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!!