Lessons I learned from Soccer

So, The boys to the left are my heroes. I love them and there's really nothing anyone can do to change that fact. They are smart and witty, full of energy and crazy, frustrating and annoying, full of love and servants at heart. These are my boys, God gave them to me and I think they are keepers. I will defend them to the death because they are mine. They have moms and most of them have dads but that doesn't change a thing. They are my family.

During the last soccer season I learned a lot about their personalities and mine. I learned that young people learn what they see modeled and NOT what they hear preached. I learned that they are very observant and know how I'm feeling or what I'm thinking. I learned that they want to feel loved, valued, and needed, just like me. I learned that we all like to be talked to and not at. I learned that these young men have respect and value strong leadership. They have hearts, and they are survivors. Each of their stories are unique and heartwarming or heartbreaking.

I learned that I don't like to cook over open flames but that I could if I had to. It was really hot that day and my North American blood was boiling out there. Again, I realized just how spoiled I truly am. The women I work with are amazing. I love them a lot! They cook like this and wash their family's clothing on a washboard, use torn up rags to clean their houses, sweep their dirt floors, and smile while they do it because they are able to.

I tell them all the time how blessed I am to have them in my life.
Yes, some days I get so "homesick" it's terrible. I miss my parents and my sisters, and especially my nieces and nephews. I miss my USA church family and friends. At the end of the day though I wouldn't change my life. God has blessed me abundantly and I'm so grateful to have 2 countries that I call home.

Life in Nicaragua never stops changing and transforming. Just when we think we've got all the wrinkles ironed out here comes another wave to shift things yet another time. I love this. When I was a child I got sick every time there was a change in my life. God has changed that and so many other things, I no longer walk in fear of the unknown but cherish every change and get excited about new beginnings.

God has changed me from a frightened little girl into a women who loves and tries to honor Him in every thing I do. His word says "to him who much is given, much is required" I know that's a paraphrased version but I know the truth in it.

God has given me so much, He gave His son so I could be forgiven and that's huge cause I needed a lot of forgiveness, He gave me a new life here in Nicaragua, He gave me an awesome family, and wonderful friends. Therefore, I want to serve Him with all that I am, recently He's given me a new charge and a new name, Pastora Bonnie. I am now responsible for 2 churches and the New Life center, which requires a lot of time, energy, and prayer. I am blessed that He trusts me to handle all these things.

Yep, I love my life here.