Can it be done? Can I really get to Central America and back without waking up befor 5 am at all? This is the brave feat I will be attempting Friday June 6th and Saturday June 14th!
Yes, I'm headed to Nicaragua on a missions trip with some fellow people from Collee Park. I've done this trip for two years, and both years have been encourging, uplifting, and fantastic experiences!!!
I will be mainly working with the teachers at the Christian school we support, doing seminars on Biblical integration, motivation, and Christ-like teaching, using things I have learned while working at Heritage, and using Spanish to communicate effectively!! It is neat for my professional skills to combine with my language skills. Others on the team will also be working in the seminars, our pastor is doing a pastor seminar, and some will be doing some construction work.
The hardest part on these repeat trips for me is to NOT idealize previous years, and to realize that everything will be different this year, and to welcome that and welcome the good that the changes bring.
This year will bring its own set of challenges and need for prayer, so please be praying! We need the usual prayer for safety and health, of course, and also this year I think we need extra prayers for love and wisdom as we meet new and challenging situations, as personal dynamics among Nicaraguans have shifted since last year.
I would beg for your prayers for me personally, as well. I really want this time in Nicaragua to be an immense spiritual refreshment for my soul. I need renewal, to get back to excitement about the core of Jesus, and to share that joy openly with others. I need renewal from the Lord so that I can encourage the other teachers I am working with. I need clarity as to my future, and perhaps it can happen here. I need my heart to be centered in the Lord, and perhaps during this time he can do that.
I'll post pictures and a report when I get back!
