Hey guys,
My bad for posting these out of order. Race life is hectic. Here are some photos from my time in country #4: Nicaragua.
Nicaragua was a unique month in that it was an Ask the Lord (ATL) month. Rather than being assigned a host and ministry partner, we are told to prayerfully seek what the Lord wants us to do in each country each day.
Many of my favorite ministry moments in Nicaragua happened at a landfill. We were able to meet and partner with The Pearl Foundation who serves here weekly.
It was something else to see the infectious joy carried by the families who work and live at the landfill outside of Granada, Nicaragua.
Many work here daily collecting recyclables.
Though they live a tough lifestyle, the solace they find in facing the hardships together and with the strength of Christ was apparent.
It was hard to see the crusty noses and hear the coughs of the kids who live constantly amongst the fumes of burning trash and animal carcasses each day.
The Pearl Foundation holds a church service at this landfill weekly. About 100+ people line up in excitement to attend.
Worship was super powerful with this group.
They also feed everyone weekly.
Jason serves with The Pearl Foundation. He has a truly incredible story of redemption. He used to be a camel (someone who smuggles people into the States) at the border. He was also in a gang in the States. He was in prison for murder and drugs when he found Jesus. After he served his time, he began a new way of life. He now works passionately to share his story with the youth of his home country in hopes of saving them years of heartache by making wiser decisions.
This ministry also visits neighboring villages giving food, bringing medicine, sharing messages of hope, and hosting Bible studies twice per week.
This is a 15 year old mother bottle feeding her child. This was a common occurrence in this area.
Her 17 year old sister will be smuggled across the border by a coyote in hopes of a better life in the States. She’s told to disguise herself before crossing so that she doesn’t get taken by the Mexican cartel. Though she faces many obstacles, she holds tightly onto the hope of a better life in near site.
In addition to partnering with The Pearl Foundation, we served at an orphanage, did prayer walks, street evangelism, and passed out sandwiches. This led to many unique encounters.
One day I was walking along the market street feeling a bit burnt out from the month. Suddenly my eye was caught by the most incredible piñatas I had ever seen. They were so unique and colorful. I had to see more. I went inside to find this woman in a wheelchair working diligently at her craft. I began to speak to her with my limited Spanish knowledge when her son started speaking in perfect English offering to translate.
He explained to me that he was taking a break from his studies in the States to be with his mom. She was going through a really hard time as she was in the process of a divorce. Her husband had cheated on her. She’s also been a paraplegic since she was three years old. She didn’t let any of that stop her from running a blood lab, and her true passion – a piñata business. He said we hadn’t come across them by accident. She was a believer that needed some encouragement in this hard time. I needed to be reminded to keep pushing forward. It was a truly divine encounter.
On this same walk, a man stopped me in my tracks and asked if I could take a photo of him. Though he sat on the streets with nowhere to go in particular, he carried a contentment and a peace to him.
The people of Nicaragua were so kind & hospitable. Here is a family who welcomed us into their furniture shop for prayer.
It was incredible to witness the impact we could make just by simply seeing someone. This woman said that her family kicked her to the curb when she couldn’t work anymore. She thanked us for simply spending time with her.
Lastly, I will share of some of the interesting people and gorgeous sites of this country.
It was incredible to see the Christmas parades, fireworks, and performances of this country.
One of the most magical places I have visited on this race is Ometepe Island. It is an island made of two volcanoes that is found in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America.
It was also the place where I had my scooter accident.
Take one last good look at those unscarred legs. :’)
This one goes out to Team 217! This is the team I did my first four months of life with on the Race. We will always share a unique bond.
The name is based on 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Peace out Central America! Christ grew me so much within your borders. I experienced so much kindness and hospitality from your people and I will never forget our time together. I leave a different Lindsey than I entered.
xo,
Lindsey
Lindsaaaaayyyy! Beautiful words, experiences, and photos. Just as you are 🙂 know that you are not beautiful in spite of your scars but because of them. Inside and out the scars remind you of the pain, but more importantly of the one who comforts and heals in all circumstances.
I love the story in pictures:)
Lindsey, the Lord has truly given you the gift of spiritual sight. It’s evident not only in the pictures you capture with the camera’s lens, but also in how you really see other people—their worth, their gifts, their stories. Keep loving as Jesus loves, just as you have been doing…
WOW! Y’all were sure busy this month! Thanks for taking us through what life on the Race looks like from your eye!
Once again, a visual treat from Lindsey. But more than that… a great God’s-eye view of the ways 217 brought unconditional love to some beautiful people in Nicaragua. You’ll likely never know the true impact each tiny loving moment had on them. And on you!