Helloooo from Jinotepe, Nicaragua!! For the next 2 weeks we will be working with a ministry called Nueva Vida (New Life). Bonnie or "Momma B" has the lovely task of taking care of us during our stay here :0) Interesting fact about Bonnie: she is from Lancaster, PA! What are the odds that I would meet someone here that I grew up 2 hours from? God is funny like that sometimes.
Bonnie's ministry is similar to that of Tony's in Honduras with Zion's Gate. One difference being, the boys she cares for grew up in several orphanages before their lives intersected a couple years ago. At that time, Bonnie was not yet living in Nicaragua but traveling back and forth between here and the United States until finally she felt God gave her the go ahead to move here permanently. Bonnie couldn't be happier.
I know why. The people here love her to death! Yesterday was her birthday and some friends of hers, who live in the barrios (neighborhood), threw her a party. The night began with a word from God by the man of the house which turned into us singing several worship songs acapella until the cake was brought out! The 7 World Racer's eyes bulged at the sight of such a delicacy, haha. The best part of the night though was testimony time. Several people spoke about how much Bonnie has meant to them. Her "adopted" son, Carlos (19), translated for us. You could hear the pride in his voice and sense his respect and affection for her by the way he embraced her. Watching the scene filled me with anticipation for what is to come during our stay here. I can't wait to tell you all the amazing things God does through Bonnie, through us, and through this ministry!
Two other boys live at Nueva Vida with us: Elvis (26) and Jonathan (19).
Please be praying for rest – some of the girls on my team haven't been able to sleep through the night and wake up feeling exhausted. Pray for my heart to be softened – I find myself holding back from pouring my heart into these boys because our time here is so short. Pray for finances – 4 out of the 7 girls on my team have not reached their $11,000 April 1st deadline. If you'd like to help them out let me know by email [email protected] or facebook!
