That’s right, folks… I’ve been in Nicaragua for 2 weeks already! It is crazy to think that I am in my last country of The World Race. A lot has happened since my last post, so let me back up for a quick second here.
My last month in Cape Town was easily one of the best months of my Race (or my life, for that matter). I had so much fun living in the Love Shack, and I learned so much from each of my 18 crazy roommates there. We worked in the Westlake Primary School, and I was in Ms. Rex’s third grade class. I helped teach Life Skills to them, and we of sang lots of fun songs. We also continued running the aftercare program in Westlake (and helped a bit with their community garden). After working in that area for two months, we had lots of sweet relationships there that made goodbyes hard.
Besides that, I took every opportunity to enjoy the Cape Town! It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, much less lived in. I am so grateful for my time there, and leaving was not easy. We especially got close to our sweet host family: “Mama,” Pastor Richard, and their 8 year old daughter, Faith. I have certainly left a big piece of my heart in South Africa.
After one of the most exhausting 50 hour travel days ever, Gap D Squad arrived in Granada, Nicaragua! During our first few days here, we got brand new teams for this last leg of the Race. My new team, Team Holla-lujah, consists of Maddux, Diego, Jake, Lucas, Christie, Courtney, and myself! We will be living on our own these three months, and I am super excited about this group of people.
THEN MY PARENTS CAME ON THE WORLD RACE WITH ME FOR A WEEK! They were here in Granada, and we got to do lots of different kinds of ministry together… from clearing fields with machetes, to prayer walking in the barrios, to playing with kids at a feeding program. It was such a special time to show Mom and Dad some of what I’ve been doing for the past 6 months. I also had the opportunity to lead worship with my Dad, so that was pretty cool.
Then we were off to Palacagüina! My team is staying here with a very spunky family, and it already feels like home. We don’t have a lot here, but the community is really great. So far, we have been helping with the beginning stages of constructing a Christian school next to a local church (aka moving rocks with wheelbarrows and shovels). We have church three times a week! There, we are doing lots of preaching and leading worship. It sounds like we will begin working with the youth group very soon! We have also begun to make friendships with a lot of the locals here. My new friend showed me how to properly make Nicaraguan coffee the other day at her house!
It is crazy to think that I am in my last country of the World Race Gap Year. Thank you to everyone that has been supporting me and praying for me along this journey.
Some things I would love for you to join me in prayer for…
For my team and I to finish well, and be fully present during the last few months of the Race.
For us to be a continual blessing to our hosts while we are here.
For a continual spirit of joy in every situation and circumstance.
For my new friend, Carolina, and for her heart to be open.
For fruitful ministry here in Nicaragua.
For safety and good health (food and water can be sketchy).
That each day we are here, we would become more of the men and women that God has called us to be.
Thank you! More updates to come. See you in a few months, America!
