I’ve been struggling with how to put into words just how amazing and stretching this journey has been. It has been so cool getting to dip my hands and feet into a variety of different serving opportunities and getting to serve alongside ministries God has already set in place. I realized that last month I dd not share a lot about my experiences in Costa Rica. But with any new experience come new learning opportunities. I am learning that blogging is challenging for me. Being able to put my thoughts into words and sharing stories that I typically just write in my journal on a daily basis hasn’t been the easiest part of this journey. But it is an important part.
Stories matter.
Have you ever experienced something so good that you just have to run and tell your best friend? Whether it be a moment of joy, sadness, or just straight hilarity, we all have stories to share.
So I want to share my story. The stories of what he is teaching me and of his beautiful creation. So why not start now? Here’s some stories about what he is doing here in Nicaragua. A country that has already stolen my heart.
I have always been passionate about kids. For years I was a babysitter, a nanny, and even became a teacher. I love getting to teach them, sing and dance with them, and love on them through hugs and tickle fights. Here in Nicaragua we are partnering with a ministry called Vision Nicaragua. Nicaragua is a poor country, specifically where we are many of the men are sick with kidney disease due to the pesticides they use here on their crops. Many of the children are malnourished and crave hugs and laughter. Through the amazing gift that vision Nicaragua is, we have been fortunate to have been able to engage this community in miraculous ways.
We have had the opportunity to share our testimonies and the gospel through door to door evangelism, organize games, songs, and dances for kids, and speak to a classroom of children about the effects of drugs and alcohol. Some of my amazing squad mates were able to step out in faith and share those testimonies. Today 20 children made the decision to follow Christ. God used stories to change their hearts and want a relationship with him. Through prayer God has restored and given hope to a 92 year old man named Pedro who hasn’t been able to walk and cannot see from one eye. God uses his story and people as vessels to speak that hope, life, and peace. Through experience working with children who have special needs, he has been able to speak his love into the heart of a child whose eyes glistened and wept when the words “Jesus te ama” (Jesus loves you) were spoken over her.
That’s what the gospel is. Jesus meeting his people right where they are. He uses his stories of healing, restoration, and hope to bring his people home to him and plant seeds of new life inside of their hearts. Stories aren’t just told, they are felt. They begin a movement that longs to have what you have experienced. To gain the free gift that we are so lucky to walk in. To know that there is a Father that loves them for who they are. It doesn’t matter where you have been, what you have done, or are even currently doing; nothing can separate you from his love. Even with the language barrier here, gods love pierces through that. The words may not be understood, but the heart feels it all.
My passion has always been for kids, but he is stretching that even further. My passion and heart is for his people. To be his vessel for his children and share his story. The story he gifted me with when I chose to follow him. The story that’s continually being rewritten as I continue to walk in his light. And what a glorious light that is.
You can be a part of this too. Your story matters. Go share it with the world. You never know who may be impacted by it. He can use you right where you are.
