What does God’s calling feel like? What does it feel like to be called to a particular country? Will it be as difficult to say goodbye to the people I will be making friendships with in other countries as it was in Nicaragua? Or did God give me supernatural connections and relationships in Nicaragua because I am to return in the future? As I leave Nicaragua and enter Peru, these are questions that flood my mind.
Leaving the island of Ometepe, CICRIN orphanage and Centro Cristiano de Ometepe Chruch was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do so far on this trip. The children begged me to stay, the
tias (or aunties) told me that they would pray and ask God to allow me to return, the director was so sure that I would be back she said that when I return next year, I can help her run the orphanage as she takes a vacation, the eldest girl, 21 called me her big sister and Heissel called me “mama”. Odily, the lady who runs the children’s Sunday school, wanted to give me a gift so she took off her earrings and placed them on my ears.
Going into Nicaragua, all I wanted was to love on people, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I did not even think about how I would be affected. All the love that I poured out, I received back many times over.
What concerns me most is that these kids and others who are neglected, abused and abandoned may not have a place to go to next year. CICRIN’s biggest financial supporter is going through budget cuts and they are talking about cutting CICRIN’s financial support out of their budget. Hellen, the director has been brainstorming and implementing different methods of support-raising. Her goal is to have CICRIN self-sustained. They grow their own fruits and vegetables and Hellen invited jewelry makers to teach the older teens how to make jewelry. We were their first customers! They also have some private sponsors who are typically people who have visited the orphanage in the past. She is also building more structures to house volunteers and missionaries and charging a nominal fee for accommodations and kitchen services. All these methods help contribute to sustaining the orphanage. It only costs one hundred dollars a month per child to live at CICRIN. When I heard this, I shuddered at the thought of what I can and have spent that insignificant amount of money on.
As I continue to experience and to see the world, I can’t imagine that I would return back home and hold a “9 to 5”. However, I know people and places like CICRIN need financial support and some people are called to help support financially. Perhaps I will return to Nicaragua in the future and help run the orphanage while Hellen takes a vacation. For now, I continue on the race and seek God along the way. I’m sure He will show me what my calling is.
As I journeyed and followed God’s calling this past month, God swept me off my feet. Has God swept you off your feet lately? Have you asked God what your calling is and allowed Him to sweep you off your feet? He will take you for a ride of a lifetime if you allow Him to.
