Trinity's Angels

Love and Cocoa Leaves

Stephanie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:48:00 -0600

We were in a village one day and had just just finished a Kid’s Program at the church. We walked outside and saw a huge tarp that was spread out in the front “yard.” Typically in villages they dry corn, or bamboo reeds to make musical instruments, on huge tarps under the hot Amazon sun, turning them to completely dry and then take it to the market to sell.

Well this particular tarp was covered in little green leaves. Thousands of them. We had no idea what they were. Just looked like leaves from a tree. We asked a man who was "sweeping" the leaves what he was drying and it turns out –he was drying cocaine leaves.

Here in Peru there are various uses for the cocaine leaf. The obvious reason is to manufacture drugs, yet they also use the leaves to make tea as an aid to prevent altitude sickness. Many people also chew the leaves to curb hunger. That’s what they claim at least! In the Jungle, rarely are we ever surprised by what we see. But walking out of the small village church and seeing a tarp full of “drugs”… that was a first for both of us!!!

So naturally, what did we do with a tarp full of drying cocaine leaves??? Play in it and take pictures!!! And then get the heck out of there.

Nothing but drying leaves…

Still In His Mighty Grip,

Cindy and Stephanie

Here is a picture of the dog who stood "watch" over the leaves. Think he had sampled too much of the product...

6 Kilos and Counting…

Stephanie — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:04:00 -0600

One good thing about eating nothing but soup is that you lose weight rather quickly!!! For lunch and dinner in the Jungle, the typical meal is soup. It's easy, economical and readily available. Sometimes for breakfast they even have a milk and rice soup. Soup, soup, soup – every day, every meal, soup.

Soup with rice, soup with noodles, soup with vegetables, soup with chicken feet, you name it they make a soup with it. Wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so hot - 90 degrees with 98 percent humidity! Hard to get cozy over a hot bowl of soup when you can't stop sweating!

The Peruvian people are so hospitable and absolutely love cooking for people. In the hot humid weather, they will stand over their “stove” for hours cooking us a meal (often
soup) and happily sit by and watch us eat. We are grateful for the meals they provide and for what we eat – knowing that they have sometimes sacrificed their own lunch or dinner, so that we would be able to eat.

We are also grateful, however, that we don’t eat much and have therefore lost approx 3 kilos each, in about two weeks. At this rate, we will be “Flakititas” (skinny ones) before you know it – instead of what they call us now - “Gorditas” (fat ones)!!!! With affection of course…

In His Mighty Grip and Eating More Sopa (Soup),

Cindy and Stephanie

All for 2 Kids

Stephanie — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:15:00 -0600

We never know how many people are in the villages where we go to put on the Kid’s Programs. Sometimes there are a few hundred children that show up, and sometimes there are only two. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation as we are setting up the projector and playing music, waiting for the kids to arrive. We set out on a 4 day trip to minister to 5 village churches - the furthest about 2 hours outside of Pucallpa in the jungle.

In one particular village, we were scheduled to start the program at 8:00 am. It is normal for the children to arrive anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour late. So when 8:30 came around and no one was at the church, we weren’t too worried. Finally, a little girl walked in by herself and sat on the front row. She was so excited to be there! We gave her the tambourine and she played along with the music while we danced and sang some songs.

Ok… so we had one kid. Where were the rest? About five or ten minutes later, a little boy walked in and sat down behind the girl.

That made two! It was now 9:00 am and we were talking about whether we should go ahead and start the program or wait for others to arrive. I’ll be honest, when you are in the jungle and it’s hot and bugs are flying around everywhere and you didn’t get any sleep the night before, it’s hard to get excited about doing a 3 hour program for two children. As we were talking, we were reminded (yet again) that this is not about us and if one child’s life could be better or they could have at least a little bit of joy and love poured into them for a few hours, then it’s all worth it.

God didn’t call us to go and reach every single kid in Peru. He simply called us to go. It’s not about reaching the masses, it’s about helping one child and giving them the hope and love they deserve. We started the program with a renewed sense of commitment and purpose and gave it all we had. There were a few more children that ended up coming in during the program, but even if there had still only been those two, we know that God was there with us and we all learned something that morning.

In His Mighty Grip and Celebrating Each and Every Child,

Cindy and Stephanie

18 Hours

Stephanie — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:15:00 -0600

At first, it always seems like a good idea when we decide to go to Pucallpa by bus, instead of by plane. At first! First of all, it’s cheaper. We try to be wise with the money that we have and don’t want to spend it on things that are not necessary. It costs half as much to ride the bus as it does to fly to Pucallpa. Second of all, we have snacks! We love road trips, especially when there are snacks involved or because snacks ARE involved. How bad could the 18 hour bus ride be???

Last year we braved the long bus ride to Pucallpa for the first time. Really it wasn’t bad, except for the one bathroom they had on board. It’s a non-stop drive to the Jungle from Lima and you have approx. 75 people sharing one bathroom. Just imagine…or maybe not!!!

We started the trip at 1:30 pm and were expected to arrive in Pucallpa the next morning around 7:30 am. I think there is a reason why they do most of the travelling by night – so the passengers can’t see the condition of the one road we are travelling on!!! There are times where the road is so narrow, it seems the bus can barely pass through. There are no guardrails in many of the places and the drop down would take us into roaring rapids. Some parts of the dirt road have caved in and fallen down and it is just amazing that the bus even fits on certain parts without slipping down the side of the embankment. We saw parts of it in the daylight - couldn't see the side of the road - just the raging river under the side of the bus and we wondered how we made it...then again...we have the favor!

The inside of the bus is always a gamble! You never know who will be on the 18 hour journey with you. Throughout the trip there are security guards, kids, and vendors that randomly hop on and try to sell you things. One time we hadn’t stopped in a couple of hours and yet a man came up the aisle with some popsicles and ice cream to sell. We still have no idea where he came from or where he went afterwards!

On our trip back to Lima from Pucallpa, there was a guy that sat right behind us that kept yelling out things in broken Spanish (we think he might have been German). Seriously thought there was going to be some type of altercation with someone on the bus if not one of us. But God took care of him. He got VIOLENT altitude sickness as we passed over the 16,000 ft high mountains, going back and forth on the switchback road. Calmed him down!

In His Mighty Grip travelling through the mountains,

Cindy and Stephanie

Our reflection in the bus window at the front seat. Yay for extra leg room.

Back where it all started – we’ve come full circle

Stephanie — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:49:38 -0600

We arrived in Peru on January 27^th, excited about all that God has planned for us on this journey and where the next year would take us. Our first commitment was to go and serve the women’s weekend at Peru Tres Dias #9.

For both of us really, Tres Dias is where the journey to Peru began. Stephanie served on Peru Tres Dias #2 and knew immediately that this was where her heart was and that she would be back to serve the Peruvian people.

We met each other through Sabine Creek Tres Dias #6 in Texas almost two years ago. There was an instant connection as we both talked about our passion to help women and children in the most desperate of need. One thing led to the next and here we are – living in Peru.

It was exciting and seemingly appropriate to begin this “year long journey” serving at Tres Dias. We had a blast as we laughed and cried and laughed some more. God has a way of speaking to each of us, cleansing and restoring us during each weekend. HE was yet again at work mightily throughout our time there reaffirming, confirming and talking to both of us about the direction of the journey He has us on. Refining it to what He wants accomplished.

It was truly a blessing to serve the 21 Peruvian women candidates, along with the team members we have grown to love along the way. The women were revitalized, renewed and changed during the 3 days. It is an absolute blessing to witness.

In His Mighty Grip and Singing DeColores,

Cindy and Stephanie

Let the Countdown begin ... 7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Stephanie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:02:33 -0600

One week out and the new adventure starts. Well ... actually it has already begun but 7 days from now we will be walking through the door that has been opened for us to pass through to Peru. The airplane door! By midnight Friday night we will touch down at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima and be in a country we will call home for awhile. Not sure how long - but long enough to have packed ranch dressing packets so that we can have a "taste" of home as the days pass by !

Each day as we get closer to January 27th this whole journey gets even more real! Yesterday and today we sold my refrigerator, dressers, beds and other household items. Tomorrow the same - Saturday too. As each piece leaves and the house gets just a bit larger with open space there is no sadness. Selling the material things brings funding for the projects throughout Peru. There is exhilaration, excitement, anticipation and surrender for the road ahead. No regrets, no second thoughts - just an appetite to serve.

Surrendered in His Mighty Grip,

Stephanie and Cindy

www.trinitysangels.org

What in the world is better because of you ?

Stephanie — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:55:00 -0600

Ahhhhh...the question that pops up from time to time in each of our lives. Do we make a difference? Will we be remembered? Do we do all we can when asked? What in the world is better because we are here, because of us ?????

Another year has breezed by and is ready to close out. It's that time again when we all seem to reflect on the highs and lows of the past year and look forward with anticipation to the New Year. With that comes a clean slate and the opportunity to start over - making resolutions. Resolutions that somehow never seem to make it out of the first week or two!! So as you reflect on 2011 and look into all that awaits you, all the opportunities available in 2012, take the time to ask yourself the hard questions ... what difference will you make? Are you living purposefully or just living? Are you contributing or consuming? Are you amassing material things or giving to others? What in the world is better because of you?

In His Mighty Grip trying to answer that question for our own lives,

Stephanie and Cindy

www.trinitysangels.org

www.trinitysangels.com

An element of risk

Stephanie — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 07:05:00 -0600

is inherent when you pursue your dreams. But what a rush.......That is what will happen January 27, 2012 when we take that step/leap of faith and head to Peru to begin work again in the mission field.

Grant update: As most of you know we have written and submitted two grant applications for funding projects in Pucallpa, Peru. One for the H.O.P.E. project to build/repairs homes for impoverished families - the majority are single parent families. The second is for the D.R.E.A.M. Resource Center which will provide access to materials for women to start or expand small businesses allowing for self sustainment of their families. These women generally do not have access to resources that would give them a hand up in developing these enterprises. It will also function as a safe place for children providing: mentoring and help with their schoolwork, arts and crafts activities, sports programs and healthy snacks. A library will be available to both the women and children to improve their reading skills.

September 30, 2011 was the submission deadline and the notifications were anticipated to be received within 45 days. Due to the large number of applications, last week we were told that date has moved to the end of January 2012! Good News - we are still under consideration. So - we head to Peru most likely ahead of a funding decision. Please pray for financial provision in this area. We could sure use it!

Risking it all under the cover of His mighty Grip...

Stephanie

Will you help make a radical difference in Cynthia's life???

Stephanie — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:52:00 -0500

Cynthia is a young 11 year old girl that lives in the jungle town of Pucallpa. I met her several years ago when I went there for the first time and continue to see and spend time with her as we return to her neighborhood.

She loves hanging out with Cindy - one of the bonds they share is the same first name. Cynthia is a smart girl, eager to go to school, loves to learn and she attends church on her own 3-4 times per week. She sings her little heart out and it's a joy to watch her worship. The last time we were there I sat next to her and we were passing time talking about general things and I happened to ask what she had eaten for dinner. She said she hadn't eaten yet - it was 9 pm. Not unusual for Latin countries to eat dinner late. Yet she said that they didn't have anything for dinner and probably wouldn't eat until the next day around lunch time. I was surprised. It's commonplace in this area not to have enough to eat as in many parts of Peru but it still shocks me and leaves me almost gasping for air. The church service started so that ended our conversation.

As we sat there for the next hour I heard her stomach growling several times. Not just a small rumbling - it was loud. I felt badly...thinking about the dinner I had eaten and the snacks that were up in our apartment. My stomach was content and didn't know the feeling of hunger that she felt.

After the service I told her to come upstairs to the church apartment and gave her the pizza we had left over from our dinner. I wish I could describe with exact vivid detail the look on her face. The two pieces that were left over is all that was in the box and when she opened it you would have thought it was an entire Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Her comment, "Thank you, I'll take them home and share them with my family." Are you kidding me? I would have eaten them on the way home if I was as hungry as her stomach sounded. No way that was going to feed a family of 5 including 2 adults.

She taught me a great lesson in sharing. It doesn't take much. Really. What will it take to make a radical difference in Cynthia's life???? Food. Basic supplies. $10 per week. Cynthia is like so many children in Pucallpa - waiting for their next meal not sure when it will be.

IT'S TIME to stand up, reach out and help her and kids like her. What will you do?? Please go to www.trinityangels.org and make a donation.

Feeding the hungry through His Mighty Grip,

Stephanie and Cindy

www.TrinitysAngels.org

Two Grants - Two Chances

Stephanie — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:47:23 -0500

As most of you know Trinity's Angels has submitted two grant proposals to USAID/Peru for funding for $50,000 of each project. One is the H.O.P.E. project for the building of basic housing and repair of existing homes to bring those to habitable standards. The other is for the D.R.E.A.M. Resource Center to provide access to assistance and support for underprivileged women and children. Training for small start up businesses, hands on labs and possibly micro-finance loans for the women. The children will have a place to go after school to receive additional help with homework and mentoring; programs for crafts, activities, and recreation along with providing a healthy snack. A small library and computers will also be available for use by the women and children.

It just seems to keep multiplying and taking off from there and I can't see the end..... - helping the kids whose parents are just not around to parent them, providing meals for families without food - perhaps involving cooking one meal a day that families without food, bible programs for women and children, a small orphanage, small crop gardens - anything and everything that will help these people. From there quite honestly my mind reels as the Lord lays program after program after program on my heart for these people. Giving them a hand-up, not a hand-out. They are extremely capable and hard-working but lack access to basic things they need to succeed. The joy, and pure beauty of it all is encouraging their self sustainment and watching them grow and provide for their families, something they currently struggle with every single day.

To tell you that I have been just a "little!" overwhelmed during the process is an understatement and yet every step of the way the journey has been guided. From finding the grant to the very last word type before the final submission of the proposal. My spirit says to stay strong and faithful and I truly believe that. Yet every once in awhile to be honest I falter and trip over the small rocks in the path I am walking.

So fighting back the tears of happiness, uncertainty, of knowing that I need help - here is my simple but HUGE request. No need to click a button and vote for your favorite charity (of course we are yours!), no need to get your friends signed up for anything (unless you feel the NEED to forward this prayer request). We received word that BOTH of the projects are being considered and reviewed by the technical committee. There are delays in awarding the grants due to the large number of applications received. After reading it I felt a huge weight bearing down and I started doubting and faltering. How could our application shine above the others? Stopped to breathe, pray and ask what needed to be done to get these proposals to rise to the top, for the reviewers to "hear" and "know" that these need approval - for the FULL amounts.

So, please, on my knees - literally asking each of you to stop and.......

Just SIMPLY PRAY... God knows the outcome...in that, I trust and believe. I accept and surrender to this journey.

In His INTENSE Mighty Grip,

Stephanie

www.trinitysangels.org

www.trinitysangels.com

P.S. - I wrote this from my viewpoint not speaking for Cindy Nickell - but I know that she feels the same way!!

H.O.P.E. stands for HOUSING, OPPORTUNITY, PROTECTION and ENPOWERMENT

D.R.E.A.M. stands for DEVELOPMENT, RESOURCES, EDUCATION, ABILITY AND MOTIVATION

Just need to write one more for "B.E.L.I.E.V.E." and then we have our 3 words - HOPE, DREAM, BELIEVE !!