Sharing. Compartiendo.

Since I arrived in the States on May 5, I have spent 5 days traveling around the Southeast part of the country. In numbers: 20 hours on the road, 12,000 miles, 7 cities, 2 grandmothers and so many souls I love dearly. I had quality time to think while driving and excellent conversations with friends and family. These gentle spirits excelled at helping me verbalize and process life over the past few months. They were patient while I searched for words to their questions and kind enough to show genuine interest. (If y’all faked it, you did it well ;) Thank you for that too!) After a long talk with my grandmother, she reminded me that sharing is always better. Even if the words aren’t perfect, even if they don’t always make sense, sharing is better…

I’m going to share question and answer style. I’m always willing to try and talk about Nicaragua and the work God is doing down there… as long as I am asked. If no one asks, I assume they don’t want to know.

So… how is life in Nicaragua? (Normally the first question)

Life in Nicaragua is great. Very challenging at times, but when I take the time to look around me, I just start counting the ways God is moving. Our church is growing and loving one another in a new way. Many teenagers are seeking to know the Father. Children in our Sunday and Tuesday classes are growing to be kind.

Well what do you do?

My role is different ever day because I jump on board with the group/project that needs to be finished. I help fill in the gaps while making people smile. And I like this job. My main areas of focus are: encouraging the teens, interacting with the kids and hosting our visiting groups.

Is there anything you do every week?

Yes. Monday and Wednesday evenings I teach English class for about 10 of our teens. Sunday afternoons is the kids Bible Hour Hijos del Rey. Monday and Thursday afternoons is baseball practice. (The team won their first two games this year!!) My Spanish lessons are twice a week during lunch. Saturday evenings there are specific classes for the ladies at church and the teens.

What have you been struggling with this year?

Now there I can make a list. But the easiest way to summarize… I have not been taking time to process life. Without this time of reflection, I have felt lost, sometimes in the way and even afraid. God and I do start most days together, but building on that relationship takes going deeper regularly. That takes discipline that I am praying to develop, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

What are you most excited about right now?

The teenagers and their leaders. They have a fire that is growing and spreading. I am deeply prayerful that God provides ways for their renewal and encouragement.

To what scripture have you been clinging?

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

John 14:15-17

The thought of sharing what has been in my heart and my head lately has been scary. I have wanted to share what was happening, the good and the bad, without sounding discouraged because I am not! I am completely encouraged because I know God is with us. God has given us His spirit. The Helper. We are not alone.

Prayerful thoughts:

• Strength and wisdom for the leaders of the church
• Heath and renewal for our North Americans before and during the summer season
• Smooth transition as we welcome summer interns in 2 weeks
• God’s Kingdom to be at the center of my motives
• Discipline and peace as I process life in both in the States and in Nicaragua
• My sister’s operation tomorrow