Tying Up Loose Ends

Lisa was here last week!  What an adventure it was too – hiking waterfalls, catching buses, walking all over town, falling into ditches on a scooter, riding/driving motorcycles around a volcanic island.  She spent a week with me and got a feel for most of my life in about 3 days.  Then we were off to Ometepe for some, much needed for both of us, rest and relaxation.  It was an absolute joy having her here.  

I knew once Lisa came it was going to be a time of tying up loose ends and finishing out the year.  I’m back stateside December 20, but there is so much going on before then!  Today we had our last parent meeting of the year.  During the last meeting the majority of the parents were interested in hearing more about spiritual growth, so Heather and I immediately thought of Jesse, one of the team members and translators at El Puente.  He has an incredible testimony of God’s grace and unending love and was willing to share it with our families.  

Then we had the pulperia, which was a total hit again!  

We sold rice, beans, oil, soap, milk, and various toys this time.  The kids also had the opportunity to use 5 of their class money to reserve a spot for the zoo field trip coming up!  All, of which, did.  : )

    

So, why are we so busy?  This week is our last week for class so we’re planning a special last day of school with games and crafts, snacks, the works!  Parachute and water balloons may be involved.  We’re also going to take our teachers to see Catching Fire in the VIP theater in Managua, which we’re all excited about because they’ve never been to this theater.  Then this weekend I’m going to a weekend retreat in Juigalpa with a couple girls and really have no idea what to expect, so more on that later!  

The following week is Heather’s last week and we’re taking our kids, their parents, and some siblings/family members to the zoo for a field trip!  Then we’re having a celebration for all of the kids who went through the program and will be going on to Kindergarten next year.  I’m sad to see this season end and to have to say goodbye to some of our kids that have grown so dear to my heart, but I guess that’s what happens to any teacher with their first class…

This time has been so special and over the last few weeks the biggest piece that God has put on my heart is love.  What does love look like when it’s harder to build relationships because you don’t speak the language well.  How do you love someone through service?  What does love feel like in forgiveness?  Why do we love?  And how do we even love well?  From that, a desire for depth.  Depth in how I love.  Depth in how I pray.  Depth in how I live and speak.  A favorite verse for years has been Ephesians 3:17, “May your roots grow deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love”, but it’s not a favorite anymore because it’s pretty or a fleeting thought, but because it’s a hunger.  A hunger to know and feel more for our heavenly Father.  The heavenly Father who sent his son for the most incomprehensible sacrifice for us, His undeserving children, but His children nonetheless.  Because he loves us.  That’s something I want to always know more about.  That’s something worth being deeply rooted in.

And because it’s December and the beginning of Christmas season, I’m going to sign off to the sounds of “Feliz Navidad/I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas” blaring in the streets and fireworks going off, probably for the next 3 hours.  Happy December!

And until next time…

Much love!