Until next time...

Today was my first full day back in the "states." It's been a ride (literally). I'm glad to be back with family and friends after our short trip, but I still miss being there. It's a difficult feeling to describe. Here I can be with family and friends, and I can work on the projects that have been sparked over the last 10 days. But when I'm "there" it feels right. We'll see how these next days, months, and years unfold. As updates arise over time with progress, missions, and developments, I will continue to use this blog as a "newsletter" of sorts with all relevant information, links, and pictures.

For now, here are the main projects we need to focus in on as our immediate goals:

1) Vera Cruz Baseball Association---Headed up by Bradley Wright (USA) and Regan Downs (Vera Cruz, Nicaragua)

The Vera Cruz area is in desperate need of baseball instruction, organization, leagues, clinics, camps, equipment, fields, etc. I could go on and on. In any event, the first "trial run" of a little league baseball association in Vera Cruz will take effect in January. Until then, all the equipment, time, support, and suggestions you may have will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. Vera Cruz is a community with great potential. Right now many of the neighborhood kids are drop-outs, druggies, drunks, and thieves as a lifestyle and as a means for existence. This league will be an exclamation to their already fevered love for the game of baseball. Keep kids busy and they'll walk a straight line. Show them discipline and they'll succeed on their own accord. Show them you care and they'll care for others.

2) The International Baseball Academy of Central America---Headed up by Roger and Carolyn Keeling of Gran Pacifica, Nicaragua.

The Keelings are amazing people. Please look into their organization. They are doing GREAT things in places that most would turn away from. Their main need to make the IBACA a reality is funding. If you know of anyone or any organization that might be interested, please do not hesitate to let us (Brad Wright and myself) know. This will happen; and when it does, lives will change. Phase 1 requires nearly $2 million. There are three phases. An influx of investment and opportunity for these kids such as the IBACA will make an indescribable impact on the future of Nicaragua and its youth.

This is only the tip of the ice burg. There are developments that need to be made, contacts to develop, and meetings to move forward. As all these things progress, so will updates and blog-things.

I love you all!! As always... none of this would ever be remotely possible without your dedication to the betterment of others and your selfless, kind heart. Thank you! :)

Until next time... "10-4 Good buddy!"

Meredith

1 Corinthians 13:13

Friday the 13th... we are so lucky

Day 8: Friday Aug 13, 2010

Last night was the first time Brad uploaded all the pictures he’s taken so far on this trip with his phone. As they were uploading to his iPhoto software, each picture flashed on the screen for a bout half a second each. It was kind of surreal. It was literally the past 8 days “flashing before our eyes.” Looking back on all the awesome memories we’ve made in such a short period of time, it makes me wish we could stay longer on one hand, but eager to return home and get to work on the other.

There is so much more to do here. Nicaragua is place where people don’t tell you, “no, that’s impossible.” Maybe that’s why I feel so compelled to be here. I’ve always had dreams and ideas. Here, they make sense…mainly because anyone you speak to here thrived on their own dreams that seemed impossible at the start. There is a process; there is a need for a plan; there are steps to take, but these things can’t be put into motion until faith backs up the future.

So this morning, as beautiful as it was, came quickly and is passing by in the same manner. Yesterday was a blast; today will be quick; and tomorrow will be tiring.

Yesterday was spent mainly with friends—saying goodbyes, for the most part, and following through on a promise we made to 3 little girls back home. If you remember the lemonade stand story from a previous entry, we kept our end of the bargain. We put the $100 toward a pizza party for the kids at Remar Orphanage in Vera Cruz. We all had such a great time. It was so needed. I think Brad and I had more fun than the kids, to tell you the truth. :) As we were all eating pizza and drinking “gaseosa” together, Brad video taped the kids saying “Thank you!!” to the girls from the lemonade stand (Katherine and Audrey).

Along with visiting the orphanage, Brad and I also ironed out some details. We had somewhat of an ad-hoc meeting that morning prior. We went over the week, the conversations, the connections, the people, the possibilities. I think we came out of the morning with some great ideas and a direction to take the next few months. It’s a great feeling to have options, we just need to narrow it down a bit. As I was thinking over our “options” I found this:

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;

--2 Corinthians 4:8—

As we try to make sense of this week and add action to the passion, this verse is encouraging.

I love you all! Only one or two more posts from this particular adventure to go. I’ll be sad for that, but encouraged for where this trip might lead us in the future.

Thank you! Always, thank you! :)

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

3 Gringos + 11 Nicaraguans+ A Tractor- Common Sense = Adventure

We apologize for missing last night's blog session. Due to the intensity of the days' events, we've decided to write a joint blog to summarize what we've been through. We've had a long couple of days and you're about to find out why...

9:00 am La Chureca

After waking up to a cup of fresh Nicaraguan coffee we headed out for what was shaping up to be a productive day. As most of you know, the Buzbees run the school in the Managua dump, "La Chureca." We toured the school, spent time playing with the kids, and then recorded footage of the dump on our way out. This trip was my (Meredith) first time to the dump. It was just like anything else you might encounter in Nicaragua--no words could describe, no pictures could justify, and no video could truly capture what you see, what you feel, and what you wish for as you pass by the dump children, families, and homes that occupy La Chureca.

12:00 pm Lunch with the Keelings

God gave us the opportunity to meet two amazing people--Roger and Carolyn Keeling. Along with the many other operations and organizations the Keelings run, we were there primarily to meet with them about their upcoming project--The International Baseball Association of Central America. The meeting ended up evolving into much more than just talk about baseball and a blueprint as we feel a deep connection and future relationship developments resulted from our long lunch. The possibilities and potential for this project are endless. Not only are they focusing on baseball, but they are also ensuring that their baseball students are also great academic students. This balance is crucial in teaching discipline and giving these young men the opportunity to further their education as well as a possible career in college and/ or major league baseball. We could go on for days about the Keelings and their project(s). I'm sure you'll be hearing their name in association with our own mission work much more frequently in the future.

3:30 pm Drive to Gran Pacifica

The Gran Pacifica is the resort run by the Keelings and the future location of the IBACA project (see above). So, after our motivational and inspirational lunch with the Keelings, we decided we could do nothing better with our evening other than drive to the property (note: Roger specifically mentioned during lunch that the road was in bad shape and he didn't recommend taking the trip any time in the near future... so we did). I (Meredith) was driving the route to the Gran Pacifica while the two Brads slept comfortably in the back seat after a long morning. The bulk of the trip was as smooth as any Nicaraguan road (yes, a few bumps and potholes, but all paved). We should have known that continuing to the resort might not be in our best interests when we heard, "Oooooooyyyyyy!!" from a local who freely offered directions as we closed in on our destination. As we left the safety of our paved heaven, we crept into the world of mud, water, streams, and trenches while embarking on an 11 Kilometer "adventure" to the Gran Pacifica. The road was rough and I have to admit I was a bit nervous in a couple of places, but as I peaked the hill marking Kilometer number 10, I knew we were in trouble. I had the wheel turned hard over left, Demo was instructing me to turn the wheel left, to which I replied, "Demo! The wheel is left!!!" and followed it up with "Demo! I'm sliding! Demo! I'm turning! Demo! I can't control it!" Demo's name was worn out as the "baby suzuki" slid to a stop perpendicular to the natural direction of the road, half-way down the mud-ladden hill. I turned to Brad and he asked if I wanted him to drive. "Yes," I replied as I jumped over the seat and strapped on my seat belt. Things were about to get rough.

We got the car turned around, and we thought there was a way we could get out. Then.... came the ditch--aka "crater"--lining the right side of the one-lane mud road. No cell phone service. No one in sight, but a man riding a horse. No time as the sun was setting. No town for at least 3 hours (walking). And no way we could continue on to Gran Pacifica. We were stuck. Bad.

As night drew near, reality set in. There was a very good chance we might have to sleep in the car, in the ditch, in the middle of nowhere, in Nicaragua. No AAA service here, thanks. As Demo was gathering rocks from the hillside to fit under the wheels and brad was getting stuck in the knee-deep mud sinkholes, God sent us a tractor and 11 Nicaraguans to push. After a couple more setbacks, $60 in payment to our helpers, a luxurious mud bath for the interior of the car, and one more hill, we began our descent home. We stopped at the end of the road to take pictures of the damage and thank God for keeping us safe and blessing us with so much help in such a desolate area of Nicaragua.

9:30 pm Back at the Buzbees

Six hours after our original departure for Gran Pacifica, we made it "home." In contrast the trip was "supposed to" take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. You do the math. To thank Demo for being absolutely THE best friend and translator in the entire world, we took him out for a dinner at a restaurant of his choice. As a special request from our hero, Brad ordered Juevos Del Torro (for those of you that aren't sure what that really means, it translates: Bull Testicles). Brad actually enjoyed them. He said it didn't taste exactly like chicken... but maybe a little better. After his testimony of the delicious bull testicles, he made us all (Demo, Brad Hall, and myself) try a piece.

The end to an eventful day left us drained, tired, muddy, and ready for bed.

As for today, we decided to show Brad Hall a little more of Nicaragua and see some sights we had yet to see, as well. We drove nearly 3 hours to San Juan Del Sur to visit the coast. We spent the day looking at different potential properties for sale, checking out the professional baseball arena, and even jumped in the ocean to catch a few waves. We had to say goodbye to Brad Hall this evening as he boarded his plane back to Alabama. Although he was only here for 3 days, he was able to see why we have a heart for Nicaragua and I think he may have developed a place in his heart as well. We hope to see him again very soon! "Te gusta, Brad!"

As a final reflection on the last couple of days: They were tough; they were exciting; and they were God's way of showing us a good time as he took us through "3rd world boot camp."

Thank you family and friends. Until next time...

Uncle B-rad and Mere

7 on (day) 6

Things I learned today:

1) Driving in Nicaragua is very similar to driving in New York--lots of honking, tail gating, lane-weaving, pothole dodging, then throw in a few cows, horses, 3-wheel taxis, and absolutely no road signs... and you have Nicaraguan driver's ed 101 at its finest. (PS... no tickets as of yet. Knock on wood).

2) Brad #2 (Brad Hall) enjoys taking the red-eye flight, fighting the sleepy in a "36-hour day," baseball, banana splits, and little kids that run on the equivalent of an energizer battery. He arrived this morning at 5:30 am and will join us until Thursday night. He's a great guy. We're lucky to have him here with us for a few days while we continue to iron out some details and add to our contacts in Nicaragua.

3) Campo Abem is absolutely gorgeous. We returned again so Brad Hall could see what the facility had to offer in the way of baseball camps, tournaments, and clinics. It has plenty of land; lots of dorm room; and ideal for future missions whatever the cause or focus. It's fairly versatile.

4) Regan Downs hasn't changed one bit. Again, another name that I'll throw out there that most of you may not be familiar with. He's a wonderful man; a man of God, as is his brother, Demo. They are both family here, and it is always exciting to reunite with great friends.

5) Santo Domingo floods the streets of Managua for 10 days every year in celebration of the city's patron saint. Today was the final and most celebrated day of the festival in Managua.

6) If you give without expectation, you will always be humbled.

7) I need to learn how to drive a stick-shift.

Today's been crazy, long, and interesting to say the least. As Brad, Brad, and I move into the next few days we'll have a lot of information flowing in. We'll head over to the dump in the morning and then meet with the Keelings at noon for a long lunch. Following lunch we'll do one of a few different things depending on availability and time schedules. More updates tomorrow.

Over and out. Love you all!

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

be at peace with what you know now, and be patient for what you will know later

Prayer and study tonight feel very important at the moment. So, I'm going to make this particular entry short and sweet.

We were extremely productive today. We started the day off at the Nicaraguan Christian Academy. It was a wonderful trip. Ms. Sylvia is the elementary principal and Ms. Hall is the high school principal there. We spoke about the teaching requirements and opportunities and then Sylvia gave us a tour around the campus. I did spot three or four sets of golf clubs in a recreational office.. hmm. There were a couple of basketball courts, a soccer field, several play grounds, and a small outdoor theatre stage as well for gatherings and lunch. It was the first day back to school for this season, so we concluded the tour by watching the opening faculty skit and remarks about the projection and goals for the upcoming year. Everyone there speaks English, so it was easy to follow along. I recorded part of the final speech. It's amazing. I'm hoping to upload it here soon; maybe when I have a better internet connection.

Following the NCA, we went to Campo Abem, just outside of Managua by 20 or so minutes. It is a paradise in its own right. There is unlimited potential for future relations and mission trips associated with Campo Abem. The facility can sleep over 100 people in a single trip. There is a large pool, cabana, softball / baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball grass courts, soccer fields, and plenty of extra room to hit a few buckets of balls, if need be. The lot in totality is roughly 160 acres. The scene is breathtaking. Lake Managua, Mumbo Tumbo (large volcano), Mumbo Tumbito (smaller volcano), and the mountains along the west all frame the vista from the top of Campo Abem hill. More pictures to come, also.

We finished the day with more old friends: Eliazar, Daniel, and Macho. I know most reading this don't know these names (other than in passing if I've mentioned them before), but just know that these names mentioned throughout my blog are associated with very special people. I consider them all family. I love them very much and spending some time with them, catching up, and exchanging hugs really does mean the world to me (us).

It was a great day. We were blessed and extremely thankful to have such a smooth and inspiring Monday. God willing, the rest will follow in suit.

Love you all. Sweet dreams & God bless.

Mere

Follow Brad @ http://bradwrightsblog.blogspot.com/

1 Corinthians 13:13

cow tongue.... doesn't taste like chicken.

Today I sat in church and listened to the pastor preach about giving. "You must give before you can expect to receive," he says. He encouraged and instructed everyone to give. He used a story of his own experience. A missionary within the church was trying to raise support to "go out and proclaim the word." When the "support" came in, he realized he could not live off the support provided by the church. He was shocked and upset. The pastor said again, "you must give before you can expect to receive. Too often we only expect to receive and forget that we must also give."

I love it. It's a revolving door within God's family. You cannot expect to always get, get, get. You have to also give. You have to try to out-give what you are given. Try to out-give God. It's not possible, but at least you'll be on the right path.

After church, Brad, Demo, and I got to spend some time with a few of the boys from the Remar orphanage. Angel, Noel, Michael, Erling, and a few of the new boys as well. We also met up with them later that night at Remar. We got to spend some time with a few of the other boys. Freddi, who is very special to me, was there, too. We'll see them all again before the week is up.

Between church and Remar, we checked in with the Buzbee family at Open Hearts farm just outside Managua. I met Susan Buzbee and Michelle Buzbee before we left again. I'm excited to meet the entire clan. I only hear amazing things. Good people to be here with and to know, in general.

Recap Stories of the day:

I ate cow tongue. And it was good.

As I'm sitting here typing, there is a dog howling and it sounds exactly like Elliot (my dog).

I love trying to speak / speaking Spanish.

Sports can minister across cultural barriers.

Music can, too.

There is still more to do here... a lot more. This week will be very telling. By Sunday, things will change; one way or another.

Love always and sweet dreams,

Meredith

Follow Brad @: http://bradwrightsblog.blogspot.com/

1 Corinthians 13:13

Day 3: Preparation and Anticipation--Chcichigalpa & Managua

The pictures below are from: New Song Ministries site, Lake Managua, and a picture of the volcano just outside of Leon.

When I finished the blog post from yesterday, I assumed my day was coming to a close and we were going to get some rest in preparation for the long drive back to Managua (Demo had to be back for Seminary School in the city early, so we set a 5:30 am departure time). After I closed up my computer, I began to gather my bags. Diego came out of his room and asked if Brad and I wanted to move our things there where it is much cooler while we talk. So, we moved (slowly) and spent the majority of the night and early morning talking and sharing with Diego. It was much needed and appreciated. It's one of those times you know you may not get a second chance to experience... so you give in and sacrifice your rest for the moment. I ended up leaving "early" (around 1 or 1:30 am) for bed, while Brad and Diego were up much later. Brad says, "I set my alarm for 5 am and I hit the pillow at 3:30," followed by a laugh and the realization that Saturday morning will be rough for good reason.

But, none-the-less, we got Demo to class on time, checked in to a local hotel, and passed out for a good 3 or 4 hours. The rest was much needed. We really didn't have a good rest since Wednesday night. Originally we planned to meet up with a medical mission team from North Parkersburg Baptist that was staying in the same hotel we checked into. However, as we arrived, their flight was leaving the country. We were disappointed in a missed opportunity to see familiar faces, but we will see them again soon. We wish them safe travels and a successful mission while they were here.

The rest of the day was devoted to devotion (if that makes sense). We needed to center ourselves and prepare for the week ahead. Our schedule is filling up more and more as every day passes and we need to remain centered and focused. Although we are here on a sort of business it is still a business of God and today was a reminder of that truth. Devotion. Prayer. Reflection. Preparation.

We also set up some more appointments for the upcoming week. We've been in touch with a principal within the Nicaragua Christian Academy and we are to meet with her this week at the school. We are also planning to visit a new baptist ministry site, Centro Abem, just outside Managua.

Tomorrow we will be attending church in Vera Cruz with the boys from the Remar Orphanage. I will get to see some wonderful friends from last August. We are all pretty excited about tomorrow's service. After the service we hope to meet with some of Demo's friends that are also here on their own mission trip. They are all veterinarians coming to Nicaragua to teach agriculture and farming techniques to the people of small farming communities surrounding Managua. Hopefully everything goes according to plan. In the evening we'll finish the day at the Buzbee's farm (Open Hearts Ministries). A good ending to a good day. We'll see how that "actually" plays out tomorrow.

One story must be mentioned before I sign off. After we picked up Demo from class, we went to the mall to get coffee and talk. Demo had to leave shortly after, while Brad and I stayed and talked much longer. As we were talking, we chose to sit along a booth facing outward toward the large window and into the mall. We noticed after a while that several local people were staring at us as they walked by or while shopping at neighboring stores. We found it hilarious after some time, and it was almost as if we were the "gringos exhibit" at the local zoo. haha Maybe you had to be there... but we laughed.

Sweet dreams, all! See you tomorrow!

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

Day 2: New Song Ministries, Chichigalpa

First of all, I apologize for the insufficient post last night. Brad and I both pulled an "all-nighter" before boarding our plane at 6:40 am (packing, cleaning, going over schedules, and just being restless, in general). After a day of travel we were both ready to crash. So, as a quick re-cap, the day went something like this:

Charleston, WV

New York, NY

Miami, FL

Managua, Nicaragua

food.

blog.

devotional.

sleep.

^^ Demo outside the Cathedral in Leon ^^

Morning came quickly, but it was welcomed. Demo Downs is a great friend and our translator for the time we are in Nicaragua. He was the first to see our shining faces this morning as we waited to pick up our rental truck. He is an absolutely wonderful, spiritual man. He is a teacher in Managua and he is about to finish Seminary school. After school he plans on starting a church in his neighborhood as a mission calling. Then one day he will go back to school to become a lawyer (as another avenue to serve his people in adoptions of Nicaraguan orphans and the like). He's amazing. His church efforts are stalled until he can purchase a laptop. If it's on your heart to give, it might just save countless more. Just a thought.

Today was devoted to New Song Ministries and our new friends there. The man behind the ministry is known in Nicaragua as "Gringo Diego" or White Diego. It's been awesome to sit down with Diego and get to know him, his story, and the ministry that goes on at New Song. He attended Appalachian Sate just a few years ago. He came here on a mission trip and three weeks later he moved down as a full-time missionary. He's been here for two years now and going strong. Just to name a few of the things they had going on today:

three mission groups (in addition to us)

birthday party in the city

distributing food and staple goods among the faithful widows of the New Song Church

separate devotion & fellowship trips for the men and women of the mission teams

medical clinic from 12-5

Youth Night from 6-9(ish)

A program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous in the US

... this all happened within 12 hours during a typical day at New Song. High energy. Multitasking. He and his partners at New Song are most definitely a blessing to the Chichigalpa community and we are more than grateful to say we now know them.

While Diego was busy with his business, clinical, and mission obligations, Demo, Brad, and myself took a trip about 30 minutes away to the community of Leon. There is a cathedral there... Basilica Catedral Asuncion. It was gorgeous and worth the visit on our trip to see some old friends.

While in Leon we met up with Noel, Angel, and Sophia from Remar Orphanage. They had to relocate to the Leon area not long ago. It was wonderful to see familiar faces, and even better to find that they are all doing well.

More to come tomorrow... but for now, sweet dreams! Love you all so much!

PS... Brad is a terrible driver. One way streets don't exist in Brad's world. lol See http://www.bradwrightsblog.blogspot.com/ for details.

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

we made it! :)

here. alive. sleepy. goodnight.

less tressed, feel blessed... I forget the rest. lol

sweet dreams.

mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

mission (noun): those sent (here)

There is a band (Yeasayer) that I've recently been listening to. They're a little folk, a little rock, a little different with a cool beat and odd videos. But what I enjoy most about Yeasayer is their lyrics. One of my favorites, Red Cave, goes something like this:

i'm so blessed to
have spent the time
with my family

and the friends i love

in my short life i have met
so many people i deeply care for

I feel the message of this chorus so strong right now and I cannot express my gratitude enough. The gratitude goes out to family (related and "extended"), friends, and the communities of Parkersburg and Huntington as a whole. I know I probably sound redundant at this point, but Thank you all so much! I saw so many amazing God-things and displays of love over the past few months of our fundraising frenzy.

For example, there are three little girls that displayed a maturity in their love that doesn't typically surface until at least late teens or early twenties, if at all. Yesterday (Saturday, 9/31) was our "big day," consisting of a yard sale in the morning and a pool party in the evening. The morning started off with a rush of familiarized "yard-salers." It was tenfold better than we could have hoped for. Cars coming and going, sale items mostly just going. About a half hour into the rush of business, three neighborhood girls (ages 7-9) decided they would sell lemonade, donut holes, and muffins to the weary yard-salers. My initial thought was, "Genius. These girls are well on their way to a write-up in Business Week and a six-figure salary (...someday lol)." I went over to their table and smiled, "How much for a cup of lemonade?" They just grinned right back, "Donations only please," was the response I was dealt. Donations... hmm, interesting. So I pulled "a donation" from my wallet and received a cool cup of freshly squeezed lemonade.

End of the day. We're packing up tables and unsold goods. Brad and I are just making casual conversation about how busy the next 5 hours are going to be and he slides in this, "Oh, by the way... those little girls next door... they made a little over one hundred dollars at their lemonade stand." I was impressed! He continued, "and they're donating all of it to our trip to Nicaragua. They want to use the money to help the orphan boys at Remar." I... was... floored. My jaw must have been hanging open. I probably caught a fly or two, and I know pure shock and awe was streaming across my face with a side of "stupid grin." Awesome God-things.

I could go on and on about all the amazing people that have been such a huge inspiration to so many others. And that is the beautiful thing about missions, in general. It's not really about the trip itself. Yes, mission trips are amazing, needed, and life-changing... but that's not all. God works through the preparation of these trips. This entire summer has been a mission in itself. It's great that Brad and I are going on this trip. I'm excited, yes. But it's you all that are making the mission here. You are doing things, giving selflessly, loving without needing a receipt, witnessing your faith whether you realize it or not, and inspiring so many people around you, again, knowing or otherwise. God takes a 10-day trip and He turns it into something so much bigger. He takes a round-trip plane ticket and he creates a community that brings the mission home. I cannot explain in words, justly, how awesome it is to sit here in complete awe of God's mission here, in Parkersburg; in Huntington; in West Virginia. His will is so intertwined. It's great to step away from the one thread you've been focusing on, toiling over, and building to see the entire web that's been weaved as a system of support. Awesome God-things.

I love you all. Your support, your mission, your love will never cease to amaze and inspire me. This is a summer that I will never forget.

less stressed, feel blessed, love your best,

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

It's all uphill from here

(To Left: Brad Wright & myself in Nicaragua 2009)

Things seem so easy right now. Right now life is easy. How long can "easy" last? I guess in applying the adjective easy it becomes completely relative. Financial burdens for this upcoming mission trip are not easy. The work to prepare for the upcoming months is not easy. The unanswered questions are not easy--are they ever? So, what is so easy, then? My decisions have been easy. From the moment I decided to move back to Huntington, everything has fallen into place (Isn't that exactly how God works, though?).

Okay, now hit the rewind button to: "From the moment I decided to move back to Huntington..." That decision was not easy. That was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make. I was torn in two distinct directions. Where I sit looking forward, I feel I made the right decision. And now... everything is easy. But I'll ask again, how long does "easy" last? There will come a time, a day, a decision that I will have to make. That decision will, no doubt, ask, "are you willing to take this a step further, or shrink back to your typical comfort zone?" I'm hoping more than anything I keep a' steppin'.

And speaking of steps, updates, and blog-things, this summer is winding down and August 5th is approaching fast. Brad Wright and myself will be leaving early on August 5th for Managua, Nicaragua and returning on the 15th. We have quite a schedule lined up while we are in Nicaragua. I won't go into "boring" details, but this will not be your typical mission trip. We are going with the intent of visiting with, observing, and learning from nonprofit organizations established in Nicaragua with hopes of following in their footsteps. There are some amazing people doing amazing things and hopefully we'll be lucky enough to shake hands and learn from the experts. The more I listen to Brad talk about the people we're going to meet, the more I feel a hurricane mixture of excitement, awe, and uneasy nervousness. I'm going to guess it's the same feeling you might get if Michael Jordan, Jennifer Aniston, Neil Young, or (___insert famous influential role model here___) shook your hand and agreed to sit down with you for a day revealing all their successes, failures, and advice offered up freely. It's a big deal and I think I can speak for both Brad and myself when I say we are extremely honored and excited to have a similar opportunity with a group of such inspiring individuals.

With that said, the big "fundraising finale" for this trip will be Saturday, July 31st. We'll kick off the day with a yard sale in Huntington and finish the night at Timberlake Pool for music, food, swimming, cornhole, raffles, prizes, and an overall good time for all. :) Our own (Parkersburg) Mollie Burdette will be singing throughout the night along with a Huntington local talent, Emily Kinner.

About Mollie: Mollie will be leaving for Washington State in August to plant a church just outside of Seattle's city limits. She has a huge transition ahead of her in all aspects, but she's confident in her direction and in what God's asking her to do. You can follow her and her progress in Washing by visiting the following blog website: http://olympialiving.blogspot.com/ If you get the opportunity to hear her story, it's most definitely worth your time to listen. She has a huge heart.

As we get closer to August 5th I'll be updating i am <'3rd more and more. While we are in Nicaragua, I'll be posting daily to keep "inquiring minds" informed of our adventures and progress.

As always, thank you so much for all you do! :)

less stressed, feel blessed, love your best,

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

being "first" doesn't always mean you win.

I am third.

I am <'3rd.

one. two. three (<-- that's me).

My father gave me a necklace when I was in sixth grade. It was round, rough, and worn out from years of previous wear. There was a faded message engraved on one side of the silver metal charm--"I am third." I remember looking down and back at dad, "What does it mean?" To paraphrase as best as one can, it translates: God is first in my life; my friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, and you are second in my life; I come third in all things. It's a simple phrase with more wisdom than any theological book could offer. I am third. You are more important than I am. God is more important than all things.

I decided to name my blog according to this phrase my father lived by and carried close to his heart (literally). With this mentality at the center of my life, I find difficulty. I am at a point in time in which these words are being tried; my commitment to their application is being tested. Will I truly put God first in my life, or is this collection of three common words just that--a random collection of syllables? Will I put the needs of others before my own, or will I succumb to my own current frustrations--bills, health insurance, comfort (or lack thereof), instability in a changing economy. Is it scary? Of course. But God is greater than all things, including fear and any one of my own (selfish) frustrations. Hence the next major move in my life: back to Huntington.

I tried to force my future for a while. That doesn't work and I wouldn't ever recommend it. When I finally sat back and listened to God, I knew where He put my heart. For better or worse, I will be spending the next few years in Huntington substitute teaching, instructing an SAT prep course, and volunteering for Nicaragua Education Shelter & Health Care, Inc. among other mission-based endeavors.

Flashback: August 21, 2009

My good friend and mentor, Cyndy Hardwick, once told me that God gives us "signs" or "marks on our totem pole." These marks are His blatant directions for our lives; turning points; life-changing occurrences. I experienced a new notch on my "totem pole" when I went to Vera Cruz, Nicaragua from August 12-21, 2009. I left with no expectations. I left not knowing one person accompanying me on the trip (personally). I left with anticipation of "God-things." I returned with a new family. I returned with unexplained and unending tears. I returned with a new sense of what Jesus meant when he said, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:35-36, 40) I returned with a new sense of what my father's life motto meant, "I am third." I have food on my plate, while there are those that double over in hunger. I have clothes on my back, while children run the streets bare. I have health and laughter, while there are those who feel a pain with no end and tears from abandonment. How can I exist in such a comfortable life... knowing that there are those who might never even see a glimpse of what I live in each day. I'm not trying to claim that a life lacking pain or hunger is something to be looked down upon or ashamed of. We should be ecstatic! We are so blessed! :) What I am saying is that God blessed us with gifts--different gifts according to each individual. All I ask; all that I desire is to use what He's blessed me with thus far to love those who need it most.

Flash forward: Summer 2010

Now I find myself preparing for change, but not completely sure what that change might entail. I'm waiting, praying, and watching for that proverbial "next step." For those of you that are reading this, you have, no doubt, been a generously influential part of my life. You are beautiful. You may be a constant inspiration to those around you through encouraging words. You might be a prayer "warrior." You might be a wise mentor. You could be a donor to many causes. You might also be a hug, a smile, or a friend when someone needs it most. No matter what your role is in life and in God's family-- you do it well. Keep on keepin' on. Whether you realize it or not, there are those that need you, continually, to be a positive influence. And, in my round-about-way, I am thanking you... for everything.

As summer wraps up, so do our (Brad Wright & myself) fund-raising efforts. We've been working hard detailing cars, gathering items for a garage sale, and organizing a pool party fundraiser, scheduled for July 31st. It's been busy, but come August the work will be well worth it. We are attempting to raise double the necessary amount for traveling expenses. This total runs us to nearly $6,000. This is a steep amount for just two people over a two-month time period, but our motives are genuine. We hope to use the additional money while in Nicaragua to aid those in need (health, housing, education, etc.).

As a wrap-up to this first post, I want to thank you all again for your support and love. I will continually update this blog while our mission efforts are in full-force. When we are in Nicaragua (August 5-15) I will update daily, provided we have consistent internet access.

less stressed, feel blessed, love your best,

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13