So....
I am moving to Nicaragua....
God has been very clear to me and tugging at me to take a leap of faith and follow Him. I don't want to, But I need to. I can't do this on my own. "I can't, He can, Go ahead". That's my saying I am living by. I also need a lot of prayers and support. I have a TON of money to raise. I pray that God will provide. I know he will. I have faith, I know He has everything under control. It doesn't mean I am not going to stress out and worry occasionally.
I will be moving around the end of May 2011. Until then I will be raising money, selling everything I own, and enjoying Murray and the people as much as I can! I will be living in the Boy's rescue home (Casa Robles). I am excited to let God use me. I have always held back a little in my life. I will now NEED to rely on God more than ever. I am excited. I will be updating this blog often. Please visit my site for my new organization. You can find it at http://www.xalted.org/ . I am excited about where God is taking me. I am scared too. I hope you all can be a part of this and experience it with me! God Bless you all and LET THIS JOURNEY BEGIN!
-Tom Seipel
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Last Blog till I am in the Miami Airport....
I had an amazing time here. Can't wait to get home and plan a mission trip for my church. I already know a handful of families interested.
I spent the morning with Coburn today at him School he has started. It's pretty awesome.
Then I came back and spent the afternoon at Casa Havilah and said goodbye.
Now I'm back at Robles and the boys are getting ready for bed soon. So I am going to hang with them until they go to bed. Saying goodnight will also be our goodbyes. It will be sad. Judy and Angelica said I can move in if i want to live in Nicaragua! That's pretty kind of them....
The Buzbees have been great all week. I really appreciate their support and their love. They do have a lot of love in that family. I am happy I have been accepted into their ministry with open arms.
It is going to be a long day tomorrow. I have a lot of church work to do when I get home before Sunday. I don't wanna go back to a working life. It's pretty nice working for God here and not being responsible for anything other than loving the kids!
But Back to life.... I'll talk to you in the airport I am sure!
I had an amazing time here. Can't wait to get home and plan a mission trip for my church. I already know a handful of families interested.
I spent the morning with Coburn today at him School he has started. It's pretty awesome.
Then I came back and spent the afternoon at Casa Havilah and said goodbye.
Now I'm back at Robles and the boys are getting ready for bed soon. So I am going to hang with them until they go to bed. Saying goodnight will also be our goodbyes. It will be sad. Judy and Angelica said I can move in if i want to live in Nicaragua! That's pretty kind of them....
The Buzbees have been great all week. I really appreciate their support and their love. They do have a lot of love in that family. I am happy I have been accepted into their ministry with open arms.
It is going to be a long day tomorrow. I have a lot of church work to do when I get home before Sunday. I don't wanna go back to a working life. It's pretty nice working for God here and not being responsible for anything other than loving the kids!
But Back to life.... I'll talk to you in the airport I am sure!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
I had an amazing day.....
First it started off with a great time of prayer with Chachi, Mike, Brinson, and Coburn. We prayed for TWO hours...... that's 2!!!! It was awesome...... We annointed each other with oil and just had an amazing time with God. It was great. I wish I could do that every day with those guys. It is one thing to pray on your own. but to have others that experience the Holy Spirit with you is pretty cool.
After that Elizabeth picked me up and we went to La Chureca. It was sooo sad. I have some amazing video of homes in 3 feet of water and people just standing around in it. But remember.... it's a trash dump.... So you have a flood of trash floating around too. Who knows what you are stepping on in that water. And that's how they are LIVING right now!!!!
PLEASE..... ask me about these videos. I want people to see this horror and know that they can come down here on a trip in the summer that I will host and lead and they can help with their own two hands!
I am also thinking about creating a sponsorship program with these kids and our church/immediate friends. I thought about it.... I am sponsoring a girl down here but it's really regulated by compassion and you have to jump through loops to do anything. I could create a sponsorship program for these kids that supports them and you can come down on a trip and see them and build a relationship over a week that will last a lifetime!
I am about ready to jump into my humid bed and open my bible and spend some time in Jeremiah. Check out Jeremiah 17. Some amazing stuff! Have a great night everyone and I'll talk to you soon! PS.... let me know on Facebook if you are interested in sponsoring a child here!
Night all!!!
-Tom
ps... I see the Buckeyes whooped Marshall tonight!!!
First it started off with a great time of prayer with Chachi, Mike, Brinson, and Coburn. We prayed for TWO hours...... that's 2!!!! It was awesome...... We annointed each other with oil and just had an amazing time with God. It was great. I wish I could do that every day with those guys. It is one thing to pray on your own. but to have others that experience the Holy Spirit with you is pretty cool.
After that Elizabeth picked me up and we went to La Chureca. It was sooo sad. I have some amazing video of homes in 3 feet of water and people just standing around in it. But remember.... it's a trash dump.... So you have a flood of trash floating around too. Who knows what you are stepping on in that water. And that's how they are LIVING right now!!!!
PLEASE..... ask me about these videos. I want people to see this horror and know that they can come down here on a trip in the summer that I will host and lead and they can help with their own two hands!
I am also thinking about creating a sponsorship program with these kids and our church/immediate friends. I thought about it.... I am sponsoring a girl down here but it's really regulated by compassion and you have to jump through loops to do anything. I could create a sponsorship program for these kids that supports them and you can come down on a trip and see them and build a relationship over a week that will last a lifetime!
I am about ready to jump into my humid bed and open my bible and spend some time in Jeremiah. Check out Jeremiah 17. Some amazing stuff! Have a great night everyone and I'll talk to you soon! PS.... let me know on Facebook if you are interested in sponsoring a child here!
Night all!!!
-Tom
ps... I see the Buckeyes whooped Marshall tonight!!!
Wow…. An amazing day…. I left it off that I was going to see my sponsored child….. And I did.
It was an amazing experience! We picked up someone from compassion international first and headed to a church/school where Adrianna was. And there she was…. She was sooooo precious standing about 3 ½ feet tall in her black pants and red top. She was so adorable. Soooo much more in person. I met her mother and her aunt (who was about 12 yrs old). The smile on her face lit up the room. It was kind of awkward at first. She gave me a beautiful picture of her at her 2nd grade graduation that she made. I gave her a lot of presents. A little purse thingy and in it was hair clips, tooth brushes for the whole family, a coloring book, crayons, and some silly bands. She loved it! The first words out of her mouth were “thank you for taking care of me”! When my friend and translator luis told me what she said I about lost it. I am actually crying while I write this. I am taking care of someone. It’s amazing to think that $38 a month saves someone’s life. I provide all medical care, cost to go to school, school supplies, food, clothing, and anything else the family needs. That’s amazing how far the US dollar will stretch down her.
So I fought back the tears and told her no problem that she was worth it and very special. We took a few pictures together. They had about 9 adults with camera taking pictures; the pastor, her teacher, compassion person, my friend, and a lot more. It was kind of overwhelming! She then gave me a tour of the church/her Christian school. We went to the office and I was able to look at her file. It showed her grades. She has always had straight A’s. Never a B….. wow…. I hope I don’t rub off on her too much! She told me she really loved studying and loves school. I told her about my schools and university and what I do now.
We decided to go get some ice cream. So mom and aunt came along and hung out too. I bought them Ice Cream and we talked a lot more. She told me she was sooo nervous all week waiting to meet me. I told her I was nervous too. She said she was shaking this morning because she was nervous. We both agreed we don’t need to be nervous anymore. Then I remembered something….. Her birthday is Sept 11th 2001. Her mom talked about her being born and the tv was on and they watched the tower fall while she was being born at 8:45 am. So I knew her birthday is in 10 days!
I told them I wanted to get her a birthday present. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday and she told me a new pair of shoes. I couldn’t believe it. Kids in the US want an xbox or iphone. She wanted a pair of shoes!!!
There was a payless shoe store close by and we walked there and look at shoes. She wanted these pink and brown tennis shoes but she tried on these pretty sandals too. I told her to get both! I spent too much money, but it was soooo worth it. She was smiling from ear to ear!
We went back to the church and all of the kids in the classes wanted to meet me. It was cute. I finally had to leave to get back to the birthday party. I asked the mother is there was anything she needed so I could keep in mind for Christmas or something. The mom said they don’t have beds and sleep on the floor. She wanted a bed. I guess they are pretty cheap here. I’ll look into it.
I finally said our goodbyes and she gave me a big hug. I was taken aback by that. It melt my heart. I am so happy I was able to meet here. I have dropped the ball before when I sponsored a child in College. I won’t drop it with Adrianna. I know her. I’ve touched her and hugged her. It’s a completely different experience meeting her. It was amazing!!!
So we came back and got ready for the birthday party. It was a blast. I talked to Mr. Buzbee a while about a lot of stuff. We are going to this one house tomorrow to pray for about an hour. A lot of people I know would think that sounds crazy…… but I can’t wait.
Then I am off to La Chureca. That’s the dump…. I am looking forward to seeing it again, but also dreading the sight of families knee deep in water.
I am not the same person I was when I got here. I wasn’t the same person after my trip in May. This trip has changed me even more. God is amazing. I’m excited to continue my journey following him!!!
It was an amazing experience! We picked up someone from compassion international first and headed to a church/school where Adrianna was. And there she was…. She was sooooo precious standing about 3 ½ feet tall in her black pants and red top. She was so adorable. Soooo much more in person. I met her mother and her aunt (who was about 12 yrs old). The smile on her face lit up the room. It was kind of awkward at first. She gave me a beautiful picture of her at her 2nd grade graduation that she made. I gave her a lot of presents. A little purse thingy and in it was hair clips, tooth brushes for the whole family, a coloring book, crayons, and some silly bands. She loved it! The first words out of her mouth were “thank you for taking care of me”! When my friend and translator luis told me what she said I about lost it. I am actually crying while I write this. I am taking care of someone. It’s amazing to think that $38 a month saves someone’s life. I provide all medical care, cost to go to school, school supplies, food, clothing, and anything else the family needs. That’s amazing how far the US dollar will stretch down her.
So I fought back the tears and told her no problem that she was worth it and very special. We took a few pictures together. They had about 9 adults with camera taking pictures; the pastor, her teacher, compassion person, my friend, and a lot more. It was kind of overwhelming! She then gave me a tour of the church/her Christian school. We went to the office and I was able to look at her file. It showed her grades. She has always had straight A’s. Never a B….. wow…. I hope I don’t rub off on her too much! She told me she really loved studying and loves school. I told her about my schools and university and what I do now.
We decided to go get some ice cream. So mom and aunt came along and hung out too. I bought them Ice Cream and we talked a lot more. She told me she was sooo nervous all week waiting to meet me. I told her I was nervous too. She said she was shaking this morning because she was nervous. We both agreed we don’t need to be nervous anymore. Then I remembered something….. Her birthday is Sept 11th 2001. Her mom talked about her being born and the tv was on and they watched the tower fall while she was being born at 8:45 am. So I knew her birthday is in 10 days!
I told them I wanted to get her a birthday present. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday and she told me a new pair of shoes. I couldn’t believe it. Kids in the US want an xbox or iphone. She wanted a pair of shoes!!!
There was a payless shoe store close by and we walked there and look at shoes. She wanted these pink and brown tennis shoes but she tried on these pretty sandals too. I told her to get both! I spent too much money, but it was soooo worth it. She was smiling from ear to ear!
We went back to the church and all of the kids in the classes wanted to meet me. It was cute. I finally had to leave to get back to the birthday party. I asked the mother is there was anything she needed so I could keep in mind for Christmas or something. The mom said they don’t have beds and sleep on the floor. She wanted a bed. I guess they are pretty cheap here. I’ll look into it.
I finally said our goodbyes and she gave me a big hug. I was taken aback by that. It melt my heart. I am so happy I was able to meet here. I have dropped the ball before when I sponsored a child in College. I won’t drop it with Adrianna. I know her. I’ve touched her and hugged her. It’s a completely different experience meeting her. It was amazing!!!
So we came back and got ready for the birthday party. It was a blast. I talked to Mr. Buzbee a while about a lot of stuff. We are going to this one house tomorrow to pray for about an hour. A lot of people I know would think that sounds crazy…… but I can’t wait.
Then I am off to La Chureca. That’s the dump…. I am looking forward to seeing it again, but also dreading the sight of families knee deep in water.
I am not the same person I was when I got here. I wasn’t the same person after my trip in May. This trip has changed me even more. God is amazing. I’m excited to continue my journey following him!!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Hola!
I am having an awesome time. Yesterday I went to the market and bought the house a Huge grill for $20, a huge Pinata, and gifts for my sponsored child.
Then I went to Casa Havilah and chatted with the girls a while. Momma Kenia tried to teach me some spanish. I understood it from her. I think she knows more English than she lets on.
I picked the girls up from school. Wow.... the schools are different here. First..... They are sooo open. all the windows dont have glass. The doors are just gates. It is very open to the air. It gets hot down here.
It has been raining a lot at night. Which makes for a humid sticky bed! :( And Casa Robles has a lot of leaks. Its actually pretty sad how many leaks this house has and it's one of the nicer ones in Nicaragua.
I really think about La Chureca (The Dump). The homes down there barely have roofs. Those people get drenched while they lay in bed at night. I also hear it is kinda flooded out. That some housed have a couple feet of water in them 24/7 until the rainy season is over. We are soo lucky and spoiled.
Today I get to see my Compassion International Sponsored child. I hear this is an amazing experience. To meet a child that you take care of across the world is amazing. I have all kinds of gifts to give her. I am really excited. My friend and translator Luis is going with me too. It should be a blast. I am actually nervous though. All the kids here love me, but it took a while for all of them to warm up. I have only 2 hours with my child. I hope she sees Jesus through my love.
After the meeting we have to rush back here because it's Kenner's birthday today. All of the Buzbees and Casa Havliah will be over to celebrate. I have been blowing up balloons all morning! It's been a great time. I honestly don't want to go back to the real world of working and being in charge. It's really nice to go with the flow and not worry about anything! Anywa.... I love ya all and see ya soon!
I am having an awesome time. Yesterday I went to the market and bought the house a Huge grill for $20, a huge Pinata, and gifts for my sponsored child.
Then I went to Casa Havilah and chatted with the girls a while. Momma Kenia tried to teach me some spanish. I understood it from her. I think she knows more English than she lets on.
I picked the girls up from school. Wow.... the schools are different here. First..... They are sooo open. all the windows dont have glass. The doors are just gates. It is very open to the air. It gets hot down here.
It has been raining a lot at night. Which makes for a humid sticky bed! :( And Casa Robles has a lot of leaks. Its actually pretty sad how many leaks this house has and it's one of the nicer ones in Nicaragua.
I really think about La Chureca (The Dump). The homes down there barely have roofs. Those people get drenched while they lay in bed at night. I also hear it is kinda flooded out. That some housed have a couple feet of water in them 24/7 until the rainy season is over. We are soo lucky and spoiled.
Today I get to see my Compassion International Sponsored child. I hear this is an amazing experience. To meet a child that you take care of across the world is amazing. I have all kinds of gifts to give her. I am really excited. My friend and translator Luis is going with me too. It should be a blast. I am actually nervous though. All the kids here love me, but it took a while for all of them to warm up. I have only 2 hours with my child. I hope she sees Jesus through my love.
After the meeting we have to rush back here because it's Kenner's birthday today. All of the Buzbees and Casa Havliah will be over to celebrate. I have been blowing up balloons all morning! It's been a great time. I honestly don't want to go back to the real world of working and being in charge. It's really nice to go with the flow and not worry about anything! Anywa.... I love ya all and see ya soon!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
So It’s been a while since I was able to blog. Sunday night I went to Casa Havilah and hung out with the girls. I bought them Pizza Hut and we had a blast. They danced, sang some songs, and even did gymnastics. They were amazed that I could do cartwheels, round offs, and the splits! Never underestimate Gordito!!!
I took a lot of video. Nidalee never left my side. I colored with her for a while. She is about 5 yrs old. She followed me wherever I went and I loved every minute of it. She is a cutie. She is the sister of two of the boys in my house. She even took my plate after we ate and washed it for me.
I finally went to leave and a few of the girls walked me to a taxi because they didn’t want me to go alone at night. It was cute. I had a blast!
Monday Morning was interesting. I went with Brinson and Chachi to Jinotega. It is about 3 hours north of Managua in the mountains. We met a Pastor they are helping up on the border close to Honduras. I guess it is REALLY remote. They said that its about an hour drive more, and then you travel up river for 2 days!!! They don’t have any electricity up there but they has a church and praise God! The pastor’s name was Victor. We had a home cooked meal out of the back of some ladies house and I sat there and listened to them speak Spanish and Mosquite. Mosquite is a language of the people up there. After they were done doing business we took some pictures and had a great time of Prayer!!! It was about 10 mins long and I really felt the Holy Spirit moving! Then we came back home! I am really glad I went. I think I really got to know Brinson and Chachi. It was a great trip.
So back home, I took a nap. It was much needed after getting up at 5am. Then I ran around with the kids this afternoon. And had a great dinner. I’m ready to do it all over again tomorrow. Again…. I love it here. It’s really amazing. The kids are so well behaved. Just like in Korea, the kids don’t breathe unless they are told to. America is now afraid to discipline its youth with social services and lawsuits and such. But there is a fine line between abuse and discipline. I respect the way the parents treat the kids here. My kids would be blown away by some of the stuff I’ve seen. Like tonight, Marcos prayed for us for about 10 minutes. Most adults don’t “like” praying that long. Marcos is 12 years old!!! They are just raised to fear God and I think that’s good. After all, He is el Jefe (the Boss) and you don’t want to cross him! Well…. I am about to go to bed. I hope to get to the internet café tomorrow morn. Buenos Noches!!!
I took a lot of video. Nidalee never left my side. I colored with her for a while. She is about 5 yrs old. She followed me wherever I went and I loved every minute of it. She is a cutie. She is the sister of two of the boys in my house. She even took my plate after we ate and washed it for me.
I finally went to leave and a few of the girls walked me to a taxi because they didn’t want me to go alone at night. It was cute. I had a blast!
Monday Morning was interesting. I went with Brinson and Chachi to Jinotega. It is about 3 hours north of Managua in the mountains. We met a Pastor they are helping up on the border close to Honduras. I guess it is REALLY remote. They said that its about an hour drive more, and then you travel up river for 2 days!!! They don’t have any electricity up there but they has a church and praise God! The pastor’s name was Victor. We had a home cooked meal out of the back of some ladies house and I sat there and listened to them speak Spanish and Mosquite. Mosquite is a language of the people up there. After they were done doing business we took some pictures and had a great time of Prayer!!! It was about 10 mins long and I really felt the Holy Spirit moving! Then we came back home! I am really glad I went. I think I really got to know Brinson and Chachi. It was a great trip.
So back home, I took a nap. It was much needed after getting up at 5am. Then I ran around with the kids this afternoon. And had a great dinner. I’m ready to do it all over again tomorrow. Again…. I love it here. It’s really amazing. The kids are so well behaved. Just like in Korea, the kids don’t breathe unless they are told to. America is now afraid to discipline its youth with social services and lawsuits and such. But there is a fine line between abuse and discipline. I respect the way the parents treat the kids here. My kids would be blown away by some of the stuff I’ve seen. Like tonight, Marcos prayed for us for about 10 minutes. Most adults don’t “like” praying that long. Marcos is 12 years old!!! They are just raised to fear God and I think that’s good. After all, He is el Jefe (the Boss) and you don’t want to cross him! Well…. I am about to go to bed. I hope to get to the internet café tomorrow morn. Buenos Noches!!!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Casa Havilah
So Yesterday I went to casa Havilah and said hi to the girls in the afternoon. They were thrilled to see me. I gave them silly bands. Some I bought and one bag Elizabeth gave me! The girls loved them. I also gave them some hair clips. They were excited!
Speaking of Elizabeth.... I miss my kid at FCC murray. A LOT!!! But... I absolutely love it here. I just got back from church and we had a blast. I know everything ran smooth without me back home. It's always nice to attend church instead of being in charge!
Last night the boys home watched King Kong in english with spanish subtitles. They loved it. So did I. It was nice to hear english, but I've been working on and enjoying talking in spanish.
Well I am at the boys house using Judy's mobile internet USB. I don't want to use too many of his Minutes. So I need to go. Tonight I am buying Pizza Hut for the girls house. And tomorrow we are going to see a Mosquite Pastor way in the mountains. I guess its like 3 hours by card and then 4 by boat. I am excited for this. I'll take lots of video! I'll write tomorrow. I love you all!
Love Tom!
Speaking of Elizabeth.... I miss my kid at FCC murray. A LOT!!! But... I absolutely love it here. I just got back from church and we had a blast. I know everything ran smooth without me back home. It's always nice to attend church instead of being in charge!
Last night the boys home watched King Kong in english with spanish subtitles. They loved it. So did I. It was nice to hear english, but I've been working on and enjoying talking in spanish.
Well I am at the boys house using Judy's mobile internet USB. I don't want to use too many of his Minutes. So I need to go. Tonight I am buying Pizza Hut for the girls house. And tomorrow we are going to see a Mosquite Pastor way in the mountains. I guess its like 3 hours by card and then 4 by boat. I am excited for this. I'll take lots of video! I'll write tomorrow. I love you all!
Love Tom!
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