Nicaragua is Calling Kendal !

This past summer Kendal, Mia and I went to Nicaragua. It was the trip of a lifetime. I have story after story of how God’s hand moved and made the trip possible. From birth certificate issues, passport problems, triple funding, and unbelievable ticket prices everything that could have stopped us from going was taken care of with God’s perfect timing. 

A month before our trip my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Since her prognosis was good and my sister was coming to visit , we decided that we would still go on the trip. Then three days before we were going to leave for Nicaragua my dad had a massive stroke. Kendal and my dad were very close. We struggled with whether we should go on the trip or not. The night before we left I spent the evening with my dad. The doctors planned on moving him to rehab in the next couple days and even though my dad would never be the same , he was alive. Assured he was heading in a better direction we decided to go. 

As as soon as we got to Nicaragua I knew we were supposed to be there. Every minute was exciting and Kendal felt like he belonged. Watching him serve, play and love the people of Nicaragua was inspiring. I realized that Kendal had found a calling in the people of Nicaragua.

Half way through the trip I got some devastating news. My dad had gotten worse. With limited cell phone service details were limited but the weight of what was going on back at home weighed heavy on our hearts. Kendal was a natural. Playing with the kids, telling stories, sharing his testimony on the radio, working and growing in his faith. Every day I went to bed thankful that Kendal came (that is a story for another time. It was never intended for him to come but God had other plans).  Kendal had found a purpose, a calling, a gift for serving the people of Nicaragua. 

When we came home we spent the next month saying good bye to my dad, Kendal’s beloved grandpa. He passed away about three weeks after we got back. Although Kendal enjoyed every moment in Nicaragua I know that circumstances kept him from fully enjoying it or processing it when he got home. 

Kendal wants to go back. For a kid who has horrible anxiety and extreme empathy, he is so at peace when he is in Nicaragua. That is why I have promised to take him back this summer. To enjoy serving, playing and loving the people of Nicaragua without the weight of the world on his back. 

Due to limited flight options into Nicaragua deposits are due much earlier this year. While Kendal is going to be selling shirts and other fundraisers, he is looking for people to support him within the next two months. His goal is to turn in $750 on February 1st and $750 on March 1st (when the deposit is due). 

The money donated on here will be deposited directly to me and I will be writing a check out to Cornerstone Church in Galax, Virginia. Any money raised above and beyond the cost of the whole trip will go to buying supplies. Cornerstone church will be using the money to buy our airplane tickets as well as pay the organization we will be working with, Because We Care Ministries out of Roanoke, Virginia. 

There are several ways you can help. Pray for the trip and the people of Nicaragua. Donate here online where all money will go directly to our trip. Write a check to Cornerstone Community Church or make a donation online on the church website. Please join me in taking Kendal back to Nicaragua this summer without the weight of the world on his shoulders. 

Thank you in advance for helping to send Kendal back to Nicaragua