Beyond the office is where all the hard work is taking place. They are currently building two houses for the first 16 girls that will stay there who come out of the dump. These two houses will be sort of a trial run as they prepare to build even more houses. They are also building missionary housing to house teams like us in the future. The name "The Village of Hope" couldn't be any better. After seeing what we saw at the dump this place really is a place that will be providing hope to so many. They won't just minister to the girls they house, but they will be reaching out and ministering to their families as well and trying to show them how to do better.
The couple that had the vision of this place and put it into action are Gloria and Wilburt. We got the chance to spend time listening to Wilburt talk about their heart for the Villa today. His prayer is that EVERYONE who walks through those gates would be touched by God. The children, the missionaries, the workers who are building the Villa. In fact the workers get together once a week for prayer and once a week for a devotional time. During one of the breaks today we served the workers some soda and snacks and Chris Kainu shared his testimony with them. After he shared he then asked Tina Mabry to share her story about finding freedom from 20 years of drug addiction. It was a very honest and real moment and you could see that it was touching their hearts. Afterwards at least 3 men approached her and wanted to know more about her story. It was very moving to watch how God used her to reach the hearts of those men.
It was a great day for the team as we strenghtened our bonds with one another and some formed bonds with the workers. Chris Kainu spent a lot of time with a man named Felipe. Felipe taught Chris how to build a wall and together they worked to overcome the language barriers. At the end of the day Chris got to pray with Felipe for some of his specific health needs and strength for his continued sobriety (40 years and counting!).
Did I mention yet that we worked REALLY hard today. We were so dirty, so tired, and I'm gonna guess REALLY stinky at the end of our work day.
We rushed home to take showers and then loaded into a bus to go and meet up with a group of kids from La Chureca (the dump) to play soccer and have pizza. Oh my goodeness we were sooo tired and now we were going to play soccer! While playing soccer even a few of our younger men were heard saying, "I think I'm about to have a heart attack!" We played hard and it was fun.
At pizza it was neat to be able to sit next to the kids and just share in a meal with them. They were all so polite and had such proper manners as they cut their pizza with a knife and ate it with a fork. The language barrier was difficult but at one point the little girl, Flora, that I (Shannon) was sitting next to asked me if I went to church and had God in my heart! WOW! What boldness. We can learn a lot from these kids. It was hard to put them on the bus after the meal and know that they would be sleeping in one of those little shacks on a dirt floor just a little while later.
Tomorrow we get to take a group of 23 kids from La Chureca to the beach. Please be praying that God would help us to overcome the language barriers and connect with these kids. Also pray for strength for the team as we will most certainly all be very tired because of the hard work from today.
This is one of the 9 homes that will house the girls from La Chureca. They are each 3 bedrooms/3 bath and all have living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas. They are absolutely gorgeous!
Jenn and Julie between loads of cinder blocks.
Works not as much fun if you don't get a little dirty!
I know my people from Team 1 are missing this face! He says Hola!
sidenote: Vicky wants Jenna and her family to know that they were praying today for her at 11:00 am. Thanks for sending the update. Praise God!
23 comments:
Awww Hi Alex!!! I'll say it on behalf of Oui, Oui too. Hope she doesn't get mad that I said that. =X
Hola mis amigos! Thanks for all of your prayers and comments. Keep 'em coming because I can always use encouragement and prayer. I'm really needing prayer for clarity. Clarity on where God wants me to go, what he wants me to do. I know he has plans for me, and I know that they're going to be in his timing, I'd just really like to know where he'd like me to head. This place feels like home to me. It's hard to think about what it will be like to go home. My heart is more in the "I've fallen in love, now let's do something about his" stage. Does anyone understand that? Please know that you are all in my prayers. Team 1, I love and miss you all dearly. At the Villa today I was reminded of so many memories... I got to see one of the houses almost done. They were primering the walls, inside and out. They are stunning! I might need to steal the plans for my own house!
Esposa-I did see Carolina yesterday, for a quick minute. I also got to see Jocie yesterday and today. She's doing very very well! How's your heart? Please know that I'm praying for you... Just remember, let your light shine!
Val-The kid wouldn't look thru the whole! That picture is going to make me and La Chureca more famous than we already are! I think one little starburst won't hurt him! (JK about the famous thing.) I waited for so long for that picture... but it was worth it. I gave them both hugs for you and rick and told them you love them. I think that will be the hardest thing for me... I'm so attached to those kids.
Rick-How's the weather? I could really use your dry sense of humor right now!
Karita!- I talked to Meyling tonight. When I asked her if she remembered you, her face lit up! I told her you loved her, missed her and I hugged her for you! Then I accidentally laid her out in soccer. (One of those bad timing things where you're running towards the ball, you each get there at the same time and somehow, accidentally, the smaller person ends up on their face... whoops! Mi Malo!)
Mom!-I think I'll come home for a little bit. Figure out what I'm gonna do and then come back. So the banner for now, but keep your suitcase handy. If I move here you'd probably have about 7 grandkids right away because I'd adopt them all! Hope all is well... y'all are in my prayers!
Grandma Judy!- I love you and miss you terribly! Nicaragua is not the same without you. I needed you for a booboo again today!
I'll leave you all with a little something I wrote that I was pondering today at the Villa... Love you all!
As Kainu put it earlier, from Hell to Paradise. What a perfect way to think of what these kids are going to experience. Today we worked at the Villa. I found that every time I would think of Wendy, Ana, and any of the girls I've met in La Chureca, I would start working faster and harder. It's interesting how much you accomplish when you put your whole heart into something. I also started thinking about the lyrics of "Asking Why." Why oh why is Wendy still hungry. Why oh why is Juana still hurting. Why oh why? God wanted me to fall in love with these people. That had to happen in order for me to put my whole heart into helping these people. If I never have anything to do with a project involving Nicaragua again (which I highly doubt is going to happen) I will have at least learned that God really meant something every time he says "With all your heart". With God, anything is possible, when you whole heart into it. There's no feeling like it.
PS.. Esposa... in response to what you just wrote 5 minutes ago... IT IS GOING TO GET BETTER! You fell in love with this place and these kids for a reason. You changed their lives, and in turn, they changed yours. Unfortunately my picture choices are at the mercy of others so I can't guarantee more pictures of our kids=) but I did ask the teachers at dinner tonight if Wendy and Antonio can join us at the beach tomorrow. He said yes, so pray about that, that it will really happen. I'll go pray for you right now. Try to figure out why God is letting you feel this way. I'm sure he'll find a way to use it for his Glory!
Read the CD again!
T. E.
PS... did you introduce yourself to my mom?
Jen -- I would love a game of skipbo but I left both my packs with David Miller. I hope he is taking good care of them and maybe winning every once in awhile. He needs something to keep up his strength. He is one depressed individual ;-).
Maverick -- I am so glad that you have had a second chance at seeing everything. I am jealous but excited to hear what God tells you about His plans for you and Nicaragua. First thing -- a book. You need to talk to Gloria and Wilbur and see what they think. Get the lowdown. And then Rick is pitching the orphanage idea to everyone he meets. And the camp idea. . . and the young adults idea . . . and well . . . you get the idea -- he is a romantic just like you -- his heart in the "I've fallen in love . . . " too -- just like mine. I have a good book for you to read when you get back. I have been reading it and it is great! It is really helping me to focus what I can do and see a little more about missions and my place in it. It's called Revolution in World Missions and I can't sing its praises high enough.
Thanks for giving those kids a huge hug. I miss them and leaving them was very very hard. We will go back.
And here is my thought for the day: I think that our experiences in Nicaragua are what it means when Jesus said "my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" -- when we are working with God it is a privilege not a burden no matter how hard the work may be. It's His plans and His fulfillment of promises that we get to be a part of -- God doesn't need us to carry out His plans but He invites us and when we answer His call. . . wow, how exciting! What could be better than that? I am so glad I answered His call.
Julie -- I have been thinking about you and I am praying for you and hope you are getting past the sensory overload stage and able to understand more about your experience. I wish I was there with you. I think a second week would have solidified some thoughts and ideas a little bit more for me and I am so glad you get this opportunity to see a little more of what God is doing and I look forward to your stories. And I hope you are keeping up your strength with all that work. Our week was easy -- all that lounging by the pool. . . too bad week 2 has to do work ;-).
Blessings and Smiles
Yes, I totally understand Kris. I keep thinking and waiting on what God wants me to do next. I'm just so eager to see where He wants me to go and what He wants me to do. I keep thinking about how Nicaragua does feel like home. I don't even feel at home at my own home anymore. Just doesn't feel right. I too fell in love and I'm sure many of us are feeling this way. Thanks for the prayers... the heart is hurting badly. I'm trying to remember not to let myself fall into the trap of the evil one. I know he's waiting to catch me when I'm vulnerable. Embrace the remainder of your time there. Love those kids/people with all your heart. God will surely bring you back in due time if it's in His plan. Remember that God's timing is perfect and He will make clear to you, through the Spirit, what to do next. Sounds like you could use a little encouragement.
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."
-Philippians 2:13
"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you... Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose."
-Psalm 25:4,5 and 12
Keep smiling. We're all jealous of you. I'm continually praying for you and the rest of the team...
PS: VAL- I still haven't won a round of Skip-Bo yet!
Val and Paris: By the looks of it, doesn't seem like they replaced the screen yet. =P
Keep shoving paper in those holes Team 2! Team 1 recommends the hand sifting method for the mortar.
There is a new screen at the top of the hill!!
Kris the walls as you enter the Villa are done, they look so good. Did the idea for the front gate work?
if Antonio goes to the beach don't spoil him too much like I did. I wished later that I hadn't been so caught up in buying him stuff and instead treated like he was my own son and just said no to a few things it wont hurt him. Plus he sees so many people come and go I don't want him to think we are only there to buy him stuff. The concern for the love of stuff with our kids is just as real for the kids that have so little. Please hug Wendi and Antonio for me they are both on my mind and in my prayers. I will never forget racing Antonio on the sand and the bus ride home from the beach. They are precious soils. Keep waiting on the Lord He will direct your way and look to those older in the faith God has given you for clarity you have got incredible people around you. On a lighter note I was talking to some one today about the fact the we might want to call Nic-aragua Alex-aragua. The weather is still quite cold but not as cold as last week. Mt. Hood got a foot and Half of snow in just the past day and half. Some place on Sunday got 8" of snow but we just saw a dusting here on Monday.
My advice soak in all the warmth you can you will needed it when you get back.
Bruce I say pictures of your smile and hard work you look like your having a great time. Before I saw the photos today I was wondering if CK was making you do his work as well. I will sleep better knowing Chris got dirty today.
Chris I was able to work with the same guy last week. Those guys work hard. It was great to hear of the testimonies and the one on one.
Shannon your up dates are great thank you for giving so much detail.
I'll try to write in a few days I'm not the writer Val is.
Kris,
I forgot to say Hi to Nathan and Susie. Ask Susie more about what we need to do for a day camp and to do a camp off site for the older students. I can see so much we can do with that idea the more I think about it.
Ask Nathan if he has gotten any more birds with rocks of other means, wink wink nod nod. Also let Him know we changed the sheets on the spare bed for Him when he is ready to come we are ready. It needs to warm up first I think.
Ok thats it tell everyone Hi.
Hola, You all are in my prayers (team 1 & 2) good night.
thank you nicole i love you to and miss both of you guys to derek and i have a lot to share about when we get back
My people! I have a funny story! So last night I had the worst stomach ache after dinner. As well as still this morning. I realized that this is the only time is has hurt(I'll let you all make your own assumptions about what happens when your stomach hurts)... What are the odds that the only time I've eaten americanized food in Nicaragua, I get sick! This is a sign to do one of two things. Move here, or take Lina or Layda home with me to cook! What do you think about that? Today is the beach. Today, as far as I know is the last time that I will see La Chureca (as well as the kids from La Chureca) at least until I come back. Please pray for me.. you all know how hard that is. I'm still thinking about renting a car and crashing the border with Wendy and Antonio =) Actually it would have to be a mini van because I've got kids from the orphanage I have to take also.
Iceman-Tienes una corazon muy muy grande. Try your best not to isolate yourself. God does and is going to work miracles through you. I just saw hannah (the lady that's adopting 3 kids) I asked how much it is to rent a house down here and she said we could get one this size for about $1,000. Lets do it... if we got enough people it would be like $50 a month! And then.. skipbo every night! Skipbo is kinda lonely... last night it was just me and Nathan. We'll play a little in Portland yes? Now I'm just rambling. Sorry. Anyways... I hope you have a great day... I read this really cool verse yesterday I'll share with you.
"I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands."
Psalm 31:14-15
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! Echo de menos bonita
-Mav
Val-Thanks so much for all of your encouragement... it means the world to me. How about if we make some plantanos (banana chips) when I get home and we can look at pictures and talk about our book... ok Rick can come too.
Rick-I'm so blessed to have you as a friend. God truly speaks through you and I appreciate it. I miss your humor. You should tell me a joke. What was the gate idea? Yes the wall is almost done, the property is looking amazing, more so than last week. I thought it was interesting to watch CK have the same kind of interaction with the same man you did. I informed him it was quite the privilege to get to split those blocks with Felipe. What was your orphanage idea? Opening up our own? I'm totally down! I think we should open up the Casa de Esperanza. Its similar to Villa de Esperanza... but we run it. I'm looking forward to seeing you and Val when I get back! You should join the banner team at the airport? I'll pass up my mom and give you a hug first...! (jk mom!)
Encantado...I miss you and your energy.
Guess what I did yesterday! You know that avocado tree next to the office in the Villa? I definitely climbed to the top of it. I could see over the tops of all the trees. Then while someone was trying to take my picture the wind started to blow and the whole top of the tree started to sway. Since I was about 45 feet up, I thought I would start down, before I fell out and landed on CK and Felipe.
I miss you all!
Kris
Glenn and I were up in the middle of the night last night praying for team 1 as we all process and wait on God to give us a clear picture of how we are to move. Glenn described how he was feeling as a noose around his neck slowly lulling him back into the norm. We all need to pray, pray, pray!!! Our hearts have been transformed by being in the center of God's will in Nicaragua. How do we translate that to the dump in our back yard?
Team 2 you are also in our prayers for strength and for the Lord to prepare your hearts for the return home. It is a tough transition. Enjoy every second with his people in Nicaragua. The are truly lovely.
Kris,
A mini van will not be strong enough to smash thru the boarder gate you are going to need to get a Ford truck. ( ask todd he can help here) I saw a very nice one for sale in town. Let me know if you need any money I'll pass the word.
glen and shelly we are praying for you.
Kris,
Sorry about the sickness -- did you eat rice pudding at the work site again? No it was probably the pizza. No more pizza for you! Hopefully you have worked out your issues with the toilet paper by now!
Can't wait to see all your pictures. Those will help you process when you get back. I am praying for you -- could we have ripe fried plantanos instead? I like those.
Alright I found out what the moth and the beetle are -- the moth is called a black witch and the beetle is a rhinoceros beetle of some kind.
Have a wonderful day at the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
Iceman -- we'll do a game of skipbo when you visit and rig it so you can win at least one game. Smiles. I am thinking of you.
Awww...such cute pictures. I look forward to each new day so I can check the blog and see what's been added. I'm feeling so much better (no, my stomach is not) and excited for the next time I come to Nicaagua. When that will be, I do not know, but there WILL be a next time, and hopefully I can bring Josh(my husband) with me. :-)
-Kara
Brian - I have been praying for you every day and checking the blog. Can't wait to hear the stories.
Vicky - Emma is wearing your name and remembering to pray for you several times a day. We miss you and are so excited to hear about what God is doing in your hearts. Love you Friend!
Kris -- here is your mid week reminder about the nuts and the painting from the artist in the dump. Thanks so much!
Val!!! I already bought the paintings. I got one for you, one for me, and one for Suzy Q. They were $15 a piece. They didn't have any prints. As for the nuts... I'll probably need another reminder. Thank you so much for the prayers Val. Today was kinda tough on me.
Rick-I'm a chevy boy over a Ford boy... I'm sorry, we're not a perfect match!
I was so happy to see Wendy got to go to the beach today. It was a great day. The ride back was so hard though. I held her as tight as I could all the way from the beach to the school... and even then couldn't let go. I found myself praying for her for most of the trip back. Antonio didn't get to go to the beach today. But I saw him when I got back to La Chureca... I told him hello for y'all and that you all love him. He was the last face I saw as we pulled away from the school. I sat in the seat by myself just staring out the window, praying God would just break my heart.. that he would burn the memories and images, and noises, and smells into my mind and into my heart. I love those kids so much. Please pray that God will show me what to do. I won't be going back to La Chureca until my next trip here... lets all remember to pray for each and every one of those kids. Pray that God will protect them from evil until that beautiful day that he delivers them from that Hell.
Val and I will blog later with pics and stories from today... until then... I love you all.
Maverick
Maverick...so which one is your esposa? Yes the mama looked the word up in the spanish dictionary on line. I just spent the last 30 minutes trying to figure out which of your teammates is your esposa....my guess is it's iceman...but then I think she is in San Francisco and how could she introduce herself to me unless you mean on line..... :)
Son, I sense the turmoil in your heart.....keep praying and God will show you the way....I am so proud of you and you must know that I am your biggest fan and will always support you.
I'm sure the whole team is hurting right now...I can't imagine how it must of felt to say "good bye for now" to the children today. So many prayers are coming your way and I am confident that this is not the end of this story....in fact I believe it's just the beginning for many.
Love to you all.
Mama!
Thank you for your prayers... i need them. I'm praying for y'all too!
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