Daytime starts early here in Nicaland. Maybe it’s the time zone or maybe it’s the birds (which always happen to be right by my window) or maybe it’s just coming off a full day of travel and being excited about the mission ahead.  But it’s so amazing to start the day with God’s Word and a cup of coffee in the beauty of our surroundings.

The Lord’s Day is always something we look forward to down here. It’s a chance for all of us to experience something new as we loaded the bus to head to Managua to Verbo Church.  We all got to experience what it felt like to be a visitor at church but also an outsider that doesn’t speak the language.  We tried our best to read the words so we could join in the singing.  And we were fortunate to have a guest speaker that preached in English and then was translated into Spanish for the congregation.  It’s always amazing to remember the fact that we are just a small part of the “every tribe, tongue and nations” that were joining in worship of Almighty God this morning.

It was a quick stop back at the compound for lunch and to change to head out to Ruby Ranch.  We loaded up all our supplies for camp and were able to get out there and get a lay of the land and start to prepare for camp tomorrow.

We started with a tour of the Ranch.  It was such a blessing to share with this team all the work that previous teams had accomplished.  To be able to see the sidewalk and retaining wall around the Rancho (from this summer’s team) to the chicken house, the water system, the concrete porch and stairs and more that previous teams had a hand in building.  It reminded us of the legacy that has gone before us, but also how each team has a role to play in building on the vision and mission of Ruby Ranch!  Like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered by God gave the increase.”  Each team has had a special part in the building process and we pray that God gets the glory and continues to give the increase!

We also started on our first construction project which is building a zip line.  We might be a bit ambitious, but we’ve done our research and started to prepare the area – clearing trees, limbs, stumps, etc.  God gave us great weather to work in and it was neat to see everyone jump in to get the job done.

I’m grateful that God has really started to bring this team together in unity of heart and purpose.  We’ve got a great group and God has already begun a good work in each of our hearts.  We’re excited to see what He has in store for each of us and as a team.  And we are praying that He will also use us in a powerful way to impact those around us.  And that will especially be starting tomorrow with camp.  So please join us in praying for our team as we lead, but also the teenagers (about 35) that will be joining us tomorrow for our first day of camp!