Homeward bound.

 Today we woke up at 4:50 am and took a 5 minute shuttle to the airport. Travel home was great. The only bummer thing was 3 of our bags didn't make it with us to Chicago which the airline ended up shipping to our houses. Other than that we were all glad to be home and glad to have had an awesome week serving God!

Volcano of fire and water

So a week has slipped by and I haven't finished the blog. I'm sure you all know by now but just in case =) This entry is for Monday the 21st.

Today was our tourist aka fun day. After we said our goodbyes to the awesome kitchen ladies, packed our bus and loaded in, and picked up all the staff at the church we took off to go shopping for souvenirs and some sight seeing.

 The first place we went to was an active volcanoe. It was awesome. We could look right over the crater wall into the "pits of hell". The missionaries, feeling the volcanoe was demon possessed, erected a cross in the 1800's to excercise the demons. (Strange the missionaries were acting like heathens.)







After that we went to a place to buy stuff. That was really fun being able to barter for prices and seeing what cool trinkets there were.From there we went to another volcano that is extinct and now is a lake. It was the most beautiful like any of us had ever seen. The water was crystal clear, warm, and we had a 20 foot dock to jump off of into 15 feet of amazing water. It was sooooooo fun.


After we had worn ourselves out from swimming we headed back to our hotel for the night, had our missions trip debrief, ate dinner, and turned in for the night. Big travel days the tomorrow!

Sunday - sun + Father's Day = Today

Today we woke up to rain. Surprise I know. Here we are in the tropics and it's raining.....who would have thought. After breakfast and getting ready for Sunday services we went to the church in Managua. During the morning services we served some 60 kids a breakfast of watermelon, toast and a small piece of another fruit at the Feeding Center. Brian said this was probably their best breakfast of the week for some and the best meal of the week for others. The lower class, at least in Managua, mostly eat rice and beans. Rarely meat and hardly over fresh fruit. It was awesome to have our devo's this morning tie into this with  "what ever you do to the least of these you have done to me."

After that we went to lunch and just hung out in the mall just to relax a while. Then we were off to round two of the Feeding Center. Due to the rain, of which Nicaraguans are superstitious of and wont let their kids out in it.....again........Surprise I know.....here we are in the tropics and people are afraid of rain.......Neways we would have feed about 180 but due to the rain we feed maybe 90 or so. Amanda taught the story of the worldless book and then we all just served the kids meals, toys, candy, and played a little with them. We were going to run AWANAS but since they do it outside the rain but a nix on that too.


Tonight is our last night in our hostel. Tomorrow we pack up and go on our fun day which everyone is very excited about. We have two surprises in store for the teens. Most of them figured out one. I'd blog the other one but then they'd read that before we went and that kinda kills the whole suspense and anguish thing=)

I think we are over the bug. No more new members of the Vomiteers. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

We all would like to say Happy Father's Day to all our dads! We can't be with you but we love you guys and we'll see you soon. Good night all.

Bus Ninja and the Vomiteers!

Today we traveled into the rural farm areas of LaEsmerelda where we built the clinic. We did Vacation Bible School for children, and later for teens, at the church that is there. I heard so many cool stories that I thought  I would let everyone blog their favourite moment of the day.

Daniel; I can’t really say I had a favorite moment today. Maybe it was holding our bus drivers loaded fire arm he carries with him at all times and finding the safety is never on. Perhaps it was throwing up at 1:30 at night and the only sympathy I receive is Ethan yelling at me for being sick and waking it up. Maybe it was getting stuck in the pouring rain in our bus unable to get up a hill, getting all the guys wet and muddy then continuing our 5 hour bus ride in that condition. Whatever the memory, Mom, I’m not dead yet, fyi.

Chloe: There was quite a bit going on today, which equals a lot of different memories.  Some were a tad gross, like half of the team vomiting their guts out, but there was a bright side.  Bryan created a new team name; the vomiteers, it was hilarious, we even had a cheer (complete with puking noises).  On a more serious note, it was so amazing to see the people of such a rural area come out to participate in a bible school that was run by gringos, they looked truly happy to be there.  The little kids were adorable and they went crazy when we played games and handed out snacks and toys.  There was also the teen VBS, which was equally as fun.  I think we all touched lives today, and I think the team was touched as well. I’ve also enjoyed spending time with the team, we have had so many laughs and inside jokes and the trip isn’t even over yet.  I love getting to know the people that have the same passion as me.  I have had so much fun on the bus and plane rides, if there were anywhere but here in Nicaragua and with different people, it wouldn’t be the same.  So to sum it all up, I have enjoyed every aspect of this country, the people, the landscapes and scenery, and Donnie is asking me if I’m done, so………….I have to go=]  Oh, and Caleb and I almost got married in a chapel, but I got cold feet, literally,lol. (Parents, don’t get worried, too much, a pastor just accidentally almost married us)

Ethan: I taught a girl how to puke like a champ today, your welcome Mr. and Mrs. Lambrecht.

Caleb: My name is Caleb Conn and I’m the most awesome person on this trip. Just saying, I now have an arch enemy b/c I’m good at what I do, AKA Psychology and eliminating a couple of mafia members from our ranks. I have to say my favorite moment may in fact be… *drum roll please* having no energy in the generator up at the Church in La Esmeralda and my team went with the punches to perform one of our skits without its music. That or, the Disney Sing-A-Long in the bus. I do have to say that after my promotion as protector of the group (this is when I was placed in charged of the machete) I was feeling pretty fly. Thanks to God for getting us up that clay hill and thanks for all your prayers. –Be love. Live love.-

Luke: The past few days I have really enjoyed interacting with the natives, being able to speak Spanish a lot, and just seeing God’s working in the lives of the brothers and sisters here.  But I have to say, my favorite part of the day was getting my first tattoo with her name on it. ;-D

Madison: Hmm…well, the day started out with half the team puking, and the other half singing the Vomiteere Song (composed by our missionary Bryan), which was definitely disgustinggg. After we got onto the road though, we got to see probably one of the most beautiful landscapes known on earth… how people leave Nicaragua after seeing it, im not sure, because I absolutely fell in love with it. Seeing the mountains and jungles just made you stop in amazement and think about how perfect everything god’s created is. I didn’t get to see much of the VBS unfortunately, because I ended up taking an hour nap on the bus, trying to fight back a stomach ache- luckily, I made it down the mountain with no accidentsJ All in all, today was another adventure that I wont ever forget…especially getting stuck in the mud on the mountain.

Beth: So my favorite part of today was… watching Daniel lead the little kids at VBS in a game of “Do This, Do That.” The kids were super excited and having a blast. Their faces just were lit up with joy. This was my favorite because, as we all know kids is a passion of mine, and seeing them super excited and happy just brings joy and passion to my life. The VBS went well in my book. We had last min changes, but as a team we worked through it, and got the job done.

I am super glad for the team that has been put together for this trip, and God is doing amazing things in each one of our lives and allowing us to do great things for His kingdom and glory.

Alaina: This trip is indescribably awesome! The people here are extremely friendly and kind.I must say it’s very different from America, Americans are much more materialistic.  Getting involved with the kids and the teens today was something I’ll never forget.  I never seen so many little faces light up from receiving bouncy balls and yoyos. Also the bus got stuck up the hill and all the boys had to get out and push in the rain and mud, but after all the praying and the boys hard work we got through it!

Amanda: Oh where to start with this day! I am now an official member of the Vomiteeres! I was sick for the grand majority of the day but oddly enough today was one of my favorites! We got to do VBS with all the little kids and I can’t even describe the joy in their eyes. I have had a true sense of accomplishment throughout this entire trip, but today it was multiplied by like 100. The kids are so happy with the littlest things and it really makes me take a second look at all of the things in my life that I take for granted. Another favorite for the day was definitely when Jessie mistook me for a Nicaraguan…legit. Watching they boys try to get the bus up the hill was also pretty amusing. I can’t believe there are only 3 days left! I’m not ready to leave!!!! Love you family!! :)

Mike- Dear Mom and Dad,

I love you.

Nick: I love seeing God work through us in the lives of the people we are encountering. One of the greatest things thus far on the trip happened today. it was during VBS (in which, it was obvious that God’s hand was present and active. How else could a bunch of “United States-ian” Gringos share God’s love? J) I was holding a boy that was probably about three years old, and we were spinning in circles singing and dancing to Father Abraham in Spanish.

            I’m just praising God that there “happened” to be another bus in the vicinity that we were stuck in and that they “happened” to have a pair of chains. Otherwise, idk what would’ve happened.   

            One more thing. Dad, if you are reading this, I just want to say, Happy Fathers day. I’m thinking of you and love you from the Jungles in Nicaragua. Love you too Sam! lol

Don:  So I’ve narrowed it down to 2. The first one was a story that Brian told me about Dennis, the young man in training to be the pastor at LaEsmarelda. Dennis’ father, for no  reason and with no warning, sold their family farm.  All of the people in that area are famers. It’s all they know. It’s what they grew up doing. Inheriting the farm from their parents, or at least part of it so they can buy their own land with the profits, is how people make there living. Dennis only knows coffee. And now with no land, he has no hope and no future. Brian encouraged him. God says he will be faithful to us…..he has a plan…..Perhaps God is going to use him in amazing ways that, had he been farming, couldn’t otherwise do. Dennis is going Gangbusters up their and livin’ it up for God……with no land……no hope……no future. To me it’s both a slightly depressing story and also an overwhelming and inspiring story of what living by faith really looks like. (phhhtt….I’m so pathetic in comparison).

The second one is how The Bus Ninja, aka Louis, struck again! We have had some monster rainfalls the last few days and we were on our way back out of LaEsmerelda when we hit a very steep hill that was impossibly muddy. Louis tried to book it up the hill but we got stuck in the mud just as the rain clouds came right down on top of us. It was raining soooooo hard. All the guys….well…..most of the guys (somehow Daniel and Luke got out of that duty) got out and tried to push the bus up. That didn’t work but tire chains loaned to us from another bus did. What memories.

Tip Top and the Mafia.....at 4,000feet

So I’ve got to catch you up since yesterday. We didn’t have internet access so here it is……

Today we traveled to LaEsmarelda.  We have a couple of sick people on the bus today. About 5 of our team have some type of stomach bug. We are fairly certain it’s not the food or water since Kelly, one of the Nicaraguans and our translator, also got sick. It seems to come on suddenly and then last a few days. So we are praying for fast recovery.

Our trip up was fairly uneventful. We stopped at Tip Top, their version of KFC, for lunch and then got caught in a good ol’ fashion jungle downpour. The trip from mere feet from sea level to some 4,000ft is pretty cool here. You can literally watch the clouds come closer to the road as you begin the 4 hour drive into the cloud forests of  the Nicaraguan mountains.

Once we reached the cloud forests and everyone got settled in their rooms at Selva Negra Resort, most of us trekked through the jungle on some hiking trails. Many of the team saw Howling Monkeys, a few saw some Jungle Boars and others saw many cool birds. Brian, our missionary, said we are the luckiest trip he’s ever had.

After dinner most everyone played the longest ever game of Mafia. By days end a few more caught the bug we are sharing with each other……we’re just sharing the love. Nearly everyone turned in by 9:30pm. Tired for sure……yet looking forward to tomorrow.

Painting, Soccer, sweat... and NINJA!!!

   Woke up to a beautiful, sunny day. But of course that doesnt mean anything in Nicaragua. We go from sunshine to rain and clouds back to sun in 1.5 seconds straight. Another work day today at the church, finishing up some conrete work, the stairs look great! Good job guys! Got some painting done in the sunday school rooms, sanding rusty bars and painting is messy work, but it was an awesome experience to get to serve and humble ourselves. All the guys who worked on stairs the past couple days finally got the chance to go out and experience Nicaraguan culture. Handing out pamplets from the church, door to door, house to house. They have some awesome stories! Especially Ethan, next time you see him ask him about his awesome God-breathed experience.  
   After lots of hard work, sweat and dirt, and also quite a few laughs, we finished up around lunch time. We went to the local mall where they had a Papa Johns pizzeria, oh my goodness. We ordered waaaaaayyyyy to much pizza, still have 4 boxes in the fridge. But it was really good! After lunch we headed back to the Christian group home, showered up and had some just relaxation time. Layed out on the hammocks for a little while. I broke a mug. To much swinging hammocks... LOL. Made a rule, no blow darts till 5 o'clock.
   At 5:00 pm, we left on the bus with our trusty driver louis, on our way back to the church for the weekday church service. When we got there, we had lots of greetings to make, lots of holas and buenas. Started the service off with some worshiping in spanish. Wow. That was absolutely amazing! Although half the time we had no idea what we were singing, but you could just feel God working. It was awesome to be able to share that time with them, even though there is a slight language barrier, we could still all come together and worship the same God. Prayer and a very nice introduction from brian in spanish of course, some more songs. After all that we proceeded with our "Everything" skit. Im sure you'll be seeing a video of it at some point. We prayed that we would be able to present the skit in a way that it could be understood by the Nicaraguans. I honestly truly believe that God was working through the skit tonight. Next came a sermon from Donnie, translated by brian. When an alter call was called in the prayer, nearly half the church was up there. Including our team. 
   After sermon, coffee and fellowship with everyone, some craziness and ninja of course. I almost thought the kids would never let Daniel leave, they literally tied him to the bus. Just hanging out happened after that. Im running out of time, everyones yelling at me. so this is all. Ttyl. hope alls well.
  
   

Mariachi Blow Darts

Apparently when you celebrate any type of big surprise party in Nicaragua you do so with a Mariachi Band.....and this was our alarm clock at 5:30am this morning.  Just imagine; sleeping peacefully in a hammock on the porch in tropical Nicaragua, some birds are singing honey sweet melodies to the raising sun, sleep is beautiful......... and suddenly out of no where "reeeeeeeee rrra  ra ra ra" and then an amazingly loud procession of trumpets, violins, guitars, and well dressed singers all at 5:30.......in .......the........morning!  ah the memories. Carolyne, the owner of this hostel we are staying in, had her surprise 60th birthday party. She had no idea it was happening but she shared the experience with us. The mix of reactions in the group was quite varied.........lets just say we found out really quick who the morning people of our group are. Hey, it's not everyday you get woken up by a mariachi band.


Work time started with a bang today.  We finished cutting the steps into the hill, laying down the stonework and mortaring, putting a second coat of paint on the 1st floor class rooms and hallways, painting a 2nd floor class room, painting the water tower, and tons of land scaping. Everyone has been working soooo hard and everyone is having soooooo much fun at the same time. Our energy as a team was palpable.

During our outreach today our Skit team did a skit that Caleb wrote about how God's special creation, us, chose to not follow him. It showed how sin separated us from God and how God made a way for us to come back to him. The did an amazing job! It was received very well and many people made decisions to  live a life of  for God.

Volleyball time today was even better than yesterday. I'm not sure if it was due to watching Brian, the missionary, and Wilfredo, the pastor at the church we are working with, being the biggest kids in the joint, or if it was the Blow Dart Game we taught all the Nicaraguans, or if it was the final stage of the volleyball tournament. The Blow Dart Game has become our official team game and truthfully it has done a lot to bring us together as a team. It goes like this: you have to call someone's name, make eye contact and then blow an imaginary blow dart at that person. If that person looks at you and makes eye contact with you when you call, they have to put their hands around their neck to block your blowdart. If you don't get your hand up in time you have to become paralysed until someone pulls out the imaginary dart. Daniel taught this game to the Nicaraguans tonight and that was just crazy. So when you see a bajillion pictures of everyone holding their necks you know they were protecting themselves from deadly venom.

Tonight around dinner everyone spontaneously started telling about the day and everyone was feeling and seeing the same thing: God is at work.....in our lives.....in the Nicaraguan's lives.....and through our team. Keep prayin it up!