Welcome to my process…
Where do I find Jesus in the 2nd impoverished nation in the western hemisphere?
On a crowded bus.
In a hot country.
Sweating.
Dirty feet.
Hardness.
Among the asks, the needs, the tired, the trying, the surviving.
The oppressed, the hungry and the addicts
Among the humble,
the meek
the generous
hospitable
hard-working
loving
Among the seeking,
the faithful (aunque no pueda ver estas obrando) [even when one can’t see You working)
This is where I feel fully myself,
fully seen,
and fully known.
To be fully known by my Savior and best friend Jesus Christ.
He’s been so loyal.
So kind.
So loving.
It’s here where I feel so much like my true self, but still at times, I feel like I’m still out in right field waiting to be invited in, however and whatever that looks like.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..” Hebrews 12:1
“You make known to me the path of life; in YOUR PRESENCE there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Enough with my words, here are some pictures from how I see Jesus in Nicaragua and in my life.
in the city trash dump every Wednesday & Friday. (Luke 9:10-17)
in front of a bunch of athletes watching out for them in my 2nd language.
in front of two young, eager girls to help and learn from me.
the love from a big sister to her baby brother.
the love of a grandmother for her special needs grandson.
facilitating youth ministry but watching the Nicaraguan women lead.
friends that I’ve known for years sharing their heart and the gospel, leading micro church studies.
providing a talented artist an opportunity to teach a young artist in the meantime fulfilling a dire need.
friends that leave the farm or Granada, but know they can always come back and know they are loved and accepted.
watching kids make eternal and public decisions for Christ.
loving on my friends’ kids and letting the little ones nap on me during long bus rides.
the childlike laughter and joy from Nicaraguan adults during a fiesta birthday celebration.
times I peel away from the “work” and sit with Jesus.
the smiles of the littles. (Nehemiah 12:43)
Kids that are eager to read the Bible. (Matthew 19:14)
watching youth take time out of their cell phones and day to help younger ones prepare for a new school year.
different personalities and backgrounds come together as ONE team for ONE purpose and ONE glory.
the ups and downs, but the closeness and community of these women.
in my times of vision casting, prayer and an outlet of creative worship.
knowing that my presence matters and being available to act when needed.
on long drives through beautiful creation.
by any body of water – specifically the ocean!
through walking with teenagers through their uncertainties and growth.
through artists and friends doing whatever they can to provide for themselves and their family.
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“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
This is how you can find Jesus.
Dios te bendiga siempre (God bless you always)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
