Before and After

It's amazing to me the way that pictures tell a story. Just simply looking at a picture can evoke a flood of memories causing us to say "hey, do you remember when?" or "wow look how different we looked." Pictures can also show us how far we've come. Taking a picture of a building project there's a sense of accomplishment to be able to look at the moments that are captured from start to finish. Overall, it's just something that I love! I love to be able to look back and re-live those memories and lately that's what I've been doing.

I've been looking over my pictures and I know it doesn't come as a surprise to anyone that they have been of Nicaragua. What started this whole endeavor was realizing how much these precious babies (who aren't babies anymore) from Bethel have grown!! Comparing the pictures I couldn't help but think about how much life has happened between this pictures and the immeasurable blessing I've received to be a part of this "life happening." The relationships that have deepened...even the voices of these boys have deepened lol...the kids that were once small enough to fit in my lap I'm now looking up to!

It's been more than just the kids that have changed. Since Vision Nicaragua has been working alongside the people of Bethel there has been major structural differences too. We used to stay in the Leon a nearby city that's about 30 min. away from Bethel. But God provided this piece of land several years ago. Our initial intention was to use this piece of land to be able to create micro-buisnesses that would be self-sustaining and help provide other avenues of employment instead of the sugar cane fields. It's been nothing short of amazing to see how God has used this Mission Center which we thought would just be for housing our groups. Nicaraguan churches are now bringing their church groups and having retreats and we're not only able to house our teams but we are partnering with other US teams and they are able to bring their teams to stay as well.

Now on to the lovely before and after pics....

Check out this picture of the church in Bethel (at least 10+ years ago)

Now... in 2011 here is what the church in Bethel looks like

Isn't that amazing?! So much has changed from that church that was just made of sticks and tin. Now, it's an actual sound structure...it's painted...and has beautiful plants growing around it.

Here's some more before and after pictures.....

My sweet little family I stay with in Bethel. 2007 is on the left and 2010 is on the right.

Mission Center Property 2007

Now in 2011

Michele

2006 & 2011

(photo on the right by Dan Squire)

My sweet little brother Tony! Love this boy! He was 9 yrs. old when I first stayed with his family and the pic. on the right was 2010. He's taller than me now and is growing into such a strong young man whose heart for the Lord is so precious!

Here's little Jairo...not so little anymore.

Josue....love this boy!

Kareli...probably the spunkiest lil girl I've ever met! I love her energetic spirit and her sweet little personality.

I just can't explain the thankfulness I have when I look at all of these pictures! It is such a story of God's faithfulness provision and just abundant joy! Although I can't show pictures of my heart I'm so grateful and humbled in how he's walked through life with me as I've been given the upmost privilege of serving alongside the community of Bethel. There have been major ways that God has impacted my heart and grown me personally through going to Nicaragua.

My first trip I was amazed at how strongly I could feel his presence in a place that has so little...I've seen how worship is not just something we do on Sunday morning...it's a lifestyle that these people so vividly live out. It was here that I feel in love with God's Word...when I first felt that I truly heard God speak to me directly! This past summer I was reminded of how dearly he loves me and loves me in the way that I can trust him with my whole heart. I can loosen my grip on my plans that I have for my life....in realizing that my life is not my own! That I am bought with the precious blood of his son and that in resting in that I more eagerly let go of control and in an act of worship present my life as a sacrifice!

So, I wrap all of this up to say that God has blessed me richly through the faces of the people you see on this blog and it's the common love of the Lord that binds all of it together. It's a testimony of what he's able to do and I think it's a natural response in looking back over this pictures to give him thanks for what he's done and what he's going to do!

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6