it’s been hard for me to think of words for these past 2 months. I don’t know how many times I have sat down to write a blog, but couldn’t think of how to put all my thoughts together.
I have loved every part of my journey so far. I have loved the kids and the people. I have loved being a teacher and a friend. I have even loved the times when there hasn’t been anything to do for days and you come to the point when you are just bored.
when I was at home preparing to go overseas for the next 9 months of my life, I couldn’t imagine it. it didn’t seem real. I couldn’t imagine being uncomfortable or being in the unknown. I couldn’t imagine how God would use me or what He would do in my life. now that I am here, uncomfortable and in the unknown, I can’t imagine being home. there are times when I dream about home and my family. I dream about eating chocolate chip cookies and cuddling on the couch with a huge knit blanket. but the smiles, the running hugs, the laughs, the tears, and the love all make me want to be here. it reminds me of my purpose here. my desire to be a disciple and for the Kingdom to grow
my experience in Costa Rica was one I will never forget. the people poured into my life more than I ever thought I could pour into theirs. they helped me go deeper with the Lord. they let me be myself and they loved me. I got the opportunity to be an English teacher to middle and high school students. the challenging part was I didn’t know Spanish. I had to work with a little girl named Yeilin who didn’t know any English at all. so it was really hard for us to communicate. she was severely shy and would be embarrassed easily. my prayer for her was to smile everyday that I worked with her. she didn’t just smile, she laughed uncontrollably! God worked so much in my life the first month of my race. He prepared me for the rest of my journey and took me to the hidden places I needed to be in.
even though Nicaragua is right above Costa Rica, it is a very different place. but, Nicaragua has my heart! I was actually least excited about this country and wanted to just get it over with. Well God is funny and completely changed my perspective on Nicaragua. He revealed all of His beauty and His creation here. everywhere I look, I am in awe. looking over the tops of the mountains with the ocean in the distance and the sky painted with gorgeous colors as the sun is setting. we live in a safe home for the kids who live on the streets surrounding. the kids come here to play and be loved. I love them with all of me. they love to play soccer and throw football. the girls love to play with my hair and hug me. I’m so sad to leave this beautiful place, Casa De Goza (House of Joy)! and I’m so sad to leave my kids.
I will never forget the places, the people, and the beauty God has revealed to me these past two months. I’m looking forward to what is next!
I will never stop growing deeper and deeper with my Father.
Loving always,
Janie
