Arriving at my new home!
After the bus ride to the town of Altagracia on the island of Ometepe, we all had super low expectations….we passed muddy yards enclosed by broken wire and stick fences surrounding wood and concrete shacks. But the hearts of many of the people here are full of gold and their faith shines brighter than their circumstances.
The Rhythm of Things:
In the mornings we engage in door-to-door evangelism in the neighborhood surrounding our little hotel. Although nerve-wracking and awkward at first, it has actually been such an encouraging experience! Oftentimes the people that we talk to are as much as a blessing if not more to us with their sincerity of faith and openness about their lives. It is so amazing to me how open and ready people are to talk about God’s love, their faith in Him, and what He has done in their lives.
My friends Kacie, Meghan, and I decided to stretch our faith and our Spanish and venture out into the community without a translator, visiting door to door to share our love for God and what He has done in our lives. Our Father blessed us in return with the most AWESOME friendship with Yvan and his family. Yvan is truly a man of God. He loves to worship and speak of the beauty of Christ’s grace and the spiritual gifts of joy and peace that He gives. Every time that we visit him and his family, Yvan speaks words of life and love into our hearts. One picture that Yvan shared with us was that of Jesus Christ when He lovingly rebuked his disciples after they turned away the children from coming to him.
“He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” –Mark 10:14-16
God showed that it is the same with us! Since we believe in Jesus Christ, His Spirit lives within us. Thus, when the little children come to us, they come to Him to receive His love. When we walk with Him, we can then wrap His arms of LOVE around His children–the children of Ometepe, of Nicaragua, of the world.
Mis hermanitos y hermanita (My little brothers and sister)
I have definitely learned that God is the same God in Nicaragua as He is the United States as He is everywhere!
Afternoons are spent at the park, which is the gathering place for the whole community in the center of the town. It goe down in the basketball court: Team Gringos vs. Team Nicas. Even in jeans in flip-flops, Team Nica always Although my favorite jugador (soccer player) is Raul, a 4-year-old boy who fearlessly runs after the ball in his dusty red sandalias.
Mi amigo Raul
While half the team are getting their butts whooped in soccer, the rest of us spend the afternoon painting little fingernails, coloring, and running around the park. I love being a caballita (little horse), giving piggy-back rides to as many as 3 kids at once. Their favorite game that we taught is Pato, Pato, Ganso (Duck, Duck, Goose). It is incredible how much joy a little love can bring. When I gave my friend Mileydi a hug good-bye as we were preparing to leave the park for the day, she whispered in my ear: “Te quiero mucho.” (I love you.)
Mileydi and I
Almost every evening there is a service at the local church, Camino de Santidad (Path of Holiness). The church building consists of a roof, a dirt floor and a bit of lace hanging from the ceiling. But that’s just the structure, the church itself consists of about 30 smiling faces, 60 clapping hands, and 30 tongues singing praises to our God. Pastor Elder has been so welcoming and open to our ideas for ministry.
We have an AMAZING translator named Addys–she was an orphan who was adopted by missionaries in Granada, Nicaragua. Addys is such a joy to have on the team–she is such a sweet friend and sister in Christ! Her facial expressions when she tries to translate the pastor’s passionate outbursts during sermons always make me laugh. Addys has to leave in 2 days, and I’m going to miss her so much.
Every night after our family dinner we have team time in Ash and Kacie’s room, since they have the biggest space. During this time, we share the different experiences throughout the day, offer feedback to one another–both encouraging and constructive, and then have story time! Also known as testimonies, each night a different member of the team shares their life story. It’s not open heart surgery, however. We aren’t here to fix one another. But to listen. And then pray, laying hands on our beloved brother or sister and speaking words of encouragement, healing, and love through the Spirit.
I love praying with my team. When I worship with them, I feel most intimate with God; and when we pray together, I feel most connected and empowered by the Spirit of God that is at work within and through them.
Praise:
- God for open ears and open hearts during door-to-door evangelism!
- God for increasing our understanding of and ability to express God’s love in Spanish.
- God for incredible relationships with Yvan, Addys, Mileydi, and others that have been so encouraging.
Prayer:
- Continued unity among our team.
- That the Truth of God’s Gospel would be made known and would be clearly received.
- That God would continue to give us eyes to see and hearts to care for those around us.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” –Ephesians 2:13
