Hey Blogland! Instead of getting Elaine’s daily dose of “Peace for the Journey,” I’m afraid today’s entry comes from her 20-year-old son, Nick. I know, I know…in no way can I match my mom’s conciseness, clarity, and writing panache, but I’ll give it my best shot (And I won’t hold it against you if you stop reading now and check out someone else’s blog…)
I recently returned from a 10-day mission trip to the South American nation of Bolivia. Twelve of us went through an organization named Curamericas and were led by a bilingual 22-year-old volunteer named Andrew Herrera. A majority of our time in Bolivia was spent in the village of Tacachia, nestled cozily in the Andes Mountains about 35 miles from the capital city of La Paz. We worked at the Kory Wawanaca Children’s Home, an orphanage with 18 children and several staff members. I had the unique privilege of having this be a “return” trip to Bolivia, as I went last year with a group from our church.
Our team of twelve set out on a Tuesday at 3 p.m. with plans calling for us to arrive in La Paz the next day at 6:00 a.m. It seems that nothing ever goes according to plan, though. We missed a connection flight in Miami and then had to change our plans on the fly in Miami. As an occasionally hotheaded 20-year-old, I grew frustrated and impatient very quickly, and worried a lot about our new travel plans. Long story short, we did some South American globetrotting the next day and went through Venezuela, Peru, and finally reached La Paz at 12:45 a.m. on Thursday morning after 35 straight hours of travel (that’s the southern tip of the U.S., the northern tip of South America, the western tip of South America, and the highest capital city in the world for those of you keeping track…not too bad, eh?).
Already God had taught me a basic lesson in Christian living: I had to trust Him, and realize that everything was in His hands.
Then Moses said to him, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
In the days leading up to our trip, this passage from Exodus was a daily prayer and inspiration for me. Countless times during our trip, it would come to mind as a source of comfort. I always ended my prayers by echoing Moses, “Now show me your glory.”
There were two definitive moments when I witnessed the glory of God in Tacachia—two “passing-by” moments. Sure, the entire experience was glorious, but two were the kind of glory that I’m sure Moses witnessed there on Sinai with the Lord. These two have seared themselves into my memory and will not soon be forgotten.
The first came during a Sunday lunch at the orphanage. 10-year-old Roy, who was an avid chess player, had brought his set out and was looking for an American to play against. He had already done battle with Frank Ferrell, an adult on our team, earlier in the week; Frank had been victorious, but not without some difficulty. By the grace of God, I knew enough Spanish to help set up the first contest between the two; neither was very knowledgeable of the other’s language.
I was able to then witness the rematch on Sunday, sitting next to Roy and being able to translate somewhat for both parties. The match was a tight and silent one, with both players extremely focused on the task at hand. With a pair of brilliant moves, however, Roy was able to checkmate Frank and claim victory. Here were two people (completely polar opposities) from different age groups, neither speaking the other’s language who were bound only by a common knowledge and love for the game. Sensing Roy’s excitement, I leaned over to Frank and said, “tell him ‘buen hecho’” (Good job, well done…). Frank tapped Roy, who was walking away, on the shoulder and said, “Roy…Buen hecho.”
And as he walked away, the grin that exploded across Roy’s face was, without a doubt, the most vivid and radiant smile I have ever seen.
The second “passing-by” moment came at our departure from the orphanage, a morning that was one of the most difficult mornings I have ever experienced. My week of getting to know the 18 kids at the orphanage was over; I bonded with all of them, but to a higher degree with some. I enjoyed a special bond with 13-year-old Miguel, in part because I saw so much of myself in him. He, like me, was the oldest of four siblings, had an avid interest in athletics, and a penchant for sarcasm at times. We talked one night about how much I enjoyed being at the orphanage and getting to know Miguel and his family. The most enduring image I will take from Tacachia, and the one that tells me that God worked through us in this trip occurred during our tearful goodbyes (there were some tears, and some floods).
My last goodbyes were Miguel and Roy, who were standing around the monkeybars. I told them I really enjoyed meeting them and would miss them. Roy asked if I was going to return with such a pleading look on his face, and I said I hoped that I would. Miguel was silent as his and Roy’s eyes began to fill with tears. I looked in Miguel’s eyes and said, “Somos hermanos. Dios te bendiga” (We are brothers. God bless you.). We got in the cars and pulled out, but not without me taking one last glance at Miguel and Roy, still standing next to the monkeybars with their heads down; spasms of heartache at telling these kids goodbye have bothered me ever since.
But it’s getting oh so hard to spend these days without my heart.
So I’m taking you with me anywhere that I
Could ever wanna be for the rest of my life.
I want you there with me, and If there ever comes a time
When I should have to leave, I hope you know that I,
I’m taking you with me.”
So may you, blog readers, go with the presence of God, may you witness His glory, and may you take Him with you wherever you go.
Nick, God is working through you and in you. Thank you for sharing your heart…it's so much like His.
Blessings,
Joy
Nick,
I believe God has shown us His glory this day, through the heart of a 20 year-old guy following hard after His Savior. Thanks for showing us this special people through your eyes.
Blessings,
Melinda
Nick,
Buen hecho. Que Dios te bendiga.
Dios tiene un plan magnífico para usted y nos privilegian para verlo lentamente el revelarse. Gracias por compartir su corazón.
Con pensamientos y rezos,
Sita
Thank you Nick for being His hands, His feet…His living sacrifice. Your post lifted me when I needed lifting.
one of our youth ministers is heading for Kenya soon…and she carries the orphans in her heart also. They have such a love pouring from them, to them, from them, within them…to God be ALL the glory!
Love so amazing, so Divine!
thx 4 sharing
Nick,
I've never been on a missions trip so I really appreciate you for sharing yours.
Love that you quoted the passage from Exodus 33.
Love that you offered that wonderful prayer for us.
I do want to take Him with me. And see His glory.
Blessings!
I want Him to show me His glory.
Excellent post, Nick… thank you so much for sharing with us your journey to Bolivia! Love the scripture shared from Exodus and know you feel so blessed that God allowed you to "see His glory".
Nick,
I think you speak for all of us and where our hearts are (still in Tacachia). Tears streamed down my cheeks as I read your post, as I relived our time together at the farm and orphanage. What a joyous time we shared there! Surely God's love and grace surrounded us all and was evident in all that transpired there. Your brother in Christ.
George
How exciting to see Nick on here! Thanks for sharing with us, what a blessing.
Nick,
This statement you made says it all,
"…God worked THROUGH me. But he worked so much more IN me, and for that I am eternally grateful."
Thank you so much for sharing about your trip to Bolivia. How exciting it is to see the love you have for the Lord, and your willingness to serve Him!
Blessings,
Beth E.
Wow!
He sido bendecido por sus palabras esta mañana. Es la mano de Dios obvia estuvo en usted durante este viaje y se queda en usted como usted transición de Bolivia a en casa. Escuche atentamente a Sus cuchicheos para El tiene mucho en decirle.
(I have been blessed by your words this morning. It is obvious God's hand was on you during this trip and remains on you as you transition from Bolivia to home. Listen closely to His whispers for He has much to tell you.)
As I prepare for my journey to Ecuador, I, too, will be praying "now show me your glory." Thank you for sharing this, I have been immensely blessed and encouraged.
As for the Brandon Heath song, I adore Brandon Heath! Last week I began to pray that I would "see the story" in everyone I meet. We all have them, stories that is, don't we…we just don't always see them. Praying for eyes to His Glory and to see their stories!
Shalom,
Denise
"I had to trust Him, and realize that everything was in His hands" and that is what it is all about!! I have used the scripture with Moses talking to God recently on my blog and again it came up this weekend in my quiet time. I am so taken in with it!
Thank you for sharing your trip. Go and serve-serve well!!
God Bless you!! I really mean it!!
In His Graces~Pmela
PS: Elaine-my heart is swelling with joy for you as a mother!
Nick, keeping following God and looking for his glory in all you do. You have grown into a fine young man. I am proud to say "I knew you when"!!
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip!
What a beautiful summary of what was, no doubt, an entirely new, rich chapter to your life!
I couldn't help but think, and rejoice when I read your lesson: "I had to trust Him, and realize that everything was in His hands."
If that's the over-riding take-a-away, you are fitted well for many Bolivia trips to come.
Thank you for serving the Lord by serving these people. What an honor to His matchless name; and what a blessing to all.
Kathleen
P.S. Methinks you travel in some pretty lovely, well-worn shoes. What a heritage is yours!
this is so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing, Nick! It has blessed my heart to read about your mission trip and to hear about the ways God was glorified there! 🙂
I praise You Heavenly Father for the amazing work You are doing in and through Nick! For the work of Your hands Father looks so awesome displayed through Your servant Nick. May You continue to fill him to overflowing and and may he continue to spill on to those around him, in Your name Amen
Nick,
How refreshing – and you are certainly a "chip off the old block" – your Mom's AND Jesus'!!
Love Jesus with all your heart – and His passion will flood you for the rest of your life! Keep splashing it on others all over the world!
Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
[JESUS – the One I Worship]
Nick, what a great way to end your prayers — Show me Your glory…
You've learned much already in your 20 years, knowing that it is HIS presence in all we do that makes the difference, that gives the power. I pray that you get to go back, too!
Elaine, thanks for the song. What a great reminder to really open my eyes to the people and the world around me…
Nick,
I so very much enjoyed reading your journaling of your time in Boliva. It was truly RICH! And….YES!….you do have your mother's talent and flair for the written word! What other 20-year-old would have used the word "panache" in his blog post??? ha I actually looked it up to make sure I had the meaning right!
Thanks again for taking time to share with us!
May God bless your caring heart!
Marilyn…..in Mississippi
wifeforthejourney & Nick:
thanks for another installment to your "Bolivia story." I won't ever get tired of hearing you talk about any of these experiences. May the Spirit of God continue to inspire and empower you with both heart and tongues of fire to reach the world for Christ!
Love always,
Billy
Hi Nick!
It was a good surprise to see a post from you. Your mom had talked about how much you loved being there in Bolivia and how much you missed those boys. The Lord had taught you some amazing things through this trip! That was really touching when you said to them that you were brothers, and God bless you:) A heart for them is what God had given you:)
Blessings to you today,
katiegfromtennessee
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip…outside of the travel snafu. I like to think of travel problems as part of God's divine plan. Besides, he's in control anyway.
Thanks for allowing God to use you and make such an impact through the avenue of missions.
I enjoy visiting this blog and I recommended it to my readers. Be blessed.
Hi Nick,
How beautiful to read about your perspective on the trip – in particular the moments that were seared forever onto your heart. I love the way you prayed for God's glory…what an example to me. Your passion for the children of Bolivia is so very evident. Know that I'm praying with you that if God so wills, the doors will open for you to return..it is undoubtedly a deep desire of your heart.
I know your Mom is so very proud of you for following hard after God. There is truly no greater joy for a parent.
Blessings,
Tracy
How proud you must be of your son, Elaine…and, Nick? I think you write with panache aplenty!
Praying for God to inhabit the hearts that you touch…
What a moving story – moving of the heart, and of our Jesus. And Nick, you are quite the writer. Don't sell yourself short. Your gifts have blessed me today.
Hey, Nick! So glad that you had a great time and were able to witness God's Glory as you ministered to these brothers in Christ. The pics are great, and your stories make my heart soar!
I really enjoyed spending time with your family while you were gone! I hope to meet you one day!! You did a great job with your mom's blog! Give her a hug for me!
Blessings,
Susan
Wow! Your heart has been given words on this post beautifully today Nick!
Elaine, I am so proud of Nick and I am not even his mom. I am sure that you are about to burst with pride and joy. and you should be. He is one great young man.
Christy
Nick, Thanks so much for blessing us with your words of your journey and what God has showed you. Amazing young man that you are, as you do have a humbly proud mama it was great to get a glimpse into your heart. Blessings.
Nick – I so enjoyed reading about your mission trip,
My daughter, Melissa, just returned from 5 weeks in Santa Cruz Bolivia-her 2nd trip there this year. SHe has been home 4 days and already wants to go back!
She has such a heart for the people there and came back speaking more Spanish than I ever dreamed of!
I am going to send her to this post so she can read about your experiences.
Elaine – I know you are a proud mama. He is quite of Man with a heart for God.
Love to you both – Beth
Elaine – I wanted to come back and let you know that I answered your questions about seminary in my post today! 🙂 Hope you come by and visit!
Thank you for this testimony of the faithfulness of God and the urgency of the gospel!
thanks, nick. this was very timely for me. thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful opportunity! It is fantastic the way God is working through you in the lives of others.
With your writing skills, you may give your mom a run for her money. You come by it naturally. 🙂
Brenda