The team has had a busy couple of days.
Some of the team members want to share with you what we have done and the impact that it has had on them!
Friday we handed out the Hygiene packs that Fox River funded...
Melody~
Hellloooo it's me. I'm in Nicaragua thinking about the next time we will meet. To go over everything. ;) But until then, let me fill you in on what has been going on. Yesterday we went out into the community's of La Esmeralda and Las Nubes to hand out the much needed hygiene packs. As someone who never thinks twice about having shampoo, soap, or something as simple as a toothbrush, giving out the hygiene packs was a humbling experience. This is not my first rodeo. I have been here to Nicaragua four times now, but even so, every time brings new experiences, new opportunities, and even more spiritual growth.
I want to share with you something that really captured my heart throughout the hygiene packs experience. Let me set the scene...it's raining, muddy, the rain jacket I brought was not so much a rain jacket but more a wind breaker, and my group was taking the path with lots of hills and very few houses. Time for some honesty, I was feeling like it was not worth the hike. The ratio did not balance. It is times like these where I need to stop and take a look inward at the condition of my heart. As we continued on our hike to these remote houses, God showed me how much every single child of his matters. It is a deep desire of my heart to reach those who may not have any other opportunity. To reach the unreachable. I would walk miles in the pouring rain if it meant that one more person would get to hear the good news. As we are here in La Esmeralda and the surrounding communities this week, God is fulfilling this passion that He gave me. I am so thankful to be a small part of Gods great plan for this community.
Melody and the team putting together the hygiene packs.
One of our Nicaraguan partners explaining the hygiene pack.
The team praying with the family.
The team as they are delivering the hygiene packs.
Dawn-
Hola from Nicaragua :) I can't begin to tell you how happy it makes me to be sitting here at the clinic, surrounded by Nica's & American's and be able to tell you guys back in the states just a little of what we are doing. Yesterday we were able to go out into the community and give hygiene packs to families and pray for them. It was an unbelievable experience to be able to walk to homes, tell them about Jesus, and pray for their specific needs in both languages. It was truly a humbling ministry experience. It really opens your eyes to what a day in the life of ours Nica partners is like. For me, this day was extra special because I got to spend my morning with my team handing out these packages...which I can't stress enough how important these every day items we take for granted are, and then I spent my afternoon working in the clinic. Working in the clinic was a whirlwind and very fast paced. It honestly brings me to tears to be able to be a part of God's plan this way. And my hope is, that as you are reading this back home that you realize what a great impact you have made on their lives, as well as mine by giving so generously. I can't thank you enough. God is truly amazing and a God of all nations.
Saturday Morning we hosted a Women's event...
Beth~
After a night of storms, we were blessed with a sunny Saturday morning. About 60 women gathered at the church for a time of fellowship and crafts. Katherine, a Nicaraguan teenager who works in the church, led us in song and prayer. We had a fun icebreaker with balloons -- both young and older women joined in the laughter. Karen, Pastor Denis' wife, talked about God's grace for each person. We followed Karen's talk with three activities:
- A nail painting station. Each women had the opportunity to be pampered -- not something they would normally get to do. This station was especially popular with the younger girls who loved picking out bright colors. A few moms, infantsin hands, had a chance to pick out something just for themselves. Each person had the opportunity to pick out a color to take home with them. Thank you to everyone who donated a bottle -- this was a special treat for the women of La Esmeralda.
- A seed-planting station. We brought small pots and flower seeds with us from Wisconsin. The women were very excited choosing the special flower they thought would go well in their home. The joy on their faces was apparent, and touched my gardener heart.
- Painting canvas bags with scripture stencils. Again the women had their choice of colors and glitter which expressed their individual style. They took their time at this station, taking pride in what they created. These creations will also be of practical use to them during their daily lives.
During the women's event, the men played baseball in the church's courtyard and discovered that competitiveness reaches across borders.
The women of La Esmeralda enjoyed this special time set aside just for them. Also crossing borders was the camaraderie of women bonding together. It was wonderful worshipping in Spanish with them, knowing that God's message doesn't depend on language, culture, or borders, but celebrates all of our differences in His common grace.
Balloon ice breaker at women's event.
Bree painting nails.
Picking flower seeds.
Decorating a tote bag.
The medical team has been busy at work as well.
Jim~
On Friday the Medical Team held our first full clinic day. We treated a total of 196 patients! It was a very busy day and afternoon and everyone on the team performed admirably bringing the healing touch of God through Fox River to our Nicaraguan neighbors. Our pharmacist Katie, along with her Nicaraguan partner Fatima, filled 458 prescriptions! We are also happy to report that 25 of our patients accepted Christ as their Savior. We are all excited to continue to have opportunities to serve in our remaining time here.
Pat~
Saturday morning was not what we expected. Unlike yesterday, there was no one waiting in line. Unknownto us, this was the day that everybody needed to register to vote. We wasted no time moving supplies around and installed a shelving unit. We had a mess when a group arrived to be treated, but we were ready to jump into action. For a half day of clinic we saw about 50 patients, some accepted Christ while we were treating them. That makes it all worthwhile. The shelves were full of supplies before we ate lunch.
Pictures of the medical team are coming.
The ladies on the team.
The guys on the team, our "bus ninja" driver and one of our new friends.