I had my parents write a short recap of how PVT impacted them. I really believe it was a beautiful and sacred week that will continue to hold good memories for my parents and me. Thank you again, mom and dad, for spending the time, and money to come and see me. I love you both the MOST!
The sun rose every morning at about 5 am. The sky was clear and a deep blue you swear you could cut with a knife. Birds sang as if they were waiting for something special to happen. Watching the beautiful sunrise, I began to notice them. Standing, sitting, walking and swaying. Each one praying silently to the God who they know holds them in His love. Sure some mumbled while reading their scripture. Some almost seemed to laugh with joy to themselves. But one thing for sure was that each one of our children was praying. Not out of obligation for they were ‘supposed to’ get up at 5 am and begin their day with prayer, but because they were developing the spiritual discipline of starting their day with the Lord. At first, I thought ‘oh those ‘poor kids’ having to get up so early and start…… But then I saw it. The large orange ball of fire in the sky rising above the horizon. And all of them were turned towards the sun, watching, waiting for their day to begin.
As the week rolled on my heart went from pity to envy. I realized they wanted to be there, waiting on the Lord to fill them each morning. It was in that moment that I realized what my life is lacking. Sure I pray a lot. Almost regularly. I talk to the Lord every time he comes to mind. But to see our children waiting, waiting on the Lord. And fill them He did. When the day came, they fellowshipped together, lived together, prayed together, worshiped together, cared for each other.. together. I want my life to be like theirs.
The PVT was everything I hoped for and more. There was sufficient time with my racer, Ashley. A chance to do ministry together. A time for devotions relevant to guys. Going on several adventures and enjoying God’s creation. Going thru the PVT with the other men/parents, sharing our experiences, worries, concerns, and love for the Lord and our children, was certainly what I would call ‘one of those building blocks of faith’ in my life. Thank you to all who made this possible, to Dave Reaves who shared his ministry and inspired mine, to our hosts Jen and Scott and their incredible ministry for the people of Nicaragua. And to Sarah Dooley for putting it all together. Thanks. Oh, and the food was great!
From all the parents whose children are on this race, thank you God for your faithfulness, your love, your protection, your word, and most of all sending your son Jesus.
Grateful,
Andy Collins
I don’t remember when I first heard about a parent vision trip (PVT), maybe it was when Ashley was at training camp. For sure we heard about it when we went to Parent Launch in October. I was so excited that we (Andy and I) would be able to see Ashley mid-year through the race. I was so excited that we would see her and the other racers. I would go just about anywhere to see her. I began to look at the countries that Ashley would be going to. Obviously, some of the countries held a greater appeal than others. Than we heard that it would be Nicaragua. Really, Nicaragua!! What is in Nicaragua??
Let me start at the beginning when we landed in Managua. We arrived around noon on Monday, April 22. Not long after we landed, we met up with a couple that we had met at launch. It was nice to see a friendly face. After getting our checked bags, we went to find our rides to our hotel in Granada. We were greeted by Kaitlyn with a sign that said PVT. We are in the right spot, I thought to myself. We were able to get lunch at the airport while waiting for a few other parents. We made our way to Granada, to our hotel that we would be staying at that night. We decided to arrive a day earlier to get accustomed to being in Nicaragua. While waiting to check in at our hotel, we were able to see Ashley. It was so good to see her and hug her. IT WAS SO SO GOOD!! We were able to catch up with Ashley and walk around Granada. Later that night we had dinner with some of the other parents that arrived early.
On Tuesday, we were picked up to go to REAP Granada where we would be staying for the PVT. We were greeted by all the racers that had parents coming to see them. I can safely say they were as excited to see us, as we were to see them!! Tuesday was pretty laid back. We ended Tuesday with worship and the Word.
Wednesday was our first day of ministry. We started with devotions and breakfast. Andy, Ashley and I were able to build an Adirondack chair that would be used at REAP Granada. All the pieces were cut out for us; all we had to do was put it together and assemble it. Thankfully we had Andy to help us!! Wednesday afternoon we had free, and we went back into Granada for more sightseeing. We took a carriage ride to see more of the city — a great day that ended with worship and the Word. Ryan did a wonderful job preaching the Gospel!!
Thursday we started with devotions and breakfast. Our second day of ministry began with a trip to the dump. I wasn’t sure what to expect other than serving a meal and talking to the people there. I was surprised to see so many people going through the trash looking for items to sell. We were able to share a message with them and also share a meal. It was hard to see what people will go through to take care of their families. Thursday afternoon we went for a prayer walk. We were able to meet Jose who Ashley had met on a previous walk. Jose has been suffering with prostate cancer, and Ashley had wanted us to meet with him and pray for him. It was humbling to meet him, to give him hope. I pray that he felt the love of Christ that day. Thursday night we had worship and the Word.
Friday was a free day for us- Andy, Ashley and I went zip-lining. We went with five other racers and their parents. It was great to spend that time encouraging each other and having a lot of fun at the same time. Friday afternoon was a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua. We had a fun day getting out and enjoying Granada. Friday evening we went back to REAP for dinner and worship. We spent the evening after worship praying for others that needed healing.
Saturday was our last day to spend with our racers. The day was planned for us. We spent the morning at the Masaya Volcano, an active volcano. We might have been able to see the lava flow inside the crater if the smoke hadn’t been so thick. We made it to Apoyo Lagoon for lunch and an afternoon of swimming and relaxing. Apoyo Lagoon is a lake inside the crater of a volcano. We had a wonderful day relaxing. Saturday night we went back to REAP for dinner and an evening of worship. Saturday night was special because we participated in foot washing and sharing a blessing letter to our racers. A powerful night that we spent with Ashley.
Sunday morning we said goodbye to our racers. It was so good to meet and spend time with the other racers and some of their parents. We know that Ashley is in good hands.
Let me tell you what is in Nicaragua, Granada to be exact. REAP Granada, a place where we felt loved and welcomed. A place that welcomed our racers and made them feel at home, a place that loves the Lord!! Scott and Jennifer are wonderful hosts!!
Thank you to Adventures in Mission for giving us an opportunity to do ministry with our racers, to serve alongside them.
Brenda Collins
Love you guys so much.
