Bittersweet

 Webster dictionary defines "bittersweet" as pleasure alloyed with pain. Our family is experiencing this now.  We can't wait to get back to the states, but it is heartbreaking to think of  leaving Nicaragua.  In about two weeks, we will return to Tennessee.  Although the past two years have been the hardest of our lives, they have also been the most rewarding. Our two years in Nicaragua have changed us and we will never be the same. We have seen contentment in sheer poverty.  We have seen joy in destitution.  We have seen peace in the midst of turmoil. The people of Nicaragua will always have a special place in our hearts.  Thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to serve here. Help us to remember the things we have learned on this journey.

The past week was full of activities including kindergarten graduation, groundbreaking for the new auditorium, celebrating Thanksgiving with fellow American missionaries, celebrating Kora's 14th birthday, a gospel meeting, VBS and two baptisms.

John Bentley, David and Brenda McCrary and Tim Agee at the
groundbreaking ceremony for the auditorium
 

        Kindergarten graduation

 

 

As we prepare to return to the states, we look forward to: worshipping in English, snow, cooler weather, sitting by a fireplace, spending time with family and friends, WalMart,cheaper gas prices, and fewer power outages.

As we prepare to leave Nicaragua, we will miss: worshipping in Spanish, wearing flip flops everyday, incredible scenery, the 276 students at Nicaragua Christian School, living 30 minutes from the beach, Nica friends, missionary friends, and working with mission teams.


                 The hardest part about coming to Nicaragua is leaving Nicaragua.



Pray for us as we leave Nicaragua.  Pray for us as we return to Tennessee.  Pray for God's provisions and plans for our family.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".    Jeremiah 29:11
 


Dios te bendiga,
James and Kim