It was a wonderful feeling waking up again in Candelaria for the first time. I wondered how it would feel to transition into life here long-term after pray for this day for a year and a half. So far the transition has been so smooth. Being here feels like home. It’s sweltering hot. Right now we have no electricity and no running water. However, I have never felt more content than I do living my life here in this village. I have been settling back into my relationship with my Nicaraguan friends and getting to know the 7 other people with whom I will be living and working. I am discovering everyday new things that I long to do within this community. I am still trying to figure out exactly what life will look like here, but I know above all else I want to exude grace within this community.
I have been reading What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey and there is a quote that really stuck out to me: “Now I am trying in my own small way to pipe the tune of grace. I do so because I know, more surely than I know anything, that any pang of healing or forgiveness or goodness I have ever felt comes solely from the grace of God. I yearn for the church to become a nourishing culture of that grace.”
That is what I am doing here. In my own small way each day I am trying to pipe the tune of grace. The song of grace looks different every day. Some days it looks like listening as a girl shares about her recent struggles and then praying with her and offering words of new life. Other days it looks like huge hugs and kissing dirt-covered cheeks of the children that crowd the church property each day longing to know that they are delighted in. Some days it is speaking words of truth to my little brothers here or just walking home laughing and joking with them. Some days it means really diving into to the hurting hearts of the women here through prayer and Bible study and watching in awe as the Lord’s healing brings life to places long devastated in their hearts (and ours). The song of grace may look different everyday, but it sounds the same. It is the sound of God’s love for His children.
*The village has been out of power for 3 weeks. We now have a generator that is giving us partial power in the house, but it can’t be run all the time because of the high cost of gas and oil. I will be posting more specific stories from the village as soon as I can.
Lisa
So glad to hear that you are settling in well. Praying that you will have full power restored soon. Happy to know that the power outage has not affected your ability to share His grace and love. I pray for you each day. Love you and miss you. Can’t wait to hear updates of all that God will do in Nicaragua!
Mom
Lisa,
Your stories and pictures just shine the joy of Christ. I’m so happy your heart is home and I can’t wait to follow all that you and Christ accomplish in Nicaragua. Love you so much dear sister!
love this lisa! love you! keep piping that tune of beautiful grace. candelaria needs it…
i thought about that castings crown song where the lyric says “let my lifesong sing to you” the most amazing lifesong we sing is about God’s Grace and you sing it quite well
Glad you finally made it down there!! GIve Anthony a hug for me
I like that quote. You do bring grace and the message of God’s love where ever you go.
I love this Lisa! Love your heart. I was praying for you this morning. Thanks for the update. It’s so awesome knowing you are right where God wants you to be. Love you!!!
Hey Friend!
I love this blog and your quote about grace. Im going to try and implement that idea into where I work. Know Im praying for you!
love it girl! keep it up.
Hey Lisa, I was waiting to hear from you! So happy for you and I know the Lord is meeting your needs as you serve him. I look at your picture everday and pray for you and the people there.I am sure many souls will be brought to the Lord through your ministry there. Lots of snow here today so have time to write to you! Pray the power is restored there soon. You have the real power you need in Him! I will be keeping up with you! Love and prayers Phyllis ND Jack