April Update
Hello Family and Friends!
I know that I am a couple of weeks late, but life here has been full - and a good full at that.
Following the completion of my first EMI project, Casa de Luz, I had a brief one week to catch up on other things and then promptly began the Ileana’s School of Hope project with our team of volunteers. After a week and a half with the team, I took some much needed time off to rest and recharge. When I arrived back in the office last Thursday, I realized that I had been out of office for nearly 3 weeks (although technically the project counts as office time). So, there was a lot of catching up to do.
Updates
Thank you for your prayers and for check-ins.
My first update, as I mentioned last month, I have a car! I have been using it more than expected - but it has proven to be a true blessing. I feel that I have a bit more freedom now to visit friends, go grocery shopping (and not have to carry super heavy bags), travel and go to church.
That brings me to my second update. I have found a church community! Praise the Lord!
After months of attending several different churches, I have settled on ICF - International Christian Fellowship (https://www.icfmanagua.org). It is an English speaking church that meets at the International Academy. In all my time leading up to moving to Managua, I thought I would be involved in a local church and never imagined I would end up at an English speaking church.
However, it has been truly wonderful.
After God corrected me of my prideful thinking, he began to provide connections at the church. As some of you know, I volunteered in several different programs at Harvest over the course of my time there, and that was something that I had been missing. I didn’t just want to attend a church, but I also wanted to get plugged in and volunteer. I believe God heard my desire, and on April 30th, I will be helping to lead worship (music) during the Sunday service - something I have not done in more than five years.
Ileana’s School of Hope Project Trip
I feel like I could write pages on this trip - the team, the experiences, the conversations, the project, the kids, the client… so many neat things that happened. For now, I will try and stay as brief as possible and share tons of photos.
The trip began on Sunday, March 26th, as we welcomed our volunteers and the co-leaders from our Mexico office (Baher & Sarah). Our team of 11 was varied - people from the USA, Egypt, England, Trinidad and Tobago; architects and engineers; EMI staff, interns and volunteers.
Monday we promptly jumped into the project work, meeting with the client and the school director and her husband as well as staff; touring the project site to better understand our physical constraints; and talking through program needs and wishes. The rest of the week was spent on the master plan design and research. While the architectural team - consisting of myself, Chris (an architect from San Fran), and Baher - worked on the master plan design, the engineers conducted research in their respective areas - civil engineering, storm water management, potable water, sewage management, structural design, typical construction methods and electrical design. We had several presentations throughout the week with the client, and after each one we modified and adapted the master plan.
On Sunday, we attended the church that meets on the school grounds and primarily serves the parents of the children that attend the school. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to go to R’s House of Prayer. The story of this place is incredible, but for safety and privacy I won’t share too much. What I can say is that a woman, strong in prayer and in her connection with God, once lived here. When she passed away, they turned it into a house of prayer. The family that supports it are firm believers in the laying on of hands for prayer, anointing, prophetic prayer, speaking in tongues and healing. If you felt uncomfortable reading that list, you are not alone. I was in that boat - but after my experience my perspective changed. I was anointed with oil, prayed over and prophesied over. I heard some of the men speaking in tongues. I cried. God provided healing where I didn’t know or realize I needed it and he also provided hope and encouragement for my future. That afternoon and evening, I was exhausted emotionally. But, when I woke up Monday morning, I felt ‘lighter’ - I honestly do not know how to describe the feeling, but I felt different. I felt changed.
Then on Monday morning, April 3rd, we presented our ‘final’ observations and designs to the client. (I say ‘final’, because the concept design will continue to unfold over the next 2-3 months.) The rest of the day and Tuesday we spent with the team touring parts of Nicaragua - a day of exploration and rest for the team. Then Wednesday, the team slowly left to return back to their countries.
I went on to travel to Leon (one of two well known Colonial cities), and spend a day there with Baher, Sarah, David (from our office) and his family. Timing for the trip worked out well, and I also got to have breakfast with my cousin and his family.
Project Work Week
Birthday Celebrations
R’s House of Prayer
Exploration and Rest Days
Virtual Meet Up - Round 2!
Last month, due to time change and my error, the virtual meet up did not happen. However, I would still like to make this a priority. Previously I had talked about doing it at the end of this month (which does not give you much notice). So, for those interested, please let me know if end of April works - Friday, the 28th, or if it would be better to do it in the middle of May - Wednesday, May 17.
Then I will send out a quick email with the meeting invite for you all.
Praises & Prayer Requests
Praises:
I have a car! I was able to withdraw money and pay for the car. God also provided my host family to be able to put my car in their name until I obtain residency. Non residents cannot open a bank account or put a car in their name.
I found a church and have gotten plugged in. God took his time to break down my pride and my false expectations and has provided a home for me at ICF. In fact, in two weeks I will be helping to lead worship.
I had almost a week of time off/ rest. And it was more needed than I realized.
My parents are settling into their new HOME. Praising God for his provision in their new home as they settle and begin to plant roots in their community.
Prayer Requests:
I rolled my ankle last Monday. It is better, but still quite sore.
My drivers license expired on my birthday, March 27. I was able to get a temporary one printed, but prayers would be appreciated that it gets to my parents new house in Ohio, and then that I am able to find someone coming to Nicaragua that could bring it for me.
Team -
Rob is traveling to Spain for his Leadership Cohort again. Prayers for safety in travel as well as a wonderful time learning and growing in his position.
David continues to improve after his broken femur. In fact, he and I will be going to a local gym 3X per week starting today.
Olivia is back in the office after her maternity leave. Please pray for her as she adjusts back into working life and is now juggling that with being a mom to a new born. Prayers for her and Phil as they learn to balance life between work and family.
Miguel, our accountant, and his wife were robbed a couple weeks ago. They took their TV and a computer. Pray for Miguel and Rosibel as they take measures to create more security on their property.
As always, I would love to hear from you all.
Thank you for your continued support.
Micah