Re-Settling.

We've done tons of things since arriving in Nicaragua last Wednesday night (Feb. 15th).  We had friends pick us up from the airport, and dinner was waiting for us when we returned to their guest house... talk about spoiled!

The next few days, we shopped for cars, bought necessities for our base, found a cell phone carrier, bought a bed, bought a couch, visited hardware stores, shopped for more supplies and appliances, began cleaning the base, and even found time for a siesta once.

We leave the guesthouse tomorrow, and will spend the day moving into the base! Fortunately, all the furniture and appliances will be delivered tomorrow, and all we'll need to transport are the 30-something suitcases that have been sitting in a warehouse the last 3 months. Unfortunately, we will not have very good internet service (if any at all) for quite some time.

Still no house, but we're hopeful & are checking out options. We are having so much fun on this adventure! Please continue to pray for us as we are in another stage of this transition.

We're here!

We just wanted to let everyone know that we've safely arrived in Nicaragua with all of our suitcases! Tomorrow we will hit the ground running... purchasing phones, looking for vehicles, and beginning work at the Students International base.

A good kick in the pants

Well, Austin and I received a healthy beating for three weeks in Colorado. Our training was completely different than we expected.... and exactly what we needed. Missions Training International (MTI) was intense, draining, invigorating, exciting, scary, sad, and fun. We talked a lot about the paradox of emotions, which is ironically how I would describe our time there: a paradox, a good hurt.

We woke up to sunrises like this....

And this....

And this...

We visited Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy and stayed in the mountains of Colorado. Gorgeous!

Then we were in a hostage simulation to reveal how we truly are under high stress. We discovered just how ignorant our frame of reference can make us, and overall did some extremely deep soul-searching evaluation.Our sessions included: healthy resilient families, transition, grief & loss, managing stress, conflict handling, moral purity, and good-byes. Each session uncovered new issues that we'll most likely face, but hadn't thought to discuss. 

We've come away from our time at MTI feeling more prepared for what's to come, but shockingly aware of our shortcomings as well. Most of all, Austin and I grew closer, and for that we are forever grateful!