Today we had the incredible opportunity to "give it all away" at a little school on the south side of Granada, about 20 minutes out of town. Last week we met an American lady named Linda who is living here in Granada a few months out of every year. She had been asking God to show her where He is working and what she should invest her life in. She says she is not a leader or an initiator, that her gift is in hooking people up for the sake of the Kingdom. She was convinced that we should meet this man at this little school so I agreed and arranged an afternoon to go visit and do a little program for the children there.
This Nicaraguan man has nothing (in the world's eyes) but he has a HUGE heart for his people and he loves the Lord. He is renting a small shack in a barrio out in the country. He is burdened by the fact that only 3 out of 10 children in his community of 10,000 people finish primary school and of those three that go on to secondary school, only one finishes secondary school. He is burdened that 40% of 14-year-old girls in his community already have babies. He is burdened by the cycle of poverty that grows with each generation. He asked God what he could do. God answered. He built a small roof over the side of the shack that he rents and there he holds a program called Education Plus. He has a pre-school and a remediation program for older students who have dropped out of school. He prays that the Lord would send him people to help him with this project, and the Lord has answered. He has received help from people in several countries and today we were his answer to prayer. Oh what pure delight when the Lord uses you to answer someone else's prayer. Have you known that joy?
Our transportation to the country school was by two pick up trucks. This is typical in Nicaragua and our young people were pleased to travel Nica style. We arrived to about a dozen children but by the time we left, there were well over 100 children! We played games and did activities for about an hour or so and then gave a little gospel presentation with the gospel bracelets we brought. By this time it was pouring down rain (it is the rainy season, and we have had storms just about every day). We huddled under the small roof and sang songs until the trucks returned to pick us up. Fortunately, a bit earlier in the afternoon, our five guys were able to add on to the roof with some tin that was purchased. Mitch and Joel took up a collection for the school to pay for the roofing materials. What a gift this was for them! I am SO proud of our kids - they are amazing!!!
In addition to the offering we took, the bit of roof our guys helped with, and the little program we had, we were also able to leave a suitcase full of supplies (children's books - in Spanish, school supplies, clothes and toys). This was a blessing to the man who started the school, but an even bigger blessing to Hannah.
Let me tell you about Hannah, a young woman of about 21 years. She is from North Ireland and is serving here in Nicaragua for three months. Until she met us she has had no fellowship with anyone who speaks English. She has 60+ kids that she is teaching in this little school. She has been overwhelmed and discouraged to say the least. I believe God sent us there especially for Hannah. She was so delighted to speak to us in English and so overjoyed at the gift of supplies (she had nothing) and even more elated that God had answered her prayers and sent us there!!! We invited Hannah out to eat with us tomorrow night and she was overjoyed. I can't wait to hear more about her life and her ministry here.
The trip home was quite the adventure - 10-14 people in the back of a pick up truck when it is pouring down rain and the mud streets are flooded. :-)
It was a great afternoon of ministry and of course we fell in love with the little family who lives there, with Hannah and with all the children. I think this might have to be an annual stop.
With Great Joy,
Naomi
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Unexpected Adventures
Well today did not go quite as planned. The day started with a scorpion in Ann's clothing. Fortunately she saw it, jumped back, and screamed and did not get stung. I am quite sure she scared the scorpion half to death with that scream. Dan heard the scream and came to the rescue. Always prepared, as all good boy scouts are, he had his pocket knife handy, finished the kill and cut off the tail for a souvenir. (Watch out Jessie, you may not be getting that cute woven bracelet that you expected . . .)
We rented a bus to take us to La Maquina - a beautiful waterfall that you can swim in, located about 90 minutes from Granada. The plan was to bring some of the older kids and teens from the barrio with us to further build these sweet relationships that have begun and continue to invest in their lives. Strangely, there were four men on the beaten down old bus when it arrived and my antennae were up. Our own "men" were put on alert and armed with pepper spray. I told Liz to ask the driver to take us to the Spanish school before heading out of town. I ran in and talked with Carmen, the gal from school who arranged our ride. I told her I was uncomfortable with this arrangement and she called the bus company. The two extra men got out of the bus a little ways out of town. After riding for about an hour and enjoying the beautiful countryside, a tropical storm came upon us and it was hard to see. Missy and Liz and I began to pray silently. We made it to La Maquina only to find the gate closed! Joel, David and I jumped the fence, and waded through almost knee high water to see if someone was there, but perhaps they had just closed the gate. Unfortunately no one was there at all. We returned to the bus totally drenched (but much cooler!).
We returned to the hotel for dinner with the barrio kids still with us. Portions were small tonight as we shared our food, but none of the students or barrio teens complained even though I knew they were all really hungry (they hadn't eaten since 8 am and it was after 5).
The rain continued to pour down (and is still pouring as I write - now about six or seven hours since it began) - definitely a torrential storm. The roads in Granada are flooded. Most of our hotel rooms leak and this is very annoying, but it does not compare to what these people live with during the rainy season. They literally have little rivers running THROUGH their homes. Imagine what their dirt floors become in storms like this.
When it was apparent that the storm was only getting worse Liz and Joel set out to find taxis to take the barrio kids home. It was already past time when we told their parents we would have them back. They are home safely now and so are all the barrio kids. Liz and Joel walked each of them to their home from where the taxi dropped them. The heavily rutted roads in the barrio become little rivers filled with trash and what smells like sewage in the rain.
Liz asks for prayer for Oliver. He was scared to go in to his house when she dropped him off and he asked her to go in with him. His dad appears to be about 50 and his "step-mom" appears to be but a teenager. The dad would not speak to Liz and Oliver avoided him. We have heard that Oliver gets beat. He is an unruly child of about 11 or 12 years of age. He is hard to love and that is what makes him so lovable.
Although we did not get to enjoy the waterfall, we are still grateful for this day, the unexpected adventures and the opportunity to spend time with these young people. We pray for Oliver, Alejandra, Manuel, Andy, Jiro, Nahomi, Merlon and Tonia. We believe God is going to do a mighty work in each of their lives. Would you believe with us?
We rented a bus to take us to La Maquina - a beautiful waterfall that you can swim in, located about 90 minutes from Granada. The plan was to bring some of the older kids and teens from the barrio with us to further build these sweet relationships that have begun and continue to invest in their lives. Strangely, there were four men on the beaten down old bus when it arrived and my antennae were up. Our own "men" were put on alert and armed with pepper spray. I told Liz to ask the driver to take us to the Spanish school before heading out of town. I ran in and talked with Carmen, the gal from school who arranged our ride. I told her I was uncomfortable with this arrangement and she called the bus company. The two extra men got out of the bus a little ways out of town. After riding for about an hour and enjoying the beautiful countryside, a tropical storm came upon us and it was hard to see. Missy and Liz and I began to pray silently. We made it to La Maquina only to find the gate closed! Joel, David and I jumped the fence, and waded through almost knee high water to see if someone was there, but perhaps they had just closed the gate. Unfortunately no one was there at all. We returned to the bus totally drenched (but much cooler!).
We returned to the hotel for dinner with the barrio kids still with us. Portions were small tonight as we shared our food, but none of the students or barrio teens complained even though I knew they were all really hungry (they hadn't eaten since 8 am and it was after 5).
The rain continued to pour down (and is still pouring as I write - now about six or seven hours since it began) - definitely a torrential storm. The roads in Granada are flooded. Most of our hotel rooms leak and this is very annoying, but it does not compare to what these people live with during the rainy season. They literally have little rivers running THROUGH their homes. Imagine what their dirt floors become in storms like this.
When it was apparent that the storm was only getting worse Liz and Joel set out to find taxis to take the barrio kids home. It was already past time when we told their parents we would have them back. They are home safely now and so are all the barrio kids. Liz and Joel walked each of them to their home from where the taxi dropped them. The heavily rutted roads in the barrio become little rivers filled with trash and what smells like sewage in the rain.
Liz asks for prayer for Oliver. He was scared to go in to his house when she dropped him off and he asked her to go in with him. His dad appears to be about 50 and his "step-mom" appears to be but a teenager. The dad would not speak to Liz and Oliver avoided him. We have heard that Oliver gets beat. He is an unruly child of about 11 or 12 years of age. He is hard to love and that is what makes him so lovable.
Although we did not get to enjoy the waterfall, we are still grateful for this day, the unexpected adventures and the opportunity to spend time with these young people. We pray for Oliver, Alejandra, Manuel, Andy, Jiro, Nahomi, Merlon and Tonia. We believe God is going to do a mighty work in each of their lives. Would you believe with us?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Street Kids
I have a heavy heart this morning - most of us do. We are trying to process the reality of life on the streets for these children and what we can do about it. We've friended many of them, fed them, preached to them, prayed for them . . . but when you are so strung out from sniffing glue pretty much 24/7 not much gets through. They range in age from 7-25, at least the ones we have been in contact with. They walk around with a bottle or jar under their shirts but held up to their mouths. They blow in so the fumes come out and they inhale. This is constant. Constant. We have been here for 11 days, and they have on the same clothes each day. They are dirty and smelly. Some are hyper and some are just completely out of it.
Our friends from GdL spent the night in Granada on Friday night. They had to set up a large stage for a big festival that was to take place last night. They had to sleep on and under their stage to protect it from theft and vandalism. The street kids slept there with them. Our friends from GdL got to know the children and more about their life. It is a sad state of existence, for all of them, but especially for a child. To never know the gentle touch of a mother, the smell of clean sheets, the protection of a father, the taste of chicken soup or spaghetti and meatballs. To never know the love of a family . . . what must that be like?
With the help of an interpreter I talked to Jose Enrique last night. I told him he was made for so much more than this. I told him that he was wonderfully created by a God who loved him and had a plan for his life. I told him that he is a bright boy but that the glue is destroying his mind. I told him God wanted to save him from all of this. He told me he wanted nothing to do with God. He walked away sniffing - always sniffing.
Please pray for these kids, especially for little Michael (age 8) and Jose Enrique (I think he is about 12) and for another little boy that looks to be 6 or 7. I do not know his name yet. Pray for us - that the Lord would show us what we can do. Pray for our students here - to process this in the way He would have us process this.
Our friends from GdL spent the night in Granada on Friday night. They had to set up a large stage for a big festival that was to take place last night. They had to sleep on and under their stage to protect it from theft and vandalism. The street kids slept there with them. Our friends from GdL got to know the children and more about their life. It is a sad state of existence, for all of them, but especially for a child. To never know the gentle touch of a mother, the smell of clean sheets, the protection of a father, the taste of chicken soup or spaghetti and meatballs. To never know the love of a family . . . what must that be like?
With the help of an interpreter I talked to Jose Enrique last night. I told him he was made for so much more than this. I told him that he was wonderfully created by a God who loved him and had a plan for his life. I told him that he is a bright boy but that the glue is destroying his mind. I told him God wanted to save him from all of this. He told me he wanted nothing to do with God. He walked away sniffing - always sniffing.
Please pray for these kids, especially for little Michael (age 8) and Jose Enrique (I think he is about 12) and for another little boy that looks to be 6 or 7. I do not know his name yet. Pray for us - that the Lord would show us what we can do. Pray for our students here - to process this in the way He would have us process this.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Chayules
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/13818646
We are staying near lake Nicaragua in Granada and the view is breathtaking (see photos below), however there is a down side . . . chayules. Chayules are something like a mosquito and something like a fly. They come in swarms, like clouds, as you can see in the bottom photo below. Some days are not so bad and others are horrid. When there is a breeze, they are not too much of a problem but on days like today when the air is still you can't even come out of your room.
And now we know why lake front property is plentiful . . .
We are staying near lake Nicaragua in Granada and the view is breathtaking (see photos below), however there is a down side . . . chayules. Chayules are something like a mosquito and something like a fly. They come in swarms, like clouds, as you can see in the bottom photo below. Some days are not so bad and others are horrid. When there is a breeze, they are not too much of a problem but on days like today when the air is still you can't even come out of your room.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Full Steam Ahead
The train is full steam ahead and I have not had time to write. Here is a quick catch up . . .
We started Spanish Immersion School yesterday and we are all loving that and doing well. I'm even thinking in Spanish now and can carry on conversations with people who speak clearly and succinctly. Several of the students have said that they have learned more in these two mornings of immersion school than they did in 3-4 years of high school.
Campamento de Amor was amazing on Monday. We had a smaller group of children than expected so it went really smoothly. The children were attentive to the Bible message and very participative. They enjoyed the crafts and games and most of all the attention we are able to give them. Our students prepared very well with Faith and Abby at the helm and everything went really well. The highlight of the first day of camp was at the very end of the afternoon when Oliver showed up. Joel saw him in the distance and went running toward him arms wide open - Oliver did the same at the other end. It was a scene out of a movie and such a sweet reunion. For those of you who followed my blog last year, you may remember Oliver. He was the boy who was so problematic at the beginning of the week that we actually had to ask him to leave. When he was ready to come back and participate without causing trouble, we let him back in. We learned that his father beats him and this broke out hearts. We decided to give him extra attention and we all prayed for him. It was amazing how he responded to the love we showed him. Joel had a tremendous impact on this 10 year old boy (now 11) last year and they now have a special bond.
The construction on the kitchen has begun. Senor Adolfo is our "general contractor". Liz and I both think he has honest eyes. Even so, here in Nicaragua, you never trust someone by prepaying so we had to go to the feretteria to purchase supplies with him. You might find it interesting to know that all of the building materials to build the kitchen cost under $1,600.00 (US). It will be exciting to watch the progress each day we return to the barrio.
AND today was the Birthday Party!!! All of our prayers were answered and la fiesta could not have gone any better. We had about 60 children in attendance. We set up stations (face painting, finger nail painting, coloring - which they LOVE, a stamping craft, and a few others), and we also had roaming clowns giving out stickers, balloon animals, blowing bubbles and just being silly. We interacted with the children for about an hour and then it was time for the program. GdL performed a few dramas and then Revolution Dance troupe performed (they are amazing!). The Gospel message was given and just about all of the children in attendance (ages 3-16) raised their hand indicating they wanted to accept the free gift of salvation. We prayed with the children and some of the parents in the room as well. It was a beautiful time. After the program, it was time for dinner. We served the children Arroz Valencia (rice mixed with vegetables and a bit of chicken). After dinner, Joel was blindfolded and beat on the pinata (a giant hippopotamus!) that we had purchased from one of the women in our barrio. She makes them as a cottage business to feed her family. After the candy, it was time for the birthday presents. We had filled 60 large, colorful gift bags with clothes, toys, books and stuffed animals that were donated by many of you reading this blog. Thank you! The bags were personalized for each specific child, with clothes to fit them and toys we thought they would enjoy.
I wish you could have seen the absolute delight on the faces of these children when they received their birthday gift. I know those expressions of joy will forever be etched in my memory. These are the children from the nearby barrio that I wrote about previously. They live in simple huts with dirt floors. Most do not even have a mattress to sleep on. I would estimate that all the earthly possessions of each family would value less than $500.00, including the "house". I am grateful that more than the physical gift that was given to them today, we were able to give them an eternal gift. Pray for these children, would you? Pray that the seeds that were planted today would take root and grow strong.
After the party, our day was not over yet. We set out with Generation of Light and Revolution Dance and handed out invitations to a Festival they will hold in Granada this weekend! This is just like the one they did in Messiah last weekend when we first arrived. We walked all over the city inviting people to come. Revolution Dance Troupe was actually dancing on top of the bus as it was moving down the streets! We should have a big crowd on Saturday.
It has been a full week and it is only Tuesday. Can't wait to see where this train will stop tomorrow.
With Great Joy,
Naomi
We started Spanish Immersion School yesterday and we are all loving that and doing well. I'm even thinking in Spanish now and can carry on conversations with people who speak clearly and succinctly. Several of the students have said that they have learned more in these two mornings of immersion school than they did in 3-4 years of high school.
Campamento de Amor was amazing on Monday. We had a smaller group of children than expected so it went really smoothly. The children were attentive to the Bible message and very participative. They enjoyed the crafts and games and most of all the attention we are able to give them. Our students prepared very well with Faith and Abby at the helm and everything went really well. The highlight of the first day of camp was at the very end of the afternoon when Oliver showed up. Joel saw him in the distance and went running toward him arms wide open - Oliver did the same at the other end. It was a scene out of a movie and such a sweet reunion. For those of you who followed my blog last year, you may remember Oliver. He was the boy who was so problematic at the beginning of the week that we actually had to ask him to leave. When he was ready to come back and participate without causing trouble, we let him back in. We learned that his father beats him and this broke out hearts. We decided to give him extra attention and we all prayed for him. It was amazing how he responded to the love we showed him. Joel had a tremendous impact on this 10 year old boy (now 11) last year and they now have a special bond.
The construction on the kitchen has begun. Senor Adolfo is our "general contractor". Liz and I both think he has honest eyes. Even so, here in Nicaragua, you never trust someone by prepaying so we had to go to the feretteria to purchase supplies with him. You might find it interesting to know that all of the building materials to build the kitchen cost under $1,600.00 (US). It will be exciting to watch the progress each day we return to the barrio.
AND today was the Birthday Party!!! All of our prayers were answered and la fiesta could not have gone any better. We had about 60 children in attendance. We set up stations (face painting, finger nail painting, coloring - which they LOVE, a stamping craft, and a few others), and we also had roaming clowns giving out stickers, balloon animals, blowing bubbles and just being silly. We interacted with the children for about an hour and then it was time for the program. GdL performed a few dramas and then Revolution Dance troupe performed (they are amazing!). The Gospel message was given and just about all of the children in attendance (ages 3-16) raised their hand indicating they wanted to accept the free gift of salvation. We prayed with the children and some of the parents in the room as well. It was a beautiful time. After the program, it was time for dinner. We served the children Arroz Valencia (rice mixed with vegetables and a bit of chicken). After dinner, Joel was blindfolded and beat on the pinata (a giant hippopotamus!) that we had purchased from one of the women in our barrio. She makes them as a cottage business to feed her family. After the candy, it was time for the birthday presents. We had filled 60 large, colorful gift bags with clothes, toys, books and stuffed animals that were donated by many of you reading this blog. Thank you! The bags were personalized for each specific child, with clothes to fit them and toys we thought they would enjoy.
I wish you could have seen the absolute delight on the faces of these children when they received their birthday gift. I know those expressions of joy will forever be etched in my memory. These are the children from the nearby barrio that I wrote about previously. They live in simple huts with dirt floors. Most do not even have a mattress to sleep on. I would estimate that all the earthly possessions of each family would value less than $500.00, including the "house". I am grateful that more than the physical gift that was given to them today, we were able to give them an eternal gift. Pray for these children, would you? Pray that the seeds that were planted today would take root and grow strong.
After the party, our day was not over yet. We set out with Generation of Light and Revolution Dance and handed out invitations to a Festival they will hold in Granada this weekend! This is just like the one they did in Messiah last weekend when we first arrived. We walked all over the city inviting people to come. Revolution Dance Troupe was actually dancing on top of the bus as it was moving down the streets! We should have a big crowd on Saturday.
It has been a full week and it is only Tuesday. Can't wait to see where this train will stop tomorrow.
With Great Joy,
Naomi
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Anticipation of a Party
Excitement is building around here as we prepare for a birthday party - a fiesta unlike these children have never experienced before!
Yesterday we had a prayer walk through a small barrio very near our hotel. All 22 of us walked silently through the muddy, rutted streets of the neighborhood praying for each home, each parent, each child. Earlier that morning, I had visited the same barrio with the manager of the hotel we are staying in. She showed me a casa, about the size of my dining room, wherein lived a family with eight children. From another dwelling an elderly lady came out and talked with us. Her dress was faded, torn and matted to her skin; I suspect it was her one and only. Maria Louisa, the hotel manager, lives near the barrio as well - these people are her neighbors and friends. I asked her if the people here were poor because they could not get work and she said oh no, they work! They sell coconuts on the streets, do the cleaning and laundry for the tourists in the hotels, and an assortment of other manual labor jobs. They work hard - very hard, but they earn less than a dollar a day. I wept at the thought of the hard life they have: dirt floors, in single room homes made of plastic sheeting and rusted tin, no plumbing or indoor running water, working long hours for scarcely a dollar - day after day after day. It seems so unjust, it's difficult to process.
But tomorrow, this same barrio will come alive and join us in our anticipation of this grand fiesta, for tomorrow, we will go and personally invite 50 children ages 5-10 to come to the party. This evening our students hand made special invitations for the children - 50 of them. They will personally deliver and invite tomorrow. They can't wait!
We have been busy planning the party. We will a full meal for the children, a cake, a pinyata, party games, decorations, music, puppets, clowns, presents, candy and more! Some of our team will work in the kitchen preparing the meal, some will serve the food and some will clean up. All will participate in party games with the children and just spend a few hours laughing, dancing and having a grand time. Our friends from Generation of Light are coming with special music, drama and puppets also. (Did I mention that Mitch has agreed to dress up and be one of our clowns?!) :-) I'll try to post pictures later. And the best part of all, we will share the message of hope that we are all so anxious to share. The message that they were each fearfully and wonderfully made - in the very image of God and that He loves them very much - so much that He gave His own Son to die for them. And we will invite them to be a part of an even greater party . . .
Yesterday we had a prayer walk through a small barrio very near our hotel. All 22 of us walked silently through the muddy, rutted streets of the neighborhood praying for each home, each parent, each child. Earlier that morning, I had visited the same barrio with the manager of the hotel we are staying in. She showed me a casa, about the size of my dining room, wherein lived a family with eight children. From another dwelling an elderly lady came out and talked with us. Her dress was faded, torn and matted to her skin; I suspect it was her one and only. Maria Louisa, the hotel manager, lives near the barrio as well - these people are her neighbors and friends. I asked her if the people here were poor because they could not get work and she said oh no, they work! They sell coconuts on the streets, do the cleaning and laundry for the tourists in the hotels, and an assortment of other manual labor jobs. They work hard - very hard, but they earn less than a dollar a day. I wept at the thought of the hard life they have: dirt floors, in single room homes made of plastic sheeting and rusted tin, no plumbing or indoor running water, working long hours for scarcely a dollar - day after day after day. It seems so unjust, it's difficult to process.
But tomorrow, this same barrio will come alive and join us in our anticipation of this grand fiesta, for tomorrow, we will go and personally invite 50 children ages 5-10 to come to the party. This evening our students hand made special invitations for the children - 50 of them. They will personally deliver and invite tomorrow. They can't wait!
We have been busy planning the party. We will a full meal for the children, a cake, a pinyata, party games, decorations, music, puppets, clowns, presents, candy and more! Some of our team will work in the kitchen preparing the meal, some will serve the food and some will clean up. All will participate in party games with the children and just spend a few hours laughing, dancing and having a grand time. Our friends from Generation of Light are coming with special music, drama and puppets also. (Did I mention that Mitch has agreed to dress up and be one of our clowns?!) :-) I'll try to post pictures later. And the best part of all, we will share the message of hope that we are all so anxious to share. The message that they were each fearfully and wonderfully made - in the very image of God and that He loves them very much - so much that He gave His own Son to die for them. And we will invite them to be a part of an even greater party . . .
The First Days
ARRIVAL: We arrived around noon Nica time this past Wednesday. Delta has a unique feature, personal screens where you can watch TV or movies, listen to music or track your flight. Several of us chose the latter feature or at least checked in from time to time. It was fun to watch the anticipation grow the closer the plane reached it's destination. The only word that can be used to describe the emotion when we landed is giddy.
We went through customs with no problems but there was a slight delay in getting our luggage. Once it finally arrived, I am sure we were a sight to behold. We had plenty of able bodies that helped us carry our massive suitcases into the airport in Charlotte and, there was a pack of handsome Nicaraguan friends waiting to help us with them just outside the glass airport doors, but there was this short distance from the conveyer belt through the final check station and around a corner until we could get to our friends who were waiting for us. So there we were with 16 teenage American princesses who felt sure that some knight in shining armor would come along and rescue them from their two 50 lb bags, one overstuffed backpack, and one jam packed rolling carry on. Our five teenage guys did their best and man-handled as many bags as they possibly could, the four adult ladies did as well, but the fact remained that many of them were going to have to somehow get those bags from point A to point B. This was their first test and challenge and I am happy to report that they figured it out.
Once outside the glass doors all of the men of Generation of Light swarmed in with quick greetings and hugs and immediately whisked up the luggage, saving our American princesses from any further dismay. No doubt this was just the first of many times these caring, street wise, strong, young Nicaraguan men come to our rescue on this trip.
PEASELEYS: Unfortunately Liz and the girls did not make it down on the flight with us on Wednesday. After numerous attempts at getting a flight out of Charlotte to Atlanta, they finally made it to Atlanta Wed. night, spent the night there and got on the 7 am flight to Nica on Thursday. We were thrilled when they arrived, but unfortunately they are here without any of their eight bags. We're working on that. (Prayers please, several very important items are in those bags.)
FIRST STOP - MESSIAH: After GdL picked us up at the airport we drove to Messiah (about 30 min. from Granada, our final destination) where they were going to be presenting the Gospel at an arts festival the next night. Our job was to help them hand out flyers to invite people to the festival. This was the first of many cultural experiences. We waited in Messiah for some time for the car to come. We used the wait time to catch up with our Nicaraguan friends which was great fun. When the car finally came (actually it was a beaten down, rusty pick up truck), out first mission task began. GdL rigged up a speaker system which was powered by an old generator (which they had to fix in the middle of the road). The speakers and several of the guys loaded the back of the truck, cranked up some music and began shouting through the microphone in a sing-song manner which was totally delightful. We walked along in front of, behind, and next to the truck passing out flyers while they gave verbal invites on their "PA system". We were amazed at how much everyone wanted these flyers. People would come out of their houses and stop their vehicles in the middle of the street (or at least slow down) to take a flyer. No one refused one. I'm not sure what the draw was, the crackling PA system or the 18 mostly blonde gringos in matching aqua shirts, but it didn't matter, the invite was out and now it was time to pray for a harvest.
And pray we did. When the flyers were gone and it was growing dark, we circled up to pray with all of GdL and about 10-12 people from their church and prayed that many would come to hear the Word and also that the Lord would hold off the rain during the festival. Praying out loud simultaneously (and in two languages) is not something most of us do regularly, but I am sure it is a sweet sound in God's ear.
HOTEL EL MALTESE: We arrived to our hotel late (after midnight our time) on Wednesday night and since we had all been up since 4 AM, needless to say we were wiped out and soon we were just out.
MORNINGS: We were able to get to know our home for the next two weeks when we woke up (for me that was at 4:00 am!) I've actually woken up at 4 am every morning since I have been here. My body thinks it is 6:00 and will not go back to sleep. So I get up and enjoy the beautiful sunrise over Lake Nicaragua. Did I tell you our hotel is right on the lake? It is a freshwater lake, but it actually has sharks in it so we won't be doing any swimming. However, the view is breathtaking.
Another reason I love these early mornings is because George (pronounced Hor-hay), the night guard, brings me a cup of fresh Nicaraguan coffee and converses with me. He doesn't seem to mind my broken Spanish and even tries to practice the few English words he knows.
JOYFUL REUNION: On Thursday in the early afternoon, Liz and the girls arrived and we set out for the barrio. We were so excited to see these precious children whom we have grown to love over the past few years and they were equally excited to see us. The new students in our group, first timers to Nicaragua, were introduced to taxi travel in Granada, and got their first sight at a typical neighborhood in a third world country. (Pray for them as they experience these things for the first time and pray for me that I would continue to be sensitive to the fact that this is new for them and can be quite disturbing.)
The hugs and kisses from those sweet children were plentiful. It was interesting to see how the moms willingly released even their youngest children to come to us, smiling and waving as they watched their little ones take our hands and go with us into Caracolitos. There was an overwhelming sense of welcome and trust. We belong here now.
THE BARRIO SCHOOL: Wow! We were so impressed and honored at how they had prepared for us. The school was clean, and the field was cut! It was beautiful. They said they had been preparing for us for weeks. I have never seen this place look so good. And it was full of life and industry, cottage industry that is. Two new "businesses" have started up to help the women in the community. A couple of the classrooms were being used for micro-businesses. In addition to the pinyata business which is still going strong, there will soon be a hammock making business and a maraccas making business run out of the school. How happy this makes me to know that in addition to education this place we are building will help parents engage in honest work to earn a living for their families.
Oh .. George is here with my coffee now. It would be rude for me not to visit with him, so I will write more later.
With Great Joy,
Naomi
We went through customs with no problems but there was a slight delay in getting our luggage. Once it finally arrived, I am sure we were a sight to behold. We had plenty of able bodies that helped us carry our massive suitcases into the airport in Charlotte and, there was a pack of handsome Nicaraguan friends waiting to help us with them just outside the glass airport doors, but there was this short distance from the conveyer belt through the final check station and around a corner until we could get to our friends who were waiting for us. So there we were with 16 teenage American princesses who felt sure that some knight in shining armor would come along and rescue them from their two 50 lb bags, one overstuffed backpack, and one jam packed rolling carry on. Our five teenage guys did their best and man-handled as many bags as they possibly could, the four adult ladies did as well, but the fact remained that many of them were going to have to somehow get those bags from point A to point B. This was their first test and challenge and I am happy to report that they figured it out.
Once outside the glass doors all of the men of Generation of Light swarmed in with quick greetings and hugs and immediately whisked up the luggage, saving our American princesses from any further dismay. No doubt this was just the first of many times these caring, street wise, strong, young Nicaraguan men come to our rescue on this trip.
PEASELEYS: Unfortunately Liz and the girls did not make it down on the flight with us on Wednesday. After numerous attempts at getting a flight out of Charlotte to Atlanta, they finally made it to Atlanta Wed. night, spent the night there and got on the 7 am flight to Nica on Thursday. We were thrilled when they arrived, but unfortunately they are here without any of their eight bags. We're working on that. (Prayers please, several very important items are in those bags.)
FIRST STOP - MESSIAH: After GdL picked us up at the airport we drove to Messiah (about 30 min. from Granada, our final destination) where they were going to be presenting the Gospel at an arts festival the next night. Our job was to help them hand out flyers to invite people to the festival. This was the first of many cultural experiences. We waited in Messiah for some time for the car to come. We used the wait time to catch up with our Nicaraguan friends which was great fun. When the car finally came (actually it was a beaten down, rusty pick up truck), out first mission task began. GdL rigged up a speaker system which was powered by an old generator (which they had to fix in the middle of the road). The speakers and several of the guys loaded the back of the truck, cranked up some music and began shouting through the microphone in a sing-song manner which was totally delightful. We walked along in front of, behind, and next to the truck passing out flyers while they gave verbal invites on their "PA system". We were amazed at how much everyone wanted these flyers. People would come out of their houses and stop their vehicles in the middle of the street (or at least slow down) to take a flyer. No one refused one. I'm not sure what the draw was, the crackling PA system or the 18 mostly blonde gringos in matching aqua shirts, but it didn't matter, the invite was out and now it was time to pray for a harvest.
And pray we did. When the flyers were gone and it was growing dark, we circled up to pray with all of GdL and about 10-12 people from their church and prayed that many would come to hear the Word and also that the Lord would hold off the rain during the festival. Praying out loud simultaneously (and in two languages) is not something most of us do regularly, but I am sure it is a sweet sound in God's ear.
HOTEL EL MALTESE: We arrived to our hotel late (after midnight our time) on Wednesday night and since we had all been up since 4 AM, needless to say we were wiped out and soon we were just out.
MORNINGS: We were able to get to know our home for the next two weeks when we woke up (for me that was at 4:00 am!) I've actually woken up at 4 am every morning since I have been here. My body thinks it is 6:00 and will not go back to sleep. So I get up and enjoy the beautiful sunrise over Lake Nicaragua. Did I tell you our hotel is right on the lake? It is a freshwater lake, but it actually has sharks in it so we won't be doing any swimming. However, the view is breathtaking.
Another reason I love these early mornings is because George (pronounced Hor-hay), the night guard, brings me a cup of fresh Nicaraguan coffee and converses with me. He doesn't seem to mind my broken Spanish and even tries to practice the few English words he knows.
JOYFUL REUNION: On Thursday in the early afternoon, Liz and the girls arrived and we set out for the barrio. We were so excited to see these precious children whom we have grown to love over the past few years and they were equally excited to see us. The new students in our group, first timers to Nicaragua, were introduced to taxi travel in Granada, and got their first sight at a typical neighborhood in a third world country. (Pray for them as they experience these things for the first time and pray for me that I would continue to be sensitive to the fact that this is new for them and can be quite disturbing.)
The hugs and kisses from those sweet children were plentiful. It was interesting to see how the moms willingly released even their youngest children to come to us, smiling and waving as they watched their little ones take our hands and go with us into Caracolitos. There was an overwhelming sense of welcome and trust. We belong here now.
THE BARRIO SCHOOL: Wow! We were so impressed and honored at how they had prepared for us. The school was clean, and the field was cut! It was beautiful. They said they had been preparing for us for weeks. I have never seen this place look so good. And it was full of life and industry, cottage industry that is. Two new "businesses" have started up to help the women in the community. A couple of the classrooms were being used for micro-businesses. In addition to the pinyata business which is still going strong, there will soon be a hammock making business and a maraccas making business run out of the school. How happy this makes me to know that in addition to education this place we are building will help parents engage in honest work to earn a living for their families.
Oh .. George is here with my coffee now. It would be rude for me not to visit with him, so I will write more later.
With Great Joy,
Naomi
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