Project H.O.P.E. compound
After that we loaded the bus and headed to the Casa de Esperanza (House of Hope), which is a compound for women involved in prostitution to go and be ministered to, along with their children. At the compound, the women are able to participate in Bible studies and make jewelry in order to make some money.
While we
were there we performed our three dramas/skits (The Sin Chair, Via Dolorosa,
and The Chains Play), all of which went well.
The women were very intrigued;
even the little kids paid very close attention. After the plays they were asked questions by
some of the staff and they would jump up and down saying the answer over and
over.
Mrs. K--------- gave her testimony, while the women sat in awe
that a gringo was speaking in their language.
The women and children were so loving toward all of us, and even though
most of us students couldn’t communicate very well with the people there, we
still were able to share the love of Christ with them and demonstrate the Gospel
without a single word. Actions
definitely will speak louder than words on this trip, especially for us who
should have paid more attention in Spanish class!
After
doing all of our presentations several of us played “duck-duck-goose” with the kids. Here it is called “pato-pato-ganzo.”
The kids loved the game, though they didn’t quite understand that they were
just supposed to run around the circle just once. Instead they would run in
between the swing set, behind the trees, and all over. They were thoroughly entertained by us white
people chasing them around.
Nick and his new friends
Eventually
we had to say, “adios” to the girls, women, and kids and head to the feeding
center near the dump (the local landfill).
(We were asked to not take pictures at the dump feeding center.)
Right
near the dump is a village where many people actually live. We visited kids
that were gathered to eat their only meal for the day. As we walked up the stairs and underneath the
small lean-to, the kids came running with open arms giving us hugs and clinging
to whoever would hold them. The kids,
many of whom were younger (and some teenage boys), watched intently as we did
the Sin Chair skit and as E---, Jessica, and Emily signed to Via Dolorosa. These were kids who have lived in extreme
poverty at the dump their whole life, who have to work, digging through garbage
for every scrap of food. They have nothing, especially compared to how spoiled
we are in the US, and yet their faces were still bright and smiley, full of joy
even in their awful circumstances. All
too soon we had to hug the children goodbye and jump back on the bus and head
back for our second meal of the day.
Macy
Shea
Laughter and
Harvest
They
laugh readily. Although the women at the
Cancer Shelter were visibly suffering, smiles and laughs emerged and sounded
forth. This afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit the “cancer wing” of a
women’s hospital. 
Thanks to Project H.O.P.E, women now have a one-room building and a bed to comfort their suffering. This is not their only comfort. On Tuesday afternoons, just like today, women from Project H.O.P.E. visit the Cancer Shelter to sing songs, play games, and encourage the women. They share the love of Christ and God’s plan for salvation.
Carol spoke in Spanish, connecting with the ladies in their own language. Since my Spanish is “no bueno” (no good!!), I spoke through an interpreter. Each of us testified of God’s grace through His Son Jesus Christ.
C---- and I are both overwhelmed with joy (and also tears) because of this
God-ordained opportunity. I had only hoped to personally visit the cancer
hospital that I heard about before we left for Nicaragua, but I did not expect that
our entire team would have the opportunity to minister there. 
After
leaving the shelter, we were pleased to hear that three women placed their
trust in Christ for salvation because of our ministry there today! We rejoice and give humble thanks to God!
Indeed, the fields are white for harvest…
Julie Gossack J
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