For starters I don't understand and can hardly comprehend the fact that in 2 days I am about to go to the Managua airport and fly to multiple airports before finally arriving in the Philippines. The other day I was encouraged to start the grieving process of leaving the relationships I've made behind, and be prepared to make new ones. I was challenged to find what the community of Bethel has taught me most. In that moment I realized I hadn't really thought of it before. Yesterday I decided to sit down and journal about my experience here. 

Before I started to write and I decided to reflect on what happened by looking back over my previous journal entries. As I looked over them I saw a verse and it is a verse that I put in one of my blog posts, I actually memorized it about my 2nd week here.

"Rejoice always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice Always."- The beautiful people of Bethel have taught me how to rejoice no matter what. Last night is what solidified what I've learned. Our whole squad went into Bethel around 6 PM because we were going to have one last church service. When we got there no one was in church, and we found out that a man passed away from the kidney disease. In that they decided to have a celebration and to remember Coris. They sang songs celebrating Coris' death and how he is now in heaven standing with his true Father. I love that they celebrated no more pain. They sang many songs loudly outside in the street that was lit by lights they strung up. I will never forget to have joy in all circumstances. 

"Pray Continually."- Continuous prayer. Something I've become accustom to doing. After spending time at someones house they almost always ask to pray for you and in exchange you pray for them. They always are praying. They pray through hard times and good times. Prayer is such a big part of their culture. They pray "warrior style" which I guess could be called "Nicaraguan Style," basically you all just pray out loud at the exact same time. It is amazing to hear spanish and english being lifted up to God. It is something to take home and work on more, why not after spending time at a friends house end your time in prayer? Its something that we should center our friendships and family around anyway.

"Give Thanks In All Circumstances."- Give thanks, now that is something I struggle with. When I am given a piece of pink rubbery food that I'm supposed to eat because a kind woman has given it to me. Why would I be thankful for that? They have given me their best what more could I ask for? Why not thank the Lord that this woman is willing to offer me the best that she has to a perfect stranger. Here every single person thanks the Lord literally a billion times. The people will be praying and almost all the words of their prayer are I thank you Lord for this, I thank you Lord for my family, my friends and my house. They always end their prayers saying thank you. So many times we are trying to ask for something, but in all circumstances we should thank God. In all circumstances give thanks! It means even when we aren't feeling well give thanks that it isn't a sickness that will cause us to die. Give thanks that our friend that has passed away is now no longer in pain, but they are dancing with the Lord. I have a new way of looking at things here.

I have learned so much in Nicaragua and saying goodbye to my friends and my family here has torn my heart apart. But I continue to thank God for the blessings that have been poured on me. I could not have asked for a better time, and a better experience. God is teaching me constantly and I can't wait to see what He has in store for me next. 

A man named Felix who has the kidney disease praying for me

The cutest little boy in the world.. He's a twin!