Today was our last day.. We went to the beach with the kids and had lots of fun.. Until 6 kids got stung by jellyfish and it began raining like crazy and we left.. When we came back, we had a dinner for about 200 people. Our team, the staff, and all the kids from the orphanage and we spend some good times with them having a meal and talking..
A little later in the day, most of the team headed over to the Orphanages, while I took Ryan, Carl, and Meredith to the airport( they had to take off early because of limited space in the little 12-passenger planes. By the time I got to the orphanage, I saw my boys crying and it broke my heart.. They were so sad to leave the kids they had been playing with for the past week. the adults played another messy soccer game in the mud.. This time we kept the game closer, but team gringo still lost 4-3.. but it was a blast!!
In the evening, we had an amazing time of devotion and recapping the day, and we're so glad God placed our team in Nicaragua to serve in His name!
Tomorrow we have a long day.. not getting home until 3 am... but we'll be together...
Hasta manana!!
-Bruno
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
We are all God's children
Betania
Today we were up earlier than normal as we took a 1 hour bus ride to a village called Betania. The road leading there was a dirt road and as it is rainy season full on pot holes and mud which made for yet a new adventure (none of us will likely complain about spring pot holes in Michiana again). Similar to yesterday we delivered about 150 bags of food (rice, beans, sugar, salt and oil). We went with with what we had and interpreters that assisted us in finding our way to those in need and communicating and most importantly assisting us in praying for them. We went with a heart to serve these people and let them know that Jesus loves them, we went to share our faith in God. Certainly we prayed for those that were sick, for provision etc... and they were blessed. But as much as we believe that they saw Jesus in us today we certainly saw Jesus in them as well. Story after story came from our teams of the people of Betania blessing us. God bless you a team member said..."No God bless you tenfold for bringing my family food today". A man takes coconuts off of his tree for team members to drink the milk in the heat to say thank you for what we had done for his family. And then the rain, seemingly endless at times but today at Betania it was so sweet. It began to rain heavily and team after team told of families inviting us into their homes as a shelter from the storm. One Lady thanked God for the rain as our team was able to spend more time with Her talking about her (and our God). The differences in this place and where we come from are undeniable but today, I am reminded of all of the ways we are just the same. We are all God's children.
Ice Cream and Basketball
In the afternoon we bought ice cream, cones and scooped our hearts out as we feed ice cream to all of the kids at the Verbo orphanage. After ice cream we spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the kids. Volleyball, crafts, tag, etc... Several of us played basketball with the older boys (trying to redeem ourselves from the embarrassing 10-4 gringo loss from Tuesday). The court was basically underwater but with brooms, boards and a lot of effort we got most of the water and mud off and were ready to go (half court because a broken down bus was blocking the other rim). Again I am reminded as we eat ice cream together with our children and the kids from Verbo, playing basketball together that although we are seemingly worlds apart, We are all God's children.
Thursday Evening Church
We ended our night attending a church service at Verbo Church and worshiped together singing songs in English, Spanish, and Moskito. How Great Thou Art, How Great is our God, and other songs that have meant so much to many of us for years as we have worshiped together. God's presence was so powerful to me as once again I was struck with, We are all God's children.
I am so thankful for this week and especially for today, and I thank God for his faithfulness to all of his Children all over the world and that we have all been able to be his hands and feet this week in Puerto Cabazas.
Troy, Lori, Luke, Lainie and Landon Holland.
Today we were up earlier than normal as we took a 1 hour bus ride to a village called Betania. The road leading there was a dirt road and as it is rainy season full on pot holes and mud which made for yet a new adventure (none of us will likely complain about spring pot holes in Michiana again). Similar to yesterday we delivered about 150 bags of food (rice, beans, sugar, salt and oil). We went with with what we had and interpreters that assisted us in finding our way to those in need and communicating and most importantly assisting us in praying for them. We went with a heart to serve these people and let them know that Jesus loves them, we went to share our faith in God. Certainly we prayed for those that were sick, for provision etc... and they were blessed. But as much as we believe that they saw Jesus in us today we certainly saw Jesus in them as well. Story after story came from our teams of the people of Betania blessing us. God bless you a team member said..."No God bless you tenfold for bringing my family food today". A man takes coconuts off of his tree for team members to drink the milk in the heat to say thank you for what we had done for his family. And then the rain, seemingly endless at times but today at Betania it was so sweet. It began to rain heavily and team after team told of families inviting us into their homes as a shelter from the storm. One Lady thanked God for the rain as our team was able to spend more time with Her talking about her (and our God). The differences in this place and where we come from are undeniable but today, I am reminded of all of the ways we are just the same. We are all God's children.
Ice Cream and Basketball
In the afternoon we bought ice cream, cones and scooped our hearts out as we feed ice cream to all of the kids at the Verbo orphanage. After ice cream we spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the kids. Volleyball, crafts, tag, etc... Several of us played basketball with the older boys (trying to redeem ourselves from the embarrassing 10-4 gringo loss from Tuesday). The court was basically underwater but with brooms, boards and a lot of effort we got most of the water and mud off and were ready to go (half court because a broken down bus was blocking the other rim). Again I am reminded as we eat ice cream together with our children and the kids from Verbo, playing basketball together that although we are seemingly worlds apart, We are all God's children.
Thursday Evening Church
We ended our night attending a church service at Verbo Church and worshiped together singing songs in English, Spanish, and Moskito. How Great Thou Art, How Great is our God, and other songs that have meant so much to many of us for years as we have worshiped together. God's presence was so powerful to me as once again I was struck with, We are all God's children.
I am so thankful for this week and especially for today, and I thank God for his faithfulness to all of his Children all over the world and that we have all been able to be his hands and feet this week in Puerto Cabazas.
Troy, Lori, Luke, Lainie and Landon Holland.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Our day in the village
The place we visited today was renamed to Esperanza (the place of hope) from the name "dumpster people". This is where the walkers live because they have no way to get home after traveling many miles to get urban help (medical or other). Our kids were so shocked how some of the kids didn't even have clothes to wear. Many of us felt very blessed once we saw the tiny shacks they live in with food only eaten once a day. The kids felt happy just to help deliver food to those without.
When will this government see the oppression of their people. Many of us felt the anger for such a government and their greed. Even though there is great desperation we prayed with each family we gave food to and you could feel the Holy Spirit still there. Gods presence was still here and the people we visited still need the hope of Jesus. There were even those that when we asked them what to pray for they responded that I train up my children knowing God. How similar we are even though our lives are sooooo different. If we truly are blessed we are then commanded to be a blessing towards others. Just because we "have" in America that does not mean that God loves us any more. In fact the "haves" could be a distraction as Jesus taught about in the four soils.
I was going to say most bathrooms were outside (outhouses) but I can't remember one that had a bathroom inside the house. We reflected on the word "Compassion" which means "to suffer with" which brought today into a reality. Many of the neighbors treated each other as family when we passed out the food but this begs the question "do we know our neighbors this well?
Many were shocked how many we prayed for were sick themselves or had a family member sick. There were some (multiple) kids that their parents were at the city hospital with a family member while they left a child at home. In some instances a neighbor would care for the child and in others the child would stay home alone at the age of 7 to 10 years old. Then there were some that couldn't afford healthcare so they suffered through the pain. I don't think Americans really know what pain is or at least know it for very long. One woman that Ryan visited had a problem with her catheter and when he got there he found out she was urinating blood which was a possible sign of cancer. I can't say I can ever remember being without food and not being able to get it. This is a daily occurrence down here. While I talk about starving the average American eats approximately 83,000 meals before they are 80. Such a sobering thought...
Tony Magaldi
When will this government see the oppression of their people. Many of us felt the anger for such a government and their greed. Even though there is great desperation we prayed with each family we gave food to and you could feel the Holy Spirit still there. Gods presence was still here and the people we visited still need the hope of Jesus. There were even those that when we asked them what to pray for they responded that I train up my children knowing God. How similar we are even though our lives are sooooo different. If we truly are blessed we are then commanded to be a blessing towards others. Just because we "have" in America that does not mean that God loves us any more. In fact the "haves" could be a distraction as Jesus taught about in the four soils.
I was going to say most bathrooms were outside (outhouses) but I can't remember one that had a bathroom inside the house. We reflected on the word "Compassion" which means "to suffer with" which brought today into a reality. Many of the neighbors treated each other as family when we passed out the food but this begs the question "do we know our neighbors this well?
Many were shocked how many we prayed for were sick themselves or had a family member sick. There were some (multiple) kids that their parents were at the city hospital with a family member while they left a child at home. In some instances a neighbor would care for the child and in others the child would stay home alone at the age of 7 to 10 years old. Then there were some that couldn't afford healthcare so they suffered through the pain. I don't think Americans really know what pain is or at least know it for very long. One woman that Ryan visited had a problem with her catheter and when he got there he found out she was urinating blood which was a possible sign of cancer. I can't say I can ever remember being without food and not being able to get it. This is a daily occurrence down here. While I talk about starving the average American eats approximately 83,000 meals before they are 80. Such a sobering thought...
Tony Magaldi
Shopping, soccer, and sparkles
Today our day was action packed and fun filled. We started it off by piling into the bus and driving to the local market. However, This was not like your average "farmers market". There was raw meat everywhere which wouldn't have been so bad, except there are no refrigerators to speak of. To add to the experience, it was pouring cats and dogs. Which wouldn't have been that bad because the market stores were covered in tarps. Yet, somehow, me and all my 5'5 glory kept managing to hit my head on the tarps and thus, become soaked. The fruit and vegetables were really interesting as well but (seeing as Im a foodie) it would take paragraphs to describe, so I'll spare you.
After exploring the market, we met at a whole sale food shop where we were going to buy large bags of rice, sugar, and beans to package into small bags later. At that moment, however, Nicaragua decided to attack and we were presented with the news that our bus had broken down. This led to all of us being transported back to the orphanage in the back of a Toyota truck, which was quite a sight to see. Following lunch, we were able to pack all the beans and rice and sugar into over 200 care packages for families.
Then came the part of the day where we headed up to the orphanage to do crafts and games with the kids. What started off as decorating foam visors, quickly turned into a soccer game between the Maskito boys and the dads/younger boys of the Nicateam. To set the scene, it had been raining all day and there were puddles and pools of mud everywhere! Let's just say, no one came out of that game clean. They had to hose off before the moms even thought about letting them into the rooms to shower!
We all got a small respite from playing when we had dinner. But it soon ended, as the boys went off to wrestle and play games while the girls set up for girl night. Girls night consisted of painted nails, straightened hair, and lots of dancing (including the Cupid shuffle). As the day drew to an end, everyone returned to their rooms tired, but looking forward to tomorrows adventures.
- Amanda Magaldi
After exploring the market, we met at a whole sale food shop where we were going to buy large bags of rice, sugar, and beans to package into small bags later. At that moment, however, Nicaragua decided to attack and we were presented with the news that our bus had broken down. This led to all of us being transported back to the orphanage in the back of a Toyota truck, which was quite a sight to see. Following lunch, we were able to pack all the beans and rice and sugar into over 200 care packages for families.
Then came the part of the day where we headed up to the orphanage to do crafts and games with the kids. What started off as decorating foam visors, quickly turned into a soccer game between the Maskito boys and the dads/younger boys of the Nicateam. To set the scene, it had been raining all day and there were puddles and pools of mud everywhere! Let's just say, no one came out of that game clean. They had to hose off before the moms even thought about letting them into the rooms to shower!
We all got a small respite from playing when we had dinner. But it soon ended, as the boys went off to wrestle and play games while the girls set up for girl night. Girls night consisted of painted nails, straightened hair, and lots of dancing (including the Cupid shuffle). As the day drew to an end, everyone returned to their rooms tired, but looking forward to tomorrows adventures.
- Amanda Magaldi
Monday, July 11, 2011
Our first and second day
Hello from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. W are into our 2nd day of being on the ground( after traveling for 1 day) and everyone is having a great time. We have also been spending time together talking about what it mean to be here, and why we are here, as well as reflecting on what life is like for these orphan kids we have been spending time with. Here in Nicaragua, there are 3 types of orphans: 1- 'true' orphans, meaning they do not a father or a mother, 2- there are the orphans who are just on the streets because their parents left them, and 3- they are the orphans who their parents choose not to keep them because they cannot afford to take care of them.
Another thing we talked about was what they refer to it here as “es la lucha”( it’s the struggle).. This is a common answer to when you ask a Nicaraguan the usual “how are you doing?” You will find very few Nicaraguans that have had an “easy” life.. It's very sobering and humbling to hear all this and compare that with the life style of most of us. Our challenge this week is to be the hand, eyes and feet of Christ to whomever we encounter... Keep praying for us!
-Bruno de Jesus
A day at a Nicaraguan Hospital
Today I got to experience the Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua Hospital and Physical Therapy services. Dr. Byron toured Megan Kuhn and me around the hospital with maybe 50 beds in about 10 rooms. So yes if you are doing the math that’s 5 beds per room!! The conditions were horrible. I have never seen anything like it in healthcare. It had stray dogs wandering around in the hospital, people standing everywhere (sick and healthy people), people spitting where ever they pleased and since it’s in open air hallways flies and all kinds of bugs raided the entire place. Touring the pediatric ward they separated babies by their diagnosis of diarrhea, respiratory, or other. In their NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) we were instructed to put on a reusable smock and use alcohol gel for their sterile environment. Each baby had its own bed, but sometimes Doctor Byron said there could be 2 babies in each bed. Dr. Byron said its not unusual to see a 12-13 year old girl come in ready to give birth. In Puerto Cabezas there are approximately 15 babies born a day naturally and 6 born with a C-section.
In the Physical Therapy department there were 2 small rooms with only 2 treatment tables made out of an old mat table and a sheet reused. They did have Electrical Stimulation and Ultrasound with a Hydrocullator for moist hot packs. The Physical Therapist there, Elianna, was schooled in Managua and is to do 1 year of social service ordered by the Government. In Nicaragua if you are in a medical field you are ordered by the government to social service in a city of their choice for 1-2 years. Francisco our first patient was a right sided stroke with left sided paralysis and actually had a great return in his left side status post 1 month from his cerebrovascular accident. I instructed her on various techniques I utilize on my stroke patients in the US and educated her and Francisco’s family. The second patient as a knee patient that was complaining of lower leg pain with numbness along the outside of her leg down to her toes. I found out that she only owns sandals and has to walk up to 5 miles a day to work and even to her PT appointment today. These patients come in 1 time a week and are educated to do a lot of home exercises and stretches because of the lack of PT attention. There is actually a lot of need for PT supplies in Puerto Cabezas with a lot of congenital deficits and lack of knowledge.
Seeing this hospital today makes me thank GOD everyday for the blessings he has put in my life. I can go to work and order an MRI or basically order any kind of “luxury” equipment to help a patient. I thank GOD for giving me this gift of Physical Therapy to be able to come down and assist Elianna in aiding her people. GOD has put us down here to spread the glory of his name. I question sometimes why he has blessed me. I see it right now as since I am so blessed I need to spread my blessings.
First day at hospital is in the books and for sure a memorable one. Cuan Grande es Dios! (How great is our GOD) Dios Te Bendiga! (God Bless)
Buenas Noches Estados Unidos,
Ryan Schultheis
Thursday, July 7, 2011
It's Almost Here
Our Nicaragua team has been preparing for over 4 months for this upcoming Saturday. We met last night during our midweek service at Granger Community Church and were commissioned by Pastor Mark. It was great to see everyone a couple days before we leave.. We can't believe it's almost here!
Please follow us during this adventure by checking this blog and or liking our Family Missions group page here: GCC Family Missions Experience
Puerto Cabezas here we come!
Please follow us during this adventure by checking this blog and or liking our Family Missions group page here: GCC Family Missions Experience
Puerto Cabezas here we come!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)