This is a more fun blog than serious. I've been keeping a recipe book of all the Nicaraguan dishes we've been fed, and I've even had the opportunity to help in the kitchen a good bit. Ironically enough, my favorite recipe I've gotten was from an American cafe in Moyogalpa, Ometepe. The cafe was called the cornerhouse, and was run by Americans working with the peace corps. This is the best picture I could get of it. To any Mom wanting to welcome their son or daughter back to the states in the best way, a plate full of these should go above and beyond…hint hint Mom. And...

I am clearly the worst blogger ever. A month in and I haven't written anything. My reasons are kind of good though. We have been traveling A LOT. We started our journey on Ometepe, moved to Granada, and then moved to Managua. We will be here in Managua for the rest of our journey and I'm really excited. This short little blog post is just about the peace and joy that I have felt on this trip in situations where I could have been freaking out. So here it goes! I felt at peace going to a random person's house and sharing God's love with them. I felt at peace in a prison sharing...

Joy in today. Not worrying tomorrow, or next month, or the next time I get chik-fil-a , but TODAY! This past week God has taught me the joys of living in the moment. His presence is so evident and alive when I just stop and appreciate the present. Whether it's sitting on the beach of the lake under the star-filled sky by the fire, or losing terribly in soccer to 2 teenage boys, God has somehing to teach me and show me about myself every day. God is bigger than our circumstances and is able to do far more than I could ever imagine. I can't even begin to explain how blessed I have been...

!Que Alegría!  I am filled with so much joy each and every day here in Ometepe. Each new day brings new challenges and adventures, and God has been workin through each and every situation. Though I may not understand why God has put certain struggles in my life, He has a plan. A purpose. Here are some specific verses that have kept me joyful and at peace this week: 2 Corinthians 12:9- My grace is all you need, my power works best in weakness. 1Thes. 5:16- Always be joyful, never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who  belong to...

So as I was preparing to give an update of this incredible journey in Nicaragua, I came across the common trend of C. Therefore, let me tell you how God has worked over the past week I have been in Nicaragua! Christ: Oh how wonderful it is to be on a great adventure with Christ by my side. The day we arrived I was really homesick and kept thinking of life back in Colorado. I prayed that God would give me His pece that transcends all understanding, and ever since I have been at such peace. I love it here and love serving the people and children...

***A note to all parents, siblings, relatives, friends, acquaintances, supporters, church members, etc. of AIM Passport participants*** "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river, and he's not the same man." -Heraclitus At the beginning of this trip, you parents were most likely ensured by us or AIM staff that we would be returned to you safely. It was the little comfort that we could give you as you sent us off to different, dangerous parts of the world with much more unknown than the known. I'm sorry to tell you this, but we will not be returning...