Nicaragua, April 30, 2025
Province of Central America and Cuba
If someone had told me a week ago that I would have to bathe in a stream for the first time or climb a hill to find a signal to contact my family, I wouldn't have believed it. Yet, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. I not only disconnected from the city's noise but also from that inner turmoil. Although I was reluctant to admit it at first, I did miss my family and the comforts of home, as any young person would after spending a week away.
Living alongside these individuals made me realize that Jesus dwells even in the humblest of hearts. It was there that I met Mili, a seven-year-old girl with a profound love for God. Every day, she attended the chapel with her mother, and despite her young age, she had the remarkable ability to pray the rosary. A little girl who, without a doubt, has left a lasting impression on my heart.
For me, this experience was a mission of transformation. Being my first mission and without clear expectations, every visit, every moment spent sharing God's word or praying for the community's families, was a way to renew myself. I felt God filling my spirit and dispelling all my worries.
Every community has something that sets it apart. Ocotillo is not just a village of humble people but also of individuals who, despite having little, find fulfillment in having God as the cornerstone of their lives.
Now, on my way home, I miss every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every joyful experience shared with them. But I know that one day, we will meet again and fondly recall all that happened during this Holy Week.
Yoseling Alejandra Treminio Leiva