Day Two

Day Two

After our long day of travel we all slept in until close to 6am...actually most of the guys were up before 6...the sun begins to rise at 5am and our curtains let it in. We had an awesome breakfast of rice and beans, eggs, toast and fresh local fruit. We had devotions out of 1 John 1 and orientation.

Some of the team jumped into work projects around the center...filling low spots in the dirt roads, filling a septic hole with rocks and hauling other rocks to the septic hole. Others prepped crafts and VBS supplies. 

After jalapeño chicken, rice and plantains for lunch we headed out for our first VBS. Don't picture a WHBC style VBS. There was no drama, coordinated movement of crowds of people or Dan Ernst leading songs...but realistically that's not what would work here. Maybe if Erica Kwast was here to plan it, but alas... We played soccer and whiffle ball, painted fingernails and blew bubbles. We hung out with 20-30 kids and then had a snack.  Next we sang some simple songs in Spanish. Abby DeLange served as my translator and did an awesome job. 

It began raining right as we packed up and we were treated to a beautiful double rainbow! 

We came back to the center for grilled steak, chicken and pineapple kabobs with rice and beans. 

Day Two ended with a debrief recapping our experiences from the day and free time. Most students spent their 2 hours of freedom in the centers massive pool. It was a refreshing end to a very warm and sunny day. 

As we head to bed the only things we've got to worry about are blisters, soreness and drinking more water. Everyone is feeling pretty good as we wind down. 

I guess I've done a good job preaching about drinking water because now when I gather the group together someone always guesses that I'm going to talk about drinking more water. : )

It's 10pm here in Managua which means it's 12am back home. The dorms are quiet but warm. Pray for no injuries or dehydration tomorrow. We'll be away from the center most of the day doing ministry at 2 locations. 

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!

Day One

Day One

Travel

Today was great. After a safe ride to Dayton International Airport we made it through security fairly quickly and boarded our plane with time to spare. All of our flights were on time for arrival and only once did we sit on the plane before take off. 

We had some downtime in Houston which allowed us the chance to watch the US vs Belgium game. : (

We landed safely in Managua just before 9pm local time or 11pm Eastern. We made it through Immigration without any problems AT ALL. And we went through customs and security so fast I was left wondering if we'd skipped a step. Praise The Lord!! 28 people and all our luggage arrived on time and safely. 

The small stomach issue we had during travel has resolved itself without an other casualties. 

The Holsingers picked us up at the door and we made the drive through the city of Managua and to the ABWE center a little after 11pm local. After a short pow wow to address Wednesdays schedule we headed to bed. 

Praise God for smooth and safe travel. Be praying for worshipful attitudes and God honoring work! 

This is a great group and God is already working!

Important Updates...Yes they're always important...

Hey there!

First, Welcome to all the new 7th graders and any new families who've joined us recently!

Summer Vacation is already underway and June is packed full of events and activities! ONE QUICK CHANGE OF SCHEDULE!

Starting Today...we will meet from 6:30-8:30 on Wednesday nights through the summer.

And NEXT WEDNESDAY JUNE 11TH THERE WILL BE NO YOUTH GROUP DUE TO VBS!!!


FINAL CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR CEDARPOINT is today!!!
If you are currently in high school (includes our freshly promoted High School and College freshmen) you have until AFTER church tonight to pay and register for CEDARPOINT.
$50 due today!!!

VBS snacs 
Tuesday June 10th after VBS the 7th & 8th graders are invited to go to Wendys for lunch followed by Putt Putt @ Adventure Golf in Centerville. The cost for mini golf is $8 per person and lunch is whatever you'll eat at Wendy's. We will be back around 2:30pm.

Thursday June 12th after VBS all high schoolers are invited to go to Young's Dairy for games and fun. We'll eat on our way out to Young's (Wendy's probably) and then hang out at Young's. We'll be back at church around 4pm. Bring as much money as you think you'll need. There are batting cages, mini golf, driving ranges, animals to feed, and all kinds of food and ice cream. So be prepared as far as money goes.

Miami Valley Women's Center Workday!
Saturday June 21st we will get back to the routine of our normal duties out at the Women's Center. We'll leave church at 9:45 and be back at 12:15.

Chase Wednesday in June...
June 25th...this time we'll be joined by a group of  30 teens plus leaders from Arkansas. This group will be sharing a presentation with music and drama in the Field at the Chase apartments. We average 30 of our people for this event...It'd be nice if we have AT LEAST AS MANY of our people, as this group from AK has... :) Lets show up BIG for this!!!

A few reminders for your Friday viewing pleasure

Hey I've got some important reminders of upcoming events.


Nicaragua Team Members - I need to photo copy your passport sometime this next week. So bring it Sunday or stop by the church some time.

This Wednesday May 28th is Chase Wednesday we're leaving church @ 6:15 and will return at 8:45. Come ready to play and have fun with the kids at Chevy Chase.

Sunday June 1st is promotion Sunday and Graduate Recognition Sunday...
Graduating Seniors make sure you've sent in a picture of yourself and your plans for next fall!
Everyone is invited to the Summer kickoff Cookout following the 2nd service! Check your letter or the last post on here for details for what to bring.

Sunday June 1st is the last day to register and pay for Cedar Point. Have your $50 and sign up or you won't get to go...

VBS is just around the corner, sign up to help!

Thanks...as always let me know if you have questions.


Thanks Justin

Promotions and a Picnic

Hello New Heights Families,

It’s almost June, and that means it’s almost time for Promotion Sunday. That’s right! June 1^st is Promotion Sunday and Graduate Recognition Sunday.

To mark this special day in the life of our ministry we are having an ALL YOUTH GROUP FAMILY COOK OUT! I can smell the grill already! This cookout will give students a chance to hang out and welcome the new 7^th graders and congratulate our outgoing seniors. And Parents, this gives you the chance to spend some time with the Youth Leaders.

Please plan to stay after the morning services and join us for the cook out. The church will provide plenty of hot dogs, but we need your help to make this a cook out to remember.

Every Family                                  2 liter or bottles of water

Current 7-8^th graders                Salad of some sort (potato, egg, green, etc)

Current 9-10^th graders             Bag of Chips AND a dessert (nothing frozen cause we’ll be outside)

Current 11^th-12^th graders        Fruit or veggie tray

 **current grade as in the 2013-2014 school year.

Families should also plan to bring lawn chairs, blankets and other picnic-ish paraphernalia. We will head back to the Soccer fields after the 2^nd service has ended. We’ll be done by 2.

Quick Recap -- Sunday June 1^st following the 2^nd service bring your family and your assigned dishes and drinks to the Soccer fields for an All Youth Group Family Cook Out and mingle with parents, students and leaders!

RSVP to the church office with total number of attendees—434-4676 or gabbard@whbc.org.

Thanks so much for allowing New Heights Ministries to serve your family!

Reminder about the Miami Valley Women's Center Walk 4 Life

Hey everyone,

Here's a reminder about Saturday!!


We will leave church  @ 6:30am and head to the Women's Center.

We will leave the Women's Center and return to church around 12pm.

We can grab lunch if there's interest.

AND I will pay for lunch if we get 20 people to come help!

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

I am very sorry to have to announce that our events for tomorrow night will not be taking place. 
I apologize for the last minute changes! I know that your families are all busy and when schedules change at the last minute it often throws the whole family into a spin.

Due to circumstances beyond my control we can not attend the Dragons Game tomorrow night. And due to the thunderstorms forecast for Friday night we will not be camping out either.


What we WILL be doing is going to the Dragons Game Monday night...We will leave church @6pm and return after the game. Cost of the game is $7 (bring $$ if you want to eat at the game).

No Dragons or Camping May 9th

Monday May 12th Dragons game only
Leave church @ 6pm. Cost is $7

If you're interested in what happened, here's the scoop.

Several Months ago I ordered the tickets using a mail in form. A few weeks ago, after not hearing back from the Dragons Box office I called to find out if everything had gone through. I was told everything was in order and that we would receive the tickets in a few days. The tickets did arrive at the church shortly thereafter but since I was assured everything was in order I did not check the tickets themselves. Unfortunately Friday the 9th was unavailable when I placed the order, as was a second date I offered. What was available was Monday the 12th (my third option, but not really one I expected to have to use). For some reason we were never notified of the dates that ended up being booked.

I called the Dragons and tried to find a way for us to attend tomorrow night but they were not able to help.

So I have 30 tickets for Monday May 12th @ 7pm.

Come join me for some of America's Favorite Pastime!

Again, I apologize for the disruption and last minute changes!

God Bless!

Justin