Nicaragua..

I just returned home from a mission trip to Nicaragua. Instantly as we got off the airplane in Nicaragua the smell of trash brought tears to my eyes, as I recalled all the wonderful memories, I have of serving God in the mission field.

We partnered with an amazing team from Tallahassee Florida. There ended up being 23 people on the team. The week consisted of prayer walks (my fav.), construction, a pastor’s wives luncheon, conferences, and vacation bible schools. We were HOT and sweaty all day every day… But we loved it!

I wonder what it is about the mission field that makes us feel so close to God. Is it that’s what we were meant to do? Serve? Love? Give? Lay down our own preferences and serve those less fortunate then us? Oh Lord Jesus, Show me how to do that here. In my everyday life of STUPID tasks in comparison with your joy and life. Show me Lord how to serve like that here. There has got to be a way. I know it.

I think for me – its the people. I love being around people. I love them being there in the morning. I love living communally. I know it’s weird but I love it. And I miss it. I just feel so alive there.

As I lay down my preferences in this environment, where I live, Seattle, with tasks and drive and a go-go-go attitude, I am choosing to try to live differently. Watching TV is so boring to me and pointless, seems like a serious waste of time.

Eating healthy is a privilege! In Nicaragua there are so many people with Diabetes because of their diets and they have no way to change it, since they eat what they can, when they can.  I went to the gym today and bought healthy groceries.

Having freedom is a privilege! Driving where ever I want when I want is actually not some right I have – it’s a privilege. Why? I am blessed to be a blessing. I don’t feel like I am the best blessing most of the time. I know there is so much more I can do and it is time that I have to offer. I get paralyzed by fear and complacency.  I feel like the task is so big that I can’t do it all – then I do nothing, which is worse.