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.