Memory Monday

Life here is not exactly routine but is becoming more normal. Most days aren't completely jammed with stories to  "write home about." So I'm going to try something new: Memory Monday's. I'll share moments from the last week and verses that have given me strength and encouragement. Hope I'm able to keep up with this  :)

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

Nereyda and I shelling roasted cacao beans.
"This is something all Nicaraguans do."
The crushed beans makes a weak chocolate milk sort of drink... I love it!

Zachary, the 10-year-old on the right, is now taller than me!
We marked the date on the calendar!

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. 

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; 

I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

The One Child Matters children in Apanas
praying before their lunch.

Caryn and I being silly overlooking the volcano.
(PhotoCred: Thanks Beth!)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Trust fall. Seeing this beautiful girl open up and
trust her new friends was a powerful image.

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, 

but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace 

shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

We hiked to the cross one Sunday morning and
shared a breakfast of bagels and M&Ms...
Wilson asked me how many years old the bread was!!
It's a different kind of hard bread for them!

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25

Maggie Lou is a beautiful friend!
I love spending time with her!

Carlos is my Nicaraguan little brother (hermanito).
He's 15 years old and a complete goofball,
but when he wants to share it, he has such a caring soul!

You keep him in perfect peace
 whose mind is stayed on you, because he 

trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is 

an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

These four teens (12-14 years old) graduated from one of the English
school's in town. They've been studying for 3 years and presented a final paper
to all their teachers, another translator (also a graduate of the same school) and
two North American's (Caryn and I). It was a really special day for them
and fun to hear how much they have learned.

Some days you just need to go get ice cream
and laugh when it gets on your nose.

Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, 
lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, 
for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:7-8

Beth is such a wonderful friend and family member!
She came down for a week and we got to sort medicine,
learn about water filters, help build a church, climb to the cross,
take selfie's at a volcano and just watch a movie!
It was perfect. Thank you for the memories, Bethie! 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Saturday night the youth group meets for their own time of worship. Just like in the States, life happens and plans can change very quickly. Our leaders were held up with other things so I walked into the church and said, "Okay. What do we want to do? Go home or share time together?" No one wanted to leave. Carlos (my hermanito, top right) first said, "Well, I'm one of the only baptized ones, do I have to give the lesson?" "Only if you want to," I replied. He said yes. I asked one of the other boys who often leads singing if he wanted to select a few songs, "No. I want to pray. Ask Kevin [his brother] to sing." "Deal." "Hey Kevin, want to sing?" "YES!! Give me the song book please!" About this time Carlos is second guessing the lesson, "Colette. No. I don't know what to talk about..." "Well do you have a favorite verse or book? Let's start there." "No. I just don't feel able to do this." Kevin chimes in, "I'll preach. Carlos, you sing." "Okay. Yes. Yes." We prayed and sung then Kevin got up. He was more than a little nervous, which is totally valid when he only had 5 minutes to prepare. He was figuring out where to stand and how he was going to hold his Bible, seeming a little lost, when he looked up and announced, "Jesus, sat down when he taught. If he can, I sure will." "Someone pass me that chair, please!" We all giggled as Kevin continued with minimal shaking.

And what do you know. We had a beautiful time of worship! I sat in the circle with them SO incredibly proud of these teens. For their willingness to say. For their enthusiasm to lead and participate. For being able to witness their growth. God is so good!