Day 1: Miracles do happen!

Hello, family! We had a busy first day in San Marcos. We started out with breakfast and a devotional by kenny. He did a wonderful job and spoke on God's ability to bring us through life's trials and tribulations referencing 2 Corinthians 12:9. His main idea was, "if God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it." 

Next, we were blessed by a visit from our San Marcos family, Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yire and our missionary friends, Carlos, Mayra, Alberto, Carolina, and Daniela Bonilla-Giovanetti. We spent a fairly emotional 2 hours reuniting and reflecting on what God has done for each of us, our family, and the church over the past year. The uniting themes of the meeting were a sense of love we felt for one another and the joy of sharing company once again. 

Following the meeting we witnessed a true miracle--and on day one!! Kenny was really struggling through lunch. We noticed he seemed distressed and anxious. He avoided eye contact and seemed somewhat agitated. We were worried about his stress level as he left to refill his third glass of water. Upon his return something truly miraculous happened--Kenny ate a tomato. 

Why is this a miracle, you ask? Well, kenny is not an adventurous eater by any means, but in Nicaragua he spreads his wings and tries new things! Daniela Bonilla-Giovenetti challenged Kenny to a "man vs. food" challenge! Daniela (once again) was triumphant as she cleaned her plate. The loser (Kenny) had to then hold up his end of the deal and stomach an entire, gigantic slice of tomato. You can see above in the pictures he was not excited about the endeavor. However, he did receive a good hug and kiss (in sportsmanship) from the winner, Daniela. 

Following the miracle, we left for Sports Ministry Day. We played futbol (soccer), basketball, cornhole, and the young children enjoyed the parachute with Lisa and Maddy. Unfortunately our U.S. basketball team did not bring home a championship trophy, but our Nicaraguan winners accepted the trophy graciously, referring to us as brothers and sisters in their acceptance speech. Our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters will also be playing in a semi-professional soccer match tomorrow at 3:00 pm. We wish them good luck and are cheering them on for a win! 

Following the games and fun, I (Meredith) gave my testimony. It was a witness of my own life experience of how God will reveal Himself. 

We made it back to Skylard, once again, to a wonderful meal, good fellowship, and preparation for tomorrow. Tomorrow we will be leading VBS and attending church at Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yire where Pastor Mark Wood will be delivering the sermon. 

More to come tomorrow! As always, thank you (genuinely) for your prayers, love, and support! We love our 28 and our church family as you are supporting us and lifting us up during our week here! 

Blessings! :)