A Series of Unfortunate Events

There are times in life where everything seems to go according to plan, and then there are times where it seems that what can go wrong will go wrong.  The last few months have been filled with one challenge after another for our family.  We're thankful God is faithful to His promises, both in hard times and in easy times.

Beginning in the spring with broken teeth (both Liam and Jess) and root canals, moving on to the summer with multiple car issues (including wheels falling off our car while driving) and the death of our dog, and culminating in a motorcycle accident and a string of doctor visits, we are starting to feel fatigued. 

Last month Liam was driving home with the kids after playing Ultimate Frisbee at school Sunday afternoon, and while waiting to turn left, a motorcyclist hit the back of our car at full speed.  The motorcyclist (who had been drinking) was critically injured, and according to Nicaraguan law, the other driver (in this case Liam) was brought to the police station and held until the case could be thoroughly examined.  After 7 hours at the police station, Liam and our car were finally released but had to return the next day for further paperwork (another 2.5 hours in the station).  As frustrating as that seems, we were pleased to see the Nicaraguan justice system working as it should by recognizing who was at fault.  It was a scary and traumatic experience for Liam and our kids who were in the car when it happened, and we're grateful for the many people who were praying.

Two weeks ago Jessica had an MRI on her shoulder, after experiencing sharp pains with increased frequency for a number of months.  The MRI led to some additional questions and need for x-rays and a CT scan.  In the end, it looks like the answer will be physical therapy over the next few months.  On the bright side, we're grateful that the surgery that seemed likely is not going to be necessary.

The events of this summer have definitely taken a toll on our family budget and depleted our savings.  We're trusting in God's provision as we move forward, and are thankful that our trust is in Him and not in material things.  If God puts it on your heart, please consider an extra gift this month as we pay these additional medical bills.

We know that many others have been affected this summer by hurricanes and health problems, and we want you to know that you are continually in our prayers as well.  We appreciate your encouragement and ask for prayers for rest and recovery, as well as the continued success of our work in Nicaragua.

Leadership Development

A big part of NCA's mission is the development of future leaders of Nicaragua and around the world.  There are at least 12 different student leadership group at NCA, one of which is the student council. Liam and the administrative team take our Elementary Student Council and Secondary Student Council out to breakfast each year to invest in them as leaders of the student body.  The students are able to gain valuable real-life experience as they work with their classmates and also learn from the full-time administrators of their school.  We hope that through these opportunities our students will learn to lead as Christ did, as a servant.

Fumigation, Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue

The rainy season is back, and with it come the all sorts of flying insects from which we had enjoyed rest during the 6 months of dry season.  Among these insects is our most hated insect, the mosquito.  One particular type of mosquito (Aedes Aegypti) is a carrier of several different illnesses including the Zika virus, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, and Dengue Fever.

Heavy rains flood sidewalks at NCA International

Our family has been affected by each of these illnesses over the past 17 years.  Jessica and Liam have both had Dengue in our earlier years in Nicaragua and as many of you know, Jessica and Asher also both contracted Chikungunya a few years ago.  

The newest concern, Zika, swept through Nicaragua in 2016 and most of our family got it at one point last year.  Although not as serious as Chikungunya, with effects lasting less than a week, we are grateful that we were spared from one of the biggest concerns related to Zika, which is believed to increase risk of birth defects when the mother is affected during pregnancy.

NCA, as well as the department of health in Nicaragua, works hard to reduce mosquito populations.  In addition to common-sense practices like eliminating puddles and buckets of stagnant water, fumigation is a very common practice.  Trucks drive through neighborhoods spraying an insecticide mixed with diesel spray to help combat insect plagues.  At NCA we regularly fumigate our campus and classrooms during the rainy season in an attempt to reduce the risk of our students contracting mosquito-borne viruses while at school.

NCA International maintenance staff fumigates Second Grade classroom

School Collaboration

As our school has grown into a thriving school association, Liam’s job has broadened to include a focus not only on the leadership of NCA International but also on collaborative leadership with all three of our schools.  When Liam began at NCA in 2000, we had only 192 students.  Our second school, NCA Nejapa, was founded in 2005 and has grown from its initial 55 students to its current size of 542 students and 40 teachers.  Our third school, NCA Matagalpa, has grown from its 2013 starting size of 42 students to its current size of 258 students and 22 teachers.  NCA International has also grown to its current size of 350 students and 36 teachers.

ANCA leader recognized near end of term of service

An important aspect of this growth is the challenge of keeping all three schools, 98 teachers and 1150 students in line with the same vision, structure and undying commitment to authentic Christian education.  The administrative teams of each school have several meetings each year  to consolidate vision and share current challenges, exciting developments and innovative practices.  In addition to this time of sharing, Liam has monthly meetings with the two other school directors to share and exchange practices.

Proverbs 15:21 says, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”  Proverbs 19:21 also warns, “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”  It is our prayer that the leadership teams of our three schools, committed to following Christ, are drawn together in unity and God’s wisdom.  All of us are passionate about Christian education and seeing the lives of boys and girls, young men and women, transformed in an authentic commitment to following Christ.

Members of the NCA International Administrative Team and spouses at our house for dinner