The week before coming to Nicaragua, I was in Grand Rapids for pre-service orientation. All the people who would be going overseas through this denominational organization in the next year were at the denomination headquarters to recieve training on everything from the definition of poverty to how to go to the bathroom in the bush. In this picture are all of us " young people" -- five of them from Dordt! I got to know everyone here pretty well in the four days we had together, and it was a huge blessing and encouragement!

Feliz dia de las madres!

For those of you non-Spanish speakers, "Happy Mother's Day!" Today, my second full day in the country, is Mother's Day. The streets of Managua are full of people selling red and white roses and balloons -- red for those whose mothers are still alive, and white for those whose mothers have passed -- and everyone is lively and happy to celebrate. Yesterday, we had quite the party at my house. All of my mama's family came over for lunch -- almost thirty people! We had a live band and set up tables in on the big porch and everyone ate and enjoyed each other's company. The way Mother's Day is celebrated here versus at home makes for a striking comparison. A lot of moms in the states are content with a card or a small present, and maybe a meal in their honor. Here, everyone has the day off work, and not using that day to celebrate in a big way would be like not celebrating Easter or Thanksgiving back home.

I love the festivities, but they are kind of an overwhelming introduction to the culture and my family. There is so much going on and so many people to meet! Also, I've realized my confidence in my Spanish speaking abilities was really untested til now, and it's not as good as I thought it would be. Please pray that I would continue to persevere in practicing and learning the language, so that I can really build relationships with my host family, my co-workers, and the children I'll be helping.

Tomorrow is my first day of work! I'll leave in the morning with my lunch and a prayer. I promise from now on I'll be better at keeping you all informed of God's work in me, through me, and through the ministry at Tesoros. And I hope to post some picture of my home and family soon. Adios for now. Vaya con Dios.

...if I settle on the far side of the sea...

A few people, after hearing about my summer plans, have said that I am brave to go so far and for so long on my own. But if they could have known the anxious thoughts of my heart tonight, they would see how mistaken they really are! I honestly didn't give much thought to the fact that I would be "going it alone" until this morning. Then I began to realize that no one would be around to make sure I didn't forget my purse in the terminal or miss my flight. The scariest thing about travaling alone is that I am responsible for everything. I have to keep track of all that's going on and all my luggage at all times; ask my mom or my roommate and either of them they tell you that I am not always so good at that. I was scared of messing up, my heart was anxious, and I was not brave.

But then, as I was sitting outside looking at the stars, looking for assurance, God reminded me of His presence; the God who created the galaxies brought to my mind a song of David:

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7-10)

I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I have a constant companion more faithful than any earthly friend. If God can manage the universe, I trust Him to handle busy airports too.

Dear Everybody,


I'm so glad you've taken the time to check out this blog! It will be a place for me to share and reflect upon my adventures in growing with God while abroad this summer. In late May, I will leave the states and travel to Managua, Nicaragua to work at Tesoros de Dios, a non-profit ministry that serves children with special needs and their families. 


God has blessed me with this opportunity to serve and learn in another culture, and I pray that as I write and as you read we would together grow in understanding of the ways that God loves and works through people of every tribe and every nation. 

Revelation 5:9-10

And they sang a new song, saying:

   “You are worthy to take the scroll 

   and to open its seals, 

because you were slain, 

   and with your blood you purchased for God 

   persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, 

   and they will reign on the earth."