Over nine months ago I left a part of me in a small little city outside of ManaguaNicaragua. I am happy to report that Friday, May 3, I will be reclaiming that piece of my heart, if only for a few days. I will be staying with my family, and hanging out with my kids, and visiting team members who are lucky enough to still be living in Nica.
I have been imagining what it will be like to walk out of the airport and into the arms of my Nica family. I have also been imagining what it will be like to hold my kids in my arms again. I imagine my heart will finally feel a sense of peace, just as it did when I walked into the arms of my Michigan family nine months ago. If only we could all live together, if only my happiness was not left in two different countries and three different states (Alaska, Michigan, and Texas), spread out among too many different people. I choose to love people in this world, I choose to because I believe that love matters, but that love never comes with out a cost. I guess that is one of the reasons I have “Love Fearlessly” tattooed on my foot. If ever I forget that love is worth everything, all I have to do is look down.
So I am going to Nicaragua and for 8 days I am going to soak up all the love, joy, and peace that I can, and hopefully it will be enough to last for another year. I truly can not wait to see everybody, and I truly could not be more grateful for the opportunity to go. I would appreciate your prayers for me during this trip. More specifically I ask for prayers for safe travels, the ability to leave my work at home, and for good HEALTH!!!
As for a quick update on my life since Nica: As many of you know, the first few months I was home, I was dealing with a lot of medical issues. Thankfully most of those issues have been resolved and for that I am very thankful! Most of that thanks goes out to Dr. Carol and Mike Deweerd who do their job with an amazing amount of patience, grace and love.
I also took a job doing refugee foster care for teenagers. I have a strong desire to say that this will be the hardest job I ever have, however, when I have said that in the past, God always seems to take that on as a challenge. This time I will not say it. However, if I do have a job harder then this at some point in my life, you might as well just commit me to an institution.
I have been learning so much about inner strength this year. Yes the job is hard, but God is stronger. For now, I am grateful for amazing co-workers and friends and family who take me as I am: a little broken, a little bruised, and as always, ready to conquer the next challenge, the next dream, and the next grand adventure.
I will keep you all updated on my short time in Nica! Thank you for all of your encouragement and support! As always, I appreciate all of you!
flyingtoadream 