Final Thoughts About Our Trip

I wanted to share some final thoughts. We have been back two days now and since returning I have had time to process the experiences of our time in Nicaragua. I wanted to apologize for the difficulties some of you had when trying to post your comments. We also experienced difficulties as we tried to add the slideshow and make our posts. Pastor Earl's computer has dial-up, which we were thankful for, but as you know the connection can be slower and uploads take much longer. Another difficulty we encountered was the constant power outages. Many times we were not able to make posts because the power was out. By the time it came back on we were engaged in other activities. Even though we have returned from our trip I will continue to share with you some of the experiences, which we were not able to post while there. By the end of the week I hope to replace last year's slideshow with pictures from this year. Between all team members I am sure we have over two thousand photos. Keep checking back to see the updates. I am somewhat under the weather right now so it may take longer than I anticipate, but I will work on it as I am able.
This past week wasn't just about a group spending time together. The experience was very spiritual, as well as emotional. The sharing of such an experience and the feelings we encountered can't help but draw you closer to one another. It created an intimacy you don't find with just anyone. I wouldn't change one aspect of this past week, even if I were able to. Each aspect added to the trip the very effect it was supposed to have, right down to the very sociable mosquitoes who visited every opportunity they could, the cold, but very refreshing showers, and the consistent power outages every day. How wonderful to experience Nicaragua firsthand the way the people of Nicaragua have to live. The only difference, we knew at the end of the week we would be able to walk away from what we consider the "inconveniences."
I am so thankful for the opportunity we were given to witness God at work. There are times when something happens and by faith we know God's hand was in it, such as an unexplainable and miraculous recovery from a terminal illness. We may see these evidences of God's work many times throughout our lifetime. However, during our visit to the Verbo compound in Nicaragua, God's work was not only seen, but felt every day. It was so amazing to soak in the powerful presence of God all around us. I am thankful for such a gift. The best way to explain it, was like seeing God up close with His arms wrapped around the Verbo compound. A very profound experience. If you ever have the opportunity to participate in a mission trip, don't hesitate, it is a privilege to serve God and see how he uses you for His kingdom work and you will be thankful for the experience.

God Bless,
Holly

August 1st, 2008

Yesterday afternoon we went to the river. Along with the children, some played king of the mountain, did back flips off the branches that were out over the water and jumped off the cliff. In the shallower waters the children had created a world of inflatable toys, splashing and laughing.

We started off this morning with a trip to the open air market to attempt to purchase one weeks worth of food (Five pounds each of rice, beans and sugar, 1 litter of oil, and a bar of soap) for a family of five. Our translators were informing us that we were only able to purchase approximately one third of the items for the same amount of money this year compared to last year due to inflation.

In the afternoon we accompanied the Verbo Ministry to the local jail. It is hard to put into words what each of us experienced while there. We had a time of praise and worship singing, prayer and an invitation to salvation was offered. James, Pastor Tom and Pastor John shared moving testimonies with the inmates. Blanche distributed Gideon Bibles to all the inmates who seemed to really receive the message and the outreach with open hearts. We then helped the Verbo Ministry distribute food.