A New Opportunity

As many of you know, every year I take some time out of my summer to travel to Nicaragua. This is always an exciting time for me and I look forward to it each year. While I am in Nicaragua I try to update this blog as much as possible so those of you who want to can keep up with what I am doing. This year I have a different opportunity that I am really excited about. Last summer I met a couple, Coburn and Melissa, who run an organization called Imagine Ministries. I have the chance to be a part of an incredible group of people within this ministry and I plan on spending about seven weeks serving alongside them. This is an amazing opportunity and I cannot wait to begin this new adventure! I would appreciate any prayers as I plan and prepare. If you are able to and would like to support me financially that would also be greatly appreciated (you can email me at kzelem@comcast.net). Thanks to those of you who have supported me in the past and continue to support me! PM me on Facebook or email me if you have any questions.

Mi Familia En Cristo

What a week! I am so grateful for the opportunity to come here and serve The Lord these past five weeks. I cannot express my emotions and thoughts through words that even begin to capture what I have experienced. But, I want to share with you what has happened these past two weeks. Due to being busy and lack of WiFi connection it has been a challenge to post anything, so bear with me because this will be a long post! 

After the team from Alabama left I had an entire week to do almost anything. I would have loved to just go out and explore Nicaragua, however, I had something else in mind. I talked about an orphanage called Vida Nueva I had visited once before with the first team. Well, I decided to use the time I had to go back. This was a new experience for me, being almost completely on my own. I was living with the girls at Casa Genesis during the week since the staff at the mission house went home to see their families. There was always at least one girl at the house, but it was up to me to keep myself busy. The only way I could leave the house was if I had someone with me or I found some form of transportation. A few times during the week I went out with the girls to the market or grocery store to buy food, which is always fun to just be immersed with the locals. However, the girls still had school so I didn't expect them to "entertain" me, which is why I decided to try something new. I took a taxi to the orphanage. Taking a taxi on my own here in a different country was a new adventure. I'm used to always having someone with me, but this time it was just me and God. It was almost like a small test of faith. I want to live here and be independent and I have to trust that God will walk with me and keep me safe. There have been times during my trip where I have felt almost restricted because I couldn't do anything on my own. This was a learning experience for me and I'm glad I got the opportunity. 

I got to spend a few days at the orphanage that week just loving the kids and learning more about the ministry at the orphanage. I met some great people while I was there and God began to open more doors for my future. 

For those of you who don't know, I am studying psychology and Spanish at school. I would like to work here in Nicaragua as a counselor for children who have suffered mentally, emotionally, and/or physically in their homes. What God has planned for my life could end up being different, but this is what I see myself doing. I feel that this is the path God is leading me down right now and I want to follow Him as close as possible. 

Those days at the orphanage were not enough, but I was taught a lot. I was also taught a lot during this last week. God really opened my eyes and gave me many reminders that I so needed. I was told by someone on the Alabama team that there would be a girl coming on this last team. Her name was Danielle and I needed to meet her. I am so incredibly thankful that I did meet her, especially during this time. She has such a joyful heart and a great love for The Lord that shines through her. Danielle and I talked every chance we got and it was something we both needed. I needed an encourager and a listener, and God gave me Danielle. I have grown so much just in this last week through my talks with her and through others as well. He has used so many people during my time here to remind me of who He is and to remind me to trust Him and His ways. I just cannot express my gratitude for these people He has placed in my life. 

Two and a half years ago I was able to come to Nicaragua and experience a whole different culture. Before I even left that first trip I was already planning on coming back. If it weren't for God and His provisions I would never have come here in the first place. He has given me a heart for Nicaragua and for the people here. It's never easy being so far away from my home in Tennessee, but God is my true home and He is always with me wherever I go. 

Here are some photos from this week. 

This is at a church in a community called Sandino with Pastor Norman. The teams were split up into two groups. The other group spent the week in a community called Tipitapa. I was with the first team in Sandino Monday and Tuesday. We evangelized and had VBS for the kids. 

Sharing the Gospel in Los Cedros. The first team spent two days in Sandino and the rest of the week in Los Cedros. 

Playing soccer at the orphanage in El Cañon on Wednesday. 

Putting up a sign at this church in Tipitapa on Thursday. I spent the day with the second team here while the other team was in Los Cedros. 

 The team doing some construction work in and around the church. 

Always lots of kids to play with! This is in Tipitapa on Thursday.

Back in Los Cedros on Thursday and Friday we had a medical clinic set up. 

Some people waiting to receive their prescriptions and to see the doctor. 

Donnie so very graciously bought all the kids in Los Cedros juice. 

One of our translators, Ronaldo, playing Simon Says with the kids. 

Lots of love as we packed up to leave Los Cedros. 

Before we left we sang a few songs with the church and prayed together. Everyone enjoyed our time in each community making an impact. God really worked through everyone as we shared the Gospel and served Him. 

Yesterday was our free day where we took a boat ride in Granada, went to the market in Masaya, the volcano, and had lunch in Catarina. 

Granada

Catarina

Masaya Volcano

I mentioned how grateful I was for some people I have met on this trip. Well, here are just a few photos of some incredible people I have gotten the chance to work with:) 

David, Josue, Oscar, Jojo, Evert

Oscar

Evert (aka watermelon man)

Jacqueline

Danielle and Josue 

Vildad 

Ronaldo

Queso! 

Ingrid

Chilo (don't have a picture of her on my phone) 

And of course my best friend, Danielle!! I will never forget any of these wonderful people who have become like family. God has truly blessed me with some awesome friends and brothers and sisters in Christ! God has done so many incredible things while I've been here. I cannot thank You enough, Lord, for allowing me the opportunity to come here and serve You. Thank You!! 

Shine A Light

Tuesday and Wednesday we got to spend some time in the schools. The first school we went to was Centro Escolar, a few minutes from the church. We spent some time going around into different classes and sharing the Gospel with all different aged kids. 

I can always count on getting some good pictures with the kids:) 

After visiting this school we went to another school close by called La Salle. Half of us went to speak to younger kids and the other half to the older kids. 

This is Randy speaking to a group of middle/high schoolers. 

We actually met a girl, Ruby, while we were there at La Salle. She is from Virginia and she was there in school to learn Spanish. We all talked with her until we had to leave to go back to the church. The service was earlier that night because we had to buy supplies for the hot dog dinner Wednesday night. 

Josh spoke in Mattew 5 about us as Christians being a light. God is the source of that light and we are the reflection. Many times Christians hide or keep their light a secret to others, but we need to shine that light so others may come to know Christ. 

On Wednesday we went up the road to a smaller school. Each group shared in two classrooms. Raven shared to a class of little kids. We learned that younger kids have a really hard time admitting they have done anything wrong or sinned, but the older kids are usually more honest. 

After leaving this school we drove to yet another school with only a few classrooms. 

When we finished there we split up into our groups and walked down the road to go door to door. Cory, our group leader, had a really good conversation with two teenagers before they left for school. We spoke to a couple more people before heading back to the church for lunch. 

After lunch Pastor Calero wanted to show us a river he knew of. So, we drove to the little park area for a little bit. 

This is the group! 

With some time to spare we piled on the bus and headed to the Pacific. I never get tired of this view, or any view here for that matter. 

Wednesday was the ever famous hot dog gathering. Over 100 people, mostly kids, squeezed in the room behind the church. Some of the team members entertained the kids with songs while the rest of us prepared the hot dogs. All 150 hot dogs were eaten, along with Koolaid and lots of candy. 

Here is Cory and Robin helping prepare the hot dogs. 

The night was finished off with some worship from the team and a message from Benjamin. 

This week the sermons have focused on the need for pastors in the church and how we can appreciate our pastor. Benjamin taught on a few things pastors must do to be Godly pastors. Things like studying the Word so he can teach the Word and living a blameless life. Benjamin made it clear that even pastors are not perfect, just men, but they have a responsibility to lead others in truth. 

It was a great last day in La Colonia and a great week all around. We all said our goodbyes to everyone at the church, reluctantly, and headed back to Managua. I believe this team really has shone a light in La Colonia, and I know they are all looking forward to doing the same next year. Thursday was the last day for the team, so we all rested up for a day of fun. 

Shine A Light

Tuesday and Wednesday we got to spend some time in the schools. The first school we went to was Centro Escolar, a few minutes from the church. We spent some time going around into different classes and sharing the Gospel with all different aged kids. 

I can always count on getting some good pictures with the kids:) 

After visiting this school we went to another school close by called La Salle. Half of us went to speak to younger kids and the other half to the older kids. 

This is Randy speaking to a group of middle/high schoolers. 

We actually met a girl, Ruby, while we were there at La Salle. She is from Virginia and she was there in school to learn Spanish. We all talked with her until we had to leave to go back to the church. The service was earlier that night because we had to buy supplies for the hot dog dinner Wednesday night. 

Josh spoke in Mattew 5 about us as Christians being a light. God is the source of that light and we are the reflection. Many times Christians hide or keep their light a secret to others, but we need to shine that light so others may come to know Christ. 

On Wednesday we went up the road to a smaller school. Each group shared in two classrooms. Raven shared to a class of little kids. We learned that younger kids have a really hard time admitting they have done anything wrong or sinned, but the older kids are usually more honest. 

After leaving this school we drove to yet another school with only a few classrooms. 

When we finished there we split up into our groups and walked down the road to go door to door. Cory, our group leader, had a really good conversation with two teenagers before they left for school. We spoke to a couple more people before heading back to the church for lunch. 

After lunch Pastor Calero wanted to show us a river he knew of. So, we drove to the little park area for a little bit. 

This is the group! 

With some time to spare we piled on the bus and headed to the Pacific. I never get tired of this view, or any view here for that matter. 

Wednesday was the ever famous hot dog gathering. Over 100 people, mostly kids, squeezed in the room behind the church. Some of the team members entertained the kids with songs while the rest of us prepared the hot dogs. All 150 hot dogs were eaten, along with Koolaid and lots of candy. 

Here is Cory and Robin helping prepare the hot dogs. 

The night was finished off with some worship from the team and a message from Benjamin. 

This week the sermons have focused on the need for pastors in the church and how we can appreciate our pastor. Benjamin taught on a few things pastors must do to be Godly pastors. Things like studying the Word so he can teach the Word and living a blameless life. Benjamin made it clear that even pastors are not perfect, just men, but they have a responsibility to lead others in truth. 

It was a great last day in La Colonia and a great week all around. We all said our goodbyes to everyone at the church, reluctantly, and headed back to Managua. I believe this team really has shone a light in La Colonia, and I know they are all looking forward to doing the same next year. Thursday was the last day for the team, so we all rested up for a day of fun.