Krisha's Fantastic Summer

I (Krisha) have had one of the best summers yet. I have been working at my cousins pizza place called Simple Simons Pizza. I am a clerk and also a delivery driver. I like being a delivery driver because of all the extra cash that you make!! :) The people that I work with are so amazing and it makes the job so much fun and I actually look forward to going to work everyday. I am actually going to a T-Bones baseball game tonight with some people that I work with. On my days off I go to my mothers house since my parents are divorced and I spend some time with her. For the past couple of weeks I have been getting my doctors and dentists appointments out of the way also. I am very grateful and thankful to be given the opportunity to go to Nicaragua. I know that God has a great plan for all of us and I am ready to server Him with the wonderful group called Nica-Team!!

Katie's amazing summer plans!

I (Katie) have been spending most of my summer working at my mother’s bakery. I help with the baking, serving customers, and clean-up. It is a great job if you like to bake and get to know the people in town. On Monday evenings I get a chance to enjoy amazing people and work as a team. I play church softball every week and I love it. It is amazing to have my church family come together and support each other no matter the turnout of the score. I proudly say that we finished as second place in the tournament. Now that softball has come to a close all of my train of thought has been on my trip to Nicaragua. God has blessed me with an amazing opportunity to go to a foreign country and spread the Christian faith. I have been getting all of my doctor, eye, and dentist appointments taken care of before I leave. I recently removed my wisdom teeth and am currently in recovery. I am very grateful that this procedure is a one time thing. I trust that God will give me full strength before my trip. I am very enthusiastic about my trip and the people who I will be serving with.

Thoughts As I Write: Nicaragua and Change

During our mission trip in Nicaragua, I (Ashley) will be visiting Javier, a little boy I sponsor through Compassion International. Last week, I went on a shopping spree buying things for Javier and his family. It was like a Christmas shopping spree...except in July! It certainly is a good feeling that you can help someone else who lives for the things we as Americans have everyday. I know that the stereotype is that when you come back from a mission trip you are totally changed and you want to make the world a better place. How long does it typicallly last? Weeks, months. Here's an idea. Be changed before you go on a mission trip. It may sound backwards. The whole point of change is to make it part of you and make it stick, no matter where you are in life. We should want to change the world even if we don't end up traveling on a mission trip or two. Be involved. Care for others. Share what God has given you. Hey, that's what He calls us to do. Below is a list of organizations in which you can take part and change the world from your house.

* Compassion Internation www.compassion.com
* World Vision www.worldvision.com
* Open Doors U.S.A. www.opendoorsusa.org
* Voice of the Martyrs www.persecution.com
* Bibles Unbound www.biblesunbound.com