tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38780910222077077392024-02-08T06:53:02.194-08:00ACS Nicaragua Team 2015Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-29997229368142858202015-03-21T20:52:00.003-07:002015-03-21T20:52:58.731-07:00Reminiscing with Roy
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our journey is drawing to a close. While everyone would have
liked to spend more time with the students from Centro de Fe, it was good to
spend time together as a team. The experiences of preparing for this trip,
having the preparation become reality in deep and genuine relationships, and
feeling the pain when relationships need to come to an end, at least in person,
have developed in us a deeper appreciation for what genuine relationships are
about. Each person on the team has grown and the truth that God intended us to
be in relationship has become clearer in each of us. It has given me great
pleasure to see this transformation take place, and to be part of it with such
an amazing group of students. But more on that a bit later. You want to know
what we did today, so here goes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After breakfast, Lester and Peter arrived to take us out for
a day of activity and to experience more of Nicaraguan culture and beauty. It
was good to have Peter join us for a full day. In past trips, we saw more of
him and I was glad this group would get to know him a bit. Our first stop was
at a local potter in San Marcos . This is a family business run by a mother and
her sons, one of whom demonstrated the process by which this pottery is made. We
were all amazed at how quickly he was able to create a vase on a foot powered
wheel. He then explained the 21 day process of drying, applying pigments,
firing the pottery before it is brought upstairs to the shop. Some beautiful
pieces were purchased. Susan also tried her hand at throwing a pot on the wheel.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We then went ziplining. The crew that assisted us through
the course were so helpful and cheerful as we all did typical rides, got to experience
being superchicas, superchicos and one superpapa. Gliding upside down also
added to the variety and excitement of the experience. Through it all, our
safety was always obviously the top priority.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then it was on to lunch in Granada on the corner of the
market in the town center. Think Nicaraguan A&W, though I think the chicken
has Chubby beat. Fortunately, it was fast as we all wanted to get on the boat
for a tour of some of the 365 islands on Lago Nicaragua. Besides seeing the vacation
homes of some of the richest in Nicaragua, we enjoyed visiting the monkeys on
their own special island. Egrets gliding above the water and vultures soaring
high overhead added to the beauty.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then we returned to the center market, had some good coffee,
bought a few more locally made items, and wandered around taking in the sights.
However, we didn’t take too much time here because we were off to one of
Nicaragua’s most famous natural wonders.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Volcano Masaya is an active volcano with a parking lot right
on the rim. The smoke rising out of the crater makes it difficult to see very
far down, though we did see down to the second rim. The other side of the parking
lot offers a great view of the plain Managua and the lake, plus the northern
tip of Lago Nicaragua.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That completed a busy day except for a small taste of home
as we went to Pizza Hut for supper. We returned to the Nehemiah center to do
some packing and wrap up activities. We will get to see most of the students at
church tomorrow so we are looking forward to that.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to end with a short personal reflection. I realize
again how much I enjoy spending time with high school students. They certainly
keep me young with their energy and good natured teasing (I can’t count how
many times I have heard “classic Roy” in response to a picture or a memory). What
I love more is their sincerity, thoughtfulness and unreserved expression of
feelings. Trips like this make me realize God is so clearly at work in the
lives of these young people and give me hope. It is so gratifying to see them internalize
the importance of the focus on relationship in this trip, especially as we once
again heard of examples where helping hurts when it simply involves throwing
money at the perceived need. In the context of developing relationships, I have
grown to love each one of these students. God be praised.</span></div>
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Roy</div>
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</ul>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-35328048895192849952015-03-20T19:27:00.003-07:002015-03-20T19:27:54.493-07:00Almost time for goodbyes...
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well today was one of those days where you just need to cry
and let your emotions show just a little. Today we had to say goodbye to the Centro
de Fe students, let’s just say many tears were shed and it was a bitter sweet
day. The upside is we get to see our grade 11 friends one more time on Sunday at
church; more tears will be shed. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This trip has been one of the best experiences, if not the
best experience of my life. I have never met people and fell in love with them
so quickly; Gods love is so evident in the students and the staff at Centro de Fe.
I instantly felt love when we first walked into the school; everyone knew we
were coming and were ready to welcome us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was so exciting and I have to say leaving this place will be near
impossible. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I signed up for this trip I never expected the life
changing relationships that have been built to happen. Today, once again, we
were able to see how important relationships are and how much they are valued
here in Nicaragua. The people here value relationships way more than the materials
things; this is something that has challenged me. It has also helped me to
realize how much more important relationships with people are. There is love
among the students and the staff, there is a love that is real and
affectionate. We were able to see that again today when we were painting and
doing service to the school. Even during work we laugh and play and that is a
blessing from God. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This whole trip has been a blessing and couldn’t have asked
God for anything different. I have been challenged and filled with joy and love
during this trip; God is good. So much has been learned during this trip and I think
I can speak for everyone when I say that this trip has changed our lives. Everywhere
we have gone we have been able to see and learn how God is working in Nicaragua
which has been a blast and a blessing. This trip is coming to an end and it is unbelievably
sad but we all have so many memories and we have built relationships that I hope
will never be forgotten. </span></div>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-40543157544292298612015-03-19T19:25:00.001-07:002015-03-19T19:25:55.969-07:00La Makina
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the moment we stepped out of the airport into the
warmth of Nicaragua, I knew I was in love with this Country. Throughout the
entire trip, our group has bonded closer, and our team has gotten so close with
the students at Centro De Fe. Every day goes by too fast, and every moment is cherished
so much. The culture in Nicaragua is so different, but so exciting and fun. The
way they express their love towards each other is different and much more
emotional than relationships you usually see. The moment we all met was
somewhat scary, but in just a few minutes we were already warmed up to each
other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time we are together is
more exciting and you learn so much about different people every day. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we had the chance to go to La Makina, which is a
beautiful waterfall in the mountains of Managua. The bus ride up was a little
over an hour and filled with interactive times with the students of Centro de Fe.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we arrived it was such a cool and
different site than anywhere in Canada. The way the waterfall tumbled down the
rocks, and flowed into a small river at the bottom, and at the top a little
pool of water formed which made for great times. The moment we got out of the
bus, a group of us started climbing the waterfall right away. The sound of the
water crashing down, and the feeling of it on your feet was so relaxing and
nice. At one moment, another little group of us were sitting on one big rock
overlooking the biggest part of the waterfall. We sat in silence just observing
how gorgeous and unbelievable the site was. God’s creation and glory was so
visible in that moment and it put a permanent smile on my face. I’m usually one
to worry about the next day and not take in the moment. I have never felt so relaxed
and calm then I have in the moment of observing Gods creation in that moment. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone has bonded with the students from Centro de Fe so
well, and some people were much freer and open than usual. At one point, we
were all in the pool area at the top playing volleyball and football. Everyone was
so happy and excited to be in such a lovely place having such a great time. Seeing
every one bond with one another and get to know each other so well was such a
blessing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The relationships that have
been formed over the trip have been unbelievably eye opening and life changing.
The way you can come to a school in a different country and get to know a group
of people is so amazing. I am so thankful for this trip, and this opportunity I
have been given to be a part of this unbelievable experience. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Danica Stark</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-85782656983990021912015-03-18T21:05:00.000-07:002015-03-18T21:05:13.567-07:00Working hard or hardly working…
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam: I have to admit, I wasn’t super excited about this
whole work day idea to begin with. I didn’t quite understand why we were spending
days apart from the Centro De Fe students especially doing a work project
because our trip wasn’t supposed to be your typical “missions trip”. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam: But this work project was not about coming in and
taking the place of local workers, it was about standing alongside them. We
want to support the Nehemiah Centre and their desire to transform Nicaragua
through enabling local leaders, which includes Christian educators. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Susan: Working together is also about building relationships
with our team members. We were always having fun or joking around, but a work
project is more serious, and we are actually working toward something. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam: ACS has always been “what a school is” to me. Having
countless lockers and a massive gym has always been what I thought all schools
had. Today my eyes were opened to what the majority of schools in the world
most likely look like. These classrooms that we have seen have been small spaces
and open to the outside which completely makes sense for this climate, but
seems so out of the ordinary for a place like Abbotsford. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Susan: Even though they have small classes, they are closer
with each other because the whole grade is together. They also seem to know all
the people from the school, not just their own grade. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam: Experiencing visiting these schools and seeing some of
the teachers so passionate about transforming these student’s lives, makes me
want to experience it myself. At the same time, there are so many things at my
school that I take for granted, such as our bipolar heating system, but it
helps me to see that I am so blessed by the Lord. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam: Although today had its high’s, a low for me was not
being able to see our friends at Centro De Fe. Only having 4 full days left
here and we only get to spend 1 full day with them tomorrow and then we say
goodbye on Friday morning. I am dreading it. Even though we’ve only been here
for 7 days I do not want to leave and I just want to spend every day with them.
The relationships that have been built will hopefully last a lifetime, and I just
really hope that one day we will all be able to see each other again. I believe
that God is weaving his presence between each relationship that has been built
between all of us. I see God in the brown eyes of the amigos that I have met
and I see his glory in their smiles every day we spend time together. I am
excited to see the works he has planned for these students in the future. </span></div>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-90654342033552619452015-03-17T19:30:00.003-07:002015-03-17T19:30:59.127-07:00Talents and Testimonies
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know nobody wants to say it,
but we are halfway through the trip. We are so close with the students of
Centro de Fe that we already dread the day we have to say goodbye. Other than
that (I can speak for most of the members on the team), we are enjoying the
sun, the delicious food, and the beautiful country of Nicaragua. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was another early morning with
a 6:00 am breakfast. We started today with a short devotions, and left to spend
time with the third and fourth grade students. With the kids, we made a simple
memory game, and yet it was so much more enjoyable and memorable (no pun
intended). Every day I’m noticing the similarities between Nicaraguans and
Canadians. Really, other than language and some small cultural differences, we
are exactly the same. Some are shy, some are talkative; some are energetic and
some just like to spend time alone with themselves. I have already noticed some
qualities in my Nicaraguan friends similar to those in my Canadian friends back
at home. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After recess, we shared Language
and Spanish class with the grade 11 students. It was interesting trying to do
discussions and other typical Language Class activities in a foreign language.
Altogether, though, it went smoothly as we finished up our two-day project on
bullying and healthy friendships. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then it was Talent Night! We
Canadians enjoyed watching a variety of singing acts, traditional and
not-so-traditional dances (Julio and Zoyla performed a very interesting dance).
In return, we performed some handstands and a mix of humorous “dances” as well.
Jared and Kirsten both shared their testimony, which moved everybody, including
Rafa, the husband of Sandra (the principal) and Art teacher. Rafa shared a
response with Jared and Kirsten, stirring their hearts and the rest of the
students’ as well. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before devotions today, the grade
11 students talked about Genesis 2:18, which reads “The LORD God said, ‘It is
not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable helper for him.’” This
verse really made me understand the importance of community, and creating
relationships with one another. This is evident everywhere in the Bible, from
Ecclesiastes (4:10), to Matthew (22:37-40), to 1 John (2:9-11). This is the
purpose of this trip: to create relationships with each other in Christ. That
is what makes this trip different from the typical short-term mission’s trip we
are used to hearing about. And so far, even though we are only halfway through,
that makes all the difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greetings to all of you from the Nehemiah Centre, Managua,
Nicaragua!</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">~Bethany Vaags</span></div>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-14513899198660183672015-03-16T19:07:00.002-07:002015-03-16T19:07:16.095-07:00Highlight...
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just like all the other days on this trip, this day was
loads of fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we went to school
Jorge taught all the students about Daniel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He shared Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the
royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to
defile himself this way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jorge talked
about how Daniel made very important and right decisions even though he was
young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told us that they can and
should do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our team woke up early in the morning to make it to the
school for math class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of you are
probably thinking about how boring that sounds, but it was super fun getting to
attend a class that is taught in Spanish with the Nicaraguan students that you
have built friendships with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
students are really fun to talk to and I am constantly wanting to know more
about them and their lives as they are interested in mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the beginning when we first arrived, for
some reason I wasn’t looking forward to interacting with the students as I thought
that it would maybe be boring and I felt a lot of pressure coming up to
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But every day we are there, I
enjoy being with the students and they are the highlight of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to seeing them every morning!</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of the day was a sweaty mess but such a blast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our class we went down and just hung
out with all the children in the primary wing of the school on their break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never given so many piggy-backs in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good to be able to interact
with the much younger grades for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main highlight of my day would have to be
playing sports with the grade 11 students in the afternoon at a park that was
walking distance from Centro de Fe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
played ball hockey, volleyball, soccer and other games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun was hot but that didn’t hold us back
from committing and making an awesome day even better.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has spoken to me through Ecclesiastes 11:4-5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever
looks at the clouds will not reap. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s
womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This whole time I have been here, I have not really
been sure of how God is working through me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think in the evening about what I can do to influence the students’
lives but nothing comes to my mind that will make a huge impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know now that God is doing marvelous things
through me and the team and I realize that I don’t need to understand how, or
see every amazing work of God that occurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God works in mysterious ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly,
now that I think about things, there were so many highlights of my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the biggest one for me now, is realizing
how much God is doing for these students and our team in Nicaragua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wesley Brown</span></div>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-42421157853370289252015-03-15T20:11:00.003-07:002015-03-15T20:11:52.611-07:00Falling Fast...
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nicaragua has been such an amazing experience. We are
finally settling in, and getting into the swing of things. We are falling in
love with this country, and all its people.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today as a team, we went to Lester, our translator’s church.
The church is nothing like we are used to. When we walked in, we were welcomed
and instantly felt loved and at home. We found our seats and began to sing. People
were so excited and enthusiastic to worship God. The people went crazy, singing
and dancing full of joy. Although we didn’t understand the words, we could
still worship because we all had one thing in common, a love for God. This reminded
us about a verse in Revelations that talks about all nations worshipping
together. Revelation 7:9 says “After this I looked, and there before me was a
great multitude that no one count, from every nation, tribe, people, and
language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing
white robes, and were holding palm branches in their hands.” It was an unforgettable
moment, which we will never forget. The people here are so full of love, and invest
their time in meaningful relationships. As the singing went on, an elderly
Nicaraguan lady came up to Jamo, put her hand against his chest, and starting
praying for him. This lady didn’t speak English, but she really felt the urge
to pray for and with him. Nicaraguans are just so caring for others, as this
lady and Jamo were complete strangers but still shared an incredible moment
together. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our team went to this beautiful beach today, on the Pacific
Ocean. We had a lot of fun swimming in the waves, embracing the saltiness of
the water, sharing a delicious meal and most importantly, laughing together. It
was a relaxing afternoon, and just what we needed to prepare us for a long week
ahead of us. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we returned to the Nehemiah Center, we watched a movie
called Reporando. It is a documentary about Guatemala, and how relationships
are affecting their community. This movie ties in with what we are doing at the
school, Centro de Fe. Our friendships are impacting us and them greatly, aiding
us all in our relationship with God, and how we live our lives. </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Malorie McGrail</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Megan Baars</span></div>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-36641696961600512862015-03-14T20:04:00.000-07:002015-03-14T20:04:06.727-07:00<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJgXCI_6ZU4" target="_blank">Fun on the bus... </a>Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-76453251316670397062015-03-14T18:02:00.002-07:002015-03-14T18:02:20.153-07:00Words...
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I now
understand why people from previous trips couldn’t find the words to express
how warm this culture is. And I’m not talking about how warm the weather is
here, because we all know it’s really hot. I’m talking more about how warm and
inviting the people are. The first day we were welcomed in with open arms and
smiling faces, and today we got it all over again… except that now we knew each
other’s names. Being welcomed like that, creates an indescribable feeling… Now
look who’s at a loss for words. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
morning we drove to Centro de Fe even more asleep than the day before. We had
to wake up pretty fast as we were leading devotions. Jared, Sam, and Wes read
some Bible verses we selected about God’s immovability, and as a group we sang
a good ol’ VBS song complete with actions. Afterwards, we played a few name
games to reinforce our memories and got everything packed up and ready to go to
the park. We then all walked the beautiful streets of Managua to the park
closest to the school. We were divided into groups, many of us being split up
from our already made friendships to encourage us to make new ones, and sent
off to clean the park as a group community service project. Thankfully, the hot
Nicaraguan sun was masked by a beautiful wind. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the
afternoon, we split up into groups and visited some of the students’ homes. It
was quite a comparison to the houses we live in, but it was really great to be
able to learn more about how some of the students live and the families that
they have. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games outside in the
street with the students. The amount of laughter and smiles was heartwarming. We
left the school for an early and relaxing night at the Nehemiah Center. Although
it’s only the second day, I found it hard to leave the students. I can only
imagine how hard it’s going to be when we leave at the end. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thankful
for all the prayer and support from you at home</span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lots of Love, Bailey</span></div>
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-76538709133580828462015-03-13T19:46:00.003-07:002015-03-13T20:12:20.845-07:00Different but the Same<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Perhaps
it was the Nicaraguan sun that dried out my words, or maybe it is the lack of
sleep. Either way, I cannot fully describe the beautiful atmosphere that our
team has entered. I am not just talking about the delicious breeze. Although
the wind cools our skin from the warm sun which lights up the bright blue sky. That
would be bragging… : P </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What I am trying to talk about is something that runs so
much deeper. When we arrived at the school half asleep, we were greeted
wholeheartedly from the entire school community. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The auditorium was decorated
with balloons and streamers. Niños were screaming and jumping up and down, the pre-schoolers
stretched their arms toward us, the students our age received us with toothy
smiles, and the teachers excitedly introduced us to each class. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After officially
meeting the kids our age, we were invited to attend a chapel that the classes
had prepared in honour of our arrival. There was singing, dancing, and scripture
reading. After introducing ourselves to the school, children lined up for
pictures and autographs. Most girls flocked Jamo, Wes, and Jared; giggling as
the boys nervously glanced at one another while the girls on the team struggled
to sign all the papers being pushed toward them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chicken, rice, beans, and
salad were served for lunch with a beverage of your choice. After stuffing
ourselves, the team waddled out to the bus with our new amigos ready to tour a
little bit of Nicaragua. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There were many eye-opening moments that happened
today as we chatted away with our new friends. It was refreshing to be with
another community of Christians. It allows us to see the strengths that each of
our community withholds. It was amazing seeing how lively the community is here
in Nicaragua. And yet, despite our differences it still blows my mind that in
the grand scheme of things, we are the body of Christ. This was evident when my
friend and I were listening to music. A Spanish version of Hillsong’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Everlasting</i> song started to play. We both
broke into song, praising God together in Spanish and English. We’re brothers
and sisters through Jesus. It doesn’t matter about the language barrier because
together we strengthen one another through Christ. </span><br />
~Kirsten~Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-91320142900247129232015-03-12T23:05:00.001-07:002015-03-12T23:05:35.487-07:00Safe and SoundBuenos noches!<br />
We have made the long journey and are just tucking ourselves into bed after a brief orientation. Everyone is safe and sound and we thank God for going with us today. He is both behind us and before us.<br />
<br />
The wind is cutting across our room creating a beautiful relief from the new found humidity. We will see what the warm sun brings with it tomorrow as we head to Centro de Fe and meet our friends!<br />
<br />
Lots of love to you all.Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878091022207707739.post-61494417374467159822015-03-11T21:37:00.001-07:002015-03-11T21:37:32.458-07:00Love God, Love PeopleAlison Williams here. Is this where I put an introduction?
I will keep this short, for it has nothing to do with me, and everything
to do with what I want to share. I suppose the two are interconnected in
more ways than I know, but I shall be brief all the same. I am a teacher
at the secondary campus of Abbotsford Christian School and this will be my
fourth time going to Nicaragua as a co-leader.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
I have always been a person who loves relationship... I love to love
people and I love it when they love me back. I always tell my students that
that is what life is about. Love God, Love People. I could consider
that my mantra really. Maybe that is why I find myself leaving my family
(and spring break) year after year to travel back to an intercity school and
the people we find inside. It is not just a school, they are
people. <br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Earlier this week I asked my husband, Kit, what he thought glory was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the collective person that he is, and
me being the “say the first thing that pops into your head” type of person I
am, I didn’t wait patiently for what he had to say, but I did not interrupt his
thoughts as he formulated them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said
that the first thing that came to his mind was an image of the clouds parting
and beams of light shining through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
asked some sort of probing question, (I can’t remember was it was because it
was probably the first thing that came to my mind and I just said it without
thinking about it and therefore not committing it to memory), and he then
responded with something like this: I think glory is when people do something
that reflects or reminds you of Jesus.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Glimpse of Glory… That is what this trip is about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what our relationship with Centro de
Fe is about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reflecting and reminding
others and ourselves of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus,
the ultimate lover of God and people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And while we live out these glimpses of glory in our day to day we might
even get a chance to shine brightly and break through some clouds.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
We look forward to sharing these stories of God’s glory when we encounter
them and when we create them over the next 11 days.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Love God, Love People.<o:p></o:p><br />
Nicaragua Team 2015http://www.blogger.com/profile/15305322332981384535noreply@blogger.com1