Day 4 - Kids!

Today was a bright and sunny day, with a warm breeze. We started out with a hearty breakfast of beans, rice, eggs, and tortillas. Shortly after breakfast, we left the compound and headed to a preschool that was started by one of our translators named Eduardo.

That's Eduardo in the blue shirt

Eduardo is a 30 year old man who grew up here in Nicaragua. God gave him the desire to start a preschool that would allow children nearby to develop the skills necessary to enter the first grade. Currently the preschool is run entirely by volunteers and materials are supplied by donation.

While we were at this preschool, we sang songs, made crafts, and played games with the kids. Most of the time was spent carrying children around on our shoulders, so that they could hit each other with balloon swords.

Kalen was attacked by a ruthless child with a balloon. The balloon cut his back badly, and he fell on the ground in agony (this was only pretend).

After this, we traveled to a feeding center in a community near the dump. The conditions were dismal, but the children were still joyful.

We performed a skit, and bought jewelry from some young ladies. This feeding center had a program that taught these ladies how to make jewelry so that they could sell it and make a living. This was crucial because the girls were being pulled out of school by their parents so that they could make money and support their families.

After this, we returned to the compound for a meal of chicken salad sandwiches and Oreos. Soon after lunch, we walked down the street to a school started in remembrance of a young lady who has since passed away. The name of this school is “Taellor’s House”. From what we have heard about Taellor, she seems to have been a great individual who deeply loved the Lord. Here, we played duck, duck goose, flapped the parachute, and had another balloon sword fight.

During the sword fight, Ryan was being swarmed by a group of young children with balloon swords. He fell on the ground, in order to add to the effect of the battle. Daniel saw this, and saved Private Ryan with his balloon sword. Later on, Daniel was overcome by the Nicaraguan children, and was forced to the ground. When all looked helpless, a young Nicaraguan ran into the fray and saved him. Daniel thought that it was neat to observe how the children watched what our group did, and copied it. Hopefully, they will do the same with our love for Christ.

We left these children and went back to the dump in order to take part in a youth group at the feeding center. This youth group was comprised of teenage Nicaraguans who worked in the dump. Naomi gave her testimony. Both Daniel and Kalen were impacted by the hardships that she had overcome in order to get where she is at now. 

A skit was also performed, and Kristi performed “Via Dolorosa” in sign language. When Kristi is not performing, she spends some of her time teaching Kalen how to sign it also. Hopefully, Kalen will be able to sign it soon.

Daniel has been impacted by the helplessness of the children living here. Their parents allow them to roam the streets in search of food or something to do. Often times, the father is absent from the household, either by necessity or choice. The mother is left to provide for the children. The mission team can only do two things about this. We can show love to these people, and pray that God protects them.

Kalen was impacted by the Nicaraguans’ living conditions and the fact that they are still joyful. He loved seeing how many people loved God over the past few days and had a lot of fun at the VBS’s. He also enjoyed meeting new people.

We look forward to seeing all of you very soon.

Thank you for reading

Daniel Gray and Kalen Grinnell

Today we will begin posting some personal bio's for the students.  Each will answer these questions:

1) What one thing has impacted you so far on the trip?

2) What do you hope/pray to see God work/change in you?

Daniel Gray

18, Senior

1) The helplessness of the children as they wander the streets.

2) I pray that God will help me to rely on Him for everything and to focus on Him 100% of the time.

Kalen Grinnell

16, Junior

1) Seeing people remain joyful in spite of their conditions.

2) I pray that God gives me the ability to talk with people.

More pictures from our VBS day:

Mrs. Smith enjoying hugs..a big improvement over bites.

Kalen makes "una espada" (sword)

Check out those cheeks!

Besos (kisses) from Naomi

Cuddles from the Kukulskis

Who will last the longest?  Stay tuned...

Chu Chu Gua