His Eyes

I cannot believe that ministry here in Nicaragua is ending so soon. Now, if you have read my blog from before this may seem kind of crazy…but I am sad to leave. I actually love this place, the people, the beauty and the language. I never thought I would say that and I actually never even wanted to like this place, much less love it. I wanted the months here to disappear, but because I have no control over time at all I decided that I would give it up to the Lord. I started to pray all the time for the Lord to help me see the beauty that He sees in this place and to love Nicaragua like He does. Over time, before I even realized it I fell in love with this place. 

So let me tell you a little about why it is going to be so hard to leave Nicaragua….

 

Many who know me well know that I am obsessed with everything to do with environmental science and specifically marine science and Nicaragua has just grown my love for nature. Every morning a cool wind blows as the sun rises and we grab our cups of coffee and walk down to the edge of the project. From there we have an amazing view of the tallest volcano in all of Central America. The sight literally took my breath away the first day here. Then as we ride in the back of our military truck or hitchhike into the local cities you not only have a beautiful view of a volcano and mountains, but lush green surrounds you. Everywhere you turn is green. 

 

Nicaragua smells like burning trash, but the rains subdues the smell a lot of the time. I actually don’t have a problem with it. The smell of the trash reminds me of fall back at home and thus reminds me of all my loved ones and our times spent together by the campfire. 

 

I had to get used to the culture here in Nicaragua. Everything is very loud and there is always a ton of commotion no matter where you go. The Lord though, giving me His eyes to see the beauty of this place, has changed my heart for it. I scream along with the community in church, dancing and clapping to a different beat. We spend our afternoons in the community Bethel. The people in Bethel have stolen a part of my heart. They are sweet as can be and always welcoming. All one has to do is walk up to the barb wire gate and scream, “Buenas”, and then you are welcomed into their home. Nicaraguans are always laughing and smiling. They live in what we in America would consider horrible conditions, but this doesn’t affect their spirit. Many know the Lord, but are taught that they are not worthy of the Lord’s love or acceptance. The problem in Nicaragua is the legalism that is in the church. 

 

Many people are told that they can never be christians because they are too much of a sinner. The way that we have been ministering in Bethel is by loving on the whole community, doing our best to show them the love of Jesus Christ. We want to show them Christians are not perfect people who do not ever sin, but sinners who have accepted the Jesus Christ into their hearts and live for Him. It has been amazing seeing the growth in the people of Bethel over these last two months. The Lord is so at work in their lives, in their whole community, but most importantly each individuals heart. 

 

Though it has been difficult to communicate with the Nicaraguans because of the language barrier and lack of a translator it has almost been a blessing. We have to trust that all we can do is our best…love on the people as best we can, give them notes and hugs each day telling them that Jesus loves them and then trust that God will do the rest. We have planted hundreds of seeds in Nicaragua and though our ministry ends Saturday we can trust the Lord to reap the harvest in His time. 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this blog. Please comment, subscribe and share with your friends and family. We will be in Asia next week ministering to the Philippines! God Bless you!