Here is the article that I wrote, this summer for the Crossings Newspaper.(the Oak Hills Newspaper)



The first time I laid eyes upon the Land of Judah Orphanage on Saturday morning, I saw children jumping up and down. As we drove into the orphanage gates, the children were so excited to see us that they couldn’t stand still. We were excited to see them, too. I quickly jumped got out of the van and walked over to say hi to couple of kids. As I was talking to them, a girl came up behind me and said, “Hello. How are you?” I was shocked to hear one of these kids speaking English. I turned around and there stood my friend Wendi. I met Wendi last summer when I went to Nicaragua the first time. We instantly became good friends. We would walk around the orphanage property and just talk even though, at the time, she didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Spanish. We communicated as if we were speaking the same language.
When Christmastime came around last December, and Journey Fellowship began to prepare boxes to send as gifts for the kids at the orphanage, I chose to send my box to Wendi. Now that I knew her, filling her box was easier and even more joyful. I could imagine her opening her box, looking through things chosen especially for her, knowing that I was thinking about her.
A whole year went by and the only time I had ever been able to communicate with Wendi was through a letter in the Christmas box. As the year passed I prayed for Wendi.
So you can imagine my surprise to hear Wendi speaking English! I introduced Wendi to my Dad. He was glad to put a name and stories with a face and a voice. The whole week Wendi stuck with me. Even though a year had passed it was almost as if we hadn’t been apart! As the trip went on we spent more and more time together, learning each others language, teaching each other new things and becoming better friends. When it came time to sing songs with the kids, Wendi helped me lead them. She shadowed me the entire week.
Now, on the last day, it came time for us to leave. The kids at the orphanage had prepared something special for the team. They sang us a song and danced a bit. Although we were sad to leave, we know we will return, and that is exactly what they are counting on. Just before we left, Wendi gave me a note that she had written. The note said how special my family and I have been to her, how much my dad and I had taught her, and that she was grateful God had sent us to her.
I think about Wendi every day and pray for her, too. I had one week to spend with Wendi and I made a friend for life.

~I showed this article to Wendi this last week when I went to Nicaragua. She was so proud of it! She showed it to everyone!~

Here is a picture of me with Wendi wearing the Shirt I gave her!

This christmas my mom got to return to Nicaragua. She was excited to see Wendi also. Wendi gave me a necklace as a gift. It is somthing I can remember her by.
-emily

Christmas in Nicaragua!

Thank you Journey Fellowship for preparing boxes to send to the kids in Nicaragua.

They carried the boxes around all day and into the following days. They would unpack them and repack them. They were so greatful! They absolutly loved the crocs! Thank you so much JF!

Con Amor en Cristo

Emily

5 reasons you should go on a Short-Term Mission Trip to Nicaragua!

As you may know, we had a chance to go to Nicaragua last week. People ask us, "How was Nicaragua?" We say, "It is one of those things you have to experience to know what it was really like." Now there is one good reason.... to find out what it was really like. (but we won't count this one!)
1. We can tell you all the stories you want to hear or all about the places we went. But that is only our point of view!:) Wouldn't it be cool if you could have your own stories?
2. A second reason... If you are interested in going on a mission trip that is not too hard or long, that is kid-friendly, or this is your first trip... this would be a good one.
3. If you want to show someone in another country how much you care for them.
4. If you want to show someone the amazing love of God!
5. There is a child there counting on your love, your prayers, and your attention for one week! That's all it takes one week of your year. (or if you go on both trips it takes two weeks, but who's counting!)

I absolutely think it was worth every penny, every minute and the effort it took to get there!

If you are interested in going, the next trip is December 5-10. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me or Steve at steved@journeyfellowshipsa.org.

Thanks to all who supported financially and with prayer.

Con Amor en Cristo,
(with love in Christ)

Emily & Steve

Here are some kids at the Land of Judah orphanage.

This is the place we stay and these are just a few of the many Nicaraguan children that need our love.

Here is on of the Beautiful sites you will see

while you are there. It is a Volcano.

The sun is setting behind it. This is another reason

you should go. To see the beautiful scenery!

NicPics

Emily teaching, siteseeing, and eating.

Two important structures, and church under the trees.

Journey to the Center of America

Emily and I have just returned from a sojourn to Nicaragua. Upon our arrival at Manaqua airport, we traveled to several towns and villages of various sizes. We presented a story from Genesis in several villages and spent each night at an orphanage.

This boy stood against the wall and somberly watched the festivities upon our arrival to the orphanage. I zeroed in on him and tried to make him smile. He was hesitant, but the next morning he greeted me with a smile a mile wide.

I'd love to give you more specifics but we want to protect these precious children. Email me or Emily at steved@journeyfellowshipsa.org if you want to hear more.

Thanks to all of you who supported our mission.