Construction, Kids and Caring

Today was another wonderful day full of work on the houses! We woke up and ate a delicious breakfast of biscuits and gravy and then had a team meeting for a few minutes. We talked about the possibility of conflict arising in our group and looked at several verses that exhort believers to live in unity. Then we hopped on the bus and drove to the village!
The construction team and repair team split up again (I am on the construction crew) and we made a lot of progress on the pastor’s house today. We finished laying cinder blocks and began to put up wood siding on the top half of the walls. Some people also started to level the floor so that we can pour cement tomorrow.

I personally didn’t do any construction today.  No, I’m not lazy; I just had the opportunity to play with many kids from the village all day. The language barrier was a bit difficult with them at first, but once I built a relationship with them, it was so fun! We played games, sang songs, played soccer, and I taught them a little bit of English. The Nicaraguan children are so affectionate, which will make it very difficult to say goodbye at the end of the construction.

Right now we are at the church of the pastor whose house we are repairing. We are taking a break and the service will start in about half an hour. During the service we will be performing a skit called the Sin Chair.

 

Well, that’s pretty much all the highlights from today! The Lord is doing so much in my life during this trip and I’m sure all my teammates can say the same. Thank you for all your prayers back in the States! We really appreciate it!
Alethia Heide, for the Team

Today we woke up at about seven in the morning, though for some it took longer (mainly the guys).  Once all had arisen, we had a delicious breakfast of biscuits and gravy with rice! We then took some time to hold a team meeting to talk about how our week was going and how God was working in our lives. We also talked about how we need to keep a positive and loving attitude to the Nicaraguan people and also to our fellow teammates. After a short break we hopped on the bus for our hour+ trek through Managua to the work site.

I am on the repair team, and will be giving an update on our progress! We finished repairing the cement walls today and started to put up our wood siding. We had gotten about one quarter of the siding up when it was time for lunch. After our brief lunch, which was full of delicious food (sandwiches, chips, cookies, Gatorade) and fun conversations of how each team was doing, we headed back to finish our job. We got all the sides and back done, but the front was going to be difficult. We needed to put in a window. So we made the frame and placed it, but we needed to wait for hinges for the window and doors, so we decided to call it a day.

Throughout the day, we entertained ourselves with fun riddles to trick each other like, the “Elephant Game”, and a number game using different objects in different shapes to represent a different number. But the best thing we did today was when the family that we are helping asked to take a group picture with us, and to also take a picture of them with us with a camera of our own. The family is so kind and loving toward us, and they have two little girls living with them that make working in the heat less painful. They laugh and giggle as we move around them, and they loved it when some of us would take a break and sit with them and their family.

God has really blessed us by allowing us to come to Nicaragua and help these people. It has also been a joy to learn more and more Spanish throughout the days we interact with the people. We learned words like tuani  (“cool”) and chócala (“high five”). I think I speak for all of my teammates when I say  that it has been an amazing, growing experience not only spiritually, but also with each other. I am getting to know my fellow teammates, now fellow friends, so much more than I would have by not taking the opportunity to come. Thank you guys back home for all the prayer and support that you give us! It has been a real blessing!
Kaleb Biladeau, for the team

 

Mrs. Heys, Annie (project leader) and I came back to the compound at noon today and went with Tammy (a Project HOPE staff member) to one of the hospitals to visit with the women in the chemotherapy ward. My heart was torn as I watched a young lady writhing in pain from her cancer as a family member stood by her bed trying to massage the pain away. The lady whose hand I was holding and whose head I was stroking was crying as Tammy read Scripture and prayed. Another young girl, 14 and pregnant, was sitting with a drip tube in her arm. She had already lost her hair, and I wondered how her unborn baby was going to survive this, or even if she will. We helped each of them make a little beaded pin which they triumphantly pinned to their shirts, and would proudly touch occasionally.

We went out behind the hospital to the "shelter", a windowless, dirt floor building with about 8 bare mattress beds. Here, the women who can't go home because of distance or complications, stay until their next chemo treatment. Again, we read Scripture and prayed and made pins with them.

I can't begin to describe the difference in their hospital and what we're accustomed to at home. I seriously think none of us could survive in this one because of sanitation issues.

Tammy then drove us to a grocery store where we picked up some rice, beans, oil, salt and some pasta to take out to the food station at the dump. A pastor and his wife live at the edge of one of the dumps and cook food for some of the people who actually live in the dump - eating from it and scavenging from it for a living. Because of the late afternoon hour and because we didn't have a man with us, we couldn't go into the dump to minister to the people.

As I stood in line this evening for dinner, I could barely hold back the tears thinking about what we were about to feast on compared to what all those dump people were eating. Oh, my Lord, let me not be ungrateful for all You give us!

THANK YOU for praying for us!
Mrs. Goede

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

Construction Begins!

Hello! This is John, I’m a junior, and I’m sixteen years old. Today, the guys woke up a little bit late, and had about five minutes to dress and get ready for breakfast, which consisted of eggs and ham, three fruits, toast and butter, and some brown rice and beans, which were amazing when mixed with the eggs. After that, we had a little time to lounge around in the courtyard, which is absolutely beautiful, though it’s a bit too hot for me, as I’m used to the cold of Montana, but all is well.
                We packed into the bus and traveled for a little over an hour to Masaya.  We divided into two teams; I was on the new construction team.

We walked over about a quarter mile to a house that had the foundation laid and the posts and beams erected. Over the course of the day, we laid multiple rows of cinder blocks around the foundation.

 It’s amazing how the Nicaraguans can work in this heat and not waiver through the day; I certainly can’t. Lunch consisted of sandwiches - made last night by a group of us - chips, cookies and Gatorade. Then we went back to the house and wrapped up work for the day a bit after 4:00.

                Now I’m sitting in the church where we are to present our plays and skits this evening. The floor is concrete, so I’m a bit worried about falling on it during my play, but we will see how it goes.

John Jardstrom, for the team

Hola! Como estas? This is Kallee for the team. Today has been a hard and hot day so far. It puts a whole new perspective on working for God no matter how you feel. Today we arose early, ate some amazing breakfast and headed out to a village about an hour and fifteen minutes away. We were split up into two working groups. One group was to build a new house for a pastor and the other was to repair a home. I am on the repairing team.

Repairing the home wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be. What we did today was tear down the wooden walls, pull up the base boards, put new wooden beams in place and begin to put a new roof on. The heat of the day was scorching hot and it made it very hard to work.

An exciting thing that happened was when I pulled up one of the boards, a whole nest of termites came scurrying out! We tried to smash them with our hammers, but there were so many of them they went everywhere!

Anyway, the pastor’s wife was super-duper nice and very fun to talk to. Her name is Ana Maria and the house that we are repairing is her daughter’s house. She returns home today in a little bit. Ana Maria came and ate one of the sandwiches that Cara, Mackenzie and I had made last night.

I am soooooo thankful for Michelle. She is a blessing to have because she speaks Spanish the best out of all of us. I feel bad when I don’t understand what one of the locals is trying to tell me . . . that is why Michelle is so kind to help us communicate. J

In the early evening we attended a Nicaraguan Church service. It was amazing to hear God glorified and worshipped in another language. Roger, who is with Project H.O.P.E. shared an important and impacting message through Freddy, one of our translators, about a Father’s love. It was an amazing story and the Nicaraguans responded well to the message. It’s 7:45 and we are on the bus headed to the compound to eat dinner! And shower!!

Hasta luego mi amigos!
 Kallee Brownlee (the freakishly white gringo) :P

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.

Travel Day

Back row: Matthew Tofslie, Anthony Gossack, Kaleb Biladieu, Kallee Brownlee, Marilee Kneeland

Middle row: Brian Robertus, Daniel Moore, Baylee VanWinkle, Brittnee Madill, Ryan Westlake, Landa Heys, DeWin Madill, Gerry Goede

Front row: Pat Goede, Linda Kneeland, Cara Robertus, Michelle Simpson, Alethia Heide, John Jardstrom

 



Hola! from Nicaragua!

It was a long day of travel, but God was good in giving us good flights and long, enjoyable layovers. When you're moving a group of 21, you need long layovers.

Lots of walking and juggling filled the time. And God blessed us by allowing us to retrieve a left-behind cell phone and a passport!

We arrived in Managua just after 10:00 pm, tired but excited. Customs was a breeze and the Project HOPE team was waiting for us with big smiles and friendly hugs. And water.

After the bus ride to the compound, some snacks and debriefing (and more water), we hit our pillows after midnight, knowing it was going to be a short night. But we were excited, because after all...as the two 3-year olds on the last flight shouted, "We're in Nicaragua!"

Packing the Tubs

Today, the team gathered to pack up all the gifts that had been given for the people that we'll visit in the villages. Each classroom at school gave something different; one class gathered toothpaste and toothbrushes, another brought deodorants and lotions, another brought clotheslines and clothes pins; some others brought soccer balls, baseball bats and gloves and balls, towels and dish cloths, toy cars, soap bars, hair ties and nail polish. We packed clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry.

We packed all this into Rubbermaid tubs, being careful to keep the weight within airline restrictions. The tubs were inventoried, then ziptied shut through holes drilled through the rim. These will be checked through as baggage.

After some last minute updates and instruction, and prayer we all headed home to work on packing our personal bags, eager to meet again Monday morning at 5:45.

Thanks again to those of you who are praying for us! Please continue to ask our Father for His molding of our hearts, His graciousness, His boldness, and His protection.