Just to see you smile.

I have passed my two-month mark. 

It has been yet another immensely blessed week for me. I am in such a wonderful place. All the time I am surrounded by beautiful, dirty smiles. 

Last Monday I went with my friend Cynthia to see where she is volunteering. We went around the neighbor hood in Milavf and told the children about the classes and opportunities that were given at her organization. I really enjoy my friendship with Cynthia. She is such a sweet friend. (As I write this she is watching an Elvis movie with me. Those who know me know that is TRUE friendship ☺).

Last Tuesday James, Yader, and I went on a grand adventure to the border of Honduras to pick up mi familia. My aunt Kristie, Uncle Wade, Cousin Lincoln, and friend Mrs. Kathy had been in Honduras for a medical mission and then came to visit me for 3 days. The trip to Honduras was interesting. It took around 4 hours to get there and 4 to get back. On the way back, there was not enough room for all of us in the truck so two of us sat in the back with the luggage. Good times. But they made it and we had so much fun. Wednesday I helped at school and then took my family to lunch, shop, and tour the cathedrals. In the cathedral I made a friend, she was beautiful. She was begging for food at the door of the cathedral. She was maybe 8 years old. I took her outside to buy her some food and we have been best friends ever since. 

Thursday I took my family to help at the school and then to the beach. I drove the stick, pretty big deal for me. Moving on up. We had a great time. The sunset was beautiful and we ate at a Suyapa. Suyapa reminds me of the original “Back porch”. Sorry Destin, you have nothing on Nicaragua! I have made friends with some of the little boys that sell beaded necklaces on the beach. The sunset was beautiful, the food was good, and we shared our left over’s with the little niños. Friday we took my family to Managua because they were flying out the next morning, and picked up JCS!

While in Managua with JCS we took a ride up to Masaya Volcano. It was so beautiful. I see Jesus’ hands more and more everywhere I go. I see God’s handprints all over this incredible country. God has big plans for what is to come. 

During class Xiomara has been giving different exams. The children who have the correct answers can choose a prize. Many prizes are laid out, clothes, dolls, books, toys, and hygienics. Most of the sweet children will come and pick up the cool stuff, take a good look at it, and then set it back down to grab some baby clothes for a relative or work clothes for their dad, or some toothpaste and soap for the family. I desire a heart like these children. Even though most of these children at 6 and 7 very well may have gone through more things already than I ever will, they are still selfless and pure children of God. 

During the week I got the pleasure of delivering some of the children’s gifts from their sponsors. Bright glowing smiles were the result. My family gave our Nicaragua family a few outfits and Rosita showed up in the greatest mix match outfit of all time: Floral pink t-shirt with floral purple leggings. I don’t think my mother got that to go together but it works ☺.

Saturday was such a great day. We had Preschool movie day at 1 and primary grade school at 3. We watched Veggietales in Spanish, gave out snacks, and then played for an hour or so after with each group. I am so glad JCS could be a part of our first family day. Everything went smoothly and it was such a fun experience. The children had a blast. Saturday night, Sergio(our new preacher) had a youth rally from 7 til midnight. There was singing, guest speakers, a Spanish accapella group, and lots of visiting and getting to know each other. Just like a youth rally at home but under the beautiful stars of Nicaragua. The song leader knew English so he would sing a song with us and then sing a song with them. What a wonderful night. Some of our students were there with their parents and by 11 I had a precious child asleep in my arms. Perfection.

Sunday after church we took the group to the beach. We got to sing on the rocks at sunset. I have really taken worship for granted. Our devos every night have been very uplifting. I can’t wait to be reunited with my church family this summer. But even more so, I can’t wait until we are ALL united in heaven singing together, each and every language. 

JCS did a great job this week. Got the concrete done in the new building and the school building repainted. We also had some fun in between there. Wednesday I got to take them to the village. I went to all the children’s houses and brought them to the soccer field, the girls did crafts and the boys played soccer. They LOVED having so much gringo attention. 

Yesterday one of our 3 years olds, Edwardo, who has a bad home life, was left at the school until 5 pm. He and his older brother had to sit at the guards hut for 6 hours because their mother was careless and did not plan well. Pray for these children, many of them have way worse situations than we will probably know. I want to rescue them all. 

Natalie and I enjoying a day of movies and fun

A successful movie day

Youth Rally

Some of the JCS group enjoying Recess

My backside after a really rough game of soccer in the village. ha 

The boys playing soccer with some of the boys at our school

JCS girls doing crafts in the village

Leonardo :)

Rosita in one of her new outfits 

Leonardo and Rosita 

Fransisco, Rosita, and their mother in their new outfits!

Edwardo, the little boy and his brother who were left at school for 5 hours after school.

Chapel! (and Rosita in her mix-match)

Kim, Amy, Britney, and myself. Loved visiting with these great friends!

This week has absolutely flown by. Let me take that back, this MONTH has flown by. It is official, no more visitors until June 5, and then I come home on June 9. Every person that has been here has made such an impact on me and helped me realize even though I miss home, I am right where I am supposed to be. I haven’t had a second to question it. I desire for God’s unconditional love to pour out through my hands and feet as I work with these beautiful little hearts. I already can’t imagine my life with out their smiles everyday. 

My cup over-floweth.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14