The scenery here is beyond gorgeous. Nicaraguan skies are absolutely breathtaking. So tropical-so many plants, trees, flowers. From every view it looks as if it can be on a postcard.
Yet besides Haiti- it is the poorest country in Central America. People having less than basic needs.
Talk about the irony.
One day this week I got to experience first hand door to door ministry. & I LOVED it. To be able to go to peoples houses, hear their stories and pray for them. Knowing God put me right there in that moment to be with them, and them for me. To know that these people barely have anything yet some have so much joy for the Lord. I am supposed to be encouraging them yet- they are encouraging me!
This week, half of it I was sick and I had to lay in bed all day. And in all honesty it was awful at points. Being super humid, laying in bed, not being able to work. Being sick and plus we had a screen fast, so I couldn't listen to music or watch a movie- which I love doing when I am sick. Honestly, the one thing that got me through the week is finding comfort in God, and knowing that in these hard times He is teaching me something. And "His call means realizing that His power is made perfect in our weakness, that when we are weak we are also strong."2Cor 12:9-10
I also learned that it IS possible for me to just sit still, and not have to be doing something. Back home I can't not do something for even 5 minutes, I'll go crazy! Slowly everyday I am learning to be more patient, because with this culture. You have to. If they say we're leaving at 4:30, it's most likely you'll be leaving at 5:30.
It's all about waking up everyday and making a choice. And always ALWAYS trying to make the best of every and any situation I am in. I'm realizing that ATTITUDE has a lot to do with how I feel about something!
My eyes are being opened and I am appreciating more and more the smaller things in life. Without having the surrounding of technology all the time, and so much "busy-ness", I am falling in love with other things.
I love the nature and beauty of here. I am investing so much in the relationships with people, I am just taking notice in small things I would have clearly overlooked if I were not here.
It's like my mind is somewhat childlike. I have SOO much fun staying up at night and hanging out with friends, playing games.(our favorite is the card game Mafia) I love that I can be fully present with the people here in Nicaragua, and not have my mind fixated on other things that would likely distract me if I were in the states.
I could focus on how uncomfortable, and different and hard it is being here. But doing those things would only drag me down, and would lead me nowhere. Praying, reading God's word, and deciding everyday to live for God and not myself is how I am transforming my mind focusing on all the hope here, and not on my own selfishness.
"Let all that you do be done in L O V E." 1Cor16:14
P.S. I've been here one month on Tuesday!! This next week I'll be helping build a house, visit villages, and some more door to door ministry. I am excited to not be sick and do these things!
Thanks to all who is keeping up with my blogs:)
NayNay! I’m so sorry you were sick=( But it sounds like a lot of good lessons were learned in your time of stillness. So proud of you and inspired by you! We’ll be praying that you have strength this week with all the activities planned. Love you so much!!
HE WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH! LUV U NAY-NAY!!!
I have been reading your blog posts and have been so delightfully encouraged in the Lord! I haven’t usually much time to write but I just wanted to let you know that you are daily in my thoughts and prayers! May the Lord keep you in his care and may he accomplish his work through you as you daily surrender your life to Him!
Love hearing what the Lord is opening your eyes to and realizing how important your attitude is to your emotions. So proud of what you are learning Irene! 🙂
Love reading your updates, Nanes! God is using you, teaching you, loving you. What a wonderful Father we have.
Great post Nayns! So happy to hear you are feeling better. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop with what God is doing there in your life and the people you are serving and serving alongside of.
Hey NayNay, I finally got to read your letter and am very impressed with your maturity and ability to sort things out in your mind. Your attitude is amazing and that’s a lot of the secret of living in a different culture and adjusting to whatever comes. Being sick isn’t fun, especially when it’s hot and humid but God’s gives us comfort, peace, mercy and grace to carry on. I can remember all those feelings and lessons I learned while overseas. Valuable lessons from God!!!! Love you, darling.