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