It is wild to me to think that our first month is nearly over. As our team gets ready to head to our next country, Costa Rica, in a few days, I wanted to share what this last month of life and ministry has looked like.
Here at our first ministry host, REAP Granada, our team has enjoyed waking up every morning to the sight of the towering Mombacho. A 4,400 ft. tall volcano, Mombacho often catches a layer of clouds at its rugged peak, making for a stunning sight.
Throughout our time in Nicaragua, our whole squad has been together for an “all-squad” month before we will split up into smaller teams next month in Costa Rica. This has given us the awesome, unique opportunity to get to know all 36 people (plus leaders) on our squad (V-Squad) before breaking off into smaller groups for future months. My team, Vessel, is full of smart, sweet, sassy ladies who enjoy doing life and ministry together and can make a mean batch of 50+ quesadillas when the occasion arises. We love to laugh but can also be serious as we are diving deep or learning more about the Lord. You can read more about my team members at their blogs, linked to the left! These gals are wise beyond their years, and I am stoked to continue to get to know them better this year.
Our day to day life in Nicaragua has looked different throughout the week, but some things have been consistent. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we wake up early to pray from 5am-6am. Even though I am a morning person, the early starts have been challenging for me. Nonetheless, there is something irreplaceably beautiful about 50 people sitting around a basketball court, praying under the stars as the sun slowly creeps above the horizon. It reminds me every morning to focus my heart on why we are here, and it’s a good time to process what we are seeing and experiencing and ask the Lord to give me new insights and perspectives.
After prayer, we have our own time before breakfast. I usually read, nap in my hammock, or go on a walk or run around the beautiful property. Breakfast often consists of some combo of rice, beans, watermelon, banana, and eggs. Those closest to me will be proud to know that I have eaten more eggs in the last three weeks than I have in my entire life (not an exaggeration).
In the mornings and afternoons, we have done different ministries. I have been able to do everything from farming on the land, to serving food to people living and working at a dump, to walking through the local neighborhoods and visiting and praying with people. I have also had the great joy of being part of a special farming project that I will post a separate blog about. (**Stay tuned for more on the moringa tree**). REAP Granada is crazy intentional about getting to know, love, and serve its neighbors, and the impact they have had on this place is wild. It has been a privilege to serve alongside them and spread God’s love in lots of different ways, both big and small.
At night, we eat dinner together on a beautiful patio and have spent many evenings hearing someone’s story, doing worship, or just hanging out and playing games. Our community is a special blend of people from all backgrounds and different corners of the US, and I love getting to hear people’s stories and what brought them to the World Race and what they hope to get out of this year.
Although there have been challenges, and I constantly wrestle with what I am learning about God, it is a blessing to know I am in the right place. I miss everyone back home but am grateful for the new friends I am meeting and making. Nicaragua and its people have stolen a piece of my heart, and it’s tough to start saying goodbye! I am excited, though, for what lies ahead in Costa Rica!
Thank you all for following along this journey, and for your prayers. They are much felt and appreciated!
Be blessed!
