It has been approximately a week since launch. Training camp was very intense, full of great worship, great messages, new brothers sisters in Christ, different food, crying, laughing, hugging, bucket showers, and the wonderful and everlasting love of Jesus. Just three days and into this adventure, God has already done some pretty amazing things. After training camp, our team departed from Atlanta, GA to Fort Lauderdale, FL and finally to Managua, Nicaragua. The next morning, we boarded a ferry that took us to Ometepe Island (absolutely beautiful). We then took a van to where we are staying now: Cicrin Ophanage. Once we arrived, we were greeted in probably the best way possible. Kids ran towards us with smiles of love and pure joy on their faces, hugging everyone. There is so much beauty here that is so apparent. The sunsets, the water, the birds, but most of all, I see most of the beauty in the people here. Even though they’re is a large language barrier, and I don’t understand most of what they’re saying most of the time, I still see the light of Jesus shine through them. They put their heart into everything they do, even if it means doing chores all day everyday. Throughout the week, our team has had the privilege to be a part of helping with many different tasks such as assisting the school and orphanage by helping at the kitchen, helping build a new classroom, helping the principal, cleaning windows, raking leaves, painting, feeding chickens, and so much more.
Today, our team went to a church service here on the island. The environment of the church was so community driven and relational. The preacher touched on spiritual gifts and how we’re each given one specifically. After that, the service went into watching a random movie. Yes, a movie. Different, yes, but it showed me how open and relational the people of the church are – that they would stay together at the church and watch a movie together, even if it’s 95 degrees in the building.
These experiences, tasks, and situations can easily spark a challenge and can make one tempted to maybe see the negative. It can be easy to focus on how you’re seen or how something can promote you or if you are spiritually growing. Its also easy to focus on the types of relationships you make, if any. It is easy to wonder if you’re fitting in or if people like you or not. These are some things that specifically have challenged me personally this last week.
B,,Recently though, I was reminded again what my purpose is and reminded of why I am here. I should not seek purpose in what people think of me, in the fear that I don’t measure up. I shouldn’t constantly be worrying if I’m growing spiritually/personally or not. Yes, it is important to take care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is also important to build good and healthy friendships. However, it is also important to remember that its not about me.
As a child of God, my purpose is to worship the Lord, and be a part of His growing kingdom. Putting my focus on God and the people around me, showing them love and putting their needs before mine is a form of worship. One can show that love in so many ways (here and not here), whether its by spending time with the kids or doing a construction project, and having fun while doing it. For me, it can be a daily battle trying to take control of my thoughts. I can decide whether to dwell on the bad or focus on God’s truths and be in the present. I am having to rely on Him constantly. Satan prowls around like a lion ready to attack at any moment so I need to keep my guard up. I recently read a Jesus Calling devotional that reminded me how I am “clothed in His righteousness”, and that I can “relax in His perfect love.” I am so thankful to have a loving God that is always there for me. In any situation or challenge, I can depend and lean on Him. I do miss home and my comfort zone but I have a God that is my Constant.
Thanks for reading!
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light
