Smoking While Pregnant

Unfamiliar Freedom

Waking up to the sound of the waves crashing in, I lay there in my withering sailboat. As I soon came to the realization that I had no means of survival, I panicked. Sitting in disbelief, I soon heard a voice that muttered, "I will grant you any three wishes you want." As I pondered what I could wish for, I saw an eagle soaring through the bright blue sky. It was then that I knew my wishes would concern freedom. So I cried out to the voice that I wish I could be sent home from the island, given the gift to speak Spanish fluently, and return to Nicaragua to minister to the people of Granada.

What are the things you often take for granted? If you knew you only had a week left to live, how would you live it? After waking up and finding myself on an uncharted island alone and helpless, I realized how much I needed to re-examine my life. While trying to patch up my broken sailboat, the voice came to me and asked what my first wish would be. As I stood in confusion, I realized that the only thing I wanted was to go home. I wanted to feel the love of my family and return it(?) freely. Upon requesting this(?), the wish was granted. Entering into my house, I walked slowly to my bedroom. As I sat on the edge of my bed staring at the wall, I cried tears of joy. Realizing that I could have never seen my room again, if not for the voice, I valued it(?) to a great extent. After a while, my mother came running in my room smiling, clapping, and kissing me on the forehead. In that moment I realized all the times I had pushed her and others away.( specific enough??) Realizing how important a mother's love is, I embraced her affection. After reinitiating our love for one another, my mother left me alone for a while. I then lay on my bed for a while and enjoyed the comfort of my own pillow. Later getting up from my bed, I paced around looking at framed photos of close friends, mentors, and influential people in my life. Standing in the stillness of my room, I prayed in thanksgiving for them. While I reflected on the gifts these people have given and taught me, I heard the voice calling me again. It asked once more if I still wanted my second wish granted. As I picked up a photo of a little Nicaraguan boy I ministered to, and stared at it, I said "Yes. Grant my wish."

Have you ever had a hard time getting your point across? Have you ever wanted to connect with someone on a more personal level? Often the kids of Granada are misunderstood because of the language barriers. Therefore, to better understand the kids of Granada, my second wish was granted so that I was able to speak Spanish fluently. This wish came from an unselfish part of me that longed to connect more with the children. Remembering my last trip to Granada, I realized how essential it was to learn more Spanish before I returned. Although we could communicate through gestures, body language and the few words in Spanish I did know, it was still a hassle not to be able to communicate effectively. I had a translator too, but that was much undignified. (?) The kids wanted to become more personal, but chose not to because the translator became an invasion of their privacy. (?) The children of Nicaragua have taught me many things such as unselfish love and genuine friendship. Therefore, I would like to improve my Spanish so I can benefit them. My goal is to teach them life lessons they will never forget. Some such as the importance of your home and