Well, it's 11:30pm Nica Time. Just finished our final porch time (the time of our day where we gather together and discuss our day). Everyone is feeling the tension of leaving tomorrow, being excited to get home but at the same time processing leaving the kids behind. This afternoon Peter Strickland (senior from Spring Branch) typed up some thoughts to share for you. Unfortunately, It's late and I still need to pack. So I'm not about to sit here for 15 minutes for pictures to upload...SORRY! So enjoy Peter's thoughts and check out your kids cameras OR Facebook (if your kids didn't take picutres) if you want to see pictures! Prayers for our trip tomorrow and by God's grace we will see you all at 11:55pm in Norfolk!
Today started with both groups leaving to attend church services at the churches they have been serving in Nuevo Vida. Spring Branch arrived at Guillermo’s (the pastor) church at around 9:15 for the service. The church is one building that is used as a kitchen and a small room connected to the outside where everyone can meet. With all of us there the room was filled to the point where it was standing room only for all of the guys, with Kurt Werth having to watch through the window.
Before Guillermo began to preach all of the children were taken outside for their own Sunday school. I wasn’t sure if we were supposed to join them, but a young boy named Mercelo ran up to me, grabbed my hand, and pulled me outside with them. The Sunday school was simply the reading of Psalm 42 with the kids. All of them were amazed by my English Bible and took turns flipping through it. Even though I was outside and surrounded by kids I could still hear Guillermo’s passionate preaching coming from out the church.
As the service ended we began to say our goodbyes to the kids. It was the last time we would be seeing the whole group or coming to their church and feeding center. What struck me about this was the way the kids handled it. Most of the Spring Branch team was crying because of how close we had grown to these kids in the past four days, saying goodbye to them seemed impossible. The kids on the other hand had the most hopeful outlook I have ever seen. They kept hugging us and simply telling us “hasta lluego” or see you later. Using the translators they told us how much they love us and how they would keep praying for us after we leave.
This group of kids has made a huge impact on my life. Here are some of the things that are going to stick with me after this week ends: First is the love and joy these kids displayed every time I saw them. Going into this I felt like I was supposed to be the one showing all the love I didn’t expect it to work the other way around. Next is their spirit. They are living in the worst conditions I’ve ever seen but it doesn’t phase them at all. They have constant hope despite their circumstances. Last is the heart they have for Christ. Each day of the VBS they couldn’t wait to learn more about Christ, they instantly memorized verses, could tell us the key phrase from every day, and constantly wore the crosses that we had helped them make.
We leave to come back to the states tomorrow. My biggest prayer coming home is that I will never grow complacent. I hope that the things I’ve seen this week will be on my mind 6 months from now as much as they will be tomorrow morning. I don’t want this to just be a trip to see the Third World, I want this to constantly effect me.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday-A view from the Trinity Family
Hey Blog Readers! Natalie here. We have had a crazy few days, and no internet during free time! Below is a post that Hannah Hopper wrote from the Trinity group on Friday. Enjoy her thoughts! I'll try to post one more time tonight to share some final thoughts about our week! Thanks again for all of your prayers! We are off to a sports complex with all of the kid we've been working with at Nueva Vida, so I don't have time for pictures! SORRY! See you soon!
WOW-it is crazy that I am writing this blog for Friday night. For me this week has flown by…but in an amazing way. I have finally realized the verse in the bible where it speaks about how this day is precious and sacred! I wake up every morning to the beautiful Nicaragua and get to see what now the Lord has in store for me. Because this is my first mission trip, I have been blown away with the sights I have seen, the words that have been shared, the challenges we have faced, and the power of our loving & protecting father.
I will start off with our morning. Mornings can really make or break your day. I have realized this week that how I begin my day will influence my attitude and energy for the rest of the day. I now have come to see how important it is to start our day in the word-the bread of life!!We left at 10:30 to the church we have been attending the past two days. The church is about an hour away which sounds like a long drive but between games and looking at the sights all around us-it goes quickly. The bus rides have been one of my favorite parts of this trip because it allows me to be silent. To be still and listen to what the Lord wants to teach me for this next day with these adorable children.
Now onto the kids! The best feeling in the world is pulling up to the church and seeing the same faces you saw the day before. It is truly a miracle that the children can pull you apart from the crowd and say your name which in my case is “Anna”. We have gotten the honor to serve these kids, in most cases, their only meal. It amazes me at how responsible and independent these children are at such a young age. Yes, we came to serve these kids so this is a very tangible and real way to serve but I have learned from them as well what service looks like. I have been able to see God’s love through these children and willingness to help their younger sibling eat or comfort them when they aren’t feeling well.
After we helped at the feeding center we met for lunch which was very yummy today! My favorite part of the day was VBS with the children. Everyone had a specific job for VBS today and really came through! Whether it was music, the bible story, activities, or the crafts we each put everything into making it the best it could be. Wayne brought to our attention today that when we are in a place like Nicaragua the enemy will distract and try to bring us down. Which has been true for this trip but of course our God is stronger and always prevails. Before the kids came in today for VBS, we heard that only 30 of the kids could come. My heart sank when I heard this because we were all looking forward to having all of these kids from the neighborhood come. God’s hand was in this all because each and every child was then allowed in! God’s provision was revealed and I knew that today was going to be powerful and life changing.
Roger gave an amazing word to the kids and then gave an invitation. This was the most powerful experience I have seen this entire trip. Hands raised one after the other and although it was in Spanish I could feel the Holy Spirit moving in these young kids’ lives. From there on out the day was eventful with kids moving from craft stations, to singing songs, to then saying goodbye to us.
Yes, each day is long and tiring. Yet, the Lord refuels me and all of the other trinity students to pour into these kids and share with them the greatest lesson they could hear in life…the gospel. Our God is alive and moving this week. He is touching little kids lives with a conversation we may have with them (if we are lucky enough to speak Spanish), or by holding their hand, or simply smiling. Their faces light up even though we are leaving because we make sure to say,”Hasta Manana!”
Tomorrow is a new day that the Lord is going to show us how amazing He is and come back at night to be able to share stories of “Where I saw Jesus today”.
Ps-I love you mommy & fam and can’t wait to see you!!`
WOW-it is crazy that I am writing this blog for Friday night. For me this week has flown by…but in an amazing way. I have finally realized the verse in the bible where it speaks about how this day is precious and sacred! I wake up every morning to the beautiful Nicaragua and get to see what now the Lord has in store for me. Because this is my first mission trip, I have been blown away with the sights I have seen, the words that have been shared, the challenges we have faced, and the power of our loving & protecting father.
I will start off with our morning. Mornings can really make or break your day. I have realized this week that how I begin my day will influence my attitude and energy for the rest of the day. I now have come to see how important it is to start our day in the word-the bread of life!!We left at 10:30 to the church we have been attending the past two days. The church is about an hour away which sounds like a long drive but between games and looking at the sights all around us-it goes quickly. The bus rides have been one of my favorite parts of this trip because it allows me to be silent. To be still and listen to what the Lord wants to teach me for this next day with these adorable children.
Now onto the kids! The best feeling in the world is pulling up to the church and seeing the same faces you saw the day before. It is truly a miracle that the children can pull you apart from the crowd and say your name which in my case is “Anna”. We have gotten the honor to serve these kids, in most cases, their only meal. It amazes me at how responsible and independent these children are at such a young age. Yes, we came to serve these kids so this is a very tangible and real way to serve but I have learned from them as well what service looks like. I have been able to see God’s love through these children and willingness to help their younger sibling eat or comfort them when they aren’t feeling well.
After we helped at the feeding center we met for lunch which was very yummy today! My favorite part of the day was VBS with the children. Everyone had a specific job for VBS today and really came through! Whether it was music, the bible story, activities, or the crafts we each put everything into making it the best it could be. Wayne brought to our attention today that when we are in a place like Nicaragua the enemy will distract and try to bring us down. Which has been true for this trip but of course our God is stronger and always prevails. Before the kids came in today for VBS, we heard that only 30 of the kids could come. My heart sank when I heard this because we were all looking forward to having all of these kids from the neighborhood come. God’s hand was in this all because each and every child was then allowed in! God’s provision was revealed and I knew that today was going to be powerful and life changing.
Roger gave an amazing word to the kids and then gave an invitation. This was the most powerful experience I have seen this entire trip. Hands raised one after the other and although it was in Spanish I could feel the Holy Spirit moving in these young kids’ lives. From there on out the day was eventful with kids moving from craft stations, to singing songs, to then saying goodbye to us.
Yes, each day is long and tiring. Yet, the Lord refuels me and all of the other trinity students to pour into these kids and share with them the greatest lesson they could hear in life…the gospel. Our God is alive and moving this week. He is touching little kids lives with a conversation we may have with them (if we are lucky enough to speak Spanish), or by holding their hand, or simply smiling. Their faces light up even though we are leaving because we make sure to say,”Hasta Manana!”
Tomorrow is a new day that the Lord is going to show us how amazing He is and come back at night to be able to share stories of “Where I saw Jesus today”.
Ps-I love you mommy & fam and can’t wait to see you!!`
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Amas a tu Jesus..
This year we are putting on Vacation Bible School at a church in a community called Nueva Vida, since I (natalie) am running around making sure everything is set for that, we are going to have guest bloggers for the next few posts. Today, y'all get to hear from a Senior Girl form Spring Branch...Jessica Carlisle! Enjoy her thoughts about our day today!
“Amas a tu Jesus en tu Corazon? Si! Amas a Jesus en mi Corazon!” (Do you love your Jesus, deep down in your heart? Yes, I love my Jesus Deep Down in my heart!)
Last evening we translated two songs from the Children’s Surf and Sand Mission slew of songs into Spanish to sing with the children today when we preformed Vacation Bible School. The Spring Branch group and Trinity group were assigned to one of the five feeding centers in Nueva Vida. Each feeding center is associated with a church where we are performing VBS. Our version of VBS Nicaraguan style included the bible story of Zacheus, coloring, a memory verse, and a key phrase.
The morning went fabulously! We feed the children, ate lunch, and then began our VBS for about 40 or 50 kids. The drama included Kurt Werth as a tree that Zacheus, Ben Crismore, climbed up to see Jesus, Logan Berns, all while Connor Clark read the bible story in Spanish. The kids were so engaged and they really enjoyed the songs as they danced along. Our VBS ended with small groups where each kid colored a picture and recited the key phrase to each Gringo (that's us, the white kids).
Next, we headed to the pool just as the lightening, thunder and drenching rain showed up. We loaded all the gringos onto the bus and added thirty of the children from the feeding center. With a packed bus we drove out of Nueva Vida crossing flooded streets that looked like rivers through the mud. (The streets aren’t paved inside of the community.)
The rain cleared up just in time for us to swim in the pool, which was a turquoise green color (no worries there!) in the middle of gorgeous fields and mountains. Even though most of them weren’t great swimmers the 60 Nicaraguans splashed, laughed, and truly enjoyed each other’s presence and the presence of the 60 gringos for a few hours.
Today was a long day, but not once did I hear someone complain. The amount of joy that fills you up after spending thirty minutes with the kids at the feeding center is infinite. Each of the gringos on our team have worked hard to make sure we are exuding every ounce of energy we have to ensure that these children hear the message of God. From patience in the pool with overly excited children to making sure that not a single piece of food is dropped while serving meals to singing and dancing to a song in a completely different language every one of us are serving God. Serving where it matters and where God has made it evident to us.
I cannot wait to see what tomorrow will bring and to see the amazing things we are blessed to experience.
“Amas a tu Jesus en tu Corazon? Si! Amas a Jesus en mi Corazon!” (Do you love your Jesus, deep down in your heart? Yes, I love my Jesus Deep Down in my heart!)
Last evening we translated two songs from the Children’s Surf and Sand Mission slew of songs into Spanish to sing with the children today when we preformed Vacation Bible School. The Spring Branch group and Trinity group were assigned to one of the five feeding centers in Nueva Vida. Each feeding center is associated with a church where we are performing VBS. Our version of VBS Nicaraguan style included the bible story of Zacheus, coloring, a memory verse, and a key phrase.
The morning went fabulously! We feed the children, ate lunch, and then began our VBS for about 40 or 50 kids. The drama included Kurt Werth as a tree that Zacheus, Ben Crismore, climbed up to see Jesus, Logan Berns, all while Connor Clark read the bible story in Spanish. The kids were so engaged and they really enjoyed the songs as they danced along. Our VBS ended with small groups where each kid colored a picture and recited the key phrase to each Gringo (that's us, the white kids).
Next, we headed to the pool just as the lightening, thunder and drenching rain showed up. We loaded all the gringos onto the bus and added thirty of the children from the feeding center. With a packed bus we drove out of Nueva Vida crossing flooded streets that looked like rivers through the mud. (The streets aren’t paved inside of the community.)
The rain cleared up just in time for us to swim in the pool, which was a turquoise green color (no worries there!) in the middle of gorgeous fields and mountains. Even though most of them weren’t great swimmers the 60 Nicaraguans splashed, laughed, and truly enjoyed each other’s presence and the presence of the 60 gringos for a few hours.
Today was a long day, but not once did I hear someone complain. The amount of joy that fills you up after spending thirty minutes with the kids at the feeding center is infinite. Each of the gringos on our team have worked hard to make sure we are exuding every ounce of energy we have to ensure that these children hear the message of God. From patience in the pool with overly excited children to making sure that not a single piece of food is dropped while serving meals to singing and dancing to a song in a completely different language every one of us are serving God. Serving where it matters and where God has made it evident to us.
I cannot wait to see what tomorrow will bring and to see the amazing things we are blessed to experience.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Nicarauga Always Wins
Andrew and Jeremy about 10 hours into hanging at the Norfolk Airport
Ever since I started coming to Nicaragua, there has been a phrase that has remained a favorite…“Nicaragua Always Wins”. At least once a trip, something happens where our plans are completely shifted due to something Nicaraguan. For example we have had random national holidays pop up during a trip that we didn’t plan for, a bus driver who slept in, or a work project that couldn’t be started due to a lack of supplies. Well, this year Nicaragua beat us before we got started. Only one flight a day goes out of Atlanta, and half or our team missed that one flight. And when we arrived in Nicaragua we were missing 80 bags.
But in each of these instances over the years we have seen God’s hand at work when OUR PLANS are put on hold, and the same happened this year. We got to Nicaragua 24 hours late, and in that 24 hours we saw God’s grace over and over again. Our flight took off in Norfolk just minutes before a storm came rolling through and our pilot was within minutes of expiring his time, and we landed in Atlanta between storms. The team was absolutely great with their attitudes. Then once we arrived in Nica everyone pitched in and shared clothes, toiletries, and everything in between to make sure those of us had what we needed to make it through another day without our bags. And by God’s Grace we just officially got ALL of our bags! And everyone is here ready to hang with kids.
So to give you an update on the last 24 hours of our time in Nicaragua. We arrived and went straight to the Verbo church, had lunch and was welcomed by an OrphaNetwork representative. After lunch we FINALLY arrived at Casa Bernabe and our team of students pretty much ran off the bus to see the kids at the orphanage. Our kids who had been to Nicaragua before were reunited with their friends and all of the first timers jumped right in to love the kids. We ended the night with a time of large group games and skits with the older kids from Casa and a testimony from Roger (a team member who grew up at Casa)!
Lindsay at the feeding center!
Today we woke up, and those of us who came in yesterday went to the market while the rest of the team did a work project. Then we began our mission for the week which is to put on Vacation Bible School at two separate churches in a community called Nueva Vida. Trinity went to one church and Spring Branch went to the other. At the churches we helped with the feeding time for the kids, met the pastor of the churches and planned out the next three days of Vacation Bible School, which starts tomorrow!
Well, it has been a chaotic beginning to the trip, but as I sit here on the porch of the Team Center I am once again humbled by the fact that I am here again with such a great team. Thanks again for all of your prayers for our trip! Next post we’ll fill you in on all the excitement around the Vacation Bible School!
Logan and Karson loving on some kids.
Monday, July 25, 2011
a small change of plans
Well after an eventful morning the Spring Branch/Triniy team on the Delta flight has had a small change of plans. Our Nicaragua adventures will begin with an overnight in Atlanta! Our flight was delayed due to technical difficulties, which caused us to miss our connecting flight. Thankfully Delta already re-booked us for tomorrow and will put us up for the night in Atlanta! So our new arrival time is Tuesday around noon Nica time.
As for the rest of the team, they should make it today!
Well, hopefully next post will be from Nica! Thanks again for all your prayers!
As for the rest of the team, they should make it today!
Well, hopefully next post will be from Nica! Thanks again for all your prayers!
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