Looking Back, I Can See the Connections

Author Steve Hartwig during an interview with The Nica Guy, Vladimir Alonso, at ViaVia León, reflecting on how seemingly unrelated experiences can become part of a larger story.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. 📖 Romans 8:28

When I first arrived in Nicaragua, I could not have imagined the path that lay ahead.

I came seeking a place to retire. I was looking for a warmer climate, a slower pace of life, and a place where I could live comfortably. Writing books was not part of the plan. Neither was becoming involved in the local skateboarding community.

Yet over the years, small connections began to form.

I met young skaters in León. I listened to their stories. I watched their creativity, determination, and friendships. What began as simple conversations gradually gave me a deeper appreciation for a community I had barely noticed before.

Those experiences eventually inspired Ride The Fire, a novel set in León and shaped by many of the people and places I had come to know.

Even then, I did not see where the story was leading.

Recently, copies of the book arrived in Nicaragua. Through ViaVia León, I had the opportunity to meet again with Cristian, Edgard, and Marco—three skaters whose passion for skateboarding continues to inspire the next generation. Sitting together, signing books, and watching them flip through the pages was a moment I never could have predicted years ago.

Not long before that, I sat down with Vladimir from ViaVia for an interview about the book, León, and the stories behind it. That conversation opened another unexpected door and introduced the project to people far beyond the skatepark.

Looking back, I can see how many seemingly unrelated events were quietly connected.

A move to Nicaragua.

A friendship.

A conversation.

A skate session.

A book.

An interview.

A new opportunity.

At the time, each one felt small. Together, they became part of a much larger story.

Perhaps that is one of the ways God works in our lives. We often want to see the entire picture from the beginning, but more often He asks us to trust Him one step at a time. Only later do we begin to recognize how the pieces fit together.

Today, I can look back and see connections that were invisible to me years ago.

And I suspect there are still connections being formed that I cannot yet see.

God is still writing the story.

👉 Explore the books here: https://www.steverhartwigauthor.com/books

Read this post in Spanish here: https://www.steverhartwigauthor.com/blog-espanol