Hyde Park Speaks

Final Thoughts From Nicaragua

So our week has come to an end.  With our final day in Managua a day to reflect, I would like to share with you some of the things that we have learned.

We have learned about each other.  We know who you can (or cannot) depend on to ensure you are not left behind.  Who is most likely to have peanut butter in his pack, or a snack to share in the evening.  Who are the best people to turn to to capture the day on film or in words.  Who to turn to for sunscreen and who carries hand wipes.  Who among us would prefer construction and whose heart is given daily to the children and who would do anything to get the bus to detour to an ice cream shop.  Who are the most competitive at the evening games and who are most likely to turn in early for the night.

We learned that Nicaraguans call speed bumps “Policía Acostada” – policeman lying down, that a Nicaraguan traffic jam is just a likely to be caused by a cow as by a slow vehicle.  We saw with our own eyes that an entire family can ride on one bicycle while the wife carries an open container of two dozen eggs and that a plant can easily be carried on one’s head.  We learned that Nicaragua runs on their own schedule – affectionately known as Nica-time.  Teresia said it best when she said, “I am convinced that every restaurant in Nicaragua takes your order first and then goes to the grocery store!

We have learned that God is seen in the most unexpected places and that often the path He wants us to take is not always the easy one, but it is always the one that will fulfill his plan for us.  We have seen that just because someone lives in poverty does not mean that they are unhappy.  They still raise their voice in thanks to God for what they do have.

We have learned the Hyde Park UMC is a continuing presence in this community.  There were many times when we saw workers wearing our t-shirts.  Benito the driver wore our youth group’s mission t-shirt and one of the gardeners wore a “Reconnect” t-shirt.  It made me smile and symbolized to me how our church continues to reconnect to El Ayudante.  We know we leave more than our work boots when we leave, we leave an indelible footprint.  The kitchen at Paula’s house and the community center would not be here were it not for our support.  Our team this week funded Paula’s kitchen, the fencing at the Carlos Fonseca community center, food for the barrios, countless medical supplies, computers for the children at El Ayudante and all of the snacks and school supplies donated to the schools.

We have learned that Bill and Teresia Cox are true gifts from God.  It is inspiring to know the length to which this man and his family have gone to answer God’s call.  Without the presence of this mission house, there would be no health care in Rubén Darío, there would be so many children still in abused homes never knowing the presence of love.

We have learned that, if you take the time to look, you can see Christ everywhere.  He is in the interpreters who help us communicate our message.  He is in the children who help each other and are eager to learn our names. He is in Darling and the courage she has had to face the adversities in her life.  And he is in each of us as we fold origami birds, remain patient and enthusiastic with the children, dig until our arms hurt or make a child smile with our imitation of brushing teeth.

We have learned that giving of ourselves is a gift to ourselves.  Many from home have thanked us for the sacrifices we have each made in order to be here.  But I believe I can speak for the group when I say that we didn’t see it as a sacrifice.  Whether the price was time or money, we all received so much more than we gave.  Perhaps the gratitude for sacrifice should go to those we left at home.  To the husbands and wives who kept our homes running smoothly.  To the children who missed their parent tucking them in at night.  To the older children who were needed to help around the house.  To co-workers who did a little more at work.  And to all of our friends and family who have missed us and yet supported our decision to be here.

It is our hope that this blog gave you a sense of what we have experienced.  If, through the telling of our story, you saw a glimpse of God working in this world, we are grateful.  And if reading this has inspired you, too, to some day participate in a mission trip or to lend your support to a loved one to follow that call, then the time spent each evening putting these thoughts together was well worth it.  We are each grateful for the experience we have had here.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we travel home to you tomorrow.

With love and gratitude,

In Christ,

Trish – your blogger – on behalf of your 2009 Nicaraguan Mission Team.

Nicaragua -Day 5

I had the honor of doing the devotional this morning.  In the beautiful setting of the ranchero I shared a devotional about answering God’s call, even if it is not necessarily something we would choose to do.  God doesn’t make the wrong choices for us.  This seemed so appropriate since all of us made the choice to come here, even if we had doubts along the way about the role we would play.  And while here we often were asked to do things outside of our personal comfort zone.  Stretching yourself for God is a great way to exercise!

This morning the workers went to child protection center for 30 girls.  We carried treats and lessons, fun jewelry and love, and a pew bear for each of them.  All the faces in the room lit up when the bears were placed in the girl’s hands.  Sally briefly told them of our bear ministry and that the bears are in our pews to take and give to someone who needs a hug.  She told them that we were here to share our love with them and that anytime they needed a hug they could hold that bear and know they were getting a hug from us.  The director was particularly pleased as so many of these girls have emotional problem and that holding something soft is often helpful to them. 

The construction teams went to spend one more day at manual labor.  At Carlos Fonseca some painted poles while others dug trenches.  On the ride over, some of us had the treat of riding in a truck – an air-conditioned truck!  However the real joy was not so much the cool air, although I promise we did enjoy it, but the radio.  It was obvious that the driver was a Christian as, even with our limited Spanish, we understood the first words he spoke, “Be thankful for what you have.”  Amazed at our ability to understand most of what he said, we were more amazed that this message was preached here, where everyone has so little.  We listened all the way to the construction site as he spoke of not putting your faith in material possessions, but in the Lord.   And to worry only about today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow will take care of itself.  We were grateful for this opportunity to see so clearly that God’s message is the same, no matter what the circumstances.

At Paula’s house, the kitchen was finished – the stove installed.  Our team would have loved to see her face when she first saw it, but she was out with Teresia purchasing supplies when it was delivered. These much needed supplies were also purchased with money we donated.  Many of us stopped by later in the day to see her kitchen for ourselves.  She greeted us warmly, both she and her son dressed in some of the clothes we had provided.  To see the joy and gratitude on Paula’s face, you would have thought we had given her a gourmet kitchen complete with stainless
appliances and granite counters.  But, no, this was a free standing structure, about 3 feet away from the house with concrete floors, half walls, a roof and a door.  The only thing in it is a stove that looks nothing like anything I have ever seen, but then I don’t have to add wood and build a fire in order to cook a meal. It was square, had pipes running through the roof to vent the smoke with a hole on one side where a large round pot fits and a built in griddle on the other.  And it is so much more than so many here have.  Paula grows vegetables, keeps an impeccably swept yard and raises her son.  With this, she will someday be able to bring all of her children home to live in this house of which she is so proud.  She expressed her gratitude to us for these blessings from God.

This afternoon we headed to the barrio – the poorest of all sections around Leon.  These are people who have been evicted from their former home, the city dump.  The dump seems no place for anyone to want to live, but at least there they had a way to make a living, scavenging for anything to recycle.  Now that the dump is off limits to everyone, they have moved into a community of homes that they have fashioned from cardboard boxes and tin, from wood and plastic, I suppose from whatever they were able to scrounge before their eviction.  We were led by Pastor Felix, the pastor
of the local Baptist church.  Bill told us that he, and the mission teams that he sends there, are the only people for whom it is safe to walk the streets – and then only in daylight.  The streets were like half-dry river beds.  It was a heartbreaking sight.  This is the same barrio that was visited by our youth this summer.  The scene here so touched one youth, Brooks, that upon his return home he asked his parents to please donate whatever money they would spend on his birthday to these people.  So it was with this money that we purchased the bags of food that we carried with us.

Each of our teams visited ten homes, and each of us could probably tell you a different story of our experience.  At each door we told the inhabitants that we were there to pray for them, that God loved them and that there was hope for them.  When asked what they would like us to pray for, most said strength and for a job.  Two young boys said their moms were at work. We dared not ask at what. 

We all walked away from there, having share a bit of our faith and having handed them enough food for a few meals along with some toothbrushes and toothpaste, and had a new perspective on our own life.  The things we find to complain about are so trivial compared to what these people are living through.  How can I ever say, “I am so hungry” again without thinking of the 6 children whose huge brown eyes seemed so sad?  But the moms were grateful.  My group didn’t see any dads.  Many of these homes don’t have one.  And we are profoundly grateful for men like Pastor Felix and Bill whose heart is so large, who show them daily what a man of God looks like.  They are bringing the kingdom of God into these people’s lives.  Bill also told us that this afternoon is also about how God speaks to us through this experience.  I am sure there a 28 different views on that.  It is certain that none of us left there without a personal message.

The Volcano climbers made it home safely (I am sure all of their loved ones are relieved to hear that!), excited for the experience, awed by the view and grateful to the assistance of other team members to make it to the top.

Tonight’s devotional was by Jack and Linda who were inspired by a letter from home that reminded them that if you get in trouble and need guidance, there’s a really good book you can turn to!  Linda read Psalm 91 and Jack, who is a self-proclaimed worrier, shared with us his daily ritual of Bible reading and reading of the Upper Room devotional.  What he advised us is that when you pray, you might not hear the answer right away, but you will get an answer.  And, instead of worrying, we should give it over to God and let him battle our giants.

Glenn came here with a heart to provide an education program. Towards that goal we are looking into the idea of helping to establish a computer lab at Las Tias Community Center – the school we visited on Wednesday.  With Bill, he talked with the director and it appears there is a room that, with a little work, and about $5,000.00 could make this idea a reality.  This group is excited about making this a goal for the future.

We shared the moments of our day where we saw God in others.  There was Kathy, who happened to be there to give peace of mind to a woman in the barrio.  And Ellen, who, with her bag of “cositas” (little things) brought smiles to many kids faces, and who, without even knowing it, put another missionary at ease.  There was Paula’s face when thanking us, and the women in the barrio, who just want strength to make it through the day.  And, of course, in Bill, who guides the work of this mission house with a heart as big as there are children in need.

It was a long and emotional day, and our last night at El Ayudante.  Tomorrow we leave for Managua, a hot shower and the beginning of our journey home.  We will spend tomorrow evening recapping our week here, being grateful for the experience and knowing that we have made a difference.

Nicaragua - Day 4

This morning’s devotional was a lesson to all of us from Bobby and Jen.  Through scripture they shared with us the importance of listening to God.  Certainly we all listened to his call – that is what brought us here.  But it is important for us to continue to listen – both here and probably more importantly, when we return home to our daily lives – to God’s voice.  Sometimes we get so lost in the noise and repetition of our daily lives that we forget the importance of that.  We took a few moments this morning to listen, to really listen to what God is saying to us as an individual, as well as a group.

Vicki shared with us her conversation with Bill over breakfast this morning and his gratitude for the money that this group has provided for the construction work that we are doing.  Many of us were not aware that it is only because of these funds that any construction can be done.  The amount of money we provide dictates what construction projects El Ayudante will be able to accomplish.  When Vicki asked how our giving compared to other groups, in terms of size and donations, the only answer Bill gave, while struggling with tears of gratitude, was this, “If I could have one team from Hyde Park UMC every week that is all I would want.”  What a powerful impact we are having down here!

We reflected on what a bonding experience it is to come here and participate in this mission.  We come here for with two mission purposes – to serve the Nicaraguan people, and to build relationships within the group.  So far this week it is obvious that we are succeeding in both missions. 

And as far away as we are, and as engrossed as we are in our mission, we did not neglect to recognize that today is a day at home to honor those among us who have served our country.  There are some in our own group who are veterans and we thank them and those among you who are reading these words for the sacrifices you have made to ensure our freedom.

The school group had a challenge this morning.  We were sent to a school for special needs children.  There were children with both mental and physical challenges.  Some were blind, some hearing impaired, some with Down’s syndrome and others developmentally delayed.  They love them and care for them and, for those who are able, teach them a trade so they may someday be self-sufficient. 

We knew going in that this was again going to be one of those times when you need to be flexible.  There was no “following the script” this morning.  So we adapted.  And whether or not the children understood the story, they laughed and clapped and joined in as they were able.  And we know they felt God’s love.

One of our missionaries, Thomas, is the leader of our Open Arms ministry which serves a hot meal to the homeless in our area every Sunday morning.  On the serving table each week there is a basket of small wooden cross necklaces that are available to anyone who would like to have one.  When Thomas was leaving for this mission, these people who are so greatly in need themselves, asked him to bring some of the crosses with him.  Thomas gave them to each of us to take out with us each day to give to someone in whom we saw Jesus.  Today I gave my necklace to the administrator of that school.  I have always had a special spot in my heart for those people who are called to assist children like these – to love them and nurture them to be the best person they can be.  You see, a member of my own family was fortunate enough to have benefited from the love of such people.  It was with love, and in his honor, that I gave this cross for it is in her, and in all of the people who work there, that I see the face of God.

This afternoon was free from work as we went into León to explore.  Some went to the art museum, some the visit the local hostel while many others spent the equivalent of a day’s wages here - $2.00 – for the opportunity to take a tour of the rooftop of the Cathedral.  An imposing edifice in the center of León completed in the 1700’s, the rooftop offered a view of the “Ring of Fire”, a string of volcanoes.  One of these volcanoes is in clear view from our mission house and has been spewing steam most of the days we have been here.  Nicaragua has more active volcanoes than any country in the world. And in the picture below, the volcano furthest to the left is Cerro Negro (Black Hill), the active volcano that many of us will be climbing tomorrow (it’s OK – we do this every year!). 
Inside the Cathedral were huge paintings depicting the stations of the cross.  As part of a very long-term project these are being painfully restored by artists using brushes no bigger than the end of a toothpick.

We left León and headed for an ocean-side restaurant for dinner.  This is a treat every year, and a first for some, to walk on the black sand of the Pacific Ocean.  There were a few hearty souls who did some body surfing while others were content to collect a few shells on the shore. We were treated to a beautiful sunset followed by a delicious meal, which would have been better if Bobby hadn’t eaten Sherry’s meal, but he did it to assist his lovely fiancé Jen (we know that sounds confusing – just imagine how the waiters felt!)  And rest assured, we all did get a meal, including Sherry, before heading back to El Ayudante.

 
Evening devotionals were given by Debbie tonight.  She shared the story from Acts where the angels told the disciples that Jesus would return.  After posing the question, “Are you ready?” she challenged us, while we are here, to find someone with whom to share Jesus.

Ellen shared a story from the clinic today.  We do a lot of improvising here and dispensing medications today was being done in tiny little plastic bags.  Before the last of the “prescriptions were filled”, they ran out of these bags.  She questioned Mario, the pharmacist, as to what they should do.  Ellen suggested a few options, one of which was to use rubber gloves and put one pill in each finger.  Mario disapproved and suggested asking the ladies at the school if they had any.  These bags are tiny little zip-lock bags and not something found in everyone’s kitchen, especially the kitchens here.  While they awaited the results of the search, they bantered back and forth about where these bags might be found.  Mario made some suggestions but Ellen, feeling that perhaps the situation was hopeless, told Mario that perhaps he was looking in the wrong places – raising her eyes to heaven.  And lo and behold, the ladies appeared with more bags.  This was a true “Ah-ha” moment.

We talked a lot tonight about the school we had visited, so different from all the others.  Sally told of the “dance of love” that Jen performed when a little boy approached Sally and raised his arms and started dancing around.  Sally joined in until such time as she had to separate herself and begin the prepared activity.  Jen jumped right in and danced with abandon.  It must have been such a beautiful sight.  Cindy added that we should all do our best to look at these special needs people’s abilities, not their disabilities.  We should all be looking not at how they are different from us, but how they are alike.

We laughed a lot tonight.  Like when Sally called the Church of the Recollection the Church of the Resuscitation!  And ask the ladies in dorm 1 how many of them came over to see what all the laughing was about in dorm 2.  But we do tend to do that.  It is cathartic to do so, especially when doing the work we are doing.  And we will need that release when we return from the work we will be doing tomorrow – visiting the barrios.

In Christ – your Nicaraguan mission team.

Mission Nicaragua: "The 28-member team has become a family ..."

We eat meals together, work together, share rooms and ride together. When someone is having an off day, we raise each other up.

Of all the things we do together, I think prayer is the most important. There's something special in sharing Jesus with your brothers and sisters.

Tuesday morning we were asked to see if we spotted Jesus in our work. I see Jesus in every one of us - in our smiles, our laughter, our compassion and in our tears.

This morning we had the task of going to a special needs school. I was looking forward to it - kids like that are so special so full of love. I saw Jesus in them - in their grins and in their hugs.

I saw Jesus in Kathy - our resident doctor - and in Tom, who at more than six feet four towers over them.

The kids today were so very special.

I also want to make a note and say your prayers and letters have meant the world to us. Every night after devotions Vicki passes out notes from home. The notes are prayers - each one had made me cry. They have lifted me and made me realize I'm here for a bigger purpose.

The emails we've also received have been special - just the thing we need to keep us going.

Tonight we are planning to go to the Pacific ocean - a real treat for those of us who have only been near the gulf and Atlantic.

Keep those prayers coming.

Love

Dulcinea and the rest of the team.

Nicaragua - Day 3

Marlin started a day with the morning devotional.  After reading a poem, “Not To Keep”, by Robert Frost, he shared the story of a soldier, Romelo Comago, who was wounded in Afghanistan, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.  He is a young man, a husband and father of a young child and currently resides in the Haley VA hospital in Tampa.  His wife and son are there to support him, and he often goes out into the community and gives inspirational speeches.  He is a Christian and his goal is to walk again and return to fight with his colleagues.  We were all touched by his courageous story and by his determination.  We prayed together for Romelo, and will continue to keep this man and his family in our prayers.

Today was the first day we had local assistance on our medical team.  Two Doctors and two nurses from MINSA (Ministeria Salud – The Ministry of Health) along with our pharmacist, Mario, accompanied us to Las Tias Day Ministry in León.  This ministry feeds and educates many of the children in this area.  As the Bible school group continued to share the story of Jonah with the 150 children in the morning session, children lined up to see the doctors.  By lunchtime they had seen 95 children.

In the center of the school was a large courtyard, the outer walls of which were painted with a mural.  Once the Bible school group had finished their nautical tale, we sat around the courtyard waiting for the “clinic” to close for the morning.  We were surrounded by smiling faces of children who just wanted to talk, have their picture taken with the gringos, or play patty-cake.  Others ignored us completely as they gave their full attention to honing their soccer skills – and they were very good.  The backdrop for all of this activity was the mural on the wall – on the center of which was painted the rules for the playground:  “Ni golpas que duelan, ni palabras que hieran“.  No punches that hurt, nor words that wound.  And watching all of these children in this small area, it appears that these are words that they live by.  And so should we all.

Lunch was a treat today.  For the first time, traditional Nicaraguan food was on the menu.  It was called Indio Viejo (Old Indian) and although difficult to describe with a strange consistency, we all tried it and found it tasty – I think. 

Tonight Darling came to visit.  She is the local woman with prosthetic legs with whom we provided the PET – personal energy transportation – on our mission in 2008.  She and her son, Carlos, had dinner with us and then accepted our gift of clothing for them both.  It was wonderful to see her and her son, apparently both thriving.

This evening we were treated to a storeful of handmade items provided by an organization called Nicamade.  Nicamade is a Nicaraguan business whose goal is to help Nicaraguan families earn a “livable income” by working with others in their community to produce and sell quality products throughout the world using Christian business practices.  Ethical business practices are taught to these people using the Bible.  This organization works with the villages to help the people develop their artistic and business skills.  The items they brought with them tonight came from 5 different communities.  There were unique piggy banks that, like piñatas, must be broken to get at the change inside.  The feeling is that once the bank is full, the loss of the piggy bank is nothing compared to the wealth of savings inside.  There was coffee from local farmers that is not only certified fair trade but also organic and shade grown Arabica beans.  The jewelry is made by the poorest of poor who currently make their living recycling garbage from the local dump and the embroidered items are made by the people who were left behind after Hurricane Mitch killed 5000 of their neighbors.

As Nicaragua is the 2^nd poorest nation in this hemisphere where 70% of the people live on less than $2.00 per day, it won’t take much support from us to make a huge difference in these people’s lives.  Tonight our purchases contributed over $500.00 to this mission – almost enough to support one family for an entire year.   Nicamade is helping these communities to develop a sense of pride and find a way to feed their families.  Their website,  www.nicamade.com, should be up within a month so you, too, will have an opportunity to join us in supporting this worthy cause.  Watch for items from nicamissions at our alternative Christmas market this year!

Dan Anderson was responsible for devotions this evening.  He shared with us the story of David and with the assistance of Mike, Haven, and Glenn read psalms of his woeful time in a cave.  Lydia, Rose and Kathy then shared 3 additional psalms from a later time in his life where David raised his voice in praise to the Lord.   What changed David’s life was reaching out to another- a widow - doing an otherwise menial task – chopping wood.  He compared this to many of the tasks that we do here in Nicaragua.  Although the task itself may appear to us to be menial, it is not only important to the recipient, it also serves to help us reconnect, as with David, to our faith, to each other and to God.  Although we all have a “cave experience” sometime in our lives, Dan taught us through this devotional that we can use what we have developed here to get us through those times.

Dan chose carefully those who would read the psalms, emphasizing that he wanted the men to be forceful and dramatic in their reading.  And in the spirit of humor that permeates this group, Jim reflected afterwards that it was interesting in listening to the readings, it was the men who whined and the women who got it right.

Each night in our circle of rocking chairs on the porch, we have each been given notes that have been written just for us by people within our church.  Like soldiers on the battlefield, separated from their families, there is nothing more comforting than letters from home.  I am overwhelmed by the number of people offering this support.  With 28 of us, that’s a lot of letters!  Your words of encouragement and promise of prayers sustain us here as we journey into this community as soldiers of God. 

Mission Nicaragua: "This is my first 'real' time out of the country ..."

Growing up in South Texas, we'd cross the border into Mexico all the time - back then you didn't need a passport and we'd just cross over for lunch or shopping.

So my first time out of the country and I choose to go on a Mission trip. Wait - I should correct myself. I didn't decide this.

God did.

I should also say this is my first mission trip. First time out of the US and first mission trip. Oh and first time trying to speak Spanish without. Lots of first.

For lots of firsts it hasn't been so bad. Granted it's only Day 2, things could get worse (that volcano could erupt, for example). Then again, I don't anticipate it.

What I do hope we get are blessings.

I had the pleasure today of meeting a young lady - no more than 13. Her name is Milargros - "miracle" in Spanish. She stays at the child protection center here at Ayudante. She was brought here in January after her grandfather and aunt couldn't take care of her anymore. She's a special girl with a heart breaking story. Her mother still lives on the streets, where Milargros was born.

I'm learning that Stories like Milargros -as tragic as they are - are not unusual. Today I learned that prostitution is legal for girls over 14, one in three girls are abused and so many of them become nameless, faceless creatures in the shadows.

That's why places like the child protection center here at Ayudante are so important. It gives these children a place to be kids, stay safe and insulated from the world outside.

Tomorrow's a new day. I hear we're going to a school where we'll entertain 160 kids with our story of Jonah and the Whale.

No doubt it's 160 stories all with their own milargros.

Dulcinea Cuellar

Nicaragua - Day 2

Day 2 – November 9, 2009

Waking up here can be magical.  I am not sure there is a more beautiful place in the world.  When we retire at night it is still warm enough that we fall asleep to a symphony of whirring fans.  But during the night as the temperature drops, people, one by one, turn them off.  And since morning here is quiet time, you wake to the sounds of nature.  Birds and roosters, the rustling of the leaves and the silence of missionaries caught up in their own personal thoughts, prayers and meditations.

After breakfast, Glenn and Ellen, with the assistance of Pastor Juan Carlos from the Methodist Church in Rubén Darío, led us in our morning devotional – a service of communion.  Glenn shared with us how his view of communion and what it truly means, has changed over the years.  It is not just a memorial to Jesus, but a command to take Jesus out into the world.  We are to not only receive the body, but to become the body.

Pastor Juan Carlos spoke in Spanish, but there was no translation necessary.  We know the words of the Eucharist – we have heard them so many times.  And it was beautiful to hear it in his native language.  For those of us who understood his actual words, it was so moving to hear him speak of his personal feelings about sharing communion and how he always finds it very emotional as he reflects on what Christ was willing to do for us.  We then began our day, going out into this community, so broken and needy, bringing Christ to them in the works of these 28 missionaries.

We headed out in 3 directions today.  Two construction teams and one team to a school. 

The ride to the school was much as we had remembered in the past, over bumpy roads that wouldn’t qualify as much more than a rutted country lane and often called to mind the song, “Over the River and Through the Woods”.  In the back of the open truck, the only “air conditioning” was provided by the wind as we raced along at almost 20 kilometers per hour.  Those on the front end had the best view, but they also were the ones tasked to holler “Tree” when one was about to swipe the truck.  And you knew when they were not quite paying attention as the chain reaction of “ouch, ouch, ouch” arose in reaction to the tree limbs swiping our exposed limbs.

The Bible school instructors, armed with a drama team, songs, crafts and snacks, divided themselves among the 3 classrooms to share the story of Jonah, where Haven made his acting debut as the main character.  Whether they were acting out the story, making a whale out of a zip-lock bag, singing their hearts out, or chasing each other around in a game of “Duck, duck, goose Jonah-style” (no tapping on the head, just handing off a plastic fish), all the children seemed to have a good time.  And when we left we felt sure they all understood the importance of obeying God.

In the larger, common area of the school, Kathy, our resident doctor, set up her “office”.  With chairs and table and suitcases of medicine, she proceeded to examine and “diagnose” any child sent in by the director of the school.  Along with a translator, some volunteer “triage nurses”, our pharmacist, Mario, and his assistants, Dr.  Kathy’s “prescriptions” were filled.  Most of the ailments were routine (colds, sinus and stomach pains) and could be dealt with by the use of over-the-counter medications.    There were a few that required anti-biotics that, thankfully, we had brought along. 
Seeing as many as she could see in out allotted time, there still were some that had to be left unseen. 

One construction team headed to the community center in Carlos Fonseca.  This is another of the many places where we can see firsthand the progression of our continued presence here.  Two years ago, children in Carlos Fonseca were taught in a lean-to on the side of a house on borrowed land.  Last year, while the community center building was under construction, a project in which our youth group participated, the school met in the teacher’s home.  Now the building is complete and the school meets here. 

Our task this year is assisting on the security fence that will surround it.  While accomplishing this task, which included digging the footers, digging post holes, painting the poles and sifting the sand for the concrete, they became entertainment for two young children who placed their little plastic chairs on the other side of the fence and just watched.  As if they were watching a television show, they remained transfixed and, as the fence grew longer and the team moved down, they picked up their chairs and moved along with them.  So today they were not only workers but the local entertainment.

And in the spirit of resourcefulness that we are always using here, this team came up with a way to also administer some medical assistance.  There was a woman in a house that bordered on the property whose young son’s arm was covered with blisters.  In the hope that they might be able to give some assistance, Ken took a picture of the child’s arm, knowing that they would return to this site again.  Upon returning to the mission house for lunch, they showed the picture to Dr. Kathy who diagnosed the problem and sent back medication this afternoon to treat it.  We truly are a team.

The second construction team went a much further distance away to assist in building a kitchen for a family whose children live in the child protection center here at El Ayudante.  In our briefing from Bill this morning, he told us that it is donations from our church that have made this project possible.  Teams of missionaries from this mission house are working together so that this mother will have a place to cook food that she will then sell as a means to provide for her family.  This is just one more example of how El Ayudante not only helps people, but helps people to help themselves.

When sharing their day at the mission house tonight, this construction team referred to Pamela M. as “Pamela 2”.  We all thought that was because we have 2 Pamelas on our team.  In actuality, she earned this nickname by virtue of the fact that the family in the house they are working on have a dog named Pamela.  This was discovered during the day when someone called out to Pamela (Pamela M., that is) and the lady of the house came out to inquire if her dog was disturbing them.  I imagine that brought a chuckle to their day and that, as long as Pamela remains on that construction team, that name will stick.

After dinner, Lydia shared with us a poem, “Stubborn Ounces” by Bonaro Overstreet, which confirms that whatever we choose to do, however much we choose to participate, our efforts will make some difference.  Following this, she shared with us a song, which is a favorite of the Joyful Praise Ensemble, “All I Need To Do Is Worship”.  And every day here, that is just what we are doing.

Teresa, Bill’s wife, just stopped by with a special prayer request.  There is a 13 year old girl here at the child protection center at El Ayudante who was born on the streets – and by that I mean she was born ON the street, in the pouring rain - to an alcoholic mother.  It is a miracle she survived.  And her name is Milagro – Spanish for miracle.  Her mother is apparently still on the streets and Milagro is consumed with trying to find her.  Teresa asked that we pray for this child, and for her mother adding that, perhaps the real miracle is that God placed this child on this earth to help save her own mother.  So from us to you, we ask that you please continue to pray for us, and please add Milagro to your prayer list, too.

Till tomorrow, in Christ, your Nicaragua mission team.

Nicaragua - Day 1

I would like to share first my personal travel experience. Due to a scheduling conflict, I did not travel with the team from Tampa on Saturday.  I left early Sunday morning and made the journey alone. I am a pretty experienced traveler but I found that the closer the time came, the more apprehensive I became at the thought of traveling on my own to a foreign country where English is not the primary language.  After all, the airport is 2 hours away from León. What if my driver didn’t know who I was?  What if his car broke down and he couldn’t get there? What would I do?

I was assured many times by the leaders of the team, and by Bill Cox, that I would be well taken care of when I arrived in Managua.  I should have known. We have always been well taken care of by those at El Ayudante. So I followed the directions out of baggage claim to the letter when I heard a tapping on the window. And there stood Benito, my driver, with a huge grin on his face and an El Ayudante sign in his hands. I should have known.  Looking at the smile on his face I thought, “Well, that’s a universal language, isn’t it?”  I was so relieved.  I should have known. And as he walked in front of me towards the car – I noticed the back of his t-shirt, “…when there was just one set of footprints, that is when I carried you.”  I should have known!

What a wonderful sight it was as I arrived at the mission house to see the girls’ dormitory that so many of our team had worked on last year completed and occupied.  Later in the afternoon we would tour this house, affectionately called the “Casa de Princesas”, as it is the home of the older girls who live here at El Ayudante.  I am sure this is just one of many times this week that we will feel our continued connection with the people here.

Long before my arrival today, the team awoke early to head off to church. In years past we have always attended a church in near-by Rubén Darío, walking distance from El Ayudante. This year, we journeyed much further away, a 45 minute drive, to visit a small church that is working hard to rebuild its congregation. The pastor was an energetic young man and the congregation was full of little children.  Our group contributed to the service by singing “Santo, Santo, Santo” (“Holy, Holy, Holy”) after which the pastor bestowed a blessing on us. The Sunday school lesson was a lively presentation of “Jonás Y El Gran Pez” – Jonah and the Whale. To many of the people here, attending church is the highlight of their week and it is obvious they attend often, teaching their children well, as they all seemed to already know the story.

This afternoon we had a myriad of choices to fill our day. Many took the children from the child protection center to the movies.  The children, adorable as always, enjoyed the movie, but seemed to enjoy even more the time with the adults – in particular the men among us – who told stories of little ones climbing  on laps and sleeping through the movie. 

Others took a tour of the local cemetery, walked to town, or used the afternoon to catch up on rest.  Late in the afternoon we all gathered on the porch to do the final sorting of the mountain of donations which we brought with us. There were clothes, school supplies and medicines that all had to be put in some order to be prepared for our work here this week. We are once again overwhelmed by the generosity of those of you back home who so willingly provide us with all of our needed supplies.

The child protection center on the El Ayudante is the heart of El Ayudante’s mission. Bill proudly told us this evening that this center received the “Child Protection Center of the Year” award from the Ministry of Families. Although Bill facilitates each mission team to participate here in whatever way they feel led, and that can vary from working with special needs children to running a make-shift hair salon, his heart is in giving these children a safe place to live and ensuring that each of their stories has a good ending.  As he has told us before, his mission is to “break the chain of hurt and poverty that is in their bones”.  From the beginning, he has had a true “Field of Dreams” attitude – if you build it they will come. And over 7000 people have done so since 2003. Although God did not always make it easy, there is nothing he has every needed that God did not provide.

After dinner this evening, Pam and Dulcinea did a wonderful devotional about living as a tree – putting down roots and still reaching out your branches. We all know that our teams continue to do that here, as we return year after year, answering God’s call to serve.

With an early start planned for tomorrow, things have begun to settle down for the night. Some people are reading, others are checking on the weather forecast, and many sit and socialize on the open-air porch. Chances are it won’t be long before some start up a lively game, while others call it a night. And in the background is the constant enthusiasm of the local Pentacostals raising their voices in praise to the Lord who has imprinted on each our hearts to be here, making God’s love real to the Nicaraguan people.

The Nicaraguan Mission Begins

Hi all-

Wanted to share with you all our latest adventures.

We made into Managua and Leon safe and sound.

I can't speak for everyone else but Saturday was a long day! we finally got to Ayudante last night after 11 - Bill Cox greeted everyone as we got off the bus. Bill is a fellow from Tennesse who now runs the mission.

Our accomodations are great - no air conditioning but I've been told I'll get used to it. And even the cold showers aren't bad.

This morning we woke up around five. I must admit, it was the roosters that woke me up - not an internal alarm clock.

Ayudante is a beautiful facility - at night we sit on the poarch, relax on rocking chairs and watch the sunset.

The area is in the shadow of a volcanic mountain range. This morning - on the way to church - we got a close-up view. It looked like the clouds covered the tip - turns out it was smoke. It's an active volcano - here's hoping it doesn't erupt while we are here!

And speaking of church - we went to a Baptist church this morning. I have never been to a more moving church service in my life. The pastor graciously called us into the cinderblock building and introduced us to his congregation (about 20-25 people and a lot of children). He called us to the alter, had us raise our hands and prayed and blessed each one of us. I think that experience will be with many of us for a long time.

After church we broke into our teams - the medical team saw patients and the rest of us corralled 30 of the most well behaved kids you've ever seen.

It's been a good day.

Miss all of you all.

Dulcinea Cuellar

Editor note: View a video about El Ayundante here.

Habitat for Humanity: Building Your Spirit In Trying Times

Hyde Park United Methodist member Chris Harrell, who organized the Hyde Park church team that participated on opening day of this week's Habitat for Humanity project (2nd Annual Susie Q. Blitz Build), received this email from Lin Sobkowiak – another participant who has been attending Hyde Park United Methodist recently. Lin has been gracious in letting us share her email and photos from the ongoing project. (Click on any of the pictures in this post to see a larger view.)

Hello Chris,
My name is Lin Sobkowiak and I am not yet a "member" of HPUMC but have been attending for the past two months. It was in your bulletin that I first saw the information on the Habitat Build, and I went to the web site and signed up to volunteer. I have been working on the site for three days now and will continue as many days as I possibly can. I have been unemployed for a year now. Actually 10-24 was my one year mark. So why not make good use of my free time but to give back to the community and help to enhance others lives. I also worked for the past eight years in Spokane WA promoting Breast Cancer Awareness, so this build has a very special meaning for me also. I will attach a couple photo's taken over the past couple days.  ~ Love unto the Lord ~ Lin