Adios, Nicaragua ... ¡Tienes nuestros corazones!

Nos vemos luego ...

Freddy's Family ... Janiel and little Franco

Janiel, Freddy and Franco (born Oct 1st)

Many of you have asked about Freddy, so here's the latest picture of his family, taken three nights ago in our home because the team wanted to meet Janiel and Franco before they returned to Portland.

The answer to the question of what happens to Manantial when we leave Nicaragua is that Freddy will continue and we'll be part of it ... from afar for now. Freddy's the President / Vice President AND Secretary-Treasurer. Awesome guy.

We have really enjoyed going to a deeper level of friendship and trust, both on a personal level and as business partners. We originally met him in 2004 ... and have walked with him over the past two years as a single man to a married man to a father. He's in our hearts FOREVER!

Hydroponic boxes built (with love) in Las Chacaras

Amy and Jani Suara

Soon-to-be moms

Pig pen with 'bodega' for food and supplies in background

Reyna shares her birthday

Working together
Nearly completed hydroponic vegetable boxes

Last week, a group from Portland brought comraderie and a sense of purpose to the villagers in Las Chacaras as they worked together building hydroponic boxes to grow vegetables. They worked hard - shoulder-to-shoulder - training Mauricio and Andres and Cesar and many others how to build the boxes. They will be able to eat better and have means of income.
.

This team's home church funded the microloan to finance the pig project. They were able to see the pigs, buy more food for them, and be able to visualize the project. We all await the upcoming births of ??? piglets on Dec 16th, Dec 26th, and Jan 5th. They plan to raise the little pigs (cerditos, chanchitos) and then sell them once they are weaned. These proceeds will pay off their loan and allow them to have cash enough to begin again, but this time there will be no loan ... just the upkeep of food and vaccinations and then profit!

Lily Helms was the youngest member on the team, and she had a great time playing in the mud (on purpose), and making friends with a 'free range' pig named "Tocinito" (or "little bacon). Lily entertained the people of Las Chacaras, who may still be unsure why a child would want to #1 play in the mud, #2 play with a pig, #3 put on boxing gloves and play with the boys ... ad infinitum. Though the two cultures are different, all of us - kids and adults alike -experienced NO barriers. We were bound by love and sense of purpose.

Much more than boxes were built ... relationships were. The team baked a cake for Reyna's 23rd birthday, and celebrated with a customary piñata. We spent time together in a beautiful (but poor) setting, backdropped by banana trees, mangoes, guayabas etc. We washed and cut hair (we finished one haircut by the light of an iPhone when darkness descended quickly!), crocheted, visited with neighbors and learned to love on a different level. We held babies and applied lip gloss to little girls - hugged and held them. We enjoyed "Eskimo" ice cream from a cart pushed by the owner/vendor, and took another break to try the national treat of 'raspados' when that cart rolled into the village. Raspados is shaved ice with your choice of flavored syrups on top. We had crushed pineapple in honey, and/or dulce de leche.

.

Farewells were hard, but this one was more like a 'see you later.' The team and their church is committed to Las Chacaras, so everyone knew the truth of the words, "Hasta Luego."

Las Chacaras

The ladies try arroz aguado (and many other Nica things)

Patti works with each lady individually, and these were the first two. Freddy wants to learn also(really, he does!)

Karla cuts plastic bags into 'yarn'

First a plastic bag ... then a purse

Six ladies from Colorado and two from Managua visited Las Chacaras last week to encourage the ladies in their new green project of making purses from used plastic. We helped cut bags for 'yarn,' and taught them a few more crochet stitches and ideas for different shapes of purses. It was fun to help and to be with each other. As with any bunch of women, we laughed and talked, sat under the rancho, and worked together in a relaxed atmosphere, yet with a purpose. As soon as we drove up, we were welcomed as though the team were long-lost relatives ... and we took it from there. The women of Las Chacaras and the women on the team are easy to be with and extended themselves to each other. Once again, we have to take our hats off to Freddy who is as interested to learn to crochet as anyone else (and makes no bones about it).

.

The team was adventuresome enough to ride moto-taxi's to destinations because our SUV is not big enough for 9. They also ate arroz aguado, raspados, wandered thru Mercado Huembes, gave a baby shower for Freddy's new son ... and acted like these things were commonplace in their lives. They were awesome in attitude and in every other way.

.

FYI, Franco was born Oct 1st ... almost 9 lbs ... a lot of straight black hair ... and a big appetite. Welcome little Guadamuz!

Silvia is home ...

Silvia Silva Orozco ~ 1948-2009

Silvia died this morning ... from dehydration. Four days ago she ate bad meat and got food poisoning, then had three days of diarrhea and continued weakness. And this morning, she was gone. We learned of her trials yesterday when we visited, and had the opportunity to pray for her before we drove home. Though we left money for Cipro and Powerade to re-hydrate her, it was too late. She was too weak to make it another day. Tomorrow we return for her funeral.

It's hard to let her go. She fought cancer and won (twice), and to die of something so seemingly simple is difficult to wrap our minds around. Our consolation is that she is at total peace, with her Lord and Savior ... and we who cry, cry because we miss her.

Pray for the family and the community. She was a cornerstone there. Everyone has lost either a mother, grandmother, sister or a friend.

Back to square one ... back to Waslala

Gener David Arauz Escoto

Exactly five weeks into his transition to independence, Gener made very bad decisions to travel down a path of destruction. His choices not only endangered his physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, they also put people who were trying to help him at risk of potential harm. He obviously does not have the skills, impulse control or moral fiber yet to make right choices. Though we hope one day he will make right choices, right now he’s in it for the thrill and does not think of consequences.

When we heard of his new-found habits and lifestyle, we sought counsel from trusted friends who know Gener and know his history. Everyone agreed he needed to return to Waslala. He has always known this would be the outcome if he continued to make bad choices. He may not have believed us, as pride, arrogance and a feeling of being 'above the law' rules his behavior – but he has to believe it now. We drove him to Waslala Friday evening, Sept 4. He has no one to blame but himself. Now he is looking at another set of circumstances: an incomplete education, no job, dirt floor, no electricity or running water, no indoor plumbing … and a dream (again) of a better life. Perhaps this will help him change and grow up, but it’s hard to say. Some people have to reach rock bottom in life before they will see the Truth, and Gener is one of those people. We pray that God will reach out to him and not let him fall into a greater darkness. That is our prayer, but the choice once again is his.

Life at the Littles

Payton (14) and Sheba

Angela joins in making jewelry to donate to the House of Hope

The landscape of life around this house has changed a lot in one month. After 19 months of living with two Nicaraguan boys, we opened our home to a few girls. Holly has been with us since May, and in July Sheba (the beloved dog) joined us. Angela Kathman joined the household in late July, and then Payton (Sheba's 'sister') arrived in the beginning of August. Angela was part of our family for a month, going with us to the villages - going shopping - and being part of our family. She returned home yesterday! Payton attends Nicaraguan Christian Academy and the new school year started before her parents could return to Managua. So, she moved in, joined her dog, Sheba, ... and the two await the return of her parents. Payton is a student in John's "American Criminal Justice System" class at NCA, so it's very fun around here with lots of 'jargon' and bantering. The dynamics are much changed ... with self-sufficiency dominating the house now. Girls (and North Americans at that) are very different than teenage Nicaraguan boys. It's a mind-warp. We've really learned a lot.

John really enjoys being a teacher! He considered teaching after he retired, and now he's been given a chance to give it a try. He loves the kids (sophomores, juniors and seniors) and they enjoy him too. They are supposed to call their teachers by "Mr." or "Miss" ... and so, he's "Mr. John" to the kids now. Payton tells us they call him Mr. Sheriff and Mr. Littlejohn too. During class, they 'role play' with some as the criminal, or the D.A., or crime scene witnesses, or victims ... whatever the scenario John gives them - they join in and use their collective brains to solve the crime and learn the roles of the various people involved. I don't know who has more fun - John or the kids?!?
.

Life is very enjoyable right now. We're still waiting for the big rains to come ... still working in the villages ... still making jewelry to help support the House of Hope ... and generally enjoying our last months here.

Nahum and Gener's new life ...

Nahum, August 1, 2009

Gener and Holly - August 1, 2009

On August 1st, Nahum and Gener closed their eyes to sleep in another home (Erick and Karla's) ... and awakened to begin a new phase and a more realistic life as young Nicaraguans. Erick and Karla have been friends of ours for five years. Last week, when Karla visited YiTing in our home she understood our need to transition the boys into a more 'real' life in Managua. She called Erick to see if they could rent their spare room (as they often have offered to others) ... and he said yes! John and I talked at length with them about the boys' history and our perceptions of their wants/needs/personalities, and then passed the baton. Nahum and Gener have begun to experience their own culture in a traditional home in a safe environment. Erick said that Karla's extended family is just like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" ... lots of people, lots of noise, lots of food, and total acceptance. Though Nahum and Gener are most assuredly feeling on the periphery right now, they will soon feel at home - and we are SO HAPPY that their transition is with Erick and Karla! Gener thought he'd like to live alone, but ... he's definitely not ready. One day perhaps, but for now this is the most logical and safe introduction to life without gringos (aka walking ATMs).

Both Erick and Karla speak English, which will be good for the boys to continue in the language. Gener is quite good and is also interested to continue with English classes, while Nahum is not very interested and will probably only speak in English around the house. Nahum will continue the cellphone repair class at the trade school. Hopefully, Erick and Karla will one day be able to help them network for jobs. That is something we could never do. It's not what you know - it's WHO you know, and both Erick and Karla have many contacts and connections.

Nineteen months ago when Nahum and Gener entered our home and our care, it was their first step away from the orphanage and into their futures. Now it's the next phase - a time to enter real life in Nicaragua, a life they'll do well to understand and manuever within. It's scary and it's exciting ... and it's necessary for their success. Their last 7 years have been spent in "protection" mode, with others caring, providing, protecting them so they didn't have to think or worry about much. It may not always have been fun, but was safe. They would rather have been with their family (who wouldn't?), but that wasn't an option. Basically, most of their 'life experience' for the past 7 years has been heavily gringo instead of Nicaraguan. We are gringos (obvious!). And in the orphanage the kids live to see visiting gringo teams, which mean presents, pizza and good times. Though this is their past, it is not their future. They will do well to learn another way.

As for us, we just entered the empty nest period and can watch them from afar and be a 'catch net' if necessary before we return to the U.S.. We're glad to know WHERE they are and with whom they share. We have a mental picture of them on their bikes, on the streets near the Huembes market, playing basketball and soccer with neighborhood kids near Don Bosco and in renovated parks. We are relieved and at peace that God provided an open door to their future with a young couple in their late 20's ... which should also be more fun! We've talked to them and text-messaged with them, and they are having fun - making new friends - playing volleyball with neighborhood youth - helping fix Erick's car - etc. They are not bored!

The same day he moved in, Gener made a friend with one of their two dogs ... and was happily playing with it on the street. Isidro (our gardener) talked to Nahum, and he said that Nahum is enjoying his new place.

God is good. All the time.

Thanks for your prayers,

Celebration in San Juan del Sur

John marries Randy and Laura in mid-July 2009

El Jardin Hotel in January

You may remember that we went to a beautiful (small) hotel in San Juan del Sur with John's sister, Mary, in December 2008, and then once more with Nahum and Gener in January of this year. We had the pleasure of returning to marry Randy and Laura, both of whom are from Florida but now make San Juan del Sur their home.

It was a fun time to make friends and celebrate a wedding, complete with superb food and an ocean breeze. It is fun and amazing to live life and capitalize on opportunities given. John did an excellent job at his first (and most probably last) wedding. It's another memory we share in Nicaragua that we will not easily forget.

Another part of life here in Managua

Holly works with the first 8 students

Behind Holly's table, Teresa helps the second table. Teresa and her husband visited us for 9 days, which gave them the opportunity to see many projects/places in Nicaragua they've read about.

It’s satisfying to share time and interest with other ministries, to meet new people, and expand friendship circles here in Managua. What began as a Manantial project to make jewelry to support families in Las Chacaras is now a skill-set and money-making project shared every week with over 200 prostitutes at April Havlin’s “House of Hope.” Each Tuesday, many of these women ride a bus to the House of Hope to earn money making earrings. They seek to change their lives ... and the earrings, when sold, support the House. Though the craft is fun, the best part for me is encouraging the ladies, sharing a laugh as I stumble through with my broken Spanish … making them laugh and letting them know 'we're all the same' and I approve of their efforts to attain a better life (or earn money in a different way).

We began with one table (6-9 women) ... added another table a month later ... and next week we expand to three tables. If you want to know more about the ministry to prostitutes, please visit their website at http://www.houseofhopenicaragua.com/

Be blessed.

A drive to Matiguas

Nahum ... on the deck ... ready to phone his father

Gener helps me find geckos to photograph. He's wearing a ponytail so his hair will stand up taller when it's dry. He's a funny guy.

.
In Nicaragua, every citizen must have a Cedula (much akin to a national ID card) in order to open a bank account, get a job, attend university, etc. And so it is that Nahum and Gener need Cedulas for their future - including their future to enter the military. They will take an entrance exam in October, but are not able to take the test without a Cedula.
.

To get a Cedula, you must present your birth certificate. Both of their birth certificates are rife with mistakes and misspellings (oh so Nicaragua!) ... so many mistakes, in fact, that we had to go to an attorney to get four documents prepared that request changes that will (hopefully) allow their birth certificates to be re-done. Besides their own names typed wrong, their father's name was wrong AND their mother's name was different on each certificate (and incorrect on both). Since their mother is dead, we hope and pray the 'county registrar' can find her death certificate to prove her name, and hope further it was typed correctly at her death so the boys' certificates will have her actual name on them. A small detail, but since we're making corrections we'd like her name to be correct also.

.

And so it is that we will drive to Matiguas tomorrow morning EARLY in order to present these documents to the "Registrar." Matiguas is about 3-1/2 to 4 hour drive (North and East) of Managua.
.

Tomorrow will be interesting as we see a part of Nicaragua we've not seen yet. Hopefully the trip will be successful for the boys' sake too. Hmmmm...

Costa Rica - "Pura Vida"

Close-up of hand-pained oxcart wheel in Sarchi, Costa Rica (artisan town)

Vilena, Carlos and John in Zarcero, Costa Rica

Every space of land is planted with something edible

We recently drove the Pan American Highway to Costa Rica with our friends Carlos and Vilena … who needed paperwork to become “residents” of Nicaragua. As the new directors of Casa Bernabe, ‘residency’ here is required. For us, the trip afforded an opportunity to see Costa Rica from the ground and see how it differs from Nicaragua. There is more industry, more wealth, and with regards to viewing the land … every spare parcel seems planted with coffee – or bananas – or another crop. We saw farms and we saw small crops planted in between large indigenous trees in order to use space wisely. It all looked very much like a living green quilt.

For three days, we visited our old friend, Maikol, and shared his birthday … cake and ice cream (for dinner)! In July, he will come for two months to help Carlos and Vilena at Casa Bernabe. We also met new friends, Rodrigo and Idee, who opened their home to us – housed and fed us – and told us why we should live in Costa Rica rather than any other place. They even arranged for a tour of a new house across the street to tempt us!

Holly and Melissa stayed home and ‘babysat’ Nahum and Gener (and Louie) … and enjoyed the freedom of a big house and ‘no particular schedule.’ After living at Casa Bernabe for 2-3 months, they’re still reveling in being able to eat whatever they want, whenever they want. Four jars of peanut butter later (hahahaha no kidding - we opened a fifth one last night…) The ‘current thing’ is to spread PB on the whole bananas and on oatmeal cookies, and call it health food. It’s a pleasure to open our home to North Americans and model hospitality and our weird idiosyncracies to Nahum and Gener.

In October, Nahum and Gener will test to enter the military. Gener is totally focused on being a pilot, so much so that though he is taking accounting and doing well, he deems accounting only as a backup plan. Nahum also wants to test into the military, but we’re not sure what he wants to do. It is only months now until they ‘fly the coop.’ Unbelieveable! It’s a year and a half later with a half year to go. Time waits for no man FOR SURE.

In the time that is left here in Nicaragua, we remain dedicated to continue Manantial, and also help other ministries. One day a week we help Carlos and Vilena at the orphanage/school/farm. Also, I have volunteered at a “home” for 60+ prostitutes who are getting ‘out of the trade.’ Some were sold into it – others have equally awful stories. The ministry is ‘Casa Esperanza,’ and is managed and run by April Havlin. To help support this ‘Casa,’ the ladies make greeting cards and now earrings to sell to teams who visit. Some of their crafts are also shipped to the United States for sale. In addition to the 60 residents, an additional 100+ ladies arrive by bus once a week to make the cards and earrings. Holly and Melissa go with me to help communicate and encourage the ladies as they make earrings.

Sometimes John and I look at each other, totally amazed that we’re in Nicaragua (to begin with) and that we’ve traveled a road we never dreamed of traveling. Thank you for your help – for your prayers – for your support of every kind. You are an integral part of the Plan we’re walking.

Four Days in Costa Rica

This is a big boy in a tree, four stories up ... next to our room

This is a little guy we named Geico

Gary - Trish - Helen - John ... enjoying life together in Costa Rica

Windmills in Nicaragua - very near the border of Costa Rica

Because we're not residents, Nicaragua requires us to leave the country for at least 72 hours every three months. On the third month, it is possible to pay about USD$50 each in order to stay in Nica. BUT, the sixth month - we have to leave. Gary and Trish were approaching their sixth month in-country and NEEDED to exit. So, we seized the opportunity to go with them - extend our visas also - and enjoy the time together as a foursome.
.

We stayed in an "eco-friendly" all-inclusive hotel - which means animals are allowed to walk the grounds. We dined by the pool with many a large iguana (who have learned to beg for food). There are also green iguanas who are nearby but not easily seen. They are camouflaged in the GREEN trees. At night, semi-domesticated raccoons wander into the open-air lounges. They are smart ... they are a larger variety than those we have at home. It is comical to watch them climb on the counters and snatch sugar packets - and then eat them, paper wrapper and all. They also stand on top of each other in order to gain enough height to open trash receptacles and then share the spoils (literally). Much to our surprise, the employees tolerated them ... so, we enjoyed watching something we otherwise consider strange. C'est la vie (aqui)!
.

We are driving back to our reality today, back to the boys - to Louie - to our new housemates (Holly and Melissa) and will be back to our routine tomorrow. The break was short, but it was good!

Sharing our Home

Holly and Melissa spend the weekend with us, visit our projects in the Leon area, and then Monday morning we all return to Casa Bernabe to continue our "volunteer" painting of team houses (below)

We cannot say life is dull here by any means. We've opened our home to many North American visitors, new friends and old friends alike, and the coming 'summer' months will be shared by three more ... Holly (Portland), Melissa (Virginia), and Angela (Portland). Both Nahum and Gener recently told us they really like to have guests as they get to meet a lot of people AND also have a chance to practice their English. Our home is the place of regular BBQs with friends - a good opportunity to share and compare life experiences here in Nica.

.

Most recently, we've met Holly and Melissa. They didn't know each other before they arrived in Nicaragua in March (within 2 weeks of each other), but they volunteered at the same orphanage and became "instant pals" as they learned to navigate together in a foreign culture by 'immersion.' Melissa will live with us until the end of June when she joins a team from her home town and then returns to Virginia in early July.

.
Holly will also live with us until ???? (maybe a loooonnnng time), as her volunteer stint at Casa Bernabe is ending and she's taking a job with the Nehemiah Center here in Managua. BTW, this is a different Holly ... she's the same age, from the same church in Portland ... but is not our first Holly. Both Holly and Melissa have joined us in our work with Manantial, and will soon be part of the household here.

.
Then in late July, Holly will continue to live here and we'll welcome Angela from our home church in Portland. Angela will spend a month and experience a different sort of adventure after she completes her first year at U of O. We love her entire family, and look forward to having her join ours for a time. She and Holly will have a chance to talk about "the Ducks!" as they're both from the U of O, and both also speak Spanish! Fun is ahead ...

Reunion with their youngest brother, Saul

Andrea - relaxing on a hammockGener (cool), Saul (trying to be, but naturally giddy), Nahum (happy as always)

After 10 months of separation, Saul, Nahum and Gener were reunited for a week here at our home in Nicaragua. They hadn't seen each other in person (other than via Skype) for ten months.

It took a little more than two years of navigating the Nicaraguan adoption process for Andrea and Brant Fisher to bring him home to their family in Indiana, where they live with their other three (younger) sons. So, during their Spring Break this April, Andrea and Saul took a little time to visit, and we were glad to see them. Saul was glad to see Nahum and Gener, and also glad to have the opportunity to once again see their father and one of their other brothers, Nelson.

As you know, Nahum and Gener were over the age limit for adoption into the U.S., which was a huge motivator in our decision to move to Nicaragua. We never thought we'd make such a move - weren't looking for an opportunity to live in a third world country hahahaha - but life happens and decisions are made. We understood their plight and decided to provide a home and support them as they finished school. The alternative would have been for them to return to extreme poverty - having had a glimpse of education and a glimpse of what they 'could have had.' So here we are!

During their visit, the three boys huddled in a bedroom, giggled, complained and spent the hours together after our boys got out of school every day (noon on M-F). They also had Sunday and Monday off (totally) because it was Holy Week here, and so they got even more time together.

Best of all (for us) is that we were able to sit for hours and enjoy Andrea! We're connected in a lot of ways, and so it was wonderful to talk about the boys - their progress - their lack of progress - idiosyncracies - etc. and share more deeply. We have known her since 2005, but our relationship deepened as we got to spend time with her last year while she was waiting for the adoption to be complete. Every time we see her, our friendship is deeper and we appreciate her so much.

The brothers have each other and always will. We gained a sister and a friend.

Chickens, Eggs and Hope for a Future

Chickens watch Antonia and Mr. Chacon read the loan papers

Gerald signs the original loan contract and passes it to Claudia for signature. Gerald is 16 and sole support for his mother and brothers/sisters. He also attends school!

The past 2+ weeks have seen some very exciting changes in La Ceiba. The hens have laid an average of 86 eggs per day since they arrived in their new digs. The “instant success” was really not expected somehow (too good to be true??). Initially, there was a lot of rushing around every day to find buyers for the eggs, because there would be 86 more to sell the next day! This initial flurry of activity quickly turned from chaos to order as the beneficiaries met the new challenges of caring for the chickens, making minor improvements to the hen house, feeding and adding daily vitamins and antioxidants to the water, gathering eggs, cleaning the hen house and selling the eggs. They’ve “gelled” as a group, which seemed to be the biggest challenge (in our minds). But when the hens actually arrived, they put their perceived differences aside and worked together in an organized fashion. It’s April 5th and 1,634 eggs later … and the group not only performs their work, they also meet weekly to pray, discuss business and deepen their new friendships. Their goal is to pay the loan before its official due date. We shook hands, celebrated with three homemade cakes, and enjoyed a moment of unity that transformed their thinking to include a hope for their futures … one they now realize has always been part of the Plan. Their smiles were deep. Their hope has been reborn. And we were happy to be there to document this in our hearts and share it with you.

Thank you for helping make this possible! It was a fine hour in transformational development of La Ceiba's people. We look forward to whatever is next.

Little Louie Little

Louie joins Andrea and John on the lower deck

And when he can't find someone, he knows where all the soft spots are!

Some of you have asked how Louie is doing (now that Raisa is gone). He knows she's missing, but hey ... he's got it made. He's VERY HAPPY.

There are chickens in La Ceiba ... and sewing in Las Chacaras

100 chickens now call La Ceiba "home."

The first day (travel and all) the hens laid 15 eggs! We heard they would not lay eggs for two weeks ... and they laid 82 today (their first full day). Exciting!

Antonia hugs and thanks everyone she sees!

The ladies have made 26 pairs of shorts, curtains and pajamas (in only two days).

Ian helps the ladies

Manantial's first two projects have begun ... chickens are laying eggs in La Ceiba, and the women are stitching in Las Chacaras. It seems like a long time in coming, but ... it was worth the wait to see the smiles and join in the celebration in both of these communities.

Next week we will pour a cement pad under the sewing area to prevent material and clothing from being dirtied / stained when dropped on the dirt floor. After this is done (in a week or so), we'll pour the cement foundation for the pig area.

We are thinking seriously of celebrating the chickens by bringing a white sheet, a projector and the movie "Chicken Run" (in Spanish, of course) and then spending an evening in La Ceiba ... outside the chicken house. Nicaraguans have GREAT senses of humor, and ... well ... we're hoping this will be appreciated and enjoyed ... and will not be understood by the chickens. :).

Enjoy the pictures ... celebrate with us. God is good - all the time.

Celebrating Las Chacaras

Julie, John and Ron talk about raising pigs

Julie washes hair

Freddy shows Susan and Reyna his 'skills'

Pastor Ron prays for Pastor Cesar

The ribbon is cut!

Helen and Holly 'love on' the matriarch, Angela

The sewing project has ceremoniously begun - with ribbon cutting, flowers, Coca-Cola, singing, prayer and visitors from the U.S. When we arrived yesterday for our weekly 'outing' we had no idea we were driving into festivities. We were greeted by the people of Las Chacaras who were dressed in their best, waiting to surprise us and have us join the celebration. And we did.

Pastor Ron Hockley and Julie Dodge (from Portland) and Susan (from Colorado) joined our weekly trek, together with Kyle and Katrina Williams and their two children. We all joined the party and marveled that just three months ago we were merely talking and getting to know one another. We now feel like family - and it's great to belong and be welcomed by our Nica friends each time we come.

Yesterday, we spoke of the past, enjoyed the present, and looked to the future ... more projects are on the horizon. Enjoy the pics - and come join us if you want.