NICARAGUA explained

Today is a day I have taken a brake from my schedule and reflected thus far on my time here in Nicaragua. I have decided to explain my time here with the letters of this country. "N" is for NEW beginnings. I have started a new life, have met new people and have planted myself into a new atmosphere. I am currently in the process of helping to start a new church! God is bigger than anything and only with the power of him and his never ending love am I able to have the wisdom to help start a new church in Nicaragua where there is none. I was contacted by a person who was on the last medical brigade and he was thinking of starting a new church and I told him I was interested in helping. I know he and his wife are great people and his passion is life is bringing people into relationship so that they can learn and see God's love through what he does. Carlos and Luisa have an amazing story and are full of God's love. They live solely off of His timing and it has been awesome to meet them and get to know them on a more personal level while talking about this church planning. Today is the first meeting of discipleship and I will have to miss it because I am feeling sick. "I" is for INTERESTING. When i was first introduced to Nicaragua through orientation and was told there will be things while I am here that will be "different". I thought (well duh, its a totally new place) of course this will be different. At that time, I thought Americas ways of doing life were superior and much more sensible. Since I have been here, I have changed and my mind set is different. The way people live here is beautiful just like some lives in the states. Of course everywhere you go, you will have poor decisions that were made, leading to poor lifestyles, but as well you have people here that are left poor and make great lives for themselves. This can happen anywhere, but you see it much more when the odds are against you (a country like Nicaragua). I have fallen in love with the people of this country and the differences that make us each unique in our own ways. God has designed each of us individually and given us each our own way of coping. Since I have been here, I have learned that when someone asks me my take on something; for example, the work I do in the clinic, I say "it is interesting, but I love it". I don't always add in the little tidbit that I love it, but things that I have come to love, I definitely don't leave the sentence bland and empty with the word interesting. There are many interesting differences here all the way from raising children to caring for the sick. I have learned to accept each of them as interestingly different and think I may even adopt some of them as my own when I start a family one day. "C" is for companionship. I have had a few people that stick out in my mind that have become companions since I have been here. One has been by my side this whole trip; my mother here (Isabel) and one that I have recently met that has taken me under her wing (Esmeralda). The group of missionaries I work with also are people I consider companions in different ways. I have found these two individual people who have walked with me through my struggles and held me close when I needed it most. Without a companion to help you or people to listen to you, I think you might go crazy. I am in a totally unique environment and working under a different set of standards here that I need to express how I am feeling sometimes to people who live here. These two people have helped me learn more about the culture and explained it in words that are easily understandable to me in the language I am still learning each day. I have found that with close companions, I can share my heart and these people accept me no matter what. They are both Christians and are people I admire greatly. My mother here is a leader in our church and is very smart and strong in everything she does. My friend Esmeralda is studying anesthesiology and is interested to help me grow and learn more in the language and my career (she let me practice starting and IV on her). These people have gone out of their comfort zones to help me adapt more; trust me! "A" is for ANXIETY. I have had anxiety many times since I have been here that it would be unfair to write that only good things come when you are serving God. I think anxiety in small spurts is healthy for normal human functioning. You need a little of anxiety here and there to keep you human and help you realize that you are living in the same world most humans live in! I had anxiety starting my new job, meeting new people at church, work, and my family. I had anxiety my first time taking a taxi, the first time riding the bus alone, and many firsts I have had to do. The first time I have tried foods, a slight, tiny, itsy bitsy ounce of anxiety came over me because I didn't know if I would like it. I have thought to myself before I even tried foods (what if I hate this whole plate of food?). I have loved every food I have tried here and the things I am not so fond of are not common or are usually snacks that are purchased when desired. "R" is for RARE. There are rare things I have seen that have made me look twice. Like every new place you go, your always on the watch for things that are different. Here it is common for people to carry huge bags of plastic, or pushing large carts with the whole thing filled with plastic so they can make some money. It must not be much, because these people have a full bag or full bin and are still collecting. I also find it rare that children are juggling mandarin oranges in the streets for money rather than eating them for nutrients. I find it rare that IM injections are given in the butt all the time here no matter what! I find it rare that men claim to be Christians and leave their family to have another mistress and start a family with her and then return to the family he once had and act like everything is ok. There are many rarities here but I know that God has shown me what he has to learn from them and pray to accept them with a non judgmental heart. "A" is for ALIVE. Since I have been here, I have realized that the city is alive during all times of the day and even through some nights. On December 7th and 8th, fireworks are shot off at all hours. On December 24th, fireworks are also bounding throughout the city and especially on December 31st, the whole country is alive. The town is alive. Every time I have been running at 5:00 AM in the morning there has been at least one person up and one bus running, showing me that this city is never dead. There is always someone working somewhere making money for themselves; whether its my host sister coming home at 2:30 AM from work, or a drunk man begging for 1 cordoba in the middle of a 3 lane highway at stop lights to buy his next drink, or a prostitute waiting for her next client to make money to bring home the next meal for her children. I have seen many different instances and heard many stories that have allowed me to see the variety and severity of the meaning of this word. Some people may take it as a bad thing, but others may be thankful for the job they have that keeps them alive. I have been thankful to be in the city to see the celebrations and the culture light up the night on certain occasions. "G" is for GRACE. I recently explained to a couple that I never pictured myself as missionary. Even growing up in the church; the term missionary was never appetizing to me. I always thought the biggest house, the nicest car, and the most expensive clothes was what pleasing God was all about because that is what society tells you. Of course this isn't the devout, loving, and disciples following Christ religiously kind of people I used to admire. It was television, movies, music that brought these thoughts into my mind. Here I have received God's grace and he has allowed me to see that through relationships I have formed and the person I am becoming is not possible without him and his love. I am nothing without him and I am saved by his grace. It has allowed me to be here and blessed by the things and people in this country I have come across thus far. "U" is for UNITED. I have found this term used specifically for families all throughout Central America. People here whether you are related by blood or through marriage, you stand as a united unit through everything. As a family grows up here, the mother and father have a house in a particular neighborhood. As the children bro up, they purchase houses across the street, or on the same street or even next door to the main person of this family. This process continues through any generations, therefore you have generations either living together or side by side and everyone is around all the time for all events. It is a beautiful site and I love watching cousins being able to play with one another by just crossing the street. It wasn't as easy for my sisters and I to play with relatives considering our family based themselves in Florida and everyone else was in a difference states hundreds of miles away. I may find it so interesting and be mesmerized by it because it wasn't easily attainable for me. I appreciate the unity of families here. Even if they may be broke, they are still mostly accepting and united. I love that! "A" is for ANSWERED prayers. God answered my prayer and allowed me to be in this country which I have absolutely fallen in love with. I am doing his will for my life and I would desire nothing more. I have met amazing people, people that have lifted me up, have helped me get to where I am. Supporters who have helped answer my prayers with their prayers and continued support. I have learned so much thus far. I am so thankful for a faithful God. He has answered so many of my prayers from a suitcase being returned and have covered every expense I have needed. A little update on things that have been happening: Liam and Gorge Luis started school in February. I will be traveling to Costa Rica the 28th of February to renew my visa (AKA; I have been here for 6 months!). I will have one of my friends (Kate) come to visit March 8th-15th. I will be helping a medical brigade on the 16th-24th of March from South Carolina. I attended a medical bridge in Esteli with a Mennonite team from Ohio on February 17th. My missionary friend here (Shelby) may leave soon because she doesn't have much funds to last her another month. I am not looking to get my residency anymore. Please pray for my stomach it has been upset and not well the last couple weeks. I hate being sick and I stayed home from my usual Thursday meeting because I felt nauseous and had a fever this morning. Thanks for your continued support and prayers. I appreciate you all so much. May God be glorified through all we do! AMEN!

Humbling Myself and Showing God's Love

I have recently returned from another medical brigade. I was invited to accompany a team from South Carolina that makes a trip down every January to visit communities in need of Medical attention, activity for kids to participate in, and prayer. This team was very fun to work with. I met many new people and have changed a lot of my views on my life as of now and maybe for the future. The team arrived and the first day, we worked at a camp started by two Christian men from the states. During this time, I worked with a plastic surgeon who called himself "Buck" because he thought it was cool. He met a boy who needed his help and his skills for surgery because he had facial bones that didn't fuse together when he was born and if something wasn't fixed; he would eventually go blind. So Buck offered to return in June and do the surgery and hopefully I can help out. He wants me involved with this little boy. His name is Fernando. Please pray that Buck can return and Fernando doesn't lose his eye sight before then or anytime after! His mother and grandmother were in tears when Buck told them he was going to come back and perform this surgery. I was blessed on the second day and was reminded of Honduras. We went to a part of the country that is called "the dump". I went to one in Honduras as well. These times open my eyes and make me see how good I have it. I have complained many times about things that are inevitable compared to how these people live from day to day. I met the pastor of this area's church. It was such a neat experience to see the day care they have set up. There is a day care in this area; and associated with the day care is a feeding center. Kids come for food everyday and while the parents are out working, this day care provides care and activities for the kids to do. It was so cool to see such a neat organization working hand in hand with the poorest people. I was helping to translate for some doctors at this place and then moved into the pharmacy to help distribute medications prescribed. On day three and four we worked in a school located at Masachapa. This is right on the coast in the southwest area of the country. It was beautiful. During these last two days I worked in the pharmacy and I got to experience feet washing. It was a great time. Before feet washing, I literally had to prepare my mind. I had to focus on what the importance of this whole thing was. It wasn't to make myself feel good or accomplished. It was humbling myself like I do before I enter into prayer; and loving these kids and creating small talk to get to know a little bit about them. It was ultimately showing them the love of Christ. I used to hate feet; but after this experience it hit me that feet are what keep me going. I walk and bring the word, God's love, and Christs' example to the places God guides me to. I am being HIS hands and feet! I seriously was so blessed to participate in this. I wish I could accompany this team every year just for that experience. This team was very welcoming and blessed me with prayers, some finances, and stories that lead them to where they are now in their lives and why. I learned a lot about myself during this time. I am asking you to help accompany me in prayer. I was debating on whether to make this public or not; but God has put it on my heart and I need prayer. I need prayer to purchase my residency here. It will be a residency for one year. I prayed to God during this trip that if He wants me to stay here, He will provide a way because I am just a poor missionary and don't have the luxury to spend money as I wish, like most of the members of the teams that come down here. I was given the money to cover purchasing my residency because GOD IS FAITHFUL! That has been my motto from the beginning of this year. I just need prayer that the papers travel smoothy in the US and from the US to Nicaragua and the contacts that my family has here will be sufficient for me to make this a possibility. I really know God is guiding me. Home is where the heart is; and my heart is secure down here in Central America. I love every moment, every opportunity, and everyone who has welcomed me here. Please keep our base here in Nicaragua in your prayers as well as del are still trying to raise money to purchase our office and that each missionary accomplishes what they need to do to help spread the gospel of Christ throughout Nicaragua. Please also pray for my church I attend here "Amor Viviente" as we are fasting this week to pray for the church and the future God has for us as a church, people, and as a country. I have felt moved by his hand and work here in our church. It is so nice to feel welcomed with open arms and hugs and smiles every Saturday night. I hope this is a nice little update. I am sorry it wasn't too long and full of information, but I am on a tight schedule today. We had our devotion this morning and now I need to go prepare my prayer for church tonight for the offering we have after the service. I appreciate all of my followers and thank you for your continued support.

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!