Team 2 anxiously awaited the arrival of Team 1 in the Houston Airport. We actually did get to see each other but we were separated by a single pane of glass. Team 1 wasn't really expecting to see us and they seemed a little disoriented as they looked at us through the glass wall (they had to go through customs). They looked tired and as they passed by one member got close to the glass and mouthed, "have a great time."
Soon after that we boarded the very plane they had just gotten off. The flight seemed to go by quickly and there were like 2 or 3 other mission groups on the plane as well.
We arrived in Managua with all of our luggage.......except ONE suitcase! But we consider that a HUGE blessing of God's provision considering the fact that another group on the plane was missing EIGHTEEN suitcases!
We got here at night so it was kind of hard to see the surroundings. Some immediate differences we noticed....
A random fire on the side of the road
8 people riding in a small little taxi
People riding in the back of pick-ups STANDING up
People riding motorcycles without helmets
We are sure those little things will pale in comparison the what we will see throughout the rest of the week.
Ok, gotta go.....Chris is calling the group together for prayer!!
6 comments:
Hola Team 2!!!!!
We made it back safe and sound but mentally are still back in Managua with you all. The Lord has you safely in his arms through his people in Managua. Hasta luego
Hi Julie, I got your letter tonight from Susie,nothing better to do on a very cold rainly night so I was just hanging out at the airport and lo and behold I ran into team 1, go figure. Have a great second week. Love you babe.
That was so cool to see you guys at the airport. Glad everything went well and that you made it without much incident. One bag is not too bad. Hope you have a good night sleep and enjoy church in the morning. We really loved it. Can't wait to hear your stories.
Blessings
OK. I finally figured out how to use this thing. WELCOME TEAM 2! You don’t know me, but I’m Jennifer who came from California to join Team 1. I probably stood out like a soar thumb (at least Antonio thinks so –Joke for Team 1) when we walked past you in Houston. Yes, that was me. After an extremely turbulent flight, I'm back safe and sound in California. Yes, it's raining like crazy here. Please hold tight with me as I share this story.
When I initially met the team in Houston, a man approached me and asked where I was going. His name was Val. He was lost, looking for his next departing gate. I told him about our mission trip and he looked at me like I was crazy. After meeting all the team members in my half-wakened state, he found me again at our gate and sat down to talk more. I think Susie remembers who he is. He was on his way to Mexico to go scuba diving with some friends and had time to kill before leaving on his next flight. He admitted he was not a Christian and that he couldn't understand why we were going to Nicaragua. He gave me his number and said, "Give me a call when you get back. I would love to hear about your trip." Naturally, I was a little freaked out and thought to myself that I would never call this person.
OK, back to today... or I guess it’s already tomorrow (I have insomnia right now). First off, we found out that we were all sitting together on the plane to Houston. That alone was such a blessing considering that I had already chosen my assigned seat upon the purchase of my ticket. The Lord gave me those last few moments I would spend with my new friends on that plane. He's so sweet and good.
Second, remember the story of the man, Val? So... as I waited at my gate which departs to San Francisco I heard a man say, "Oh my gosh, you again?" Yes, it was Val! We were on the same flight back to San Francisco. Oddly enough, he said that throughout his vacation he was thinking about how I was doing in Nicaragua. I told him about our trip and showed him my photos. He still couldn't understand why I went. When we boarded the plane, it just so happened that he was sitting in front of me. Can we say RANDOM? No, it was definitely God's plan. After landing in San Francisco he handed me a note in the baggage claim area and said, "Please do not read this now. Read it later." I was a little freaked out as I thought STALKER??? When I got home tonight, I read the letter and this is what it said:
Hey,
I must admit I was curious on how you were doing in Nicaragua. I wondered if our paths would again cross or if I would even hear from you. Fortuitous or per random chance that we would end up on the same plane and sitting next to each other. I wouldn't have bet the farm on that one.
When we initially talked, I just couldn't quite understand your motivations & inspiration for venture. Why place yourself in peril to help others and why expose your heart to the pains of life's tragedies? Were you:
1) Just curious
2) Just looking for something to make you feel more alive
3) Escaping from everyday life in the fast lane
4) Sampling the luxury of poverty
5) Just wanting to do something for someone less fortunate than yourself
Multiple choice? This is not a test.
Was your inspiration religious in nature, a reaction to a sermon, or a Biblical phrase that touched all to close to center?
You might be asking yourself by now, just who is this stranger who dares to even ask these questions? If you have concluded that I am an angel sent to check up on you- probably not. Maybe you are the angel sent to challenge me to do more for my fellow man- more likely, but probably not. Even more likely- a diver who must have gone too deep. Maybe I am the other guy, but don't know if I am not. At any rate, your example made me feel a bit hedonistic, content to live the easy life while others suffer. My brushes with poverty have been personally crushing, self effacing and very confusing. I always felt I had to either jump in or retreat to safer ground- Just too hot in the kitchen. I do admire those who accept that challenge.
In the end I am just another diver who somehow felt compelled to share all this with you. Meeting you and hearing about your experience touched me. I felt you should know that.
Val
Please keep Val in your prayers. This is a true testimony that God uses us to plant seeds in others when we least expect it. His timing is flawless. This mission trip did not end, it’s just the beginning.
As I am at home for the first night in a week, I am alone and am feeling the downs of solitude. Not having anyone to talk to who would understand my experience is very difficult and frustrating. Please, I ask that you keep me in your prayers as I am kind of alone on this one… Please pray for the Lord to take away the loneliness and that I will have other Christian brothers/sisters in Christ I can talk to who will understand. For those of you who don’t know, all my friends are non-Christians. I am going to a new church so I don’t know anyone yet.
Team 2- I pray that God shows you who He is in ways you have never imagined. Be ready to be strengthened, made vulnerable, brought to the lowest low, lifted to the highest high and ultimately changed. I will continue to pray for your hearts and safety. May God bless you all. I look forward to seeing how your week is going.
-Jennifer
PS:
Maverick-
I read the CD you gave me. Tu tambien y es la verdad. Mi Espanol no bueno… but I think you get the point. Don’t drink all my coffee; I realized that I didn’t have it with me. Wee Wee and I listened to Oldies but Goodies on the plane. You should try dancing in church tomorrow. Please give Wendy a kiss on the forehead from me and tell her I said “Te Quiero.” See you all in Portland! Till then…
-Iceman
Aw, I'm glad everyone is well.
Mama Julie, I pray that this next group will bring you as much joy as the first group and that your week will be blessed with amazing memories. We love you and can't wait to hear all about your experiences!
Jen,
That is such an awesome story. Thanks for sharing. It just goes to show that our story is not over -- God has more work for us to do. And prayer is the powerful mover of God's power. Most of the time we don't tap into that power enough -- I know I don't, but this trip and all its amazing stories has moved me to tap into God's power and to pursue a prayer relationship with God. He is truly amazing.
You can email me at vbhooks@gmail.com when you are lonely and you are welcome in our home at any time. I will be praying for you.
Blessings to you.
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