An Encounter in Nicaragua

I am still running high on the joy that I have from my very first mission trip to Chinandega, Nicaragua!

I went on this trip with expectations of hard physical labor, learning to adapt to the conditions in a third world country and to experience the oppression the communities live in.

Boy was I wrong!

Yes, we pick-axed, and dug trenches for water lines, weeded, planted and prepped for new pineapple crops and bucket brigaded for removal of dirt for expansion at a school.

Yes, It was hard, physical labor and I have never sweat so much in my life; and that PB&J lunch sandwich never tasted so good! But what I really came back with, was the love, smiles and thankfulness from each community expressed to us in small, but beautiful gestures. A hug, a shared cup of coffee, dancing and praying together. What we couldn’t express in a shared language, we were able to communicate with physical and facial expressions and laughter. So much laughter…

My take away from the trip? Learn to live in ‘the moment’, try not to let the busyness of life take over where meaningful encounters mean the most. NEVER let language be a barrier! Team work is the dream work! God is EVERYWHERE we just need to see him in the faces of others!

When do we go back?!?