Last week, my wonderful 79-year old Grandma went on her first mission’s trip to Nicaragua.
Her fear - that she would hold back the group or worse, not be a productive member of the group.
Her goal – to be a blessing in any way she could.
Well…God took care of her fears and I believe He took care of her goal as well. Every night, the group led a crusade. Every night, Gram was asked to speak at two separate points in the service. She told stories from her life. Stories that in hindsight bear the fingerprints of the hand of God. Stories most of the women in the villages could relate too.
My Gram also carried two very full suitcases to Nicaragua. She came home with empty ones. Why? In the words of my Grandma, “Because the people in those villages have nothing. They need this more than I do.”
She even gave away the watch she was wearing and the rings on her fingers. These items went to a 12-year old boy who sold makeshift jewelry that his mom made. This was his family’s sole source of income. My Grandmother gave the items to him to sell for food.
To say I’ve always looked up to my Grandma would be an undermining of my true feelings. She is an inspiration to me. I love her dearly.
And, on a lighter note, she did have a little fun on the trip as well. My dear, sweet, daredevil Grandmother went ziplining through the rain forest. And, not just once. In order to go on the zipline, you had to “fly” through 11 stations, so yes, my Gram ziplined 11 times. I wonder what she will do for her 80th birthday.
