Different but the Same

Perhaps it was the Nicaraguan sun that dried out my words, or maybe it is the lack of sleep. Either way, I cannot fully describe the beautiful atmosphere that our team has entered. I am not just talking about the delicious breeze. Although the wind cools our skin from the warm sun which lights up the bright blue sky. That would be bragging… : P
What I am trying to talk about is something that runs so much deeper. When we arrived at the school half asleep, we were greeted wholeheartedly from the entire school community. The auditorium was decorated with balloons and streamers. Niños were screaming and jumping up and down, the pre-schoolers stretched their arms toward us, the students our age received us with toothy smiles, and the teachers excitedly introduced us to each class.
After officially meeting the kids our age, we were invited to attend a chapel that the classes had prepared in honour of our arrival. There was singing, dancing, and scripture reading. After introducing ourselves to the school, children lined up for pictures and autographs. Most girls flocked Jamo, Wes, and Jared; giggling as the boys nervously glanced at one another while the girls on the team struggled to sign all the papers being pushed toward them.
Chicken, rice, beans, and salad were served for lunch with a beverage of your choice. After stuffing ourselves, the team waddled out to the bus with our new amigos ready to tour a little bit of Nicaragua.
There were many eye-opening moments that happened today as we chatted away with our new friends. It was refreshing to be with another community of Christians. It allows us to see the strengths that each of our community withholds. It was amazing seeing how lively the community is here in Nicaragua. And yet, despite our differences it still blows my mind that in the grand scheme of things, we are the body of Christ. This was evident when my friend and I were listening to music. A Spanish version of Hillsong’s Everlasting song started to play. We both broke into song, praising God together in Spanish and English. We’re brothers and sisters through Jesus. It doesn’t matter about the language barrier because together we strengthen one another through Christ.
~Kirsten~