At lunch, Craig recognized all of the seniors who had been to Nicaragua every time they had the opportunity over the past few years. These seniors were lifted up as an example for everyone to remember that the only way to truly help the people of Nicaragua is through continuos and long-term support. Following lunch and the senior recognition, everyone had a few hours of free time to relax, swim in the lagoon, or continue to spend some time alone with God. It was beautiful to watch the team enjoy a time of fellowship together. It was a great picture of what God's kingdom on earth should look like as people let their common bond in Christ be the center of their relationships with each other.
After free time, the entire group ate dinner as they admired God's creation in the lagoon. Following dinner and small group pictures, the team headed down to our final porch time location which overlooks the lagoon. Underneath the stars with a gentle breeze the team began by singing worship songs to God. Then Luke spoke to the team about the challenges they will face as they return to Williamsburg. He finished the story of Peter in Acts 10-11 that the team began in their pre-trip meetings. Luke looked at the critics that Peter faced and how Peter silenced the criticism he received after returning from his mission trip to the Gentiles. He challenged the team to think about how they will explain their story, support each other, and live out the changes God is asking them to make in their lives. In Acts 11 Peter lifts up the act of baptism as an important symbol of how God wants each of us to continually take on the properties of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The team finished by singing praises to God and then headed up to their cabins for their final small group time. Their have been so many encouraging stories of transformation that the team is excited to return home and share them. God has done exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine and so we finish this blog by giving God all of the glory for the great things God did.
We will send texts and update the blog throughout the day with travel updates. To receive text message updates on our travel text the word NICAPARENT to 41411.
