Nicaragua time

The time is very different down here. I thought that maybe it was a translation problem, but now I understand. When they say later today they mean tomorrow. When they say later in the week they mean next week, and if they say in a week or two, you might as well find someone else, because it is not happening.

Worship in a different language

It is incredible to think that all around the world, in hundreds of languages people are lifting their voices in praise and worship. We have been blessed these last few Sundays to have the chance to worship with brothers and sisters in Christ here in Nicaragua. It is difficult when you don't know the language, but a friendly smile and warm handshake lets you know you are among family. One big difference that I noticed is that they shake everybody's hand, before and after Church. In our Church of 600, could imagine if we did that?  They also spend a lot of time in prayer for each other. Whatever the language, wherever the location, we serve an awesome God.

It is amazing

I am amazed at times when I see the way God works. Nothing huge, just simple people and simple situations to bring about His will. As soon as I let go of what I want He brings peace. We have been blessed to have God bring us such great people to help us and direct us around our new home. There is so much to be thankful for. It is hard to know where to begin. The Church, our friends and their generosity and even the generosity of those we hardly know, but most of all for a God that listens and cares. Thank you, thank you.

Finally here

We have finally arrived in Nicaragua. Thanks to a lot of help from local contacts things have been going smoothly. The experience is difficult to put into words, so I will just let you wait to come down for a visit and experience it for yourself. I have been surprised by the different reactions to the move. Kora had complained a lot about moving, but has done a great job in adjusting. Kim as always is a rock and the whole family has been leaning on her for stability. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful and loving wife. She is truly a treasure like no other.

One week away

We leave one week from today. Thinking of all the things to do, it can almost paralyze you into doing nothing. We are excited and grateful that God has blessed our family with the chance to go and serve him. We are passed the fearful and nervous stage and now we are ready to get on the plane and begin a new chapter. Things are falling into place and we are overwhelmed by everyones generosity. Please pray, for the people of Nicaragua and that we will be used by God to serve and help them.

Getting excited

Two weeks from today our family will embark on an exciting adventure. Kim and I have gone through several different emotions and we have finally came back to excited. Did you ever see the movie Shawshank Redemption? Remember the old man from the library who finally got out after serving his prison term of like 50 years? He was scared to leave, frightened of what was outside the walls and the changes he might face. Sounds ridiculous? What prisons have we trapped ourselves into and don't want to leave? What entrapment, sin, habit are you in bondage to that keeps you in chains? We talk about breaking free, but then make excuses why we can't go through with it. This year is the year where we tear down our fears,  loosen the chains and live freely and deeply in the shelter of an almighty, powerful God.

New chapter

I handed in my notice today. What a scary feeling to close the door of financial security. I know it was only illusionary. That nothing is certain in this life, but its one thing to be pushed out of the plane and completely another to jump out on your own. I was ashamed that I was feeling afraid. I hadn't been fearful until this morning. Then I realized that I had not completely been trusting God. I was still trusting in my job to provide for my family. However, I believe there was lesson learned today. I woke up believing that the absence of fear demonstrated faith (and to some degree that is correct), but what I learned today was that acting on faith in spite of your fears is a great expression of faith as well.