Week 1: Nicaragua📍Through Beauty and Challenge

As I sit down to reflect on my first week in Nicaragua, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. The heat and humidity are relentless, making me sweat every five seconds even after it rains. It’s big here—big skies, big mountains, and enormous volcanoes that tower over the lush landscape. Yet, despite the sweltering conditions, I can confidently say this is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. The vibrant flowers and colorful birds create a vivid backdrop of deep greens. I genuinely feel like I’ve stepped into a paradise movie.

Embracing the Work

In terms of ministry, I’ve jumped into a variety of tasks: weeding, doing laundry, and visiting a local hospital to pray for patients. Weeding was an experience in itself—hot, tedious, and seemingly futile, as the next morning, the weeds would already be making their comeback. It was both irritating and amusing to see how quickly nature reclaims its territory. This has given me a newfound appreciation for my washer and dryer back home; hand-washing clothes is not my forte, but I’m slowly improving!

The most impactful part of my week was the hospital visit. Witnessing the patients’ deep faith and their relentless pursuit of healing from God was profoundly moving. Their dependency on the Lord has made me reflect on my own faith journey and what it means to rely on Him fully.

Facing Challenges

However, not everything has gone as planned. Last week, I mentioned feeling unwell after a hike, and it turns out I wasn’t exaggerating. I ended up at the doctor’s office, where I was diagnosed with bronchitis. The news was disheartening, especially since it has kept me from fully participating in ministry this week. I’ve felt disappointed in myself for not being able to contribute as much as I had hoped.

Despite this setback, I’ve been leaning into prayer and seeking God’s purpose in this situation. I trust that there’s a reason for this experience, even if it’s hard to see right now. Through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence more clearly than ever. My relationship with Him has deepened in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m eager to see how this journey unfolds.

Looking Ahead

I’m hopeful that I’ll recover soon and be able to return to serving the people of Nicaragua. I can’t wait to experience more of this country’s beauty and continue my ministry work. Each day here is a lesson in faith, perseverance, and the simple joy of being surrounded by such stunning landscapes and vibrant communities.

As I move forward, I’m reminded that even in challenges, there is growth. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to see how God will use this time in Nicaragua to shape my journey. Here’s to hoping for better health and more adventures in this beautiful paradise!