We arrived in Candelaria, Nicaragua on Wednesday night. It’s hard to believe that we have already been gone for a whole month and are into month two of the race. I feel like I’ve been gone forever, but time has flown..it’s weird! Momma and Daddy, thank you for loving me. I didn’t know it was possible for parents not to love their kids and I am so blessed for yalls unconditional love. Even more, I give thanks to my Heavenly Daddy’s love. How awesome that He is our ultimate comforter, healer, protector, friend, LOVER. I am so blessed to be called a daughter of God. I was hesitant at first to give my heart so fully this month, because it hurt leaving Honduras so much. But God pours so much love into us to be poured into other people. My prayer for this month is that my Daddy will show me how to love like he loves. That my heart will break for what breaks His. God is so big and I want to see big things happen this month. And they will. Love always wins. I can’t wait for what God is going to reveal to me and in me this month, but He has big things in store for Candelaria. The relationships are just now beginning to bloom and the love is going to be wild! The boys in Honduras will always be in my heart, but Daddy is taking care of them.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 3:7-9
It was so hard to leave Honduras and saying goodbye was not fun. I didn’t know my love could be so strong for people after only knowing them for only a month, but we had a good sob fest leaving our boys. I’m not talking about a few tears, but like snot down the face crying…it sucked. Leaving Luis made it especially hard for me. About a week before we left Honduras, I found out that Luis’ mother was not really out of his life like he had told us before. His mom is Elizabeth’s mother (a little girl that spent a lot of time with us) when he had told us Elizabeth was his cousin. They have the same mom different dad’s, and Luis is raised by his grandmother.
So one day Cassie and I spent the day with Luis. I asked him again if Elizabeth was his sister. He said firmly, that she was his cousin. We made it known to him that we knew who his mom is and asked how often they talk. What makes this even worse, that is they live in the same community only a few houses away. Luis told us he never talked to his mom and when we asked why, he told us it was because she didn’t love him. What?! I can’t even begin to fathom a parent not loving their child. It really is beyond what I can wrap my mind around.
Our last days there, we saw his mother come around some and they never even made eye contact when they were in the same building. Cassie and I told Luis how much we love him, how much God loves him, and what an amazing boy he is. If we could, we would be Luis’ mommas! The past few days, I’ve struggled with how Luis is doing because my heart is really with him. I worry about him, miss him, wonder what he’s doing. But I’ve realized all of my wonders and worries are pointless. God has Luis and the rest of the boys in His loving arms. I’m so thankful for that and can only rest in my faith that the Lord is continuing to love and protect them.
Check out the ministry I’m working with this month!
