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.
