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The Nicaragua Team met at the Fox River Waukesha campus early this morning looking bright-eyed and ready to go!
Ready to travel in the early morning hours in Waukesha
They've just boarded their last flight in Miami to Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. From there they will travel four hours on a bus to Selva Negra, where they will spend the night and then on to La Esmeralda tomorrow!
Four hours of team packing? Check. Too many to count last-minute trips to the store for less than five items? Check. Made sure you had your passport for the twentieth time today? Check. But what about Jesus in all of this? What about the spiritual preparation?
As a team we've been walking through the book of Acts starting June 1. Everyday we have been challenged to read and reflect on the passage(s) of scripture from the book of Acts selected. Reflecting on not only how this particular scripture applied to us on an individual basis, but as a team and as a part of the body of Christ all around the world.
Because the most vital part of going on this trip is making sure we are going with Jesus. Each one of us can go for Jesus. We can go and do great things and change lives - but our life won't be impacted as much if we were to go with Jesus. That vital part of a living relationship with Him is the only thing keeping us going on that mountain - He is the source and reason of it all.
Personally, to prepare, I've been waking up and reflecting on the many attributes of God I've had hanging on my wall for months. I wanted to fixate my mind and attitude on the God that is walking into these next few days right along side us. The God who has sealed each one of us with His Spirit. He is in control. He is always with us. And He is going to be at work within us and around us even when we cannot see it.
We are going with Jesus simply because we just want to be His hands and feet. His love through us is the only reason we are getting on this plane.
As the Nicaragua 2015 team prepares to leave tomorrow, we're taking a look back at highlights from last years's Nicaragua Mission Trip.
Enjoy the photos below or click on the 2014 - Nicaragua Young Adult category of the blog to read through the posts from that trip!
The Nicaragua team was commissioned at both the Waukesha and the Muskego campus yesterday and we know that the Waterford campus is supporting us in prayer as well.
It was so great being able to see and feel the support of the church as we prepare to leave for our trip this week. As Pastor Rob and Pastor Guy were praying for our team, they reminded us that our team is not simply just the 10 of us physically going over there. Our team includes each and everyone of you that lifted your hands and prayed over us, as well as all those that will continue to lift us up in prayer while we are there.
We are excited and hopeful for all that God is going to do in us and through us to further his kingdom. Will you continue to join us in prayer for our trip?
Thank you, Fox River, for being a part of our team.
Take a look at our Prayer Card for the 2015 Nicaragua Team below. Pick up a prayer card this weekend during our worship services at Fox River and pray for them as they get ready to leave on Thursday, June 18!
Yesterday/Saturday they made the long trip down the mountain and then on to the Managua area for some recreation, shopping and American style pizza. The team members who struggle with motion sickness all rode in the truck and made the journey just fine. Thank you for praying for them! Last night they spent the night in a hotel near the airport. At this time their flights home are on time.
1st flight:
AA1252 departs Managua at 11:30am and arrives in Miami at 4:10pm where they will clear passport control and customs. The flight is only about 3 hours, but there is a +2 hour time difference.
2nd flight:
AA1618 departs Miami at 6:30pm and arrives at O'Hare in Chicago at 8:45pm. This flight is just over 2.5 hours.
If the flights are on time and all goes well with luggage, the team should be at the Fox River Waukesha campus around 11pm
Please pray for them as they journey home!
Denise
Our team shirts represent our strategic partnership. We work together, Americans and Nicaraguans, to be the light of God in the community of La Esmeralda, Nicaragua.
The team enjoyed their last day on the mountain today as they provided fun activities for those waiting to see the doctor at the clinic. In the afternoon they were privileged to help give out some of the boots provided through the Fox River fundraiser. Those boots are an incredible blessing to each one who received a pair. Proper footwear is so important to help prevent many diseases and proper footwear in the cloud forest is boots. While not much money by American standards, they are out of the price range of many we minister to in La Esmeralda. This evening they had one last opportunity to share their My Story books and packed the bus because at 7am tomorrow/Saturday, they will load the bus for the trip down the mountain to begin their journey home. There are several on the trip who struggle with motion sickness. The main road is being repaired so they have to take a route down that takes about twice as long. There is another long journey once they are off the mountain and hit the main highway. Please pray that they will be able to avoid severe motion sickness so they can enjoy the rest of the day.
The team will go to a large lake in a volcano to enjoy some recreation and a final meeting before they head to the hotel by the airport and prepare to fly home on Sunday morning.
Please pray for them as they continue to process through all that God is showing them and doing through them because they have taken this journey. Pray for those on the mountain who have come to love them and have been touched by their acts of service. Pray for safety as they begin their journey home.
I know each one is anxious to share their story with you. You are an important part of their journey.
Thank you!
Today was another great day in Nicaragua. This morning they held VBS in a small one room school in one of the communities a bit farther way from La Esmeralda. They were told to expect 50 students, but planned for 75 just in case. Because of the small building and nice weather, they held all of their activities outside. That drew a crowd and by the end of their time they did 150 crafts with the children while another 50+ adults watched the games, songs and Bible story. What a blessing! The afternoon found them walking through this hills hanging mosquito nets. They heard some great stories about the impact this act of service and generosity had on the community. Thank you to all of you who purchased a net to hang in a needy home!
This evening they walked to Don Hugo's home for a bon fire and more sharing of the My Story books.
Tomorrow, Thursday, they will hold their final VBS in a neighboring school. Lunch will be by the waterfall after which I'm sure there will be some swimming. It's beautiful there! They will get cleaned up for the evening service in which Brent will be preaching. Please pray for him as he will be working with a translator. I'm sure it will be a great evening!
Thank you for being a part of this journey through your support and prayer!
Denise
Flat tire on the trailer on the way home from OHare with the medical team. New estimated time of arrival at Fox River Waukesha is around 9pm.
