Day 6: Bridging the Gap

Good evening from Nicaragua! Today’s experience was once in a lifetime; we were at the school for most of the day and were able to experience meals, culture and school life of the children. It started off with breakfast at the school made by Dora Bell, which consisted of gallo pinto, fruit, cereal and oatmeal; needless to say we didn’t go hungry. After breakfast we were able to greet the children as they walked through the gates with high fives and smiles. Soon after that we attended chapel, where many of us were fighting back tears because of the inspiration and Spirit of the Lord felt throughout the room. The service was unbelievable and was conducted by the 5^th graders, who did an outstanding job. Although the service was in Spanish, the faith was felt by all those attending the service; we were even treated with a special performance by the dancers of the school. Once we worshiped God, we did a home visit to a 78-year-old lady. We had some of the medications she needed but had her come back to the school with us to receive the rest, which is where the true reward came from. She was able to get her medications, 2 pairs of reading glasses and 2 pairs of shoes. The smile on her face was priceless and really reminded all of us why we do what we do. Once we were through our morning, the mayor visited and honored our group from Concordia University-Mequon, Hope Without Borders and Life Link for the work we are doing for the people of Nicaragua. His words were very kind and really made us realize what an impact we have made. After that was lunch, which was unbelievably good and included rice, kidney beans, refried beans, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and fresh guacamole, which went fast. Again, we definitely have not starved on this eye-opening adventure. During the children’s recess, we were able to play soccer, volleyball and paint the young girls’ nails and boy was it hot, humid and sunny! After our shirts were drenched in sweat, we decided to participate in English class where Jenna read a book with both English and Spanish words to both 3^rd grade classes; their English was impressive and we had a lot of fun helping them learn. Once class was over we attempted to learn how to make tortillas, and Dora Bell’s demonstration made it look a lot easier than it actually was. Even though all our tortillas looked different and some were very

misshaped, they were delicious and we had a blast making them! After the tortilla making, or more like attempting, we ventured off into the community to see a patient we had seen on Sunday who was very sick and close to death at that time. Much to our surprise he was up walking around and told us that he had gone to the doctor Monday and was receiving an antibiotic shot daily since Monday. Overall, today was rewarding and one all of us will never forget. As we near the end of our adventure here in Nicaragua, we have all been inspired by love and actually saw a Bible verse in a classroom that embraced what we are all feeling; it comes from Romans 12, versus 9-13:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Adios from Nicaragua!
Tena, Jenna, Cathy & Kayla