2013 - Nicaragua High School Trip

Thursday Update

Today's communication did not have the best connection, but I did receive the message that the team is doing very well. Today was the final VBS. All of them have gone very well and the kids did great! This afternoon the weather cleared and they hiked to the waterfall for some fun time. The youth rally last night was very successful. There were around 80 attending. There is another youth rally tonight and the final one tomorrow evening.

The best part..........they were able to get some pictures to me. Stay tuned and I will share the pictures in the next post.

Denise

Wednesday Update

Missionary Brian Weed just called. He had to make a run down the mountain to purchase purified water. He had a cell signal and was able to call. The team is doing great and great things are happening in La Esmeralda! Here are some bulletin points from our conversation: **Health: for the most part, they are all doing well. No injuries, but Timothy, Libby and Megan had a bit of digestive trouble for a few hours. It passed quickly and they are back on their feet again.

**Rain: they have had a ton of it! However, Brian said every time they need it to stop, it has stopped! Keep praying that rain will not hinder their activities.

**VBS: VBS #3 in a local grade school went well this morning. One more to go tomorrow.

**Mosquito nets: handing out mosquito nets and the gospel at the same time has gone well. They have done that in 2 different areas now. Brian said they have seen salvation decisions during this outreach time.

**Language barrier: this seems to be going well. Brian's whole family is there to help translate (Rachel & their 3 daughters), missionary Donna Woodson, Yami, Daniel, Pastor Dennis who also speaks English and some of the teens know some Spanish as well. That has helped overcome this barrier.

**Rustic living: Brian says he thinks they have adjusted to their jungle dwelling and have done a great job overcoming the obstacles and hardships. There was a bit of a stir when some jungle rats found their way into the girl's room a couple of nights ago. Oh my! Won't those stories be fun to hear!!

**Bathing in the river: yep, they put on their swimsuits and bath in the river. The boys went yesterday and this afternoon some of the girls were going to give it a try. Imagine how cold those mountain streams would be.

All in all, Brian spoke highly of the team and all the good that is happening because of their serving. Please keep praying for them! Health and safety Weather to clear when needed Youth rallies tonight and the next 2 nights One more VBS for the kids tomorrow morning Life change - in our team and as they reach out to those in Nicaragua. They will never be the same after this incredible adventure!

They send their love and gratitude that you are standing behind them in this!

Denise

Monday, July 22

The word from La Esmeralda is.....Phenomenal! The things that have been attached to that word: **the attitude of the team - they are doing great! The water was out in the La Esmeralda area yesterday. They had some in reserve and everyone did well in dealing with limited water for all things related to personal needs. The water is back on now. There was a lot of rain last night and the kids are pretty water logged, but their attitudes have been great and they are improvising. Donna and Jessie made the drive into town to buy fresh produce for meals and purchased boots for some of the kids who needed dry footware. The weather began to clear in the afternoon so they are hopeful that the worst of the storm has passed. In the cloud forrest there is usually rain every day, but not like the rain they have gotten over the last few days.

**the first VBS the team put on in the grade school this morning. They did a great job working as a team, pushing through the language barriers and reaching out to the kids.

Tonight they have events plan with the teens. Tomorrow they will go into the community to distribute mosquito nets.

Please pray for the following: 1. Good weather & creativity to flex when plans have to be changed. 2. Continued health - everyone is doing fine. 3. Boldness to share their God story tomorrow as they walk through the community. Adjustment as they share their story through translators. 4. Unity - to keep a thankful, servants heart as they work together to bless, encourage and share the Gospel in La Esmeralda.

They are living an amazing adventure and so appreciate all the love, support and prayer they continue to receive from all of you!

Denise

Safe Arrival in La Esmeralda

I just got word that the team made it safely up the mountain to La Esmeralda. They had some delays getting out of Matagalpa because of a festival that caused some of the streets to be shut down. The trip up the mountain was slow going so they missed most of the morning service. The team had their first look at where they will be staying. After making some adjustments, they are all set. The team in Nicaragua has outfitting a large house to serve as a dorm for the team so they can stay in La Esmeralda this week. They will be unplugged and out of communication. This will be a very different experience for them.

Missionary Brian Weed challenged the team to listen to God this week and consider Whether they are searching for success or significance in life.

They are going to an evening service at church tonight and will be preparing for tomorrow's activities.

The ability to communicate with them is very limited because there is no internet and cell coverage is spotty at best. I will post when I get informtion. Jessie will attempt to get to a place where she can post pictures a couple of times during the week if possible.

There has been a lot of rain because of a tropical storm. Thank you for praying for each member of the team as they serve God together in some challenging circumstances. Jessie said everyone is doing great.

They have a great week ahead of them!

Denise

Sunday Morning

After a good night's sleep the team will have breakfast and begin the drive to La Esmeralda at 8:30am our time. They expect it to take 1.5 hours to complete the journey because of the road conditions. We are thankful that our partners in Nicaragua are careful and taking good care of our team. It is such a blessing that they were able to make a way for the team to stay in La Esmeralda so they don't need to make that journey up and down the mountain every day. Thank you for praying for them!Denise

Looking for La Esmeralda on a map? You probably won't find it. La Esmeralda is between Matagalpa and Jinotega.