One person can make a difference.

Hello Friends and Family that are following! I have had such a busy last couple weeks (with no work; yes, weird, but true)! I hope this finds you all well! I have been thinking about what to write about; the amount of food we eat for Christmas, the amount of food we eat for the New Year, or the amount of food I ate while my parents were here and treated as royalty. Well as most of you probably have already figured out, I have eaten a lot lately! This month of December has been full of fun, food, and family (three of my favorite things). The CFCI team I work with had “off work” since December 13th and my days of vacation started a little later. I had a 2-week vacation from December 24th until January 7th. I was blessed to be able to take off two weeks because as most of you know; health care is a constant need. I was able to relax, rest, and re-charge my batteries for this wonderful new year of 2013! I have been praying to have a light and a fire for God that cannot be extinguished no matter how hard, how tired, or how much I want to quit. I ask you to partner with me in this prayer and I challenge you to pray if for yourselves as well. God calls each one of us to serve Him wherever we are and to influence those in our own personal “influential spheres”. I challenge you to count the number of people you spend an hour around during a normal day throughout a week. The average number of people we influence by spending over an hour or more with these people is around 12 (17 at most). Mine is about 14. I am pretty amazed. God has given me 14 people to reach out to and hopefully make a powerful impact so that when my time on this earth is done and my time in Nicaragua is through; they will be forever changed. In some way, shape, or form I desire to make changes to the people in my influential sphere. Everyone has a chance to make a difference. And that is what I want to talk about; making a difference. I want to reference Noah (considering I am reading the whole bible this year in chronological order). I have read through the first twelve chapters of the Genesis and have realized that Noah was one person who made a difference in this world. Something I constantly need to be reminded of is “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1. People watch what we do; no matter if we know or not. Everyone around you watches you. I am not saying this to try to creep you out or convince you that you have stalkers. But the human mind is scientifically proven to learn from experience. A lot of people would admit they are visual learners. Since Noah listened so obediently to the word of God, he made a difference in this world. I desire to have the same effect where I am at today. Last year I struggled with the thoughts that told me “I am not making a difference”, or “I haven’t evangelized to one person”, or even “Melissa, you’re wasting your time; might as well go home and actually start your career.” ALL of these thoughts were the devil speaking to me and trying to convince me that my work for God’s kingdom is worthless. I know that God is being glorified no matter if all I do in a day is fill medicines or if I get to be a part of a medical brigade and pray over sick people all day. Every little second of my time spent here is making a significant difference for his kingdom and for my eternity. Another thing Noah did was made he a difference for his family. He was chosen out of his whole family and with that, was allowed to save his family because of his salvation and his heart. He found favor in the eyes of the Lord. He made a difference for his generation. Come on people; Noah started a generation! He also made a difference for God. He obeyed God and built an ark even though it took 120 years. He kept doing the things he was told. I mean for me, I personally would have probably given up around year 2. People today want things done quickly and efficiently that we don’t hear when God whispers into our hearts and tells us how we could impact this world in His timing. The society has taught us that fast and in large quantities is best. If I had that attitude down here I would be disappointed day after day. I would be losing and captured by the thoughts of the enemy. You have to wait on Him. God is never late in anything! His timing is perfect and his plan is perfect (He is also perfect as well; so you’re ok, the maker of the universe has it under control). I have noticed, or should I say others have noticed me. I stand out like a sore thumb here in Nicaragua; even after I dyed my hair! People can notice “cheles” (or Americans) like it’s their job. I get stared at everyday. I hated it at first and wondered why people have to be so rude and stare. Now, I hardly notice because I am still busy looking at the city and thinking how my God is watching from above with a huge smile. I am making a difference by being different! I am a 23 year old girl who has stopped my life and handed it over to God to see how much more impactful I can be when I listen and obey Him. I have seen miracles and smiling faces everyday I have been here, and that has been my biggest blessing. Like a lot of other firsts in my family; after being the first in my immediate family to graduate from a 4-year college, I have left and taken the title of a missionary. I wasn’t afraid to do something no one in my family has done before. It takes a lot to literally scare me out of doing something (which is a good thing). All of you probably know the story of Noah pretty well. Noah made an ark because God saw that the world was evil and he was ashamed he made man. He told Noah to make an ark and his whole family and two kind of every animal will get on this ark. He allowed it to rain for 40 days and 40 nights and there was a flood and all the people and animals of the world that were not in the ark died. He then promised Noah with a rainbow that he would never flood the entire world again. I want you to take another look at a rainbow the next time you see it and instead of thinking about God’s promise, think about Noah and how ONE PERSON MADE A DIFFERENCE. Noah obeyed, made a difference, stood out, and wasn’t afraid. All of these things have crossed my mind at least once since I have been here and I am proud to say that I see myself a little more like Noah everyday. To give you an update on my busy couple weeks: Christmas is celebrated on the 24th here, my parents came to visit over New Year’s where big stuffed dolls were burned at a stake, and a miracle took place! Christmas here is celebrated on the 24th here and it is a little different for me. No present were exchanged (except for Liam of course). Kids get luxury at Christmas; but that’s worldwide I think. I called my parents and they said they were having a “different” Christmas this year. They had Christmas brunch and were missing me. I was sad, but realized I was experiencing something I may never experience again. I embraced it and it was fun. We had a huge meal and stayed up till about 1:30 AM and talked and hung out and watched fireworks that made the whole city of Managua alive. Fireworks are used all throughout December and into the first of the year of course. My parents came down and got here a little late (unexpected) because their plane that was supposed to arrive on Friday the 28th at 2:00AM actually arrived 12 hours later and on a different airline. It was fine with me; because I got more sleep ☺ I was sad, but I could wait. It meant 12 hours less in their presence, but it was for a reason (not sure what, but God does). They arrived and when we got back to the house, we realized we were missing a suitcase. “Que lastima” (what a shame) as my grandma would say! It really was such a shame, considering all the clothes I planned on blessing the women in my family with were in that bag. I was so upset and that night when my parents and I laid down for bed at 9:30, I didn’t fall asleep until about 2:00 AM. I was troubled asking God “why did this have to happen?”, “what could I have done to prevent this?”, “God, my parents are going to hate Nicaragua and think it’s more dangerous than it actually is.” The next morning I got up at 5:30 (since I couldn’t sleep) and wrote in my journal since my heart was troubled. I had a talk with my Nicaraguan mom about it over coffee, and I started crying. I was so upset and I told her “there was all these clothes in that suitcase for you, Karen, and Silvia. I feel so bad, like it was my fault.” She said “No, Melissa, God is in control. God gives and he takes away. If someone stole that bag, then they needed it and God knew that. We have bigger treasures than earthly ones. We have an eternal promise with God and we will get bigger things in heaven. The things of this earth don’t matter.” Wow, she was right. She opened my eyes. I prayed then that God take away the trouble I felt and the thoughts of anger I had toward this missing suitcase. I asked the group that donated the clothes (Venue Reach, Bayside Community Church) to pray that this bag would somehow show up and that I was sorry it was lost. I know that a lot of people saw this and hopefully prayed for it to appear. Well New years went by, my dad left on new years day at 2:00 AM (horrible hours with Spirit). My mom stayed till the 4th and we went to the airport 3 different times trying to get a copy of the claim my dad and my Nicaraguan dad made on the day we realized we didn’t have it in our possession. On the way to airport I prayed and told God that if the suitcase was not there, I would forget about it and leave it up to Him and prayed the person who had it would use the clothes for good and maybe the person that stole this suitcase was poor and needed it. I had no clue what God had in store. My mom eventually left on another 2:00 AM flight on Friday the 4th. While my parents were here we got to see Granada, take a boat tour of some islands that were formed from a volcano, see Catarina, which is now a lagoon that was formerly a volcano. We got to go to Masaya and visit the volcano park. We got to go to the clinic where I work and enjoy an amazing meal with the doctor and his family. I made them take the bus with me to experience what I do everyday. I wanted them to experience a little bit of what I do here in Nicaragua. They came to church with me and met a lot of the people I see in a regular week. I was so excited to show them my city, where I live, and what I do. My mom stayed a little later and she helped me one day in the clinic in the pharmacy. I had to translate for her, but she did give about 5 injections! I was blessed to have my mom with me and help me with what we both love doing. I think the biggest fascination for my parents was the number of people and age of those riding motorcycles. The max they saw on one motorcycle was four. I have seen five; child in front, dad driving, another child stuck between the mom holding an infant. It is a way of life here; it’s normal. Just embrace it and be thankful it’s not you! Back to the suitcase story; my parents met this man on the way down here from Costa Rica who was married to a Nicaraguan woman. They had eight suitcases for three people and my parents checked an extra one on for them because their limit was exceeded. They got to know this guy pretty well and my dad gave him his business card. After we lost our suitcase I asked, “Why didn’t you get that guys number?” and they were wondering the same. So my parents came and went. I forgot about the suitcase and I was texting my dad the day my mom got home and he was asking about his favorite little boy (Liam). I was updating, sending pictures of him swimming in the pool and playing and being the cutie that he is. And my dad said, ”guess who called?” I couldn’t believe it; the guy they met on the plane called and had our suitcase! I screamed and my mom thought something terrible happened. I told her “the suitcase; the guy has it!” The whole house was screaming and thanking God! Well long story short, we picked up the suitcase and I was able to bless the women of my family with some new clothes. They loved them and were so thankful. So thank you for those of you who prayed and my reminder for this whole year is that GOD IS FAITHFUL. Take every blessing with gratitude and believe that even when it looks bad, God is there. He loves hid children and will bless those who trust him. I have a great outlook for this New Year! God is good! Gracias a Dios! This past week we sang God of this city (in Spanish of course) and it spoke to me. God will change Managua Nicaragua and I would ask all of you to pray for this city, the clinic I work in, and the church I attend. We are desperately praying for the money to come in to purchase the property and are praying to our faithful God that the funds will be provided. I also ask you to pray for my dream; to run an orphanage. I was told today in my devotional meeting (held every Thursday) that I have a heart for kids. I immediately felt compelled to tell my CFCI team that I have always dreamed of running an orphanage. I was in tears by the end of this little speech because it is such a passionate subject and a desire that I hope to fulfill one day. I know God can do great things for his children who desire to serve His kingdom and do good for Him. I know that with His power, His plan, and the motivation He coerces me with I can do anything and nothing is impossible for my God! Thank you all for your continued prayer and support! Enjoy the pictures!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

months 3-4 in Nicaragua

Make a difference

I have learned a lot about myself in this new environment. I have learned that I sweat all throughout the night as I sleep and immediately after taking a cold shower. I have realized by stomach is not strong enough to handle the different bacteria prevalent in this country. I have also learned that the closeness of this culture is something I do not like. On the bus, it is common for a crowded bus to have people hanging out the doors, looking like they are holding on for dear life. I have seen people drunk from the night before, passed out on the curbside not even woken up by the busy hustle and bustle of a brand new day. I have realized the loudness of this culture and embraced it thus far, (as much as I possibly can) still jumping every time a firework is shot off in the middle of the day. I have learned to love the acceptance of people who don’t know me and allow me to give them a shot, take their blood pressure, or explain their medication regimen for the next 30 days. Since getting moved to the pharmacy I have learned that a lot of the medications are donated to the patients from a special organization (Mennonite background) called Christian Aid Ministries (https://www.christianaidministries.org/programs/19); you can read more about this organization and the places they donate medicines. I have met many other Mennonites down here. I have been blessed knowing that people have done work such as packing medicines, making soaps, and sending them all down to Nicaragua where they get distributed to more than just the clinic I work at. I have learned so many new things since being here. I have learned more about me, the family I live with, the team I work with, but most importantly; the God I love and I am here to serve. I have learned how faithful and true he is in times where I need him most. I felt very homesick lately and missing my family terribly because I have never missed a Christmas at home. I was talking with other missionaries from different countries (United States and Costa Rica) and they helped me understand the differences and the feelings when they first moved here. They shared some stories over a great American meal (burgers and fries from Burger King). I have also been challenged to pray and fast for the CFCI organization. On December 17th, all CFCI missionaries worldwide will be fasting and praying for our organization. How cool is that?! I am so excited! We are praying for the upcoming year and praying that God blesses us immensely and showers each country with funds, teams, and people that can help add more blessings to the specific teams located worldwide. I recently returned from a medical brigade and I absolutely loved every second of it. I made many new friends and I learned a lot about the clinics and churches started around the area we helped. This place is called Somoto and located in the northern part of the country. It is located in the mountains and the atmosphere is very refreshing after being in Managua all the time (where it is still 85 at night in December). I had the opportunity to be on a trip that was a memorial for a couple men who started coming down to Nicaragua in the late 70’s and preaching the gospel and planting churches. These men listened to God’s voice and were obedient to his word. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” The first day of the brigade I got to give de-worming pills and vitamins to all the people who came to see the doctor, dentist, or eye doctor. If the patients needed to see all three, they had access to all three. The medications we gave were free and so were the consults. The number of people we saw on the first day was about 125 and on the second day we saw about 100. Thirty five people gave their life to Christ on the first day and seven on the second day. I made home visits on the first day in the afternoon. I was the only medical person in attendance. I was seeing patients, giving them meds I think they needed and I even got to dress a wound. We prayed over every person we saw and that was probably the most influential part of the home visits for me. Every one prayed at the same time and it felt like I could hear all the prayers and what everyone was saying. I felt surrounded by God’s presence and his guardian angels. On the second day, I did home visits in the morning and helped pack vitamins later that day. I may have come in contact with TB (please pray that all people in our group are safe and do not have any health complications with TB). The last day we were there, e went to a missionary school in the morning and then we spent our last day at a place called “Los Pipitos”. This center is for children with disabilities and they got consults with the doctors. These children go here and do rehab and get help with tasks needed for everyday living. I loved this part of the trip, these kids blessed my day! I got to know this group really well and they invited me to go with them on Friday to zip lining in Granada and shopping at the Masaya market. Of course I said yes because I made such good friends. I am truly blessed to be here and doing God’s will in my life. I could not imagine doing anything else right now. I know this is exactly where he wants me to be and what he wants me to be learning. This weekend is our church’s fundraiser. I ask you to partner with me in prayer and keep the property of the church in your thoughts and prayers as you end this year and enter into a new one. I know that prayer is very powerful. I believe that it changes lives! I have been getting into the word and reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. I am reading and finding out ways to challenge myself to believe in the things I think are impossible. Nothing is impossible for God. If you think you should be somewhere your not, give your requests to God and He will guide you to where you need to be. If you think you are not spending enough time with God, Get in the word, pray diligently, and love mercilessly. You only have one time on this earth, one chance to make an impact, one time to shout his name. How will you spend the time you have occupying the land he has blessed us with? Are you going to sit in America (where your comfortable) and live day by day like you normally do? Or are you going to listen to his command and be obedient like it says in Matthew? “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 This life is the only one you’ve got; make differences, not excuses; change lives, not your cheek; give your life because He gave His son.

Countless blessings!

Wow, it has been a really long time since I have written and I am completely and honestly so sorry! I am going to give you a run down of the things I have done since my last post. I did a two-day medical brigade at a school located close to the clinic I work at everyday. The doctors were asked to come and see kids and prescribe medicines if needed at no cost to the children (the school paid for it). I was so touched by this experience. One of the small ministries the doctor is involved in is giving away free mini bibles at his clinic. He brought two boxes (each box holding 100) and was giving them away before the short devotion we had each morning before the brigades. The kids loved receiving this small gift. Even if they couldn’t read, these kids loved receiving something they could hold and grasp and call their own. It touched my heart. The children were also obsessed with the fact I could speak English. They asked me to talk in English and I was asking them to speak Spanish! It was such a wonderful trade off and I was so blessed by each child I came into contact with at this mini medical brigade. I loved every second of it! I also got a ticket; yes, for being in a car, but I was not driving, so it was not for speeding!!! Ha. I got a ticket for not wearing my seatbelt (shame on me). But in the end, it was literally a blessing. When you get a ticket here, you get your license taken and have to retrieve it later at the department of transportation and if its anything like in the states, you wait for way to much time than necessary. The doctor didn’t pick his license up for the remainder of that week and I am so blessed because he didn’t. That Friday at the clinic, a patient came in and he was consulting her and went to go look for a medication in the pharmacy and left his wallet in the room with the patient. He came back in the room to find his wallet and the patient who was previously in the room gone as well and a new patient siting in the chair waiting to be consulted. He told me that he had the two checks from the medical brigade in his wallet and if he would have picked up his license and had it, the person who stole his wallet could have easily cashed the checks and been off with the money. It was about $400 total (including a check for the consults and the medicines given at the brigade). I was so thankful to hear this! I thanked God! He is awesome! Another blessing to be thankful for is a little girl at the medical brigade named Diana gave me a bracelet and she seriously had holes in her shoes and clothes on her back and nothing else. She literally gave me everything she had to give! I was so overwhelmed, I will admit, I did tear up. It was so touching and I was so blessed! I thank God everyday for the little things that literally take my breath away. On a Tuesday at the clinic, I saw a febrile seizure take place. I have never seen a child have a seizure and it was hard on me. I tried praying for the mother of the child who ran into the clinic screaming shortly after she left with her sick child. She was terrified and I would imagine anyone who has a child could relate, but I surely can’t. I was so shocked as well, but all I could think to do was pray. Pray for peace, healing, comfort, and love. The things I thought would be the most important at that time for that woman and her child. I looked up two bible verses to send off with the mom as she was headed to the hospital because her child had a really high fever. I wrote down Isaiah 41:10 and Psalms 103:1-5. I was not able to give them to her because she left before I could talk to her and give them to her. This month, my friend from Omaha Nebraska left to go back home after her four months here of teaching and being a blessing! She was so important to me and I really confided in her as a true friend. She was so encouraging to me and gave me hope that there are positive people in this world. We also celebrated thanksgiving. It was different than any Thanksgiving I have ever had. I know it was improved because they normally don't celebrate it here. We had huge tamales that I could not even finish. Then there was dessert. You may think thats small and not enough food, but no one finished the main plate of a single tamale. They were 1.5 times the normal size! I had a great time and I have so much to be thankful for! I also went to the oriental market; the biggest market in Central America! Mom and Dad, get ready, we will be going there! It is a once in a lifetime experience and I won't let you miss out! I was grabbed this way and that being screamed at to buy the things from different vendors. Heard "mi amor", "chelita", "que bonita", "ven aqui", "que buscar". These all have different meanings, but they don;t matter. It was funny and entertaining. I walked in looking for a pair of shoes and left with a Barcelona jersey. It was a great deal and it was Nike! $8.00 for a full nike jersey; who wouldn't buy it?! I love it! My brother and my nephew here and I all have the same jersey! Picture below :) I have also been watching sermons and keeping up with keeping my spiritual cup filled. I know that sometimes after all my giving and doing, I feel drained at the end of the day, but I watch sermons from Highlands, Elevation or Life church to keep rejuvenated. I have been encouraged; I recently understood a whole sermon in Spanish, I have also been showered with blessings from the ultrasound doctor about how good I am getting at locating and identifying certain organs with the ultrasound machine. I have felt so blessed and am relying on God everyday to keep me encouraged and filled to do the work he has called me to do. I love what I am doing and would not change ANY of it for ANYTHING! I have never been more spiritually and mentally satisfied than I am down here. This brings me to my next point. I have recently finished reading the book “Radical” by David Platt; a preacher at a mega church in Birmingham Alabama. I am challenging you guys to read it (if you haven’t already). If you have read it, please join me in the radical experiment. This includes: praying for the entire world, reading the entire bible, sacrificing money for a specific purpose, spending time in another context, and committing yourself to a multiplying community (either a church body, a small group, etc.). This is am awesome adventure I am so excited to have started and loving everyday of it! I recently got moved to the pharmacy at the clinic, because it was re done and it is double the size and hold a lot more medicine. The former pharmacist needs assistance, so I moved over there for a little to help her out. It has not been as fun as triage was because I don’t get the special interaction I used to with some patients. I am still blessed to see the people I do and help with the specific doctors when they come to the clinic, but I hope to get back into triage and seeing and interacting with patients one-on-one. I love the personal relationships and smiles and just rapport that is developed over taking down a persons name, age, and heart rate (sometimes blood pressure depending on age). I feel so much more important when I get that personal interaction, but I know God has a purpose for me whether I work in the pharmacy or in triage. I am going to do another medical brigade with the doctor from the clinic on the 8th of December to the 12th with a team from Georgia. I ask for you to pray for me during this time. I heard this is a colder part of the country (finally!). I am so blessed to be able to be here and forming relationships that will last a lifetime; with the team I work with, the family I live with, and the people I work with. I thank you all for your support and keep a close watch; my next blog post will have a video included. Miss you all!

2 month video!

Living a life of transcendence

Today marks two months since I have been in Nicaragua and my faith has grown tremendously since day one. I have been intrigued to learn more; more about God, His grace, His love, and His word. I have been watching sermons in english to help get my fix of biblical teaching because I still only comprehend about half of a message in spanish. I have come to the realization that I am here because God has granted me the grace to live beyond myself. None of this would be possible with just human dependence, that is why God is in control. One sermon recently touched me because it related to me on more than one level. Many of you know I was studying for my nursing test before I came here; and I eventually took my test three times before passing. I now know that is was all a blessing in disguise, in God's plan. It bought me perseverance, patience, and to lean on his understanding and knowledge. As you prepare to take the NCLEX, you must think about questions based on hierarchal needs. Fellow nurses know the importance of Maslow when it comes to human needs. In nursing school I learned his five levels of needs starting with physical needs and ending in self-actualisation. Chris Hodges (pastor of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham Alabama) added a whole other detention and that is my aim for my life. The last need he added to the pyramid of importance is transcendence needs. Before I came to Nicaragua I wish I could proclaim my life was this unique and radical. As I have lived here, I have learned that without God, none of this would be possible; so therefore I am nothing without God and I need him to be vibrantly present in EVERY aspect of my life (finances, work, relationships, character, etc.). Living a life of transcendence means looking beyond yourself and what you discover about yourself; using it to help others. Dictionary.com defined being transcendent as "going beyond ordinary limits; surpassing; exceeding", "superior or extreme", and the best one yet "transcending the universe, time, etc.". If you don't understand why the last one was the best, your missing my point. Read Proverbs 9:6 (leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding) to comprehend my point. The difference between your life now and the life of many people here is for you tomorrow will be a regular day *you most likely will get up, go to work, eat lunch, walk about politics or whatever occupies your thoughts during most of the day, home come, prepare and eat dinner, go to bed, and perform that routine all over again the next day leading up to the weekend). I am not pointing fingers, I was doing the same thing and I left my certainty for un-certainty. That life is so different to the ones lived here. People here think about what they will have to eat tomorrow or how they will get to work tomorrow. Will they be able to afford the C$2.5 (cordobas) for the bus (5 cents it would cost in American dollars)? Will they be able to purchase lunch for C$60 ($2.54 American dollars)? Getting back to my point; live a life with meaning, beyond yourself and rely on God for everything possible! Walk up a street to a life of meaning. Bring God along! Don't leave him behind because without Him (the creator of the universe, night and day, time, etc.), you cannot live a transcending life. My point, live life intentionally; love God passionately, and serve others selflessly. These things are ONLY possible with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ. We can live a life beyond ourselves if we solely rely on Him. I am so excited how my life is changing because everything I do comes from Him. Try it for yourself at home and see how your life changes! I challenge you; pick up your cross, give it all away, and follow God! These past few weeks,I was was sick with some sort of virus and did not go to work again for a week. I woke up one morning and threw up what I thought was my food from the day before. I then layer down and everything I tried to consume that day came up. The doctor visited my house and told me to stay home that week and rest. I received a shot (in the butt) and oh how I will never complain about getting a shot in the arm again! I got well as the week progressed and my stomach took some time to adjust to a regular intake of food. I was able to spend a lot of time with God that week and this is where my thoughts and ideas generate from. This past week at work, I was able to make a home visit to an older lady with a very infected foot. The skin (or lack thereof) I had to clean was white and I could feel the tendons and bones beneath the white substance acting as skin for the time being. I was able to pray over her and just spend time with the family after. They blessed me with papaya and gave me my very own pineapple! (In Nicaragua it is normal for families to bless you with food) I also got to see a polycystic kidney and lithiasis in the kidney (kidney stones) during ultrasounds this past week. I am so blessed to be here today. I thank God for giving me everything I news as I am here (Philippians 4:19, Luke 6:38, and Deuteronomy 8:18). He has fully resources me with everything I need to further His kingdom and without your prayer and support, I wouldn't be able to keep going. So thank you ALL and keep praying! God is the biggest and most powerful provider. There is so much more here for me to do; and it excites me knowing God is in control! Thank you all for everything you have done and continue to do for me! Love you all!