Nicaguara 2011

This year was my second time to Nicaragua, one of the most beautiful places on the earth. We took a team of 16 from Millbrook to travel to Rio Blanco to work with the church planters, Pablo and Claudia Garcia. I was really excited about going back this year, because I was hoping that some of the children and women would remember me and that I could build on those relationships and make new ones. That proved true and it was so amazing working on those relationships.

The first day there, we went to La Ponsona school and had 16 salivations! The kids there are really shy and introverted, so the fact that they responded so well and prayed with us was a really big day. It was a really great way to start the week, because we knew God was already doing such great things. 

That afternoon we had a bible study for the women in the church we helped start building last year. There were so many women and children and they were there an hour early. These people walk from all over, miles and miles, just to hear the word of God whenever it's available. It's very humbling to see that. It began to rain really hard while we were there, and the men who were working had no choice but to come up to the church and hear the Word. Just shows how God will bring people to hear Him, no matter what the circumstances.

The rest of the week, we went to several other schools and churches to play and do vacation bible school type things with the children. I always love playing with them and speaking Spanish with them, trying to tell them little things about me and learn unique facts about them. I love how God makes all His children so different, yet we're all made in His image. :)

On this trip, God again confirmed in my heart that He has called me into missions. I've felt this calling for about three years now, but every time He confirms it, it feels like being called all over again. I really don't know where He is going to take me next, or what I'll be doing for Him, but I'm excited to be planting seeds in His Kingdom. :)

Also, my wonderful friend Allie was able to go with me on this trip! It was amazing watching God work through her on her first mission trip. The children loved her and she really mentored to the women, as well. And since she has been blessed with a beautiful voice, she was able to lead us in worship one day at Sandra's house. I have a feeling that she'll definitely be back to Nicaragua soon.

One amazing friendship that both Allie and I made was with our transalator, Luis. He's an awesome man of Christ and has a beautiful soul. His wife wasn't able to travel to Rio Blanco with us, but we met her on the last night. Luis definitely adopted Allie and I as his "American daughters" and he quickly became "dad".

I'm just thankful to have gone on another mission trip and to be used for the Lord's work!

Stop Complaining

Ok, so whenever I blog up here, it is always about something that I've been directly dealing with. This past week, I've had several conversations with different people about food. Yup, food. And in each conversation I took part of, someone was complaining about the food we eat (I complained as well, like I said I blog about things I'm currently dealing with). Whether or not it was because of something in the meal they didn't like, steak not being cook "well" enough, somewhere being too expensive, or a diet not having tasty enough choices, it was all complaining.
As I took part in this, a friend in one of my classes actually brought up as how we as Americans, are SO PICKY and don't realize just how GOOD WE HAVE IT. And then I began to think just how right he was--I've been to the third-world countries, where if they eat ONE MEAL A DAY, they are praising God! And I'm over here complaining because we're eating at Five Guys again and it's not good enough for me?! Who am I to complain as a Jesus Follower, knowing how people in other countries are living?! Later that day, I became really disappointed in myself and mad that I had forgotten how it was in third-world countries.
So I ask you to look at these pictures and put yourself in the place of one of these Kenyan children--your child, your brother or sister, your friend, your grand-daughter/son...imagine if they were sharing beans and rice with hundreds of other children--and that was their ONLY meal for that day.

 They didn't complain about their meal. Why should we?

Sticky Notes

About two months ago, God put an amazing opportunity in my life. Now for about two weeks before this event took place, I was in my the Word everyday, just reading up on different verses. I can normally always find a verse that I really needed to read and I love that about God. Even when a verse doesn't directly apply to me, He always puts someone on my mind to send the verse too. However, for about two weeks, I couldn't find any verses that were affecting me, or that I thought related to anyone else, like I thought they should. So I just began putting sticky notes on each verse I found, figuring God would tell me when I could go back and it would apply to my life.
Throughout this time, I had been praying for someone for about three months for someone I knew (getting somewhat impatient with God), when finally my Lord allowed me to share the gospel with this person. It was an amazing conversation, that he actually brought up. We talked about Jesus, the world ending, sinning when you're a Christian and when you're not, and a lot of other stuff. I even had my bible with me, so we looked at several different scriptures and just whet from there with more conversation. I really enjoyed just sharing my beliefs without "pushing" Jesus on him.
At the end of the conversation, he mentioned that if he had a Bible, he might just read it. Whoaaaaaaa. And then I literally heard God speak audibly to me. Now,  not audibly to where anyone else could hear Him; but it was like He was yelling in my ear "Give him your bible, Chelsea". So I asked him that if I gave mine to him would he read it. He said yes--that he might not tonight, but would soon, when he felt it was the right time. So I took out my bookmark and a picture I had put in it, and handed it over. He smiled but looked at me somewhat confused and asked where should he start reading it. Yet again, I heard God and this time almost started to cry from what He was telling me..."The sticky notes, Chelsea..." God said. So I told my friend, "anything that has a sticky note by it, or that is already underlined or highlighted." He seemed excited and we parted ways.
We've talked a few times since that night and I still pray for him daily. I'm writing this tonight to ask that you pray for my friend; that he will read his bible and come to realize just how much Jesus loves him . So when the time is right, He comes to be part of God's family. And also so that you know God can work through your prayers in big ways, when you least expect it. He is preparing you for something huge, as long as you allow Him to live through you. He used me putting sticky notes in my Bible to be a bookmark for someone that's never even opened a Bible.
My God does amazing things when we let Him. Are you allowing Him to do those things through you?

PASSION 2011

It's been about a week since I've been back from Passion...and let's just say, that I'm just barely still processing everything that happened and everything I learned.

Christian vs. Jesus follower...anyone can say that they're a Christian, but to be a follower of Jesus Christ requires daily commitment. A relationship that you desire to have and build on everyday, multiple times a day.

David Platt spoke about how in other countries people that follow Jesus are persecuted EVERYDAY. When's the last time you were persecuted for loving Jesus; like really persecuted? I certainly don't get persecuted as often as I should. Francis Chan said that we should even be joyful in persecution. Does that sound like you? Or would you start complaining as soon as someone else questioned you because of your faith? We should live daily like Jesus did.

Appetites...what rules your thoughts, decisions, and actions? That is your appetite and either it will rule you, or you will rule it? Andy Stanly says your response to this will determine the course and quality of your life; and whether or not you follow God's will for your life. Appetites can be: progress, responsibility, respect, acceptance, love, things, etc.

This is honestly just a few things that have been really pressing on my heart these past few days...

Just Open Your Eyes

Just open your heart and your eyes; God will present you with opportunities to witness...

This weekend I went to Snowshoe, WV for the College Crew Ski Trip. It was an awesome time of cold slopes, fellowship, good food, and awesome devotions. And with no phone service, it was just a great time to focus solely on my Lord. I guess you could say that I opened my eyes...

Saturday night, after I had a great time at dinner with seven of the girls that went, we got back on the shuttle to return to our chalet. I was the first one on the bus and met Howard, our driver, and asked how his night was going. I was expecting no answer, or a short-look, but he just smiled and proceeded to tell me how blessed his night had been. He started in telling us his 5-minute "shuttle testimony" of how God brought him to Snowshoe, to take care of his sick mother. He seemed to have an awesome story and he then told us some amazing God things. He said how God had given him the power of healing and that he prayed over several people, and God made them well. The one that stuck with me the most, was of his aunt who was diagnosed with cancer. He went and laid hands on her and a few weeks later, the cancer was gone. How powerful is our God?! I just couldn't help but smile the whole time he was talking, because I just LOVE running into other Christians who aren't afraid to share their God stories. We arrived at our cabin, and everyone got of the shuttle, thanking him for his testimony and wishing him a blessed night. I was the last one off, and went I went to tell him good-night, he grabbed my hand and asked to pray for me. (I'm thinking: Really?! This man I've never met, wants to pray for me?!) I agreed, bowed my head, and opened my heart to his words. Howard prayed for my safety while in Snowshoe, my group's safety, and that the Lord would be with me in whatever He calls me to do. One of the coolest moments of my life, I walked off the bus, almost in tears, knowing that I'd be keeping Howard in my prayers too.

I went inside and told everyone what happened and how cool it was that Howard was witnessing to so many people on his shuttle rides, everyday. What an awesome way to share God's love! And for me to be able to witness what God was doing through Howard, really just made my day. And it was all because I just opened my eyes...

The very next day, while skiiing, Hannah and I were on the ski lift with another lady. Small talk was made, but nothing too heavy. I'm always thinking of ways that I can bring up Jesus in conversation and before I could even began with this lady, she brought up Christmas and the real reason behind the season: JESUS. So neat to just talk about my God with another random person.

Just open your eyes for people to witness too :)

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

The Graham family of Augusta was blessed this past week with a new house from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! And I was given an amazing opportunity of helping out twice in the past 7 days!

On Sunday night, Lauren Stephens and I went out there around 10 and stayed until about 12. We did a lot of clean up for the house and moving bricks back and forth. We got to carry tiles for the bathroom floors upstairs unto the house and see what it looks like at day 3. It was SO super cold but so neat to see how many people were out there so late, putting in all their effort for a family they might have never even met.

Tuesday night, which was the last night, Jenn Edwards and I went out at 10 and stayed until veryyyyy late (I might as well just say until early Wednesday morning). It was an even better experience, but even colder! We started off just looking for things to do and ended up unloading trucks with Sears appliances and furniture. A lot of the stuff we worked with that night was actually for the Sister-in-law's family, who lived behind the big home. Jenn and I were given the task of putting together a bathroom storage unit that went over the toilet. It took over 3 hours but we finally finished it! We were SO proud.

So today, Wednesday, was the reveal and Jenn, Kendall, and I went up at 1 to see the family come back and be surprised by their brand new house! The reveal was supposed to be at 2...but it didn't happen till after 4. That's Hollywood, I suppose. We got to high-five Ty and see the rest of the Extreme Team crew. Did I mention we were front row? :) But anyway, I have to be honest--it's NOT what I expected at all. The limo came in, and then again, and again. There was like 25 takes of everything that happened. And when the family did finally come, and everyone yelled "move that bus!", I heard that they had already seen it. But they did seem super excited, happy, sad, anxious and everything at the same time. So congratulations to the Graham Family!

 Here's a link to the rest of the pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1494666375168&set=a.1494650694776.2067582.1489320099#!/album.php?aid=2067582&id=1489320099&page=3

"Take All of Me"

You have to watch this video. You have to listen to this song. You have to live the words.

About Me (Who I Am)

Heyyyy, my name is Chelsea Johnson.

Thanks for visiting my blog. This is "about me" is like a year after I've started blogging, but sometimes it takes that long to really "find yourself". And for the past year I have done more soul-searching and God-yearning than I ever have. I've pondered about who I am, where I'm going, and reflected on who I was. It's been a crazy year,with more ups and downs than ever but I've learned more than I ever thought I could and I'm excited to learn more about who I am becoming.

I am a Christian. I am deeply, madly, crazy in love with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am trying to follow Him, wherever He leads. I am His slave, saved by His grace and living in His mercy.

I am a daughter. My parents divorced when I was young which means I've been blessed with four parents pratically my whole life. I am a big sister and absoutely love it. I have three younger siblings whom I adore. Slayton is 17, Raymond is 13, and Kendall is 10.

I am a friend. I love my friends more than they'd ever realize. I'm so thankful that my close friends are Christians and that they're there for me no matter what. It's a huge blessing to have real people in your life.

I am a missonary. I've been on two foreign mission trips already and absoutely cannot wait for when He sends me again. I'll go anywhere He leads. I live for showing people His salvation and letting Him grow the seed.

Some other things that I've grown quite fond of in my twenty years of life are: photography, music, movies, dancing in the rain, praying, worshipping, going on mission trips, shopping and then giving stuff away, dates with my girls (we always end up at Salsa's), watching 80's movies on double dates with my parents, scrapbooking, traveling, cuddling, going to basketball games, quoting movies with my man, church, speaking to groups, camping, hiking & rafting, staying busy, riding roller-coasters, working and anything else that involves the people I love...

So since I said earlier, this blog is who I am, I'm going to be blogging on who I was and who I am becoming in the future. Look for them...it'll be mighty interesting. :-)

Girl, You've got to STOP.

Okay, so this is a blog post I've been wanting to do for a LONG time. I consulted quite a few women and other girls on it before doing this. A lot say no-and a lot said yes. I'm going with it. God has laid this one big time on my heart.

It's on gossip. I'm so tired of my Christian sisters GOSSIPING! Seriously girl, you've got to stop.


Now I am NOT perfect, in any way, but several months ago, God laid it on my heart to stop gossiping. And I felt VERY convicted from then on, when I said something rude about anyone. I am still praying a lot about this, and working everyday to not gossip (or talk crap). And I feel personally, like I've done an okay job--not perfect--but better than I was. Because I was definitely one of those girls. You know the type, the ones that sit in the corner with their "friends", talking bad about everyone that walks in. (And by the way, if they're talking bad about someone with you, they're talking bad about you with someone else!--a hard lesson learned for me) ALWAYS something NEGATIVE, never any positive. The ones that just stare through you, up and down, everything you're wearing. The ones that have their nose in the air like they're better than you. Yeah, those girls.
But honestly, IT'S NOT THAT HARD TO STOP. You just have to PRAY. 

"God give me a loving heart. Help me to not see people's faults, but to work on my own. Show me everyone's inner and outer beauty, and help me to compliment them, lifting them up, instead of bringing them down. Lord, let me love like You."

Now I've always heard that when you're praying not to do something, or to better anything about you, the devil will always test you in that way. And boy, did he try to get me. A few weeks after God had showed me just how evil it is to gossip I was confronted with just that. I went to a dinner party with some fellow Christian ladies. And what was EVERYONE doing?! GOSSIPING!! The whole entire time. (There was one girl, other than myself, who did not participate). It was seriously ridiculous. It was almost like a contest--who could come up with the worst things to say about everyone else. It actually made me sick to my stomach. I remember driving home that night, calling Will and him saying "Oh, that just girl's. Girls can be rude." But these are CHRISTIAN GIRLS, I thought to myself. Why were they acting like this?! Why did I used to act like this?! This is disgusting. I actually went home that night and practically cried to my parents from being so upset. I guess I hadn't hung out with that many girls in awhile and didn't realize how EVIL they were. OR maybe it was because my true friends, ladies really trying to live with the love of Christ, didn't do that. What a wake-up call! That night put a lot of things in to perspective to me and was a HUGE lesson from God. Yet again, showing me how NASTY GOSSIPING IS and how much better I could show love, if I just didn't talk crap. I tell you what, I think twice before saying something nasty about anyone from now on.

Now again, I am going to restate that I am not perfect-at all. And I'm no better than anyone who does gossip. I'm just saying that God has told me how bad, evil, nasty, ugly, disgusting gossip is and I am trying to tell others about it. I really hope this can be a wake-up call for some girl/lady out there. I really hope that you realize what you're doing, how you're hurting your Christian witness, and seriously check yourself. Because, Girl, You've got to STOP.

"Besides that, they learn to be idle, gaddling about from every house to house; and they are not merely idle, but also GOSSIPS and busybodies, saying what they should not say." 1 Timothy 5:13
"They were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are GOSSIPS, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, rebellious towards parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless." Romans 1:29-31

Blessed--My Happy List :)

Do you ever have those days where you are just on your knees, thanking God for how much He's blessed you? I've been realizing over and over how good He has been to me lately and just so happy for what He's given me. I just wanted to share some of my blessings, happy things, and hope that it encourages you to realize how blessed you are too! If you're ever down, make a list, and realize just how good you have it. He is good!

Why I'm blessed.....

My Great Lord:
--He sent His one, only son--to die for my sins!
--He loves me unconditionally

My amazing family:
--My close family are all Christians which is such a blessing 
--My parents have always supported me and been there no matter what
--We love spending time together and always make a point to have family dinners

My beautiful friends:
--They really love the Lord
--My friends don't gossip--they are real, true people
--They have always been there for me, through tears and laughs
  
My wonderful boyfriend:
--He's in love with the Lord
--He can always make me laugh :)
--He's seriously my best friend

And everything else: (some things, I know we take for granted)
--I'm in college--it's such a privilege!
--Everyday I have clean water, food, and a place to rest my head
--That I can eat more than one meal a day
--I have a job
--I have a great church family--love "the Crew!"
--I live in a free country
--I've been able to see/help people accept Christ
--I've been to third world countries sharing His word
--I've seen miracles
--I have a car to drive everyday
--That I have (way) more than just one pair of clothes--some people only have the clothes on their back
--I've felt the presence of Angels
--I have two arms and two legs
--Because I can support a World Vision child for only $30 a month


I know there's more and I'll eventually add them all. Ever since being to Kenya, I've realized that "simple, small things" really make me the happiest. It should be the same for you. Make yourself a list and stop complaining about silly things.

Something I Needed to Hear Today

Our College Sunday School class at Millbrook is seriously blessed to have our teacher Matt Brackett. And today--he did it. He said something profound, to me, that it just healed my heart to hear. Something I really needed to hear.

"God will use you wherever you're at, whatever you're doing--as long as you have a right relationship with Him."

I struggle with everyday not being on a mission field somewhere in a foreign country and sometimes feel like God is doing nothing through me. This right here, proved me wrong. God is always at work. Thanks Matt :)

Midnight Redemption

Midnight Redemption is the high school band at my church, Millbrook Baptist. This past Sunday night they had a High School Night of Worship that they organized and put on with little help. It was a beautiful night with tons of high school kids praising our Lord (I think they had around 75!!) Praise the Lord.

Now this night touched my heart a little deeper, maybe than others, because my very own baby brother was in it. Slayton is the acoustic guitar (and even sang a little) and he did so awesome! I have been so proud and so excited watching God transform my brother's life into something so amazing. Slayton has really given everything he has to God and has been searching for his place. He has felt a calling into Music Ministry and is looking to purse it in college, and of course every chance he gets while still in high school. I am just so proud of this boy!So watching him lead this band in front of 75 high school kids, some college and adults, just made my heart so happy. I'm so thankful for such a Godly family.

I am so excited for what God is going to continue to do through this band. Each person in Midnight Redemption is such a beautiful child of God and I'm blessed to have them in my church and life. Keep being such an example to His kingdom and a light for others guys! Love you all!

Lead Singer-Allie Blissit

Acoustic- Slayton Johnson

Lead Guitar- Jevon Garcia

Bass- Justin Leonard

Drums- Brody Harper

Check them out on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128513700526155&v=info#!/group.php?gid=128513700526155&v=wall

Encourage Yo Sista 2010

Last night was our 2nd Annual Clothes Swap. The theme of this year was Encourage Yo Sista 2010. Such a great topic, let me tell ya! We had about 30 women in total and 3 beautiful, Christian speakers. We even managed to get the college men to serve our dinner :-) Everyone really did such a great job and it looked so beautiful. Here's a little bit of what was said and done at our Sista dinner...(thanks to Janice Wilson for pictures).

 These are the awesome guys that served our dinner and deserts! :-) Thank you Bret McIver, Justin Wheelon, Will Howard, Jake Edwards, Brad Temple, and Wesley Ryan!

 

 

Jamie Johnson (that was a major part of putting the whole thing together) and Rachel Horne (the college intern) share a special moment.

Jennifer Edwards sang None but Jesus for all the ladies. She did so beautifully!

Mrs Mary Boswell speaking

Mary Boswell was our first speaker and she shared her awesome testimony. There were parts that made us laugh and others that made us cry...(loved how this is what it was like with each woman that spoke). She talked a lot about marriage. She said to only marry the equally yoked and that to submit and obey your husband is a great think. God made us to be their helpers. I just loved how she put everything into perspective for us at our age.

Our second speaker was Mrs Barbara Franklin.

Barbara Franklin really did an awesome job. She talked a lot about how we can either take the world's path or God's path and how we have to stay in His word everyday. She did a really powerful demonstration also, about spending your morning with Jesus. She put chocolate balls into a jar (which represented time with the Trinity). The rice was then poured in the jar (which represented the rest of your day). Everything fit perfectly and our day was full. Next, she put the rice in first (which represented not spending time with Jesus first thing) and then put the chocolate in last (like how we try to squeeze in our time with Him, when we have time). It didn't fit. The top didn't go on. We have to spend time with Him first thing, to start our day off right and have a good relationship with God.

Our third and last speaker was Mrs Eleanor Bookstaver.

Eleanor Bookstaver really got all the ladies attention. We were either laughing or crying about everything she told us. Something that really caught my attention was that she said the Lord just really wants us to pray to Him. He doesn't care what the prayers are, if there silly, or really important, He just wants your attention."God wants to bother with every part of your life, if it's bothering you." She also said He wants us to go and search those in need and help them.

After we ate and heard these beautiful women, it was time for the swap! Everyone grabbed their bags and began to "shop". It was so nice because no one fought or was catty. Everyone helped each other out and shared what they had, if they saw someone wanted/needed it more.

Lindsey Boothe and Graham Dickerson were so ready to go through all those clothes!

Posing for a picture before we all began. (See the cute bags?) :D

So the night was a success and a time of great fellowship. So thankful for everyone who helped in any way. All the glory be for Him! :-)

ALL my DELIGHT is in YOU LORD

For the past 7 months of my life, I have been on this crazy spiritual journey with Christ. He has shown me that the only one that matters is HIM. He has taken away and given back more than I could ever imagine. He has blessed me in ways I could never explain. Basically, for the past 7 months I have learned that all my delight comes from my Lord.

I have fallen so in love with God that a lot of times, He's all I can think about. When can I spend another moment with Him? What is He going to teach me today through His word? What does He want me to do for His Kingdom and who should I be praying for to come to know Him?

Jesus is the greatest love that I have ever known. It's really incomprehensible how much HE LOVES US. And all He wants from us is to love Him, love others, and teach them about His love. His love has just been so heavy in my heart lately that I honestly feel like I could literally explode. The miracles He shows me each day; how could I not just absolutely adore Him? He is so good!!

As I sit here, just thinking about what all He has created, I just want to cry. He has made this whole world for us to go out and share His love. Is that what we're doing? Are we truly loving others like He loves us?

 I honestly don't think I really loved anyone how He wanted me to until very recently. Because it's been recently that I've seriously just fallen head over heels in love with my Lord. And this is when I started realizing that nothing but Jesus filled me up. No things, no other person gave me as much delight as He did. I truly realized He was all I needed. There is none like Him.

Lord, all my delight is in you...

Pray with Your Eyes Open

I did something taboo. I opened my eyes while praying.
It was in Nicaragua during our bible study on Wednesday night. Everyone was praying at the same time, aloud, in Spanish and English. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. Holding hands while speaking to our God, we were all praying for something different. While praying, I would take breaks and try to understand some of the ladies prayers, so that I could pray for them too. Some were thanking God for blessing them with their children and job. Some were crying out with prayer requests about their husbands. Some were asking why people in their life were not saved. Some thanked God for us being there. Some just cried.
But I opened my eyes, while praying out loud, and looked around. I saw Him in every lady in that room. I saw Him in every corner of the building. I saw Him everywhere. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before, it was truly magnificent.
I closed my eyes and keep praying. For the ladies, children, and men in Rio Blanco...for I knew He was there. He was listening. He was loving His children.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua was amazing. Such a wonderful mission trip in only one week. We had about 10 people go with us from Millbrook and we went down to minister to the people of Rio Blanco; which is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. God is so good!
We could definitely feel every one's prayers and I am so thankful for those that were praying. The people down there were very interested in everything we told them about God's kingdom.

We got to go to three different places to see children: Ruben Dario escuela, La Ponsana escuela, and the Red Bridge iglesia. Los ninos were always well-behaved and loved playing with us, gringos. :) We taught them about the 10 commandments, God's salvation, and hygiene and how they can remain healthy. Every child got a salvation card and bracelet that we made together, and either a toothbrush and toothpaste or soap and a washcloth. It was so humbling to see people get so excited about these "little" items that we take so for granted.
With las mujeres, we got to make crafts with them at the Ruben Dario school and share the Gospel with them, as well. Such a lively bunch and they really enjoyed knitting, making hair bows and earrings, and painting stained glass look-a-likes. Another day at La Ponsana, we cooked with the women, which was very interesting. The cupcake bread we made, looked kinda ugly, but tasted great. The women were just excited to have learned a new recipe and get some cooking supplies for their own home. That night we had bible study with a few ladies and learned about some of their struggles. We prayed with them which was so beautiful (and I will write another post about an experience here). I think this is when I truly fell in love with the Nicaraguan people. The next day, we got to visit some of the same ladies in their homes and have more talking and sharing time. Every lady and her children were so welcoming to us and made us feel at home. It was a beautiful time.

I must admit, that spending time with the children was my favorite part of the trip. I must have painted 300 faces and hugged 300 kids. It was so neat to speak their language (what little I knew) and talk to them about Jesus, familia, y escuela. They loved hearing us talk and just being near us. I just loved watching them. Children really are God's biggest blessing to us.

I am so thankful that God sent me on this trip and the blessings He poured out around us. We planted seeds all over Rio Blanco and I know that He is taking care of His children, and they are learning more about Him each day.
These are some of my very favorite pictures from the trip. Love...