Counting My Blessings – Nicaragua

• Affectionate culture, so lots of hugs and kisses, just the way I like it.

   

• There were turtles everywhere in our hostel in Granada :] I love turtles.

   

• I get a bed to sleep on!!!

   

• I’m conquering my fear of the top bunk, with baby steps: I have a guard rail!

   

• Laundry by hand makes me feel accomplished. And it doesn't go missing!!!

   

• WHITE RICE AND BLACK BEANS (my favorite, no joke!) 2 meals a day. It’s just like Brazil.

   

• There are hammocks a-plenty in the property.

   

• I have slain at least 10 wasps, and have yet to be stung. I declare I won’t be stung.

   

• Riding in the back of truck is still our means of transportation… and my favorite.

   

• Cutest doggie ever to play with here, named Loti!

   

• I don’t need a sheet to cover me, but it's not too hot to fall asleep!

   

• We had lice… but we are now free from the lice!!! My lice are gone, I've been set free! My God my Savior has ransomed me!

   

• We eat dinner while watching the sunset every night.

   

• I have 20ish days left before I turn 25. I’m praying huge, bold prayers.

   

• I have a volcano in my backyard!!!

   

• Amazing fruits. Jocotes may be my new favorite fruit.

   

• I’m getting the gnarliest, most respectable farmer's tan of my life.

   

• I have a real towel to use! Are you kidding me??!!!!

   

• The shower is perfectly cold.

   

• There is wifi. Good wifi.

   

• I’m free from “having to” get on the internet. I post my blogs, a few silly tweets here and there, but I no longer feel entitled. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

   

• Daddy provides for my every need here, as always.

   

• Divine appointments here are no joke! I’m talking about “hey, will you explain this to me about Jesus?” obvious :)

   

• God is bringing me through this desert season, teaching me SO much about who He is and why I obey Him.

   

• God is teaching me what it’s like to seek Him. Not just when I feel like it, but constantly. He’s teaching me to fix His words in my heart and mind.

   

• Ministry this month is mostly manual labor. It’s tangible. I can step back after a day and say “this is what I did for Your glory” and pray God blesses everyone who comes through the place.

   

• My part is helping to change the course of history in Nicaragua, for the glory of God.

   

• We are creating jobs in Nicaragua, for the glory of God, to give the men here a way to provide for their families without getting sick from the pesticides in the sugar cane fields.

   

• We are planting seeds in Nicaragua (physically and spiritually), for the glory of God.

   

• I’m rejoicing in the simple things, for the glory of God.

   

I could go on and on and on,

counting my countless blessings,

but this should give you a glimpse

of my thankful soul.

  Although I'm far from home, and in a spiritual desert, and sometimes I get really impatient and obstinate...

There is a purpose.

A grand purpose.

And in this, God chose to include me. Me!

I have much to be thankful for, much to do for the Kingdom, and I have every reason to smile.