For a long time now, my friends have asked: How much longer are you going to be in Nicaragua? What are you going to do next? Move back to the United States or stay in Nicaragua? Move somewhere else? Well, I am pleased to answer these questions that have spun in my mind since May.
When I first came to Nicaragua, I viewed my two-year commitment as a time of giving back for the wonderful life God has given me. I thought I would give two years of my life dedicated to helping others before beginning my career in the states. However, I can’t go back - I love my work. I love new cultures and working with incredibly faithful people. Most of all I love that the focus of everything I do is to see lives transformed by the power of God.
Since May I have consulted with the incredible International Teams representative to figure out where and what is next. For a while I have read books and watched documentaries regarding anti-human trafficking. I decided I wanted to find a location and organization where I could learn more about this area of ministry – what it looks like and if this ministry is something I can dedicate myself to. My interests led me to a International Teams' location in Quito, Ecuador where I visited briefly on a ‘vision trip.’
The International Teams' ministry is called Casa Adelia. It is a home to heal and equip young women who have experienced trafficking or were at risk. It is a holistic, residential program that includes spiritual counseling, education, and parenting training. This ministry also reaches to the young women’s families, as they are allowed to bring their children to live with them in the home.
While in quito, I got to spend individual time with each social worker, the majority of whom are Ecuadorian. I was incredibly impressed by the hearts of this team. I also spent two nights in Casa Adelia getting to know the girls living in the home. One of the most memorable moments was when we did outreach ministry on the streets to prostitutes.
I am appreciative that I had a long enough trip to Ecuador to recognize both the exciting parts of the ministry and the challenging aspects for me. The team could use a lot of help, and we discussed areas that felt like a good fit for me:
- Communicating between Casa Adelia and the network of anti-trafficking organizations
- Helping with the girls' jewelry making business
- Developing the street outreach program
- Coordinating monthly service projects
- Mentoring girls that live outside the home
I felt like this is the next step for me and decided that I will be joining their team in April for a two-year minimum term.
Between friends in Nicaragua begging me to stay longer, feeling dedicated and hopeful about the work I get to be a part of, and especially realizing how much I am learning from my incredible team, it has been I really difficult decision to leave Masatepe.
By the grace and power of God, I am so blessed to leave Nicaragua not only on good terms, but also with the encouragement to continue pursuing work in ministry. I know Masatepe will always have a place in my heart and I know that I will return one day. I am excited to see what God has in store for me and those I serve during my time with Casa Adelia.