Lessons From South America

It’s crazy that Z Squad is changing CONTINENTS…WHAT???

How is it already Month 4? How is it already 2020? Life is wild.

In honor of changing continents and heading to Africa (cue Toto)…Here are random things I have learned while in South America. Some are funny, some are serious, enjoy!

1.  I thought I knew some Spanish but in South America; I have to just say I don’t speak any because they interpret my “mi Espanol es muy mal,” as “I’m being modest, please speak Spanish to me while I give you the weirdest look in the world.” (I’m getting so much better at understanding things but I’m not very conversational just yet).
2. If you bring a guitar to church, they will immediately ask you to sing a song so have a “back pocket song” ready to go on the spot.
3. Affection in practically any form is not discouraged (PDA everywhere).
4. Be ready to produce a skit, sermon, testimony or game completely on the fly.
5. “You’re from the States so you must have money” is a mindset that some people around the world have. It’s sad and frustrating but that is the reality.
6. Conflict/confrontation makes me want to run away or crawl under the table…this is something I knew but didn’t realize how bad it was (I’ve grown so much in this area!).
7. Goodbyes are inevitable and necessary; however, some hurt more than others and that is okay.
8. The Peruvian jungle is amazing! There are so many fruits there that I’ve never seen before. The people and culture are amazing.
9. I understand why everyone who visits Argentina wants to stay forever!
10. Abba loves and cares about us a whole whole lot!! This isn’t necessarily a new thing but I’m getting a more intimate look at the Father’s heart for His children.
11. Spiritual warfare takes many  different forms—but that doesn’t make any of the forms better than the others. And they’re all just as important to be aware of.
12. I have the gift of Intercession…and I’m still learning how to step into that gifting.
13. Leading worship is actually so much fun (and still so terrifying until I’m legitimately doing the thing).
14. Some worship songs are better in Spanish (see Milagroso).
15. Coffee is pretty good when given the perfect mix of milk/cream and sugar (more milk than sugar).
16. Everyone has 3 reactions to my name; “why is it Nici?” “Mici?” “Oh!! Like Jehovah Nisi!!! That’s a great name!”
17. My name is just as hard for people around the world to spell as it is for people in the States (It’s Niecey, in case you were wondering).

Thank you guys so much for your support, prayers and encouragement!!

I’m ONLY $103 from FULLY FUNDED!!!! I would love to be fully funded by the end of this month and need your help to meet this goal!

Ways to be praying for me, Team Selah and Z Squad:

• Physical, spiritual and mental health across the squad. We’ve had several people making trips to the hospital and some not getting answers, spiritual warfare effecting people’s sleep, mental health and physical bodies as well.
• Provision for members of my team and squad. Several members are still fundraising which can be a little difficult on the field when WiFi isn’t always available—but we serve an amazing God who provides.
• Clarity for what the Lord wants me to do after the Race.
• Togo and all of our remaining countries. Safety, favor and unity. Togo itself is one of the birthplaces of Voodoo which means that we are expected some spiritually dark areas.