My sweet Nicaragua Family

In February, God willing I will be heading to Nicaragua for a 3rd time.  I have shared about my Nicaragua trips before but as the time approaches again, I find myself thinking about those beautiful children more and more. 

For the last 3-4 years our church has been working to construct a school for the Compassion International project and then last year we were back working on the church.  In the last few years we have made some incredible friends that I now consider my family.  I cannot express my love for this community and their people.  

I find every year that while we travel away from our own families to bless others, we always end up being the ones who receive the most gifts.  I have NEVER met a community more full of love and life.  The children bring such joy and love and welcome us into their worlds with open arms.  They make my heart happy.  

We have grown close with Pastor Denis and his family.  They too have welcomed us into their home and cared for us like their own.  We have laughed together, cried together, and prayed together.  While I am always ready to get back home to see my family, it is hard to leave knowing it will be another year before we make it back.  Someday I would love to take Bella along....I can't imagine a more beautiful thing than watching your own child learn to serve the lord.  (and believe me she would go in a heartbeat).  She already has a pile of goodies started for me to take to the children.  Man I love that sweet girl!

  

I hope you enjoyed the pictures....I sure enjoy sharing them.  At the end of the last trip we were able to have the first service in the church.  I don't know what this year has in store for us.  We will still be working in the same community, and loving on the same sweet children.  I am hoping to visit an orphanage while we are there.  Although I am not sure my heart can handle it.  

If any of you sweet readers ever get a chance to do mission work I encourage you to go for it!  It may seem scary or out of your comfort zone at first, but I promise you will be blessed in more ways than you could ever imagine.  It will change you for the better, and soften your heart.

I am back to reality tomorrow...hope you all had a great holiday!

Darby xoxo