Day 1 in San Jose

We met Don Felix and his family this morning and took a little tour of the home they live in now. There will be nine people living in the home.

We were able to accomplish quite a bit today not just building the house but with the people of San Jose. Mostly the kids. They are just a joy and they all want to help. I saw my buddy Elizandro on the road this morning as we drove into the village and then he came up to the job site and helped out for a bit. I was able to introduce him to Suzy.

Western Hills youth are amazing. They worked hard and really connected with the kids in the village. They spent some time this afternoon in the church making stuff and Mary and Amanda taught them some dance moves. I can't wait to see how they continue to grow during and after this mission trip. It was a wonderful idea to include them, even though I had some reservations at first.

Lots of Hard Work

Whew! What a day! We spent today in San Jose. It is poor, and the living condtions are unimaginable, but at the same time, there is hope. The people have such tenacity and creativity. The scenery is GREEN. The mountains are beautiful. And God is there. But now, on to the picturas.

One, I really wish I had spent more attention in Spanish and that I absorbed it because my cinco phrases were worn thin. Thats okay though. The kids put up with me and I've made some friends. (Shannon, Amy and I have already bonded!) Two, the kids looove cameras. They keep asking to either have their picture taken, or to take pictures. One of mybest pictures was taken by a little boy. We also made puppets with the kids. It was challenging to convey, but everyone seemed to enjoy it, boys and girls! Mary and Amanda did a good job teaching a dance so that was fun and different. I then got to go play babysitter and watch the kids play soccer with the ball we brought. They were so enthusiastic! The kids in San Jose have so few luxuries and they certainly enjoyed the one toy. The local help has been great. These two boys were helping out with rebar and at the house there was tons of help as well. There was a seventy (i think) year old man building the house! The whole community seems to get involved. I was on the wall building team so I spent all morning spreading mezcla (forgive my spelling) for the bricks. It was a little rough at first, but we quickly got the hang of it. And quickly got dirty. Lots of work was accomplished today, and lots of relationships have begun, so I think its been a successful day.

Wonderful day! :)

What a beautiful day God gave us today! Out bus left at 8:00, and the ride to San Jose was about 20 minutes. As soon as we got outside of Managua, we noticed differences is the scenery and atmosphere. It started to smell a bit like smoke, and trash was piled on the side of the road. We saw tons of dogs (we figured it was because their owners weren't able to spay or neuter them) who all looked skinny; you could see their ribs and hip bones. The scenery, however, was absolutely breathtaking. It's so green! And there are so many types of trees all growing together. We were lucky to drive up there when we did, because the clouds hit the mountains just right, and I knew God did that for a reason. I felt so ready to get started with our mission work.
We got to San Jose and went up to the site of the house. Paige, Stephanie, Lyle and I went to rebar with Fedelina (our host), which was great! We were in the shade all day :) There was an irritated rooster by our workshop who cried at us all day; we figured him and our rooster here would be great friends. The rest of the group worked diligently on the house, and by lunch time, we were already way ahead of schedule. They say we might actually finish the house by Wednesday and could start another on Thursday, which would be awesome!
After lunch, all of the youth had a gathering with about 20 of the kids. Mary and I taught them a movement to "What a Friend we have in Jesus" (in Spanish), and Mizi had a table set up for puppets. The kids here are simply amazing. They are all so beautiful, and I think their innocence and simplicity is what makes them beautiful. They don't have mirrors, and so they don't particularly know how they look at all times, like we do. They are so willing to help, without every being asked. A boy about 5 years old worked rebarring with us without gloves, whereas we all had gloves on and sores by the end of the day. If they saw we were struggling to carry something, they would pitch in without us asking for help. They have such beautiful hearts, and it makes me want to do so much for them, for God's light to shine for them. I'm so blessed to be around them.
And the kids love cameras! We took lots of pictures with them, and then they would reach out and grab our cameras (scary for someone who always has the wrist strap on) and take pictures of us (sometimes our feet, half of our face, or sometimes, all of us!). We don't think about our technology, but they are truly intrigued by it. Again, their innocence is beautiful.
We are all showered and clean now and are getting ready to do a devotional. I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store for us, I know God will continue to do great things. Thank you for your prayers! :)

just realized the blankets have pictures of blood hounds on them...

Ready for the day!

I had a wonderful day yesterday! We went shopping a bit downtown which was so fun. I found some beautiful handmade black pottery and seeing the sights of Managua was very fun. I love all the people here, they're so friendly and so welcoming of us. We've all mentioned how many children there are running around, they're all over the place! But each and every one of them has a smile on their face, and it reminds me how we are all children of God, and how we came to serve God's children.
After a wild game of spoons last night (we couldn't play too late in fear of keeping the rooster up with us), we all had a good night sleep. I woke up this morning so excited! I can't wait to go get out there and go what God wants us to do. I'm truly blessed with this opportunity and all the people on my team. I know God is going to harvest the seed that past teams have planted here in San Jose. I'm looking forward to playing with all the children, especially teaching them a movement piece to "What a Friend We have in Jesus" in Spanish. I know God will give us strength to do His will today. God is great! And I'm thrilled to show that to all of His children in San Jose.

Monday Morning in Nicaragua

We think we've found our "alarm clock". Stay tuned for potential updates on this.

This morning, the team is beginning to stir and ready for a big day of work and sharing in the San Jose community.

We spent the evening discussing construction planning with Rafael and activities for the children and our Youth group with Mitzi. We saw a preview of a dance routine that Mary and Amanda will do especially for the children. The plan is for all to work on construction of the home with the Youth taking an hour or so out in the afternoon to work with a different group of children each day.

Rafael revealed that the foundation has been poured already for the home we will be working on this week. The family and other members of the community have worked on this prep work as a part of their "investment".

We have added two members to our team. Amanda and Spencer are two interns attending school at the University of Georgia. Both speak excellent Spanish and have spent more time here than us. They've been very helpful and have guickly blended in to our team.

Last night, we went through our first team sharing moments here in Matagalpa. We will meet each evening to have time for devotionals, plan, and to discuss what each team memember felt had really made an impression on them that day. Even though we have not started the construction, our team has been working together in our travel and settling-in so we are getting to know each other. The Youth have already proven to be a real blessing to our team. Some of us (who were politely identified as the "not so young") admitted to being a little concerned over the first attempt to bring a Youth group along, but without exception everyone expressed that this is a already proving to be a great experience for everyone on the team. I am convinced that out congregation will be excited to see the results and the great contributions these young people are making.

Relaxing Day

Most people attended church this morning in a language they understood, singing songs they knew and greeting people they were familiar with. Not so for me. That doesn't take away any of the beauty at the church service this morning. You could see God's glory shining through the faces of the praise band members and I was truely reminded that God's love and power have to limits or barriers. As Mitzi said, love is the universal language. It was fun though, we recognized one song in church and sang along, in English.

This afternoon we got to explore downtown Matagalpa. It reminded me of downtown El Paso. Execpt there were brighter colors, smaller buildings and it didn't have that "American" flavor. Still, the similarties are amazing. People are people, no matter how small. Or tall. Or far. Or different. Thanks Dr. Suess. :)

I have to admit though, I feel guilty. Its been a beautiful, eye opening day, but we have yet to do anything! I can't wait for tomorrow. I can't wait to get my hands dirty, so walk with the people of San Jose and to play with the kids.

Nicaraguan Ice Cream!

I am currently enjoying some amazing ice cream, thank you Fedelina for buying and Lyle for reminding her! Another amazing day to add to a collection I think will be quite extensive by the end of this week, the church service was amazingly similar to ours at Western Hills. We were greeted at the door and the service began with some contemperary worship music, including one of my personal favorites, Holy Holy Holy which we were able to join in with the english lyrics. Then the sermon was on Revelation 19 and boy did he know how to speak! Even though the only sentence I understood was "point your eyes to Jesus" he had my attention the entire time. After church the youth got to join in on a sunday school class where we learned about hypocrisy along with the local youth, we read scripture in spanish and english not something I do every sunday.

After church we loaded up on the bus and returned to the house we had some lunch and then got to take a walk downtown. We walked through the streets and saw all kinds of animals, people, and beautifully colored buildings. Plenty of pictures were taken, thank you Victor for letting me be your apprentice! After dinner we had our first official team meeting and then laid out the plans for tomorrow, I can not wait to get started on the house and meet the people of San Jose. Thank you to everyone who is praying for us and the people we will be meeting, good night and God bless!

Day 1

Fedelina told us this evening that they have "set San Jose on fire for God" We are so ready to add fuel to that fire! Here we are Lord, send us!

Morning:)

Wow what a day we had yesterday! Starting with our wonderful send off in the parking lot of Western Hills, being prayed over by so many people was an awesome experience. Knowing that all of those people will be praying for what we will be doing this week makes it all the more special. Then we were shuttled to the airport where we got through security with no problems, and then my favorite part of traveling! Waiting:p Two planes and about 8 hours later we were in Nicaragua!
I still can't hardly believe I'm in another country. The bus ride is one that I won't soon forget, before we left the airport there was no breeze and it was unbearably hot. Once we got moving and got the windows open it was a breath taking experience, so many smells I've never smelled and things I've never seen. Even though it was pitch black outside the light from the headlights gave me a preview of what I will be seeing in the days ahead.
Now we are just relaxing after a yummy breakfast listening to the sound of a creature none of us have been able to place yet, about to leave for church. I hope everyone has a blessed day, love from Nicaragua:)

Safe and sound in Nicaragua!

Our flight here was great, no missing passports or lost luggage. It was so interesting to me how different I felt as soon as I stepped off the plane. We went through several lines and filled out what seemed like a thousand forms, and then we got our luggage and hopped onto to the bus! It was super hot and humid, even at 10 at night. Everyone at the airport was very friendly helping us get our lugggage on the bus and making sure we were all okay.
After a brief stop at a gas station, we were on the road. The ride was bumpy, and we soon discovered that the speed limits here are taken very lightly. It was dark outside, obviously, so this morning will be our first look at what Nicaragua is really like.
We had yummy pancakes, watermelon, and what we thought was papaya juice for breakfast. There sure are lots of animals here to wake us up! You can hear everything in this house, too; the housekeepers got up early to make breakfast and we were all awake with them.
We're going to leave for church in about 45 minutes. The service will be in Spanish, so I won't understand anything. But I kind of like not knowing the language, it's interesting to see what I can understand without knowing anything spoken. I'm looking forward to seeing what the church is like. This afternoon, we're planning on preparing for tomorrow's work.

First day in Matagalpa

Good morning all!

Flying and driving into Nicaragua last night was incredibly exciting. As we landed in Managua the city looked beautiful with all of the lights twinkling. I had butterflies in my stomach and couldnt believe how blessed i was so get to come to nicaragua. On the bus I couldn't sleep (at first) because looking out the window was so interesting. We passed Spanish billboards, burning trash, roadside vegetable stands and went around a few round-abouts.

We have woken up to a beautiful, rather noisy, morning. The breakfast (pancakes, cereal and watermelon) was quite filling. Now I'm sitting by the front door looking at a street in matagalpa. I'm itching to go out into Nicaragua, thank God for this opportunity!

Sunday Morning in Matagalpa

We arrived safely late last night and had a very warm greeting here in Matagalpa. Most of the team is up and having some really good coffee. (A few are catching a little extra rest).

Mitzi has been busy organizing kites, crayons, and materials for our time with the children at San Jose.

Victor, Rick, Lyle, and I have established where the best machaka and enchiladas are in El Paso while preparing for breakfast. We are just about ready for pancakes!

We'll gather for prayer and then have breakfast. We'll load up and head to church shortly thereafter.

The team is ready. (please tell Mike, Mark, Virgina, and Shannon that the rooster is still alive and well!)

Mike and Jerry's Rooster is still in Matagalpa

Some things never change. The rooster that gave Mike and Jerry such grief last year is stronger than ever. He started early. It is quarter to six now and the team house is starting to come to life. At least I am up and one of the cooks showed up so that means coffee soon. I could use a cup.

Our flight came in around 9pm and it took us until about 10 to get through customs and get the bus loaded. We stopped at the store for water and snacks and hit the road for Matagalpa at about 10:30. We got in to Matagalpa around 12:30. It probably took us an hour or so to settle in. Way past my bedtime anyway.

This morning breakfast is at eight and then church at ten.

On the road

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. ¹⁸ He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. ¹⁹ And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. (Dueteronomy 10:17-19)

Tomorrow we leave for Nicaragua!

Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough. Money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
Mother Teresa

Love's mere presence can transform the ugliness of a broken life into a beautiful trophy of grace. Love covers the scars of sin. Love heals old wounds and eases the pain of the past. We all need to be loved and we all need to love.

The love of God changes everything. God's love covers it all. We are on our way tomorrow to share God's love with the people of San Jose. I pray that God gives me the right words.

Tomorrow we Travel

" How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation" Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

Dear Nicaragua Team,
As you travel to the mountains of Nicaragua this week, remember the words above of the Old Testament prophet, which still ring true thousands of years later in 2011. I am so proud of each of you, but not nearly as much as God is. He is a proud Heavenly Father. You have chosen to be obedient to Him, which is rarely easy, is often scary and uncertain, and usually goes against what Others in our culture tell us. And yet, you are each bowing your knee to Him and willingly serving a wonderful God.

Be open this week to what more God has to tell you. You will be changed during this week. It may be in big or small ways. But God has more to tell you. Listen for His still, small voice. Perhaps it will call you to a Christian college, or to a future as a missionary, or to come home and get involved in serving others in El Paso, or maybe he is calling you to change aspects of your lifestyle to be more in line with His will. He has so much to share with you if you are open. Your heart will probably be broken open for others this week. And I pray for you that it is. When we can see others as God sees them, we become closer to the image of God that he was instilled in each of us.

Thank you each for your obedience to God. When I went on my first mission trip years ago, I never imagined where it would all lead. But God had a plan and he allowed me to participate in it and I am overjoyed at what he has done in our congregation through these mission trips. Remember that you are loved by the maker of Heaven and Earth. Share that love with one another and with the people of Nicaragua.

Blessings and peace this week, Andi Wallace

In 2 Days We Travel

In this past week my mind has been, more and more, already in San Jose. When I close my eyes I can see it and smell it and hear the sounds. I have been reading my mission journal and my daily devotionals on the Holy Spirit. Today's devotional asks what is my goal for going on this mission trip? I guess it's better expressed in prayer:

Lord, as we work next week among your people in San Jose, I humbly ask for your guidance and strength. Be with the team Lord and fill us all with your Spirit in such a way that we understand more fully your purpose for us. Help us to understand Your love more completely that the veils may be lifted from our faces and that we may see Your face. We know that the Lord is the Spirit and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Allow our faces to radiate Your Glory Lord, as Moses' face reflected it and let our brothers and sisters in San Jose see Your Glory in that reflection and have the veils lifted from their hearts and minds that they may feel your Spirit among them, Amen.

We will work this week on the mission of sharing God's love and on the task of building a house. I thank all the prayer partners for being with us and for your continued prayers.

In 4 days We Travel

And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new Spirit
within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give
them a tender, responsive heart, so they will obey my decrees and
regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their
God.
   -- Ezekiel 11:18-19 nlt

The team met last night to discuss our last minute plans. Shannon and Virginia came to the meeting and we were able to ask questions and see photos from their trip. Everyone is excited and perhaps a little anxious. We thank you so much for the prayers of support.

Before

The family works on the foundation

                                     

In 7 days we travel

Today is the first day of readings and journaling in our mission journal.

According to the prohet Micah: The Lord requires you to Do Justice, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). In other words to be fair, show kindness and to be openly surrendered to God. The members of this trip are going not just because they want to, but because we have been invited to go by God.

We will do justice by getting involved doing for others what we hope they would do for us. It is what God wants us to do.

We will love mercy by doing acts of kindness for others, especially those who truly need the most help.

If we decide to walk humbly with God, the Bible promises that God will show us the way. We must focus and have faith and walk humbly with God and surrender to His purposes, and He will be our guide.

 I’ll give you a new heart, put a new Spirit in you. I’ll remove
the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s
God-willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it
possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands.
   -- Ezekiel 36:26-27 msg