Panama: "Your name is Nicky?"

"The point is not for you to look at my life and say that you're never going to complain again," Nick explained at the press conference, "No, that's not the point." I thought about the validity in his explaining himself, because as his translator in the past, I have heard plenty of people tell him that they'll never complain again, because Nick has bigger problems than they do. But that, he said, was not the purpose of his visit to Panama.

"The point, you see, is to bring the love of God... to break down limitations through his power." He continued answering questions and sharing God's message of hope for the next hour. The media was clearly impacted. I loved how Nick encouraged journalists and the press to FIND encouraging stories and to write about those. Its easy to find negative stories and those will always sell... but to find inspiring stories-- that's true journalism. It was a great press conference. I'm excited just thinking about the thousands upon thousands of people who are going to hear, read and see the results of this interview and be encouraged :)

Right from the press conference we were ushered into a conference room where we had lunch and discussed possibilities about Nick traveling around South America. Dream big, guys. Pray harder.

After lunch we headed over to what I had understood was a paraplegic home. But it wasn't. Nick was speaking to over 400 children, teenagers and adults with various handicaps-- physical, mental or both. The First Lady of Panama joined us and we were able to share a message of hope with her as well. As we entered the room, my breath was taken away by the beauty of the people surrounding me. I loved the innocence shining through the faces of children with autism and Down Syndrome. I smiled as the deaf waved their hands in the air to "clap." My heart softened as my gaze fell on those in wheelchairs. One child captured my heart. His arms stopped at his forearms and his legs were a little more than stumps. I wanted to hold him so badly.

At the beginning a couple of individuals came forward and thanked Nick. They were all mentally or physically disabled and were so thankful for his presence. Nick gave them all hugs and smiles lit up their faces. One man came up, trailing behind-- clearly not supposed to come forward-- and walked straight up to Nick. He was determined to hug him. He gave him a big hug and kindly asked, "What is your name?" Nick smiled and told him his name. The man cocked his head and asked, "Your name is Nicky?" I smiled and cherished the interaction.

Nick spoke. He shared from the bottom of his heart. He shared his difficulties, his challenges, his fears and then how-- by the grace of God-- he was able to overcome and live a life without limits, full of joy. He spoke about the pain of bullying. About the fear of the future. About the injustice of discrimination. His words resounded deeply with the people. Many had been rejected. All had faced intense difficulties. Nick offered living water... he offered hope.

My heart sang with joy throughout the entire session. I absolutely loved watching the deaf raise their hands to clap. I loved watching those in wheelchairs reposition themselves to see him better. I love seeing the blind sit still, catching every word.

It was so beautiful.

Tonight we're off to a church of about 5,000. Its called the Hosannah Church. All your prayers would be appreciated.