That’s a wrap on Month Two of the World Race! Nicaragua was a wild ride and there was a bunch going on all month long, so here’s a short recap of absolutely everything (okay maybe not absolutely everything).
Arriving at Light and Salt Ministries was a bit chaotic. We pulled up in an old school bus at 3:00am after a very long day. Customs seemed determined not to let us into their country, but God pulled some strings. Thankfully, they had some rice and beans (of course) ready for us and then sent us straight to bed. That in itself was also quite the challenge. All 20 of us squished into a small room that was usually used for sewing classes.
The next morning, we actually got to take a look around to see where we were staying. We were once again welcomed by an amazing banner and greeted by two dogs, Osa and Axel.
Look at how sweet this is! Can you spot my name?!
Axel (left) is still a puppy and always has so much energy! He loves sleeping on a big pile of sand at night. Osa (right) is a rescue pup and took awhile to warm up to us. Once she did, she was very sweet and gentle.
The first few days were pretty laid back as we got the lay of the land and recovered from our travel day. We went to a birthday party at a local church, checked out the ice cream shop in town, met the staff (who are amazing), and started praying over our roles for the month. There were different jobs that needed to be done around the ministry and our host, Tara, wanted us to work together to pick our roles.
We had so many parties with pinatas this month! What a blast!*
Surprisingly, I felt God pushing me towards the classroom role. It would involve spending the whole day with the boys from the foundation program and helping out the three teachers. The only teaching experience I really have was helping out with kids ministry at church. I knew that this was going to be way different.
Working in the classroom involved teaching English classes, playing games with the boys, helping them with crafts and science projects, and leading devotionals. We also had a lot of time that was spent just sitting in a tiny desk listening to some kind of lesson in Spanish. The boys are absolutely amazing and I love them dearly, but they’re also preteen boys who have way more energy and emotions than they know what to do with. It was definitely overwhelming for me and took a while to get used to.
Apparently smiling in photos isn’t a thing in Nicaragua…*
So, this was basically my whole life for those four weeks. Between working all day, doing team and squad activities, and spending time with God, we barely had any free time. Our host didn’t want us leaving the ministry site very often, so we didn’t really get adventure days or any time away at all. With the looming walls, giant gate, and 19 other people, it got to feel pretty claustrophobic.
Soooooo big!*
The highlight of each week was going to mass with Claudia. It was one of the only places where I truly felt at peace and was able to pray and connect with God without any distractions. I never really paid attention to the actual mass, but just being there was like being in a beautiful pocket of heaven. I also really enjoyed the prayer night that our squad did. We prayed from 8:00pm to 5:00am with two or three people each hour. Claudia, Kayla, and I took the 2:00am slot and I decided to stay up until then and not go to bed until 3:00am. It was such a stunning night! The sky was so clear and the stars were so bright. Praying with these two incredible women was amazing and made the hour fly by.
The church was so beautiful! During our last service there, a white dog came in and greeted everyone… We’re still a little confused about that.*
Overall, Nicaragua was extremely challenging and stretched me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I had a lot of moments where I felt like I was at the end of my rope and I had no idea how I would keep going, but God always stepped in and carried me when I couldn’t take another step. I learned so much about finding silence inside myself, pushing myself further than I thought I was capable of, and fully leaning into the Lord when things get tough.
For the past week and a half, we’ve been in Medellin, Colombia and let me tell you, it is incredible! Ciudad Refugio is one of the coolest, most authentic ministries I know of and they are doing awesome work here with the homeless population, city youth, and recovering addicts. Please keep them in your prayers this month!
*Photo Credit: Claudia Marie Gruett
Thank you! We definitely ended up with lots of stories and memories!
It was definitely hard, but God also taught me so much! I’m so thankful that He uses the deserts in our lives to grow us into something beautiful.
Hi Janine!
I am currently serving with K Squad on the Race. We are coming to Nicaragua next Sunday and having an ATL month. We are looking for opportunities to serve. I was wondering what city y’all served in, the name of the ministry, and if you would suggest serving there or somewhere else.
Thanks! Hope your squad is doing well!
SO GOOD!! Y’all had your hands FULL of incredible opportunities to serve, and you did it with such honor and selflessness. Forever proud of you and the stories you’re sharing.
It sounds like you had a fruitful, yet hard, month in Nica! Thanks for giving us a glimpse of what it was like. It must have been hard being walled in. I’m thankful every day for the freedoms we still experience in the US! And, praying for God’s kingdom to come so all people can experiene that freedom!