The Lord had a lot more in store for us today, even though it was our last day at Casa before our debriefing session. It was a day that focused on last night's porch-time message; compassion. We had such a joy-filled day and our team truly finished the missions portion of the trip on a high note.
In the morning our team split into returners to Nicaragua and Nicaragua first-timers. The returners went on a prayer tour, visiting all the places that the Lord has impacted through our trip here. We prayed at Casa Bernabe, our gracious hosts for the last 8 days. We also prayed in VeraCruz, the neighboring town that we have really grown such a strong connection to. The team finished the tour by traveling to La Chureca, the city dump, and Nueva Vida, which is the hurricane refugee camp. It was such a strong time of reflection and prayer and there is no doubt that you could feel the presence of Jesus in everything that we did today.
The Nicaragua first-times had the unique experience of participating in the "dia de compasion" or "day of compassion." This is a day in which you take on the life of a Nicaraguan family and put yourself firsthand into their daily activities. As part of the day, we traveled to the marketplace and completed tasks that were set in front of us. These tasks included being given a certain amount of money and buying what was needed for your family. It is such an eye-opening experience to be a part of, and one that I know our kids enjoyed.
After enjoying lunch, we traveled to a local sports park and spent a few hours playing with the children of the El Canyon and Casa Bernabe orphanages before saying our goodbyes. It was a day filled with joy as we had several stations set up around the park including jump rope, soccer, and hula-hoops. The children enjoyed the day and our team loved the opportunity to continue building the relationships they have developed with these kids. To finish the time off, a mariachi band showed up and entertained us for well over 30 minutes. It was such a fun time, and aside from saying our final goodbyes to the children, was a day that everyone enjoyed.
After leaving the park we returned to Casa and packed up to head off to our debrief site; the beautiful El Narome resort. We arrived shortly after 630 and are all checked in and ready for a great day and a half of reflection of this wonderful opportunity that God has placed in front of us. We will be leaving here Thursday morning to head back to the States. There will not be a blog update tomorrow, so expect the next communication to be a text sent once we have arrived and gotten through security at Managua airport on Thursday. Please pray for us these next two days as our kids reflect on the wonderful things God has had them do. It has been my pleasure keeping you updated throughout the duration of this trip. I thank you for following us and praying for us along the way. Your children have done amazing things and everyone should be so proud of what they have accomplished these last 8 days. Again, your continued prayers are encouraged. God bless!
-Daniel Pulley, Student Ministries Summer Intern
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Day 7: Blessed are the Poor
Today was another fantastic day full of God's love. Our groups did many wonderful things today before the seniors rejoined the team after a fun-filled two days in Matagulpa. God has truly continued to bless us.
This morning, the juniors were afforded the wonderful opportunity to go to the school in La Chureca, which is the Managua city dump. While there, we participated in the book buddies program where we got to read to the children at the school. To see our team dive headfirst into this was great. After finishing that and a great time of playing with the kids, we had the unique experience of watching the kids put on a presentation they had been working on in appreciation for their teachers. There was several different dance routines performed by the students, some in flamingo skirts. It was truly a sight to behold.
While the juniors were doing their project, the sophomores got to take part in the daycare program that is in place to take care of the young children of La Chureca, which keeps them from having to dig through the trash with their parents. Our team was so excited to play with the kids, and to bring them joy in the smallest was something I know our team took great pride in. It was so hard to say goodbye to these small children, but the experience of sharing time with them and taking care of them is something that I know our group will never forget.
In the afternoon, our groups met back up at the local movie theatre where we had the phenomenal experience of watching "Toy Story 3" with 100 select kids from throughout Nueva Vida, the hurricane refugee site that we have spent much time at over the past week. For some of these children, it was most likely their first time going to a movie, and it was very special for our team to be able to share in that experience with them. More importantly, it was just another great opportunity to share God's love with these wonderful children who have had such an impact on us during the short time we have been here.
The seniors continued their journey in Matagulpa. The Lord did some truly amazing things while our team was there, and this is something that we hope to continue doing in the future. Today, our team spent a lot of time in the neighborhoods throughout Matagulpa developing relationships with the people there, and hopefully laying the groundwork for future trips into this part of Nicaragua. The main point of the trip though was to continue distributing the "School Pax" that we brought down. It was such a joy to see the kids faces light up when they received their packs, fully equipped with a voucher for a school uniform. To give these children the opportunity to attend school is something we are very happy about, and something we thank God for allowing us to do. We can not thank the people of WCC, again, for their amazing contributions to this trip through the "School Pax." After finishing up in Matagulpa, the seniors and their leaders made the three hour trek back to Casa Bernabe.
After another phenomenal dinner, we concluded the night with a great porch time led by our fearless leader, Travis Simone. Travis, through God's word, gave us the true meaning to life through the words found throughout the book of Luke. We learned that the poor are the truly blessed people of the Earth, and this week our team has found that to be so true. Travis concluded with some words on compassion, which is so eloquently summed up in the "Parable of the Good Samaritan." Through these words, it is our prayer that our team can take this experience they have had in Nicaragua and use it to the fullest when we are back in the states.
It is hard to believe that our time here is almost done. It will be very tough leaving the orphanage tomorrow, but we look forward to updating you tomorrow night on what God has in store for us during the day. Once again, we ask for you continued prayers for our team and for the few days that we have remaining. God bless!
This morning, the juniors were afforded the wonderful opportunity to go to the school in La Chureca, which is the Managua city dump. While there, we participated in the book buddies program where we got to read to the children at the school. To see our team dive headfirst into this was great. After finishing that and a great time of playing with the kids, we had the unique experience of watching the kids put on a presentation they had been working on in appreciation for their teachers. There was several different dance routines performed by the students, some in flamingo skirts. It was truly a sight to behold.
While the juniors were doing their project, the sophomores got to take part in the daycare program that is in place to take care of the young children of La Chureca, which keeps them from having to dig through the trash with their parents. Our team was so excited to play with the kids, and to bring them joy in the smallest was something I know our team took great pride in. It was so hard to say goodbye to these small children, but the experience of sharing time with them and taking care of them is something that I know our group will never forget.
In the afternoon, our groups met back up at the local movie theatre where we had the phenomenal experience of watching "Toy Story 3" with 100 select kids from throughout Nueva Vida, the hurricane refugee site that we have spent much time at over the past week. For some of these children, it was most likely their first time going to a movie, and it was very special for our team to be able to share in that experience with them. More importantly, it was just another great opportunity to share God's love with these wonderful children who have had such an impact on us during the short time we have been here.
The seniors continued their journey in Matagulpa. The Lord did some truly amazing things while our team was there, and this is something that we hope to continue doing in the future. Today, our team spent a lot of time in the neighborhoods throughout Matagulpa developing relationships with the people there, and hopefully laying the groundwork for future trips into this part of Nicaragua. The main point of the trip though was to continue distributing the "School Pax" that we brought down. It was such a joy to see the kids faces light up when they received their packs, fully equipped with a voucher for a school uniform. To give these children the opportunity to attend school is something we are very happy about, and something we thank God for allowing us to do. We can not thank the people of WCC, again, for their amazing contributions to this trip through the "School Pax." After finishing up in Matagulpa, the seniors and their leaders made the three hour trek back to Casa Bernabe.
After another phenomenal dinner, we concluded the night with a great porch time led by our fearless leader, Travis Simone. Travis, through God's word, gave us the true meaning to life through the words found throughout the book of Luke. We learned that the poor are the truly blessed people of the Earth, and this week our team has found that to be so true. Travis concluded with some words on compassion, which is so eloquently summed up in the "Parable of the Good Samaritan." Through these words, it is our prayer that our team can take this experience they have had in Nicaragua and use it to the fullest when we are back in the states.
It is hard to believe that our time here is almost done. It will be very tough leaving the orphanage tomorrow, but we look forward to updating you tomorrow night on what God has in store for us during the day. Once again, we ask for you continued prayers for our team and for the few days that we have remaining. God bless!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day 6: Joy All Around
Another glorious day here at Casa Bernabe in Nicaragua. It was another day filled with amazing opportunities to worship in the face of Jesus. Again, everywhere we go, God is always with us and has truly made His presence felt thus far in our trip.
This morning we got the amazing opportunity to worship the Lord at Verbo Church in Managua. We awoke and had a great breakfast before wishing the seniors farewell for the day. They have left Casa for the evening to go to Madagulpa and distribute the last of the "School Pax" that we brought down here for the kids. We wish them the best. The worship service this morning was fantastic!! We started off with worship that was, as always, phenomenal. That led to the service which was made extra special because they had a translator there for us. The students were able to take in the message and enjoy every word that was said.
Following the service, we traveled back to the orphanage for the special opportunity to have lunch with the children of the orphanage. This was a special time to continue building the relationships that we have steadily established over the last week. Getting to know these kids has brought so much joy to the team, and the personal experience to sit down and have lunch with them is amazing. However, the bonding experience did not end there.
This afternoon we had the opportunity to go to a local sports complex run by international missionaries. We had several different activities going on in which the children could participate. There were a couple of basketball courts, a soccer field, and volleyball court. On top of that, there was a bracelet and necklace making station that the children could enjoy, as well as a station for the girls (and some guys) to have their fingernails painted. It was such a joyous day to bring happiness into these kids lives and get them away from the orphanage for an afternoon. Our team did such a great job of helping make this day come together, and if it were not for them this day would not have gone as smoothly as it has.
It has only been 6 days, but with the way our team has adapted and worked together, it feels like we've been here for a month. We have a few days left and I know that God has wonderful things in store for us as we continue on this beautiful journey. Once again, we ask for your continued prayers and support as we finish our trip. Check in tomorrow for an update. God bless!
This morning we got the amazing opportunity to worship the Lord at Verbo Church in Managua. We awoke and had a great breakfast before wishing the seniors farewell for the day. They have left Casa for the evening to go to Madagulpa and distribute the last of the "School Pax" that we brought down here for the kids. We wish them the best. The worship service this morning was fantastic!! We started off with worship that was, as always, phenomenal. That led to the service which was made extra special because they had a translator there for us. The students were able to take in the message and enjoy every word that was said.
Following the service, we traveled back to the orphanage for the special opportunity to have lunch with the children of the orphanage. This was a special time to continue building the relationships that we have steadily established over the last week. Getting to know these kids has brought so much joy to the team, and the personal experience to sit down and have lunch with them is amazing. However, the bonding experience did not end there.
This afternoon we had the opportunity to go to a local sports complex run by international missionaries. We had several different activities going on in which the children could participate. There were a couple of basketball courts, a soccer field, and volleyball court. On top of that, there was a bracelet and necklace making station that the children could enjoy, as well as a station for the girls (and some guys) to have their fingernails painted. It was such a joyous day to bring happiness into these kids lives and get them away from the orphanage for an afternoon. Our team did such a great job of helping make this day come together, and if it were not for them this day would not have gone as smoothly as it has.
It has only been 6 days, but with the way our team has adapted and worked together, it feels like we've been here for a month. We have a few days left and I know that God has wonderful things in store for us as we continue on this beautiful journey. Once again, we ask for your continued prayers and support as we finish our trip. Check in tomorrow for an update. God bless!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Senior Trip to Madagulpa - School Packs
Today the seniors and their leaders, and part of the staff departed from Casa Bernabe and headed three hours north of Managua to a northern city called Madagulpa. We departed from Casa with one school bus filled with seniors and nearly 350 school packs to distribute when we got there. Today was a monumental day. For the first time ever, the Chapel has forged a partnership with Mira Ministries, of which the Chapel's very own - Steve Hooge - has a special relationship. His sister and brother-in-law run Mira Ministries, which is a ministry that provides school uniform vouchers and packs of school supplies to children not enrolled in school so that they can have the opportunity to attend school.
We left Casa at 9 AM and drove to another orphanage called El Canyon (because it is located at the base of a large canyon) and worshiped with the community there for Sunday service. We were asked, ad hoc, to preform songs at the church and the entire team sang a set of worship songs. After that, we hit the road for Madagulpa. It was a long trip into the mountains and very green part of Nicaragua! We arrived around 3 PM and checked-in to a beautiful hotel on top of a mountain.
We arrived a church to hundreds of Nicaraguans praising the Lord. Again, everything was very spontaneous! We led four songs to the congregation. Travis gave a sermon on the fly. And what we thought would be a 30 minute church service turned into a 2.5 hour worship experience! After the service, 75 children who are not in school were given 2 vouchers. One for them, and one for a friend who also was not in school. 150 kids and their parents received school packs and uniform vouchers. Then we threw a party in their honor. It was an amazing experience. Thank you to all the Chapel families who helped fill school packs! They have been a huge blessing to many children!
We finished the night off with some famous Nicaraguan fast food, called Tip Top! Now we are in the hotel having our nightly porch time processing everything from the day. The team is doing great, feel great, and healthy! Keep praying!
We left Casa at 9 AM and drove to another orphanage called El Canyon (because it is located at the base of a large canyon) and worshiped with the community there for Sunday service. We were asked, ad hoc, to preform songs at the church and the entire team sang a set of worship songs. After that, we hit the road for Madagulpa. It was a long trip into the mountains and very green part of Nicaragua! We arrived around 3 PM and checked-in to a beautiful hotel on top of a mountain.
We arrived a church to hundreds of Nicaraguans praising the Lord. Again, everything was very spontaneous! We led four songs to the congregation. Travis gave a sermon on the fly. And what we thought would be a 30 minute church service turned into a 2.5 hour worship experience! After the service, 75 children who are not in school were given 2 vouchers. One for them, and one for a friend who also was not in school. 150 kids and their parents received school packs and uniform vouchers. Then we threw a party in their honor. It was an amazing experience. Thank you to all the Chapel families who helped fill school packs! They have been a huge blessing to many children!
We finished the night off with some famous Nicaraguan fast food, called Tip Top! Now we are in the hotel having our nightly porch time processing everything from the day. The team is doing great, feel great, and healthy! Keep praying!
Day 5: Sleeping and Sliding
Today was another great day in which the Lord truly blessed the students of WCC. He continues to shower us with His never-ending love, which he hopes we continue pouring out to the children of the orphanage.
This morning, we built in some down time for the students to get some rest. However, there was always stuff going on, and the orphanage had a large screen showing one of the World Cup soccer games, so the students were invited to share that moment with the kids. Those who didn't enjoy that went into VeraCruz where they continued to build relationships with the people there.
This afternoon was something to behold. We took all the children of the Casa Bernabe orphanage as well as they El Canyon orphanage to the local water park that featured several slides, play areas, and and children's areas. It was such a blessed time to see the joy on the children's faces as they got to run around the water park. So often we take for granted the fun times to be had in our own backyards, and it was just great to share this experience with the kids.
The night became really special when we welcomed a guest speaker to porch time. Eddy Morales, who is the international director for OrphanNetwork, shared with us tonight. Eddy is so encouraging in everything he does, and his talk tonight really showed us what God has in store for us if we just take his queue and follow. He challenged us not to "have stink" in our lives. He told us that we must pour ourselves out so that Christ may fill us back up again. He encouraged us to not stay stagnant in our walks, but to at all times be looking to grow. My favorite thing he said was that "God wants to use you and make a difference in your life, so that you can make a difference in a kids life!" Speaking from 1 Kings 8:27 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-19, Eddy got his point across.
Another truly wonderful day in the books. We look forward to what Christ has in store for us as we go to church tomorrow. As always, your prayers are encouraged as we continue on this journey. Have a great Sunday, and God bless!
This morning, we built in some down time for the students to get some rest. However, there was always stuff going on, and the orphanage had a large screen showing one of the World Cup soccer games, so the students were invited to share that moment with the kids. Those who didn't enjoy that went into VeraCruz where they continued to build relationships with the people there.
This afternoon was something to behold. We took all the children of the Casa Bernabe orphanage as well as they El Canyon orphanage to the local water park that featured several slides, play areas, and and children's areas. It was such a blessed time to see the joy on the children's faces as they got to run around the water park. So often we take for granted the fun times to be had in our own backyards, and it was just great to share this experience with the kids.
The night became really special when we welcomed a guest speaker to porch time. Eddy Morales, who is the international director for OrphanNetwork, shared with us tonight. Eddy is so encouraging in everything he does, and his talk tonight really showed us what God has in store for us if we just take his queue and follow. He challenged us not to "have stink" in our lives. He told us that we must pour ourselves out so that Christ may fill us back up again. He encouraged us to not stay stagnant in our walks, but to at all times be looking to grow. My favorite thing he said was that "God wants to use you and make a difference in your life, so that you can make a difference in a kids life!" Speaking from 1 Kings 8:27 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-19, Eddy got his point across.
Another truly wonderful day in the books. We look forward to what Christ has in store for us as we go to church tomorrow. As always, your prayers are encouraged as we continue on this journey. Have a great Sunday, and God bless!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Day 4: A Human Jungle Gym
We can not stress enough the wonders that God continues to do through our work in Nicaragua. It was another fun-filled day for us in this beautiful country and God has continued to bless each and every one of us.
In the morning, a group of 30-35 went and painted the posada, which is the older boys living quarters. People were climbing on ladders to get the ceiling, getting on their knees to paint the trim, and just painting as high up the wall as their two feet would allow them. It was a great time of bonding for the team, and we were even able to interact with the boys who were there. Around the time we were finishing up, a soccer game broke out so there was another way to have fun besides painting.
After finishing painting we immediately left Nueva Vida as one large group, where Group 2 consisting of the Juniors and Sophomore guys were able share in the wonderful experiences that Group 1 had been encountering each of the previous 2 days. At Nueva Vida we ate a delicious lunch and then headed out to each of the 5 different feeding centers to put on a miniature Vacation Bible School for the children there. Travis stressed that this included 5 steps, which are as follows: hang out/play with the children, a relay-race game (where we blew up balloons for the kids and they ran a certain length and popped the balloon not using their hands or feet and then ran back and tagged the next person), music (we sang and did the motions to the classic "Waves of Mercy"), preach (we had 1 student at each location share what having Jesus in their life meant to them), and, finally, prayer (where we had a different student close the day out in prayer). It was such a wonderful experience to be a part of. Each member of our team turned themselves into a human jungle gym for the kids to play on, and in a lot of cases, several kids to play on. What a beautiful thing to watch this team bring these children joy.
After a tasty shishkabob dinner, several of the kids from Casa came to our Rancho and led us in a time of praise and worship. We were clapping and singing as if there were no language barrier. It was so great to see the band here at the orphanage play for us, and I just hope that our participation brought them as much joy as they did us. They even sang a few songs in English! It was a wonderful time capped off by a talk from the man who runs the orphanage. He spoke from Psalm 119 and from 1 Peter and how we can use those two passages to really advance our lives by just following what the Word has us do.
To finish the night we had another wonderful porch time capped off by Alexis sharing with us from Job and 1 Corinthians. We have had such a joyous time here in Nicaragua and we hope that it only continues to get better. Once again, we ask for your continued prayers as we go on this wonderful journey God has led us on. Check back tomorrow as we update you on our trip to the local water park! God bless!
In the morning, a group of 30-35 went and painted the posada, which is the older boys living quarters. People were climbing on ladders to get the ceiling, getting on their knees to paint the trim, and just painting as high up the wall as their two feet would allow them. It was a great time of bonding for the team, and we were even able to interact with the boys who were there. Around the time we were finishing up, a soccer game broke out so there was another way to have fun besides painting.
After finishing painting we immediately left Nueva Vida as one large group, where Group 2 consisting of the Juniors and Sophomore guys were able share in the wonderful experiences that Group 1 had been encountering each of the previous 2 days. At Nueva Vida we ate a delicious lunch and then headed out to each of the 5 different feeding centers to put on a miniature Vacation Bible School for the children there. Travis stressed that this included 5 steps, which are as follows: hang out/play with the children, a relay-race game (where we blew up balloons for the kids and they ran a certain length and popped the balloon not using their hands or feet and then ran back and tagged the next person), music (we sang and did the motions to the classic "Waves of Mercy"), preach (we had 1 student at each location share what having Jesus in their life meant to them), and, finally, prayer (where we had a different student close the day out in prayer). It was such a wonderful experience to be a part of. Each member of our team turned themselves into a human jungle gym for the kids to play on, and in a lot of cases, several kids to play on. What a beautiful thing to watch this team bring these children joy.
After a tasty shishkabob dinner, several of the kids from Casa came to our Rancho and led us in a time of praise and worship. We were clapping and singing as if there were no language barrier. It was so great to see the band here at the orphanage play for us, and I just hope that our participation brought them as much joy as they did us. They even sang a few songs in English! It was a wonderful time capped off by a talk from the man who runs the orphanage. He spoke from Psalm 119 and from 1 Peter and how we can use those two passages to really advance our lives by just following what the Word has us do.
To finish the night we had another wonderful porch time capped off by Alexis sharing with us from Job and 1 Corinthians. We have had such a joyous time here in Nicaragua and we hope that it only continues to get better. Once again, we ask for your continued prayers as we go on this wonderful journey God has led us on. Check back tomorrow as we update you on our trip to the local water park! God bless!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day 3: At Your Service
God has continued to bless this trip by presenting us with another day full of wonderful opportunities to serve Him. We have finished up our second full day of work, and once again you can truly see the face of Jesus in all that we do here.
Once again, our Senior group along with the Sophomore girls went to Nueva Vida to continue to serve the needy at the hurricane refugee camp. What made this event so special was that the kids were so ready, eager, and experienced to serve that today they jumped right into the tasks they had ahead of them. Upon arrival, each student willingly threw themselves into service without having to be asked or told what to do. But the most special part was that the students were able to continue building relationships that they had started to build the day before. To be able to go back and continue sharing the love of Christ with these children was such a beautiful thing, and I know each and every kid enjoyed this special day to go back and continue building relationships with this wonderful group of children. To finish off the day, Andrew Cordasco and Nathaniel Darling played an impromptu worship session at the church, with the language barrier being no problem. Once again, you can see the face of Jesus everywhere you look, and the day at Nueva Vida with these great kids and the relationship building time that was had, the present of God was surely felt.
The Juniors and Sophomore guys continued several work projects that were began the day before. One group finished painting one of the rooms at Casa that was in much need of painting. It is in these times that teamwork is a must, and with each person sacrificing themselves to paint one area, you could truly see the team-bonding experience that this trip brings out. Another group went to the El Canyon orphanage and painted there, but the real fun began when they were able to play with the kids there and start building relationships of their own with the children, much like Group 1 has been doing at Nueva Vida. The third group went back into VeraCruz to continue helping the church in their construction efforts. Several of the guys were able to help the people go pick up 400 cinder blocks that will eventually be the walls. Once they got back, they had to move all 400 blocks off the truck and into the storage area that they will be kept in until a later time. Once again, the theme of this task was teamwork, and our team was able to come together like they had been in Nicaragua for a month.
In the afternoon, the day was further brightened by the distribution of 150 "School Pax" to the children in Veracruz. To see the excitement on their face as they opened their box of school supplies is something I wish every person associated with the Chapel could have witnessed. Again, we can not thank you enough for your contributions in terms of the "School Pax." Before the distribution there was fun shared by the breaking of 2 pinatas where the kids had a great time wrestling around for the candy.
Finally, to finish day, we came to Verbo Church to throw the children of the Casa Bernabe orphanage a birthday party in honor of all of the children. We gave out toys or backpacks to each kid after enjoying a night of playing in a moonwalk, an inflatable jousting pit, and music that we could all enjoy. This was a special night for the kids, and for us to have a small part in bringing joy to their lives was so special to each person here.
It was a very busy day, but one that was filled with great things and a lot of fun. Once again, to have the smallest impact in these kids lives truly shows the face of Jesus and the work that God is doing down here. We have another special day planned for tomorrow, and we look forward to sharing those experiences with you tomorrow night. We ask for you continued prayers on this journey. Thank you and God bless!
Once again, our Senior group along with the Sophomore girls went to Nueva Vida to continue to serve the needy at the hurricane refugee camp. What made this event so special was that the kids were so ready, eager, and experienced to serve that today they jumped right into the tasks they had ahead of them. Upon arrival, each student willingly threw themselves into service without having to be asked or told what to do. But the most special part was that the students were able to continue building relationships that they had started to build the day before. To be able to go back and continue sharing the love of Christ with these children was such a beautiful thing, and I know each and every kid enjoyed this special day to go back and continue building relationships with this wonderful group of children. To finish off the day, Andrew Cordasco and Nathaniel Darling played an impromptu worship session at the church, with the language barrier being no problem. Once again, you can see the face of Jesus everywhere you look, and the day at Nueva Vida with these great kids and the relationship building time that was had, the present of God was surely felt.
The Juniors and Sophomore guys continued several work projects that were began the day before. One group finished painting one of the rooms at Casa that was in much need of painting. It is in these times that teamwork is a must, and with each person sacrificing themselves to paint one area, you could truly see the team-bonding experience that this trip brings out. Another group went to the El Canyon orphanage and painted there, but the real fun began when they were able to play with the kids there and start building relationships of their own with the children, much like Group 1 has been doing at Nueva Vida. The third group went back into VeraCruz to continue helping the church in their construction efforts. Several of the guys were able to help the people go pick up 400 cinder blocks that will eventually be the walls. Once they got back, they had to move all 400 blocks off the truck and into the storage area that they will be kept in until a later time. Once again, the theme of this task was teamwork, and our team was able to come together like they had been in Nicaragua for a month.
In the afternoon, the day was further brightened by the distribution of 150 "School Pax" to the children in Veracruz. To see the excitement on their face as they opened their box of school supplies is something I wish every person associated with the Chapel could have witnessed. Again, we can not thank you enough for your contributions in terms of the "School Pax." Before the distribution there was fun shared by the breaking of 2 pinatas where the kids had a great time wrestling around for the candy.
Finally, to finish day, we came to Verbo Church to throw the children of the Casa Bernabe orphanage a birthday party in honor of all of the children. We gave out toys or backpacks to each kid after enjoying a night of playing in a moonwalk, an inflatable jousting pit, and music that we could all enjoy. This was a special night for the kids, and for us to have a small part in bringing joy to their lives was so special to each person here.
It was a very busy day, but one that was filled with great things and a lot of fun. Once again, to have the smallest impact in these kids lives truly shows the face of Jesus and the work that God is doing down here. We have another special day planned for tomorrow, and we look forward to sharing those experiences with you tomorrow night. We ask for you continued prayers on this journey. Thank you and God bless!
Day 2: The Real Fun Begins
Today we started lending a hand to the people of Nicaragua. It was such a wonderful day filled with many exciting tasks. We split our group of 81 students and 17 leaders into two teams with one team comprised of the entire senior class with the sophomore girls and the other team the entire junior class with the sophomore guys.
The Seniors and Sophomore girls went to Nueva Vida this morning lend a hand in serving the children lunch. Nueva Vida is a hurricane refugee camp where people were displaced to following a hurricane in the late 1990's. It is a place where God really shows himself daily. There are 5 food distribution centers that a local church operates to feed the hungry children of the camp. Our group was turned into waiters and waitresses for this day and helped meet each and every child's needs as they served them their food. After eating lunch themselves, our group played with several of the kids from the refugee camp at the local church that hosted this morning's events. After leaving the camp, the group came back to Casa and packed up all 450 "School Pax" that our church so graciously donated. We can not thank you enough, again, for these donations as they are such a worthy cause. We are very excited about the upcoming distribution of the "School Pax" to the local children.
The Juniors and Sophomore guys had a very busy, but fulfilling day. This group was separated into three groups so that we could multi-task things that needed to be done. One group helped organize the storage center where all of the donations go. They were able to separate the clothes into different categories in the storage center so that it is much easier to pinpoint exactly what is needed when entering. This will help if a child tears his or her pants or shirt and another one is needed, and they are quickly able to locate exactly where that item is. Another group helped finish painting the computer lab where there had been some lead paint on the walls. We were able to clean it up and really make the room look nice. Greg Mills highlighted the day after painting the ceiling and coming back with paint all over himself; very funny. The last group went into VeraCruz and to the local church to help dig the foundation for the new Sunday School rooms they are planning to install in the back of the church. Also, we started setting up the re-bar that will help stabilize the walls of these new classrooms. Some of the group then went into the city and visited with the families and had a great time playing with the children in the city. It was very hot outside today and we were making sure that each person was staying properly hydrated. All in all, these three groups worked very hard.
Today was such a great day. Many wonderful things were accomplished, and through it all there was no denying the presence of Jesus in all that we did. We ask for your continued prayers as we complete this wonderful journey God has led us all on. We will be back tomorrow night for another update, but until then, God bless!
The Seniors and Sophomore girls went to Nueva Vida this morning lend a hand in serving the children lunch. Nueva Vida is a hurricane refugee camp where people were displaced to following a hurricane in the late 1990's. It is a place where God really shows himself daily. There are 5 food distribution centers that a local church operates to feed the hungry children of the camp. Our group was turned into waiters and waitresses for this day and helped meet each and every child's needs as they served them their food. After eating lunch themselves, our group played with several of the kids from the refugee camp at the local church that hosted this morning's events. After leaving the camp, the group came back to Casa and packed up all 450 "School Pax" that our church so graciously donated. We can not thank you enough, again, for these donations as they are such a worthy cause. We are very excited about the upcoming distribution of the "School Pax" to the local children.
The Juniors and Sophomore guys had a very busy, but fulfilling day. This group was separated into three groups so that we could multi-task things that needed to be done. One group helped organize the storage center where all of the donations go. They were able to separate the clothes into different categories in the storage center so that it is much easier to pinpoint exactly what is needed when entering. This will help if a child tears his or her pants or shirt and another one is needed, and they are quickly able to locate exactly where that item is. Another group helped finish painting the computer lab where there had been some lead paint on the walls. We were able to clean it up and really make the room look nice. Greg Mills highlighted the day after painting the ceiling and coming back with paint all over himself; very funny. The last group went into VeraCruz and to the local church to help dig the foundation for the new Sunday School rooms they are planning to install in the back of the church. Also, we started setting up the re-bar that will help stabilize the walls of these new classrooms. Some of the group then went into the city and visited with the families and had a great time playing with the children in the city. It was very hot outside today and we were making sure that each person was staying properly hydrated. All in all, these three groups worked very hard.
Today was such a great day. Many wonderful things were accomplished, and through it all there was no denying the presence of Jesus in all that we did. We ask for your continued prayers as we complete this wonderful journey God has led us all on. We will be back tomorrow night for another update, but until then, God bless!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day 1: The Adventure Continues
The Sophomores and Juniors have arrived safely in the Managua airport and are currently on route to the orphanage. Praise God for a day of safe travels and for already showing up in some incredible ways.
While the younger group traveled, the seniors spent the afternoon at a local pool with some kids from the El Canyon orphanage. It was incredible to see our team, even after such a long day of travel, pour their lives and their hearts out to these kids. The seniors also enjoyed a brief time of bible study after dinner before getting some much-needed down time.
Once the sophomores and juniors eat dinner, we will all head to bed for a good night's rest before embarking on tomorrow's adventures. Please pray for continued safety, good health, and that God would continue to reveal Himself in ordinary and extraordinary ways.
While the younger group traveled, the seniors spent the afternoon at a local pool with some kids from the El Canyon orphanage. It was incredible to see our team, even after such a long day of travel, pour their lives and their hearts out to these kids. The seniors also enjoyed a brief time of bible study after dinner before getting some much-needed down time.
Once the sophomores and juniors eat dinner, we will all head to bed for a good night's rest before embarking on tomorrow's adventures. Please pray for continued safety, good health, and that God would continue to reveal Himself in ordinary and extraordinary ways.
Day 1; The adventure begins
We departed from the chapel at 2 30 in the morning. After a long minibus ride to Washington reagan airport, we left for miami. From miami we headed right for nicaragua. The senior trip made it in one piece to Managua international airport. God has been with us from the start of the trip. We haven't had to endure any obstacles so far. Everyone is very safe. We are headed to the orphanage for food and a little rest after a long morning.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
HS Nicaragua Mission Trip - Final Checklist & Packing List
Nicaragua Team! Below you will see a copy of the last checklist we handed out, as well as the packing list for our upcoming trip. Specific flight numbers and times are included. If you have any questions before the trip, please call or text Alexis on her cell phone (919-260-0719).
We would like you to bring your final balance to church on Sunday (6/20). If you are unable to bring us your balance at this time, please talk to Alexis to make arrangements.
Students, remember to bring your passport! See you all at either 2am or 8am on Tuesday, June 22nd!
Blog: http://wccstudentministriesmissiontrips.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to updates via text messaging:
o Parents: Text “nicaparent” to 41411; Students: Text “nicastudent” to 41411
Support Money - Your balance should be paid TONIGHT! Turn $ into Lex
Passport – Bring a copy of your passport IMMEDIATELY!
Forms - make sure you’ve turned them in! (ONet form and WCC Parental Consent) Check with Lex
Buy Birthday Gift & Underwear
o $10-$15 gift for a child (buy it for your gender, age 5 through 17)
Buy a gift for a child of your gender. You can choose the age (5 through 17)
Do NOT wrap your gift. Bring it on the morning of your flight and we will pack them in a suitcase.
o Buy one package of underwear (any gender or size) and bring it with you on the morning of your flight
Pack your bags! (packing list is on the back)
Travel Plans
o Sophomores, Juniors, & Leaders – Meet at the Chapel at 8am on Tuesday, June 22:
Depart:
• -AA Flight 959 out of Washington Reagan on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart 3:10pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:55pm)
• -AA Flight 985 out of Miami on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart Miami at 6:50pm for Managua (arrive in Managua at 7:30pm)
Return:
• -AA Flight 970 out of Managua on Thursday, July 1st – Depart Managua at 1pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:40pm)
• -AA Flight 868 out of Miami on Thursday, July 1st – Depart Miami at 8pm for Washington Reagan (arrive in Washington at 10:25pm)
o Seniors, Trav, Lex – Meet at the Chapel at 2am on Tuesday, June 22:
Depart:
• -AA flight 1269 out of Washington Reagan on Tuesday, June 22nd - Depart 7:10am for Miami (arrive in Miami at 9:45am)
• -AA flight 969 out of Miami on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart 11:10am for Managua (arrive in Managua at 11:45am)
Return:
• -AA flight 970 out of Managua on Thursday, July 1st – Depart 1:00pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:40pm)
• -AA flight 1012 out of Miami on Thursday, July 1st – Depart 10:00pm for Washington Reagan (arrive in Washington at 12:25am).
Next meeting…at the Chapel to go to Nicaragua!!!
Seniors – meet at the Chapel at 2am on Tuesday, June 22
Sophomores & Juniors – meet at the Chapel at 8am on Tuesday, June 22
[ ] Undergarments—16 pairs
[ ] Sneakers
[ ] Sandals or flip flops
[ ] 7 pairs of socks
[ ] 7-9 T-shirts
[ ] 5-7 Shorts
[ ] 1 Long-sleeved Item
[ ] 1 or 2 Pairs of Pants
[ ] 1 Set Church Clothes
[ ] Bathing Suit (1 Piece suit for girls)
[ ] Hat w/ Brim
[ ] Wash cloth & Hand towel
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sunglasses
[ ] Journal, Bible, & Pen
[ ] Camera (optional)
[ ] Chapstick
[ ] Water bottle
[ ] Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, contact stuff, deodorant, face wash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, sunscreen, & bug spray (in 3 oz or less bottles in a 1 liter Ziploc bag—if you have items larger than 3 oz or too many to fit in a 1 liter bag, you can bring it in a gallon Ziploc with you name on it to check under the plane
[ ] optional: No more than $50 cash (for souvenirs and food in airport)
*Bedding and towels are provided at the orphanage, and they do laundry for us once midway through the week.
All your personal belongings must fit into your carry-on luggage. The only bags we check are the ones for donations, extra toiletries, and birthday presents/underwear. See the American Airlines website for specifics on carry-on size regulations
Please also bring these items the day of departure to put in bags to be checked (see Checklist #4 for more information):
[ ] Birthday present for orphan (get a present for a child of the same sex as you): $10 gift, unwrapped
[ ] 1 package of underwear: to distribute while in Nicaragua (we will need men’s, women’s and children’s of all sizes)
We would like you to bring your final balance to church on Sunday (6/20). If you are unable to bring us your balance at this time, please talk to Alexis to make arrangements.
Students, remember to bring your passport! See you all at either 2am or 8am on Tuesday, June 22nd!
Nicaragua Mission Team
June 15th Checklist
Blog: http://wccstudentministriesmissiontrips.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to updates via text messaging:
o Parents: Text “nicaparent” to 41411; Students: Text “nicastudent” to 41411
Support Money - Your balance should be paid TONIGHT! Turn $ into Lex
Passport – Bring a copy of your passport IMMEDIATELY!
Forms - make sure you’ve turned them in! (ONet form and WCC Parental Consent) Check with Lex
Buy Birthday Gift & Underwear
o $10-$15 gift for a child (buy it for your gender, age 5 through 17)
Buy a gift for a child of your gender. You can choose the age (5 through 17)
Do NOT wrap your gift. Bring it on the morning of your flight and we will pack them in a suitcase.
o Buy one package of underwear (any gender or size) and bring it with you on the morning of your flight
Pack your bags! (packing list is on the back)
Travel Plans
o Sophomores, Juniors, & Leaders – Meet at the Chapel at 8am on Tuesday, June 22:
Depart:
• -AA Flight 959 out of Washington Reagan on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart 3:10pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:55pm)
• -AA Flight 985 out of Miami on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart Miami at 6:50pm for Managua (arrive in Managua at 7:30pm)
Return:
• -AA Flight 970 out of Managua on Thursday, July 1st – Depart Managua at 1pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:40pm)
• -AA Flight 868 out of Miami on Thursday, July 1st – Depart Miami at 8pm for Washington Reagan (arrive in Washington at 10:25pm)
o Seniors, Trav, Lex – Meet at the Chapel at 2am on Tuesday, June 22:
Depart:
• -AA flight 1269 out of Washington Reagan on Tuesday, June 22nd - Depart 7:10am for Miami (arrive in Miami at 9:45am)
• -AA flight 969 out of Miami on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart 11:10am for Managua (arrive in Managua at 11:45am)
Return:
• -AA flight 970 out of Managua on Thursday, July 1st – Depart 1:00pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:40pm)
• -AA flight 1012 out of Miami on Thursday, July 1st – Depart 10:00pm for Washington Reagan (arrive in Washington at 12:25am).
Next meeting…at the Chapel to go to Nicaragua!!!
Seniors – meet at the Chapel at 2am on Tuesday, June 22
Sophomores & Juniors – meet at the Chapel at 8am on Tuesday, June 22
Nicaragua Packing List:
[ ] Undergarments—16 pairs
[ ] Sneakers
[ ] Sandals or flip flops
[ ] 7 pairs of socks
[ ] 7-9 T-shirts
[ ] 5-7 Shorts
[ ] 1 Long-sleeved Item
[ ] 1 or 2 Pairs of Pants
[ ] 1 Set Church Clothes
[ ] Bathing Suit (1 Piece suit for girls)
[ ] Hat w/ Brim
[ ] Wash cloth & Hand towel
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sunglasses
[ ] Journal, Bible, & Pen
[ ] Camera (optional)
[ ] Chapstick
[ ] Water bottle
[ ] Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, contact stuff, deodorant, face wash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, sunscreen, & bug spray (in 3 oz or less bottles in a 1 liter Ziploc bag—if you have items larger than 3 oz or too many to fit in a 1 liter bag, you can bring it in a gallon Ziploc with you name on it to check under the plane
[ ] optional: No more than $50 cash (for souvenirs and food in airport)
*Bedding and towels are provided at the orphanage, and they do laundry for us once midway through the week.
All your personal belongings must fit into your carry-on luggage. The only bags we check are the ones for donations, extra toiletries, and birthday presents/underwear. See the American Airlines website for specifics on carry-on size regulations
Please also bring these items the day of departure to put in bags to be checked (see Checklist #4 for more information):
[ ] Birthday present for orphan (get a present for a child of the same sex as you): $10 gift, unwrapped
[ ] 1 package of underwear: to distribute while in Nicaragua (we will need men’s, women’s and children’s of all sizes)
NC Mission Trip Updated Packing List
Updated Packing List
Work Site
□ Shoes/Boots – Sandals cannot be worn at the worksites
□ Socks
□ Hat
□ Sunglasses
□ T-Shirts
□ Shorts – Not too short
□ Work Pants
□ Water Bottle
□ Work Gloves
□ Rain Jacket
□ Last Name A-J Ã Hammer and Nail Apron
□ Last Name J-Z Ã Paint Brush and Plastic Paint Bucket
□ Sunscreen
Housing Facility
□ Comfortable Clothing
□ Sleeping Bag
□ Pillow
□ Sandals (for shower)
□ Athletic shoes
□ Bible and Journal
□ Tooth brush
□ Tooth paste
□ Soap
□ Deodorant
□ Other Toiletries you need
□ Wash Cloth
□ Towel
□ Light Jacket if there is a cool night
□ Swimsuit
□ Flashlight
□ $ for one fast food meal on the way up and one on the way back
□ Concessions
Monday, June 14, 2010
HS Nicaragua Team - Meeting Reminder and Information Needed
Our final team meeting with be this Tuesday, June 15th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. We will check-in in the Student Ministries Worship Room, then move to a separate location for the remainder of the meeting. If you have any donations, you should bring them to this meeting and we will pack them as a team.
If you have not done so already, please make sure you bring a copy of your passport to this meeting. Our most recent checklist (from the overnight) is copied below. Please refer to that checklist to make sure you are up-to-date with forms and other items.
Also, your trip balance should be paid at this meeting. If you need a financial update, please contact Alexis (contact information is below).
We will provide one more checklist at the final meeting with a packing list and travel details. This information is also posted below.
If you have any questions, please contact Alexis at 757-941-1241 or akincaid@wcchapel.org
Flight Information:
Sophomores, Juniors, & Leaders – Meet at the Chapel at 8am on Tuesday, June 22:
Depart:
-AA Flight 959 out of Washington Reagan on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart 3:10pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:55pm)
-AA Flight 985 out of Miami on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart Miami at 6:50pm for Managua (arrive in Managua at 7:30pm)
Return:
-AA Flight 970 out of Managua on Thursday, July 1st – Depart Managua at 1pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:40pm)
-AA Flight 868 out of Miami on Thursday, July 1st – Depart Miami at 8pm for Washington Reagan (arrive in Washington at 10:25pm)
Seniors, Trav, Lex – Meet at the Chapel at 2am on Tuesday, June 22:
Depart:
-AA flight 1269 out of Washington Reagan on Tuesday, June 22nd - Depart 7:10am for Miami (arrive in Miami at 9:45am)
-AA flight 969 out of Miami on Tuesday, June 22nd – Depart 11:10am for Managua (arrive in Managua at 11:45am)
Return:
-AA flight 970 out of Managua on Thursday, July 1st – Depart 1:00pm for Miami (arrive in Miami at 5:40pm)
-AA flight 1012 out of Miami on Thursday, July 1st – Depart 10:00pm for Washington Reagan (arrive in Washington at 12:25am).
Nicaragua Packing List:
[ ] Undergarments—16 pairs
[ ] Sneakers
[ ] Sandals or flip flops
[ ] 7 pairs of socks
[ ] 7-9 T-shirts
[ ] 5-7 Shorts
[ ] 1 Long-sleeved Item
[ ] 1 or 2 pairs of Pants
[ ] 1 Set Church Clothes
[ ] Bathing Suit (1 Piece suit for girls)
[ ] Hat w/ Brim
[ ] Wash cloth & Hand towel
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sunglasses
[ ] Journal & Pen
[ ] Bible
[ ] Camera (optional)
[ ] Chapstick
[ ] Water bottle
[ ] Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, contact stuff, deodorant, face wash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, sunscreen, & bug spray (in 3 oz or less bottles in a 1 liter Ziploc bag—if you have items larger than 3 oz or too many to fit in a 1 liter bag you can bring it in a gallon Ziploc with you name on it to check under the plane
[ ] optional: No more than $50 cash (for souvenirs and food in airport)
This must all fit into your carry-on luggage
(maximum of size of 45” [height+width+length] and 40 lbs)
Bedding and towels are provided at the orphanage, and they do laundry for us once midway through the week.
Please also bring these items the day of departure to put in bags to be checked:
[ ] Birthday present for orphan (get a present for a child of the same sex as you): $10 gift, unwrapped
[ ] 1 package of underwear: to distribute while in Nicaragua (we will need men’s, women’s and children’s of all sizes)
[ ] Undergarments—16 pairs
[ ] Sneakers
[ ] Sandals or flip flops
[ ] 7 pairs of socks
[ ] 7-9 T-shirts
[ ] 5-7 Shorts
[ ] 1 Long-sleeved Item
[ ] 1 or 2 pairs of Pants
[ ] 1 Set Church Clothes
[ ] Bathing Suit (1 Piece suit for girls)
[ ] Hat w/ Brim
[ ] Wash cloth & Hand towel
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sunglasses
[ ] Journal & Pen
[ ] Bible
[ ] Camera (optional)
[ ] Chapstick
[ ] Water bottle
[ ] Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, contact stuff, deodorant, face wash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, sunscreen, & bug spray (in 3 oz or less bottles in a 1 liter Ziploc bag—if you have items larger than 3 oz or too many to fit in a 1 liter bag you can bring it in a gallon Ziploc with you name on it to check under the plane
[ ] optional: No more than $50 cash (for souvenirs and food in airport)
This must all fit into your carry-on luggage
(maximum of size of 45” [height+width+length] and 40 lbs)
Bedding and towels are provided at the orphanage, and they do laundry for us once midway through the week.
Please also bring these items the day of departure to put in bags to be checked:
[ ] Birthday present for orphan (get a present for a child of the same sex as you): $10 gift, unwrapped
[ ] 1 package of underwear: to distribute while in Nicaragua (we will need men’s, women’s and children’s of all sizes)
Nicaragua Mission Team
June 4th Checklist
Blog: http://wccstudentministriesmissiontrips.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to updates via text messaging:
o Parents: Text “nicaparent” to 41411
o Students: Text “nicastudent” to 41411
Support Money
o Turn support money into Lex as you get it
o Your balance must be paid by the final team meeting on 6/15
o Write thank you notes to the people who send you monetary support immediately.
Passport
o Bring a copy of your passport IMMEDIATELY!
Forms – must be in ASAP
o ORPHANetwork form
o WCC Parental Consent notarized
Go over travel plans with your parents
o Seniors – your flight departs from Reagan Airport at 7:10am on Tuesday, 6/22. Meet at the Chapel at 2am on Tuesday, 6/22.
o Juniors & Sophomores – your flight departs from Reagan Airport at 3:10pm on Tuesday, 6/22. Meet at the Chapel at 8am on Tuesday, 6/22.
Collect donations
o Bring any donations to the final team meeting on 6/15. Remember, we only want high-quality donations or items from the “Needs Lists” posted on the blog.
Final team meeting is June 15th from 6:30-8:30 pm in SM Worship Room
June 4th Checklist
Blog: http://wccstudentministriesmissiontrips.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to updates via text messaging:
o Parents: Text “nicaparent” to 41411
o Students: Text “nicastudent” to 41411
Support Money
o Turn support money into Lex as you get it
o Your balance must be paid by the final team meeting on 6/15
o Write thank you notes to the people who send you monetary support immediately.
Passport
o Bring a copy of your passport IMMEDIATELY!
Forms – must be in ASAP
o ORPHANetwork form
o WCC Parental Consent notarized
Go over travel plans with your parents
o Seniors – your flight departs from Reagan Airport at 7:10am on Tuesday, 6/22. Meet at the Chapel at 2am on Tuesday, 6/22.
o Juniors & Sophomores – your flight departs from Reagan Airport at 3:10pm on Tuesday, 6/22. Meet at the Chapel at 8am on Tuesday, 6/22.
Collect donations
o Bring any donations to the final team meeting on 6/15. Remember, we only want high-quality donations or items from the “Needs Lists” posted on the blog.
Final team meeting is June 15th from 6:30-8:30 pm in SM Worship Room
HS DC Mission Team - Final Meeting Recap
Below you will find a packing list for the trip. Please make every effort to keep your bags small, since we do not have a lot of cargo space in our vehicles.
We will depart from the Chapel at 1pm on Sunday, July 11th. Please bring a bagged lunch to eat on our way up to DC. We will not be stopping for food.
For emergencies while on the trip, please call Travis Simone at 757-650-9120. For updates while we are on the trip, please continue to check this blog.
We will return to the Chapel between 3:00pm and 4:00pm on Friday, July 16th. Please call the hotline (919-260-0719) for the exact time of our arrival home.
If you have any questions, please call or email Alexis at 757-941-1241, or akincaid@wcchapel.org
PACKING LIST
-Sleeping Bag and/or Single Bed Sheets (fitted & top sheet)
-Pillow
-Bath Towel
-Hand Towel
-Wash Cloth
-Personal Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact stuff, deodorant, face wash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, sunscreen, bug spray)
-Bible
-Journal
-Pen
-2 to 3 pairs of long pants or jeans
-5 to 7 t-shirts (no shirts that expose your shoulders - ie. no tank tops! Make sure your shirt covers your stomach even if you raise your arms)
-3 to 5 pairs of knee-length shorts! (Shorts MUST BE knee length!)
-1 pair of athletic shoes
-1 pair of flip flops or sandals
-1 bathing suit (one-pieces only)
-water bottle
-hat
-flash light
-sunglasses
-money for fast food on the drive home
DO NOT bring
-cell phones
-ipods
-video games
-hair dryers, straighteners, curlers
We will depart from the Chapel at 1pm on Sunday, July 11th. Please bring a bagged lunch to eat on our way up to DC. We will not be stopping for food.
For emergencies while on the trip, please call Travis Simone at 757-650-9120. For updates while we are on the trip, please continue to check this blog.
We will return to the Chapel between 3:00pm and 4:00pm on Friday, July 16th. Please call the hotline (919-260-0719) for the exact time of our arrival home.
If you have any questions, please call or email Alexis at 757-941-1241, or akincaid@wcchapel.org
PACKING LIST
-Sleeping Bag and/or Single Bed Sheets (fitted & top sheet)
-Pillow
-Bath Towel
-Hand Towel
-Wash Cloth
-Personal Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact stuff, deodorant, face wash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, sunscreen, bug spray)
-Bible
-Journal
-Pen
-2 to 3 pairs of long pants or jeans
-5 to 7 t-shirts (no shirts that expose your shoulders - ie. no tank tops! Make sure your shirt covers your stomach even if you raise your arms)
-3 to 5 pairs of knee-length shorts! (Shorts MUST BE knee length!)
-1 pair of athletic shoes
-1 pair of flip flops or sandals
-1 bathing suit (one-pieces only)
-water bottle
-hat
-flash light
-sunglasses
-money for fast food on the drive home
DO NOT bring
-cell phones
-ipods
-video games
-hair dryers, straighteners, curlers
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Final MS North Carolina Meeting Recap
Please bring in any remaining money that you still owe on your balance. The total trip cost is $450, but you only owe $300 if you already paid the $150 deposit.
Our theme for the trip is the Beautiful Struggle and this comes from the idea that the service we are going to do on this trip may be a struggle at times, but through the struggle something beautiful happens when God shows up in the midst of it. Over the past three training meetings we have studied the character of Saul and looked at his Beautiful Struggle when he encountered God on the road to Damascus in Acts 9. Below are the questions that your students have discussed in their small groups at each meeting.
Meeting #1 Questions (Acts 9:1-4)
1. In the spirit of the idea that the word “Meanwhile” is very important to our passage, describe how you came to be sitting in this room talking with people about going to Nicaragua. How might God have been working in the background to bring you to this moment? Essentially, why are you here in this room today?
2. What are you near on your life journey right now? What goals are you close to accomplishing? Where are you spiritually?
3. Where is God currently pricking your conscience?
4. What makes you nervous about “The Beautiful Struggle” on this trip? What makes you most excited?
Meeting #2 Questions (Acts 9:1-9)1. How does the idea that God will be the one initiating with us change your perspective on this trip?
2. How might God disguise himself on this trip? How might God show up in unexpected ways?
3. Why do you think Saul “fell to the Ground” when confronted with Jesus? Why might God’s presence cause you to humble yourself on this trip?
4. What are some practical ways our team can serve each other before during and after our trip?
5. Be honest, what price are you currently willing to pay to encounter Jesus?
Meeting #3 Questions (Acts 9:8-20)
1. What might God need to take from you or you need to give up in order to get you to slow down and process your experience with him in
2. Ananias helps Saul, “See again” and be “filled with the Holy Spirit.” What aspects of your life do you long to see with fresh eyes? In what parts of your life do you need fresh power from God?
3. Towards the end of the passage we learn that Paul’s problem was not just that he was blind, but that something like scales had actually built up on his eyes. What do you think it means that Paul’s encounter with God did not initially yield deeper insight or understanding, but actually yielded deeper struggle? How can you apply this lesson to your understanding of how God might work in your life as you encounter him in Nicaragua?
4. If you do actually see God on this trip, how might that change you and your understanding of your call in life (what God is asking you to do with your time on earth)?
5. What is one thing you want to be different about your life after this trip to Nicaragua?
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Luke Kincaid at 757-941-1572 or email him at lkincaid@wcchapel.org
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
All Teams! Missions Overnight this Weekend!
All North Carolina, Washingtong, DC, and Nicaragua mission team members should be prepared for our Overnight this coming Friday, June 4th. The overnight will begin on Friday at 6:30pm. Check in for all team members will be in the Student Ministries Worship Room. The overnight will end on Saturday, June 5th at 2pm.
Please remember to bring your sleeping bag, pillow, and toiletries, as well as athletic clothing and tennis shoes. Also, each team has specific items due this weekend:
MS North Carolina: All forms due. We are also asking for your final payments at this meeting. (Balance is $300 if you already paid the $150 deposit.)
HS Washington DC: WCC Parental Consent Form due. (We will also collect your final payment if you have it. Balance is $300 if you already paid the $150 deposit.)
HS Nicaragua: All Forms are due (ONet consent form and WCC Parental Consent Form). We also MUST have a copy of your PASSPORT! Also, please bring any support money you have raised.
If you have any questions, please call the SM Office at 941-1571. We will see you all this weekend!
Please remember to bring your sleeping bag, pillow, and toiletries, as well as athletic clothing and tennis shoes. Also, each team has specific items due this weekend:
MS North Carolina: All forms due. We are also asking for your final payments at this meeting. (Balance is $300 if you already paid the $150 deposit.)
HS Washington DC: WCC Parental Consent Form due. (We will also collect your final payment if you have it. Balance is $300 if you already paid the $150 deposit.)
HS Nicaragua: All Forms are due (ONet consent form and WCC Parental Consent Form). We also MUST have a copy of your PASSPORT! Also, please bring any support money you have raised.
If you have any questions, please call the SM Office at 941-1571. We will see you all this weekend!
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