What else has Jenn discovered?

So, I said that I would post again about my experience at our last meeting, so here it is. I don't have Nate to proof it this time, so sorry for any terrible or just plain weird grammatical errors! Anyway, the first meeting we had for our Nicaragua trip was quite exhilarating and yet basic. I left the meeting feeling like a big fish in a little pond and just pumped for whatever was next! The second meeting was not like the first meeting for me. We completed an exercise that reminded me that those we visit are not going to be exactly like me in every way (which is a good thing). It made me realize that I will likely have to make an adjustment in my thinking to accept their cultural and social norms as normal. And during the meeting, I just kept thinking, "Wow, they really have everything planned out from the smallest details to the big picture - I know nothing at all!" So I left the meeting feeling a little overwhelmed and definitely like a small fish in a big pond. The confidence I had at the first meeting was replaced by anxiety even though the excitement and anticipation remained. I quite literally knew nothing. But I felt God saying to me, "Yes Jennifer, you do not know what you are about to experience or what to do in the upcoming situations. That is why you need me." And then I realized that it is ok to not know everything for this trip. Sometimes, I get so stuck on being prepared for things that I want to learn it all and do it myself. I often end up feeling overwhelmed and afraid because I can't do it on my own. That's usually when God gently taps my back and says, "Hey, that's what I'm here for." I am so grateful we have a God that cares about leading me through my day and strengthening me when I feel weak! So, I am now over my anxiety and accepting that I am small, but my God is bigger than anything!!

Second Meeting

So we had our second meeting last Tuesday, May 11th, and it was yet another great meeting! Our groups are bonding and we are getting to know each other better now. To help that along, we did this exercise that seemed quite silly at the moment, but gave some great insights. We were given the task of talking about our childhood in one minute while doing an activity (shaking the other person's hand, patting the top of your head, getting shoulder to shoulder with another person, talking in a baby voice, or clapping hands while speaking). It was very uncomfortable, but made us think about talking with people from another culture and the seemingly weird quirks they might have. One of my co-workers actually told me a story today about how she was listening to some rap by Christian artists and wasn't moved by it at all. However, there was another girl who was in tears after hearing the message and ending up giving her life to the Lord. It just showed me that even if we perceive something as weird or "not right", it does not mean that God will not use it to touch another person. But back to Tuesday night, we also were able to Skype with Eddy Morales, a leader in OrphaNetwork. It was so cool to see his passions and gifts being used! We are very excited to meet him - almost as excited as we are to meet the kids. While we were skyping, we got a glimpse of the projects we will be doing in Nicaragua. They are so cool! Everything from teaching Excel and English to building an office and organizing a library to helping the children get rid of lice. Normally, I would be intimidated or grossed out by some of these tasks, but I know that God is preparing and will continue to prepare us for the road ahead. I learned so much this last Tuesday and I will write more later- it's just too much for one post!

Jenn's post

So we had to share some more stuff with everyone! First of all, we have been blown away by how much support we have received. We are truly not comfortable asking anyone for money! But God has reminded us that it's really His money and His children are generous and want to support what He is doing in the world. How amazing!!

So for me, Jenn, there is one thing that has really stuck out to me this week. I've been teaching K-5 music at a private school this past school year and it has been a great learning experience, but I will not be able to return next year for financial reasons and time commitments. I have wondered why God would allow me to teach at a school for one year and then leave - it just seems flaky to me. However, I recently learned that the orphanage has started a music program within the last year. What an opportunity I will have to see their program and learn what they have experienced since they started playing their instruments. And who knows what else God has in mind. That is just one way that I can see how God has prepared me in a little way for this trip. Maybe I will be able to contribute something to the orphanage about what I have learned over the past school year. All I know is that God has something planned - I have no idea what He is going to do - but man, I am super excited to find out!!