February Update
Hola familia y amigos! (Hello friends and family)
As I begin to write this, I am currently on my way to do my third border run.
I am still not adjusted to only two seasons, so I feel like I forget the time of year. I can’t believe it’s February!
For most of you this means more snow and colder temps (especially for my greater Chicago area friends). For us, it means that the coolest time of the year is coming to a close and we are about to enter into the hottest two months. The last couple months have been great, but there has been a trade off. While we have had wonderfully chilly temps at night (down to 68!) the days are usually characterized by crazy gusts of wind and tons of dust. You know it’s dusty when you clean your floors and 2-3 days later you can freely ‘skate’ on your floor with any rubber soled shoe. But, that is all about to change. I’ve been told that there is little to no wind and temps as high as 100 from end of February to mid May.
Work
The last month has felt busy at work. But, I think it was just an adjustment from a slow start in the office. Great news is that after several weeks of being a smaller crew, almost everyone has returned!
Intern Coordinator: I have met several times with Lesley from our Global Office and started training for my additional responsibilities as Intern Coordinator for our office.
Casa de Luz: The master plan and architectural design is moving forward full steam. This project has 2 existing structures and we are proposing a master plan that will include a second story to one of the buildings, a program use change, and two new buildings. I have a midway project review with our clients (Mark and Kevin) this week to present progress and ideas.
Ileana’s School: The Project Trip planning is underway. Our initial efforts to provide some temporary solutions is done, and now our team leaders, Baher from the Mexico office and David from our office have been hard at work putting a team together and preparing/coordinating project trip details.
Community
I have a praise! I have a wonderful praise!
At the beginning of January, two of my friends returned back to Managua after a family death and the details that followed. I consider James and Alex great friends, ones who could potentially become best friends here. So, I was super excited to hang out with them last weekend. I even met some new friends - Eugene and Michelle.
I know many of you have been praying for community and this night was a glimpse into something I had been missing, and it overflowed my proverbial cup. Thank you for your prayers. God heard them and answered, and oh how beautiful it was.
I also made another friend - her name is Andrea and she teaches at the English speaking international school. A couple weekends ago we went to see the Chocoyero waterfall, about an hour away. I took Maximus and it was a wonderful time to get out and explore. While the waterfall itself was small, everything around it was magnificent. Oh, and through her connection I will be part of a birding group- my grandfather would be proud.
Virtual Meet Up
A handful of you have reached out and want to take part in a virtual meet up. If you did not reach out, no worries, there is still time! Please let me know if you are interested.
I think I will host it on the third week of March (sometime between the 20th & the 24th). It will be the one week in between the Casa de Luz project finishing the Ileana’s School project starting. I will most likely send out a calendar invite of sorts when my March update goes out.
I look forward to seeing all of your beautiful faces!
Prayer Requests
Continued prayers for team unity. That as we all get back in the office and continue adding to our team, that we would be unified and that others would see Christs reflection through our unity.
For projects that are in process and projects that are developing - that we would serve our ministry clients well and present the best possible design for them.
That our team would continue to feel at home in Managua - routines, church involvement and community.
That my personal community would grow and deepen. That my relationships would be intentional and that I would love well. I attended the memorial service for John Stotz (online thanks to HCA), and something his sister Ellie said will always stick with me, “It’s is a privilege to experience the grief that comes from loving him”. While I would never wish that kind of grief or desire it, I want to love well so that goodbyes hurt (thanks MTI for teaching me this - shout out to Jeff and Deb).
Much love to you all. I am beyond thankful that you are part of my team and that you are walking with me in this season of life.
Micah