The Cycle of Sickness here in Nicaragua

 

When I was told about Roberto's brother having the kidney disease I was also told that I would be able to go visit him. Because our contact Lindsey knew that Roberto and his family is really close to my heart. But 2 days after being told about Roberto's brother being sick… I was informed that Roberto's brother had passed away. It is scary to me to think that just 2 days ago I was talking with my squad leader about the opportunity to go visit this sick man and 2 days later he died. This sickness is horrible. There is not one family in Bethel that has not been affected by it in one way or another. Now 2 days ago I was told by Lindsey that Roberto was talking to her about how he had went to get tested for the disease because the sugar cain company test the men before they start working. If they have the disease then they get fired and don't have a job to support their family. Roberto told Lindsey that his test came back positive. When she told me this my heart broke. I had no words. Why would this happen to him? His brother just passed away from the same sickness that he was just tested positive for. In about 14 days from now Roberto is going back for another test… just to make sure the test was right. In his mind he doesn't want to be sick so that he can work again… not because the sickness is horrible.

 

That night that I had found out about Roberto testing positive for the disease I spent awhile just crying. My heart is breaking not just for Roberto but for his family, and for the other people that are affected by the disease. The next day I was able to go to a foundation in León with Lindsey that does a lot of research on the sickness. The foundation is called the La Isla Foundation. Lindsey and I were able to just talk to 2 people that worked there and find out more information and also find out what their foundation is about. They are constantly working to figure out more about this disease and to find out what they can do to prevent it. They work in different communities building relationships, doing tests, teaching english, teaching computer skills, and also teaching welding classes. They want to provide different opportunities for the men that way they can break the cycle of disease here in Nicaragua. They aren't faith based or anything but they want what is best for the people and in my opinion that is great. It is actually something I would possibly be interested in doing after I come back from this 9 month trip. I love it here in Nicaragua and I love the people. If there is anything I can possibly do to make a difference here I would love to do it. They told me they have cheap housing for me and would appreciate the help if I decided to come back to Nicaragua. 

 

This week has been extremely overwhelming and I have a lot to process. I would love if you all could pray for Roberto and his family as they are dealing with the loss of his brother and also the possibility that Roberto's does have the disease for sure. I just asked that you would pray for strength and comfort and that Roberto would choose to take hold of God's hand as he faces this challenge. Also it would be great if you could pray over the future plans that God has for me and that he would slowly reveal His next step for my life. 

 

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read my blog. It is really encouraging and I absolutely love when you post comments. God Bless you all.

 

"But He said to me, "my grace is sufficient for you, of my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)