The “IN” Crowd (Parte de los “Tuanis”)

I´m officially with the “IN” crowd at the YMCA...well, at the very least I am a “regular” at all the Zumba & Hip Hop Classes.  J  I have really been enjoying my membership.  Being that I worked for the Y for almost 9 years, it is almost like a second home for me.  I believe that it truly has been key in my adjustment back to life in the US.  To be able to immediately be part of something again that was such a big part of my life for so many years, and something so dear to my heart.

I´ve been getting a lot of questions as to if I would want to work there or if I will be going back to the Y in general soon. Well, at this time, I don´t feel called to work for the Y right now.  I´m truly just enjoying being a “regular” member and participating in the classes.  It was suggested to me by other friends whom have returned to the states after being overseas, to just take a few months to re-adjust. 

As part of helping with my re-entry into the states, I thought it would be good to think about some of the things that I miss from Nicaragua and about some of the things that I enjoy about being in the States.

Things I miss from Nicaragua:

• All my amazing friends
• My family at AMC
• My MCC peeps
• Taking public transportation (who knew)
• The warm weather
• My crazy apartment neighbors
• Pan e Vino J
• Salsa Palace
• Going to Movies at Galaria´s with Liz & Nate  J
• Sharing an office with Gerardo, Belinda and Alex 
• …the list could go on and on.

Things I´ve enjoyed about being back in the states:

• Being with my family
• Hanging out with friends that I typically have to squeeze visits into a short time period… now there are more visits and for more time.
• Hot water showers!!!  (Singing: Heaven… I´m in Heaven….)
• There hasn´t actually been that much snow, so the transition hasn´t been too tough that way.
• My grandparents giving me their car so I don´t have to use public transportation (or the lack there of in my hometown).
• Not having a job right now (I´m not sure how I would have time for one anyways).
• My membership at the YMCA
• Being there for my Grandpa
• See my niece and nephew when they wake up in the mornings.
• …and all the little things that I missed in my three years out of country.

Other things that I have been up to:

I went for a visit to Grand Rapids for some re-entry doctor’s appointments and to hang out with some friends.  It was kind of a strange trip.  Some things were really good, yet other things seemed really awkward.  One things in which I have not been like myself is in communication.  I´m not as good about responding to text messages as quickly, nor e-mails.  It all seems a bit overwhelming to me for some reason… especially the weekend I was in GR.  At some instances I felt stood-up by some friends, but I´m sure they felt that I lacked communication.  Some of it was just weird!  But, I guess that´s how transitions go back into a place that used to be “home”, but now is just a place to visit.  One interesting thing about the trip is that I feel like I won´t be moving back to GR, at least not right now.  Who knows in the future, but I felt a peace about not being in GR.

Also while in GR I went the Healing Hands Ministry Nicaragua Reunion with the First United Methodist Church of GR.  I drove through my first snow storm being back in Michigan, from Grand Rapids to Spring Lake in a snow storm.  A 45 minute trip took 2 and half hours.  But we made it safe and sound.  We had a blessed time catching up and visiting since their trip to Nicaragua in November of 2011, when I went along as a translator. 

Back in Niles, I “Bowled for the Cure” for the fight against breast cancer.  My goal was to get over 50 per game.  J  I actually hit a 96, a 154 and a 106.  Not too shabby!  J  I had a great time with my good friends Alison & Matt, whom invited me to participate.  It was a great time and was blessed to spend time with all.

That same night we went out to Club Landing in South Bend and saw a really great band called Blammo (http://www.blammoband.com/) that has a nice mix of music from the 80´s, 90´s and today.  Super great music and some attractive guys too.  hehehe J  (Just had the throw that in there).

Future Possibilities:

So, I´ve started to apply for some jobs.  The main one I am looking at is in Marquette, MI… I know, who would have thought.  So, please keep that in your prayers.  My desire is to follow the call that the Lord places on my heart.  It´s hard not to get too excited about things.  Although I have a lot of experience, I´m worried that once people meet that they will think I am too young for these types of positions that I am applying for.  But, you know, the Lord has been faithful all my life and I just need to trust that he will continue to do so as long as I continue to seek Him with all of my heart.

Re-Entry Training:

MCC normally provides a re-entry training for all returning workers that have been overseas 3+ years.  The one typically scheduled for Canada in May was canceled due to some organizational transitions, so that is obviously not an option.  I have found one through Mission Training International (MTI) http://www.mti.org/dar.htm called DAR (Debriefing And Renewal) that is offered in April.  Since MCC cannot meet his specific need that I have, they have offered to pay for my plane ticket and for a portion of the training. 

The total cost for the trip would be around U$1,300.  With the support of MCC, I am still in need of about U$600 to be able to attend this training in Colorado in April. A friend of mine who lived in Nicaragua attended this training upon her return to the States and she said that is was one of the best things she could have done to help in her transition.

If you are all interested in supporting I would be very grateful.  Please contact me via my personal e-mail or facebook should you desire continue to support my mission work, especially during my re-entry. The training is April 29 through May 4.  Please contact me prior to March 9^th, so that I can register with MTI. Thank you for considering supporting me in this training.  I feel that it is something that I need and that would be beneficial.

Praises & Prayer Requests:

• Praise: That my transition is going well.
• Prayers: For healing of my strep throat, which I was just recently diagnosed.
• Praise: For the YMCA and it´s role in my transition back to the US.
• Prayers: That I would hear God´s calling for my future and that I would trust Him and not worry.
• Prayers: That I would be a blessing to my friends and family during this time.
• Prayers: That the last few weeks of my masters program would go well.  Graduation May 12, 2012.
• Prayers: That funds can be raised for me to go to the Missionary Re-Entry Training with MTI in Colorado.

Blessings (Bendiciones),

Beth