Our day was also a series of subplots-comedies of errors of sorts! Rob noticed more than half way thru the day that his buddy was not actually one of our kids but joined in from another family. He shared it was the most "rotten" day ever. We all laughed at this unfortunate occurence and Rob became the target of jokes and jabs the rest of the night.
Shari discovered the lagoon she had been swimming in with the kids that seemed to be the perfect swimming hole was actually dirty with garbage and debris. Although she was concerned at first, she quickly readjusted and said "Oh well, too little too late for me."
Vicky's head was spinning because everywhere she looked was a sign with her name "Victoria" as an advertisement. She later found out it is a brand of beer down here!
There were plenty of others but it's late and I've run out of creative juices. Hasta manana!
vicky
We're on our way!
Wave jumpers!
Wendy and Fabiola got swallowed up quite a bit by waves.
We found a ridiculous amount of sea shells...
21 comments:
Some of us from Team 1 have been posting our struggles coming off the emotional high of the trip. I too have been wrestling with some post trip struggles and I wanted to share some thoughts that hopefully will encourage you all.
I have been talking to Glen and we began to express some of our thoughts and concerns with each other. We were surprised at the similarities that we were having. We have been tired and not feeling the best -- that is to be expected. What we didn't expect and was disappointed with was our lack of desire to seek God. It was as if once out of the moment the desire went cold. I began to realize as we were talking that there is a battle going on. One due to fatigue and one spiritual. I have been here before. Maybe not to this extent but the thoughts and the feelings are the same. The enemy wants to create confusion right now in our lives – keeping us from being real and instead isolating us from God and a support system.
The reality is that when we experience the emotions working with God on the front lines of battle you are going to get exhausted. Due to our human form I don't think there is anyway around this. We are in a battle and there is an enemy that is real and wants us to be discouraged and to convince us to choose to be more careful in the future so that we don't have to go through the down times later. He also wants us to believe that we can't really do any good and convince us that we want to have comfort more than the victory over trials. I think that one reason we are not familiar with the struggles we are facing is that we don't often put ourselves in the work of God to the point that we are stepping deep into enemy territory. We often stay where it is safe and let the wounded come to us if they can find their way. Also the enemy wants to minimize the work we are doing in our home towns and make us believe that what we are doing is not that important in people's lives.
I think God wants us to rest in Him and to enjoy time with Him. But we are going to have to fight for it. Glen and I found comfort in Elijah and what seems to be the same struggle in his life. I found comfort in the fact that God found him worthy to take to heaven even though Elijah fought this battle. I also enjoyed God's comfort and still small voice drawing Elijah to Him. After all Elijah saw amazing works of God and he still struggled. I find comfort in that. Read 1 Kings 16:29 -19. And I want to encourage you all to be actively praying and asking for prayer. Don't let the enemy win. Keep working and fighting to seek our God together. I just want to encourage you all.
Your all in my prayers.
I spent a lot of today with my mind on Team 2. My body was going through the motions, but my heart couldn't stop feeling what I knew you all were going to feel today as you left those children in La Chureca. I prayed for God to give you the peace that surpasses understanding. I knew that for Team 1, beach day was the hardest for most of us. My heart is with all of you and the ninos. This is only a part of a wonderful plan God has laid out for us and those children. I am thankful that we all got to play a role in His mighty work. The Lord gives and takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Wingman,
I am so happy to hear that you spent those last moments with Wendy. Nurse Judy was totally correct. I was thinking the same thing she was as you genuinely held that bundle of joy in your arms last week. Your heart overflows with love. How are those Riesens holding up? You'll have to take another "waving out of the taxi" photo of someone else so I'm not the only one embarassed. I nominate David to be your model. Skipbo, si, si! PS: tu madre esta mas alegre y inteligente
-T.E.
Val,
You are a stud.. stud-ette! You are also in my thoughts. Skipbo for sure! I'll pretend that I won fair and square. I'm excited to see Portland. I will bring you some chocolate chip cookies ...Love how you said that regardless of the task, it is a privelege, not a burden, to serve the Lord. Oh ya, and I'm turning to you for all my entemology needs.
Mama B,
Nice to e-meet you. Kris really meant it when he said, "Mama is ALWAYS right... in everything!" Impressively, he told Layda and Lina that en Espanol.
Rick- I'm expecting you to give me a weather update for 95126. I'm supposed to golf w/clients tomorrow. Please tell me the future is looking bright. I really enjoyed your last posting. I'll fight the battle with you guys. I have been getting the same feeling. The enemy is angry that we are following God's plan. Prepare the horses for battle, for the victory bellongs to the Lord. I am blessed to have spent time with you and Val.
Kara- You are a Care Bare! Dallas will be my next stop. I'll need another trim soon. By the way, I'm going to take up your offer on that dress one of these days.
Miller's #2: I am praying for you. Hang in there.
Paris: Donde Esta? (En Ingles: Where are you?)
TEAM 2: Though I have not met you, I understand the emotions some of you are feeling. We are all supporting you and will fervently be praying. Embrace the rest of the week. You'll be in for an exciting treat on your free day as well. I suggest hanging upside down!
TEAM 1: Am I getting the feeling that we will all be going back again as a team? That would be awesome!!! Round 2! We can rent a house. Rumor says it would be $50/person/month? Sweet! I miss you all and love you tremendously!
Hi Susie, Nathan, Alex, David and Julie!!!
Susie Miller: I am sending a little treat in the mail for you! Look out for it! Hopefully it will arrive within the next 5 years.
PS: Mav, don't forget the nuts for Val and Rick.
PPS: No olvidarse los nueces para Val y Rick. (Nathan, es correcto?)
PPPS: Vicky- I enjoyed your humorous stories. I hope to hear more. =)
Rick... we're 4,000 miles apart... and thinking the same way. I was talking to CK last night and he asked if I was struggling with anything. I had realized earlier yesterday that one of my huge struggles this week was my lack of focus on my heart. Last week I was diligently studying and praying for God to just open up and break my heart. This week I find myself getting lost in tasks and not focusing enough on the healing of my heart, or being able to hear God. That's exactly what the enemy wanted. It makes him mad when we grow closer to God, so he works his way in, as subtly as he can and then turns a "Godly experience" into going thru the motions. It wasn't until yesterday, driving back into La Chureca that I started praying for my own heart to break again. Even in all of our emotion we can't forget whats important. Our relationship with God. In Matthew it talks about when Jesus was talking to those men, and they were telling him all that they had done for him... but he said "I never knew you." We can spend our whole lives doing good deeds, but if we don't focus on our relationship with God, our own hearts... what good is it? I'm not saying be selfish, focus only on yourself...I'm saying don't forget to focus on God, and what he wants for you. He wants you to have a whole and perfect heart, that won't happen if you ignore it. Thanks for sharing Rick... it's funny how similar our struggles were even though I'm still here.
La Differente China (as Antonio might say)-Thank you for your encouragement. I was so blessed to be able to spend that last day with Wendy. It was hard to let go though. As for those reisens... I have the best esposa ever... they're just about gone. And I didn't share. As for the picture in the taxi, there's one of Jeff too! You're not the only one that should be embarrassed. Wingman, thank you for your prayers yesterday... they were needed. But do me a favor... please don't forget to focus on your heart. It's scary how easy it is for us to disconnect from God, even when we're completely engaged in doing his work. Satin is good at what he does, Susie and I put it last night, "Satin is so smooth. So suave." Just be careful. Pray that God will give you the wisdom to see where the enemy is moving and plotting against you. You have a huge heart as well and Team 1 was is so blessed to have met you and experienced Nicaragua with you. Thank you for sharing your struggles and triumphs with us... I can't wait to hang out!
T.E.
MOM!!! Don't assume anything without asking. You may have looked up the word in the dictionary but the dictionary does not tell you the background to the joke! Thanks for constantly supporting me in all of my interesting endeavors, I really appreciate everything you do.
Ok... I'm off to the Zip line.. Have a great day y'all. You're in my prayers.
Hola Team 2! It's been snowing here since you all left, except when it's too cold to snow. So we've really been enjoying the pictures of you all suffering for the Lord in the warm water at the beach. Jenna's up and walking five times a day. Her pain level is pretty intense, so she will likely still be in the hospital when you get home. Looking at the Prayer list for the trip it looks as though God has already answered many of our prayers. We continue to pray that God uses you and blesses you in you final hours there, and gives you a safe and speedy trip home.
I love the first picture of the girl looking out the window. They look so happy.
Wow, I can't believe your week is alomst over, team 2. It seemed to me while I was there that I had been gone for weeks (and yet in another way it seemed like it flew by) but here, back in Texas, my week has been quick. Prepare your hearts for the return. Pray pray PRAY. Make sure you take time to tell someone close to you about things you saw, things you did, it will bring healing in your heart to talk about it, not bottling it up. And then, pray some more!
In Christ,
Kara
That's okay, Rob! It gave Ryan and I a laugh. That kid obviously needed some extra lovin! ;) Continued prayers for all of you, Team 2!
J & R Delamarter
Hey all! so today I got to speak to a class at my sisters school about my trip to Nicaragua. It was really neat. I got to share all of our stories and pictures! It was fun and rewarding to carry on with what was started in Nica. I hope everyone is getting along okay. It's been hard, but looking at my pics and the box Alex gave me has been helpful. What a special surprise!
Kara -- I couldn't agree with you more! The time in Nica was conversely slow and fast and I seem to still be there as long as Team 2 keeps bringing on the blogs.
However I feel myself disconnected from my experience and frustrated that I can't do more. Prayer and talking have been a great way to move through the processing. So I just repeat what wise Kara says -- Pray, Pray, Pray -- even when you don't want to keep praying. Once you come down off the emotional high and reality drags you back in it is so hard to process the Nicaraguan experience.
I hope your day was fun and that you enjoy your last day in beautiful Nicaragua.
Thinking of you all!
P.S. Jen -- I am impressed that you are in the know on entomology. A small club that is. And I would love some choc chip cookies! We will compare recipes while you win a little skipbo.
Kris --
I was listening to this song and thought of you as you and the team contemplate your last day. For some it may be more painful than others. And for some the sadness hits later during the struggle to translate what we have learned into our own lives. We can only cling to God and pray for His purposes:
Broken by Lifehouse
The Broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow
From stealing all my time
And I am here still waiting
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've already figured out
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
There is healing
In your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on (I'm holdin on)(I'm holdin on)
I'm barely holding on to you
The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They're still looking for life
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain (In the pain)
Is there healing
In your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on (I'm still holdin on)(I'm holdin on)
(I'm still holdin on) (I'm holdin on)
I'm barely holding on to you
I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what, you will throw my way
And I'm hanging on, to the words you say
You said that I will, will be okay
The broken light on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
But I haven't forgotten my way home
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain (In the pain)
There is healing
In your name (In your name)
I find meaning
So I'm holding on (I'm still holdin')(I'm holdin' on)(I'm still holdin') (I'm holdin' on) (I'm still holdin')
Barely holding on to you (I'm still holdin on)
Barely holdin on to you
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain (In the pain)
Is there healing
In your name
I find meaning
Amazing lyrics. Thank you for that Val! Today I am guilty of sinning. I spent most of the day, not focused on God... but worrying about going home. Dreading it actually. Not because I think it will be hard, I'm just not ready to leave. As much as I've loved free day each week...I've not been too connected with God, either week. And that's frustrating to me. yes it's fun, and occasionally I'll acknowledge him and the beauty of his creation... but I now have 1 day left here (this time) and I feel like I wasted another. I know I didn't and I know we need a day of rest... but my heart is in La Chureca. I feel like I'm just babbling. I'm sorry.
My attention is on God. My focus is my heart. I pray that he will open the eyes of my heart.. show me what he wants me to see. I've learned so much in the last two weeks... but could I have learned more? Could I have done more? What's next. When we left for this trip, my prayer was to live each day, not focus on tomorrow. Why am I thinking about Saturday? Why am I thinking about 2 weeks from now? Why can't I focus? Why am I so easily distracted? I know what I want. I know what God wants me to do... why am I letting Satin and the world stand in my way? Please pray that I will push thru... that I will overcome this road block and that I will just run to God.
"My chains are gone,
I've been set free,
My God my savior,
Has ransomed me."
The world has no hold on me.. God has rescued me. Now I just need to follow his lead. Please pray that I'll have the strength to do so, the patience to wait for God's timing, and the ability to love unconditionally.
Thank you all for your support, prayers and love. I love you all so much!
Rick... how's the weather? How's your heart?
Val...Are you ready to work on our book?
Ice Man-How was golf? How's your heart today?
If anyone needs prayer... I'd love to pray for you. I love and miss you all... I better see most of you at the airport!
Shari said...
Today was a day of rest and fun. We headed out early to go zip lining. My family would never believe that I would try such a thing. It's a good thing I have pictures of proof! We have video of some doing the 'superman' (hanging upside down or flying across). I had no fear, until the harness went on. It suddenly became very real and very high up. We were in the midst of the jungle, zipping from tree to tree (11 times!) Later we headed to the most beautiful lagoon, the market for souvenirs and native coffee.
It's been an amazing week of hard work, emotional highs and lows, amazing new friendships and deeper old friendships. I am so amazed at the courage of these young children and families that endure such horrific conditions and, in the same moment, smile with complete joy over the simplest things. After we spent an amazing day at the beach with the children from La Chareca and then drove them back, I realized 'this is it - we took them out of the dump for a day, but we were returning them for possibly a lifetime.' It breaks my heart to let them go. But I realize this is not a quick fix. This may never go away, but God is everywhere and even in the dump. It's not necessarily about where they live, but that God lives in them.
I am equally amazed with this group of people that I have had the privilege spending the week with and consider my family. I thank God for my church family. When I left my children at home to come here I told them they get to share me for a week. I thought I would be somewhat alone not having my family with me. There has never been a single moment that I have felt alone. I see the entire body of Christ functioning as a whole. I cannot wait to hug my children and my wonderful husband for allowing me this opportunity and being away from them for so long. Love you. See you soon!
Shari
I agree we have an amazing church. don't tell too many people, lets keep it to ourselves. Ok CK I'm kidding.
YOU WONT BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED TODAY
I stopped at FEI today to talk to Kay about a December trip and to pick up info to hand out about Villa Esperanza. I got a big surprise, there in office was Wilbur and Gloria. We hug and then I talked a mile a minute as only Glen and I can do so well. I couldn't believe it. They were so excited about the work and the relationships our teams created in the past two weeks. I left there with my cup over flowing. I left them with their heads spinning.
Kris,
The weather was 85 and sunny today with a light breeze out of the west at 10 knots. Ok heres the truth.
The weather was showers of Rain mixed with snow.
The weather people are spilt whether it will snow on Sat and Sun or just be snow with rain again.
Oh about coming to the airport.
I don't think we can make it to the airport. I have told people but everyone seems busy. Most people myself included have to take a bath and get our clothes ironed and laid out for Sunday Church.
I also need to cut my toe nails. Sorry Kris. I hope to see you at church.
My heart has been much better today. I have a clearer head and a mission in my heart. I was able to tell the stories with out falling apart and felt hope in what we did and will do.
Kris the enemy wants you to think you have wasted the past two weeks. If what you did was a waste then I don't know what is left to do. Don't listen to that voice. Pray and sit before the Lord. Let Him speak to you and give you a list of what He has done thru you this past two weeks and take the time to write it down. Read 1 Kings how did God speak to Elijah. Let Him speak to you in his still small voice. You are going to need to get a quite place over by the dog is a good spot sit and begin. This will take more than one time and several days. If you haven't started this start tomorrow and keeping going with say goal after you have come back.
I'm looking forward to seeing you on Sat.
Today was much better than my past days. God has really been showing me mercy. Today alone, He put 2 Christian individuals (1 of who I met today for the 1st time) and 1 Christian family in my path so I can talk about the trip and the changes in my life. My eyes have been opened to knowing when He speaks to me.... something I have struggled with for a long time. I just didn't know when He was speaking. I now am finally getting to know just how and when He is. It's an amazing feeling to be aware of that.
Kris,
The heart is doing quite well. Today I focused on what God is doing in my life. I am trying to be aware of the things I need to change in my life and how to let my light shine to those around me. That has been a KEY message told to me by several people, including yourself, since I've been back home... LET MY LIGHT SHINE!!! Clearly, God wants me to focus on doing that. Part of that process means making changes in my life and being more aware of when the evil one is trying to grasp a hold of me. My heart is breaking for you and I am praying for God to show you what to do. Be patient for Him.
"Give all your cares and worries to God, for he cares for you." -1 Peter 5:7
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." -Matthew 6:34
"Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!..." -Genesis 1:31
-He called us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We were a part of His plan that is perfect and good. Like you said last week... we played a small part in a BIG plan. We touched the lives of people around us and we faithfully followed God's purpose. If God is pleased with his own work and He uses us for His purpose, we in turn have fulfilled what is good for Him. We may not fully understand His plan, but He is perfect in His way.
"Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! ...For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen." -Romans 11:33 and 36
And LOVE- Read 1 Corinthians 13
Hang in there Mav, we're praying for you. I won't be there with banners when you get home... but will be there in spirit. =) I’m coming to Portland soon!
PS: Golf…. It was SUPER COLD!
-T.E. …La Differente China (Pretty soon we’re going to have 100 different nicknames)
Val- OH I better come up with a good recipe!
Kara- My tummy is still tweaking out too.
TEAM 2: Kara, Val and Rick are completely right. PRAY PRAY PRAY. You will find coming home to be a challenge... but after experiencing today, I can tell you that God will also bring JOY and reveal Himself to you in new ways. For a while, I was feeling lonely... don't isolate yourself... talk about it and let it out. Yes, the emotional high will eventually fade... but pray for the Lord to scar your hearts with the memories of Nicaragua. You are in my prayers.
Rick- SUPER COOL that you saw Wilbur and Gloria!!!
You know what I find interesting and I actually, kinda, laughed out loud to the point of having to explain to Lina what was so funny... The fact that I NEED TO LISTEN TO MY OWN ADVICE!
M.E.- You were totally right. I am just a link in the chain. Thank you for reminding me of that. And thank you for all of the encouragement also. You're a pretty cool friend to have! I'm glad your heart is doing better. When you were writing about what's been going on in your life it was like God was going thru the checklist of my prayers for you... I didn't know he would answer them so fast! He must hear me better in Nica... =)
Rick... I think it's hilarious that you ran into Gloria and Wilbur... I kind of expected it though. We're going to pass them in the air tomorrow. I also think it's funny that you stopped by FEI... I was just telling Susie yesterday how I'll probably be in there a few times a month. I want to give them access to my pictures and build a relationship with them so I can help them with their projects. What did they say about december? Are you thinking young adults? I was also talking to Susie about their facilitators conference. I thought it might be a good idea, even if I don't work with FEI anymore... don't you think it would be a good idea to expand my abilities by learning how to facilitate. I really hope they teach how to facilitate meetings/studies... I think that's what would be most useful to me.
I'm glad your heart is doing better. I understand that you won't be at the airport... I didn't want to see you anyways.. About the quiet spot by the dog... Sad news. It's really quiet over by the dog. He ran away on Monday... no one's seen him since. Nathan and I kinda feel guilty because we were the last to see him and we didn't tie him up that night. When he gets hungry I'm sure he'll come home.
Val-I videoed yesterday on the Zip line. Their was a little mishap... I'm sorry. JUST KIDDING! No it was really fun. I videoed going upside down and doing super man and other people. Then we have little interviews from people and some pretty funny facial expressions. You'll have to work with that (or maybe we can talk to la differente china.. make it a part of a slide show) We have a lot of different projects. We need a slide show for us... reflecting on the whole week.. we need a slide show for church to fit in with the talk we're doing.. and we need another presentation to help with fundraising. So much to do! Wanna make it a group project? Cookies, blueberry tea and skipbo afterwards?
It's funny how much better I feel right now. Thank you all. I think God has been speaking to me thru you all this week. I guess I need to remember that no matter how strong I may think I am... I always need the support and encouragement and Love of God to endure. It's weird to think I'm going home tomorrow. But God has work for me to do.
I love and miss you all. See you soon!
Love,
Mav
Hi team 2...... so what time does your flight land in PDX? 8:30 tomorrow night? Very anxious to see you all.
8:28 pm. From houston
thank you son.....we'll be there....
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