. Didn't mean that it wasn't without huge ruts and holes....we could just see where they were this time. By the time we arrived there was already a big group of people waiting. It didn't let up till nearly 4 pm. Surprisingly one of the moms wanted to make lunch for us. We were so grateful, we were so hungry. Usually we just work through and then eat a late lunch (2pm) but this week it went much later.
We have so enjoyed the moments that we have had with each of the patients. The ability to pray with some and to get the chance to check up on them. It has been a great testimony to the community. We have heard so many great things. School attendance has stayed higher than normal, and every student that comes to school gets a hot lunch (which USAID provides) this means better nutrition. So many things are intertwined. Once the trust can be built and they see that you are faithful with them, that we really love and care about them, things can change and hearts can turn to the Lord.
Thanks to all that help with the support to provide the clinic every month. You have no idea the true thankfulness that they have and have shared with us and I want to make sure you all know. We even had our faithful Amelia (80+ years old) to bring her 2 eggs as payment. She always makes me happy.
I am so thankful for the chance we have to serve each and every one of them.
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