Worlds Apart

Planting seeds to remember
our lives have value!

Our worlds collide weekly in The Nest (El Nido) ... it has become a safe place, a common ground for us. While nestled in this sanctuary enjoying each other's company, we find life ... peace.  The counselor and the beneficiary, the day decides who plays what role.  Our worlds couldn't be more different. One lives in plenty, the other in great need.  One from a 3 bedrooms house on the Mountain, the other from a one room house in 'the Ditch' (La Cuenca). One has tasted and seen the goodness of The Provider, one struggles with materialism, wanting more. One sinks under blankets at night, the other shares her bed and doesn't sleep much. One has 4 boys who can take care of themselves, the other has 4 boys under 3 years old.  One has a stable, secure marriage, the other has a Father of Baby who has returned after a year and half ... he didn't know he fathered twins. One has a strong faith knowing that God will provide for her every single need ... she couldn't survive without Him, the other struggles with self reliance ... because there is money for provisions.

We've discovered laughter, tears and faith as a common ground. We share the joy of finding second hand clothing at a good bargain and love to hear about weird medical stuff ... we both have a great need to be loved, accepted and touched ... the intensity of parenting and the necessity for alone time drives us to our knees before His Throne ... we both struggle with choosing joy in all things, wishing we wouldn't gain weight, and have random health issues.

My prayer on my drive to El Nido is that I could understand her heart, speak life to her soul and offer His hope. However this week, she played the role of counselor.  She spoke life to my soul with a word of encouragement, an admonishment of hope, and shared His promise ... "Our beauty shouldn't come from our outer self but should come from an inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit ... I WILL keep in perfect peace if my mind is fixed on Him ...Why do I worry about what I should eat or wear, He cares for the lilies of the field." She feeds my soul with her mountain moving faith, it's her lifeline.  Where does He want you to find common ground?

Worlds apart ... Common ground ... Sharing life in The Nest

Life on the Mountain
So much information being packed into ones brain for certain something is being forgotten ... trying to rest and restore health to our bodies, can I go to bed at 7:30? ... Adam's first field trip in his history of school, visiting a Farm tour and learning how to milk a cow in CR! ... Jedidiah's turn, visiting the National Museum and learning about CR history ... we were all distracted from life as we spent the day caring for baby Declan ... Teaching about the value of our lives and the gift of eternal life at El Nido ... feeling worldly as we shopped at Auto Mercado ... Celebrating a year of life and health for my handsome hubby.

Praises
Celebrating life with my sweet hubby ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY handsome!
Martha's hope
Our lives have value ... HE desires life to the fullest for us.
Mango season! Even the locals are talking about it : )
Ears that hear and a heart to understand
Sun filled days for drying wash
Quick healing for Jen's dad
Open doors to practice English with our dear landlords ... if they keep learning I'm going to have to stop writing about them in here : )

Prayers
URGENT - One of our teams is traveling from Honduras, through Nicaragua to CR today and tomorrow.  Please pray for safety as they travel through Nicaragua and for border crossings.
-El Salvador team, shifting roles and location. Pray for healing on their hearts and faith to see Jesus in the storm.
-Healing from sore throats and congestion
-That we would speak life to each other
-Father to be revealed a we practice English with them
-Wisdom on a counselor for Jedidiah
-Finances for VidaNet  vidanetonline.org/friends-vidanet

What El Tule friends think of Micah ...
Great idea Hannah!

What El Tule friends think of Joseph

What El Tule friends think of Jedidiah

When your buddy leaves his mask in the van ...

"To the bat cave Robin!" 

My big boy acting like a big brother ... 
can't get enough of this pequeno amiguito!

When you don't have a exer-saucer or walker ... 

Co-op Friday ... snack time ...
sharing life and fun

Celebrating the gift of life with this Mighty Man ... 

Micah 5:4 "He (Daryl) will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.  And they will live securely, for then HIS greatness will reach the ends of the earth and HE will be their peace!"