Today was another fantastic day full of God's love. Our groups did many wonderful things today before the seniors rejoined the team after a fun-filled two days in Matagulpa. God has truly continued to bless us.
This morning, the juniors were afforded the wonderful opportunity to go to the school in La Chureca, which is the Managua city dump. While there, we participated in the book buddies program where we got to read to the children at the school. To see our team dive headfirst into this was great. After finishing that and a great time of playing with the kids, we had the unique experience of watching the kids put on a presentation they had been working on in appreciation for their teachers. There was several different dance routines performed by the students, some in flamingo skirts. It was truly a sight to behold.
While the juniors were doing their project, the sophomores got to take part in the daycare program that is in place to take care of the young children of La Chureca, which keeps them from having to dig through the trash with their parents. Our team was so excited to play with the kids, and to bring them joy in the smallest was something I know our team took great pride in. It was so hard to say goodbye to these small children, but the experience of sharing time with them and taking care of them is something that I know our group will never forget.
In the afternoon, our groups met back up at the local movie theatre where we had the phenomenal experience of watching "Toy Story 3" with 100 select kids from throughout Nueva Vida, the hurricane refugee site that we have spent much time at over the past week. For some of these children, it was most likely their first time going to a movie, and it was very special for our team to be able to share in that experience with them. More importantly, it was just another great opportunity to share God's love with these wonderful children who have had such an impact on us during the short time we have been here.
The seniors continued their journey in Matagulpa. The Lord did some truly amazing things while our team was there, and this is something that we hope to continue doing in the future. Today, our team spent a lot of time in the neighborhoods throughout Matagulpa developing relationships with the people there, and hopefully laying the groundwork for future trips into this part of Nicaragua. The main point of the trip though was to continue distributing the "School Pax" that we brought down. It was such a joy to see the kids faces light up when they received their packs, fully equipped with a voucher for a school uniform. To give these children the opportunity to attend school is something we are very happy about, and something we thank God for allowing us to do. We can not thank the people of WCC, again, for their amazing contributions to this trip through the "School Pax." After finishing up in Matagulpa, the seniors and their leaders made the three hour trek back to Casa Bernabe.
After another phenomenal dinner, we concluded the night with a great porch time led by our fearless leader, Travis Simone. Travis, through God's word, gave us the true meaning to life through the words found throughout the book of Luke. We learned that the poor are the truly blessed people of the Earth, and this week our team has found that to be so true. Travis concluded with some words on compassion, which is so eloquently summed up in the "Parable of the Good Samaritan." Through these words, it is our prayer that our team can take this experience they have had in Nicaragua and use it to the fullest when we are back in the states.
It is hard to believe that our time here is almost done. It will be very tough leaving the orphanage tomorrow, but we look forward to updating you tomorrow night on what God has in store for us during the day. Once again, we ask for you continued prayers for our team and for the few days that we have remaining. God bless!
