Moved to a new area of the world! Central America!
This has been a big transition—in time, culture and teams.
During our 3 days of travel, I was blessed to have some rest time in LA at Manhattan Beach with Stephanie.
We arrived in Granada, Nicaragua on August 1st to meet our ministry contacts. Scott and Jenn run an organization called REAP Granada. Their ministries include discipleship classes, feeding programs with backyard Bible clubs, sports outreach, prison outreach and service projects.
(Please check out their website: http://reapgranada.com)
A week in the life
Sunday: We attended the bilingual church El Puente. I was beyond excited to be singing in Spanish and to be surrounded by the Latino culture. We even celebrated communion together. Afterward, we rode out to the baptismal that Scott and Jenn have built on their land. A local church was baptizing several church members that morning. It was such a beautiful place that was shining with new life. (I was excited to see baptisms that morning because in Alabama, my nephew was also being baptized that very morning!)
Monday: We went to the village area to a feeding program that incorporates a backyard Bible school as well. The kids loved coloring, playing and listening to the Bible story.
Then, we walked down the street to a family discipleship class. It was a mother with her son (11 years old). I was impressed with the understanding of the Bible and its truths from the family. I loved seeing their heart for His truths!
Tuesday: I stayed home this day with feeling of lightheadedness and dizziness. I thought I was dehydrated and was struggling with a migraine.
Although I missed ministry that day, I was able to listen to the Father. He spoke truths over me that morning—one truth that sticks out the most: He challenged me to allow himself to lavish His Love over me because it will help me appreciate the overflow of others’ love, but not emotionally require others to fill up my cup.
Wednesday: The teams began planting trees early in the morning at Scott and Jenn’s land. The planting of trees will help their land become self-sustaining because they will be able to sell avocados and limes for profit. They plan to plant over 700 trees throughout their land.
After finishing at the field, we were blessed to go to the lagoon for the afternoon. This lagoon was made from the crater of an extinct volcano.
Thursday: Today was a turn for the worse in my health. I thought I had bounced back yesterday, and was disappointed to wake up and feel so horribly. Sara and I went to the clinic with Mario (one of the translators).
The Lord challenged me to trust Him in this time—because I wasn’t sure what was going on. Thankfully the doctor was able to test my blood and learn that I have a virus.
Friday: Our off day—to rest! It was at perfect timing for me. To relax and let my body fight off the virus.
Saturday: In the morning, we started with sports ministry. While everyone played, I cheered on the teams and hung out with Maria Elena because she didn’t want to play either.
In the afternoon, Callie, Maggie and I stayed back to help Scott and Jenn with organizing their crafts and materials for ministry. I was grateful to use my love for organization and also be able to work at a slower pace since I am still recovering.
Sunday: I woke up feeling the best I’ve felt since being in Nicaragua. I was excited to return to the church again. Afterward, we decided to go on our adventure to the park. Sara was playing her guitar, while I sketched the cathedral. We prayed that the Lord would bring us different people that we could share His love and joy with. And he answered.
I met this boy on Sunday, and his name is Domingo (which translates to Sunday). He sells bracelets for his family, but his shoes are almost no longer shoes. Pray that the Lord would bless his family and his heart with His love and salvation.
Prayers:
-Physical health—I need complete restoration. The virus has pulled a lot of energy and strength out of me. My ears have been recovering from an infection and that the dizziness would dissipate. Also, one of my thyroid levels is elevated, pray that my body would normalize with the medicine I currently have.
-To love more—To choose to love my teammates well and invest in their hearts more. To encourage them and challenge them to be refined to look more like the Father.
With love,
Beth
