Ok... so, here is the deal... I am willing to tramp through the steaming rain forests and treat a venomous snake bite.
For as you are probably aware, they have anacondas here in Costa Rica. Technically, I suppose, if you were attacked by an anaconda, that would constitute a snake "swallow" as opposed to a snake "bite". But, I digress...
I am also willing to treat a massive machete wound inflicted by gang members in a precario (Costa Rican slum). These are the things I have seriously thought about, yes, even Googled before my missions trip. However, God and I have this bargain...I don´t do pregnant women! I just don´t! I have personally given birth four times. That is enough pregnant stuff for anybody. But there is also this miraculous, mysterious deal about a new life being born that just rocks my world. In nursing school, I was the one who cried every time I witnessed a birth. What does that tell you? But, I digress...
Anyway, our team is in the precario having a "meet and greet" if you will. Out of the corner of my eye, I spy Joy, our fearless missionary leader, talking to an obviously pregnant woman. ( I am nothing, if not observant.) I watch warily but think, " it´s ok to meet and greet pregnant women right?" Then I see Joy look around and I promise life went into slow-motion as I saw her mouth, "Where is the nurse?" Immediately, I became engrossed in handing out candy and bracelets to small children. I think I actually shrank in size. But, as fate would have it, a team member ratted...I mean...pointed me out to her. Of course, she called me over and I took the longest walk of my life to where Joy stood with the pregnant lady.
I was properly introduced and, after asking what I hope were some pertinent medical questions, found out this girl was only 6 months along and was having a few contractions. Great. I know you are thinking - that I was about to deliver a baby. I am happy to report she is still with child but has some serious medical issues that would be much easier to treat were she in the States.
My point? While I feel more prepared to deal with snakes and machetes than ob-gyn issues, this 24 year old girl is trying to maintain her pregnancy and raise her 4 other children in the most difficult circumstances imaginable...filth, hunger and perhaps worst of all, the extreme weariness that comes with just trying to survive.
This is the reality of the people in the Precario. Anything medically done here is just a band-aid fix. What these folk need here is the love and hope that only God can bring to them. My prayer is that we will be able to share that great love by being the hands and feet of Jesus.
-Robin
So from my 3 day experience in another country, I have learned that everyone should go somewhere else if they want to know more about God. I was thinking today that when we read the bible, we see it from our point of view, the American culture. The fast-paced, give-me-what-I-want, quick-God-what-are-you-trying-to-tell-me-now translation. We almost read it on the surface of things. It's hard to put into words, but I am learning that God is saying a lot more in the bible than what I have been reading.
The first day we went to the precario we took a tour. We walked around, handing out candy and bracelets that a friend of mine made. But as I walked around, I just looked at the people and saw their hearts, which God loves, and my heart went out to them. Some were full of smiles, some looked sad, but as soon as you said Hola they would smile. I loved it and wanted so much to come back and spend more time.
The Second day we went back to the precario, this time we went to the medical clinic. We spent a good part of the day there. There were a couple of projects that we were going to be working on, but it seemed like we didn´t have many supplies. We were going to spend time with the children while they were waiting, but there weren´t very many patients. (Someone said we just needed patience to get patients.) After we left, I was very
discouraged. I didn´t feel like I was contributing much at all. I was beginning to wonder what God had for me to do. I don´t speak Spanish and it is hard to engage in a conversation with someone.
The third day, God has answered my question of `what can I do?´ This morning during our devotional, Patsy shared how she felt like she wasn´t doing that much. Different people spoke up and said that with the people at the pacario will be talking about us even after we leave and how much they love having us there. They are shunned, no one talks to them or reaches out to them. By us just being there, sitting with them while they wait for the doctor, simply smiling at them, it means the everything to them.
So I decided today that I would look at my role from a different perspective. Something so little to us is so great to them - even the smallest seed that is planted will be a great tree on day. This is what the kingdom of heaven is like. Look up Matthew 13:31-32.
We went back to the precario today for a bible study with the women. We took the children to another house across the way from where the women were attending. We had 21 children, which was a lot for a room that was very small. It was very fun and the children behaved very well, the ages were from 2-10. The womens bible study was a lot bigger than normal. They seemed to be so encouraged to have us there.
I was very inspired today, knowing no matter what I see, God is still using me. I think that sometimes we look at life or the bible and say "what am I doing", when all we need to do is just slow down. Take the time to see that something as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain in anyones life.
God has amazing things for these people. He is calling them into a new life. "Those who were not my people I will call my people, and her who was not beloved I will call beloved. And in the very place where it was said to them, You are not my people, there they will be called sons of the living God." Romans 9:29-26
Keep praying for God to do his work in their lives. Thank you for all your prayers and God Bless.
-Liz
When I signed up for this trip about 5 months ago, I thought I had it all figured out and knew exactly what I was getting into. Just a little hint...if you EVER have this thought, remember that God loves to make us eat our words. Let´s just start at the top...
First there´s Mike. I thought that Mike was gonna be the dad of the trip. The one that says "Eat your vegetables! Don´t walk there! Don´t do that!" Wow was I wrong! That was American Mike, not Costa Rican Mike. Costa Rican Mike is the one that smears butter on the side on Nina´s face when she drops her bread on the table. Or the one who kicks or pokes whoever is praying under the table to throw them off. Or the one who shuts Robin´s foot in the van door. Or the one who shuts his door and doesn´t want to let you out of the back of the van. But then there is also the side of Mike that will take a toy from a happy meal and give it to one of the children named Emily and watch in joy as she figures out how to make it work and laugh when she begins to dance to the music. This is also the man who was ready to take out the taxi driver for getting us lost on the way to the house and the man who can look at me and tell when I´m beginning to get tired or overwhelmed. I never knew that this was a side of the Mike that we all know and love. But I will NEVER look at Mike the same way again.
Then we have Nina. I knew Nina a little better than Mike. But once again, the Nina I knew was not the Nina that came on this trip. The Nina that came here is the one who you really REALLY don´t wanna give coffee to. And REALLY REALLY don´t want to take a 3 hour afternoon siesta. This is the Nina that if these things or a number of other things happen, she gets CRAZY!!!! This is the same woman that is ALWAYS the last one to get thumbs up and is saddled with saying the blessing; the woman who thanks God for her "crazy husband that God has seen fit to give to her". She is also the one who will hold a baby in the precario so tenderly and lovingly that you think that it´s a shame the child is to young to be able to remember her face but then you are overwhelmed when you think of all the older children that she loves on that will remember her. Oh Nina…. How I love her so much more now then before.
Then we have Liz, the "quiet" one. In all of our meetings, Liz was the quiet one that never really said much - just a few questions here and there. But this is also the Liz that will take up for you if Mike is picking on you no matter who you are. But in the same turn, never comes to Mike´s saving grace (as if he needs it). This same quiet girl is the one that completely came to life when we went to the precario. Her friend had made bracelets to give to the children and as she walked through and the children came up to her, we saw a different Liz appear one that was full of love and compassion. A girl that gave everything she had to these kids. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know her and look forward to having a lifelong friendship with her.
Last but certainly not least, we have Robin Bobbin (as Mike likes to call her). The main bond that we had before we left was Tennessee. We both loved the Vols and anything that we could talk Mike into buying orange we did. But from the moment we got onto the van to head to the airport, I saw a different Robin. I saw a Robin that loves boston baked beans and diet coke. The Robin that will buy you a snickers bar, then laugh with you when you get to Costa Rica and spend $2.00 for the same bar cause you can´t do the exchange rate in your head. This is also the Robin that is the nurse of our trip. This is also a woman who´s heart broke as one of our new friends was told that she may lose her baby. But then there is another side of Robin that will turn around and wail on Mike when he shuts her foot in the door or he locks us in the back of the van or he tells her that her life's theme music is the music of clowns.
These are the people that make up our team. We worship and pray and serve together. I feel so blessed to be on this trip in this beautiful place with these beautiful people. I know that we will always share the memories from here.
I can only imagine the things that they would say if they could blog about me (which is why I beat them to it HAHA). I love these people though all the ins and outs, ups and downs of this trip. They help to encourage me when I feel like I´m not doing any good and I see all the hurting people and feel overwhelmed. I can´t wait to see where God takes us all from here and will thank him everyday for putting these wonderful people in my life.
-Patsy
We hope by now that the point has gotten across. While the purpose of missions trips are to reach out to others, God never misses an opportunity to turn us upside down, either. The Costa Rica Missions Trip is proving to be life-changing for many of the teams members. Here are some excerpts from their journals...
-TNC Missions
Our trip started this morning with a visit to the Precario. The Precario is a Nicaraguan-squatters settlement of 3 acres with approximately 2,500 people living there. Of the 2,500 people, over 1,000 of them are children. As we pulled up, the children ran along side our van yelling "Hola, Hola". It was so exciting. They knew that we were there to play with them and they knew that Joy Sheraden, our guide, was with us. Joy's ministry here is laser-focused on the children of the Precario.
As we walked through the pathways of the Precario, I am amazed at what I see. The children have no shoes, their feet are covered in dirt and they walk through the sewage that runs down the dirt pathways. They have no idea that this is something that can hurt them. The families come out of their metal shacks to greet us, so welcoming, I feel right at home. The children are following us to get candy and handmade bracelets that Liz, one of our TNC team members, brought with her. "One for my sister" they said, trying to get more than one.
We continue to walk and meet many friends Joy has made, then, I hear this very familiar sound. Wait a minute; I'm in Costa Rica right, just a self-check. I walk closer and as I look into one of the homes, what do I see? A little girl playing GUITAR HERO! No Way! I couldn't believe my eyes.
Now a great fan of the game, I think, should I go in and ask if I can play? I'm telling ya, I was right at home. I could have sat on the couch and played all day with them. I was singing the songs, in English, watching her hit every note and she was pretty good too. As I moved through the rest of our day, this picture continued to come back into my
thoughts. It may seem like a small thing to some, but I just couldn't process this image. I was in a place that was obviously in need of sanitation, food, personal hygiene, clean water, medical attention and so much more but they are playing Guitar Hero. How does that happen? Wouldn't you take that money and buy food or something that would help better your family?
To my amazement I found out that Guitar Hero isn't just a game for this family. You see, our dear friends in the Precario take full advantage of every opportunity they get to make money. They charge a fee for others to come in and play. It isn't just a game to them, it's another way of supporting there family. I think I'm gonna start charging at my house...I could make a lot of money.
Signing off from Costa Rica, keep on Rockin' GUITAR HERO!
- Nina
Up next - the Costa Rica Missions Trip. They leave tonight and an amazing week is planned. Please keep them in your prayers.
-TNC Missions
I know, I know. So much for the daily blogs from Guatemala. So now I am reduced to condensing a week of God-experiences into one post (ok, maybe two).
For now, I will skip the funny stories - such as the "gun" at the customs security check-point, the free lunch at the Bacardi Bar and the catch-phrase of the trip, "business is business". Ask any team member and you will hear these stories and more. But not too much - what happens on a missions trip, stays on a missions trip.
I do have to share the biggest thing God showed me throughout the week. It was kind of a slap in the face - we all like to think we are pretty good. Yeah, sure, there is always room for improvement, but as long as we have a grasp of the big stuff, doesn't that count for something?
Humbleness is a word that comes up a lot on missions trips. You are humbled by the surroundings, by the daily lives of those there, by the tragedies you hear about. Yes, we are blessed among all nations, and we take most things for granted - all still nothing new. But this time I was humbled by His glory, I was humbled by His faith, and I was humbled by His children.
It's so easy to forget that God is moving everywhere. We know He's here in America. There's no doubt that He's alive and doing great things at TrueNorth. But to see His glory being revealed to His children all over the world, makes us remember how small we are. What a tiny part of a giant God we truly are.
There was a woman who had just gotten back from India. The last time we were in Guatemala, I got to spend a little time talking with her about her upcoming trip and all the issues that surrounded it. She had quit her job and was trusting God to provide while she focused on His calling to India. Listening to her adventures after she came back, her faith radiating, her passion exploding, humbled me. Not only do I think I couldn't do it, but I don't know many that could say, "Here, God, take my life and do what you will, wherever, however". We have such a tendency to control, that we often miss out on His greatness, for fear of the unknown.
It really humbled me, to see those that seem have so much less than we do, reaching out for those around the world. Theirs hearts were breaking for those that don't know God, not those that have less. And so, thank you, to our Guatemalan brothers and sisters, for humbling me. For showing us how global our God really is.
Next blog, I promise, funny stories and Milo adventures.
-Katie
In less than 12 hours, we will be flying out of Columbia to Guatemala on our first official TNC mission trip. Not our first trip, but our first trip that we've led. And to be honest, I'm still laughing.
So call me Sarah. You know, Abraham's wife. God said "you'll have kids" when she was WAY over old. And she laughed at him. And now, looking back on my life 10 years, 5 years, and even 2 years ago when I went on my first missions trip to Mississippi, I have to laugh. God, this is crazy. Do you know who I am and all the times I've messed up? And you want me to do WHAT?!
Now, we have the opportunity to teach Crown Financial at two churches while we are in Guatemala. And that, of course, made me laugh. As Gene so eloquently put it, now I can add international speaker to my resume. Thank goodness for translators. But I have to ask, God, are you SURE?
Now I know for certain that He uses the weak to lead the strong and the simple to confuse the wise. His ways are higher than ours, sometimes, so high we can't begin to understand why or even where He is taking us. So grab His hand, and laugh along the way. Really, that's all we can do anyway.
More to come from the rain forests of Guatemala -
Katie
Here are more thoughts from the Charleston Missions Trip. The next team is leaving June 28th.
Saturday morning, we arrived at Seacoast Church's Dream Center in North Charleston to help them with their Adopt a Block . I was blown away with the amount of volunteers as we walked in the doors. The Dream Center has adopted 15 blocks around the church and each block has a Block Captain and a team. The teams go out each month and has face-to-face contact with every person they can on their block to help meet their needs
Mike, Andrew and I were on a team that visited two Spanish communities. The Block Captain started knocking on doors as we picked up trash in the parking lot. A few people came to the door and the Block Captain would engage them in conversation about their needs, clothes, food and talked about Seacoast Church. He also gave them a blank magnet the size of a business card on which he wrote his name and cell phone number told them if they needed him to call. He told us gangs often terrorize these Spanish communities because they don’t use banks, so they have cash on them and they won’t go the police for fear of retribution. We spoke with several people that have been victims of or have had friends and family killed by these gangs.
Another block over, Dean and Melody were working with a team that was helping a elderly cancer patient clean up her yard, repair her roof and put a dryer vent in her house. Two streets over was yet another cookout with a inflatable slide for the kids. Needs were being meet and God’s love was pouring out over the neighborhood that day
We were told a story about a woman who was about to give birth and stopped by the Dream Center, asking for a ride to the hospital. A lady from the Dream Center took the woman to the hospital. Then she called her block team and they stayed at the hospital until the baby was born. When the mother was ready to bring her baby home, the block team made sure she had clothing, food and a car seat, and they took her back home from the hospital. When the arrived at the house, they found almost no furniture and definitely no nursery for the baby. So the block team went back to the Dream Closet and picked out everything the new family would need. The next Sunday, the block team came to church, only to see the mother and new baby there.
Stories like these are constant reminders why we need to be His hands and His feet everywhere, every day.
-Bill
Some Sunday mornings, we sing Hosanna, with the line "Break my heart for what breaks yours Everything I am for your kingdom's cause As I walk from earth into eternity". Missions, while always life-changing, can leave us changed like we never imagined. This is from Bethany's diary from the May trip to S.E. Asia....
Thursday May 15th
I don't ever want to forget the faces I have seen here. The Muslim girls at the school. The Muslim teacher. The boy from the clinic, the baby with "my own skin", the owner of the home and her beautiful grandbabies, and of course, our amazing driver! I have fallen in love with their beautiful smiling faces and tears stroll down my face as I recount our meetings and think about how they each moved me. I hope to see them again soon. If not next year in their homeland, then I pray that the Holy Spirit moved in them during our visit and I will see them in Heaven when the good Lord takes his people home.
Friday May 16th
The medical clinic was (for me) emotionally exhausting. There were more visible signs of sickness and that topped with the emotion from the entire week caused me to break down. I was sitting on the floor staring at this mother cradling her baby as he slept so peacefully. From the bottom of his feet to the top of his neck was infected with scabies and scars covered his little body. And he was asleep!!! He knew crying wasn't going to stop the itching and he knew there was nothing his mother could do. After they left, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I just started to cry....with a room full of patients....this little white girl was just crying on the floor. Everyone was staring but I couldn't stop it. I just wanted to run out of the house. I could feel my heart tearing apart...ripping into two. I ached all over.
Saturday May 17th
I felt like I was going crazy in those few minutes. I finally blurted out 'I think I'm having a panic attack.' Judy said these feelings are normal. Jennifer mentioned feeling a little depressed. So what do I do? How do I cope? I feel like I need a xanax. I cried as I left the hotel. I buried my head into my mothers chest and just cried. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to see everyone one last time. Even as I sit here in this hot airport, I see men who came all this way just to surf!! Did they notice the people? The poverty? The desperate need for clean water? Probably not. I'm sure they saw beautiful beaches and sweet waves. I'm sure they sipped their tropical beverages with sand between their toes. It's hard for me not to be so cynical. They virtually have no clue what's outside their world. I have been shaken. Shaken to my very core. I don't know if I like it. I have such a responsibility now...God help me show others your world.
I believe part of my responsibility now is to raise awareness and motivate people to GO! As much as I would love to go back in the fall, I just found out I was pregnant, so things are being put off for a little while.....at least for nine months! So while I can't go, I must motivate. There is no real way to express what I have seen and what I have experienced, so my prayer is that the people of TrueNorth Church will feel this burden for the people who will go never know God if they are not reached in some way. The Holy Spirit is an amazing thing and can work even in just a smile. Feelings of inadequacy and "not enough time" are all excuses not to go. I'm probably not the best motivator.....my sales pitch is "Get over yourself....it's one week....no, it's not easy, but we, as children of God, aren't called to live comfortable lives....I promise you will never be the same!"
I pray that we will no longer be like the surfers......who spend their money on expensive plane tickets just to enjoy the waves while there are people who are not only living a hard life now, but will spend eternity in Hell if they do not hear. Our reward will be in Heaven......when we see the faces we met only once....but changed for a lifetime.
-Bethany
