Nicaragua Journal Entry Day #6... El Porvenir

Encouragement note for today...

Allow God to use you today to be a reflection of His love.          
(a pocket mirror was enclosed!)

May the Lord bless you and keep you.  May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.  May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.   Numbers 6:24-26

Yes, dear Lord, protect, shine, and provide peace upon me as we head out to delouse(delice) the community today. I'm feeling a bit uneasy but have trust in you.  Anna has told us to think of this service like the story of Jesus washing the disciples feet.  
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.  
John 13: 12-17

Yet again, God had all the details figured out... Amazed? No!  In Awe? Yes!!!  As we arrived with our hats on our heads for this community project, Anna assigned three people to start the delousing.  My first thought was... oh goodness... grateful that it wasn't me to be the one starting this!  Did I just admit that?!?!?! Then, in walks the beautiful Aurora, the lady that blessed my day yesterday.  I immediately jumped up and kicked Uncle Chris out of his spot.  I wanted nothing more than to love on this woman!  She sees me and beams with a smile and says my name.  I began lathering her long hair with the help of Bryce.  Aurora told us how good it felt :)  We smiled and laughed together again.  Once we were done, I knelt to her side and thanked her for allowing me to bless her in this way.  I was truly moved to tears... my heart was completely transformed.  I was reminded of Jesus' words to the disciples, "you know these things - now do them!  That is the path of blessing."  After this blessing, we washed the hair of Aurora's sister and a few others.  I can honestly say it was hard to let others jump in.  I could have deloused all day long!!!

Our time came to an end and we headed once again to the feeding station for our last lunch in El Porvenir.  We ate lunch and played with the kids one final time.  We then gathered the teachers and children to gift them with all the balls, jump ropes, frisbees, etc.  Excitement was certainly evident on the faces of all.

We are ONE!!!

It was now time to tell Wilberth good-bye.  Greta came with me to translate.  I told him that he was special to God, he should stay in school and keep learning, he should obey his father, we will write often, we will pray for him often, and we love him!  He has a special place in my heart!  I snuggled him up with hugs, gave him tickles to lighten the moment, and gave him kisses to remember always!  

I saw his father watching us from the dirt path.  I took Greta's hand and we ran to him.  I told him many of the things that I told Wilberth, particularly that he is a good dad.  

As I walked away the tears were like a waterfall.  I pray that I will be on this soil again someday.  My heart will be leaving El Porvenir with a lot more love tucked inside!

Lord, I pray that I "reflected" your light today.  Please show your favor on this community and give them peace.  

Nicaragua Journal Entry Day #5... El Porvenir

Encouragement note for today...
Give it all you've got!  
Keep Calm and Pray On!  1 Thessalonians 5:17

We worked on the opposite side of the dump today.  As we arrived, the 15 yr. old mother and her husband from yesterday, were digging in the dump for things to be used in their home. They had a plastic bag full of things.  My heart ached watching these "kids" trying to survive.  I started the morning with a heavy heart but with the intent to give it all that I had and for His glory.  

We parked the bus and I stepped out, onto the dump.  The smell was atrocious!!!  The smell of burnt rubber was so heavy in the air. We quickly filled our water bottles and began our walk into the community with a saddened spirit...

We each took a fruit tree and broke up into teams again. Today it was us, the Robrock clan, our translator, Guadalupe, and a lady leader from the community joined us.  Our team walked all the way down the dirt path to the last house, starting backwards with the intent to work forward.  My first reactions were that this side of the dump was more well kept than the other side.  I was told that Food for Hungry has partnered longer on this side, evidence that FH is making a difference!

Going to each home was so very special, yet certain homes stuck out to me today.  We went to a home that a young man was working in his "yard."  He had plants and flowers... Bonito!!  He took pride in his home.  He seemed like a gentle man.  As we spoke with him, he thanked us for the tree.  We asked him if we could pray for over him and he excused himself.  He came back with a shirt on... he couldn't pray without showing respect to Him.  Wow... this needy man taught my boys to humble themselves before the Lord, to prepare themselves when they are going to spend time with Him!  My boys shared this story tonight during our devotions... A beautiful and powerful moment.

Our last visit touched my heart deep down!  The lady that had walked with us all morning, was finally able to get her tree planted.  I wish I would have communicated with her more during our morning because at the end of our time, I couldn't get enough of her!!!  She thanked us over and over for coming into her community with love and friendship.  She said my name several times, kissed my cheeks, and with my face in her hands, she said she would never forget my beautiful face.  She wanted prayer for her tree and for herself to bear fruit...
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you can not be fruitful apart from me."  John 15:4
I asked this special lady what her name was, Aurora, because she blessed my day so very much!  She had a smile and an obvious love for the Lord and a true gift of leadership.  She is being trained by FH to become a community leader and it was certainly evident.  Jesus was shining His light through her!  I asked if I could take her picture to remember her face for always.  She then asked if I could send her one.  I hope it will get to her, I plan to mail it to Guadalupe.  Thank you dear Jesus for putting this beautiful woman in my path today.

All morning I saw several butterflies flitting around.  As I left Aurora's home, the colorful butterflies comforted my heart with the feeling of God's presence.  I felt Him whisper Hope on my heart for this community.  I was able to leave with a comfort of His power and love which was such a difference from when I arrived this morning.  The butterfly has new meaning to me and my life...

We left that side of the community to head to the feeding station for lunch and VBS.  I got to see and embrace my boy, Wilberth! He was so eagerly awaiting our arrival!  There were many hugs, high-fives, and giggles... a common language for us!  During craft time the kids made prayer bears with cotton stuffing.  They were each given a Bible verse for the day, written in Spanish, to put into the tummy pocket of the bears!

It was the hottest day yet... WOWSERS!!!  A special treat awaited us.  So, it was time to leave. We gathered in our van and Wilberth ran to the other side to continue waving and high-fiving Bryce.  He didn't want us to leave today.  How, oh how, do we say good-bye to this sweet boy tomorrow?!?!

We pulled away and took a small drive. To the surprise of our kids, we arrived at the Pacific Ocean for an afternoon swim!!! Children filled with joy, took off for the BIG waves!!! We had the beach to ourselves. I took some time to take in the moment.  Being in Nicaragua... making a difference in a community... being filled with a FULL heart... looking at the enormous volcano in front of me... and waves behind me with giggles in the air... I am grateful to be here!  Blessed beyond measure...

At devotions tonight, Jairo spoke about the attitude of the Nicaraguan people.  He stated that the people have a "why bother?" attitude.  They're not happy, not even content, but this is how it is, so why bother.  My heart has been on such a rollercoaster today.  Started off very heavy and worked up to joy and hope but now brought back down.  I'm resting on the encouraging words that I started my day with yesterday...

May the God of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace as you trust in Him.  Romans 15:13

Nicaragua Journal Entry #2... Arrival in Managua and Chinandega

Encouragement note for today...
Relax... "Be still & know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

A fairly good night sleep.  The TV went off at 4am from a previous guest setting the alarm.  The hotel alarm clock went off at 6:30am... grrr!!!  Luckily, we fell back asleep until 9:30am!  We are preparing for more travel today.  Leaving the hotel at 10:30am for the airport.  Flight is at 12:45pm...

At the Miami airport, again!

This plane is much nicer :)  Trying to understand all the turmoil we've had but holding onto my encouragement from my prayer partner today.  The bookmark she had for me was perfect!  Keeping these words close to my heart today...

Listen! Be Still!
He is God.  Your refuge, your fort, your continued help.

We arrived in Managua at 1pm.  However, our luggage was not at the airport.  It came earlier and was placed in an American Airlines building.  Jairo, the Food for Hungry director and our partner, met us at the airport with a bus and a van.  Off we went to look for our luggage.  Yes, yet again, another obstacle to our travels.  They wouldn't release the luggage because of all the vitamins that we brought.  Since it was a Sunday, there wasn't anyone in the office to help us.  We waited in the van for about an hour and a half.  Finally the moms and kids loaded into the van and were taken to the Nehemiah Center Facility to play for a bit.  This is the Christian organization that Jairo works with.  It took another hour to get there.  The culture outside our windows was so different.  Children and people were standing/sitting in backs of trucks, entire families on motorcycles with babies and no helmets, vehicles packed to the gills with people, no car seats anywhere, lots of bicycles with multiple people riding on them, and there was trash everywhere!!!  The kids saw the houses that looked nothing like their own.  Thew were intrigued by the 3-wheel cars :)

Coca Cola and Toyota was everywhere!

It was a long drive but we made it!  The Nehemiah Training Hut was beautiful!  Hammocks surrounded the outside of the hut... the kids loved them!!!  There was a corner filled with rocking chairs.  The FH staff had a lunch awaiting for us.  Our first Nicaraguan meal.  I was so hesitant but it was delicious!!!!  The potato was awesome!!  The kids were able to walk around the beautiful grounds.  There was a tiny park to play at and chickens, dogs, and birds were roaming all over.  It was certainly a refreshing few hours!

Nehemiah Center

Braydon enjoying the hammock :)

We left there and drove an additional 3 hours to Chinandega.  I was told that one of my luggage pieces was missing and it had my CPAP machine in it.  On the long drive, I began praying... feeling very defeated with all the hurdles we've endured and now I don't have my sleeping machine.  I then realized that all of our daily encouragements from our prayer partners were also in that luggage.  Is this another attack?  Trying to remember... Be still and know that I am God!  I then, tell the kids what else was missing and Braydon says, "Mom, I got that suitcase at the airport!"  I completely doubted him... I had checked and we only had 4 of our 5 suitcases.  The one that was missing was the one that we plane-side checked.  But sure enough, we had it!  Truly thankful for this answered prayer at the most perfect timing... when I was crying out to Him!

We arrived at the hotel at 8pm Nicaraguan time.  It is gorgeous!  They had a cart of lime tea for us... amazing!  I don't like tea but this was delicioso!!!  We were poolside with refreshing drinks in hand while Jairo was getting us checked in.

We made it!!!

Bonito (Beautiful)!!!

Our room is wonderful.  The kids love the walk-in shower!!  The tropical greenery here is gorgeous.  This looks nothing like the rest of the country that we've seen thus far!  Grateful to be staying here.  We had dinner at 8:30pm... we felt like royalty.  Again, I loved the potato dish... yummo!

This is where we ate all of our meals.

We just took showers and everyone is finally in clean unders from our two day travels without luggage.  Off to bed we go at 10pm.  We head to the community tomorrow... yay!  Our backpacks are packed and ready to go.  We've conquered so much to get here.  The Lord must be rejoicing in our efforts to unify for His glory... nothing is going to dampen our spirits!

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!!!

Medical Results...FINALLY!!!!

I've been looking forward to this day for several months....I rushed home from the lake to get to my neurology appointment this afternoon.  The doctor looked at the MRI of my brain from last week and NO MS (Multiple Sclerosis)...Yahoo!!!!!  Every time the docs have ruled out all the biggies, I begin to breathe again!!!  They've ruled out so many scary things.  However, the neurologist then pulled up the MRI from my neck and yikes...it didn't look so swell.  I have a degenerative disc at the C-6/7 location in the upper cervical section of my upper back/neck.  The doc says, "How old are you?"  When I told him I'm only 36, he gave me that "not so good" look :(  I'm awfully young for this type of arthritis damage...so what do we do to fix this?????  I'm having another MRI of my lower back tomorrow morning and an X-ray of my knees to see how bad the osteoarthritis is there as well.  The neurologist has referred me to a neurosurgeon but I'm seeing my physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor on Monday morning.  I'm pretty certain that he will suggest physical therapy and possibly injections to my spine to prolong surgery as long as possible.

Although the thought of working on my spine, scares the bejeebers out of me, I have such a feeling of relief!  I'm SO very thankful that I FINALLY have an answer to ALL my symptoms and that there is a real reason for my pain...I'm really not going crazy and this isn't really in my head!!!  I was amazed at all the symptoms that are related to this...

Spinal damage toward the neck causes interrupted blood supply to the brain resulting in headaches, vertigo and worsened cognitive abilities and memory.  Causes numbness and tingling in the shoulders, arms, hands, and legs.  Causes severe pain, numbness and tingling to the back.  Get this, the spinal damage has even caused problems with my bladder!!!  I had no idea that these were related!!!  The spine pretty much affects everything!

I am truly grateful that the Lord heard my cry for answers and that He did His mighty works through the hands of so many doctors!  I have answers...Yahoo!!!  Of everything that has been laid in front of me over the past four months, this diagnosis is an answer to prayer!!  My thyroid meds have given me life again with my energy level...now I'm looking forward to gaining momentum in my physical abilities...God is so very Good!!! 

God is my hope...my strength...He's everything I need!!!

"Trust the Lord with all your heart" Proverbs 3:5  

Why Do I Have To Be Sick?

Bryce missed the past two days of school due to more tummy troubles.  Last night he was watching TV and he turned to me and said with sad eyes, "mommy, why do I have to be sick?"  Although this conversation took place last night, the thoughts and feelings that came from his question have stuck with me all day today.  My heart was aching but the Holy Spirit took over and the words that came out even surprised me...

Why are we sick?  Why are we in such pain for what seems like a long time?  Why haven't the doctors figured out how to make us better?  Well...because it has helped us Treasure Time Together!  As a mother and son, we have bonded more in the past 8 weeks!  As a daughter, my heart has grown bigger for my mother...she has been my rock through all of this!  As children of Christ, Bryce and myself, have grown deeper in our relationship with Jesus!  As a community, our friends and family have rallied around us and supported us in prayer and meals!!!  So, yes, although this has been a difficult journey...we have walked through this trial and are becoming stronger in the process!  Our faith muscles are being stretched BIG time!!!  We have more TRUST in the Lord... more JOY in the simple pleasures that we have taken for granted... more PATIENCE... more UNDERSTANDING for others whom have walked or are currently walking in our steps... and yes, more LOVE in our hearts...

I challenge you today to find joy in your days... even on the most difficult ones!

Love to you all!