I thought I would fill you all in on a little place called Vida Nueva. You've read about the orphanage, but no one really knows anything about it. Like no one knows that it's called Vida Nueva (New Life). That is exactly what this amazing organization does. It provides children with a new life!
The Bagwell's, originally from South Carolina, moved down here 6 years ago. 2 years ago they opened the Orphanage. When they opened, there were 6 babies. Now they have 36. There are 4 full time employees that love these children around the clock. These babies (with a few exceptions) are the happiest babies I've ever encountered. They are so well cared for, so loved, and for so little compensation. These women work so hard and in my opinion it is because God loves them and they want to show these kids the same love.
The children range in age from infants to 13. Several have disabilities. You can imagine the amount of patience and energy this job takes.
The other amazing thing about Vida Nueva is that it gets absolutely no money from the Nicaraguan Government. It is 100% funded by donations. With 36 children you can imagine their need for more funding. I hope you'll enjoy the pictures I've posted below. I hope that you will keep the orphanage and these children in your prayers.
Love you all!
Kris
This is Carlos. He is 6 years old and lives in the orphanage. He is one of the happiest little boys you'll ever meet. He likes to play with bubbles (bulbujas) and color. This little boy has truly touched my heart.
This is Anixia (Nixie). Nixie is about 15 months. She also stole my heart. She has big brown eyes, loves to smile, and is the happiest toddler I've ever encountered.
Ok... this is Nancy. I'm sorry, you can't have her. I've got dibs. Nancy was found in a gutter, under a plastic bag. How could someone just throw this little girl away? Nancy has brain damage, the extent of which is too early to tell. She'll hold your finger tight, and giggle if you call her Princesa. If I could, she'd be coming home with me.
6 comments:
KC, when you get back we need to sit down and figure out what we can do with the story you've captured with your photos...something that ultimately will benefit those precious children in the orphanage. I know that's been your plan and we'll figure out a way to make that happen. Your pictures and your words overwhelm my heart son....it just makes everything else in life seem so trivial.... I am so proud of you and I could tell you lost your heart in Nicaragua the moment you landed. Love you so much.
the photos are amazing! the kids are beautiful. We are praying for them.
I hope you had a good day. In response to a earlier blog when it was thought when we passed in the airport team one said "have a great time". I'm afraid there was some confusion. I asked around at church and what was said was "behave in greek times" -- I don't know what that means but ask CK He knows most everything.
It snowed a little here and everything looked clean and new. We are also having a hard time getting warm. I miss the warm! I also miss having everyone around and all the talks and laughter. I think the communal life is looking like a good idea. I think the church should rethink the whole cult idea it might not be that bad of an idea after all (Kris this is where you laugh - you say I'm not funny so I'll let you know when I'm trying to be).
It is taking a little while to be able to think again but as I talk to others on the team God is helping us sort thru our thoughts. Yesterday at church was great. Russ did a great Job and Steve's pick of songs really spoke to where our heart is. People just came forward on there own for prayer and the spirit was moving.
I had a strange feeling like I was visiting and almost watching what was going on with different eyes. It was also strange for those that went on the trip, the way God has bonded our hearts together. I hope that I won't lose the desire to be more open to freely hug or put a hand on those that God has put in our spiritual family. I also found it strange that when I reached out to hug a child or hold their hand at church that our kids don't do that as freely. I miss the way Wendi just reached out, soak it in. We haven't learned to be quite as easy with each other yet. We are praying for you and our thoughts are with you.
One thing that hit me looking around was how many people live in the dump within their lives. We have so much hope -- how can we be more intentional?
Kris tell Nathan and Susie "Hi" along with all of team two. We are looking forward to getting with you guys and sharing what God taught you.
Kris, I miss our talks and am looking forward to what we can do in the future. You are very gifted and God is teaching you so much, with your open and soft heart. I found Hebrews 11:32-38 an encouragement along with Luke 17:1-10. Also I can't believe we didn't talk about it while there but Jesus refers to Hell as the garbage dump where the fire never goes out. I know we understand that better now.
Bruce, Dave K wanted to make sure you picked up where he left off with bus drivers. He was building a relationship with them and giving hearty hugs. He didn't think that you needed encouragement to hug but just in case.
Love you all!
Kris, I just wanted to let you know I was wrong about the music artist who sang "God of Justice(We Must Go)". It wasn't Christ Tomlin, it's Tim Hughes. If you get a chance, listen to it. The words I can remember are:
(VS1)
GOD OF JUSTICE, SAVIOR TO ALL
CAME TO RESCUE THE WEAK AND THE POOR
CHOSE TO SERVE AND NOT BE SERVED
JESUS, YOU HAVE CALLED US
FREELY WE'VE RECIEVED
NOW FREELY WE WILL GIVE
(CHORUS)
WE MUST GO
LIVE TO FEED THE HUNGRY
STAND BESIDE THE BROKEN
WE MUST GO
STEPPING FORWARD
KEEP US FROM JUST SINING
MOVE US INTO ACTION
WE MUST GO
(VS 2)
TO ACT JUSTLY EVERY DAY
LOVING MERCY IN EVERY WAY
WALKING HUMBLY BEFORE YOU, GOD
YOU HAVE SHOWN US WHAT YOU REQUIRE
FREELY WE'VE RECIEVED
NOW FREELY WE WILL GIVE
(CHORUS)
WE MUST GO
LIVE TO FEED THE HUNGRY
STAND BESIDE THE BROKEN
WE MUST GO
STEPPING FORWARD
KEEP US FROM JUST SINGING
MOVE US INTO ACTION
WE MUST GO
(BRIDGE)
FILL US UP AND SEND US YOU
FILL US UP AND SEND US OUT
FILL US UP AND SEND US OUT, LORD
(X3)
CHORUS AGAIN
Anyway, listen to it if you can.
-Kara
AWWW Kara I miss you.
I miss you all. I know I've said it so many times already, but I truly do. Today at work, I just kept thinking about everyone and how you are all doing. I found myself waking up this morning by praising God... all the way to work. throughout my day, I kept praying and I feel like God is changing the way I think and go about my day. I pray that God is doing the same for everyone else.
Mav, I'm looking forward to the update from TEAM 2's day. I'll be checking the site thoughout the evening.
And Rick... yes, you ARE funny... even though I didn't know it half the time. Haha.
Has anyone heard from Paris?
I haven't talked to Paris directly but I have talked with her parents and they said that she had a great time and can't stop talking about how everything was so great.
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