Sunday, July 22, 2012
Day 3!
Another great day here in Port! We're settling into our normal routine of having breakfast, devo times and small group first thing in the morning. After that we joined a couple hundred people for sunday worship at Verbo Church. It was an amazing experience as the team got to join in singing songs to God in 3 different languages! That turned out to be a marking experience for a lot of the team as we debriefed our day.
After church we loaded up a couple busses with the kids from the orphanage and headed out to the beach for an afternoon of fun! There was a lot of playing in the waves, building with the sand and a great game of beach soccer! The beach time started with a massive rainstorm dumping on us right when we got there but the team had great attitudes and made the best of it! And when we were getting ready to load up and leave, there was another massive rainstorm! So needless to say there's been a LOT of rain here in the last few hours!
Tomorrow we start up on the work projects so were praying for a beautiful day to start building some houses! We've been having some serious struggles with the Internet here which is why we haven't been able to get photos up yet, but I assure you Jeff is taking some great pictures and well get them up when we can!
Thanks for praying for and encouraging this team!
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Hey yo team!!! First off send some of that rain to us, we need it! Haha glad to hear you guys stayed positive through the rain. Stay tough and keep spreading Gods love. Be safe everybody!
ReplyDeleteMiss you Kay and can't wait to hear from you!!
Praying for all of you!
Riley v.
Wow- it sounds like God is reaching out to you in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteI want to take a moment to wish my daughter Brookie Stevens a very happy sweet 16 birthday today July 23.
Even though we are far apart on your special day I know you are doing exactly what you were called to do! Spread the joy of God to orphans and building homes in a country that's in need.
I love you sweet 16.....mommy and Squishy
We are so happy to hear all the amazing things you all are experiencing!!! Cant wait to hear all about it when you all get back!! Brennan we miss ya & hope you are having the best time doing Gods work out there!! We couldnt be more proud of you and who you who you are becoming!!
ReplyDeletelove ya, mom & dad
*happy 16th birthday to brooke, have a great day*
Hello team. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time.Today is a very special persons Sweet 16th !!! Gma and Gpa want to wish our Beautiful Brooke Stevens a very special birthday. What a milestone birthday this one is....one you will hold in your heart forever. We love and miss you ALWAYS...have a very special day...huge hugs..xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteWishing my beautiful daughter, Brooke Stevens, a Happy Sweet 16 birthday today. Daddy misses you more than you know! Have a perfect day and make some people smile like you do best. I LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteHi honey,
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog every I am so proud of you.
Your team sounds amazing and they look like they are working so hard to help others.
Hope your day goes well.
Love and prayers
Grandpa Bob and Grandma Judi
Praise the Lord - no buses getting stuck! I am so proud of each of you - being able to roll with whatever happens even if it's not in 'the plans'. Hope our prayers are answered "Yes" and you had a lovely weather day to start on your building projects. Wish I knew what to say to encourage you the most. Know you are loved and supported by your teams here at home. I'm already looking forward to seeing you again and hearing all about your adventures! -Annette & Kevin
ReplyDeleteHey Kourtney & Kristyn :] Just wanted to say how proud I am of both of you. I am glad you had a great day yesterday. Hope you stay dry today here it is raining.
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
Hey team...
ReplyDeleteSounds like an Awesome day on Sunday and I'll bet the worship service was an experience you will remember for a long time. I'm glad you are settling in and it appears that things are running smoothly.
We all started "summer school" with Dr. Bob this weekend at GCC and the services were outstanding. Dr. Bob "brought it" this weekend and left all of us with homework. He asked that we all read through / pray through this text all week:
CHRIST BE WITH ME; CHRIST WITHIN ME
CHRIST BESIDE ME; CHRIST TO WIN ME
CHRIST BEHIND ME; CHRIST BEFORE ME
CHRIST TO COMFORT AND RESTORE ME
CHRIST BENEATH ME; CHRIST ABOVE ME
CHRIST IN HEARTS OF ALL WHO LOVE ME
CHRIST IN QUIET; CHRIST IN DANGER
CHRIST IN MOUTH OF FRIEND AND STRANGER.
CHRIST IN ME—AND I WILL COPE
CHRIST IN ME--MY ONLY HOPE.
We are praying for you and I hope that Monday is Awesome. Look to find God in all you are doing and thank you for serving!!!
~ Scott D Smith
Our prayers and love are with you all. We are excited about what God is doing in and through you while you serve with the love of Jesus and the heart of the Father. There are no orphans in His Kingdom! Only sons and daughters! :)
ReplyDeleteWe bless you with strength for each day. Can't wait to hear all the stories when you get back!
Love, Matt and Julie Arndt
i just smile big when i think of those kids playing in the rain with you all. How wonderful for them. I bet you guys set a great example of what it means to enjoy all of what God has to offer....even rain! I continue to pray that you will see God in bigger ways this week. Hope you had a great work day today. So proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteSammy you will be happy to know that Stinky Molli is getting her hair done today so she can be nice and pretty when you get home. Hunter you will be happy to know Mr. Jeff and I checked on Heather last night...rest assured all is well and Tucker is still alive. Serve Well!!!
Love you all, Tons and Tons.
So happy to read all the updates and the wonderful comments. Sounds like you are having a wonderful and rewarding time so far. You all should be very proud of the work you are doing. I know all of us back home are so proud of you that words can not express. Keep going strong, stay positive and support everyone on this journey. You are impacking not only the people there but those of us back home also.
ReplyDeleteLove to my little Bird. Miss you tons!!!!
You're all so awesome! You are making a difference in so many people's lives...your own as well! I love hearing the stories of how you're serving others and can't wait to hear how it is impacting you. I pray you all continue to have the strength you need to be Jesus to the people there, and to each other. I know some times may be more difficult than others, look to your leaders, each other, those beautiful children's faces, and God's word for strength. My "go to" passage when times are tough is Romans 5:3·5. I pray it will help you as well.
ReplyDeleteJohnny, thank you so much for keeping us posted on the blog. We understand it isn't an easy job, especially when your tired and just want to go to sleep.
Huffy, thank you for taking care of my baby, and all the other girls too. You are an amazing role model for these young ladies, keep up the amazing work!
And K, we love and miss you sooooo much. We can't wait to her how God has worked through you and in you this week. Keep it up, I love you!
I. can't wait to see those pictures! Keep up the hard work everyone & stay safe! Love and prayers to all!
Aaron
ReplyDeleteSounds like you having a wonderful time. Be safe and I look forward to seeing you when you get home. Kara wished herself "Happy Birthday" from you since you are not here to do it in person. I gave her a big birthday hug for you. Love Aunt Linda
Thanks so much for the updates! It really helps to know what great things are happening when you are so far away. I am sure Aaron loved the beach soccer regardless of the rain. Aaron we are praying and missing you but are sure you are where God wants you to be!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicaragua team!!! I'm so happy and excited to hear that all is going well and that you guys are having such a great experience so far! Beach day sounded like a blast! How people were dunked by dalton haha. I hope and pray that your first work day goes amazing and that it it doesnt rain to hard for you. But even if it does I'm sure you'll make the best of it. I'm praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteSo today's shout out goes to dalton and Katie! Hii dalton! I miss you and your smart sometimes hurtful remarks to everything I say. Oh and just a word of advice to you as everyone else that drives. Never ever ever try to put socks on while driving. Especially when you are behind a very expensive car. Let's say a Cadillac. Because more then likely they will stop at some point. And when you're trying to put socks on you have your foot on nether the gas or brake and will come within 2 inches of hitting them. Or you will hit them. Thankfully I had a loving mother in the next seat screaming at me to break. Gotta love them moms. Well I hope you have an amazing next week. Love you dalton<3
Hola Katie! I miss you! I Hope this week is going incredible and God is doing wonderful things for you! And heres another little word of advice. Don't walk down an unfamiliar staircase late at night web you can't see. Maybe practice a couple times I daylight first. Because if you're tired and not paying attention you may miss a step and fall the rest of the way down. Sure it's time efficient but it hurts. Ok well I lm praying that you have an amazing time! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!
Hey Friends! So happy to hear that you all are having a great time! As days pass on I am reminded constantly of you all here which is hard but it also brings me to pray for you all so much more! I just want to challenge you guys today that you would remember to keep Christ as the center of all you do on this trip! You guys are SO amazing and I love your servants hearts! Liv I hope that you are having an amazing time and that you were reunited with Jefferson! Britt I hope you are really enjoying this trip.. It's a great one! Celia Hi I miss you a lot!!! Katie Fields thank you so much for all that you do in my life and in the lives of others! Enjoy the rest of your trip and drink lots of bottled not sink water! Love you all and I am praying for you like crazy!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Emily usenick
P.s. you all HAVE to watch D.B.s service from this weekend.. SO amazing!
Hey oh Nicaragua team!!!! I can't wait to actually sit down and read through all the updates. I'm praying for all of you. A big birthday shout out to Brooke! Someone give that girl a birthday high five for me!
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace my friends,
skoutz
Hey Beth, I hope you had a blast with the kids on the beach because I know you love both the kids and the beach. Did you remember to put sunscreen on cause I know the last few times you have been burnt and that will make building houses oh so much more fun. Anyways miss you and can't wait to see your face when you return!
ReplyDeleteMiss you and stay safe,
Josh
It sounds like worship there was pretty amazing! Thanks to all u leaders who have taken on the responsibility of keeping our kids safe and focused...no easy task where some are concerned I bet. We keep you all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteHope today is a great start to a very productive week both in construction and your relationship with God. Keep your eyes open for what He has for you today!
We are sending love and prayers to everyone! Kailey, we are so proud of you, may you brighten the childrens world with the Light of Jesus. Enjoy each step of this Journey that has been given to you.Rest when you can and stay strong! Love you <3
ReplyDeletePapaw & Meme
Hiiii Nicaragua team!!! I have loved reading about your few days there so far!!! I know you guys are having an absolute blast!! My hope and prayer for you guys is that you all lean in to each and every moment you have there! And that you pour into not only the people in Nicaragua but also your team!! I have been praying for you guys like crazy!!! Love you guys!!
ReplyDeletePs. Special shout out to my girl Jekema! I love you girl and as much as some of us miss you here at home, I know you will grasp each moment you have this week! Keep leading strong and with an incredible passion for JC!! I miss and love you and can't wait for my best friend to come home!!
Also... To Dan, Char, Em and Mad! I love you four so much and I am so proud of you guys!! I pray that you guys push yourselves past your limits this week and really grow together in your faith!! I can't wait to see you guys!! I love and miss you ladies!!!
Much love, Nicole Ditto :)
Hello Nicaragua Team!
ReplyDeleteSo great to hear how it's going. We can just imagine the faces of the kids from the orphanage when they saw you. You're an amazing group of kids (and young adults) yourself! We are so proud of you!
Jessica and Nathan - we added a couple members to the family. Josh won 2 fish at the fair. Unfortunately, one didn't survive, but Dad got a filter and the new fish is getting along with "Eyes" quite well.
Nathan - Dad got a pic of the STYX drum set for you. It was quite impressive.
Can't wait to see what God has planned for the rest of your trip!
Love ya!
The Ekemas
Sounds like a great day had by all at the beach! You are gonna get wet anyway, so what's a little rain:) It finally rained here in Mishawaka overnight and into this morning, but now the sun is out and the sky is brillant blue. My prayers are with you all constantly! Keep your eyes on Jesus and not on your own abilities as you begin your work for Him. It is only in Him and through Him that you will accomplish His will and His purposes this week! As Dr. Bob said this weekend, Jesus alone is enough, we don't have to add anything to Him! Cory, just think 3 weeks from today you will begin the next leg of your journey at Purdue. Boiler Up baby:) Savor this time with your friends and leaders and allow God to speak to your heart and to change it in ways you never thought possible because I believe that He has something special for you on this trip and will use it to prepare you for your next journey in life. Lay yourself at His feet in complete abandon, trust Him without reserve and follow Him all the rest of your days! He loves you more than I can possibly fathom and I love you more than you could ever know! Mom
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Brooke Stevens, I am so proud of you sister, you are amazing for what you are doing over there. I love you and have fun building a house on your 16th birthday Have fun and be safe!! Love Brandon.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicaragua team! I bet the water was beautiful Yesterday! Today, (MONDAY) it is VERY HOT here.... But it rained this morning. That was great for us anyway! Keep serving strong, remember every choice you make counts. I was so proud to read that you all chose to make the best of things, when it was raining.
ReplyDeleteAlexandria, I love you and am proud that you followed God's prompting to return to Nicaragua. Nothing much going on here today 'cept Nathaniel had that weather camp.. He liked it..we will watch the 5pm news and it should have something about it on the news... Lincoln is just now starting to feel better... he has been sick since you left.
Samantha O. Hey you! I hope you are storing up things to share b/c I know your Mom is gonna LOVE to hear all about your trip! So proud of you!
Bye girlz!
Glad to hear that the kids' attitudes are good. Sometimes when things don't go our way it's easy to get an attitude of self focus. Stay strong team as you deal with adversity. THings in life will come like the rain did and throw you off your plan. How you deal with that problem or obstacle is exactly what will show people Christ. It is at those moments when people see Christ in us. Be his hands and feet as you serve. Olivia Usenick I miss you like crazy girl!!! I have been praying for you with all that is me that you will see who you are through God's eyes. THat you will feel his love for you and know that in Him you can do all things. Stay strong baby girl!! Love you!
ReplyDeleteHi Hanna B. Love You!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBrooke,
ReplyDeleteI miss you so much and it has only been three days. I don't want to think about leaving for school shortly after you are back. But, the main reason I am writing is to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I can not believe that you are already 16. Where has the years gone? I think 16 is a "big" birthday for most and I am happy that you are doing something that you love, sharing it with God. I love you more than anything can not wait until you are home so I can drag you around shopping with me! Love you sissy. Bri :)
On the eve of day 4, I can't help but wonder......with the similarity of the Nicaraguan diet of rice and beans and that of CHIPOTLE, how the nights are going with my boys Jeff!!! I feel for you and want to thank you again for your leadership!! Anyway, onto inspiration: Chris and Al, God has awesome plans for you! Lean on him and he will strengthen you and light the way! I am praying for you team....rest well....tomorrow will be another day of opportunity to give and grow! Love Ya, Mama Como
ReplyDeleteCHRIS......INSIDE ZIPPER POCKET OF CARRY ON..... LOVE YOU "MORE"
ReplyDeleteMOM
We are so proud of all of you! God bless each of you as you bless others. I especially want to thank all the great leaders who are helping to build future leaders! You guys ROCK!!
ReplyDeleteBrennan, We love you and miss you. We know God is doing great things through you! Be a blessing and you will be blessed in return.
Love,
Lala and Papa
Hey Al and Em,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to here you are all enjoying this great opportunity to shine for Jesus! We are so very proud of you! You were missed at the reunion Sunday but everyone was excited for you.
Keep up the good work. Looking forward to hearing about your experiences!!
Love you! Mom and Dad
Hello Nicaragua Team!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading this blog for the past few days and I am very impressed. You all are serving Christ with such selflessness; it's amazing. Keep up the great work!
I would like all of you to know that you're in my thoughts and prayers this week. Not only for your safety but also for your hearts - may they be forever soften by this experience.
To my sister and brother, Jek and Nek, I miss you. A lot. But, nevertheless, I hope you're enjoying yourselves.
Jessica, I cannot wait to hear one of your 5 minute stories turn into an hour long monologue.
Nate, I made a 'Sparkle Motion' reference the other day and no one laughed. It was sad. You need to come home. And, just so you know, when you finally return to the states and turn on your phones, I apologize. For the first two days you both were gone I kind of forgot you were out of cell phone reach. I became quite upset when you wouldn't reply so you may or may not have 42 text messages waiting for each of you... Anyway, have fun! I am anxiously awaiting your homecoming!
Love,
Courtney
P.S. Jess, I couldn't wait to see TDKR. Oops.
It was awesome.