My team was just blessed with a 4-night stay in the lovely hostel on the beach of San Juan del Sur. As a team we were able to process through our time in Jinotepe and reminisce about the fun, crazy, or heart-breaking things that happened with the people. The main purpose was for us to relax and get rejuvenated for the next part of our trip.

We were able to swim in the ocean. The boys and some of us girls (not me) did lots of surfing. We did our last minute souvenir shopping. We met lots of awesome people who lived with us in our hostel. We ate at the “Taco Stop,” great place to get a cheap taco, quesadilla, or burrito.

The best thing for me was the sunset sailing I was able to go on. Five other girls from my group and I ventured out on this cute little boat with Alan as the captain along with two random guys. The little cruise included a Gatorade for everyone and a promise to see a beautiful sunset.

All of us girls on our little sailing trip!

It was about a 3-hour experience so we had an hour and a half to just be out on the boat. It was so great to feel the wind and just be so content where I was. The captain took us around to this little cove where we were able to swim. In the end, I was the only one who jumped in, but it was still exciting! There were really pretty rocks and things along the way. We saw some birds diving in to get some fish, which was cool. We also got to see a huge tortuga (turtle).

Besides the sunset itself, which was later, the best part was the dolphins. They all the sudden were just swimming right along our boat. It was so awesome to see these beautiful creatures that God made so close! This is when Patrice said, “Jesus is romancing us…” That statement got me thinking about how he truly was romancing us. He gave us this grand ocean, wonderful chill from the water, seeing his glory in the nature, the dolphins right next to us, and the peace as the sun went down. The fact of falling in love with Jesus has been on my mind a lot and that day I finally understood what it meant.

In my journal I wrote, “Thank you Lord for capturing my heart. The greatest thing is that I can remember that you made me and said I was more beautiful than any sunset or ocean or animal that you created.” Jesus truly blew us all away on that night. He made us feel special and like we were so precious to Him. I will never forget this day as the day my Lord Jesus stole my heart.

GORGEOUS SUNSET.

"More like falling in love than something to believe in

More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now

It’s like I’m falling, oh

It’s like I’m falling in love, love, love

Deeper and deeper

It was love that made me a believer

In more than a name, a faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me"

Song: More Like Falling In Love

Artist: Jason Gray