This week didn't go how I planned with this blog, as far as keeping some sort of journal/updates for family and friends. Between feeling ill at the beginning and a poor internet connection by the end of the week, I wasn't able to keep track of things how I had hoped. I'll try to sum up a bit and hopefully soon be able to share the experiences in person!
Tuesday was another incredible day with Audrey, working with the kids, and watching the men & community working on the well. The kids and some of the moms had really started to warm up to us. It was so fun to see how God is an expert at building relationships. Our team was growing closer and God was able to work through us by loving on the people we were meeting. By Tuesday night, I was feeling pretty sick. Thankfully my teammates were praying & the hygiene leader was willing to help care for me and we stopped by a pharmacy on Wednesday morning and whatever it was that I was taking, helped me maintain throughout the day.
Wednesday was a day for me to sit back and observe. I did my best to sit in the shade & stay as cool as possible so I wouldn't get any worse. Audrey's heart was on her sleeve as she worked with the children. She was a blessing to each one that she hugged, smiled at & loved on. The men worked on the well but also helped out with the hygiene lessons. Getting to know each of these people throughout the week was amazing and I just love how God put such different personalities together and He was glorified because of it!! It was neat to see the kids respond to our whole group it such a positive way. The kids took time to pray for me to feel better and it was such a joy to share with them by Thursday that their prayers had been answered by God with healing.
Our last day with the community was filled with so many mixed emotions. I am still sorting things out in my heart & imagine that it will be that way for awhile.
I have been typing out what they are and then erasing them and trying to retype. I'm not sure how to best express how I feel.
The generosity of the community was humbling and overwhelming. Each time I start to recall events from the week, I am overcome with gratitude. I'm so grateful that God put our team together to come and do this mission, grateful for the water He provided, for the relationships that were formed with all of the people we met, for the strength and courage to share the gospel with others and so much more.
Looking forward to sharing pictures and stories.
Thank you to everyone who prayed for and supported and encouraged me. Praise God!!!
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
Monday update
Using my phone to update. Please forgive typos and incomplete sentences. Hard to reread what I'm writing.
Yesterday we woke up in Managua. Seeing the city at night was one thing, with its chaotic streets, people everywhere, caskets being hauled on the back of a pickup truck... But the day revealed so much more. we drove through the city to head towards Granada (where our home base is located), there were so many with so little. For Some, less than little. I've seen it before in inner cities in the states, but the volume seemed so much larger here. As an animal lover, I'm finding I have to look away when I see the animals here. So many stray dogs & boney, tied up horses.
Getting settled into our home for the week was nice. Having some time to reflect and visit with our hosts. After a meal of fried parrot* and French fries we ventured out to the city of Granada. Established in 1524 by spaniards, it was very interesting to see the local culture and architecture. Visited a marketplace and returned back to our home. Audrey and I had a task of preparing lesson plans and getting crafts ready for Monday.
Speaking of Monday... What a day. I want to write so much but I'm so tired and need to be ready bright and early tomorrow morning. We had a full day in the community we are working in. Please please continue praying for this well. The people have two unsafe and shallow wells that are supporting the community. All of their other wells (also unsafe) have dried up. Remind me in person to tell you one of the reasons why the wells drying up... :/
Before we came down here, we were told that we would have about 60-100 kids to work with and teach. Yesterday we were told it would probably be about 30. This morning we were informed that we could expect about 120 kids in the morning and 100 in the afternoon.
They were pretty close with that last estimate.
What. A. Day.
Once again, seeing God show up and show favor and His perfect timing has been incredible. I would love to share more tonight but hopefully I will have a chance to write more in the morning before we head out.
Thank you so much for the prayers. I can already see ways God is working on us and through us.
Gracias.
*parrot was only chicken. A tease from one of our hosts ;)
No parrots were consumed (that we know of).
Yesterday we woke up in Managua. Seeing the city at night was one thing, with its chaotic streets, people everywhere, caskets being hauled on the back of a pickup truck... But the day revealed so much more. we drove through the city to head towards Granada (where our home base is located), there were so many with so little. For Some, less than little. I've seen it before in inner cities in the states, but the volume seemed so much larger here. As an animal lover, I'm finding I have to look away when I see the animals here. So many stray dogs & boney, tied up horses.
Getting settled into our home for the week was nice. Having some time to reflect and visit with our hosts. After a meal of fried parrot* and French fries we ventured out to the city of Granada. Established in 1524 by spaniards, it was very interesting to see the local culture and architecture. Visited a marketplace and returned back to our home. Audrey and I had a task of preparing lesson plans and getting crafts ready for Monday.
Speaking of Monday... What a day. I want to write so much but I'm so tired and need to be ready bright and early tomorrow morning. We had a full day in the community we are working in. Please please continue praying for this well. The people have two unsafe and shallow wells that are supporting the community. All of their other wells (also unsafe) have dried up. Remind me in person to tell you one of the reasons why the wells drying up... :/
Before we came down here, we were told that we would have about 60-100 kids to work with and teach. Yesterday we were told it would probably be about 30. This morning we were informed that we could expect about 120 kids in the morning and 100 in the afternoon.
They were pretty close with that last estimate.
What. A. Day.
Once again, seeing God show up and show favor and His perfect timing has been incredible. I would love to share more tonight but hopefully I will have a chance to write more in the morning before we head out.
Thank you so much for the prayers. I can already see ways God is working on us and through us.
Gracias.
*parrot was only chicken. A tease from one of our hosts ;)
No parrots were consumed (that we know of).
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Sunday morning
i'm here! I was checked into our hotel last night but couldn't keep a strong enough signal or a clear enough thought to update. Not promising my thoughts will be much clearer this morning, but I'll try :)
Yesterday was a long day of travel. MSP to ORD to HOU to Managua. The entire day was filled with small and large blessings. The helpful and friendly fellow at the ticket kiosk who patiently waited and walked us through weighing of our supply bags and ended up saving us $200 in overweight fees, kind and encouraging airport staff (at each airport) and fellow passengers who waited in long lines with us, a sweet woman who gave us her delicious box of very expensive tourist popcorn, fun and friendly banter within the team and (mostly) pleasant seat mates.
By the time I got on the plane leaving Houston, I was thankful to have been traveling with a group. I cannot say that I would have continued on. Although I was looking forward to a new experience and everything that goes along with that, it really hit me how far away from my girls I will be. And that it wouldn't a be a simple hop, skip and jump to get back to them. At this point, it seems this is where God is growing me in my trust in Him. Because that strong feeling of missing them didn't set in until take off, I had no one to talk to about my fears/feelings except Him. Turning to the bible and Trusting that He not only has my circumstances and protection under His control, but also my family's.
We encountered another group from NJ heading to a different part of Nicaragua. One of them has been to the same host station where we will be staying. She warned us that the last time she was here, they did not have a successful well strike. Please pray with me that this community will be ministered to by each one on the team and have a chance to hear about Jesus and that the well drilling will be successful.
Hoping to update again tonight after we are settled into the compound where we will be staying.
Yesterday was a long day of travel. MSP to ORD to HOU to Managua. The entire day was filled with small and large blessings. The helpful and friendly fellow at the ticket kiosk who patiently waited and walked us through weighing of our supply bags and ended up saving us $200 in overweight fees, kind and encouraging airport staff (at each airport) and fellow passengers who waited in long lines with us, a sweet woman who gave us her delicious box of very expensive tourist popcorn, fun and friendly banter within the team and (mostly) pleasant seat mates.
By the time I got on the plane leaving Houston, I was thankful to have been traveling with a group. I cannot say that I would have continued on. Although I was looking forward to a new experience and everything that goes along with that, it really hit me how far away from my girls I will be. And that it wouldn't a be a simple hop, skip and jump to get back to them. At this point, it seems this is where God is growing me in my trust in Him. Because that strong feeling of missing them didn't set in until take off, I had no one to talk to about my fears/feelings except Him. Turning to the bible and Trusting that He not only has my circumstances and protection under His control, but also my family's.
We encountered another group from NJ heading to a different part of Nicaragua. One of them has been to the same host station where we will be staying. She warned us that the last time she was here, they did not have a successful well strike. Please pray with me that this community will be ministered to by each one on the team and have a chance to hear about Jesus and that the well drilling will be successful.
Hoping to update again tonight after we are settled into the compound where we will be staying.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Tomorrow...
Tomorrow, I take off for Nicaragua. In an attempt to help others bring the possibility of clean water to a group of men, women and children. What an exciting thought. How humbling. One of the things I take for granted, every day. I can safely brush my teeth, give my kids a drink when they are thirsty, wash our hands, water animals, on & on.
But that's not all they are thirsty for...
Even more exciting and humbling, I will have the opportunity to share Jesus with those very same people. And more! The person sitting next to me on the plane, the clerk selling me my Diet Coke and candy, the weary travelers stuck in each airport where I have a layover... Each one, an opportunity to share my love of Jesus and His love for them.
How often have I taken that love and relationship for granted? Open my eyes, Lord. Give me wisdom and obedience to your will for this journey. Let me rest knowing You.
But that's not all they are thirsty for...
Even more exciting and humbling, I will have the opportunity to share Jesus with those very same people. And more! The person sitting next to me on the plane, the clerk selling me my Diet Coke and candy, the weary travelers stuck in each airport where I have a layover... Each one, an opportunity to share my love of Jesus and His love for them.
How often have I taken that love and relationship for granted? Open my eyes, Lord. Give me wisdom and obedience to your will for this journey. Let me rest knowing You.
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