A little update...

The last week has been full of moments that all of us were forced to rely completely on God and we were reminded, again, that as much as we try ~ we are not in control. As much as we plan, there is One with a plan so much greater.

I don't think I have so much to write tonight. I just want to share some photos and tell you again that it is your prayers that are helping to fight the battle that is happening here in Nicaragua. I am so thankful to have a group of people that I can send a text message or email and I know immediately that they have stepped into the battle.

There was one day in November when I was working with a team in Rio Blanco, it was a long day mixing concrete and pouring a slab floor ~ it was hard work and felt so good.. I loved working so hard and using every muscle in my body. I was happy to be working with the team and was surrounded by good friends.

Out of the blue, I was hit with a serious spirit of discouragement. I physically felt a weight on me and wanted to sit and cry. But if I cried at that moment I would have wailed because of the weight that I felt on my body. It was a moment that I was able to identify that Satan wanted to hurt me. Maybe not just hurt me but devour me, like the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."

I was thankful to be able to identify the reality of the battle. And I was thankful that I was not alone. I was able to ask some dear friends to pray that the heaviness would be lifted. The amazing thing.... within an hour of sending that message, I was free.

This is a picture of my dear friend Raquel. She lives in Leon. Her baby was born March 28 ~ a baby girl 9 1/2lbs, Esperanza Sarai.

This is Mama Sandra and Xochilt.

Xochilt's family took her out of the Villa in November. This week she came back to the Villa because her parents realized that they cannot care for her the way she was cared for in the Villa and give her the future that they want for her. Xochilt returned to the Villa Esperanza on Monday afternoon! It was so humbling to sit with her parents as they explained the reasons they cannot have her. I was so proud of them for desiring the best for her. Her mom, Raquel was so proud as she told us that Xochilt wants to be a teacher, she is so proud of who her daughter is, so are we! We are so thankful to have Xochilt with us, would you pray for the readjustment and also for her mom and dad as they adjust again to being with out their sweet daughter.

Dwight, Josh and William with our friends; Raquel, Yarixa, Steven, Jose and Stephanie.

We were invited to a wedding in Leon. We felt so honored to be a part of the day.

This is the lawn at the Villa, the guys use the hedge trimmers to cut the lawn.

Dwight has created his own laboratory to check all the chemicals and "other stuff" that lives in the fish water. This story of aquaponic gardening would be so much better if he would write it. He is so good at doing what he is doing, I am so proud of him.

Thanks for always praying.