The Place I Want To Call Home.

I thought I might use this blog to tell you all about the kids here at the base and the current state of the country.

Right now the ministry takes care of 7 girls and 2 boys. The girls are Flor who is 17 years old, Raquel and Patricia who are both 16, Maria who is 11, Stacey and Emy who are both 9, and Elieta who is 8. The boys are Samuel 12, and Moses 6. I have been able to hear some of the stories of the kids and they are literally heartbreaking. Stories like Flor and Samuel's, who are siblings and also both products of rape by there mothers father. Their entire life they have been teased and tossed around used for Sexual favors until they were brought to this ministry. Samuel was taught by the time he was 7 years of age how to smoke, drink, fight, do very perverted things to women, and many other horrible things. Samuel and Flor both have learning problems and are very insecure. Emy is from the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua and was used for sex between all of the males in her family from the time she was 4 until she was brought here when she was 8. Almost every child’s story is like this or similar (some not at horrific). It is completely heartbreaking. This country is full of Children (who are supposed to be the parents) taking care of children. The people here are stuck in a cycle of abuse, men abandoning their families and having many families at once. It is very similar to African families. I have been praying a lot that God would cleanse this nation that He would wash over this nation, that purity will be restored to this nation! God gave me a revelation about the purpose in creating different ethnic groups and cultures in the world. He says we are all created in His image. So doesn't that apply to cultures and ethnic groups as well? God created the Latino people to be very loving and family oriented and touchy-feely people, but through sin, what was created for good and to be an example of the love and affection of Father God was perverted and now the Latino culture is considered one of the most sexual cultures in the world. I have been interceding a lot for the direction God wants me to take. He called me here for a purpose and slowly I have been learning what that purpose is. I know I will be back here in this country again learning to Love in a way that God would Love. I was very quickly surprised at how God has really used me to bring His guidance and wisdom to a ministry that has been around for a very long time. If we let him He will use in many ways!

One thing I find is very difficult to remember in a place like this is to thank God for the little things. Thank Him for the things going on in front of you instead of being discouraged with all the heart ache going on around you. I think that is why “stopping for the one” is so important because we are not God and if we look at the big picture all the time it is very easy to become discouraged and even give up! He really is doing some amazing things here. “Do not despise the day of small beginnings” seems to be a reoccurring theme here. Please be praying for more up right Godly male role models to impact this country. They are so needed and could really make an impact on this country.

I got a new. One of my team members who arrived here early from England. Her name is Susie she is a very sweet women and I am so thankful to have her here with me praying and interceding. Last night (November 22, 2011) we had Church, which is normally on Wednesday nights, And Holy Spirit fell! Praise Jesus. That is what I have been praying for in this church since my first Sunday here! People were really touched!

I learned last night that I have become famous here in Diriamba. Apparently when Juanita my house mom went out to the Market. Some drunk men were asking about me! I am not sure what to think of this news! I think I am just going to take it as an opportunity to minister! Thank you Jesus! Haha. I also learned my team should be arriving tomorrow afternoon! I am a little embarrassed to say when I heard this news I wanted to cry! I in one way am so excited to see my team members, but in another way heart broken because I have to leave my family and new home. Please be praying that this transition is as pain free as possible! Just thinking about leaving them now is so painful. What was meant to be a week turned into 3. So by the time I leave here It will have been here a month, a month that feels more like a year! Lynne and Glen Schweitzer the founders of this ministry have already told me that I am welcome at any point God calls me here to stay and work with them in this ministry! Which is a huge honor to be so welcomed and wanted. I know God is calling me back to this place. I just need confirmation in the timing. Please pray with me about this issue. For it is one very, very dear to my heart! The relationships I have made here are irreplaceable! As well as the things I have learned about myself and what God created me for! At the moment the ministry is looking for a substitute house mother so Juanita, the current house mom, can take a break! They are really praying for a married couple so that the boys will have a male role model at the base!

All in all everything is well. Please be praying for my health has I have had a lot of stomach pain, especially in the morning. Also have been very tired and drowsy from all the carbohydrates and lack of green foods.

I wanted to add the weather here is immaculate! Seriously there is always the most beautiful breeze and the heat is never over barring!

I love you all so much and am so thankful for each and everyone of you! All you North Americans have a blessed Thanksgiving and always remember the significance of the date rather than just eating and sleeping. I urge all of you to really press into the him this November 24 and realize what you have to be thankful for! Which is a lot!

Many blessings to all of you!

Love,

Rachael Michelle

Zechariah 4:6 -Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts.

P.S. I will have many pictures up soon! I promise!