Hola from Nicaragua day two! We attended church this morning with the children from Casa Bernabe and it was a beautiful experience. The children were constantly reaching for the hands of the students, sitting on laps, introducing them to sisters, brothers, and cousins. During the service, worship was lively, full of clapping, singing, and rejoicing in the Lord! The hosts are so thoughtful and supplied us with "walkmen" type devices, complete with headphones and a live translator on the other end. After lunch we split the chicos (boys) and chicas (girls) - boys went paintballing with the older ones and the ladies went to Chava Landia. Roller skating was quite a hit...smiling faces all around even when the skates went flyin'! Returning to the orphange, some of us went to play with the children while others reflected on their day. We ended the night by accompanying the other schools at their hotel for our nightly porchtime where we witnessed two inspiring talks. Logan, a student from UVA, spoke about two particular images that reinvented his experience here in Nicaragua as an intern. Tony gave us an impressive history lesson, detailing Nicaragua's past from colonization through civil wars to their upcoming election. Finally, a sweet surprise and a private performance by none other than a Mariachi Band! Some students learned how to salsa from locals while others started a conga line. What a sight (with little dancing talent)!
Aside from the children's breathtaking beauty in all their joy and happiness, this country has much to offer in its nature. The stars seem to shine much brighter here on the grounds of the orphange. The pastor at service today mentioned a significant concept about "light" that we as Christians should strive to, be a lights in the darkness of this world. While this is not an easy task, through Christ, all things are possible. This is a daily challenge He presents to us. By shining our light, we are worshiping our Savior. The pastor also emphasized the importance of worship by saying that worship is an act of obedience, surrending to the Lord by realizing that our human ways are insufficient. His priorities are greatest.
Hasta Luego!
