Monday

Monday On the bus at 430 AM Lines were short when we arrived at the airport. Immigration and customs went smooth for those traveling with us (about 17) Thanks for praying. Please continue to pray for those in Nicaragua as well as those returning home. It doesn't end here.

Sunday

Sunday Our team attended the international English speaking church that Travis and Tammy attend. Had an amazing time worshiping. Made a connection with some other missionaries who work in Nicaragua. We then drove to Granada for the boat tour of the islands. Very relaxing enjoyable time enjoying Gods creation and visiting with each other. Many birds to view. Monkey island. And men fishing. Saw the volcano from a distance. We then visited the market Back to base for dinner. Today was our challenge to reveal to the person we drew for a prayer partner. What a blessing that was After a late dinner we had a team share time Enjoyed singing and worship as a team God worked on amazing ways and it was a blessing to hear many different stories and ways others saw God work Very late night packing and getting ready to depart at 430 AM

Saturday

Saturday We worked 1/2 day finishing work on houses. Two couples were married. A clown came to entertain. We held a little carnival which was enjoyed by all ages. It was so much fun to see the youngest to the oldest in the village laugh and have fun then collect the little token toys. We gifted our families with the household items that we brought. Shared the love of Jesus. We were unable to meet the husband in our family as he works quite a distance away making bricks. He has only had his job for one month so it is difficult for him to get time off. It was our joy to remind them how blessed they are that he has a way to provide for his family and is following the leadership example God gave. The boys were only there a small amount of the time. I know they were in school some of the time but it was unclear to is where they were the rest. Pastors Mike, Benny, David, and Chuck held a baptismal service. All week in small group we built on the prior weeks teaching of salvation and taught the importance of following the Lords command for baptism but that it is not a condition for salvation. Three on our team and two Nicas chose to be baptized What an amazing experience Many tears and hard goodbyes to our families then back to base for dinner. Singing and worship.

Day 2

Very poor internet. Will attempt a small update. We met our families in the village. Very emotional as the had decorated the community building and stood and clapped as we entered Today we worked on homes, played with children, painted nails, helped at the feeding station. Some visited the dump and the prison. It was very hot today. No asthma problems for me (renee) extra allergy issues for Benny. We all woke up sore this morning. The food is amazing. Trouble uploading pictures but will keep trying

Day 1

Attempt 2 Day 1 Started bright and early after I (Renee) spent a long night coughing from asthma. Ladies went to House of Hope and ministered to the children telling stories, playing and doing crafts. We then went to the cancer treatment center and played games, sang, polished nails, gave reading glasses, gave massages and did crafts Prayed with many. There were many hugs and smiles which are universal when the language is not. Men went to the job site. They were blessed with plain bread for lunch as the bag of sandwiches got mixed up with the loaf of bread and the job site is far from base. No worries lots of snacks and they got some PB and Jelly Benny had a little girl yelling "gringo gringo" and clapping wildly until he figured out a dog was attempting to drink his water that he has set down. Then he had a string of kids following him speaking in Spanish. He finally figured out they were concerned forchis safety because his shoelace was untied. It was a great day of sharing the Love of Christ. We will have songs and fellowship in the cabana tonight.

Arrival photos

Arrival

Safely arrived. All 40 totes also arrived. It is about a 20 min bus ride to base. A few quick introductions and instructions before bed. Room assignments and bed by midnight. Thankful my asthma cough did not keep others awake. Breakfast and devotions at 7 AM Internet is weak if any. Will update as we can

Airport Checkin

Uneventful drive to Anchorage. Hard to believe it's winter. We decided this is the longest "Spring" we have ever experienced. Yummy dinner then my friend Joanne got is to the airport and will babysit my car while we are gone. Benny's bag had to be run through several times but was fine (might or might not be the extra stuff he's carrying for me). Mine had no problems. Judy actually got pulled off to the special table. Apparently she is carrying some "questionable" powder haha. After the excitement they were very apologetic and even offered to help her repack her bag. Now that we are sitting at the gate, Benny is calm and then there is me... We were told our flights are full and they are looking for volunteers to give up seats. We won't be doing that. Excited to see what God has for us. We will meet up with Wendy in Houston. Hoping for sleep on the plane. In Christ Renee

Packing party

Each team member will take two totes that are approximately 50 lbs each full of supplies and household items. It was a fun day putting those together. God provided

Glory to God. His people are faithful

As the departure date for this trip quickly approaches, we would like to express thanks to God for working out all the details. 

His hand has been in many details from purchasing tickets to replacing passports to calling others from our church to filling our totes and so much more.

We would like to say thank you to everyone who has been used by God as part of this mission through praying over and signing Bibles, putting together VBS crafts, contributing supplies, helping pack, donating money, and committing to prayer. 

Please keep the team in your prayer as we seek to honor God in our service. It is our goal to leave fingerprints everywhere but our names nowhere. This is for His glory not our own. Be praying for the Nica people we will be ministering to. 

We will do our best to keep this blog updated throughout the trip.