There are plenty of reasons for me to want to go back, I chose a few and put them together below for your enjoyment.
In the past month or so, Nicaragua has been experiencing a bunch of earthquakes. There has been some damage to homes, but no deaths that we know of yet. There is a great amount of fear among the Nicaraguans that a “big quake” will be coming soon and could ruin them. We will be going into that fear and directly confronting it. The reasons below are a little more lighthearted than the reality of what we may face when we arrive.
#1 Photogenic Kids
It is no secret that Nicaragua has the world’s most photogenic kids. Well…I’m pretty sure anyways.
#2 Guys with Birds
Seriously…where are you ever going to see a guy this cool and this intense with a bird perched delicately on his finger? Exactly…you won’t. Unless you are in Nicaragua.
#3 Drawings and Notes
Who doesn’t need some new refrigerator art? Sometimes it is the little gifts that mean the most…
#4 Chema
The pastor of the church we partner with is a pretty cool guy. This picture may not capture his fun loving and energetic side, but it does capture his thoughtfulness and care for the people around him. It is an honor to be able to pour into his ministry all year round, and a joy to be able to do it in person for a week.
#5 Legacy
I don’t know this kids name, and I don’t know his whole story, but I do know that each year we get to see him at Tabernaculo de Agua Viva for at least one (if not many) of the kids events we do. He is pretty much always around. I have to wonder, how will his life be different when he is grown because of his connection with the gringos who came to visit the church next to his house? 
#6 There is always room
While there may not always be room in Tabernaculo de Agua Viva for all the kids who come to our youth events, there is certainly room for all of them in our hearts, and more importantly in our Fathers Kingdom. We go to encourage those proclaiming the gospel in difficult circumstances everyday.
#7 Alex
Last year, I put Alex on the spot and asked him to learn a new song and sing it on film for us to use at Dayspring. He worked diligently and by the end of the week he had a pretty good handle on it. As we were leaving, Alex handed me a sheet of paper with a song written on it in hand. He wanted me to learn it. I’ve never had anyone do that…expect me to come back. It was moment for me. I managed to not lose the paper for a good 9 months, but in the chaos that was my most recent Haiti trip, I took the paper out for safekeeping, and I haven’t been able to find it since then. I have to go back and confess my mistake, and do my best to keep my future promises to him.
#8 Stories change lives.
Robin shared her story through a translator at a women’s event at Tabernaculo de Agua Viva, and the girl in the photo came up to her afterword sharing a similar story, and thanking Robin for bringing her hope. Like Robin and so many others, when I return I hope to bring back stories that change Dayspring, that make us even more caring and kind than we already are.
#9 The Meek will Inherit the earth
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
#10 It’s all about family.
While we may not be actual family with the people we meet, sometimes it is hard to tell! Braelyn and Michael are forever in each others family, and frankly, who would doubt it? Again our presence is an encouragement to those working daily to bring the good news of the Kingdom of God where it is desperately needed.
Personal Note:
I am looking for people who are able to support my trip to Nicaragua in a few weeks. The trip costs are roughly $1400 $1050 and I also have added equipment costs to incurred to bring back photos and videos that help paint a picture of what we are doing in Nicaragua. Can you help? You can mail any financial support to Dayspring with this form. Or if you are not worried about a tax deduction, you can send support directly through my paypal account using my email address “godsalvage@hotmail.com“. Literally every penny counts, so don’t not give because it is “only $5”! I leave in just a few short weeks, so time is short for me to bring in the remaining support needed! Thank you for your consideration, and I am very grateful for all of your support and would also appreciate your prayer. Even if you can’t support me financially, you can support the cause by sharing this post on Facebook or with your family and friends.