Nicaragua Journal Entry #1... Travel Day

Left at 6am to depart for Nicaragua.  Very painful good-bye with Rylan.  He was so very sad, which broke my heart!  Mom and Bill were at the church to see us off too.  Mom and Jeff had tears which made it even more difficult.  My heart is so very heavy for Rylan.  I've never seen that kind of sadness from him before :(

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Nicaragua Family Team

Now awaiting our flight.  Been waiting a long time!  The boys have been very patient waiting for their first airplane ride.  We are a bit anxious about the flight because our seats are not together.  The boys are very nervous.  We're being put to the test!

While emotions are high, we opened our ENGAGE partners, Jim and Becky Cates, daily encouragements.  They were perfect!!!  All about Trust!  "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."  Psalm 56:3... I am now wearing the trust bracelet as an amazing reminder and encouragement :)  Thank you Becky for blessing us from afar!  The boys are wearing their necklaces... so cool!

It was difficult but we were able to sit together!!!  Grateful for that answered prayer!  Due to mechanical issues, our flight was considerably delayed.  Therefore, we missed our second flight... ugh!!!  We waited at the rescheduling booth for over 2 hours in Miami to get 26 new seats on a flight for tomorrow along with hotel and food vouchers for all 26 of us!  Got our vouchers at 10:30pm.  Everyone is SO hungry and tired.  We grabbed dinner and took a shuttle to a Comfort Inn and Suites.  It once again, took forever!!!  We got to our room at 11:45pm.  This has certainly been a LONG day...

Surviving at the airport!

Waiting for our hotel key!

Although this was a difficult day, I believe it unified us as a team!  We are ready to impact many lives this week... we are strong and courageous!!!