GDEV (Gracias Dios Es Viernes)

Roughly translated it means 'thank God it's Friday'.  I think that if you asked anyone on our team, the consensus would be the same.  We have loved every moment of this week but are a little tired.  Today began with the mental preparation that we would not return to the hotel until after dinner....in other words- a long day.  Our day begins at Villa Roma Church helping to entertain children as the women tackle the pillow case project.  So far this week the women have made a blanket, a purse, and a pillow case.  It is amazing to see how God has helped these women to learn how to use the machines we purchased last year.  When we started this project last August, it took multiple translators and people to help teach the women how to thread the machines and sew together the patterns we brought.  This year, the women work much more easily with the machines and rarely need help when putting together the projects.  

At lunch we were in for a special treat.  Pastor Manuel asked a band to come and play for us as we finished our food.  The band played for a long time- mis brazos (arms) would have died!  There was a young boy that couldn't have been more than 10 helping with the drums and I was amazed at his ability to remember the music and hit his beats.  Near the end we were in for an even bigger treat as our leader, Lori, stood up to dance with Pastora Rosa while the band played.  Lori is such a natural at dancing.....I'm sure Pastor JD wouldn't mind letting her teach a Zumba class or two up at the church when we return home.  

Our story for VBS was about Jesus healing the blind man.  I can't help feeling sometimes that this is a great parallel story for how we as missioners are transformed through mission.  I know personally that mission always seems to help me see people and the world in general with his eyes.  God's eyes see no color or class distinction.  They are not ensnared by what the world deems aesthetically pleasing but rather appreciate the beauty in all people.  Perhaps we are all beginning to wash our eyes with the mud of the Nicaraguan earth and in so doing restoring our sight and spirits.  

After we said our goodbyes to the families at Villa Roma Church, we drove to el campo (the country) to visit Patora Anna Patricia's church, Roberto Clemente Iglesia Metodista.  We were able to visit with Anna and her family for an hour or so.  It was a great time of fellowship for all of us as we were able to hear of the needs for this church and learn more about a different community in Nicaragua.  Anna prayed with us before sending us off and wished us safe return.  

We finished the night at Fridays.............I know can you believe it?  They have a TGIF in Nicaragua.....who knew?  We thought it was fitting to finish our week here since it really was Friday.  When we saw Donovan's sandwich come out we were all a little skeptical that he would be able to finish it......and of course even though he's a growing boy.....he couldn't quite manage it.  In fact I think he loosened his jaw just a bit by even trying.  

My roomies and I finished the night strong with 80's night.  We crooned to some Journey, Michael Jackson, and Guns N Roses as we looked back over pictures from the day.  We have been so fortunate to get to spend this time together.  It really does bond you in a 'special' way hahaha.  We had to bust out the glow in the dark bracelets and take pictures of our 'roomie night'.  We originally went outside and used the flash......yeah dumb.  Our room has no windows so all we really needed to do was shut off the lights. But hey!  It had been a long day!  We can't be held responsible for our less than brilliant thinking at 10 pm.......