First Team Week

What a busy week. We had 2 teams here. We had some really good servants in those teams. Our week included Spa days ( pampering women with hair cuts, pedicures, and manicures), VBS with lots of kids, tarping homes in the dump, handing out food to hungry children, praying over people, painting, cleaning, taking pictures, interviewing the girls for updates to the childsponsors, and more.

We also celebrated Father's Day. The girls made homemade cards and sang a special Father's Day song to Papa Wilbert and Papa Wil. Then we had a pizza party for them. The girls finished a long week of mid terms. This was a week full of hard studying for them.

My house is starting to look a lil more homey. I have been blessed by friends giving me things to start my home or things to barrow for now. This week I finally was able to go to the grocery store, I have never been so excited to go to the store.

Today we said goodbye the 2 teams and hello to a new one!! Welcome another busy week!

Walking on water = staying fixed on Jesus

Today as I was spending time with God I was reminded of the story of Peter walking on water. God has called us all to be like Peter, to fix our eyes and hearts on him and to walk on water. God has so graciously allowed me to walk on water, now I have to stay fixed on him. I am in awe of our great God and all he has done and is doing in my journey here in Nicaragua. Every step has been a miracle of God. Following Him comes with such great joy, freedom, and blessing. This doesn't mean there is no hardship or pain but the joy and blessing far outweight them. God has told us that He WILL provide ALL that we need and when we truely live this way the freedom we experience is amazing. I encourage you all to ask God to command you to walk on water and see how big our God is!

My reunion with my 16 girls was so joyful. The smilies on there faces, the hugs, kisses and fighting over who would hug me first was more than I could have ever asked for. Each morning as I walk past the girls homes I hear several "Buenas dias, Natalie" (Good Morning, Natalie)and see their beautiful smilies. God has so graciously given me beautiful relationships with these girls that continue to grow. They bring such joy and laughter to my soul. My spanish seems to be flowing out of my mouth to my surprise and I am comprehending as well. I still am learning though.

I would like to share some prayer requests with you.

~Please pray for strength, wisdom and discerment as I learn my roles here and the ministries God has for me.
~ For wisdom and God's provision and timing for buying a car.
~ For continual growth in my relationships with the girls and staff.
~ For direction in finding a House Mom for the next 8 girls that are moving in the Villa in mid August.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!

God is So Good!!

Just wanted to let you all know that God so graciously brought me to Nicaragua last night safely. He also watched over my luggage and brought it as well ( this truely is a miracle). I was greeted at the airport by my friend Susie and 2 of the older girls that live at the Villa ( Sara and Karina) . The wonderful Villa staff is going out of their way to make me comfortable and taking care of me. I have the most beautiful room to live in with my own bathroom. I assumed I would be in a bunkbed but found a lovely double bed in my room. I feel spoiled. I feel like the most privileged girl alive right now! Thank you all for your prayers!!

Welcome

Welcome to my blog, my hope for this blog is that it keeps you informed and encouraged by sharing what God is doing in Nicaragua. I hope to be able to post pictures and stories of life in Nicargaua, my ministires, and God's faithfulness. Please come by often and see what God is doing in me and in Nicaragua!