Here in Palacaguina, Nicaragua all 50+ of us are living in our tents within a church, we all break off into groups during the week to do manual labor (yay!!!), and generally every night there is a church service to attend. The only place to get internet is the internet hole in the wall in town, there are little stores (and by stores I mean people’s living rooms) with Coca-Cola for less than $.50, and after going a few days without-the women providing our meals overheard that we like coffee so now we get spoiled almost every meal with it (praise Jesus).
I love the people in Nicaragua because the village where we are living is such an example of community. Here there are quite a few churches of all sorts of denominations and the pastors of each one have made it a goal to work together for the betterment of the village and for the glory of God. Every day here is a blessing.
I don’t know if anyone remembers, but I am actually a tiny person with no muscles, and one who despises any physical activity at that. So beginning this week when we climbed a hill just on our way to the church, and landed with shovels and wheelbarrows in hand when we got there, I was mentally preparing for one of the worst days ever. Thankfully, this challenge left me with only one option—to worship God through the dirt. All day long as my body is aching in muscles I never knew existed, I can no longer see the skin on my legs, and sweat is washing my face and hair, I was more joyful than I have been in a long time. I was given the opportunity to pray and worship all day long. Pray when scraping dirt, worship when carrying a wheelbarrow, pray when it was so hot I thought I would melt and thank God knowing that our work was all for Him. The fact that there was no way I could function during this manual labor thing without God allowed me to see my need for Him so much more. Is worldly comfort distracting you from worshipping God in all things?
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
–Revelation 4:11
Personal growth–as I’m finishing reading Exodus and starting Leviticus I’m learning about how faithful God is to His people (us) and how much He cares about all things. If you have ever read Exodus-Numbers then you know the details that God includes chapter after chapter after chapter. Whether the details are about food, festivals, the Ark of the Covenant, laws, worship, whatever. God put them in His Word for a reason and what has been speaking to me is that God includes all the details of the lives of the Israelites because He cares about them. In the same way He cares that I have stomach pain every morning, He cares that I’m seeking Him and that seeking Him means sometimes I trip on my face, He cares to listen when I reminisce about my family and friends back home, He cares about it all.
My view of God is constantly in awe and thanksgiving for the blessings He has given us this month and the love He continually pours out on me. Thanks so much for the prayers and encouragement. I pray blessings over all my friends and family back home. I miss and love you guys!
