As many of you know, I had to adjust to the idea that my world race would not include a month in my favorite country: Nicaragua. Being the reason I chose this route, plus the home of many of my beloved friends, this acceptance took a few conversations with Jesus. As he always does, he filled me with peace to help get my mind and spirit back on track.
Trusting Jesus with this part of my heart has really paid off. The first night here at Transforma I found myself in tears as they explained their mission and vision. This NGO is serving families in poverty by providing trade classes such as sewing, hair, nails, massage, making soap and entrepreneurship. They are fighting poverty through giving dignity back to women. I was excited because their strategy was a lot of what I studied while in my Master’s program. I was excited to join in on their efforts, but what really got me was that 70% of the women they are serving are Nicaraguan.
Upon hearing this, I instantly felt the Holy Spirit in this place and in this month. No, I couldn’t go to Nicaragua, but that would not stop me from loving its people. Some of my favorite days have been when we have visited a packed community kindly called “little Nicaragua.” Most of the tin homes are filled with Nicaraguans who have just arrived recently, or have been here for a few decades.
One day we walked into the home of a woman who just joined Transforma. She and a few of her neighbors seemed a little timid. She explained that they left Nicaragua a few months ago because of the violence and she has been separated from her husband for two years. For some reason I asked her “is the separation good?”
Instantly, there were tears in her eyes and the atmosphere in the room changed. There were no words to say, so instead I crossed the room and hugged her. As I hugged her, I believe a wall was broken down; a wall that insisted on putting up a face, choosing to be strong for her kids, and pushing the pain aside. What came out of my mouth next was completely from the Lord. He guided my Spanish and chose to speak words of encouragement over her.
After I spoke, Kenadi felt led to share her story of pain and loss, which opened the door for the other women to share their stories. In the end, we were all the same; humans with heartache, tragedy and imperfections. Yet, we could all rejoice in the truth that God loves us and he has given each of us purpose.
While exiting her house I thought to myself, “I think we just experienced a holy moment.” We were strangers who became family in a matter of hours because we all recognized that we had the same father. I believe some of the conversations we had encouraged healing and self-worth.
This is one story of many encounters with women from Nicaragua. I’ve been able to hug moms who have children left behind, ones who are in desperate need of finding jobs, ones who have been praying for peace in their country, ones who have husbands who left them, ones who have just started the beginning of the education and ones who left everything behind to ensure the safety of their babies.
I have been able to serve Nicaragua through loving its displaced people. The simple task of listening, relating and hugging has brought me so much joy because I know it has proven worth in others and provided encouragement in a difficult season.
When plans fall through, and things do not go the way you expected or want, do not be discouraged. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, His will and purpose will always be uncovered. As it is said in Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
And who knows, what he brings may even be better than what your plan was all along.
