Our first week in Nicaragua, Linda, our coordinator, introduced us to a very sick woman named Rosa.  We prayed over her and immediately afterwards, Linda made preparations to send her to Chinandega for medical attention.  As I helped her over to the house, I called her "abuelita", which means "little grandmother."  Instantly she stopped in her tracks, and I became worried that I offended her.  She looked at me and started to say something, but I interrupted her in order to explain that all of my grandparents have passed away.  Her eyes grew wide and she said, "Child, you are not alone.  I will be your grandmother and you are my granddaughter.  God has given you to me, and I will pray for you always.  You have touched my heart, nieta (little granddaughter)." 

Now I have to admit, I was kind of shocked.  I did not expect that at all, and to this day, I cannot believe how much she has integrated herself into my life.  From that day forward, I became her granddaughter, and constantly she tell me that she loves me and prays for me.  She asks about my family and tells me how much she loves my mom and dad - even though she has never met them.  She even goes so far as to pray for their well being. 

The hospitality of the Nicaraguans amazes me.  Their arms are always open and I know that I will always have a home here.  God has brought Mark 10:29-30 alive through this amazing woman, and I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of Christ's family across the world.