A walking encyclopedia

A walking encyclopedia on the history of Nicaragua - that's about the only way I could describe Aynn Setright, our afternoon speaker.  As a matter of fact, that may even be a disservice to Aynn because an encyclopedia just doesn't have the passion or way of bringing out the information as Aynn did.  Thank you Aynn.  Discovery, Spanish influence, political wars, revolution, influence from the church,... kind of like watching a video of a child being born into the world and watching as it goes from its first steps, first day of school, and on into high school. You not only feel like you know the facts but you feel like you've got to witness the growing pains that has made Nicaragua the country it is today.  Lord, as Aynn has helped us to see the story of Nicaragua, help us to try to see the story of all we meet.  Help us not to be judgmental of anyone without being willing to hear their story.

Cepad - Past and Present

This morning we met with Doug Orbaker and started talking about some of the history of CEPAD and then some of the things CEPAD is accomplishing in Nicaragua.  We were soon joined by Yelba Rivera, which some of you my remember from the September Presbytery meeting, and later on by Carl Agsten and Leslie Clay.  Doug and Carl gave a detailed view of how CEPAD came about and what they've done over the years.  The thing I realized is that CEPAD is into the long term solutions much like the "feed a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life".  It has given me a new outlook on mission work.  So many times we look at mission work as "what can I do to help" or "what can I do to fix this?"  We tend to want to be the doctor with the miracle cure that will make it all better.  How much better it is to look at it as "what can we do together to help change this situation" or "what can we do together to make this better?"  Lord, help us to put side any false pride we may have in ourselves as problem solvers and be willing to work side by side with people in making the world a better place to be.

First Day

Rise and shine, it's a new day.  It's about 5:40 am.  Birds are chirping and the day is calling our names.  Today we will be having breakfast and then orientation.  Afterward we will get an introduction to CEPAD; it's history and ministry.  Lunch around noon followed by something called Coyuntura by Aynn Setright.  Coyuntura stands for circumstances so perhaps it will be a chance to hear about what is happening here in Nicaragua.  Later on we'll get a tour of the city and then at 4:30 it will be Esperanza en Accion - Hope through Action.  Not sure what it is all about but I like the name.

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Lord, gives us your eyes that we may see the world as you see it.  Give us arms that are willing to reach out and embrace those you send in our direction.  Give us feet that are willing to carry us where you would have us walk and a voice that proclaims the hope that is in you.  Keep our hearts fixed on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.  Amen.