June 24: A quick update!

There isn´t much time, but I thought we should give you a few more details on exactly what we are up to. If you check it out below, we have included our Top 10 lists, which had to turn into Top 12 lists. There are just too many great things we want to share with you all! Right now we are in Hondurous! That´s right, we decided we wanted to get another stamp on the passport before returning to the U.S. We were very close to the border, so we jumped over for the night. Hondurous is similar to Nicaragua, but it is much more industrious. We visited four churches this weekend in our attempt at five. The fifth has never been visited by anyone outside the congregation before, and we soon found out the reason why. After traveling for about an hour, and getting out of the truck five times to push it up the mountain, we decided we would never be able to make the rest of the journey and we turned to go back to the nearest village. I am excited to write more about the trip, but will have to post that next weekend. We have plans to visit four more churches a little closer to home next weekend. Your notes and encouragment mean more than you can ever know! Thanks for your prayers our dear loved ones!

Amber´s Top 12 List:

Giving ‘hermano’ Orlando (17) dating tips of what is acceptable, let’s just say we have our own sign language: forhead, cheek, and hand…that pretty much covers it… “no besos, si!”

Laughing until my tummy hurts with Melicita and Hilidita while we are attempting to be Pilates pros.

Gazing at a cascade of mesmerizing skylight and wishing upon my favorite star from the Beholder’s hand.

Making a tent at 2:30 in the morning and let’s not forget, “Lions, Tigers, and Bears, oh my, we are in the jungle after all.”

Unveiling myself before the Maker’s throne with my teammate and amazing friend Melicita.

Telling someone they’re ‘soft’ when I meant to tell them they were ‘sweet’. I learned the right word for sweet real quick.

Getting so excited when a phone booth or internet café is within sight to say hello to my loved ones and hear the breathtaking voice of my most tender-hearted-God-honoring-love-of-my-life on the other end.

Cruising through the jungle in the good ole’ Nissan, let’s just say my prayer life has increased at least a hundred decibels…is that possible?

Hopping off to school to see the smiling faces that await me and be amazed at the joyous children He has granted…did I forget to mention I get to work with an amazing group of Sisters that live at the Abby….I’m the only non-single one in the bunch!!!!

Praising God for each new day He has granted and giving Him all the glory (Gloria A Dios…. “no Melissa, it is not Gloria Adios, it means “to give God the glory!)

Hearing Hilda’s heart and getting to help with little Carlitos’ nighttime routine.

Oh, we can’t forget, Melissa and I trying to sunbathe on the asphalt driveway at Nohemi’s house (it did not take long to find out that baby oil only attracts mosquitos, not the sun, and our efforts were meaningless as it began to pour five minutes into our attempt at a Nicaraguan tan)

Melissa´s top 12 most beautiful moments:

Watching the clouds because they are just as breathtaking whether they crown the mountains of Nicaragua or the wheat fields of Kansas.

Praying on my knees beside the hotel bed with an amazing friend with the humbling knowledge that we are nothing without the grace of God.

Sitting in church service and hearing the words “somos guapos” being echoed throughout the building (in English this means ‘we are beautiful,’ because we are the creation of God).

Weighing 2 lbs of 4 inch nails for a farmer who is very hesitant to trust my ability to do the job correctly and then watch him drive away after shaking his head at me with a confused smile on his face.

Finding a friend who is just as passionate about the Memory Game as I am (you know the one where there are pairs of cards that you have to flip over to find the matches—at home the only competition is my five year old ‘niece’ Alexus.) Orlando is winning 6 games to 5.

Accidently saying ‘Si’ on the phone to a friend from home instead of ‘yes’ because that is one word I have mastered in Spanish.

Realizing how much more I appreciate and love my family when they aren’t always a phone call away.

Riding in the front cab of a truck with Amber and Orlando while singing every song imaginable at the top of our lungs, including Backstreet Boys I must shamelessly admit.

Listening to people share how God has worked in their lives and

Taking a 10 month old baby boy and a 12 year old girl for a walk around the town…we thought we got funny looks before!

Trying to find words to describe the splendor of this country and coming up speechless.

June 15: a few photos

Amber with some of the girls at San Isidro, one of the congregations that will be getting a church building this year when the work camp comes in July.

Leaving the service at Hill of Our Father

Our new friends at Las Limones

The awesome view on our drive through the mountains.

If you look close enough you can see Amber and Melissa riding Joe and Maca.

Melissa with Orlando and Karla while at Papa John's, we've only been here 10 days and we have already had pizza!

Delmar and Orlando, the partnership that started everything 30 years ago.

Melissa and Amber at the house in Sebeco

June 15: Roughin It!

Wow! Where can I begin? Let's just say on Tuesday and Wednsday was quite an adventure for Melissa and I. We set out about 9:00 a.m. San Dionisio, Las Limones, and the hill of our father. Melissa had quite the work cut out for her, three interviews, each in different towns, in a period of two days! We started out in anticipation for what the next two days would entill and we had no idea! The visits at the churches went really well and the people welcomed us with much gratitude into the arms. Everyone left the interviews enlightened with what God has done and is continuing to do among these people. The stories that were left were remarkable, Melissa can tell more on this later. I do not think that I had ever had a more bumpy car ride in my life! I have felt pot holes before, but never an hour and half dirt road of what seemed like pure pot holes. I know that I have many things to be thankful for and that we have many luxuries, but I begin to realize this even more. Not too far into our trip I smelled a certain aroma and begin to look over at Melissa, who had a confused look on her face. We both turned to one another, wide eyed, wondering what was going to happen next. "Is the car on fire?" I heard Delmar's voice project from the front. He verbalized what I was thinking. Before I knew it, we were in the middle of the road stopping for a "coke" break. The car was steaming. As I gazed over at the smoke I could only praise Jesus we were okay! After we found a hole in the ground (bathroom) and recieved some refreshment from the beating sun, we proceeded to the car for what seemed an endless drive. Little did I know that this was just the beginning! The towns that we were going to were deeply embedded within the mountainous jungle area of Nicaragua. Finally, after a long drive that wore deeply on our breaks we made it Los Limones. It was interesting finding Los Limones, we had to stop many times to ask the mountain people for directions! They give directions based on trees and bushes. None of use knew that Nicaraguan time is different than our time. Everytime that we would stop and ask directions and how far our distination would be it was "Oh, about a half an hour longer." When dusk began to fall and we pulled into Los Limones we realized that a half and hour had turned into two and a half or three hours. Needlees to say, the people were excited and ready to see us! Melissa and I had a great time playing with the kids before the service began! The service was a beautiful one and the Lord blessed our time there. It was well worth the drive! The drive did have an amazing jungle scenery! That night we were fed a wonderful meal of chicken, rice, and french fries! Believe it or not french fries are pretty popular here! That has been a little difficult for me considering I do not eat french fries. I do now! A few that is. . . That night after a long hard traveled day Melissa and I were exhausted. We were in for a suprise. I am thankful for the gracious, giving attitudes of all of the people. It was really hard to deal with the bugs this night though. . . I do not know if they thought it was mating season because someone new was sleeping in the bed that night or what, but we were in for a treat! Previously, when I have been in these situations I have been able to recieve mesquito netting, but not tonight. This night, we were going to rough it. In order to help ease the situation we decided to build a tent. Finally, after a well thought out process we dove into our tent. Oh, wait I forgot to mention that it was about 95 degrees in our humid room that was filled with stagnet air. It was definetly a bonding experience with Melissa and I in our tent. I knew the many hours I spent making tents as a kid would prove useful someday. This night it really did! I did not know that we also getting the treat of a sauna at no cost! Of course, once we settled into our "homemade mesuito netting" we had to go to the bathroom. Let's just this was an experience to remember. I have been to many primitive places in different countries, but this was at the top of these experiences. At least no lions attacked us! Nohemi told me there were lions there. Thank goodness we didn't meet any of them. We finally drifted of about 2:30. The roosters were right on schedule to wake us up 5:30a.m. Let's just say the night was short... We did have something to be excited for though, are very first horse ride in the jungle. M,y what a time we had. Melissa had a horse that was a bit fiesty and quickly recieved a guide to direct her with her horse. Alan and Melissa quickly became friends. Oh by the way, Allan speaks no English and well, lets just say Melissa still working on her Spanish. They both smiled a bunch. This was a 10 kilometer horse ride through the mountains. It was a nice pleasant ride through the mountains and quickly beat the bumpy car ride that we had taken the day before. This was the first horse maze that I had ever been through. At one point our journey, as I looked down at the rocky terrain, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Melissa and I decided to name our horses. She named her horse "Maca" because when she was younger she had a horse named "Roni". I started out naming my horse Juan, but quickly he bacame known as "Joe the slow Poke. He just couldn't keep up with the rest of the crew. Yet, he made it thank goodness. I was hoping that my horse's engine wouldn't break down because that would be a long walk. Oh, I can't forget to mention that through our journey we came across two monkey families. I felt like I was in the Jungle Book!It was a pleasant ride for us,but I am sure was a workout for the horses. I am just glad we made it to the top of the mountain. We had a wonderful opportunity to meet with the church here. Melissa conducted more interviews and I had the privelege of taking some pictures! I also enjoy capturing memories through film for other to see. I hope you enjoy the pictures that Melissa has posted on here. After the services were finished, we set out for yet another long car ride. After a bumpy ride with no breaks and a flat tire experience, we got to see the site where the work camp will be building a church in EL Jobo. This is why we are her afterall, to be obedient and give the Lord all the glory. May we share his glory with others. Finally, after a long two days, on Wensday night Melissa, Delmar, Carlos, Nohemi, and I pulled into Nohemi's house around 10:30! God hand of protection was upon us all. We endured bumpy roads, a flat tire, and a loss of breaks. However, the Lord's angels were with us. Melissa and I definetly had a bonding experience that we will never forget! I am sure there will be many more to come. Even though there are many humorous points. . . God is faithful. I was reminded of this before left, when we glanced to the mountains in Nohemi's town. There glistening before us was an amazing rainbow. God truely is faithful to his promises! He is good! May the Lord recieve all the praise, honor, and glory! Thank you to everyone who has given money to this project. It is all for his kingdom and is such a blessing to those who have nothing in materials. They show the love of Jesus to us constantly! You are part of this process also. I haven't written about my teaching experiences yet, so I apologize. I have just begun and really like it thus far! I really enjoy the fifth graders and I am glad to have this opportunity. There should be an update again when we recieve Internet connection. Thank you everyone for your prayers for us and the Harvest field here in Nicaragua. Hello to my family! Have a safe trip in California. I love and miss everyone, be careful! if you read this- Milly& Kremer's I am thinking about ya'll & praying for you! Brandon thank you for your support. I miss you dearly and give you all my love xoxo! May God have all the glory! I thank him for each new day he grants from his loving arms to share his goodness to others. Melissa and I are having fun and learning so much! *We love you!*

June 11: The need for help

I love God. Have I mentioned that lately? I am sitting here in the middle of Nohemy’s house with my laptop. It is late and I didn’t want to keep the family awake by leaving the light on, so I turned it off. Genius move on my part, because now I am being attacked by bugs of all sizes and shapes. I have a story I want to tell you even though the bugs are being drawn to my light. Yesterday, a church actually broke my heart.

This church was different than the rest we have been to so far. It was deep into the jungle. I don’t think it is actually called a jungle, but it is more than any jungle we have in Kansas. I know that we will travel deeper into rough terrain over the next five weeks, but this was my first experience, so stay with me here. We left the town of Nandasmo and drove for a good hour on a dirt road into the ‘jungle’. The farther we went, the narrower the road got and the more potholes and trenches the road had. With each minute along the journey, the trees and brush crept in closer to the vehicle until we were surrounded by a canopy of vegetation. Finally, we arrived at our destination: a small town which was carved into the forest. I felt as if no one in the world new this little hub of activity existed except us, as if it were a hidden treasure. Within this little town was a little church. This little church has overcome many huge obstacles.
Right now the church is without a pastor, because the last took off one day. The congregation said the reason the pastor left was because they couldn’t afford good housing conditions for a parsonage for the pastor to live. They have been through several pastors which has been a major struggle for them. The families in the church can hardly support themselves and their families on their low income, so the burden of supporting a pastor and his family as well is a large burden. They desire to help, but circumstances do not make it possible. The denomination also would like to help, but the funds are dependant upon donations be other people. The church desires to spread the word of God to people. They have a thriving children’s program every week aimed to reach children with the goal of reaching the parents in the process. They have no resources for the program whatsoever. They have no books. They have no paper. They have no crayons. I can only imagine how much more successful their program would be with some resources.
The parsonage would cost $1200 to build. We can’t even buy a car for $1200 in the U.S., and the thought of buying a house for that price is out of the question. You see, $1200 dollars is impossible to these people. One man shared his testimony with me and I want to pass part of it on to you as a demonstration of their financial challenges. He is currently the main leader of the church, because there is no pastor. Several years ago his fourteen year old daughter was ill with a parasite. They knew she had the disease, but she could not get any treatment for it until she had a special test done in the hospital. The problem was that the test alone was $350 dollars. The man, Andres, whose wife died after their second child was born, could not even imagine how he would get this money. The thought of knowing his daughter was so ill and not being able to help her was unbearable. He did the only thing he could and brought her to the church. The people prayed over her and God miraculously healed her. God is so awesome like that!
Tears came to my eyes as he told me this story, because I have never had to worry about not having enough money to go to the doctor’s office when I was sick. This church has the vision and the passion and the desire to grow, but they don’t have the resources to follow through.
When I left, one lady looked at me and said “Please, do not forget us. Don’t ever forget us.” I promised I wouldn’t and so I wanted to share a piece of their story with you.

June 10: The labor

It has been a few days since I have put my thoughts down on this laptop. We have visited six different churches which belong to the ACIBEN, the Baptist denomination that we are working with here. It has been one of the longest weekends of my entire life. I have learned so much in the last few days about the church and about missions in general. In the U.S. we tend to judge the success of a church by the number of people who attend on Sundays. Success to me is not a figure. You know that one part of the Bible in Romans and 1 Corinthians where it says that the church should be a body, each member with a different gift…that actually happens here. That is success as a church, as a body of Christ. The church is dependant upon each of its members because everyone is important. All the congregations which we have visited have between 30-70 members. The churches go out into the communities to tell people about the Lord; in a couple of the churches, they even have a night designated for just door-to-door evangelism. At the end of each of the interviews, I like to ask the question “What is the purpose of your church?” A majority of the churches have answered by expressing their desire to bring people to the Lord, to have continued unity as a body, and perseverance for the labor of the Lord. There is nothing in my eyes that is more beautiful than that.

June 8: Translation Please!

We are learning Spanish, or trying to do so at least. Everyone is challenging me to learn and God has blessed me with the hunger and desire to learn Spanish. Random words in Spanish are even popping into my head now before their English counterparts. The one phrase that I overuse, and will probably soon tire of, is “Como se dice...?” In translation, this means “How do you say…?” We visited another school here in Sebeco today which is run by the denomination we are working with this summer. Amber and I ‘talked’ with some children who were in computer class. They had to wait outside the classroom until their turn because there were only two computers; however it is a blessing for the school to have computers at all. Amber taught some boys the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” in English while some younger girls taught me the song in Spanish. I think that whole experience taught me that I would much rather learn Spanish than teach English. Amber definitely has a gift for teaching. The whole Spanish thing is coming along, but the more I learn, the more I realize how little I actually do know.

June 7: The Beginning

One day in. Earlier today I felt like I had so many things toin my life and we are just beginning our adventures here. We arrived safely after a bumpy six-hour plane ride. God blessed us with wonderful people to talk to on the flight however!
This trip is definitely a change of pace from normal life. Granted, the low-stress atmosphere I am experiencing is heightened by the reflection of the nonstop whirlwind of commitments and activities which was impossible to escape while at school. At this moment I have no worries or problems—I’m not even handling my own money. It is currently 6:30 p.m. and the only plans we have for the evening is a dinner with friends.
We are living with a family that I have known my whole life, in a tiny town here in Nicaragua with a name I can hardly pronounce. Even after one day in Nohemy’s home, I feel almost as comfortable as if I were at my own home without my mom and dad or an air conditioner. Amber and I are even getting involved with chores: setting and clearing the table, making dinner, and watching over Hilda’s baby, Carlos. The highlight of my day was reading a Spanish children’s Bible with Hilda, she corrected my pronunciation as I read and then helped translate words I didn’t know with the occasional assistance of a Spanish-English dictionary. Amber’s highlight, I’m assuming, was visiting the school which she will be teaching in this summer. The school has six primary grades and five secondary grades with around 15-20 in every classroom. After being introduced to every classroom by the school’s regular English teacher, she took a deep breath and spoke to them in Spanish which was no doubt an intimidating undertaking far beyond my abilities.
I already have a manicure and am eating some of the best food mber and I already have new favorites: Rum Raisin Ice Cream, Café con leche, and ground fish. This is all on top of the variety of fresh fruit which is always only a reach away. Everyone is extremely hospitable and they show their love with food…no chance at losing weight this summer away from home!
Roger Ali, an old friend of mine here, gave us a tour of Sebaco where we stayed for the night. The tour was all inclusive with free Spanish lessons and an encounter with a monkey. The beginning of this journey has been full of new experiences and I can’t wait to tell you about all the more to come.

One day left. It doesn't seem real that tomorrow night I will actually be living the summer plans that I have only dreamed about for so many months now. It was Christmas break when the idea came up to spend my summer in Nicaragua. I have been to the country twice before: in fifth grade and as a junior in high school. My grandparents started working with missions in Central America around thirty years ago; they found their niche in Nicaragua and have been part of building over 30 different churches in the country. They formed an organization in the 1990's called Del-Mar-Lee Partners In Christ which feeds directly into a denomination, the ACIBEN, in the Nicaragua which is comparable to the American Baptist denomination. Almost all of the money that goes into Del-Mar-Lee Partners In Christ goes directly toward church planting and the physical construction of the buildings. Once a year, a workcamp crew with as many as 30 people from the United States travels to Nicaragua to be part of the building process.
I am involved this summer because this story has never been told. There are have been so many lives affected by the partnership of the ACIBEN and Del-Mar-Lee Partners In Christ and I want to be able to tell others. This summer I will, through the impeccable translating abilities of the Miss Amber High and the grace of God, try to take the years of memories and put them on paper. My final product will complete my Senior Communications Project at Sterling College and will consist of a video presentation, a magazine, and a brochure.
Amber will have the awesome opportunity to fulfill a practicum requirement for her degree at Ozark Christian College by teaching English in two different elementary schools in Nicaragua throughout the summer. Our goal is to have open hearts to whatever God has in store for our trip and to show the love of God to everyone we meet. God has plans far beyond anything we can imagine! Thank you everyone who has supported this trip and are praying for us!
-Melissa
P.S. We have NO CLUE how often we will have Internet, but we'll update every chance we have!