Prepare yourself.

@ Iglesia Esperanza near Managua, Nicaragua

"We have been in prayer and fasting in preparation for your coming trip." 

I'm sorry, but I have to repeat that statement one more time: "We have been in prayer and fasting in preparation for your coming trip." You are preparing for our trip? How selfless; how genuinely Christ-seeking of you. These words came from the head pastor of the church we will be visiting in Nicaragua this coming February 2013. It is easy to get caught up in legalities, specifics, details, and prices as discussions about Lubeck Community Baptist Church's (LCBC) first official mission trip continue on in preparation.

Preparation: the action of making ready or being made ready for use. 

So, as we prepare, we make sure we "cross our T's" and "dot our I's." We check schedules, lists, times, dates, commitments, costs, reservations, transportation, and so on. Our preparation continues on and on in order that we might be made useful when the time comes. What will we use as study material? What books should we order? Who will our translators be? And so on... as it goes. We prepare. My mind is conditioned for this type of preparation--who, what, when, where, and how? But... do we sometimes forget to ask, "why?" 

"We have been in prayer and fasting in preparation for your coming trip."

Preparation for our new family in Nicaragua includes these same things, yes, but it also includes this additional element that I am ashamed to say I've neglected in my "preparation." They pray. "Okay," I think to myself, "prayer is great and we should be praying as well." They fast. "They refrain from eating? You mean they choose to go hungry in order that God's glory would shine through in our combined ministry?" That is an entirely new level of preparation. I realize I may be rambling on this topic, and for that I apologize. I remain in awe of this renewed perception of preparation; this Christ-seeking, spiritual preparation. So as we make ready for our trip in February I plan to prepare more fully. We can plan all we want... but, in the end, it is His plan that matters; not our own. And as in all things, can we not take this idea (spurred in mission and connecting with our brothers and sisters in Christ) and apply it to our daily lives here; our daily struggles, walk, mission, journey?

With that said (and in proper perspective), here is the tentative list of things we plan to help with while we are in San Marcos, Nicaragua:

• Vacation Bible Study
• Afternoon Sports Ministry 
• Visit a drug rehabilitation center
• Visit a nursing home
• Visit several members of the community the church is praying for with devotion
• Host a revival
• Pastoral and Church Leadership Training Sessions

As it stands, this is the tentative list of activities for the February trip (2/16-2/23). We are getting closer and closer and, as such, we should begin to prepare more and more. If you, the reader, could prepare for us, as well, we would greatly appreciate it. 

More to come as the date of departure draws closer...

In love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

"Next Time"

August 16, 2010... was the last day I posted in this blog. It seems only a day ago when we were traveling the Nicaraguan coast, getting stuck in mud pits, and praying that He bless our efforts along the way. I titled the last blog, "Until next time..." I'm happy to inform you--that time is here. 


Before I go into detail about upcoming trips, I want to first provide a follow-up on any loose ends from my last post. The Vera Cruz Baseball Association efforts went into "hibernation mode" until January 2012. Doors didn't seem to be opening as they should in order for the association to really take off. To make a long story short, we have been reminded of a tested and age-old lesson--all things in His time. However, in recent months we have been in contact with Regan Downs, and he seems optimistic about advancements with the league. He reports the possibility of fields we can use to facilitate the league. We (Brad Wright, Brad Hall, and myself) plan on returning this December with the intent to run introductory baseball clinics for communities such as Vera Cruz and San Marcos. Details of the trip are still pending, but we are excited to see what role the Vera Cruz Baseball Association might play in ministering alongside the church families established in each community. More information to come as time and planning progresses...


The International Baseball Academy of Central America has not made a substantial amount of progress due to a lack of funding (as I understand). They are still looking for potential contributors. If you are interested, please contact me (crislip4@gmail.com) or the IBACA organization directly through the above link. The land has been purchased, but development cannot begin until they meet a certain amount of funds donated/investments. Does anyone know Nick Swisher personally? Ha I'm sure he could be a huge help to those student-athletes in Central America that might not have the opportunity to play baseball or attain a higher-level education otherwise. Just a thought... you never know! :)


Now, about the future... 


As I mentioned before, I'm planning on making a return trip with "the Brads" this December. We hope to spend time assessing interest and need while teaching the basics of baseball and expressing our testimony to the youth of each community. While we are excited to see where this process of planning will take us, we are also very aware that this has to be His plan. We need to join him where He is already working--most often than not, He'll be two steps ahead. As we search for his "footprints" to follow in our preparation, we prayerfully ask that He search our hearts and bless our efforts. More to come...


The second trip "in the works" will be through the West Virginia Baptist Convention. Juan Aragon, Mark Houser, and Roger Ledbetter are the leads for this mission. So far we know several facts about this trip:


1) We will be going to a San Marcos, Nicaragaua
2) The trip will be in February 2013
3) We are taking a team of 12-15 individuals
4) We will be connecting with a church plant there entitled "Iglesia Bautista Jehova Jireh/Baptist Church Jehovah Yireh."
5) We look to learn from each other, build relationships, and create an international partnership between our two faith communities.
6) So far, we have been requested to plan and implement a bible school and a community revival. 
7) We hope to implement sport ministry in the future, as well. Basketball and soccer are both extremely popular, as we've been told. Who knows... maybe one day the "E"lite Sports Center could minister to "E"ven more youth through their "E"xcellent athletic talents and instructional abilities (I couldn't help myself... I may have been reading too many of Uncle Terry's Monday morning "E"mails :). 


With all of this information to process (and still "search for his footprints to follow" as we go), we must also find a way to raise funds for the trip. Keep checking back as I'll have more details, dates, and events that you can enjoy while supporting a good cause. I know right now we plan to have a yard sale (or two), a potential car wash, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament (if facility and time allow), and so on as we brainstorm. If you have any fundraising suggestions, please feel free to email me or comment below. They would be much appreciated. :) 


Again, I thank all blog-reading faithfuls that have been waiting two whole years for "the next time"... and are still reading at this point. ha I promise it will not be quite so long for the following update. You are wonderful, you are loved, you are unique, and you have a purpose. He promises us that (John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:5). 




And while we're talking about "mushy stuff" like love and how unique we all are... try to tell someone special you love them today. We could all use a little more of that, I think. <3


Have a wonderful, blessed, inspired day. 








All my love and thanks,


Meredith




1 Corinthians 13:13

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