Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread - Proverbs 30:8

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Nicaragua


I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Nicaragua at the end of January with my mom. OUr primary purpose was to meet the kids we sponsor through Compassion International, but we also did a little sightseeing and met some wonderful people. This was my third visit to see Compassion's work in action (the other trips were to Peru and Thailand), and each time I learn something new about the ministry of child sponsorship. This time I came home with the message that Compassion is doing what they say they are doing. It's beautiful to see. If you want to see more images and read more about my experience meeting my sponsored kids, please visit my other blog Compassion Family.


taking a moment to find joy in the little things

{pretty}














{happy}
We met our kids!!! We got to tour their Compassion project, visit their homes, meet some of their family members and eat lunch together. 




I took my violin along and played it every day. I played for the pastor and his family at a rural church, the maids at our guest house, fellow travelers at the guest house, members of the local church and my Compassion kids. What a joy to be able to share this part of who I am with them. It's not easy or fun traveling with the violin, but it's always worth it. 





{funny}
The fact that it's in English is even funnier...definitely aimed as tourists.


{real}
Nicaragua is a country full of poverty. Despite it's beautiful colors at the market and exotic flowers blooming everywhere, homes like this are common. 




This trip has given me much to think about. I'm so thankful for the lessons God teaches me about life and faith through these experiences. I simply love the work Compassion is doing and came back with the message that Compassion is truly doing what they say they are doing. They are investing in children's lives at the ground level and making a long-term difference through holistic child development. It's not a quick fix, but takes time and will make a difference in years to come. My own sponsored child, Josseling, is 17 now and has just started college. Because of sponsorship and her involvement with Compassion, she has a bright future. 




8 comments:

  1. What a beautiful and colorful country!

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  2. Nicaragua is so special to me, my husband was born and raised there the first 9 years of his life. He lived in a shack like these, I've seen pictures and heard so many stories, but would love to visit someday. Most of his family is still there, we hope to take our kids in the next few years to see where their daddy came from.

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  3. Wow - on all levels! Nature, the colors...traveling with your violin...the profound lessons that such a journey provide. Wow. Thanks so much for sharing all of this!

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  4. I love seeing all the handicrafts from other cultures. So neat. They are hard to resist.

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  5. Wonderful series of images, as always!

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  6. Lovely images. It looks and sounds like you had an amazing trip!

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  7. you got to go with your mom, that's even better. I LOVE, love, love all your shots. I feel like I was able to go with you.

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