One American girl who worked at Aqua told Anthony and I that Nicaragua is an endurance test. Lately, those words have been ringing in my ears and this verse came to mind:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses
surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so
easily entangles us, and let us RUN with ENDURANCE the RACE set before us,
fixing our eyes Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set
before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God. For
consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that
you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12: 1-3
How appropriate!
Carrie, Shauna and Toby recently participated in a physical race in
Columbus, Ohio, but all of us whether in Nicaragua or in America are battling
small and big endurance tests while also running in the bigger race of
life.
Anthony and I have both participated in physical races, but
we chose to and we prepared and trained for them. In life, we don’t always get a choice nor do
we always feel adequate for what we are facing.
Nevertheless, there are some miles you feel a rush of adrenaline, you
have the wind at your back and you enjoy the beautiful scenery on your
route. Other miles your legs feel heavy,
other runners get in the way and the scenery is boring and mundane. Lately, the latter is how I’ve felt in
Nicaragua. At times I do feel as if I’m
running out of energy and endurance and just wish I could skip the last few
miles and cross the finish line right now.
One of the biggest challenges that constantly wears on me is
the sharing of a dirty, smelly kitchen.
I’m tired of heating up water to disinfect things, fighting off animals
from getting our food and standing in line to use the stove. The rainy season has begun, bringing with it
a solid week of rain and a lightning strike that took out our internet. While I’m incredibly thankful to have power,
the rain has contributed to an even greater feeling of isolation. The storms and vast amount of rain have
caused a greater difficulty in traveling by foot and car, getting laundry done
and connecting with family and friends.
Learning the language and conversing with Nicas is also a daily struggle
and source of frustration. All of these
“endurance tests” can indeed add up and wear my patience thin. I have competed in various races, games, and contests throughout my life, and thinking of this time in Nicargua as a competition or race is motivating to me. In my many years as an athlete I hated being taken out of the game. Although it is safe and restful on the bench you miss out on the action. You can observe and even feel the excitement of the game, but you don’t get to feel the taste of victory or experience the joy of a job well done from the sidelines. So, while I am ready to throw in the towel many days, in reality it is not an option. The race still goes one whether I choose to fully participate or not, so I might as well lace up my shoes and join in.
How do I endure and run the race right here in
Nicaragua? It’s been a difficult process
to figure out and not easy to put into practice. Paul gives great advice though by telling me
to throw off the sin and things that entangle me. Fighting lies, fear, anxiety, doubt, and
physical and mental exhaustion is easier said than done, but it’s possible
through prayer, reading and meditating on scripture, journaling, thanksgiving, and
celebrating when I finish even just one lap.
It is crucial for me to stop and think about even the smallest
accomplishment like getting a load of laundry done despite the rain and traffic
of other staff members or finding a new and fun fruits and other fresh
vegetables to eat. Then, I need to keep
my eyes focused on just one day at a time while keeping in mind the bigger
picture. While I know that I’m learning
valuable lessons, I don’t necessarily know the purpose of this journey or where
it will lead. I am encouraged by the
fact that God has led us here; He is at work and Christ has given me a great
example. Finally, I think about the
great “cloud of witnesses.” I’m not the
only one who has lived in another country and all of us have various trials and
challenges in our own particular race.
It is important to draw from those various communities and listen and
learn from the experiences and wisdom of others. I’ve also found it to be essential to humbly
receive from those who are willing to give and sacrifice to help me in my time
of need.
Cheering for Carrie, Shauna and Toby from Nicaragua.
We got to experience horse-back riding in the jungle and on the beach.
Our new favorite fruit: Guyaba. It's like an apple and pear together.
At the end of a hard day I have to remind myself that it’s all going to be okay. I may get winded at times, my pace may slow, and maybe I’ll even suffer an injury, but I’m still going to cross the finish line. When I do make it through a specific hardship or season of life it is going to all be worth it. I will experience a great since of accomplishment and joy for not only finishing, but running the race with endurance and focus. Truly ALL is really WELL. I have a great husband and support system. My God is strong, faithful, loving and in control. I know there is a reason for all that happens in life and I have the ultimate example for how to run the race in my Savior Jesus.
“Therefore we do not lose heart, even though our
outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For
our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which
are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen
are temporary, but the things which are not seen eternal.” II Corinthians
4:16-18
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