Amazing Blessings.

  my Summer... June 14th to July 17th

This was the longest break I have taken since moving to Nicaragua 5 years ago. Almost every minute was packed with amazing blessings beyond anything I could have ever asked for. I experienced the love of Christ through so many people.

 There were friends who gave me the keys to their home and invited me to spend as much time as I needed there, to treat it as my own. All thanks to God, I met them while they were stationed in Nicaragua for a year. I was blessed to find out later that when they returned to the USA, they live less than 5 minutes from my son. Their family blesses me in so many ways I cannot even begin to write them! You make me smile! Thank you!

 Another amazing blessing was to be able to spend time with another friend who I met in Nicaragua. She had been there to adopt a young girl with the same name as me. No coincidence that she also now lives about 5 minutes from my son?! Despite her own heartaches and struggles, she took time out to drive me around town to run errands since I did not have a vehicle at my disposal. How can I thank you enough?

Matt 21v22  “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” As a God of integrity, He even provided someone to help me with my taxes. Someone kind enough to sacrifice a Saturday morning to meet with me, go over all my information then put my mind completely at ease. He took care of all the details for me and would not accept any financial compensation. Amazing!

Oh, and my friend who helped me get a great deal on car rental so I could drive the 600 mile round trip up to Gainesville. Who also offered to let me use his home address for my USA mail to buffer the frustrating communications going to my family about a pending legal issue. Thank you for being willing to act as a go between on that and soften a few blows. Thank you for keeping me connected. Thank you for Outback dinner!!! Thank you for making me laugh!

 Thank you to the lawyer who always listens, sometimes advises, but never charges. I always feel better after speaking with you!

 My list of heroes goes on......

I have to mention the very special lady * see below* who had never met me but was willing to share her home with me for a week so I could be in Gainesville with my home church. What a precious time that was with my Vineyard family and friends. Again, I cannot begin to write thanks for all the ways you touched my life. The times of fellowship and devotions together were a rich treasure that I continue to draw from. Oh and the meals were fantabulous! Thank you thank you for all the delicious meals we shared. I had some super special breakfasts, lunches, dinners and coffee times with you guys n gals. How precious to be with old friends again!

  And new ones too. * Through that woman's willingness to be obedient and faithful to scripture.... Hebrews 13 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to entertain strangers.. well, we became good friends and sisters in Christ and now she is heading up a team to come and visit me here in Nica in a couple of months. This has been one of my prayer requests ever since I came here to Nica back in 2007. Five people will be coming out in Nov and I am so excited about their trip.

As I write, I am seeing a common theme here, with connections from Nicaragua to USA. Interesting to see how many people I met in Nicaragua that God is now connecting me with in USA. All this to say, I had a wonderful week in Iowa with another friend I met in Nica. She shared her whole family with me, and I could write a book about the blessings they were to me. Oh how glorious to have the freedom to just be yourself and share real life with folks. I truly experienced Christ's unconditional love from you. And it was totally unmerited and undeserved, you didn't even know me! I thank you sincerely!

My thanks to all of you who supported me with love, encouragement, finances and prayers! May you be richly blessed in amazing ways in return!!!

I remember when I was a young girl at school, long time ago, we were told not to use the same words or expressions over and over when writing an article. I know that I have broken those rules in this news edition! But then I reflect on the Bible and see how many times words are used over and over. Take Psalm 136 for example, His love endures forever! In case you haven't noticed, the words I have overused here are Blessed and Amazing, and to be truthful, I do not have sufficient words to describe all the amazing blessings I experienced, so I will leave it at that! I was Blessed in Amazing ways!!!!

I never used to understand scriptures about how God could restore what the locusts have stolen, or bring beauty from ashes, but was given a peek into God's storehouses of wealth and treasures this trip! I was blessed with an amazing, extravagant portion of it despite my past sins and failures! And I know the best is yet to come for all those who believe in Him. I send heartfelt thanks to all of you who made it happen, who represented Jesus to me. I know I haven't mentioned everyone here, and I apologize in advance. I lift you all up in the power of prayer, may The LORD bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may He turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6v24/26
I love you!