Names hold significance. All throughout the Bible, God calls his chosen people by name. He changes people's names to symbolize a spiritual change or specific calling, such as Abram to Abraham. John the Baptist's parents went against tradition in naming him because God appointed a name for their son. The angel Gabriel told Mary what to name her unborn son, Jesus. In my life, I have come to realize the truth behind my name's meaning. Allegra means cheerful, merry, happy, or something to that extent. That's who I am.
During cultural briefing at training camp, we were told that Nicaragua needs joy. One of Central America's poorest countries, Nicaragua is home to large garbage dumps where the poorest of poor work and live. Thousands of middle-aged men die every year from a kidney disease caused by pesticides from working in sugar cane fields. So in ministry, our main goal is to bring the joy of Christ to the people. This week, I've really come to understand that this is God's plan for our team, for me.
In Spanish, the closest word to my name is alegria. Every time I introduced myself to people, they would stammer my name,give me a confused look, or mistake my name for the word alegria. One morning while hand-washing clothes with my new Nicaraguan friends, Elizabeth called me Alegria. Our friend Kathleen quickly corrected her, but Elizabeth decided she liked Alegria better and would call me that. Turning to Kathleen, I asked if alegria meant happiness. I was surprised to discover that in Nicaragua, alegria means “joy.”
Now known as Alegria to the Nicaraguans, I intend to live out God's calling for me in this place. I am here to put smiles on the faces of little children. I am here to comfort the lost and weary adults. I am here to spread God's love. I am here to be Joy!
