Reflection

Jessica Kneeland

 

Our missions trip to Nicaragua had a huge impact on my life. I was able to see how God is working all over the world. I also was able to see the importance of the gospel. Nothing is more worthwhile than giving your life to share the love of Jesus Christ with people. I also realized that we can be "missionaries" not only in Nicaragua, but wherever God might have us.

 

I was challenged to be intentional in all my relationships and to point people to Christ through all I do. It was amazing to see the Nicaraguans worship God. I was encouraged and challenged to put my all into worship and not to worry about what anyone might think of me. Seeing the passion the missionaries have for the gospel, even after the recent death of their daughter, challenged me to trust God through whatever He might allow into my life.

 

 

The trip changed my life by giving me more of a heart for evangelism and sharing the gospel with other people. The trip also reinforced my plans for the future. I would like to maybe go into full time ministry and want to plan my college education around that. This trip also showed me that I definitely want a career involving children and working with them. I have learned a lot about leadership and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to do what God wants you to do. I was extremely blessed by this trip and am so thankful that I had that amazing opportunity.



 



More Reflections

Vale May

Before the trip I thought that I knew pretty much what to expect  while we would be down in Nicaragua. I had talked with members of previous teams, seen pictures, and gone through various studies, but nothing could have completely prepared me for what I saw and experienced.

 

One of the first things that I took notice of is how little they have yet how joyful they are. It was hard not to smile when you were around the kids. Also the people had a desire to worship God that we do not see in America. Honestly, our American services are boring compared to the way that Nicaraguans do it. They could easily spend a half-hour on one song repeating it over and over again.

 

These people could, in a very real sense, see what God was doing in their lives and how He was providing for them. He does the same thing for us but I think that we are too distracted by the many things in our lives to be looking for His daily provisions for us. On this trip I really got to see the power of prayer and how absent it was in my life. Like I said before, we really get to see God working if we just look for how He is doing so. The unity that we have in Christ is amazing. We were people from a country thousands of miles away with a far different culture, different social and economic statuses, but we were still brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe that the team also grew immensely in unity as well.  

 

Before this trip I never really saw the excitement on a foreign missions field. But I can confidently say that, missions is where the action is. And that missions field extends across the entire globe.

 

 

 

Eli Gossack

 

NICARAGUA WAS AMAZING!! I was impacted so much by how the people of Nicaragua are so grateful and resourceful. I also learned that we as Americans do not focus on other people as much as we should. We are always worried about how this and that is going to work out; instead we should be taking the tie to learn about, and invest in, other people. I realized how much time I spend thinking about myself instead of thinking about others' interests and needs.

 

I was also challenged by how the Nicas always are so passionate in their walk with Christ. When they sing, they always sing at the top of their lungs and seem so grateful for what the Lord has done for them and who He is. When they pray in a group, everyone is praying out loud at the same time. At first, I was a little shocked at the hubbub, but then I thought about how easily I get distracted when one person is praying is a group setting. This challenged me to work on praying with the person who is leading a group prayer.

 

I grew so much on this trip and am so excited for the future that the Project H.O.P. E. ministry has in Nicaragua.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some Reflections

Daniel Newman

 I can honestly say that God worked in me and in my classmates in ways that I never expected.

First, the people saw the love of Christ through us. Yes, I knew this would happen but I didn’t know that that many would see us. We saw a so many people on the work sites, in the churches, and in their own homes. God also showed me that the trash in our lives can serve as a greater purpose to eventually lead someone else to Christ.

Second, I saw a major heart change in my classmates and in myself. This is what I have been asking God for since 6^th grade. God has truly amazed me.

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 E--- K---------

 



Something that impacted me in Nicaragua was how kind the people are. You can wave to random people on the street and they will smile and wave back. Even though their lives are a lot harder than ours, they find the time and energy to be nicer.

Since Nicaragua, I have been a lot more motivated to do things. After seeing what they do daily, my tasks seem much easier and more rewarding.

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Nick Jackson

On the Nicaraguan mission trip, God showed me that through extremely difficult circumstances, He provides. He is faithful and has helped Project H.O.P.E. a lot. Most of the Nica people have absolutely nothing and Project H.O.P.E. has changed that by building homes and providing commodities. He has shown me that most of what we experience in our daily lives doesn't even compare to what the Nicaraguan people go through every day. They have stayed true to Christ and God has blessed them because of that. God has changed my life after the trip by helping me to not be so self-centered and encouraging me to help those in need. He has changed the way I look at hard times and He has also changed my attitude toward those who are in need. This trip was a great learning experience for me and I am very glad that I went on it.

**********

 



Jordan Nuss

 

The mission trip to Nicaragua was one of the most memorable trips I have had. God taught me that humility is a key thing in life. One of the pastors that we built a house for was a huge example of living a life full of humility. I definitely enjoyed being around him and his family. Also, the people were not afraid to sing their hearts out to Jesus; they weren't worried if they had a bad singing voice. Their hearts are filled with so much joy even though they live in houses with dirt floors and have no money; they still have something to be joyful about, and that is Jesus.

One of the things that I will take away from this trip is the concept of being a team. We all became so close to one another. I was not looking forward to all of us being dirty, sweaty and cramped in tight spaces, but in the end it was super fun and we had some pretty good laughs. Even now, as we are all back home, we are still close to one another.

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Macy Shea

 

During the Nicaragua mission trip, God showed me how selfish and spoiled we as Americans are. And He also showed me how to be grateful. We have so much compared to them. Most live in one room houses with dirt floors and yet they still are happy. They don't complain. God is enough.

Nothing from this world will make us eternally happy, except Christ; from Him we have joy. And I think in a culture that is so focused on material possessions, we often see our circumstances as a source of our joy, instead of God and His blessings being what our joy comes from. And in Nicaragua you could see that they had pure joy from what God has done for them.

An example that stood out to me the most was when we visited Furia Santa and the young men and all the little kids were singing at the top of their lungs, raising their hands, with not a care in the world what people thought of them. They were just praising Jesus. And that really challenged me. Do I praise the Lord, not caring what others may think of me? God sent His son to die for sinners like me and I don't even give Him the praise He deserves.

Also, from this trip I have seen how God works in people's lives and how miracles do happen and how Christ really does have the power to save. I didn't just hear about it - I saw it, which is amazing! And it has really inspired me to continue with my desire of going to the mission field when I'm older. I loved spending time with the people and the kids, and it is something I would really like to do all the time. I just loved it all!

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Elisabeth Oswell

 

There were so many things that impacted me while we were in Nicaragua! I feel like I was changed more by this trip than the impact we made. Just to keep things short I will list only a few.

First, I was blown away by the way God worked in my heart, my classmates' hearts and the hearts of the staff at Project H.O.P.E.

Second, I was very blessed by the people of Nicaragua! The staff at Project H.O.P.E. served us by cooking for us and by doing our sweaty, gross laundry. They always did it with kindness and without complaining. Even the translators that went with us to the job site were filled with joy. They pitched in and helped build the houses and do the dirty work, and they showed me what true joy really looks like. Yes, you can still be completely joyful even while working in the hot sun and building a house Nica-style!

I was also extremely blessed by the people we came in contact with. What we did for them didn't seem like a big deal to us, especially in the grand scheme of things. But just by spending time with them and building a very simple house while showing them Christ's love, we impacted their lives in a huge way. And once we finished our time with them, they were so grateful!

I was also so amazed by the hunger the people had for God! Worshiping with the Nica people blessed me so much! It did not matter how long the song went (and sometimes it went for a very long time!), they continued to worship Christ with everything they had.

And last, but not least, I was impacted by the unity our team had on this trip! We really came together and did some amazing things as a team, but I know it was totally and completely because of God. He is the one that brought unity to our team.

The biggest thing that changed in me was my love for missions! I was never that person that thought I could live on the mission field, but now I am rethinking that. I loved those children in Nicaragua! they don't know it, but they both filled my heart with joy and broke it at the same time!

Also, I loved ministering to the people in Nicaragua so I hope I can continue that here in Bozeman. It will not be the same experience, but I can impact the world no matter where I am!

One way that my classmates and I can make a difference is in our very own school. During chapel every Friday we can be an example to the rest of the students, and show them not to be afraid to worship Christ passionately, but instead to worship Him with everything that you have! It does not matter what others think! This was very evident in Nicaragua.

This trip was so good for me! I learned so much and got a much bigger picture of this beautiful world we live in. We are so very blessed to live where we do and to have the comforts of home. We should never take it for granted, and after seeing how children live in Nicaragua, we are very spoiled. I hope to go back there some day! In just one week the people stole my heart and I grew to love that place - even without all the comforts of home.

Thank you to everyone who supported and prayed for me before, during and after my trip.

 

Day 10, Wednesday, March 11 - Finally Home (Atlanta Group)

The "Atlanta Group" finally boarded their airplane around 2:30 pm after the fill-in flight attendant arrived from Buffalo, NY. Okay, all is well, here we go. Or not. After taxiing out to the runway, we sat for a few minutes until the pilot announced they were having trouble getting the computer to work. Hmm, that could be a problem, right?

 

At 3:09 we left Nicaraguan soil and turned north toward the U.S.  We didn't know that when we deboarded in Atlanta that we would have to walk halfway home just retrieve our bags. Well, not really, but it was a l-o-n-g walk from our gate to customs, then to the baggage carousel.

We weren't overly confident that our bags would be there because they had been checked through to Bozeman. So we were thankful when we finally saw them sliding off the ramp onto the carousel, knowing that we wouldn't have to sleep in our clothes tonight.

 

After finding our way to the exit, we boarded a shuttle for the 12 minute ride to the domestic terminal (The International Terminal is one mile from the Domestic Terminal.) then boarded another shuttle for a 15 minute ride to our hotel. A very late bite to eat, then we gratefully fell into bed about midnight.

Having most of Wednesday free until our 5:30 flight, we contemplated various activities: aquarium, downtown, serve at a soup kitchen. We opted for just laying low at the hotel resting and swimming in the pool. After a Waffle House breakfast, that is. (We had no idea that the Houston Group had eaten at Waffle House last night; we are a team even when separated!)

 

 

 

Waffle House Warriors

(Mrs. Gossack remained at the hotel to rest)

A mile and a half walk to Waffle House worked up a good appetite for those  southern waffles and grits! And God used the walk back to allow us to visit with a lady and a young man who appeared to be transients and to pray with them.

 

 

Time to board. But we still had no guarantee that we'd all be getting  on because they were overbooked to Salt Lake City. After everyone else was boarded they allowed our team on, with Mr. and Mrs. Goede still questionable....... then right at the last minute... they're on, too!

 

 

We must be getting close to home - mountains and snow!

 

A wobbly, windy landing in Salt Lake, a couple hour layover, another overbooked flight. Oh Lord, can you please allow us all to get home tonight?! Thank You! Though He didn't allow us sharing opportunities on our flights today, He did allow us to have thoughtful conversation and sweet fellowship.

 

Our last flight - into Bozeman!

Home at last! Forty two hours after leaving the Project H.O.P.E compound, we landed in Bozeman and were greeted by family members and several from the "Houston Group". We started as a team and we finished as a team!

Along with the "Houston Group", we rejoice in all the Lord did throughout the week - answered prayer, changed hearts and minds, salvation - and will treasure it all in our hearts!

 

Check back in a few days for summary comments from the team.

Day 10, Wednesday, March 11 - Finally Home (Houston Group)

“Houston, we have a problem! J”

After a 4:20am wake up call at the Project H.O.P.E. compound, the team gathered suitcases and loaded the bus for the airport to head out of Nicaragua ... or so we thought :) ...

A flight attendant was unable to make it due to a back injury leaving the plane short a crew member, which delayed the original flight for over seven hours.

The team joyfully passed hours of time by hanging hammocks in the airport for more comfortable seating (why not?! J), playing cards and reflecting on the awesome week the Lord allowed us to have.

Because of the delay and the large size of our team, half of us ended up getting re-routed through Houston instead of going to Atlanta as originally scheduled.That meant going back out of security to get new boarding passes and then through again to get to the gate for boarding.The plane we boarded in Managua ended up being delayed over an hour due to plane maintenance, meaning we landed in Houston with very little time to spare to get through customs.  Despite our best efforts, we ended up missing our connection as all members of the team were unable to get to the next gate before they closed the doors to the jet way.

From there, we spent a long time at the Delta ticket counter as the agent graciously tried to figure out how to get us home.  The best solution was for all to fly to Salt Lake the next morning, then from there nine would fly into Butte and shuttle home on a bus, while two would fly straight into Bozeman.

 We were so thankful the Lord gave us perspective and a sense of humor amidst the craziness.  We were able to take a picture by the huge astronaut in the airport and joke that “Houston, we have a problem.” 

After a dinner at Waffle House, we headed to the hotel for a short night’s rest before heading back to the airport and towards home.

When placed in circumstances we wouldn’t necessarily have chosen, we were able to step back and trust that God’s plans are better than our own and that He was simply giving us a practice opportunity to live out what we believe, and to offer grace to those He put in our path along the way.  I had a chance to sit with a man from Taiwan on the plane from Nicaragua to Houston who had never read the Bible and scarcely heard of Christ. We talked much of the flight through broken English and Spanish and an app that translated from Taiwainese to English and back.  The next day, from Houston to Salt Lake, Daniel was able to share the Word with a Sikh man for much of the flight, while Mr. May also had opportunities to engage in gospel centered conversation on two flights. Clearly the Lord knew our team needed to “divide and conquer” on the way home. He is so gracious to us in each circumstance. 

The “Butte/Bozeman team” (aka Houston Group) arrived back in Montana on the 11^th.   A couple landed at 12:30 pm and the rest made their way home from Butte via family members. Many on this team returned to the airport later in the evening around 11pm to greet the “Atlanta” half of the team.  We wanted to start and finish together as a team. 

We rejoice in all the Lord did throughout the week and will treasure all He allowed us to experience the rest of our lives!

Miss Lundskog

 

 

Day 9, Tuesday, March 10 - Heading Home....partway! (Atlanta group)

We have reached the final day of our journey.  We have said “hasta luego” to the new friends who quickly became dear to our hearts.  But, before our feet even left the ground, we realized that the Lord had other plans in store for us today. 

While one half of our team made haste to catch another airline and make their other connections for the day, the other half of us realized that we’ve been blessed with one more day together.  What might the Lord have in store for this extra time?  We watch eagerly for what opportunities may come our way as we face a night and most of a day in Atlanta.  As has been the norm for this trip, we pray for opportunities to minister, serve, and bring the Good News to any who cross our paths.

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)

Day 8, Monday, March 9 - "Tourist" Day

Rest. God designed us all to need it. Today was our day to do it. After a grueling but rewarding week of building, playing with children, and ministering to the Nicaraguans in the villages and the community around Furia Santa, we spent the day relaxing and taking in the sights.

The day started as usual with breakfast at 8:00, then a bus ride south, past Masaya. But today we kept going to see a different side of Nicaragua. Instead of a community built several years ago, we drove through Granada, the oldest city in Nicaragua.

 

Instead of humble huts with dry, dusty “lawns”, we floated by mansions on islands in Lake Xolotlan

 

 

and drove by the colorful Spanish architecture that lined the streets.

Instead of pigs and chickens, we saw white herons and monkeys.

 

 

 

Instead of a quick lunch of sandwiches and chips we dined leisurely on grilled pork, beef, and chicken in the shade of a thatched cabana, cooled by the gentle breeze coming off the lake.

 

 

 

Nicaragua is a beautiful country, a land of many contrasts. It is hard to believe our time here is drawing to a close. The prospect of going back to all the obligations and pressures of “normal” life is daunting. The challenge for me and the others on the team will be to keep the same attitude of seeking God’s will, leaning on His strength, and serving Him wholeheartedly in the familiar context of life in Montana. And to make time for rest.  

 Mrs. K---------, chaperone

 

 

Throughout this experience everyone has grown closer to God in some way or another.  We all made some new friends that were hard to say goodbye to tonight. The people that came in contact with the team have all left a beautiful impact in our lives and in our hearts.  I think that I can say this on behalf of everyone that this adventure in our lives will stay with us. But even as the tears are flowing tonight as we say goodbye, God has done amazing miracles even in simple ways that have made a difference that words cannot explain. God is good, and we can see Him working through the lives of people everywhere in the world, and it is amazing.

 Jordan Nuss

Our translators:

Edguardo, Humberto, Tania, Nahaila, Walter, Anagalys

 

 

 "Tourist Day" included shopping at a market in Masaya.