Home  :   Nicaragua  :   Web stuff  :   Art


I will be spending 3 months in Nicaragua this summer and several people have asked how I came to that decision. Well, let me tell you!

Ever since I returned from Nicaragua last July, I’ve had a strong desire to go back for a longer duration. In August I had dinner with my friend Michael, and told him about our trip. I said to him: “I wish I didn’t have to work so I could spend an entire summer in Nicaragua.” Be careful what you wish for, because one week later I got laid off from my job. Yikes! That wasn’t exactly what I had in mind! I thought “God, that’s not what I meant. I didn’t wish to be jobless.” God might give you what you ask for, but it probably won’t be what you expected. So there I was without a job, but I didn’t realize yet that God wanted me to spend the summer in Nicaragua. It took two months to reach that decision. Through several events and a lot of praying, God has definitely shown me the way, but it hasn’t been without challenges. He has shut doors and opened others. God shut the door on every job opportunity that came my way. Not having a “real job” is very much out of my comfort zone, but I’ve accepted it. So for now I’m working random part-time jobs and raising funds for my trip. I’m also doing freelance web work, and I’m trying to build up my cake business (www.mandycakes.com)…so if you need a website or a cake, just let me know!! Since I don’t have a regular income, obviously money is an issue. The trip will cost between $6-7,000, and I also have bills that have to be paid while I’m gone. In order to save money, I knew I needed to move out of my apartment and find a place to live rent-free. God answered my prayer, and I’m now living with the DeLays (my pastor & his wife, who are like family to me). Moving out of my apartment has been the hardest part for me because I’ve lived by myself for the past 5 year, and I loved it! So yes, I’ve had to make sacrifices for this trip, but I couldn’t be more excited! I’ll be leaving May 29 and coming home on August 28. For those of you who don’t know much about this…I go through an organization called BMDMI (Baptist Medical & Dental Mission International). I’ve gone on this trip for the past 4 years, but I’ve only stayed for 1 week each time. My primary job on the trip will be to work with & teach the children. I love the children of Nicaragua…they are my passion! I’ll keep everyone updated on my fundraising progress…I have a long way to go! Of course, donations are always accepted ;)!!!

There you go! That's my story of how I made the decision to spend the summer doing mission work. Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for the trip.

If you'd like to make a donation towards my trip, make your check out to BMDMI and put "Amanda Anders" in the memo line. Mail it to me at:

Mandy Anders
PO Box 984
Bixby, OK 74008

I would GREATLY appreciate it!!!! And you'll get a tax receipt as well.