Didn't See This One Coming....

As I have laid in bed many a night knowing I need to update the blog, I think, "Where does one even begin".  I realize the last post was in March and look back on that date and realize I never knew what was coming. 

We arrived in the States, excited, and ready to travel.  To see our friends and family.  Excited to share all the things that God is doing and extend our gratitude for all those who have made it possible.  

Little did we know what God had in store for us.  

The trip progressed as normal.  We traveled from place to place, realizing that we wished we could stay longer everywhere we went, and realized that wasn't possible.  Enjoyed the fellowship, the late nights, card games, and visits.  But, there was an underlying theme going on that not many saw.  

In Branson, our first stop, the conference was amazing.  The Lord spoke and we enjoyed the fellowship as we always do.  Then, the Lord said something about coming back to the States.  WHAT!?!?!! We didn't see that coming.  We weren't even sure if that was the Lord.  Can't be.  So we just kept that in our hearts, the back burner, and continued our trip.  It seemed as though someone would say something about coming back to the States or taking a break, nearly everywhere we went.   We both were simmering on that internally.  Not even discussing it amongst ourselves.  Then one night came where we were receiving prayer and, again, it came up.  OK, now this is in a group setting.  Can't ignore it.  So we went there a bit.  Discussed. Cried. Thought.  

The days following Roger and I (Rhonda) were in some serious meetings with the Lord and each other.  "Was this really His will?"  "We've always said we'd stay for the people of Nicaragua." "We love the people."  "Our hearts are with them."  "They are going through, and are getting ready to go through, such a hard time."  "Could this really be?"  We cried more, talked more, thought more, prayed more.  Later in April we came to an agreement, the two of us, that we felt peace about returning to the States.  (Even as I write this I can't believe we did it.)  

We kept it between us, for the most part, until early May, when we told family.  It was one of the hardest decisions I have been a part of, to date.  It was hard for all of us.  The kids have never lived in the States. It was a totally new thing to them.  They weren't returning to a life they once knew.  And we, Roger and I, weren't returning as the people we once were.  We've been changed and molded by the time we've been out of the States, 9 years, and the people we have met and the God that has seen us through.  

We were about to embark on a journey like no other....

Branson

We're currently at the Branson Conf. that we attend every year. It has been a blessing to be with the Body and worship together. The Word has been rich, full of conviction, truth and confirmation.

Here's the kids with their "conf. buddies". Yesterday was our Rachel's birthday, she turned 7. The first time we attended the conf. she was just 6 days old. It's been amazing to have that as our gauge of how long we have been blessed with these relationships here. She and Josiah have literally "grown up" in the conf.

We are so blessed that God has not only brought Roger and I relationships in the States, but the kids as well!! He's a good Father like that :)

Let the Journey Begin...

Tomorrow is the big day!! We arrived in the States Monday and have had a couple of days to get some logistics and errands run. We've bought the snacks (got to keep the kids happy for the travels), repacked our luggage and are ready for our 6+ week journey throughout nearly all of the midwest, including Canada. We start out at the United Minister's conf., led by Ira Milligan, that we attend every year in Branson, MO. We always enjoy being with the Body of Christ there. It is always encouraging and will be a great start to our travels.

We are truly grateful for the Lord, once again, providing a way for us to be State side and having the chance to continue relationships He has blessed us with in our family's lives. We can't wait to see what God has in store for our journey!!

Please be sure to check out our calendar here to see where we'll be and hope you can join us somewhere along the journey.

Godspeed!!!

School's in Session

Tonight I read this from a fellow missionary's blog. These stats are staggering, and on top of that teacher's pay is minimal and only about 35% of school aged children finish the 6th grade. I would say that it sums up part of the reason that we do what we do when we deliver school supplies, provide supplies for teachers, etc... We feel so blessed that we are able to help so many that, on their own, would struggle with such a basic need, education.

Tomorrow we head out to deliver school supplies to all the schools. Between 5 elementary schools, 1 high school and Francisco & Erica's 2 children churches we are able to help provide 400 students with supplies for this year. We are so excited and blessed to see how God continues to take care of details, all the details!!

Food for Thought....

Thought I'd write one more post before we head to the States. Did I mention we got the biggest blessing and are heading to the States this year for Thanksgiving??? We are soooo thankful :)

Francisco and Erica have been doing a feeding program in their community for a little while now and it's just been amazing. All the kids that wouldn't normally get fed during the day. Mostly because their parents are working and they are left to fend for themselves. Many show up barefoot and hungry. They are told to bring a bowl, spoon and cup and Francisco and Erica will take care of the rest. Many do and some just show up and share a bowl with others. Often times eating with their hands. They have even expanded and are doing one where their other children's church is. The moms there help cook the food provided.

Roger and I had thought that it would be nice to get bowls and cups for every kid that comes. What better time than this time of thanksgiving. I know it's not a holiday here but feeling how thankful we are for the bare necessities, how could we not give them a reason to be thankful.

We went to a big market in Managua, that has the best prices. Found 100 bowls (with lids - important here) and 100 cups. (There are roughly 50 in each community.) We were able to find everything for around 50 cents a child. Blessing all around!! Great prices for us and something to eat with for them. :)

I am always amazed at what a small investment can change a life!!!!

I would like to share something we have been thinking about for Christmas. We have mentioned it in our newsletters but I wanted to share here. We are wanting to give a pair of shoes to each child that attends their children's church. Each pair would come to about $10 a child. Many of these kids, at the most, have a pair of old flip flops. It would be such a blessing for them to be able to start the new school year and go to church with nice shoes on. If you are considering helping drop us a line or you can just send a check to the address on the contacts page with a note "Christmas party".

Thanks for all you have done to make a difference in so many lives!!!

Side note....get to eat yummy Thanksgiving in the States this year....YAY!!!

Haircut Anyone???

A couple of days ago we were able to bring in a hairdresser and provide discounted haircuts for anyone in Sandinena, the community where Francisco and Erica work.

We had so much fun!! The lady that cuts my hair, Helen, was more than happy to go and help on her day off. We offered the haircuts for about 1/3 of the normal price, 10 cordobas which is equal to about $.50. I promised to provide the other 10 cordobas and we were in business :)

She cut hair for about 3 hours and had 16 clients. She was moving fast! Everyone was so pleased with the results. For many of them this was their first haircut ever!!

Just another reason why you don't have to be able to build houses, preach or anything else than simply use the talents God gave you to minister to someone who needs it. A simple haircut brought so many smiles that day! What gifts/talents do you possess?

We are planning a second visit for haircuts in a few weeks. The word got around :)

Video - - Finally!!!

We figured it was about time to get a video out there of what we do here in Nicaragua and the people we work with! (With a little push from some friends!!) :)

We are so thankful to all of you who have given financially and of your prayers to encourage us and be that support that we need. This isn't just a job that the Euceda's are doing but it's all of us....working together...doing our part...being the Body of Christ!!!

If you have the time, check out the video. We pray that you are blessed. We are so excited to bring to you a bit of what we do here!!

With much love and gratitude,

Euceda family