Tuesday, Our First Day Out

Our first day in Nicaragua!

We awoke early, showered, ate breakfast, had quiet time, and participated in a time of worship. 



After preparing for the day, we set out in the bus for Mateare, a small village Project HOPE has focused on for the past few years.  The village is composed of rows of small houses built of cinderblocks, wood, and metal siding.  Although they are small, the houses provide a suitable home for those residing in them, who would otherwise be living in ramshackle huts. 

We did not work on these houses today; instead we spent our time acquainting ourselves with the locals. 

 The children were especially friendly, allowing us to play baseball with them.  Many of them followed us or rode on our backs everywhere we went! 

 Once we had toured the village, the group walked to a nearby compound called “Furia Santa,” which means “holy fury.”  The small group of buildings provides a place for ex-convicts who have given their lives to Christ to earn a living.  They are nearly self-sustaining, tending gardens and raising pigs for food.  Their primary source of income is creating cinder blocks that Project HOPE groups use to build houses. 
 
After receiving a short tour of the compound, which included a well operated by riding a bicycle, some of the guys living there played soccer with us.  Despite the stifling heat and the unusual circumstances (dirt field, blue jeans, flat ball, etc.), we were still able to have a great time playing with this group of young Christians. 

 Thoroughly exhausted from playing soccer, we returned to HOPE Central for lunch.  Here we joined the members of the group who had stayed behind to practice the Sin Chair play. 

After lunch, we went to a senior center.  After exchanging many greetings, we served those present by distributing eye glasses and hygiene kits, and painting the ladies’ fingernails.  To share the gospel, we performed the Chain play and the Sin Chair play, both of which received generous applause.  After wishing them all farewell, we drove to a children’s home.  Here we performed the Sin Chair play again, the signers performed “Via Delarosa”, and Mrs. Kneeland gave a short gospel presentation.  We then took some time to tour the home and distribute candy and balloon animals to the children. 
Needless to say, we were all tired and more than ready to return to HOPE Central once we had finished playing with the children at the orphanage.  It was a very busy, yet very fulfilling first day.
Daniel Moore, for the team.

 After three flights, over seven hours of layovers, and altogether too much airport food, we finally arrived at the Project H.O.P.E. compound in Managua.  To our delight, it is spacious, filled with lovely vegetation, and perfectly secure.  After a refreshing night’s sleep, we began our first day of ministry in Managua. 

Our first stop was the tiny village of Mateare, a community filled with huts built by Project H.O.P.E.  The locals were thrilled to see us, and we spent time meeting the wonderful people.  It was an absolute blessing to interact with the kindhearted Nicaraguans.  Because of their benevolence and warm attitudes, we felt at home. 

Also, during the morning, Mrs. Kneeland and Marilee had the opportunity to visit the House of Hope, a ministry center for young women in difficult situations.  They were blessed by their interactions with the people and were able to share God’s love with them. 
After playing with the kids and talking with the adults, we walked to the Furia Santa, a ministry center for reformed convicts.  They, too, welcomed us and showed us around their facility.  To their delight, the boys offered to play soccer with them.  Needless to say, our team was sorely defeated. 

After returning to the compound for lunch, we visited a senior center.  The people were an absolute joy to meet.  Though the language barrier made it difficult to interact with them, we were still blessed by their kindness and acceptance.  We had the opportunity to paint their fingernails, distribute hygiene kits, and make balloon animals.  Finally, we performed our various gospel skits, which they enjoyed greatly. 

Our last stop was a children’s home filled with children of all ages.  We presented our skits to them as well and spent time playing with them, braiding their hair, and giving them balloon animals.  After receiving a tour of the compound, we gave candy to the children.  They were delighted to receive such rarities from us.

Overall, the day was absolutely amazing.  It was a joy to interact with the locals.  They are wonderful people who are truly in need of God’s love.  It is our prayer that through our ministry, they will be able to see God in us.   We appreciate your support, and we are excited to see what God will continue to do in the coming days. 
 

Cara Robertus, for the team.