It seems as though God fashioned me to fall in love with the rancho town of Jiquilillo, Nicaragua.
My heart feels absolutely at home in Jiquilillo. After traveling in two taxi’s and riding in two buses north west about two hours from Leon I ended up in the beach-farm town of Jiquilillo. The best way I’m able to describe their lifestyle is to say: think Native Americans who live on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. In my opinion, the style of life is a dream. Stoney-dirt roads, hand-made wooden beach-huts roofed with palm leafs, the constant sound of the ocean, fishing for daily food, and hammocks for sleeping. Oh! How could I leave out the many dogs, chickens and pigs living amongst the us. Most importantly, in Jiquilillo, people desire to be in relationship with you. Family is highly valued here and life is good because we share in living it together.
Jiquilillo is the town I’ve learned the most Spanish vocabulary because the children here love being together with me; and if we are to enjoy each other’s company, they have to teach me what they are saying! It’s been a beautiful struggle communicating with the people here;bitter-sweet. I’ve been extremely humbled and continue to be humbled here. Here I am the minority and I’m very blessed to experience such patience from the people while I learning to speak their native tongue. Each day I grow.
My dear friend and brother-in-the-family-of Christ Jesus, Paolo Fiori, has begun a music ministry in Jiquilillo. The planning stages of constructing housing for mission teams to come partake in this ministry in Jiquilillo have begun. Vista Del Pacifico in Jiquilillo is perfect for anyone in God’s family to come share Christ through music, surfing and simply extending His love.
Paolo invests time in teaching the children and young adults how to play a variety of musical instruments throughout the week. During this activity of love, God continues to build in the lives of the people by providing them with a relationship with a man, Paolo, who loves Christ, with an outlet to act in their musical gifting, and with an alternative option to express themself.
By Paolo living in the village with them, in it of itself, he is a walking ministry. Paolo enjoys surfing, playing futbol, and simply being with the children and people here in between teaching music.
For more information about his ministry or if you’re interested in investing in the lives of the people here, check out his website at:
www.vibrapositiva.beepworld.it/
My heart feels personally drawn to live amongst the people in Jiquilillo. Here I am a light of the world in Jesus. By living here God’s allowed me to notice specific needs for the children of the town. I’ve noticed teaching English here will equip the children with extended communication skills. Also, learning how to spell in Spanish is needed; many of them spell Spanish words by how they speak them, not how they are actually spelt. I have thoughts of someday establishing a library full of Spanish and English children’s books. Also I have hopes to provide the children with pencils, pens and notebooks to practice their writing skills. Besides teaching language I know the Lord will permit me to have a large part in music outreach with Paolo; including singing in the church each week.
God only knows when this time will come to pass.
I’ve uploaded many photos into my flickr that I’ve taken in the village. Look and see in the right side panel! (There will be more to come too!)
longsufferingwithjoy 