Summary of the trip and Kids' Clubs

Hey everyone!
First, I thought it would be good to highlight the main things we did on our trip. We arrived in Costa Rica late Wednesday night (July 14). We basically went to bed as soon as we got there, because it was like 11 PM. Thursday and Friday we spent at the base of Pura Vida Ministries. During our time at the base we had worship, sessions, and we worked on skits and songs. Thursday and Friday were packed with sessions and training. Saturday we spent almost the entire day traveling by bus up to Managua, Nicaragua. We had to spend a few hours at the border to get our visas and go through customs. We arrived in Managua Saturday evening and immediately upon arriving we attended our first Nicaraguan church service. After the church service we met our host families and got settled in for the night. Sunday we went to another church service and in the afternoon went to a Nicaraguan baby shower. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were all fairly similar. We did work projects in the morning, including painting, spackling the walls of the church, and collecting trash around the city. At 4 PM we would have kids' clubs. We sang songs, did some skits, and had a craft each day. We would give the kids candy and animal balloons. Monday and Tuesday we went home after kids' club and spent time with our host families. Wednesday we had a birthday surprise for the pastor at the church. There was a Mariachi band that played, and we did some of our skits and songs. Thursday morning we had to say the dreaded "goodbyes" :( It was a really sad time and our whole team misses the people that we met, but we also will never forget them. Thursday we did some touring. We bought souvenirs and saw some important government buildings. In the afternoon we took an awesome boat tour of these islands on a lake! It was beautiful! We spent the night in a hotel across from the airport that night. We woke up and left for the airport at 5 AM, and after a day of traveling, safely arrived home

Now that I've summarized all that we did on our missions trip, I want to tell you from my personal experience some things that God really showed me while we were there. The first thing was something God showed me through the kids' clubs. I have always loved children, so it gave me so much joy to love on the Nicaraguan kids and to show them God's love. One day at the kids club, a little girl that I had had some previous interaction with the last few days up came up and gave me a hug. There was another little girl standing nearby that I had never even met, but after she saw the first girl give me a hug, she came up and gave me a hug too. Through that I realized that God can use the simplest things to make a difference. Through a hug I was able to minister to a little girl. All week through balloons, skits, and songs we were able to show God's love to his children. I thank God that He can use even the little things to make a difference. It was a reminder to me that I don't need to necessary do something huge to bring God glory. Secondly, the other thing God showed me was how He is always with us. There were several times throughout the trip when I was worried. I was in a strange place, with people I had never met before, and I was supposed to somehow use my gifts to minister to them. Even during the times when I was absolutely out of my comfort zone, God constantly reminded me of his presence and of his protection. That was really awesome for me to see!

update from Kevin - Thursday night

Hi all,
Safely in a hotel across from the airport in Managua. A great day of sightseeing, with a few unexpected twists, no harm to anyone.
A amazing trip, we can't wait to tell you all about it. God moved and we have all grown.
Love from Nicaraugua!

Update!

Hello everyone! I got a call from Rosene a few minutes ago! The team is doing really well. They wrapped up their ministry portion of the trip and have their touring day today. Rosene said the church just loved our team and is really sad to see them go. Kevin felt like this was a life changing trip for many of our teens - I can't wait to hear all the reports tomorrow night!!!

I just wanted to pass this along, that the team is doing well, and it has been a great trip!

God Bless!!!

No News is Good News!

Good afternoon everyone! I hope you are all doing well! I am sure many of you miss our team and are probably anxiously awaiting an email or phone call with some info. Unfortunately, I don't have anything to tell you either, as I have not heard from the team since Saturday evening. But I want to assure you that in this case no news is good news. Pura Vida had told me that finding internet connection would be difficult once the team got to Managua, Nicaragua, so that is why we have not received any emails or blog updates.

Our team is in good hands and if there was anything that we needed to be aware of, we would know. I am confident that the team is having an incredible time and making a valuable impact on the church and city there in Nicaragua. Time is flying by and they will be home shortly. Any updates I happen to receive I will quickly pass along. Until then, trust that God is in control and He has them safely in the palm of His hand.

I wanted to leave you with a favorite scripture of mine.

Philippians 4: 6-7 (NIV) - ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Be blessed and enjoy your week!!

Team arrives in Nicaragua!!

I just got word that the team has arrived in Nicaragua! They got on the bus at 6am their time, arrived in Nicaragua at 7pm, went straight to a church service and now at 8:30pm, they are headed to their host homes. Everyone is safe and is doing well. Rosene said that the training time at Pura Vida was incredible!

On their way to Nicaragua today!

Hi, early morning breakfast then on the bus we go! PVM has given powerful training, no time to put it in action. All are well! This may be the last check-in for a few days.

God Rocks! And we are ready to roll.

FYI- the teens prayed for all you back home last night.

Love and hugs from here. - Kevin

Good morning Costa Rica!

Hi, everyone is doing really well. Good night of sleep after a powerful worship experience. Lot's of tears and good stuff going in inside of teens (and leaders).

Costa Rica is beautiful, but no sunshine yet. The showers are derived from water pumped straight from the arctic. We don't worry about people taking too many showers or taking too long of a shower.

Food is actually quite good, but my palate is probably more adventurous than most.

Love from all here,

Kevin