My Life, His Will

As I begin to write this post, I am reminded of all the loved ones I left behind in Nicaragua.  Whether it was my close girlfriends I connected with, the orphans and their precious hearts, my neighbors who giggled at me when I spoke Spanish, the English students asking me a million questions, or the village children that would run and completely tackle me.  I miss every single person I came in contact with.

Before I jump into my experience in Nicaragua, 

I feel like you need to know what events led up to me going. 

I can remember being seven years old and watching the children on tv from other countries needing food and clean water.  I have always been a saver of money so I asked mom if I could send money to those poor children.  As I got older, I went on my first mission trip at the age of twelve.  I went to the Philippines and China with my Dad and 25 other preachers. I witnessed my little heart out, telling people about Christ.  At one house in the Philippines, I met with over fifty children where fifteen came to know Christ.  

I've always thought missions was built in my DNA.  Half the men in my family are preachers, evangelists, missionaries, and yet here I am following in line.  But it became real to me when I was 18.  I was actually not following God in what he wanted for my life.  I was a lot like Jonah.  I think I was fearful about what God wanted to do with my life.  Notice I mentioned 'my' life.  And for so long that was how I viewed life.  It was mine to keep and control.  I wanted to be in the ministry, but I wanted to go through with it my way.  That's when everything began to change.

When I was eighteen, I had just completed my first year of college.  I had full scholarship to the University of Mobile, I was a staff photographer, working at a church near with youth, and had the perfect boyfriend of three years, and lived close to my family.  Yet, sitting in my room that Tuesday afternoon, I remember having a one on one conversation with The Lord.  He was telling me to abandon everything and to give him everything.  I was at a point in my life that I knew I wasn't living for Christ.  I had become so miserable being in control of my life plan.  So I fell to my knees, telling Christ I would abandon everything in my life.  Wherever he wanted me to go, I would go.  Whatever he wanted me to do, I would do.  That is when my relationship with Christ became the most personal and real. 

Christ started stripping away every aspect of my life that I held on to so dearly.  He asked me to first break up with my boyfriend.  Then to move to a different college.  I had no idea where I was suppose to go but I only knew that God said go so I moved home from my summer in Mobile.  Two weeks later, I was suppose to start my sophomore year off college.  And rather then getting my classes together and the books I needed, I was sending out my application to attend a different university.  I spoke with the president of Truett McConnell College on the phone.  He explained their degree plan for their world missions program.  Every word he spoke over the phone, gave me a peace that Truett was where I needed to go.  

This college was in a small town, Cleveland, Georgia.  Further away from my family, with hardly any scholarship, without knowing a soul on campus, yet I was headed that way in one week.  

I can remember the night before I was about to move in to my new dorm room.  I was on the elevator with my mom.  I instantly broke into tears and asked her if I was making a wrong decision.  But rather I was truly saying, am I really ready to leave my control behind and follow Christ with his will for my life.  I moved in the next day and never looked back.  

"I have decided to follow Jesus.  No turning back.  No turning back."

I had given my life to Christ but had never really given him full control of my life.  Here is an example of what I mean.  When you ask a friend to come to your home, you then have invited them into your world, your life.  Then you tell them, make yourself at home.  They may go into the living room where I like to represent your relationship life.  Maybe with your family, girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, or friends.  Then they may go into the kitchen to get something to eat.  I let the kitchen represent where we make and do things, like sports, hobbies, and jobs.  But then there is your room.  Where it represents your inner thoughts, passions, and emotions.  If I had a girl friend coming over, she would more than likely head straight to my room.  So before she comes, I know I want to hide how messy my room is.  And I would stuff all the mess I have in my closet so she can't see how my room truly was.  Well when we tell Christ to make himself at home, we are inviting him to completely invade our relationships, everything we do, and our inner selfs.  But that also includes our closets where we are trying to hide the mess of our lives or our sins we hold ourselves bondage to.  But when we tell Christ to invade every area of our life, he wants it all.  He wants the messy closet too. But the greatest part about this is that with complete surrender comes freedom and forgiveness of sin.  

When I asked Christ to invade my life, I was asking him to come and completely wreck me. And he did.  He took a wrecking ball to my life as if literally everything was falling to pieces so that he would be the only one to make me whole. 

How did this lead me to moving to Nicaragua for four months?  If I had never abandoned everything, in order to live for him, I know I wouldn't be where I am today.


So!  I lived in Nicaragua for 113 days.  I had just graduated from college a year early and was very tired of school.  I knew I had plans in the future to continue my studies but did not have a peace about going directly in the fall.  I prayed and continued to seek after what the Lord wanted for my life.  I truly had to put off my wants and plans and pray directly for what He had for me.

I have been to Nicaragua seven times.  My first mission trip there was when I was fifteen.  Of course, I fell in love with the Nicaraguan people but never knew I would one day live with them.  My knowledge about missions is fair, my spanish is terrible, speaking in front of people puts me to shame.  I honestly felt completely inadequate at times while living in Nicaragua.  People would ask me about my own personal life which made me want to crawl into a hole because I was ashamed of who I once was.  But then I was always reminded who God is.  Christ picked me up from the filth of my sin and gave me a new life.  And with that life, I chose to live for him.  I once was a great sinner in need of an even Greater Savior.  He redeemed me and made me whole.  For that, I owe him my all.

This video shows some of the different ministries I was a part of.
I worked with orphans, addicts, cutters, the homeless, beggars, prostitutes, English students, villagers, children, women, teenagers, and the forgotten.  I witnessed someone wanting to commit suicide find life in Christ.  I led a physically orphan boy to adoption by his Heavenly Father.  I experienced English students hearing the gospel for the first time.  I shared a meal with those who may have one meal a day.  I saw 50 women learn more about Jesus from our Bible study and put His Word into action.  In all of this, I too experienced Christ more.  He taught me so much while being in Nicaragua.  I learned things I wouldn't have in a classroom but just by being the hands and feet of Christ on the field.

God has given me a talent to use for His glory.  I take pictures.  By taking pictures, my clients have enabled me to go to China, the Philippines, India, Amsterdam, Brazil, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Africa.  I have spent over $50,000 in spreading the gospel.  For those who have supported my photography business and my passion for missions, YOU have been a part of changing lives physically and spiritually.  Forever I am grateful.


xoxo

-Ash


Nicaragua Video


Video Credits

Filmed by Ashlyn Williams
Created and Edited by Graham Schmidt & Ashlyn Williams

HUGE thanks to Graham Schmidt for helping me create this video!  You are truly gifted and have such great vision.  Thanks for putting in your time in helping me further His kingdom!

Completely Wrecked

In this life, we are held by expectations of other people.  What they think, how they view us, do they think we are making the right decisions.  And I've heard so many times, that whatever God wants you to do, it should be easy to do.  Something  that is difficult to follow through, doesn't seem to be God's plan.  And yet, I have been jaded by that view for so many years and I have given in to a life of easiness and comfort because that must be what God wants for my life.  Right?  He wouldn't want me to have to go through anything hard if that's his will.  Yet, in Scripture I see where he tells us to pick up our crosses daily and to follow him.  We are to abandon what the world offers and claim him as our only God.  To live outside of our comfortable lives and let him completely wreck us.  I don't remember Jesus telling any of the disciples that following him would be easy or comfortable.  No, he told them it would be hard, to leave their families, and that following him could possibly lead to death.  Which it did for most of them.  So I refuse to live out this life with the American plan of how others think I should live.  When I start allowing the fear of disappointing others, reign over my obedience to Christ, I am in trouble.  This American dream isn't for me.  I want Christ to completely wreck me.  I think if any of us are living comfortably in this world, we need to evaluate how we are living for Christ.  This world shouldn't be comfortable for us, this world is not our home.  We are complete strangers here.  

Matt 12:30, Luke 14:26, Matt 5:10," Christ says if you are for me then the world will be against you.  If you are not willing to lose everything you have, including your life, don't even follow me. Expect persecution, and consider that a privilege."  (Paraphrased) 

I never want to look back and view my life as a wasted life.  I want to be someone Christ looks at one day and says," Thank you for risking it all.  Well done my faithful servant."  

Nicaragua Week Two-Three

I could not be any happier putting aside my 'life plan' and fully surrendering my life to His plan.  With saying that, I also came to Nicaragua with my own agenda.  I had plans and ideas on what I wanted to do while in Nicaragua, and funny enough, I once again threw away my plans.

I started to notice that everything I was trying to work on, concerning ministry opportunities, was not exactly coming together.  I noticed doors were not opening, but rather closing quickly.  All of this came about while going door to door one day in my neighborhood.  I noticed a guy behind us just sitting on the side of the road, watching us.  I asked my friend if she knew who he was because he looked as if he knew us.  She told me she had never seen him before, so we kept pressing on.  My friend and I finished the last house on the block and started to walk towards my home.  As we were walking, we were approached by the guy.  He told us that he had heard we were going to be having a Bible Study here for women and that this was a good thing.  Then he looked at us both and said," Francis and Ashlyn, continue to be in God's will in order to do His work."  He then walked away.  Francis and I just sat there for a minute just overwhelmingly confused.  I asked her," Are you sure you didn't go to school with him?  How did he know our names?"  Francis replied," Ash, I promise I have never seen him before."  

The following Monday, there was a complete misunderstanding on where I was suppose to be taken to meet with a Pastor.  I arrived and was clueless as to where I was and who I was about to meet.  Finds out, one of our evangelist didn't understand 'the plan' and took me elsewhere.  I met with the Pastor and told him I was here to live in Nicaragua until December.  He asked me what I wanted to do and what my plans were.  I was about to list out everything I had been thinking about but then I just sat there and replied," You tell me what your needs are and I know the Lord will equip me to help."  He started sharing how he had been praying to the Lord since May that God would send an American to come to his church to help.  I started laughing and told him," Well, I'm as American as it gets!"  That is also around the time I started to think about coming to live in Nicaragua.  The church wants to do evangelism within the community to reach the parents of children that come through the church.  The church is connected with compassion and meets the needs of about 250 children everyday.  The church is in need of workers to go out and evangelize to the parents of the children.  Sign me up!  He also mentioned that he would love to have a women's Bible study because discipleship for the women is lacking.  His last request was to have an english class.  I said, "Pastor, I'd love to do evangelism and the women's Bible Study, but I have never taught english before."  He replied," You speak english right?  We just need to learn the basics and whatever you can teach us, we will be happy."  I am sitting in the chair, thinking to myself," Oh my goodness, here we go Lord!"  

This afternoon was the first time out with members and we were able to lead a precious lady, in her 70's, to the Lord.  I also taught my first english class tonight.  We had twelve students.  Six were connected to the church.  The other six, we have no idea how they found out about the class.  The Lord is moving in many ways.  

Continue to be in prayer please!  I enjoy hearing back from people and every encouraging word that comes my way.

Best compliment I have received since being in Nicaragua...
"You are such a Nicaraguan!"
I'll take it and I think it's great that the people can see I'm becoming them to reach them.


Funny/Random things I am learning:

Time is slow here.  Love it because it is not busy busy like life is in the USA.  Dislike it because I never really know when people are coming over.

In the US, the importance, concerning the roads, is people, motorcycles, vehicles.

In Nicaragua, it is the complete opposite.  If a truck is coming, you better move because they aren't stopping! 

Nicaraguan way of mopping is more logical than American way.  Not talking about our swiffers but the good old fashion way of mopping.  Looking back at the American way, ha it doesn't make any sense!  

Early Mornings- Early Nights

If you mention that you like some type of food/drink, they will serve it to you all the time.  Which by the way, I am not complaining!  This is a good one :)

People greet with a cheek kiss... so don't aim the same direction. lol

It is not strange for girls to hold hands when they are just friends and also for guys.

Still getting use to this one!  

Lauren | Senior Portrait

Lauren is a free spirited girl who has such a unique style!  We discussed getting together to do a Bohemian photo shoot.  Lauren did great and was completely natural in front of the camera!

Nicaragua Week One

I have been living in Nicaragua now for about a week!  Mainly this week I have been getting settled, catching up with friends, and getting prepared for the months to come.  This is my seventh trip to Nicaragua and yet I am continually learning new things about the people, culture, and language!

Here is where I am living:

I am very thankful for all of the letters that I have received!  I also had to bring some pictures for my own sake of family and friends.

This is a typical breakfast, plus some type of fruit.

Thank goodness Nicaragua also believes in coffee!!

Tuesday I went to a village called Christo Rey.  The village was created around a trash mound drop off.  The village finds their food and clothing there in the trash.  This is also how they make their living.  A possible ministry that can be done at the trash mound would be giving out waters and snacks with the mind set of sharing about the Living Water that would never leave them thirsty again. 

This coming week will be the first planned week of ministry.  Here is what my schedule will look like in the following weeks.  This will also help you with a guideline of what ministry you can be praying about for me!

Sunday Morning:      Women's Sunday School in my neighborhood's Baptist Church

Sunday Night:            Teaching Women and Girl's Bible Study at Nazareth Church

Monday:                     Temoa Village in the mountains- They do not have any type of church or 

                                   discipleship.  I will be going there to do door to door, inviting women and girls to 

                                   come to Bible Study. Also, to build relationships with the people there.

Tuesday:                       Rest Day.  Personal Study time for lessons to come.  Language studying. 

                                        Laundry with the women and learning how to cook Nicaraguan food.

Wednesday:                 Bible Study in a girl's home near my house.

Thursday:                     Orphanages.  Feeding them and teaching them Bible Studies and also games.

Friday:                          Complete Rest Day.

Saturday:                      Bible Study in a local arena in Managua.

Funny & Random things I am learning in Nicaragua:

Their biggest meal during the day is lunch.

Rice and Beans has their own food group.  Luckily, I like both so much I don't mind at all having them everyday... sometimes even twice a day!

Anyone from anywhere can drive in Nicaragua, as long as they have a license.  

Nicaragua was where I first learned how to drive stick shift :)

Many of their fruits are not meant for eating but only to make juice.  It's delicious! 

Most Nicaraguans do not like peanut butter and think I am crazy because I do!

I learned the Nicaraguan way of hand washing clothes!

This week I have had a lot of down time as I am getting situated.  I have really been able to dive into God's Word more everyday, which has been refreshing.  I was challenged this week to grow in my prayer life.  Prayer is so important in everyday life but also in ministry.  It is really a time where we can come before God and communicate, not with mere speech, but with our soul and heart.  Prayer gives a whole new depth to our relationship with God.

The harvest is plentiful here in Nicaragua.  I continue to pray for workers and everyday I am brought to someone new who wants to help me.  It has been a true blessing to be here so far in Nicaragua.  I really do feel at home, being here.  

Portrait | Gordon Family

Absolutely love the Gordon family!  I have been connected with them from my youth internship this summer at Centerpoint Fellowship Church.  They are being used in mighty ways for the Lord in the lives of youth students and my own.  Their session was very energetic and fun!  Grateful for their love for our youth students and for the time they have invested in my life.  

Married | Joel And Annie McCord

Joel and Annie's wedding was a true blessing.  I have known Annie for about eight years and she has been a big part of my life.  She has been a spiritual mentor in my life.  Annie not only married Joel but instantly became a mother to four children.  One of my favorite parts, of the whole wedding day, was when letters were read from Joel and Annie to the children.  Annie and Joel not only vowed to each other before the Lord, but also vowed their love to their children.  Their wedding was filled with excitement, joy, and love.  It was a tremendous honor to capture their wedding and celebrate with their family on this special day.

Venue: First Baptist Wetumpka

Wedding Dress: Prattville Bridal Boutique

Hair: Done by Julie Moran from Destin, Florida.

Makeup: Done by Catherine McNider