We are here in Nicaragua-in Palacaguina to be exact. The only person in town that knows decent English (i think) is Janerr-our host, so we really get to practice our spanish (which i know very little).
I had to find a different way to love these people because I want them to feel loved but am unable to say it with words.
One of the things I learned in Africa is women are always always holding their babies, either on their back with a towel/blanket strapped around them or just carrying them everywhere they go because they don’t have strollers. Or sometimes older siblings have to hold their baby siblings while we were at church or a kids event. If we asked the moms/older siblings to hold their baby, they happily gave them up and went to go dance or sing. God reminded me of this while at a church service on Friday night. There was a young girl holding a kid maybe 4 years old asleep in her arms. While everyone is standing up and singing she has to sit and hold her brother while he sleeps. So I went over and asked to hold him, she immediately gave him to me so she could stand up. Sometimes I just grabbed her hand and put it to my face so she knew that she was loved and cared for.
Then last night (Saturda) at church she didn’t have her brother with her, but sat next to me and held my hand all night. We hardly said anything to each other but it didn’t matter because she knew that I loved her and could see how much God loved her even more. It’s just amazing that God thought us being here in Palacaguina, Nicaragua was a good idea at this specific ministry to interact with this specific girl to tell her that she is loved.
I already love it here and don’t want to leave! We also are doing a bit of construction, leveling out some dirt to extend the church. As well as some kids programs and singing at the church! More videos and pictures to come!
