El Salvador

So I've been back in El Salvador since Sunday and i'm finally back with my team. This week has been awesome and sadly tomorrow is our last ministry day. It's weird to think that I will be leaving here on Saturday. I'm not ready to leave yet. We have been working around the lake doing programs and packing food for the feeding program tomorrow. We're going up the mountain to Portoriellos in a flatbed truck. Our team is doing well and we finish our week by going to the beach. I miss you guys! I'll be back soon.

Rio Blanco

So my last week in Nicaragua is coming to an end. I'm on a nine hour bus ride, currently in Honduras, on my way to El Salvador. This week started off with a 7 hour bus ride to Rio Blanco. We made it pretty late and we stayed at a hostel. I'm pretty sure our room was the only one with out running water and electricity. In the morning we headed out into the mountains of Wilicon where the people have never seen gringos in person before. We drew a lot of attention to say the least. We stayed on top of a two story concrete platform. There was a roof over our heads but the walls were open to the outside. I slept on a bench and I'm happy to say I did not get devoured by the Mosquitos. This is where we rode horses and went down to the massive white river. It was so beautiful. We did programs and church services all through out the area. The kids were awesome. I think it was one of the poorest areas I have seen so far. Many of the kids had bloated stomachs and streaks of malnutrition through their hair. There were a ton of kids that came out even in the rain. On our way back from Rio Blanco our bus tire blew. Our bus trip took even longer! We were in the middle of nowhere with cows all around us. We had to make it to the closest town to try and find some parts. We finally made it back and finished off with our last program. We had a bunch of kids and we played games, gave out candy and balloons, and ended our stressful day with a touching program. It was a good week! Now I'm excited to see my Mom in El Salvador along with my home team. I miss you guys! 

Prayer

I need prayer. This Monday we have a team coming in from Kentucky and we're headed up into the mountains. We will be around 5 hours away from Managua in a little town called Rio Blanco. There has been a lot of talk about how rough this trip will be and I need prayer. God designated me to be on this trip so I know we will be in his hands. I'm here for a reason so please don't worry about me. I love you guys so much and I can't wait to see you all when I get home safely.
Acts 4:31
and when they had prayed the place in which they gathered together was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness

Orphanage

We just boarded the bus after leaving an orphanage. I'm writing to you through tears right now. There were 15 kids and they plan on shutting it down soon because they can't get funding. The woman who is running the place told us she came in to replace the owner who was abusing the kids. When we walked in and introduced ourselves we knew it wasn't like any other program. One of the girls on our team went up to a litle girl around 3-4 years old and said hi and touched her knee as she said it. The little girl instantly pushed her hand  away and was scared. These kids were abused on all levels and they weren't just kids there were teenage girls too. You can't deny the presence of abuse. The kids seem lifeless. We did a program and prayed for them. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. The girl that I was praying for was named Marianna and she was 11. She was so beautiful. She cried her eyes out while I was holding her. I told her that Jesus loves her and that they werent just words but that he will always be there with open arms no matter what her situation may be and no matter what she has been through. It's the hardest thing in the world to say good bye and walk away. I hope I never become immune to this reality. 

A notable sign

I'm sorry I haven't been able to write in a while, all of our power went out and I couldn't get reception anywhere. I'm good, not as sick anymore. It has rained everyday. We have done programs in the pouring rain and have seen hundreds of kids. Nicaragua is extremely poor compared to El Salvador. There are street kids everywhere. Even though El Salv has more gangs than Nicaragua, I think I have seen them at the majority of the programs here. During one of the programs we prayed for a little girl who was deformed from birth. As we were praying her originally scrunched up arms, hands, and legs started to straighten. It was incredible! This whole week has been awesome.

Acts 4:14-22 
But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.
But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another,
saying, "What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name."
So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,
for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

Mega Dia

Everything has been going well. We got here a couple nights ago. A taranchula welcomed us into our room and my mattress is infested with bed bugs but at least I have one. Yesterday was "The Big Day" here in Nicaragua. They went out and picked up a bunch of kids from different areas to come and have a day of fun. We had over 700 kids come to the campus and we had a massive field full of games. So they don't exactly have lawn mowers in nicaragua because they use machetes. The missionaries own one but the lawn keeper used car oil and flooded out the filter with primer everytime it stopped, which was about every 7 minutes. But dad you would be proud I cut the field and 4 hours later ended up in a thunderstorm running with the mower for cover. I ended up showering outside because that's how much it poured. Yesterday was incredible there were kids absolutely everywhere. I ran the water volleyball court. The kids had so much fun. I talked to a group of girls for hours and that's a big deal because I can't speak Spanish! They were teaching me different words and games. We took the team that is here from Georgia out for ice cream last night which was awesome but our bus got stuck trying to pull into the place...3rd time. We had to get out and push lol Well happy 4th to everyone at home! I can't wait to see y'all. I love you guys!

Nicaragua

I made it to Nicaragua. We just made it past the border and we have a couple hours until we reach our final destination. It's down time like this that brings you to reality. I am in a foreign country thousands of miles away from home going through mountains and villages that many gringos will never get to see. My friends and family are home living everyday life and I'm on my way further away from civilization. I thank God for everyday that I am here. When I'm here I feel desperate for God, desperate for a change, desperate for the lost and broken hearted. In a desperate situation all you have to rely on is God. I think that our western religion focuses too much on what God can do for us when we have more than enough. It's a place like this that shows the simplicity of life. Basic needs aren't met and a simple hug can change a childs life. At home we focus on making ourselves greater by making more money, buying a bigger home, and selfishly building our image. We work our whole lives to build a sense of stability but once you have it, then what?  I rather be in the face of injustice rather than sitting back in a pew hearing about the ones who decided to do something about it. Life isn't measured by length but by worth. I can honestly say right now my life is worth living.  

A real bed

Yesterday we did dramas through out the rain and went to a church service that night where again we performed In the Days of Noah. We packed everything up early and went into the mountainous areas to do some programs. Our bus got stuck again so we had to get out to get it off the incline. We were able to go into the markets for a little bit before the church service and I got to hold an anaconda. Don´t worry mom I took some pictures! I think you will enjoy them haha. After the service we drove back to the lake campus we were staying at before and I got to sleep on a mattress! Oh it was a good day haha. It was nice to get a good nights sleep after a long week of being sick and working all day. I got a legit shower today too! We moved back into San Salvador this morning because we will be leaving for Nicaragua on Wednesday. Our plans changed a little bit and instead of going for ten days we will be there for 3 weeks. So I might not have internet connection for a while. If I can contact Tyler I´ll tell him to update the blog to let you know that I made it. Its a 9 hour bus ride and we leave at 3 in the morning. I heard its going to be a hard core trip so keep me in your prayers. I miss you guys!

dreams that turned into reality

So Saturday was pretty intense. It was raining all morning and we went to a church somewhere near the one we were staying at. We were going to do a program in the church for the local children and then that night we were going to do a program for the youth. I guess about 6 months ago I had a dream that we did the everything skit and following it I shared my testimony. I always thought that I was going to do it for Revo, my youth group but when I walked into the church everything matched up. It was something out of Flash Forward. Well that morning I was very sick and we went out in the rain to invite people to come to our first program. It was me and 2 other girls, me being the only one who couldn´t speak spanish. As we were inviting there was a man starring at us and he began to follow us as we went to different streets. I told the local girl that he looked shady and she said oh he´s a gang member. Not the best feeling. Anyway we made it back to the church and we all knew he heard us say where we were going to. So I was sick and scared and really didn´t feel like we should be there. Oh and the church only had one opening and that was the door so if anything were to happen we were stuck in there. But as much as I hate public speaking and as sick and scared as I was God used me. When we´re physically weak he is strong. That night the dream came forth. We did the drama which most of the people doing it had just learned and I got up afterwards to speak with not one ounce of nervousness. But there´s a twist, my mom had a dream that night that I was captured by one of the gangs. She woke up scared for my life and called people to pray for me. Thank you for your prayers I know Gods protection will be around my team.

Philippians 4:12-13 "I know what it is to be in need, and I have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."

Vigilia Castillo del Rey

We did a half days worth of programs on Friday because we had the Vigilia on Friday night. We took a 3 hour bus ride to San Salvador and stopped at a little place to eat pupusas. They´re like a tortilla stuffed with cheese and beans. There were a ton of people at the service and we performed our In the Days of Noah skit. We left around 130 and got home pretty late. Our bus was stopped a couple times by the military men and I remember waking up to look out my window and seeing gangs chillin by the streets. We were allowed to sleep in for a bit then we went out and did programs on Saturday.

Steep streets

On Thursday we did some more programs and went into schools. Our bus got stuck on one of the roads. We had to get out and push it so it could make it off of an incline. The area that we were in was absolutely breathe taking. I guess we were pretty high up in the mountains because we were in a cloud. There were times where you couldn´t see more than ten feet in front of you. We were out in a field during the cloud covering and it was creepy because people would go in and out of the white mist. A car back fired a couple times and we thought it was gun shots hahaha as far as we know it was not. I´m pretty sure that was the night I started to get sick which lasted until now.

Juayua. Homeless Shelter

So I just made it back from a long intense trip to Juayua. I actually just found out that information because all week I had no idea where I was. We stayed on the floor of a church there and went out each day to do programs for the kids and church services at night. We went into schools and side streets through the mountains and rain, pretty much anywhere we could set up camp. On Wednesday we went into a homeless shelter. Many of the people lost their houses due to flooding.The houses here are made up of tin and would, they´re not very stable. It has rained here everyday and the mountainous areas are prone to rock slides. Just driving around you can see huge boulders littering the streets. The worst part was seeing kids living in the shelter. They were so happy that we were there. As soon as we walked in the door they ran up and clung to us. We played games with the kids and gave them candy and cookies. We did a program and prayed with them. One little boy was with me the entire program and wouldn´t let me go. When we had to leave he grabbed my waist, looked up at me sobbing and in clear english said ¨please don´t leave me¨ If that doesn´t break a heart I don´t know what will. Looking out the window of my bus you could see the little boy crying his eyes out with his hands through the bars of the shelter window reaching for our bus. Thats an image that will be etched into my memory forever.

James 1:27 -  "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Safe and Sound

Hey guys this is Tyler updating the blog for Bri,

She does not have internet at the moment, but all is well. She made it safely to her destination, which is unknown to the both of us at the moment. She is doing fine and is always in the process of doing awesome things for the people of the villages in the name of Lord!

Leaving

We're heading out for the next week and we're leaving in a couple minutes. I'm safe and healthy still. Keep me in your prayers. I won't be able to update my blog but know I'm okay :) I miss you guys!

Boot camp

We left the city on Thursday and now we're back at the lake. It's crazy to see the change of afflictions between the two areas. The city is controlled by gangs while the country is trapped in poverty. The children run after trash trucks hoping to find food. We have been training the majority of this week to go out on the intern bus. They leave the lake campus and go all over to teach programs and train other churches to start their own teams. We don't know where we are going or where we will be staying yet but it should be fun. I'll try to keep my blog updated but my Internet is a little sketchy.

Surf

So today was a ministry free day which is pretty sweet if you ask me. After working hard all week you get time to chill and relax which is much needed. The beaches here are black because of volcanic ash and the water was extremely warm. There was a decent riptide that took a few people out but the locals are used to it and they came to their rescue. Kristal and I rented some surf boards and we went out. I started to surf a little bit last summer so I'm still kind of new at it. But I got up a few times! I can't wait to get back home to surf. The beach wasn't to far away and it was in a good area. We just got back a little while ago and are getting ready for dinner. Tomorrow will be our last day in the city then we go back to the lake house to go through some training.

"Be still, and know that I am God."

The Guardians

Over the weekend we moved into the city of San Salvador. We worked with the kids in the church group called the guardians. They are kids from 9-12 that are bused in from all over and they learn different skits and programs so they themselves can got out and help others. They plan to go on thier own mission trip and need to raise $265 a person to go. They sell homemade items like earrings hair bands and hand stiched banners. They sell their handmade earrings for only 25 cents. They have such a hunger to go and serve! I mean these kids aren't financially stable they don't live suitable homes and I'm sure that they can use that money for food but they want to help people. It's incredible. On Sunday the 5 guardians that we worked with did a program for the younger kids at church. They did a skit where there was an abusive parent and this one little girl in the back started to cry because it scared her. Later she said that it happens at her house. We broke up into smaller groups and one girl in my group burst out in tears because her parents abused her too. I think it's the worst feeling in the world to know that so many kids are victims of abuse and there's rarely anything done to help them.

Potrerillos

Yesterday we climbed into the bed of a cattle truck and headed up the mountain to the little community of porterillos. We were told that years ago there was an earthquake and the head missionaries here where flying over the mountain and spotted there little town. They brought relief to the area that had been destroyed and they have been coming since then. For those of you from Kingsway it was the place where we did the feeding program. It is an extremely rural area with houses that sneak up on you through the brush. We did a couple programs and played with the kids but unlike last year where we went all the way to the top we decided to help the people of the community. I thought this was the coolest part because we got to see how these people live everyday. It's a whole other world. The first impression that many locals get is that just because we're white and come from America we have a ton of money and are better than them. But when we humble ourselves and get dirty doing the work that they do everyday we bridge the gap that is placed between us. They invited us into their house and we told them we would help with anything they asked. Let me tell you that I will never again take my washing machine for granted. I helped with washing their clothes like hard core grab the bucket lower it into the cistern and carry it over to wash the clothes on a stone. I really enjoyed it though it's an immediate result and the people are really grateful for it. I always seem to be the awkward person who has no idea what's going on because I can't speak Spanish. One of the guys from our team chopped wood for the lady but man when she first brought out the axe there was a pause where I had no idea what she wanted us to do with it I thought she was going to ask us to catch her a chicken to cut off the head and that is where I draw the line haha. It was a good day though, I feel it in my arms today from holding on for dear life on the back of the truck. We showered in the lake which is actually more fun than it sounds when there is a trapeze involved the only thing I would've changed would be to dry my hands after the shampoo part because hey apparently it gets slippery haha. I moved to Kristals apartment today and we'll be working with the kids around the city of San Salvador so I should have Internet for a while. I'll keep you guys updated!


"do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Women of Esperanza

Yesterday was incredible we worked with the women in a small town called nuevo Esperanza. It was considered to be a dangerous area where the majority of the women are abused in some type of way whether it be sexually, physically, or emotionally. Women here don't have the freedom we have in america. The pastor there told us that women would tell him about their plans of escape to get out of the trap of abuse by trying to kill their husbands. It's not just the women who get abused but also the children. I guess it's all a bunch of words until you look into a child's eyes who is a victim of it. There was a women who really stood out to me and she told us that her husband was an alcoholic and he would beat her and her family. She told us this sobbing with her little boy on her lap. Most of the kids here respond to your attempts to play with them, but we couldn't get this little boy to crack a smile. It was so sad. It really made me think of my home life and how most of the kids here have experienced things that I can't even imagine and they go on day to day thinking that it's a normal life. It's not right.

El Salvador

I made it to el Salvador safely I barely have internet but today was amazing hopefully I can get better reception soon so I can tell you about it. We worked with women who have abusive relationships. It was heart breaking. Keep me in your prayers because I am physically exhausted. I love and miss you guys.

Wichita Kansas

I made it to Kansas. I have been traveling since 1030 last night. Hands down worst experience of my life. I left at 1030 in Austin to go to Dallas where I had a 4 hour lay over. Of course there were no seats so I ended up on the floor for hours. A guy ended up sitting next to me who proved to be a security threat then he switched his tickets to be on my bus so he could sit next to me. I didn't sit with him thank God and I made it after 7 more hours. So now I am in my hotel and I plan to sleep until my flight at 5am tomorrow. Kansas is very flat with tons of wheat haha I'm sure Tyler's looking forward to living out here. If I can't update my blog once I am in El Salvador I might be able to buy a pre paid phone and Tyler might have to update my blog for me. If this is my last time updating I want to thank everyone who is supporting me whether it be through prayers, love, or finances I really apprecite it! I can't wait to make it home to tell everyone about my adventure.

a sea of orange

The past couple days have been incredible. Rider didn't win any games but it was an awesome experience. They played in front of over 7,200 texas fans. Baseball is a big deal down here. During Rider's second game I met a Phillies scout. At first I thought he was one of the parents on Tyler's team haha but then I saw his ring. He let me wear the national championship ring (picture soon to follow) Of course after telling Tyler about the encouter and my bragging about having a picture with the ring we walk into his hotel lobby and there sits the Phillies scout I talked to at the game. What were the odds! So yes now Tyler has a picture with the ring also haha. Tyler was able to talk to him for a while and I know he enjoyed it! I went to five games and the longhorns ended up winning the regional last night. It is extremely hot here even after the sun goes down. I was sitting in the shade for most of the games and still managed to get burnt. Although it is hot here Austin is a beautiful city and I had so much fun this week. Texas is definitely one of my favorite places to be. Tyler left yesterday morning and will leave for Kansas tomorrow. I won't see him until August now. As for me, I leave for Kansas tonight around 1130 and I will not get there until tomorrow evening. I'm totally not looking forward to it! I then leave on Tuesday morning for El Salvador. I'll let you guys know when I make it to Wichita! Thank you for you love and support.

Austin Texas

I made it to Austin Texas. I almost missed both of my buses but I finally made it after a 4 hour trip and 2 transfers. It is beautiful here and I'm staying with a great family. Tyler's team plays the longhorns tonight. I heard the stadium is amazing and it can fit over 7,000 fans. It is extremely hot today so its great that he has a night game. I leave on monday night for Wichita Kansas to catch my flight to El Salvador.

Change of Plans

So my plans have changed a little. Instead of going to Kansas on Wednesday I will be flying to Dallas then taking the greyhound to Austin Texas. Turns out that Tyler's team won the play offs and are scheduled to play against the Texas Longhorns in Austin. So instead of staying in Kansas for a week by myself I will be staying with family friends in Austin. It has been extremely stressful changing everything but I am excited to go to Texas. I then have to leave Austin to catch my flight in Kansas on the 8th which means another greyhound trip (15 hrs). It will be a very difficult trip so please pray for my health. I should arrive in El Salvador on June 9th.

planes, snakes, and scorching weather

I made it to New Mexico! There were a number of stops along the way and they didn't exactly transfer my luggage from Missouri but I made it safely. Yesterday we traveled to Madrid which is a small town about an hour away. It's where Wild Hogs the movie was filmed. It is very tiny! Along the way we saw mountains and brush that looked like it was straight out of a magazine. It is gorgeous out here. We also found some snakes! Well they weren't exactly alive but I picked them up and threw them in the trunk. We went to the store to by a jar and we decided to preserve the heads. Oh it was an interesting day. Now we have a snake head paper weight? Happy Father's Day Dad! Today we went to a waterfall in an Indian reservation. Again it was so beautiful. We climbed the falls a little bit then we headed to Soda Springs where there are hot springs and caves to climb in which we did of course! I'm still set on the time back home (I'm two hours behind you guys). I am exhausted and plan to relax tonight. Thank you for your prayers!

Packing

This is my last day at home until July 24th. I have so much to do today! I leave tomorrow morning to go to New Mexico to see my sister for a week. I then leave from New Mexico to go to Kansas to see Tyler pitch. He will be there for two months! Then I leave from Kansas to go to my mission trip that starts off in El Salvador. It will be a very busy summer to say the least. I hope I can update everyone through this blog. Thank you so much for your love and support!