More construction and VBS!

 Today we rose, did personal devotions, and ate breakfast at seven-thirty.  We had slabs of pineapple, watermelon and cantaloupe, along with eggs and Portuguese sausage.  They also served us a rice/bean combo that was very filling.

At 8:30 we left to continue the work we had started yesterday.  The bus trip took a little over an hour and took us past scenes of extreme poverty and some very elaborate businesses, including a big shopping mall.  We passed a smoking volcano and much green scenery.  When we arrived at the village, we all went to look at the repair jobsite - and because of Matthew’s and Caleb’s leading abilities, which never resulted in getting us lost, but occasionally in not knowing where we were -  we successfully arrived at the repair site.  After looking over their project we headed back to the construction site.

At the new construction site Ryan, Anthony and I finished putting on the roof which we had started yesterday.  We had to stop when we ran out of tar pads (little pieces of tar tape that we nailed through to seal the nail holes) but eventually we were bailed out by the repair people when they brought us more.    We continued to lay blocks, this time in the shade of the new roof, until we were about one level away from finishing the concrete. 

We headed out to the bus which had been parked at an extreme angle, prompting the majority of people to migrate to the uphill side and share stories about rolled vehicles.  After driving several hundred feet we walked the rest of the way to the church that we attended last night. 

We then proceeded to set up chairs and prepare for a VBS/crafts time with the kids and for another church service.  Both Cara and Mr. Robertus practiced playing music with some of the locals in preparation for tonight. Most people practiced juggling or did the minimal setting up required for the afternoon activities.

When the kids arrived we started our VBS program.  Marilee, Kallee and Michelle signed to the song “Via Dolorosa” and Mrs. Kneeland told the Gospel story through Freddy, who is one of our translators.  Anthony, Matthew, John, and Daniel did a juggling demonstration for the kids and had a contest to see who could juggle the longest.  After breaking up into groups, some team members painted nails, some braided hair or made balloon animals, some helped the children make beaded bracelets and still others helped make yarn-wrapped crosses.  There were about 50 children there.

Later, at the church service, the “Sin Chair” team did their drama and Jerson, a Project HOPE staff person, preached while Pablo translated.

The service ended about 7:30, the sound equipment was loaded up and we finally got back on the road, arriving back at the compound about 9:15. Once again, the staff had a wonderful dinner waiting for us.

This is Cara with some of the neighbor children next to the new construction site.

Fred Kneeland, for the Team

Hi ya! Today we woke up at about 6:45 and got to have our quiet time with the Lord. This is the most relaxing time of the whole day. I love sitting in the hammocks in the morning breeze and spending time with the Lord. It is especially important because the rest of the day we go and go and go. After an incredibly delicious breakfast we loaded onto the bus for another day of work.

I am on the repair crew and we made lots of progress today. We finished the roof, mixed a ton of cement, and were able to get down a layer of cinder blocks all the way around, only three more to go! The family we are repairing the house for is so wonderful. Their two daughters are the sweetest little girls you could find. The youngest one is named Tatianna, which is a beautiful name. She is shy but adorable. When you try and talk to her she smiles an enormous smile and slowly backs away. The middle girl is named Lidia and we have become good friends. Tatti usually hangs back with her mom but Lidia is always trying to play and talk. Today she grabbed a trowel and helped us work (as best a nine year old can).

It was hard work but I loved every minute of it. What I love even more than the building is the people, especially the kids. The kids are always smiling and want to talk to you constantly. At last night’s church service I befriended a young girl named Alejandria. She sat on my lap the whole service and afterward was very excited to take a picture with her little brother.

Later on when we did VBS I got to see Alejandria and completely fell in love! We sang then did some presentations. The boys juggled and all the kids clapped along to the song. The kids loved it. After Mrs. Kneeland told her Bible story we broke up into groups and did balloon animals, made bracelets and some of the girls and I braided hair. They loved the barrets, especially the sparkly ones and I would like to thank those who donated them.

These people are wonderful. They love the simple things and it doesn’t take much to make them smile. If everyone was like the Nicaraguans the world would be a much better place. Every day here holds new, and better surprises and I cannot wait for the rest of the week.
 

Baylee Van Winkle, for the Team