Day 5 - Learn to Trust

Day Five began with an emotional devotion led by Diane titled “Learn to Trust”.  The devotion asks the question “how many of us trust God in our lives daily affairs?”  Diane then told a very personal story of her challenge to trust in God while her daughter was very sick overseas.  She had to make difficult choices and was even questioned by others as to her final decision.  She put her faith in God and trusted his plan.  As we listened along, many of us asked ourselves if we could do the same.  God had a plan and brought it to completion in his time.  The devotion places three goals for all of us to consider:

1) I will put my life in God’s hands
2) I will trust God’s guidance
3) I will leave the outcome to God

A challenge for all of us to think about.

Amy, Todd, and Megan took the lead on preparing the mission team lunches and Amy made sure the correct of amount of jelly was properly added today.  They ventured into town to gather groceries for today’s menu of chicken curry and rice.  Diane and Jon thought today was lime green shirt day, but I guess the rest of the team didn’t get the memo.

One of today’s “wow” moments was being a part of a critical dental program for the children. We learned that tooth decay and the spread of infection is a leading cause of children deaths in Nicaragua and many other counties around the world. They visited the school and administered fluoride treatments for 148 kids.  Amy and Megan painted the fluoride on the children’s teeth.  Some of the kids giggled as the treatment is effervescent and feels funny in their mouths. Each kid was reminded how to take care of their teeth and given dental floss, stickers, and pencils by Sally Jo.  What a great program that will truly make an impact on the lives of this community.

The construction crew had a very busy day with many projects.  Some of these were completed, while others will need another day.  Here a few of today’s accomplishments:

• Bathroom vanities were finished by Tom providing sinks with running water for the everyone to wash their hands
• A rustic look with a functional design was developed by Mike for the bathroom partitions to add toilet privacy and allow more use of the room for changing clothes, etc
• A door was built and installed to the partition and one more will be completed tomorrow
• Todd added the electrical outlet covers to improve safety

Once again a nutritious meal was made for the kids.  Megan was gone longer than expected, so Todd and Zaida prepped and cooked by themselves. Amy and Todd served the kids a delicious lunch that smelled great and was gone in no time.  Zaida was thrilled to be able to do dishes in the Enrichment Center instead of carrying them up the steep hill to be cleaned.  Another great change that has occurred this week. 

Part three of the art classes was conducted by Diane, Karen, and Sam today with the help of others.  The project is really coming together and everyone is excited to finish it and see the final product.  A lot of hard work by everyone and many smiling faces again today.  Over 50 moms and kids are part of this unique opportunity to learn from two very seasoned artists!

Today we received a visit from a local dog.  It is so sad to see these animals in this condition and even worse to know that people are undernourished too.  We learned that the poverty level in Nicaragua is the second worst in the world.  Food, clothing, and shelter are things some of us take for granted.  This trip has opened our eyes to many things.

Something relatively new is the chance to put our mark on the Enrichment Center.  The design has been chosen and Diane is working on the art work to leave a remember of Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s support on this mission field.  We look forward the final artwork.

Even with all the activity of the day, we found a way to enjoy some of Nicaragua’s finest coffee and cakes.  Mike had the brownie while he told some of his stories.  He is in the lead for best saying of the trip and I quote him “I am riddled with stories and cannot contain myself”.  We all laughed and enjoyed the each other’s company.  

The Bueno Awards tonight go to Amy for her awesome job of applying fluoride treatments to over 100 kids.  She described the faces of the kids and how trusting they were to let her help them.  Mike received a Bueno award for his amazing design and construction of the bathroom partitions and doors.  He had challenges thrown at him, but was able to find a solution that works and look great too.  Congrats to both of you!

As the sunsets here in Nicaragua were are reminded of the creator and his beautiful art work. What an amazing photo taken by Sally Jo.  Please keep us in your prayers to accomplish the remaining tasks in front of us and continue to serve in Jesus name.