In Nicaragua our team had the opportunity to stay at an orphanage/ youth shelter called La Quinta.  Our ministry for the month was just spending time with the teens living there.   Without question these are the most amazing teenagers I’ve ever met in my entire life.  I actually procrastinated writing this blog because I wasn’t sure exactly how to explain what this month was like for me.  These kids stole my heart in the worst way. 
 
Their stories are heart breaking but they are such fighters and so strong to overcome that you can’t help but see the people God is creating them to be.  I could tell you a few stories to make you cry but they are so much more than a sad story.  Ismael (20) hears the voice of God so clearly that he was praying and preaching to us.  It was amazing to watch him step out and pray for the other kids there.  Jonathan (17) is always up for singing High School Musical with Trish.  Perla (19) loved kids like nobody’s business and Flor (14) gives the best hugs. 
 
They were all such a blessing to us, helping with translation and going with us all over town when we needed one thing or another.  I miss them terribly.  I actually stayed an extra 2 days at La Quinta because I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving.  When it finally came time to leave my team had to pack my stuff for me and practically carry me out of the place.  If God hadn’t specifically told me “get on the plane Rachel” I would probably still be there.  So that said, here is a video of some spectacular men and women of God.