Here in Nicaragua, we have had the opportunity to live with
a very special community of people.
About a week ago, we moved onto a property called La Quinta, which is
very similar to a home for teenagers who are orphaned because of events in
their pasts. As a result of abuse, rape, or neglect, these kids ended up living
on the streets, working with gangs, and so many other horrible things that
teenagers should never have to face.
Their innocence was stolen and their childhood lost.
But because of the heart God placed in the missionaries
here, these kids were given a second chance at life. They were taken in to a
house where they can learn responsibility, build healthy friendships with their
peers, and also learn about the unconditional love of Christ. They have group
devotions every night, and they are constantly encouraging and praying with
each other throughout the day.
God has been teaching me so much about His love for me
through these kids. Some would say these kids need more help than they can
receive, but they might be good kids one day. Even I had doubts of how the
community would be, living with 13 teenagers suffering from trauma and neglect.
But Sunday morning, we left to have children’s church in the barrios and not a
single adult showed up. The teenagers that live in this home got up early to
pray together, and then went around the barrios and collected the children for
church. They had songs, games, dramas, and stories prepared for these kids and
even served lunch before taking them back to their homes. I was astonished at
the work they put into this and the unconditional love they showed to the
children in the barrios.
But how could they have anything else? They were taken off the streets, given a home
and 
a loving community, and shown around every turn that God loves them more
than they could ever ask for. So instead of being greedy or selfish, they turn
around and pour it right back out into everyone around them.
I know so many times in my life when circumstances are bad
and I am shown love, I tend to want to soak in that love and have it all for
myself. But watching the way these kids live their lives, I am so convicted.
They are truly teaching me how to spend it all for those around me, and
continue to let God fill me up.
