Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction; constant in prayer
Another beautiful morning in Nicaragua. Breakfast was banana pancakes and I really enjoyed them!
These mornings seem to flash right by. I am loving being with these kind, generous people and wish I could stay much longer. Maybe a year or two??
I had 5 students this morning (2 brand new). So while they chose yarn, I checked the other ladies’ work to see how they were doing, gave some advice and showed some correction. Mostly it was encouragement all around. Then, while they worked on, I got the other two new ladies started. Actually, Elba already knew how to crochet and she was flying right along but was also very helpful with the other ladies. Na.... struggled at first, but then seemed to catch on. She was certainly determined for sure.
These mornings seem to flash right by. I am loving being with these kind, generous people and wish I could stay much longer. Maybe a year or two??
I had 5 students this morning (2 brand new). So while they chose yarn, I checked the other ladies’ work to see how they were doing, gave some advice and showed some correction. Mostly it was encouragement all around. Then, while they worked on, I got the other two new ladies started. Actually, Elba already knew how to crochet and she was flying right along but was also very helpful with the other ladies. Na.... struggled at first, but then seemed to catch on. She was certainly determined for sure.
Mariana had done some flowers for homework so I showed her how to sew them together so the seam didn’t show and the group chatted about items you could put the flowers on... on the purse, to cover a hole (this got a laugh), or to dress up an older shirt that fit you just perfectly. As noon rolled around, I started to get everything together on my own so they wouldn’t be pulling me away at the last minute as usual. Funny though, the van was 1/2 hour late. They were out ordering furniture for something and were supposed to pick up food for the last 2 barrios. Anyway, that gave me time to show the ladies some patterns I had on my iPad. It is nice to discuss future possible projects and see the light of encouragement and confidence radiate from them.
When the van finally arrived, we said asta manana. There was no food in the van though. I guess they never made it that far this morning. Back for a lovely lunch and everyone was very full.
Some down time, and then it was time to deliver food and clothing on our barrio walk. Today we are going out to the Nindiri dump. There is a barrio there that has grown up around the dump. The people spend the days collecting items that they can get paid for...plastics, metals, glass, etc.
So we arrive at the church which is almost at the centre of the barrio. It is a good size room and I do remember being here before. The Pastor met us outside and welcomed us into the house of the Lord. Tables were set up and we brought in the boxes of clothing and bags of food. Everyone helped and the church was soon lined with mothers, children and boys. The food was set on the far side of the dias and the tables were on the other side. So out of the boxes came the piles of clothing and they were partially sorted by size onto the tables. We were happy to see more t-shirts and clothes for boys in these boxes. Still though there isn’t much clothing for teenagers.
Again, we had a few words from the Pastor to open this sharing time and a prayer, Sharon spoke on behalf of PAN mission and we had Jonathan translating for us. The Pastor was quite happy to give the list of family names to Jonathan and let him run the show. He explained that each family would come and receive a bag of food and then come to the clothing tables and select 15 items. This barrio is a bit smaller than yesterday’s (only 25 families). Soon, we switched the pattern around so they had their hands free to pick out clothing and then pick up their food bag at the end.
This is really a joy to be a part of and when we would see what sizes a mother or brother was searching for, we would often hold up something for inspection or a yes or no. I had one young man that couldn’t have been more than 10 and I tried to convince him that this nice yellow dress shirt was for him. I received a shake of the head and we shared a smile.
After this was all done, it seemed that we were flooded with even more people hugging and kissing us and thanking us profusely. I got a few tentative kisses from a couple of lads and some long warm hugs from grateful mothers. The young mothers with babes in arms came and Sharon and I had the pleasure of holding babies. I had Valerie, a beautiful 8 day old little girl, asleep in my arms. It was quite the emotional moment. It was nice that no one hurried off and they were genuinely happy to visit with us.
Again, we had a few words from the Pastor to open this sharing time and a prayer, Sharon spoke on behalf of PAN mission and we had Jonathan translating for us. The Pastor was quite happy to give the list of family names to Jonathan and let him run the show. He explained that each family would come and receive a bag of food and then come to the clothing tables and select 15 items. This barrio is a bit smaller than yesterday’s (only 25 families). Soon, we switched the pattern around so they had their hands free to pick out clothing and then pick up their food bag at the end.
This is really a joy to be a part of and when we would see what sizes a mother or brother was searching for, we would often hold up something for inspection or a yes or no. I had one young man that couldn’t have been more than 10 and I tried to convince him that this nice yellow dress shirt was for him. I received a shake of the head and we shared a smile.
After this was all done, it seemed that we were flooded with even more people hugging and kissing us and thanking us profusely. I got a few tentative kisses from a couple of lads and some long warm hugs from grateful mothers. The young mothers with babes in arms came and Sharon and I had the pleasure of holding babies. I had Valerie, a beautiful 8 day old little girl, asleep in my arms. It was quite the emotional moment. It was nice that no one hurried off and they were genuinely happy to visit with us.
They are joyful and friendly and the children are very good. The boys will laugh with us at a joke and shyly kiss us on the cheek.
Back home to the barrio for a shower and readying for supper. Several loaded into the van to go purchase food for the next 2 barrios. A couple of hours later they were back but all were tired so it was decided to unload and package them up tomorrow. We will prepare for 40 families tomorrow at Pastor Ernan and Yessi’s barrio.
And with that I will sign off for tonight. Blessings to all,
Love Susy!
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