As we prepared to untie our heartstrings, we
spent last evening acknowledging what God had done, both in our own hearts and
team, and also in the communities where we served. What a blessing and encouragement to
recognize that the cries of our heart to the Lord had gone neither unheard nor
unanswered. We reflected on a greater
unity among classmates and team, and hearts broken for those in circumstances
seemingly less fortunate than our own.
We also noted that the Lord had answered our prayers for courage to step
out of our comfort zones to serve and to be bold in sharing.
But, as we loosened up those heartstrings
attached to the Nica people, we had to begin to ask the question, “What now?” Time has been spent discussing and pondering
how to continue on in the strength of the Lord, in boldness, in compassion and
in great courage – to do the work the Lord has called us on to do in our own
land…our own school. We pray for the
courage to run the race with continued courage, perseverance and unity.
Mrs. Heys,
chaperone
The last
week has revealed strengths and weaknesses, courage and shyness, comfort and
especially discomfort. Our comfort zones were violated, in a good way (a God
way), to reach out to those who did not have voices and those who needed a healing
touch. I admit that I was unprepared for Nicaragua, but Nicaragua was ready for
our team, and God used that to our benefit. As this trip draws to a close there
are mixed emotions of encouragement and discouragement, happiness and sorrow;
no one could truly show us how this would feel. But God had a plan and a
purpose for each and every one of us on this trip, and although none of us
could foresee what would happen, God had it all worked out.
When we
arrived at the airport at around 5:20 am this morning, we did not expect to be
waiting there for nine hours. Half of us will be staying in Atlanta tonight, and we
are unsure as to what God will have in store for us. But we trust in his good,
pleasing, and perfect will.
The thing
that I will miss most about the beautiful country of Nicaragua is the loving
people. Our personal bubbles were crushed but we were blessed with the joy that
appeared on every Nica’s face. The simple waves at the bus, the random
handshakes, and the warm hugs were all a great blessing to me. I know that for
many of us the little children will always have a special place in our hearts. The
mission trip might be done, but the journey is not over; it is never over. I
hope to come back with a renewed passion for Jesus and to love all people
around me.
Despite a
sick crew member and a shutdown of a plane computer, we sit here on our way home; then over
the deep blue sea and the wispy clouds we soar.
But God is in control; guiding
our path, continuing to be our Protector, and continuing to work—in the lives
of the Nicas and through Project H.O.P.E.
Emily
Christofferson
Note:
The flight
from Managua to Atlanta was delayed today due to an ill flight attendant. We
had to wait for them to fly one down from the U.S. In the meantime, the customer
service agents worked very diligently for over two hours to try to get us all
out on one flight, to no avail. They were able to get half of our group booked all
the way through to Bozeman today (hopefully), but there were absolutely no more
seats available.
Update:
The group
that went through Houston is stuck there overnight. We’ll leave it up to them
to explain. ;o)
We landed in
Atlanta a while ago and are waiting for luggage that may or may not come
because it was checked all the way to Bozeman. Praise the Lord, ya gotta love
it! :o)
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