Some of us can still remember the adventures of packing the vehicle and traveling. Hearing, “Are we there yet?” or “I need to go to the bathroom…NOW!” (Most times with no previous warnings) One of my favorites is when we finally arrive to our destination and discover that one of our little ones has just gone to sleep, after the whole ride of “expressing energy.” The funniest times were when we had our family along with our youth group when I was a youth pastor!
But now, it’s just us five here in Nicaragua. We are busy adjusting to life and ministry as a family and on some occasions, going on some “family ministry trips.” A few weeks ago, we had a great adventure as a family. We loaded up our vehicle and headed out to the mountains to visit some pastors. From what Kendra and I experienced on previous trips, we knew we needed to be prepared to take a 7,6, and 3 year old to the mountains for a few days. Our kids were excited! They couldn’t wait to go camping in the mountains! They all got their backpacks loaded up and sleeping bags rolled up and of course their favorite toy for the seven hour trip into the mountains. Kendra and I knew we needed to bring our own food for our kids because we all know that sometimes kids are really honest about what they eat. So Kendra prepared some rice and beans (gallo pinto) that our kids enjoy and of course, some dry cereal.
Before we left Kendra and the kids spent two days preparing “craft projects” so that our kids could be involved and be ready to show the 100 kids at the mountain feeding program how to make their own crafts. I was so happy with our kids’ desire to want to be a blessing to the children and share about God's love.
Well, after a very long trip, we finally arrived! The kids were happy that we were finally there and I was happy as well because we made it safely with very little rain. (Half the trip is in 4x4, but the last 40 minutes is really not a road and you can’t even take a 4x4 there during the rainy season…we would need to hop on some mules for 2 hours to complete the journey.)
The pastor and his family were so happy that we were there too, but at the same time, embarrassed. It turned out that in their one room house, they had no food. At that time, we had the opportunity to share with the pastor and his family our rice and beans that we brought already prepared. Kendra and the pastor's wife gathered wood to start a little fire and warmed the food. We all sat and ate dinner together. They were so grateful and liked the "gallo pinto" so much that they even asked Kendra for the recipe.
In this mountain community, there is no electricty or plumbing. The people aren't even able to receive a radio signal. So, under candlelight on the side of a mountain the kids played while we fellowshiped with the Pastor and his wife and talked about their dreams and needs in their ministry. Hoping that we can come along side them and be a support in some way. This was our main purpose in going, to build relationships with the Pastor and his wife. The pastor really wanted to give our family his only small bed for all 5 of us to sleep in but we insisted that he and his wife who is pregnant and their little boy sleep there because our family could just sleep in our Speed-the-Light vehicle. The plan was to sleep in hammocks, but the rain had started and there was no other shelter. That night in our vehicle is an experience that our kids will probably talk about for a very long time.
The next morning, our kids started preparing the crafts for the kids that were about to show up while I headed out with the pastor a mile away to a riverbed. For the next 4 hours, I helped this pastor collect sand from the bottom of the river so he can do some construction projects back by the feeding center. I was in awe of how others would just come and help. I asked the pastor if that was the culture or was it because I was there. He replied that it’s just how people are here. They don’t ask if you need help, they just help.
As we made our way back up to the feeding center, it was a pure joy to see all the kids with smiles and of course with their new craft. They got done just in time for their daily meal that is provided at the center. It was also great to see my kids right there in the midst of them helping. Kaden (7) was helping the kids gather the crafts that they had already completed. Kaleb (6) was helping serve food to the kidsand KyAnna was helping clean dishes. What a joy to see our kids serving these precious children.
As we drove off, both our kids and the kids from the feeding program waved goodbye. It’s always fun traveling together with young kids, but I feel this time, God showed me how He is truly using our whole family here in Nicaragua.
