Leaving the people of Cicrin at Ometepe was more difficult than I had expected. All of us had formed fast friendships with the staff and children, and I think it’s safe to say that we will always have a bit of family on that island. Highlights from the month include singing and dancing at church, amazing fellowship with the ladies of the kitchen learning to prepare the evening meals, and such sweet moments of quiet times with my Creator, mesmerized by the beautiful sunsets and twilight fireflies we were gifted with every night. 
<—mi familia a Cicrin~
But as with all things in life, when one door closes another opens. Though we left one family, we were reunited with another: the entire 60+ members of S-Squad. Every few months, our squad has a time of debrief. During this time, our squad leaders (past racers) Tim, Abby and Lauren come and pour into us, as well as our “team parents”, Mama C. & Pappy. We take “rest” (as much rest as you can try to fit in) and exploring the city of Granada, Nicaragua, we enjoyed fellowship with the rest of our squad mates, hearing about their ministries over the past couple months. (All had amazing stories to share of what God’s been doing on their race- I’d encourage you to check out some of the other October 2010 racer’s blogs!)
(Jacinda & I stumbled upon some painting classes… walking around Granada!)
L to R: Me, Jacinda, & Keryn from team Brady.
I was excited to see the rest of the squad, and excited to explore Granada, but as with most things in life, God totally blew me away with just how truly rewarding this time was! I remember back at training camp feeling so disconnected… from my squad, a bit from my team, and really, from reality in general. I was *chained* to these feelings, and it’s amazing how God has totally broken those chains! When at one time I felt like maybe this wasn’t the squad I was supposed to be on, I walked away from debrief with the confidence that hey, yeah, GOD DOES know what He’s doing!
This IS where I am supposed to be.
This IS MY FAMILY.
Even though there’s still so much deeper to go with everyone, it’s a m a z i n g , how you can fall in love with people you barely even know. There’s no other way possible than through Christ who first loved us.
I’m in awe.
I’m in awe of God and His people.
I’m in awe when I think of the women of S-Squad, praying over the men, encouraging and uplifting them with their words, declaring truth over them.
Braking chains.
I’m in awe, when I think of the men, praying over the women, encouraging and uplifting them with their words, declaring truth over them.
Braking chains.
Debrief was hard to leave but once again there’s an open door, and I walked through it tonight into the home of Theresa & Rick, fellow missionaries here in San Jose, Costa Rica. What do you know- their son went to the school that my brother taught at in Kenya for two years. Small world.
I’m in awe of this evening, and how as a Christian you can go virtually anywhere in the world and find family. People who will take you and TWENTY OF YOUR FRIENDS (there are *three* teams here tonight) in for an evening or two, (or more), feed you, let you shower in their hot showers, and love on you. (All at a minutes’ notice.) And then, they’ll love on you some more. Again, strangers loving strangers in ways only possible through the love of Christ.
Family I’ve met for the first time, and it happens over, over, and over again.
Team Pneuma’s next adventure is short trip by canoe ministering to jungle tribes in Panama. A little bit off our original race route, but sure to be an awesome experience. We’ll be “roughing it” so to speak, living out of our tents in a small village. So, likely no electricity, and surly no internet for awhile, but be sure to stay tuned!
In case I don’t get the chance to update sooner, I want to wish all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!
“For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
(Written approx. 600 years before the birth of Jesus.)
Grace. Peace. LOVE.
