Where the Streets Have No Name

Day one in Nicaragua took place in a dangerous neighborhood of Managua. We found ourselves surrounded by cheerful smiles and gleeful giggles coming from the local children who are privileged enough to attend The Christian Academy of Las Torres. Amongst all of the students was Asley Bermudez, the child that I sponsor. My first impression of her was fear. Not sure if that was directed at me or apart of her every day life, but my heart instantly reached for her and along came my arms. She kinda sat there with her arms by her side, not sure what to do with the fact that a total stranger was embracing her. As the hours of the day went by her frown was turned upward and before I knew it, she clung to me with her arms wrapped around my waist. Leaving her was my first taste of a sorrowed goodbye in Nicaragua. In some strange way I felt as if I was leaving a family member behind in a war zone.

Day two, we got the first taste of the love that we were to be surround with for the remainder of the week. Instantly we were greeted with the words Dios Le Bendiga (God Bless You), a hand shake from the men, and a hug and kiss from the women. After a quick game of "el pollo" the laughter had begun, the ice officially broken, and the clinic set and ready for the next day.

Over the next few days I began to truly fall in love with the people of Nicaragua. Never in my life have I met anyone with such passion for Christ and such servant hearts. Despite the language barrier we worked side by side and efficiently. I was able to watch the face of a woman who had been trying to get pregnant, receive the news that indeed she was. I watched Jeff (our PA) as he removed skin cancer from a mans arm, and photographed a woman who's knees were so badly bruised from falling to the ground in prayer. I was able to witness a woman receive clear sight for the first time and wondered if ever she had been able to read the words from a bible. I also heard the testimony of a woman who attends the church. Her husband abandoned her and their son Joel when they learned of his diagnosis with polio. The doctors did not think that Joel would live much longer. Not once has she lost faith or turned from the Lord. Instead she praised Him for the Life that they were able to share together, no matter how difficult. That Friday we were able to celebrate his 14th birthday. The children in the community treated me as if I were the president of the United States. All they wanted was to hug and kiss me, play with my hair and rub my back. I'm not just talking about one of them but all of them at the same time, to the point where you couldn't move because they engulfed you with their love. It was amazing. We had the opportunity to attend Thursday night Praise and Worship with the entire congregation. The energy from those people literally shook the foundation of this church. It was incredible.
72 patients gave their life to Christ last week.

I made true friends during that week. Not only with those that I came to Nicaragua with but also those that I had to leave behind. I cant remember ever feeling such sadness as when the time came to say goodbye. Tears fell like rain and the embrace of our goodbyes were strong. I did not want to go. As the bus filled with 20 gringos pulled away from the church, I looked back to see them all lined up against the iron rail waiving goodbye with tears in their eyes.

I am so honored to know Nathan and Amber, the full time missionaries that organized the entire week. The Lord truly out did himself whenever he created their hearts. They are simply inspiring, and I love them very much.

At this point I can only pray that God will reveal his will for my life. One thing is certain, I will soon find myself Where the Streets have no Name, even if only for another brief moment.

On A Mission

Well the time has come to put everything in a suitcase and " Go Forth to make deciples of all Nations". I can not begin to express the overload of emotions that are in my heart. Thank God that all the confusion the enemy had filled my head with has come to pass, and the Lord has replaced it with clarity.

Tomorrow close to twenty members of local churches will be hitting the blue skies to travel to Managua, Nicaragua, in hopes of making Gods home just a little more crowded. Our first day we will be privledged to spend with children from the Christain Academy of Las Torres where we will be holding a half day of pediatric clinic. The coolest part of this day is that I, for the first time will meet Hazely Bermudez, a 13 year old Nicaraguan girl that I am honored to sponsor. Its not every day that people get an oppertunity such as this and I am thrilled!

The next six days in Clinic, we will be joining Christ for the City and Medical Missions International, totalling 46 servants of God. I cant wait! The idea of working with such a great group ignites the fire in my heart. My responsibilty while there will be working in Triage. Im slightly nervous but I am confident that God will bless me with the skills that I need to accomplish this task. I thank each one of you that made this possible through your prayers and financial contributions. I ask that you all keep me, the team and the people of Nicaragua in your dayly prayers.

Lord I thank you so much for the oppertunities you bring into my life. I am blessed you have given me the heart for Mission work Lord and I pray that you will give me the mind of a servant. I ask that you speak through me as I share my testimony, and lead devotions, as I always fall timid. I ask that you allow the hearts of each member of this team to overflow with love for your people in Nicaragua. I know that we were all created for your glory, your will and to bring pleasure to you. I ask that I may be able to reflect your image and your charecter as we show these people your mercy. Lord I thank you for all that you are, and for giving me the chance to share the good news with those that do not yet know you. Thank you for sending me
On a Mission.

The Power of a Praying Wife

Throughout this journey of growth, my number one prayer has been that I could one day experience all that God has to offer within my relationship with my husband. I have silently prayed night after night, day after day, that the Lord would work in his heart. It has been a true test of my own faith, trusting that God is capable of doing immeasurably more than I could ever imagine, learning to turn my desires over to him, and being able to accept the fact that he is in control.

Nearly one year ago, Matt and I experienced a fork in the road of our marriage. I was heading in one direction, he in another, and at times it seemed to be impossible to keep my eyes on the path that the Lord so graciously laid before me.

Last night, while lying in bed chatting about my upcoming Mission Trip, Matt said the words that I have been patiently awaiting for quite some time...." Next year, when you lead, I'm going with you". He said this in such a nonchalant manner, he obviously had no idea that my biggest prayer had just been answered. It was as if in that moment, he took my hand and made a promise that we would walk down this path together into eternity. There is nothing in this life that could bring more peace to my heart than the idea of serving the Lord with my husband.

Heavenly Father, I come to you with utter gratefulness that you have shown your grace within my marriage. I ask that you will turn this spark in my husbands heart into an uncontrollable fire Lord that shall never be extinguished. I am so grateful for your unconditional love. Lord I thank you for giving me the Power of a Praying Wife.