Nicaragua Day #2 (12/14/11)

"We spent most of our day at the church. Coquito and her family provided breakfast for us. We ate eggs, beans, and rice (gallo pinto) and it was so good!

The mornings are really nice here--warm and humid with a slight breeze. Afterwards, Cristobal and Reyna took us to some local homes in the village so we could meet people who attend the church. We met them, passed out snacks, and prayed for the households.

There are lots of young children everywhere! A lot of the middle school aged kids work to make money for the family so we didn't get to meet them, but we will tomorrow because we're going to the mani (a kind of peanut) field where they work. For lunch, we came back to the church and learned to make enchiladas which looks a little different here. We made tortillas with Eleazor and Reyna while Cristobal and the others made the rice with chicken. Then we deep-fried it and it was yummy :)

After lunch we helped out the missionary's husband with computer ordeals and went to worship afterwards for Wednesday night service. Lots of singing that kids were really into.

Bad news first: I had a hard time today because I don't speak Spanish. There's only so much you can say and do if you don't speak the language. I feel mute and purposeless. Made me wonder again why I was here. Instead of just trying to figure things out alone I told Jiah and Donna and they prayed for me. At first it's hard to not believe that language barriers are big deals but I felt constricted. Language is so important but I am continually being reminded to trust in Him and His plans. It's not easy because it comes up every time someone tries talking to me.

Good news: We've been spending a lot of time with Coquito's family and friends. Reyna, Cristobal, Anyell, Franksuat, Bethsuat, Pedro. All such loving and serving people. Franksuat, Bethsuat and Pedro love playing anything: hand games, hugging, running around (last three kids on the right).

Cristobal is such a servant. He tries speaking some English phrases to me. He walks us home all the time and stays at the church every night just in case we need him.

Anyell and Reyna are sweet and fun to hang out with.

Francisco and Coquito are super loving and welcoming.

We ended the night having dinner at Coquito's house and came back to our place to make crafts--cards and letters for the previous KCM teams. It was fun to just sit and be with each other. This is definitely a different kind of mission trip. The culture, the people. God's love was shown to me in so many different ways today. He is definitely listening to all my thoughts and prayers today."