Nicaragua runs on what some call "banana time". You may plan all you want but in the end you will leave and accomplish tasks when the spirit moves. This means all that you do is approached with a mindset of flexibility. There is ample time each day to enjoy each other's company and fellowship. There is also time to siesta (nap). Every day, any way you can it is good to fit a little rest into your routine. Alejandro is a two year old boy who has been attending our bible school each day. He comes early so his mother can take advantage of the sewing classes in the morning. Even he finds time to siesta.........
We had twice as many women present for the sewing classes today. As word reaches people of what we are doing, more and more come to learn. The women patterned and sewed a dress today. They are always attentive and willing to learn. It is such a blessing to continue to watch Delphine, Ann, and Sandra instruct the women and complete new projects each day. While the women sew, our local knitting expert, Monisha, has been teaching Miranda, Connie and Farah to knit. Likewise, Steve has been teaching Lacey, Teranne, and Barbara how to crochet. While the women sew, the other half of our team enjoys the fellowship of our knitting circle. It is a blessing to see how each person contributes to the group.
Bible School also saw increased numbers, so many we had trouble fitting them all around the tables we had set up. More and more children come with their friends everyday. We taught them how to make a star out of string for the story of the Magi. The children were extremely animated and taught us how to sing Jesus Loves the Little Children, Father Abraham, and the Monkey Song with hand motions. We all were able to participate and they love to see us try and speak their language (even if we do butcher it). We ended the afternoon in free time where girls had their fingernails painted by Connie, Farah, Lacey, and Lauren. Teranne braided three heads of hair in french braids while Steve made balloon animals for all the boys and CJ created beats with the boys on the Djembe (drum).
After leaving for the day, our group went home to prepare to go out to eat. Our Pink Ladies all showed up for dinner looking lovely and inadvertently matching. Barbara tends to be our ring leader with her pink sunglasses. We ate wonderful food and enjoyed the music provided by a lone man and his guitar on the front porch of the restaurant. When he started playing La Bamba, of course the whole table erupted into song and started dancing in our seats. Then Lacey requested the Macarena and a few of us found ourselves dancing out on the floor. I'm sure all who saw us were thinking, "Those crazy Americans!" Even Charlie's Angels showed up! All in all, we had more laughs and enjoyment from just being with each other than ever before on this trip.
God continues to move in the hearts of the people of Nicaragua and in the hearts of our team. Today helped us grow closer to each other and to learn more about each other. I know that God has placed each member of our team here for a reason. There doesn't seem to be any situation that we don't have a person gifted to help or instruct. We feel so blessed and it is evident that God has been preparing this team for the betterment of his kingdom for a long time. As a team, we stand amazed at his majesty and glory in his presence.
No comments:
Post a Comment