I’ve been in Nicaragua now for about a week and half now. So much has happened already. I felt my first earthquake and even saw a volcano erupt. We were unaffected though. No worries. I have fallen in love with the people and the culture. The kids are so much fun. The first day walking through the village, children came running up to us yelling “GRINGOS!” Gringo means a foreigner from the States. They immediately hugged us and just wanted to play. They make loving them so easy. We have also done some manual labor too. We went to an orphanage that had an organic farm. I got to help plant mango, avocado, and plantain trees. The people are all so nice and appreciative. Also my team and squad are amazing. Below is a picture of my crazy team/family for the next 9 months. I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity of a lifetime.
Lately two songs have been placed on my heart. The first is an Avett Brothers song called Weight of Lies. The lyrics say “When you run make sure you run to something and not away from.” I was instantly reminded what my father said to me quite a while back. He told me that he would never let me run away, I had to run towards something. Going on a long-term mission trip has been a desire of mine ever since I went to Mozambique back in 2007. I wanted to take a year off before I went to college, it didn’t happen. I didn’t feel qualified or worthy enough to even look into it. After every semester of college for three years, I constantly felt unsatisfied. I wanted to leave and do something, but I wasn’t sure what my options were and if I had any. So I continued to stay and struggle. I knew there had to be something more out there for me. This is when my dad would tell me I couldn’t just run away. This past semester I finally decided to really take action. With my parents blessing, I decided to find a mission trip to Africa. I first found the World Race and started to apply but didn’t really focus on it too much. Then, I found the Passport: Immersion and knew that this was the trip for me. This past semester turned out to be great. I found the best of friends and an awesome support system. My relationship with my family was also the best it’s been in years. It was definitely not easy to leave them all. I finally understood what my dad was saying. I wasn’t running away anymore. I wasn’t unhappy and wanted to leave. I loved my friends and family but still knew I needed something more.
Finally, I’m here in a different country with no air conditioner, no knowledge of the language, nothing but rice and beans for food and nothing but cold showers. I couldn’t be happier. I found something to run to. The other song that has been stuck in my head is Forever Reign. The lyrics say “I’m running to your arms, the riches of your love will always be enough.” That completely describes how I feel. I am running towards Him, not looking back like an Olympic runner about to cross the finish line. I have realized that even though I may stray off the path at times, God is always there with open arms. He will always be enough. Even when we physically have nothing, we have Him. And He is more than enough.
“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne”
-Hebrews 12:1-2
Birdie,
Love you so much!! You are an amazing women!!
Carolinian!
I love and miss you sooo much! I am very proud of you for taking this leap of faith. I have always seen God’s light shine through you; I am thrilled that you are taking your light to the darkness. You are much braver than I am and I greatly admire that. You give me hope that maybe one day I will be able to pursue my love for missions too.
Bird we are so proud of you and can’t wait to hear more. We miss you so much! Stay focused on God and what He has planned for you.
Love, mom
Beautifully written Caroline! I’ve never seen you focus enough to write something this long haha! you’re constantly in my thoughts and prayers and I’m so proud of you for taking a leap of faith. So happy you’ve found a support system there and you know you always have one here as well. Love you Gringo!
Love, love, love this! So exciting to see how God is working in your life. Our prayers are with you! Can’t wait to read your next blog. Love you!
Caroline,
I have been wondering how you were doing. I am so glad to see that you are happy and so joyous in doing God’s work and letting his light shine through you and your acts of love. We will keep you in prayer. Love you, Aunt Jocelyn, Uncle John and the guys.
GO ON
Caroline,
I am truly amazed of what you are doing and I know that God is leading you all the way. Please continue to be strong and find the strength to keep positive.
Love you!
Uncle Jay, Aunt Kris, Karlee and Carson
You Go Girl!!! Make those dreams come true!!!!
Aunt MB
Love hearing where the Lord has brought you from and the things He is already teaching you! Continue to press into His loving goodness…it covers so much!
Caroline, over the years we have not been able to get together as often as I would like because of the distance between us. So I think of you as the cute little blonde girl, running around making your parents crazy! Now as I read your blog, I realize you have become a beautiful young woman, out in the world, doing good, making a difference. You are a very special person on a very special mission. May you always be so blessed!
Love from your very proud Grammy Z.
Caro, you are doing amazing things! I cant wait to hear about this awesome journey over the next 9 months. Love you and I know you are where God wants you; now if I can just find my place in this crazy race:)
P.S. keep em coming!
This is a wonderful blog Caroline. I lost my paper with the information you gave me on this blog but I just found it. I look forward to reading the rest. This is amazing thing you are doing and the joy you express makes me ache to see my little Ethiopian kids. Can’t wait to read the rest!