Today was a total FIESTA (“PARTY,” in English)! After
another great breakfast from our housing site, we loaded everything onto the
bus and began the process of saying goodbye in Leon. Our first stop was Las
Chacaras to say “adios” to Pastor Ricardo and the children from his church. The
entire team put on a “graduation” celebration, providing encouragement to the
kids who had come to the hygiene training sessions that previous two days. The
little ceremony consisted of a welcome, a speech from an esteemed guest (one of
the team members who pretended to be a famous celebrity), and a prayer. Each
child’s name was called, and they proudly came up to receive their graduation
toothbrush as the team hummed “Pomp and Circumstance” and clapped for each kid.
We finished by encouraging the children to take what they have learned and to
become ambassadors for health and hygiene in their community. After the
ceremony, the team served lunch to the kids before giving some good bye hugs
and loading up the bus.
With a brief stop at the local supermarket, the group
purchased cake and ice cream to bring to their next goodbye party at Verbo
Leon. But today, instead of serving the children, our group had the honor of
serving and loving the church’s staff team and key adult volunteers.
Nicaraguans and Americans sat together on picnic tables outside as we shared a
delicious meal. With the help of our translators, we were able to thank and
encourage the youth staff, the pastor, and the women who serve in the feeding
center. Once everyone had finished eating, the team played a few games with our
Nicaraguan friends before finishing the fiesta with a piñata, cake, and ice
cream. Once again, goodbye hugs were shared, and the team loaded up the bus to
depart Leon. After a very brief stop at the local market, the journey to Somoto
began.
After arriving in Somoto and being greeted by Pastor Oscar,
the team settled into their new housing site. For tonight’s Porch Time, our
three volunteer leaders/intern (Margaret, Tim, and Tommy) each shared a little
bit about what God has been teaching them here in Nicaragua. They challenged
each of us as they shared from the heart. What a privilege it is to serve
alongside these leaders!
We are excited to join Pastor Oscar at his church tomorrow
morning to worship God, and to begin serving the children here in Somoto.
Please continue to pray for health, for safety, and for God’s love and light to
shine through us.
