So, keeping a blog was not as successful as I hoped it would be. My last blog was in July, it is currently January. Sorry about that. However, recently I felt compelled to start blogging again. So I suppose I will just catch you up from where I last left off.

Since July 17, 2009. During my last month and half in Nicaragua I continued to help teams that came in. We had another week long high school trip and two world race teams came through in August. I loved having the world race teams at the base. It was so refreshing to watch them minister to others. They were in their last month so they were pros, I enjoyed watching and being able to participate in their ministry, compared to the others where I would show them how things were done. I also went to Panama with my dear friend Heather for a week.

Ok, this is the part that I think I was led to blog about, finishing out my time in Nicaragua and coming home.  Leaving Nicaragua was really hard for me. Situations had come up that I was just not ready to handle, and came home really broken. However, if I was ready and prepared for everything that God had to throw at me, how good would His teaching really be? I think God was sifting though me and bringing up areas I still had fault and areas I need to work and grow in.   Needless to say, coming home was RRrrough. I was home for 3 weeks before I left again to go to college in Seattle. The first semester at school was also rough. I felt very alone, isolated and confused. The feeling that I dealt the most with was an overwhelming loss of purpose. What was I doing? I was JUST going to school, how does that help anyone but myself? Where do I go from here?

The good news is, through prayer, conversations, realizations and work, I have started to come out of that funk and am excited to continue on to where God is leading me. Nicaragua was a HUGE growing experience. I can literally say the first year of my faith was spending focusing solely on God and discovering what it truly meant to be a "Christian" and living that forward every day. That whole experience made an impact on my life and I feel blessed that I could experience that.  Thanks everyone for helping me get to that point and pushing me to grow.

So where does that put me now?

Currently, I am attending Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington. I am a nursing major and Spanish minor. Back in October, I started my first paying job since May of 2008. I work at a day care. Its fun, I play with kids all day.

As I go back and think about Nicaragua I still can hardly believe that that year actually happened. My 21^st birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I think back to my last birthday. My 20^th birthday which was spent at an all day pastoral conference, entirely in Spanish. The party was held in a transformed barn, on a dirt floor, with ice cream, surrounded by people that I love and cherish. I was on the losing part of an eating contest and got threatened with eggs the entire day. The year before that, my 19^th birthday, was spent sick, in a dorm room, not really knowing what true community was.  Oh, how the years have flown by. 

 I do not know where God is calling me from here, and am unsure of what my next step will be. I would ask that you would pray for a few things in my life.

1.      Friends and community- here at SPU, since my first semester was spent sulking, I missed out on the opportunity to start developing a new community. I ask that you pray for a community for me. Both a church community and a community here at school. I still feel very lonely at times, but I am hopeful as a few new wonderful people have recently entered my life.

2.      A renewed since of purpose

3.      An outreach. I feel that I have returned to a place where I can start reaching out to people again. It took a while, but rest and rejuvenation has taken place. Additionally, I am searching for purpose for this summer. I feel that God is calling me to do something. One of the factors that contributed to this was my realization of my upcoming lack of home. This summer, I cannot afford to stay where I am here on campus. However, I cannot return home, not because my parents wouldn't love to have be back, but because there is no jobs there for me. I sense that God is calling me to a new place, a new chapter, so your prayers to find that place would be awesome.

So where does that leave us?

I am continuing to read the word and search for truth, I have a new sense of vigor and hurriedness. I eat more rice, beans and tortillas than any normal college student should, and I am finally learning that no matter where I am, God is there with me, He is the beauty in every thing that surrounds me.

I will try to continue to blog more frequently, and post any developments or interesting stories.

Thanks for your prayers. Let us all pray for the rejuvenation of God in this world.

Upwards and onwards (my Step-dad always ends emails like that)

I am sorry that I have not been able to blog in a while; I have been busy out of my mind. But here is a quick run down of what has been happening this past month:

The entire month of June we had a REAL LIFE team from adventures in missions here. They were a wonderful group. I saw God shine through them in new ways and kind of reenergize the community to ministry. I was a breath of fresh air. I suppose my job though all this was "team facilitator." God has been using this to stretch me, for what, I am not sure yet. Organization was something that I was never good at, but now it is my job to check on all the logistical things of the group and try to make things run as smoothly as possible. It was wonderful to see how receptive the community was to a new group of "gringos."

Immediately following that group, we actually had a 12 hour overlap, was a youth group and medical team from Virginia. They were here for a week at the end of June and the beginning of July. The youth continued the ministry that was started with the real life team. It was interesting to compare the dynamics of the two teams. Both were great, and it was an excellent opportunity for many of the youth on the team because it was their first out of country mission trip for a lot of them. A lot of them said it was a very eye opening experience. 

The medical team also went on at the same time. They did a clinic for the community. They taught on public health and also did eye exams. That week was super busy, but God was shining though in so many ways.

ALSO, this is my favorite part...

June 22-30th MY MOM CAME TO VISIT!!! woot woot. We got Linda to Nicaragua. I was so proud of her for being so brave. It was her first time to travel alone, and to leave the country. She said she had a fun time. She got to see the real Nicaragua; she followed the team around for a week and participated in ministries with them. She said that her favorites were the local feeding program and the new children's reading program that we started in El Puente. She also really loved the food and the people. Next time you see Linda, you will have to ask her about her trip.

Then I finally got my first real day off in 5 weeks. It was wonderful; I sat, read books and slept. 

But then the next day the work started back up again. We had about a week in between groups. However, this was spent preparing for the bible conference that was being held at El Puente. It was three days of bible talkin' fun.

The prayer house has been up and running recently. We have a prayer meeting with the community and Torre Fuerte on Fridays. Last time, almost 50 people came.

I taught an English class, and got paid for it! I really enjoyed it and am not the substitute for the school.

One night I had to run from a gang fight. Like, legitimately run away from a gang fight that was coming at me. haha. don't tell my mother.

Last night we had another youth group come in last night; they are eager and are being sent out into the city. I am excited to see what they learn.

I am over half way done with my internship part here. I only have 6 weeks left. I am sad to leave Nicaragua but am so thankful for what God is teaching me here. Please pray for my time and what should come next. I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July and summer.

Annie

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."

The time has come.

The past 9 months has been leading up to Wednesday, the day we all go home. Sunday night we returned from our 4 day debrief in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. It was spent relaxing and reflecting. We even had a service and time of worship on the beach.

On our first night of team meetings we talked about the next season of our lives. One important word was emphasized,  Leave. We read a chapter from the Donald Miller book entitled Through Painted Deserts.  It stressed the importance of change and moving on into the next stage with confidence and love, knowing God will guide your steps. He states, "Learn to love others, God wants something more than concrete ideas."

One of the most important things I learned on this trip was my identity in Christ. What I have on this earth means nothing and will not get me a better seat in heaven, it is only about loving those around you while you have the opportunity. The earth is just a tent; we are here for a short time.  Personally, I am trying hard to focus on making a clean break. Even though I am going to return, I want it to be a new start. It will be the same location, but my role will be completely new. I don't want any weird carry over.

Donald Miller went on to say, "you will never be alone, everything will still be here when you get back." God will provide for the next stage of my life, and all of our lives. Whatever it may be. I am excited to see what the Lord has promised for what is to come in my future. I know it will be a time a growth.

My time here in Nicaragua was very special, words cannot really sum it up properly. I will miss my team and the times we spent together. I love the affect that God has had on the community though us. It has been an honor and a blessing.

I arrive back in Nebraska on Friday morning. See you then.

Annie

PS. this may or may not be my last blog. I would like to continue too, so check back here to find out more.

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they would live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, through he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being."

            -- Acts 17: 26-28

The women on my team and I have been going through a 10 week Beth Moore bible study entitled "Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith." Each week is composed of an hour message from the fiery Rhine stone encrusted Texan. The question originally proposed is "Do you believe God or merely believe in Him?"

Over the past 10 weeks, my faith has been challenged and I have been pushed to dig deeper into what it means to have faith in God. This past Friday was the final session, and it was the one that really struck a chord with me.  It started out by going over the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11. She states, "Let's stand at the wall and gaze at the space in the heritage of faith that awaits our picture." Hebrews 11 goes through many of the people in the bible who changed history with their faith. Though it goes until verse 40, we were encouraged to add to our bibles a verse 41, "By Faith            ..." and fill in the blank with our name, testifying we have the opportunity to redefine what is in our (...).

All though out the course we have been pushed and encouraged to truly believe in God, "...to the death, lets do it completely, lets do it with everything we got, lets pour it out until, literally, He knows when to take us home because the last drop has been loosed out of the cup [2 Ti. 4:6], and he just breaks the thing and takes us home, put nothing on reserve just incase he doesn't come through, Amen? Faith is laying it all out there. I am so far out on a limb now, it doesn't even matter, I have to stick with God out on the tip of this limb."

Oh how those powerful words came at a teetering point...

The day before I was approached with a proposition by the missionaries we work for here in Granada. They asked if I would consider staying here this summer and working as an intern. My original thought was "No, I have to work this summer, I need to earn money". But after hearing this message and praying about it, almost non-stop for 3 days, I came to the conclusion that Nicaragua is where God is calling me. From June 2^nd to September 2^nd, I will be living in Granada, Nicaragua. My role will look very different, I will no longer be an AIM participant, but now almost AIM staff, working as a facilitator for teams that come this summer.

Beth Moore emphasized that faith is laying it all out there, what do we have to lose? Our God is a God who is strong and loving. We need to live every day for the glory of God, not putting it off until tomorrow, or when it conveniently fits into our schedules. Duane and my mother put it wonderfully into perspective: I could go and get some random summer job, or I could be in Nicaragua, working for the riches of a life after this.

I am excited and terrified at the circumstances God has placed before me. I ask that you keep me in your prayers during this time and pray for God to fill in the courage that I lack, the knowledge I have yet to acquire and the maturity of an adult. Additionally, I will need to raise $1000 for the upcoming summer. If God has placed it on your heart to support me financially, you can do this my clicking the support me! button on the left hand side of this page. I will be praying for you and your families, I look forward to seeing and speaking with all of you when I come home for 2 weeks on May 15^th.

Upwards and Onwards

Annie Valenziano

Granada, Nicaragua.

Ps. Beth Moore concluded by having us repeat this Commission of Faith. I hope it hits your hearts and knocks you out cold.

Lord, today I accept my calling

Not to perfection or performance.

My calling is to faith.

I have been chosen for this generation.

I have place in the heritage of faith.

I'm gong to stop wishing and whining

And start believing and receiving.

What your word says in mine.

I won't let others steal my hope.

I won't argue with a Pharisee.

I will believe and therefore speak,

For you, my God, are huge.

Nothing is too hard for you.

Our world needs your wonders.

Rise up, oh Lord!

Please renew your works in our day.

I confess the unbelief of my generation

And ask you to begin your revival of faith

In my own heart.

For you are who you say you are.

You can do what you say you can do.

I am who you say I am.

I can do all things through Christ.

Your word is alive and active in me.

Satan, hear me clearly;

My father is maker of heaven and earth.

You are under my feet,

Because today and the rest of my days,

I'm Believing God!

Hello All, the weeks have just been flying by. Can you believe there is only 6 weeks left?

One of the ministries that I am going to miss is Corazon Contento. Corazon Contento is an educational facility for the disabled. Monday and Thursday mornings are spent teaching. I work in the beginner class, with the students that need the most help. We have 10 students who are categorized into this class, but on a daily basis only 6-8 show up. We work on the alphabet, numbers and common words. One of my favorite students to work with is Gabriel, He is 15.  With Gabriel every day is something new. We work a lot with speaking, he can yell syllables, but putting the syllables together is a trick. I have learned that you have to make everything a game; otherwise there attention span is lost after about 45 seconds. When I am teaching him we see who can say it the loudest, quietest and who can say it while touching their nose. We also have a game called Un Dedo (One finger) and it's just a pointing game: point to my nose, eye, shirt, and then the number in front of us. PICTURE: Gabriel, Joann, and Nataly

This ministry has been such a blessing. I love working with the kids. It has taught me so much patients. It can get frustrating trying to work with the kids. How do you explain to a child how to hold a pencil? Or that the alphabet has an order? However, the small victories are what make it worth it. I remember when Gabriel first counted to 10 or when Nataly, a 6 year old with down syndrome, finally started talking. She was always afraid to talk, but one day she just started and now doesn't stop. I see God so much through these children. The way the are trying and the way the smallest things fascinate them.

Another fun story...

We have chickens living at our house. On March 31, Manny, the Nicaraguan who lives at El Puente, bought two chickens. He though they were going to be dinner the following night. However, the next day April Fools day, they came in very handy. The girls kicked chickens out of our house 5 times before 9am. But during men's bible study we got the boys back. Hiding all their shoes and spirderwebbing a room. When the Kayes found out that we had chickens they loved the idea and today we are supposed to get 10 more. Our chickens have already kind of multiplied and so our grand total will be 15 or so. They are pretty fun to play with in our free time. The eggs are good too.

This weekend was fairly relaxing, seeing as how all the boys are gone. Seth, the male leader, took all the boys out into the wilderness from Thursday morning to Saturday night. They are going to spend that time in solitude. They built lean tos and are solely spending time with God. I am excited to hear about their experiences, but please keep them in your prayers.

I look forward to seeing all of you, welcome to the month of April!

Annie Valenziano.

Hey everyone.

So lets start this blog with a  prayer house update. I have so many exciting things to tell you. First off, we FINALLY finished the video! Go and check it out, tell all your friends. It was put up yesterday and in the first 12 hours we have had 90 people watch it! We even have people volunteering to help us with resources and advice. God is so incredible at answering prayer.

Secondly, we started construction. We have people coming in tomorrow to finish up working on the walls of the house so that maybe next week we can start on the roof.

Thirdly, this is the one I think is most exciting. On Wednesday, even after team meeting and a full day of ministry we had 10 people out in the Prayer house for an hour. We even had 3 Nicaraguans come in and join us. It was such a moving experience to pray and sing with one another in English and in Spanish. The word Santo (Holy) has become such a word of meaning for me, after hearing holy for so many years without the meaning behind it, it had, sadly, lost its touch. But hearing Santo just lights my heart. Probably one of my favorite songs to sing is Santo, Santo, Santo, or Holy, holy, holy.  

Please continue to prayer for the prayer house. It needs to be surrounded with prayer, not just filled with it.

I suppose the other cool thing to talk about is spring break:

On March 7-14 we were given a week off. So a few people from the team and I went down to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. It was so relaxing. I'm pretty sure I spent 5-8 hours every day just laying on the beach. I have the sunburn to prove it too! The food was incredible, we went on an ATV tour and one day we were even plagued by jellyfish! Hundreds of them washed on to the beach. It was one of the craziest things I have ever seen. It was a blast.

I hope all of you are doing well, I will continue to pray for you!

So I love literal translations. The nursing home that I volunteer at twice a week is call Hogar de Ancianos or Home for Ancients. What a perfect name. Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning I go to the nursing home and hang out with the residents. A normal day kind of goes like this: arrive at 9 and clean for about an hour. Most of the time I spend this hour cleaning the smaller men's room. It can be a little sketchy in there so I try not to touch anything that I don't absolutely have too. There is a lot of things I don't try and figure out what it is, if you ignore the smell, its quite a nice little room. After that we spend an hour or two hanging out with the residents. Most of them do not get visitor because the facility is set up by a local catholic church and was establish for the purpose of giving a home to people who have been abandoned by their families. This hour is probably one of my favorites, we just spending time talking to the residents, picking up dropped objects, putting on shoes, listening to stories, and painting finger nails. Following that, we have lunch, we help pass out food, feed, people and clean up. After lunch, there is the daily event of putting on Teresita's make up. Everyday, it never fails. She is wonderful though. After lunch we have an outstanding card date with Alfonzo, and we just play cards and try to pretend that we do not see him cheating until it is time for us to go home.

I love doing this ministry. Probably one of the events that has been my favorite is the day a local youth group came in and same some songs with the residents. Some of the women were hopping out of their chairs dancing. Laura Overs and I were dancing with men and their canes, and then, to conclude the festivities, we all did the Bailar Pollo, or the chicken dance. Perfect. Awesome. Wonderful.

 So I wish you all could some and visit and meet these incredible people I hang out with. Here are a few pictures of the people who live there: