here's a tip

The last night we were in Nicaragua, we had the opportunity to eat at a restaurant. They were taking us to a local chicken place. It was supposed to be really good. There was only one problem. When we got to the chicken place, there was a Papa John's right next door. We rallied the American majority and began making a plea for some good ol' American pizza. We were ready for mutiny if need be... (Let's just say I was getting a sock ready to be loaded with nickels if persuasion and begging didn't work.)

Everyone was cool with pizza. We ordered and it was stinkin' awesome. There was about 18 of us so when the bill came, I was expecting it to be rather large. Pizza was a lot cheaper in Nicaragua than here in the states. I was also surprised to see that the "tip" was not automatically included since we had such a large party.

I factored in the standard 15% tip and then decided that since it was less than we originally thought we could give the waitress a little extra. We gave about 25% tip. I don't say that to brag, I say that to let you know that the waitress was brought to tears when she saw how much we left her. I guess the standard tip in Nicaragua is 10% and the hourly wages are pathetic.

I was told by our translator that the tip we gave was probably equal to about a weeks worth of her normal salary (Then I was nearly crying). It was so sad to see that the adults and the children live in such poverty. That woman worked her tail off and did a great job. She gave better service than a lot of American waitresses and to think she did it while expecting a lot less.

My point: she gave her all without expecting anything in return. Most of the time we give based on what we want out of it. We give only to get. We want something in return for our kindness. We need to give just because it is the right thing to do, not to get something back.

We made sure to tell our waitress that we were showing God's love by blessing her. Who knows, that may have been what she needed to help her develop a relationship with Christ.

What does your giving say about you. Are you generous or cheap (don't even try calling it "thrifty" or "conservative".)

not lost in translation

One of the most difficult things about being in another country was the language barrier. We had 2 Nicaraguan students assigned to our team. They were amazing. I couldn't understand one word of what they were saying but I did understand the message.

The message they were living (notice I didn't say speaking) was LOVE. They were the most humble, polite, soft spoken, serving people with the biggest hearts I have ever met. Every word they spoke was in a different language but even before it was translated into English, I felt like I had an idea what they were saying. When they spoke it was always kind, loving and encouraging. The words may not have sounded the same but the actions translated "love" in every language.

I got the opportunity to speak in a church. I obviously needed a translator. The experience was very cool. I would speak a sentence or thought then pause for the translator to say it in Spanish. It was kinda weird telling a joke (I am funny in all languages) then pausing for it to be told in a different language then waiting with anticipation to see if it translated as funny as it is in English. Needless to say - it was.

I spoke a message about being a "R.E.A.L." Christian. It was received with an open - hungry heart and we had some great prayer time at the end. Even though they didn't understand the words I was praying with them, they knew I was talking to the same God they serve and worship. VERY COOL!!!

My point: Even though we are English speaking Americans (and proud of it), we don't always speak the same language. Some speak hate, sarcasm, vulgarity and anger while others speak love and encouragement. Sometimes we need a translator to mediate. What if we all spoke the same language? In the words of Louie B Armstrong (the great Satchmo) "What a wonderful world it would be"...

God does not only understand English. Acts and words of love in any other language is not lost in translation. It is still "love".

Speak loving words and live a life of kindness. Stop being a jerk.

85 cents

At first glance of the menu, it appeared that the ice cream was very expensive in Nicaragua. I was sad until someone did the math for me. The board read 18.50 so I thought "you gotta be crazy" - then someone told me it was only .85 in American money.

That's right my friend that is a waffle cone with 2 huge scoops. It was called the JUMBO!!! In the states, I would've paid about $24 for that monster, but not in Nicaragua. I only paid .85!

I didn't even care if I could finish it. I could throw half of it away and still feel like I got a great value. I did get a stomach ache from eating that gallon of sugar topped off by a waffle cone, but it was totally worth it.

The exchange rate is about 19 to 1. For every American dollar we got 19 Nicaraguan Cordoba's. We did have to adjust to the sticker shock but once you did, you realized things were pretty cheap.

My point: everything is not always as it appears. We all get caught up in our own paradigm. We have to willing to step outside of our own world sometimes if we want to get different experiences.

I would've missed out on ice cream if I wouldn't have been willing to see things in a different way.

Yes, I shaved my head. I didn't want to bring any bugs back on my head...