Most of my spiritual journey these days tends to revolve around either my students or my kids. Neither of which is bad, but makes for interesting perspectives on life and God. I'm always amazed at how God can teach us through the lives of others. I guess that is why we are on this journey of faith together.
Last night it was Dad Duty. I realize I haven't written about my adventures of Dad Duty when Brooke has to go to work in awhile. Almost every one yields a story worth sharing. I managed to keep everything under control last night until bedtime. Jake usually does a good job of lying down to go to sleep on his own, but last night, as soon as I laid him down he reached his arms back up for me and crawled up into my arms.
That is pretty unusual since he mostly does not like to be rocked to sleep. So there I am standing by his crib as he has crawled up into my arms and onto my chest. Go ahead girls... "aw"... I know. It was a special moment until my lower back and arms figured out he doesn't weigh 10 pounds anymore. Swaying back a forth with a small tank in your arms isn't easy on the body.
After I put him down I just reflected in the glory of the moment. I know those opportunities won't last forever. And I had forgotten the comfort and security of being held in my Heavenly Father's arms. What a gentle and warm embrace and a place of refuge. There is nothing like being held by the Father. "Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you" (Psalm 25:20). What a great promise from Scripture.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Summer Dreams...
It's hard for me to even type the words. Summer's over. You would think someone in student ministry who lives out of his suitcase the majority of the summer would be glad to be back in his own bed. And it's not that. It is always tough being away from my family and only being home for just a handful of days all summer long.
But it is equally as hard to say goodbye to summer. Primarily for spiritual reasons. Even though I do alot of 'giving' spiritually during the summer, I also receive quite a bit. It is so encouraging to not only encourage God's work in the lives of my students, but God always does a powerful work in my heart as well.
It is always hard to leave the mountaintop. Having concentrated times in God's presence is good for my heart. I can see why Peter said, "Let's pitch some tents and stay up here." Our hearts long for the mountaintop where God's presence is felt and seen. But valley dwelling calls to me. That's home and where I'm called to live and minister.
But I'm so grateful for the summer. I love the mountaintop. I love watching God move in powerful ways among our students and sharing that experience with them.
Camps and mission trips are done. My prayer is that God's work would continue to go forth as we pray His Kingdom come!
But it is equally as hard to say goodbye to summer. Primarily for spiritual reasons. Even though I do alot of 'giving' spiritually during the summer, I also receive quite a bit. It is so encouraging to not only encourage God's work in the lives of my students, but God always does a powerful work in my heart as well.
It is always hard to leave the mountaintop. Having concentrated times in God's presence is good for my heart. I can see why Peter said, "Let's pitch some tents and stay up here." Our hearts long for the mountaintop where God's presence is felt and seen. But valley dwelling calls to me. That's home and where I'm called to live and minister.
But I'm so grateful for the summer. I love the mountaintop. I love watching God move in powerful ways among our students and sharing that experience with them.
Camps and mission trips are done. My prayer is that God's work would continue to go forth as we pray His Kingdom come!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Mission Nicaragua :: Travel Update
We are stranded in Miami. Apparently AA is a shaky operation here in Miami. Last year we spent 5 hours in MIA. This year, I stood for 2 1/2 hours straight in line trying to get us on another flight. While the agent was working on multiple options (after even trying other airlines) I called Delta and was booking us on a flight while she was still helping me. Then I just handed her my cell phone to let her finish it up. So they have put us in a hotel and we fly out early in the morning on a direct flight back to Tally. Here's the info:
Delta Flight # 6156
8:35 am MIA - 10:05 am TLH
Delta Flight # 6156
8:35 am MIA - 10:05 am TLH
Mission Nicaragua :: Day 8
It's hard to believe that our work and time here in Nicaragua is done. Even though we have invested many hours of sweat, tears, hugs, laughter, giving, receiving, learning, growing and even stomach discomfort - it is going to be very hard for us to leave here in the morning. The reality of that set in for many of us today on the worksite. We are going to return to Diamaris' home in the morning to pray with her, dedicate her home to the Lord and to her family and even give gifts of clothing and supplies for their home. That will be a bittersweet time because we have grown so attached to her and her children. We didn't totally finish the house, which was disappointing for us, but it is amazing that in a few days working we were able to totally contruct a home (4 walls completed) around her existing home. All that remains is to put the roof on and then tear down her old home. We wish we could be here to see that, but the stone masons that were working with us will complete the home hopefully by Tuesday.
After working today, we had a powerful time of ministry and prayer at Sister Ruby's. She is a prayer warrior and always has a word from the Lord for us. God moved and spoke individually to our hearts in a mighty and authentic way. We have already started to process that time, but I'm sure it will take awhile for it to sink in and for God to complete the work that He has begun in our hearts this week. Only eternity will truly know what comes out of this week for our team.
We shared a special team meal tonight as we were able to eat out at a local restraunt. It was a fun time to be together and enjoy some great Nicaraguan dishes. We also had a suprise birthday party complete with a guest musical artist for Debbie.
All of us have great stories to share. Stories that reflect the lives of a short term missionary who has been impacted by seeing the Gospel go forth, through our hands and feet and has in turn changed our lives. I encourage you parents especially to give your student the gift of unhurried time, by sitting down with them and letting them talk. Encourage them to open up, ask good questions, and be ready to hear about the work God has done in their lives.
We have been so blessed to have been used by God as small people in the huge narrative of God's story. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the families who allowed us to go and for all those that have supported our team through financial resources and through prayer. And a special thanks goes out to my wife, who sacrificially gives to me time away to allow me to minister and be ministered to on missions like this.
After working today, we had a powerful time of ministry and prayer at Sister Ruby's. She is a prayer warrior and always has a word from the Lord for us. God moved and spoke individually to our hearts in a mighty and authentic way. We have already started to process that time, but I'm sure it will take awhile for it to sink in and for God to complete the work that He has begun in our hearts this week. Only eternity will truly know what comes out of this week for our team.
We shared a special team meal tonight as we were able to eat out at a local restraunt. It was a fun time to be together and enjoy some great Nicaraguan dishes. We also had a suprise birthday party complete with a guest musical artist for Debbie.
All of us have great stories to share. Stories that reflect the lives of a short term missionary who has been impacted by seeing the Gospel go forth, through our hands and feet and has in turn changed our lives. I encourage you parents especially to give your student the gift of unhurried time, by sitting down with them and letting them talk. Encourage them to open up, ask good questions, and be ready to hear about the work God has done in their lives.
We have been so blessed to have been used by God as small people in the huge narrative of God's story. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the families who allowed us to go and for all those that have supported our team through financial resources and through prayer. And a special thanks goes out to my wife, who sacrificially gives to me time away to allow me to minister and be ministered to on missions like this.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Mission Nicaragua :: Day 7
It's hard to put into words what exactly we have been seeing and experiencing everyday of life right outside the dump. I spent some time tearing down Diamaris' old walls, which consist of wood, pallates, scrap tin and cloth and was just really overwhelmed when I actually took in the sights of what she is living in - "her house." We got alot of work done today, nearly completing one wall and getting halfway up on the other walls. We had the whole team back out there - so everyone was in good health and ready to work and everyone gave their all as we are really hoping to get the house near completion before we leave.
Some of the team members had another great day playing with the neighborhood kids when they weren't mixing concrete, hauling blocks or making rebar forms. It is so much fun to interact with these kids as we are learning their games and just giving them some physical affection and undivided attention that they lack on a regular basis.
It's hard to believe that this adventure is almost over for us. Please continue to pray for us as we complete the mission God has given us. Sorry for no pics tonight... it's late and the connection is slow. Hopefully some tomorrow.
Some of the team members had another great day playing with the neighborhood kids when they weren't mixing concrete, hauling blocks or making rebar forms. It is so much fun to interact with these kids as we are learning their games and just giving them some physical affection and undivided attention that they lack on a regular basis.
It's hard to believe that this adventure is almost over for us. Please continue to pray for us as we complete the mission God has given us. Sorry for no pics tonight... it's late and the connection is slow. Hopefully some tomorrow.
Mission Nicaragua :: Day 6
UPDATED. I got some more time tonight after dinner to do an update and I hope to come back and do another one later tonight about today. Like I mentioned earlier, we put in a half day work with a full team! We mixed more concrete and put up more bricks. It's a slow process, but we are seeing progress as the walls go up. Some of the team were able to "work" by having fun and playing with the neighborhood children. They were out of school since it was a national holiday. Their faces light up when the gringos and gringas arrive... mainly because we come bearing gifts (courtesy of Oriental Trading), but because they love to play with us too. It is amazing to see their faces and countenance change when we play with them, despite the living conditions surrounding them.
In the afternoon, we took about an hour ride south to the beach! It was a fun and relaxing time for our team to spend together. This was the first time some members of our team had seen and swam in the Pacific. We all needed some down time and had a great time enjoying the beauty of God's creation here in Nicaragua.
We finally finished unpacking all our clothes and re-bagging them by size, etc. It was a tedious process but will help so much for the families the Buzbees work with. A large portion of the clothes will be given to the teachers in the Collegio de Esperanza (School of Hope) in La Trudecca (the dump). They will sell them to the families for a good price which also helps them boost their salary.
Our team time at night has been such an encouragement to me personally. I love hearing our students share their hearts about what God is teaching them and what they are learning. We are all processing alot and experiencing life like we have never seen or lived before. Please continue to pray for us as we finish up our work and ministry time here in Nicaragua.
In the afternoon, we took about an hour ride south to the beach! It was a fun and relaxing time for our team to spend together. This was the first time some members of our team had seen and swam in the Pacific. We all needed some down time and had a great time enjoying the beauty of God's creation here in Nicaragua.
We finally finished unpacking all our clothes and re-bagging them by size, etc. It was a tedious process but will help so much for the families the Buzbees work with. A large portion of the clothes will be given to the teachers in the Collegio de Esperanza (School of Hope) in La Trudecca (the dump). They will sell them to the families for a good price which also helps them boost their salary.
Our team time at night has been such an encouragement to me personally. I love hearing our students share their hearts about what God is teaching them and what they are learning. We are all processing alot and experiencing life like we have never seen or lived before. Please continue to pray for us as we finish up our work and ministry time here in Nicaragua.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Mission Nicaragua :: Day 5
It's pretty late for me here so I think I'll condense this a little bit tonight. Today was pretty similar with the girls painting at the Rescue Home and the guys working at Diamaris' home in La Trudecca. We both had some great opportunities to interact with the families as they have continued to open up to us. We are a huge hit among the children - especially me since I stuff my pockets full of goodies. Today the phrase was, "Gringo, perlota ami" (basic translation: "Hey white guy I want a ball") as I gave away inflatable beach balls. But it is such a joy to see the kids faces as they receive a toy to play with. Of course, then I have to prepare for the mob of neighborhood kids to rush in a swarm us!
We guys had to endure a torrential downpour on the jobsite that made for a very muddy afternoon of work. We had already started filling our trenches with rebar and concrete - I think all in all we made about 5 huge batches of concrete. But the rain filled our 1 remaining trench so we had to remove the water before we could continue... but we worked through the muck and finished the foundation today.
The girls started adding some decorative touches to the home. They painted flowers and Bible verses on the walls. This will be such a blessing and a stark contrast to the homes these girls will come from. Most of their homes are filthy and made of scrap pieces of tin found in the dump.
Tonight we had a great team time with Mike Buzbee as we got to hear his heart and hear some challenging and encouraging words from God's Word. This team is a great team and are really processing well what God is speaking to them and teaching them so far. We finished the evening with some encouraging words and prayers during our small group time. God is really stretching all of us and challenging our thoughts and views of life as it relates to living as a fully-devoted follower!
Thanks for the prayers for our sick stomachs. Most of the team has been able to endure the discomfort and work through it. Everyone was doing much better tonight and we pray that everyone will be able to join the teams for a day of work tomorrow.
We guys had to endure a torrential downpour on the jobsite that made for a very muddy afternoon of work. We had already started filling our trenches with rebar and concrete - I think all in all we made about 5 huge batches of concrete. But the rain filled our 1 remaining trench so we had to remove the water before we could continue... but we worked through the muck and finished the foundation today.
The girls started adding some decorative touches to the home. They painted flowers and Bible verses on the walls. This will be such a blessing and a stark contrast to the homes these girls will come from. Most of their homes are filthy and made of scrap pieces of tin found in the dump.
Tonight we had a great team time with Mike Buzbee as we got to hear his heart and hear some challenging and encouraging words from God's Word. This team is a great team and are really processing well what God is speaking to them and teaching them so far. We finished the evening with some encouraging words and prayers during our small group time. God is really stretching all of us and challenging our thoughts and views of life as it relates to living as a fully-devoted follower!
Thanks for the prayers for our sick stomachs. Most of the team has been able to endure the discomfort and work through it. Everyone was doing much better tonight and we pray that everyone will be able to join the teams for a day of work tomorrow.
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