Home

It is weird to be back. I have returned from a town where the “nicest” homes in the community lay on the main street where dogs fight, moto taxis zoom by, and all sorts of livestock wander through. These are the nice homes that have access to the cobblestone road. The best have tile floors, but the majority still have dirt floors that have to be watered down on hot days and constantly swept. This street is where I spent my week. At the outskirt of the town are the more rural dwellings and where the most of the people live. Most of these families’ homes consist of old boards with a tarp that makes up one or more of the walls. The center of these abodes is a place to store the pottery that supports these families. One home I remember in particular was two makeshift boards with a blue tarp roof. On the dirt floor was one queen size mattress next to their pottery. This 100 square foot area housed a couple and their three small children.

Now being home it is hard to come to terms with the idea that my closet is bigger than the homes where people are raising their children. I look at things like the floors of my house, the warm water in my faucet (or running water in general), and the clothing on my children differently. What I think of as necessities are actually luxuries. I am not sure what to do with this awareness yet, but I will continue to digest it.

-Angela

Enduring Images...

...from our Nicaragua Compassion Trip, 2010

streaks of color under the tables

As we cleaned the Learning Center at the end of the first day, we flipped one row of tables over onto the other, revealing dozens of colorful streaks of paint underneath. Though we had provided napkins, it seems the kids found a better way to wipe the paint off their fingers.

blue fingernails

Even now, several days after finishing our paining project, I have Avatar-colored fingernails.

running with rectangles under their shirts

On the last day in San Juan the kids collected their personal portraits which had been inserted into the frames they had made. But it rained that day…hard. From where I sat, with several kids, against a wall of a house, I had the perfect vantage point: every few minutes a small group of kids would dart out of the center and run all the way to their homes clutching their picture frames under their shirts.

[I asked one boy as he ran past me, “Will you give that to your mom?” “No!” he hollered over his shoulder, “To my grandma. I love her more!”]

big sister

We met a 9-year-old girl who never played with the other kids or participated in the art camp. The reason, it seems, is that she always had her 1-year-old brother on her hip. He had a huge open wound on his dirty, bare foot. It was scabby and infected. We learned that the story included neglectful parents who repeatedly refused offers for help. As one of our team members did her best to clean the cut, and I prayed for the girl and her brother, my mind’s eye saw two nine-year-olds, both holding their baby brothers: one would return to her California home, a loving family, a strong church community, and unlimited opportunity. The other? What does life hold for her? God have mercy.

- Nathan

giving pictures

I only have a few minutes to update before we're off again...

Yesterday, our last day in Jan Juan, went well. Children came - many with their parents - to pick up their personal photographs which had been inserted into the frames they had made. It reminded me of "back to school night." So many parents were there to collect art and see the beautiful pictures Angela took of their kids.

A team of teenagers from the Center danced a traditional Nicaraguan dance for us and sang songs, including songs of worship. It was a powerful display of the love of Christ.

In the evening we drove to Granada for an evening of debriefing. This morning we went our separate ways: 4 are returning home tonight, 4 are traveling south to Costa Rica, and Sienna and I will spend a few days at the beach with her grandparents.

Please check back after the weekend; I'll post some pictures of the final day when we return. (Where we're headed, there are only beaches, hammocks and coconuts.)

Please pray for Angela who is not feeling well.

THANK YOU for following along with us this week and for sharing in this experience. It was a great week of learning, growing and serving.

Much peace to you.

- Nathan

LATE Thursday Night

Some of the many crafts of this week

Dawn and I sat for hours in an internet cafe tonight trying to blog and post pictures, but nothing seemed to work. I can now only get a few small ones up. We did have a lot of visitors from our art classes come by the internet cafe during that time. They try to see us any chance they get. It is hard not to feel loved in San Juan de Oriente. It is good, because on a personal note, as a mom I have certainly had my share of homesickness here. In the past, we have had phones to use in the internet cafe, but they are now gone. So by Wednesday morning I was pretty desperate to hear the voices of my family, especially my youngest, who does not email yet. Mark was gracious enough to take a 25 minute taxi ride with me to Masaya so I could make a call, hear their voices, know that all is okay and be able to go on with my week and maybe even sleep that night.

SLEEP...now that is an interesting topic around here. Most of us live in the village in the homes of residents of SJO. Jackie and I seem to sleep pretty well, but I think we might be the only ones. In the course of any given night, there have been cats fighting on our thin tin roof, LOTS of dogs barking in the streets, fireworks, roosters crowing at any given hour and then a multitude of other noises. Our amazing leader Jeff looked like the lack of sleep was starting to take its toll on him especially this evening, so we are looking forward to tomorrow night´s stay at the hotel in Granada, not to mention HOT SHOWERS!

Yet, while we are excited about some rest and relaxation, I am already sad to say goodby once again to this sweet community. Tonight several of us spent time playing music and really just laughing and sharing with one of the families. The time we spend just being with these families is the sweetest part of the trip for me.

Please pray for us especially tomorrow. We want to finish this week strong and we have a lot of projects to wrap up, packing to do, and goodbyes to say.

Now for today´s photo of the day, which honestly would have been even funnier than Julie and the goat if Nate had sacrificed his backside the way Julie did. Nate has been playing ball in the street with the kids who are waiting for their art class. Today he was out there throwing the frisbee and down the street come some long horn cattle and make a turn right where Nate was. While Mark decided to throw out a warning...just in time...I was there again snapping some pictures. Nate said it was scarier than the pictures make it look. Anyway, that is it for night. Besides, I told Nate I would not make any ties between bulls and pastors.

Angela

Sienna said one of her goals was to make friends and tonight she was teaching some the kids a few games.

popularity, puzzles, paint, and driving here is totally crazy

popularity

Jackie led our team devotion this morning with a beautiful song and a second discussion based on Nouwen's In the Name of Jesus. We reflected on Christ's second temptation (to be spectacular) and the beauty of ministry that is both communal and mutual. It was a blessing to hear how some on our team have experienced such rich community at Emmaus. It was challenging to hear how some still long for more authentic vulnerability and friendship. We decided being in need and sharing those needs with others are necessary ingredients for authentic community.

puzzles

Cathy and Sienna were our primary teachers today. Most of the students made puzzles (They LOVE puzzles here. Most had never experienced working puzzles until a couple years ago when La Vida introduced the concept. Even the adults were captivated). More kids come every day. This afternoon we even offered an over-flow class on the sidewalk outside the Center.

paint

And the painting continues... A few of us worked on the iron outside the windows between kids and rain showers. Mark and Jeff appear willing to do whatever it takes to finish this job!

driving...crazy

Sienna and I are sleeping at her grandparents' house about 1/2 hour from San Juan. Translation: We begin and end each day with a driving experience that reminds us that life is a gift. Lemme 'splain: There are no shoulders. There are lots of pot holes and random speed bumps. Buses, freight trucks, cars, 3-wheeled moto-taxis (which stop in the middle of the road with no notice), motorcycles, bicycles (often with multiple riders), horses, pedestrians, and ox-drawn carts filled with bamboo or bananas (and do I go bananas! - Sienna) occupy the two-lane highways. Lights. They're optional. Some have headlights, few have taillights, there are no streetlights, motorcycles and bikes appear suddenly out of complete darkness. The cautious have attached a CD somewhere in the rear. Horns. Probably the most important feature on a vehicle. A "honk" means, "Passing on the left," "...on the right," and "I got to this intersection before you so I'm going through it no matter what color the light is." When on-coming traffic honks AND flashes their lights you just inhale and hope the three people riding the one bike to your right aren't sticking out their elbows. Traffic lights. (Very few). Green: go. Yellow: go fast. Red: stop...if you feel like it. Tonight I felt like it but the light stayed red - apparently - for too long. People just started pulling around me, honking, and running it! "How was your drive?" asks my father-in-law each evening. "Fine." I say. "Just fine."

- Nathan

Glitter and Goats...Wednesday in Nicaragua

Today we woke up to the sounds of drums. Before we knew it a marching band was parading by our homes. Apparently today is Flag Day here in Nicaragua. Feliz dia de Bandera!

Now at the day's end our team shines with the bits of glitter that hang on to us so tightly that even our bucket showers can not wash it all away. For today's art, we made picture frames. Photographs are very expensive down here so many families have few pictures of their children. Early on in our planning, we decided to bring down a portable photo printer so we could take pictures of the kids. So while we have been busy taking pictures and printing them out in the evenings, we thought frames would be an approporiate craft for today. The older kids painted and decorated wooden frames, while the younger ones glued and decorated popsicle stick frames. One thing we have learned on this trip is that no matter how easy we think the craft will be, it is never simple, especially when it is 210 kids in three hours in a center that roughly measures about 700 square feet. Yet despite the craziness of it all, our team was blown away by some of the beautiful creations these children produced. So yes, we are tired and look like art projects ourselves, but we realize it was another worthwhile day.

Senor Marco

The lighter side of the day involved Julie and a billy goat. There he was tied along side the road and I suggested to Julie that we take a picture of it and her. Apparently, this goat was not like Julie's goats at home. We hope you will enjoy the photo below as much as we did seeing it in person.

Tuesday Update

We began the day with a discussion on relevance and prayer led by Dawn. We joined the rest of our church community in Lincoln by praying for Jacob Lohner.

Kids were lined up at the Learning Center before we arrived for the first session. An American staying in the village studying La Vida Education quipped, "This is the first time I've seen anyone in Nicaragua show up early for anything!" 135 kids attended the art camp yesterday. Today? 200.

Here are the youngest kids making their puppets. They loved this craft.

The older kids created "molas" out of felt.

Within minutes of the final session, it started to rain...hard. (The much-anticipated "day two" of Frisbee three-flies-up was, sadly, called because of the deluge). The rain continued all evening. Some of us painted the doors of the Learning Center. Some of us ran home to escape the rain and hung out with our host families. We'll be at it again manana.

- Nathan

Is it only Tuesday?

While we are loving our time serving down here in Nicaragua, we do feel surprised that it is only Tuesday. We have already had such full and busy days, that we look at one another in the evenings and remind ourselves we are still at the beginning of the week.

Today was another full day. We started the day with a great time of sharing, reflection, and prayer. Everyday our team seems to draw closer and this morning´s time together only deepened it. We followed the morning with another session of pottery...this time was the wheel. I am glad that I seem to be able to create laughter for the potter´s family. Jackie and Karen made bowls on the wheel on the first try. After, three attempts, a giant pile of clay, and lots of hands on help, I did produce what I like to call a bowl. Once again I enjoyed the visit, but am so glad my time on the wheel is over.

Either attempt number 1 or 2....not pretty

Jackie´s beautiful bowl

Our day at La Vida was much more productive than my time on the wheel. We jumped from 130 kids to 200. We barely had time to think, but Julie did an amazing job leading them in making felt molas. I believe at one point Karen was in the back yard feverishly cutting up felt in order to meet the demands of the ever expanding numbers of kids. The best part of it was the way our team pulled together and the way each member simply loved the kids. Dawn says she really enjoyed seeing the joy the kids experienced getting to work with felt and feathers. It was evident that art supplies like these are not common to these children.

I am also amazed how this team continues to make the best out of each situation. We have been hit by rain storms and I mean downpours that make me think each time that we are surely going to be washed away this time. It hits the tin roofs with such force that we can not even hear one another. After art camp today, some of the team was caught in the center. Jeff decided since they were stuck there it might be a good idea to get some painting done. So Mark, Jeff, Nate, and Sienna painted the interior doors and windows ¨sea green¨. It was oil based paint, so their hands matched the paint for quite a while after as well.

A quote from our boss, a.k.a. Jeff, ¨Thanks for your prayers and support. The kids are great. The food is great. God is great.¨

We love you all...now off to a late night game of competitive cards.

Angela

Monday Evening Reflection

Miss Karen teaches lots and lots of kids!

Perhaps my favorite part of serving with others outside of our home culture is watching people shine in new ways. Most of us settle into comfortable positions within certain contexts and those around us learn to expect specific behaviors and not others. But drop 10 people into a different culture and the whole dynamic gets altered. It's exciting to watch.

Julie Picos has surprised me with her proficiency in Spanish and her ease with the locals. She brings a delightful presence to every conversation, whether in Spanish or English.

Today Karen Thompson shined as our primary teacher. I stood back and admired her ability to guide a packed room of children - three times with different age groups - through a fun, creative, and hands-on art project in Spanish.

Mr. Mark looks like he's having fun reading books!

There were some really good readers!

- Nathan, photo captions: Sienna

Monday Morning

Today we visited the home of a local artist and his family. This is something I have done each time I visit Nicaragua. The artists take time to teach us about the process of making pottery and allow for some hands on experience. While most people love the chance to make pottery, I am not one of them. I am not artistic and my creations are usually nothing wonderful to look at, but I still love going to these homes. It is the small gestures that I experienced today that make me remember just why I love the people down here so much. As we entered the small dwelling, a sweet three year old girl approached us with her hands pressed tightly together and extended them to me. I placed my hands on her small ones and squeezed them tightly. In Nicaragua, this is the way the children present themselves to you asking for a blessing. The gesture is always so sweet. I feel honored to be a part of it. This was the first time we met this family and they shared about their lives and even some recent losses. They took a lot of time to simply have a conversation with us. They were eager to hear about our lives as well. Their graciousness showed in the big and small ways during this time together. So while I do not look forward to what I create in our pottery time, I do love the chance to get to know these people and share a little of our lives together.
Angela

beautiful morning

We fell asleep to a powerful overnight thunderstorm and awoke to a completely clear, warm morning. Today the team will gather to pray and discuss the first chapter of Henri Nouwen's In The Name of Jesus, set up the book shelves and tables and art supplies in the La Vida Learning Center, and, after lunch, receive the first of several waves of children for Day One of Art Camp.

[Sienna and Julie at dinner in Granada]

Sunday in San Juan de Oriente

We enjoyed a full day of worship, service, and sight-seeing today. Here are some highlights:

Jackie led worship at Emmaus South this

morning. We read scripture and shared holy communion.

The painting prep begins:

New and blue:

We're all here!

We left San Francisco at 1 a.m., arrived in Managua around 9 a.m., and made it to San Juan de Oriente in time for a delicious lunch with the La Vida staff prepared by Carmen's family. We then met our host families and settled in.

Everyone is excited, healthy, and in need of some sleep! We're resting for a bit before our first team meeting tonight at 7.

Tomorrow we worship together and begin painting the La Vida Education Center!

More soon... time to nap to the sound of falling rain and singing birds...

- Nate

2010 Team Leaves Friday!

After months of preparation and with the strong support of our church community, our team prepares to fly south Friday night!

Check back often as we'll be providing updates and pictures.

Please pray for an effective and productive week of service and growth.

Peace, Nate