Day 6

Hola!  Como estas?  Es el día 6 y la última mitad de la semana.  Last half of the week and we have been busy.  The routine is the same as the past two days.  Breakfast, head to the school, part of the team to the church and then return to Pastor Ed's.

At the school, the team of 5 went to two grade 11 classes.  It was cultural exchange day.  They asked about what schools and universities are like, what life is like in Canada. In general all were guessed to be younger than they actually are.  The funniest was that they guessed that Emran was 21 years old and Jeremy was 19 years old (guess they didn't see his grey hair!)  They all laughed when they found out Emran was a grade 11 student, 17 years old (probably because of the facial hair).  

From there the group of 5 went to the church.  One of the highlights of every day is playing with the kids.  Sheer simple joy of a child playing, feeling loved.  These kids would often just come up to any of us looking for a hug, take us by the hand, laugh, get photos and laugh some more.  Then it was time for the feeding program. Many of the kids brought their plates and cups from the day before.  They seemed to have been washed at home.  That's a good thing.  Hopefully they can keep that up and it will reduce the amount of garbage generated each day.  It's not something they really think about yet. We can continue to work with them one step at a time - one step is to teach them how to take care of the planet.  Pickup litter, throw garbage in the right place and not just on the floor.  We have a job to take care of God's creation that is entrusted to us.  As one saying says, it's not our world, but our children's world.   

Time for VBS.  Today's lesson was a story entitled "Jesus is Our Good Shepherd" based John 10:11-15  The craft the kids made was a Marshmallow Sheep.  This involved a marshmallow and pretzel sticks. You can imagine what they thought of marshmallow sheep!  What kid doesn't love marshmallows?  These kids may never have had a marshmallow before!  (We saw some sheep yesterday... they didn't look like what you would expect... someone said they looked more like goats.  But perhaps that is just sheep here in Nicaragua).  There have been two themes running through this week - sheep (lost sheep?) and feet (started from the painting of nails, and the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet).

After the feeding program was done, the team visited the local University - The Bluefields Indian and Caribbean University (BICU).  It is totally different; looks like a normal school but in a bigger area.  Large campus and residency is free for students out of town.  It has a big library.  The tuition is significantly less than in North America (less than $20 US per semester).  As they continued on their way, at some point I am told the team ate guava fruit.  I think I saw the remnant of a guava fruit in the bed of Pastor Ed's truck. 

Meanwhile Kevin & Vern were busy getting ready for another day of teacher training.  The first task: go buy fans.  You can imagine how hot it is in Central America.  Now imagine sitting in a room where the windows have been closed off on one side of the building.  the other windows now have glass shutters on them.  There is no air circulation.  We went to downtown Bluefields in search of fans with metal blades.  They move air with more volume than plastic blades.  It took us a bit of a search, but managed to source four good fans.  A good price when you compare to Canada!  One of the stores was a hardware store where we picked up 4 more electrical extension bars.  To our surprise, Pastor Ed knew two people who worked there.  Both were students who had graduated from Verbo!  They were doing well and both going to college/university.  We loaded up the truck with the fans and we had a boy along helping us.  He came along with Pastor Ed from the start.  He just wanted to ride the truck and was willing to help.  We had some candy, and so thanked him for his help with a candy.  Simple things like that are so appreciated when you don't normally get them.

At the school, workers were installing the windows so we could not use the room to setup.  All the computers were put away the night before and they had put away all the power cables, adapters and extension bars.  So what did we do?  We played with the kids out on recess.  We ended up playing with kids for over an hour and a half.  Simple toys - a tennis ball, a hacky sack, just running and giving airplane spins.  All good fun.  I tried to teach them handball.  We threw the ball around.  Kids are kids, no matter where you are.  It is good to see their happiness in the midst of the simple way of life they have.

One thing when we arrived, the local telecom company was there to help with the Internet.  Apparently the connection was down and the computers could not connect.  We had the issue yesterday if you remember, and Cledwyn, Vern and I were troubleshooting via email about what may have been wrong.  So the first thing I needed to do was fix the Internet connection.  The problem?  The router and modem were both assigning IP addresses so there were conflicts.  Guess it didn't know what to do so it gave up.  Fixed that problem and then all was well.  However I didn't get a chance to test the laptops.  So after playing with the kids, I came up at about 12:30 to check on the laptops.  Skipped lunch (sounds like my regular days at work!) and started diagnosing again.  Good thing I did because there was still a problem.  Went back and adjusted the router settings again, rebooted and voila!  All was well.  We brought all the laptops down and set everything up again.  

Sometime earlier in the day, like good teachers, Vern and I planned our day of what we were going to do.  Ok, so it wasn't the 3 days in advance planning we were used to - but hey, it's a mission's trip and flexibility is key.  Our goal: get the Internet up and running and then teach about how to search (syntax such as +, -, and "quotation marks"), how to avoid fake websites (do a google search on the Tree Octopus), some examples of what real websites are, email, babelfish translation (on yahoo) which allows any webpage to be translated, or inputted text.  Also showed them www.starfall.com for teaching the English alphabet and essentially our day was done.  That's a lot of information to take in for a short period of time. Packed everything up and went back to Pastor Ed's home.

We took some time to relax for the afternoon.  I worked on the school office computer.  Unfortunately, I could do nothing with the hard drive.  I think the drive is "dead" but I am leaving them with an external case so hopefully they can extract the data.  I installed another drive so they could get back up and running.  Sometime in the afternoon, the artisans came by with their wares.  Handcarved jewellery made of wood or precious stones and other decorations.  

Dinner tonight was an Italian meal (manga, manga!), all home made of course!  No Ragu here!  The jokes about bread pudding continued (did you know, the girls made really thin chocolate chip cookies and Emran learned the fine art of making bread pudding).  

We met a young lady tonight who was the recipient of a scholarship from Verbo so that she could attend University.  She attends BICU.  She has just started there this year.  Her name is Noreta Susana Quintero Mullins.  She is studying English and is very happy with her studies and grateful for the scholarship.  This scholarship was started by a Cornerstone member who felt compelled to begin a scholarship fund for graduates to go to University.  A heart felt thank you - you know who you are!

After dinner we went to see Rose.  We walked over to her house - just a few doors down - and the 7 of us sat on her porch while she told us of her story.  This is truly a God story - in her words, one that God has entrusted her with to share.  It is amazing to hear such stories, and to add them to my "collection" of stories of what God has done in people's lives.  He is real and doing miracles even today.  I won't share her story, but everyone who has heard it truly says that it is a miracle.  Medically there is no explanation - the short of it is that she had a major injury from a car accident many years ago - before she was married.  She was told she'd never walk again, told she'd never have children, never ... Rose never lost faith.  The entire time she said to them that she was in faith waiting for Jesus to heal her and that she would walk.  She's the backbone of Verbo church - her volunteerism is so strong.  She has such a passion and love for Jesus and to serve others in His name that is inspiring.  Her story shows faith and perseverance.  It shows that God is real.  She is walking and has two children as well.  What can you say to that?  Nothing except that God has done a miracle in her life - and she is sharing that with anyone who will listen.

That's our day.  Time is so short.  We will see you all soon but we still have so much more to do.  Until then, adios, au revoir, a bientot!

Day 5 - Morning and Evening

It is hard to believe that it is day 5 already.  How can it be that we are 50% through the trip?  We have so few days left; we always knew the need was great yet the time short.  We have done many things - met many people and are building many friendships.

The day, relatively simple, yet packed with service.  8:15am the team began to pack and get ready.  All the computers and accessories needed to be brought to the school.   We packed 27 laptops into Pastor Ed's truck and loaded up with a suitcase of wires and mice, projector, document camera and whatever else we needed for the day.  We were not returning until the mid afternoon.

Upon arrival we put all the equipment into Ligia's office and went to play with the kids.  The room was done but we are waiting on the tables to come for Wednesday.  One big problem in Nicaragua is that some of the workers, who demand to be paid up front, then waste much time and money getting drunk.  The rum flows a little too easily here.  The work will get done - just not when you think.  He has promised for Wed.  We even confirmed with him today that Wed is the day.  Pastor Ed went back for the rest of the team.

School is different than here.  You may have noticed that the classrooms are not fully closed off to the courtyard in the middle.  The classes take snack and recess at different times.  It seems to be one or two classes at a time for recess.  Therefore there is a great deal of noise outside the classroom while you're trying to teach!  Again the same great smiles from kids of all ages.  You never know where the kids live.  Being in uniform makes them all look the same.  They take care of their clothes, washing and keeping them white!

The team arrived and they taught the grade 2's a VBS topic.  They made the equivalent of a prayer mat.  The kids were given a plate to keep - they wrote a bible verse (Psalm 30) and drew pictures.  Then we had a surprise - to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Verbo, Vern organized a surprise cake and ice cream party for Ligia.  As you can see from the pictures she was surprised.  Cake, ice cream and drinks for all the staff at Verbo school.

Shortly after the rest of the team left to go back to the church - feeding program, same VBS story with those kids, crafts and games to finish off.  This left Vern and Kevin to do the COMPUTER LAB!!!

Yes this is it.  It is mostly done.  The tables are not quite ready - we improvised and was able to get student desks for the computers.  We did some final setup, installed the router (THANKS CLEDWYN!) and setup the projector, document camera and everything else.

We provided lunch for all the teachers at 12:30 and training began at about 1pm.  There was quite a buzz of excitement as everyone came in.  Unfortunately, we had connectivity problems :(  Please pray for that.  When Vern and I first turned the systems on we had connection issues with the Intel software to connect to the wireless.  I disabled the Intel program and used the Windows program instead.  Then everything seemed to be okay.  We shut everything down before lunch.  We returned to the lab and had everyone turn the computers on.  We then went to show them how to log on, use the Internet and then... No connection.  A few worked and the rest stopped... we did not know what was going on.  So as we say on Mission teams, we need to just be flexible.  So we went on to train about using Microsoft Word.  A new teacher, Johnny, was helpful in speaking with the teachers and giving instructions on how to use the program.  Our initial survey showed that out of about 27 people, 3 had a computer, about 6 had used a computer and the internet before. They picked up how to use the computers quickly!  So Vern and I have a few hours tomorrow morning to figure out why we lost connectivity to some computers and not others.  I have a few hypotheses to try tomorrow.

We left back to Pastor Ed's house and loaded up again - this time we went to Casa Materna.  Pregnant women come from around Nicaragua - usually there are complications or other medical reasons that they are sent to the maternity house.  They come from very far away.  The house often is not a very happy place.  Some teams come, drop off clothes, and leave.  This was the first time a team had come in and did something for them.  They were very happy and glad that we came and served them.  Much happiness and many smiles from all the women who received hair washes and had their nails done.  For some, probably the first time they'd ever had their nails done EVER!

We returned for a yummy dinner of curry chicken, rice and salad.  And of course more cake. (Ask Emran about cake)

All for now.  Time to rest.

Day 4

Day 4.  Monday, March 14, 2011
Woke at 7am.  Many woke up earlier to sounds of some kind of argument on the street, dogs barking, roosters crowing, etc...
After breakfast we made our way to the Verbo School - today is a day off for them in celebration of the 20th Anniversary!  I needed to get in to get the school office computer - we were emailed that it was broken before we left.  We had to tell them "Do not touch, you are killing it.  It will be healed in 3 days if you do not touch it."  Must have worked... we have it at the house now.  I will be looking at it and trying to get the data off and reinstall Windows 7 as needed.

Computer Room - mostly done!!!

Half the team came with us - I stayed at the school and the rest went to drop something off.  They returned and helped me load onto the truck the computers - laptops and school office computer.  A quick stop into the computer lab revealed that it is mostly complete.  The walls and lighting are in.  It needs a final coat of paint and we're ready to go for kids!  I was also able to stop in at the carpenter and the tables are well on their way.  Table benches are being made and should be ready by Wednesday.  Amazing the work they can do in a small shop.  It's the person's backyard.  Has everything necessary for a full wood working shop.

We returned home for a quick stop.  Then off to the school.  There we played with the kids and then served lunch.  The sun quickly made things hot while playing - rule on the field - DRINK LOTS!  Then it was lunch time.  All the kids would come to the side of the church - about 150 in total - and wash their hands.  Wash basin with soap, then a rinse basin then one towel.  You can imagine that it's not the most hygienic, but much better than not washing at all.  I'm sure with the right soap and cleanser they use that they are clean (I chose to use some hand sanitizer after the rinse).

The Samaritan's Purse team from the week before had purchased enough plates and cups so that every child could have their own.   All the kids sat and waited.  Someone prayed and also sang songs with them.  Very enthusiastic singing and actions from the kids!

Lunch was served.  The kids had put their names on the plates.  This made it problematic.  We had to collect all the plates and bring them to the serving station.  Then when the food came out we had no idea who's plate was who's.  We told the kids it did not matter who's plate they got and that afterwards they could swap plates to find theirs.  Eventually they got the idea and just ate their food.  Very quickly they finished and then went looking for their plates.  The big problem was that the plates were not cleaned afterwards!  What to do!!!  Many kids left with their dirty plate, spoon and cup.  They were theirs to take after all - no one could wash them.  We really don't know what to do the rest of the week.  It would be too much for the volunteers to have to wash all the plates each day before eating and after eating.  You could wash them before they leave, but no guarantee they will still be clean the next day.  We really don't know what to do. It might be back to disposables to help keep hygiene.

Following lunch was time for more games.  Many students left for school; the rest stayed behind for crafts.  Throughout the afternoon, other children came from other schools.  Izzy and Kat had the chance to do Gimp bands and beads with the kids.  Others of us played with the kids.  I played football (no, not soccer) with a few kids; this one boy could kick with his bare feet better than most of you (and me!)

From there we left around 1pm for our lunch.  Pastor Ed took us on a drive around town.  We ended up driving all over town until we came to a little restaurant over the dock at the harbour.  Much more native Nicaraguan than Tip Top from the previous day (it's their version of KFC).  Nicaraguan cooking seems to take a lot longer than we're used to.  It was a good break for Pastor Ed though.

We returned from lunch to Pastor Ed's.  I ventured out with Humberto to pick up 1000 ft of network wire.  Went downtown - let me say that if you think Chinatown parking is crazy, it's nothing compared to here.  We returned and then we all went to a place called Canal.  Prepare yourselves....

Canal is a marshy area that has grown up as a shanty town.  This is a very, very poor part of town.  I cannot imaging people actually living like this, yet they do.  It is not an official neighbourhood - rather something that has grown up this way.  It's very wet - I suspect that this used to have higher waters and they have receeded.  People live in elevated one room shacks above the water.  There are thousands of oyster shells.  Being in water, there is easy access to oysters - which they shuck and sell.  Source of food and income.  We went to Rose's house where she had prepared food packs.  We carried in 6 packs to give out.  Walking in, the government had put in concrete walkways to make access easier.  The pictures will speak for themselves.  A lot of kids in there.  Can you imagine growing your family in such a place?  Yet I am reminded that we are all God's children.  They deserve the same love, care and dignity as you and me.  What is universal in all children is their smile.  Even in such poverty, there can be simple happiness.  I am reminded that we are made in God's image.  There was such happiness in simple things as a little candy, and silly bands.  We are reminded in Matthew 25:40 that Jesus calls us to serve the lost and the least.  "Whatever you did for one of the least of my people, you did for me."  It was odd to have pigs just walking around the way we have dogs walking about.  I am certain we all had various feelings as we left that place.

We left and drove around town again. Along the way we saw various children out of school.  By 5pm they had left school from the afternoon (typically starting around 12pm)  You will see in the photo children using the One Laptop Per Child computers.  Even in the Canal area I saw a child with one.  You cannot tell from the children at school who lives in the "good parts" and the "poorer parts" of town.  This is because they all wear uniforms.  Their uniforms all look well kept.  One good argument for uniforms - it removes the titles and variances due to socio-economic statuses.  From Canal to the regular parts of town, children are learning and using technology.  We all know the power that education has.  They need education to break out of these cycles of poverty.  As we drove we ended up near the airport.  You can actually see the runway about 200 yards away.  Simple houses, one or two rooms max.  Several kids.  An armed guard stands by so people and animals do not run onto the runway.  The area is fenced off.  One house had several children that we went to photograph.  The littlest boy started crying!  As we talked with them, the little boy said that he was afraid that we had guns and we were going to blow his head off!  Oh dear!  Pastor Ed went up and showed him the pictures and how it works - then Vern and I went up to show him our cameras and the photographs.  He started smiling in the end :)

We then went downtown.  Tomorrow is a busy day.  One stop will be to the Casa Materna in the afternoon.  This is a house where the women who are about to give birth stay.  It is next to the hospital (I hear there is a field of sheep in the middle between Casa Materna and the hospital... ask Kat about sheep).  Rose asked us to go there and just show these ladies love.  We are going to do a spa day for them.  So the stop downtown was to buy nail polish, shampoo and other things to make a spa day happen.  We hope they will see God's love there.  You think that with the birth of children this is a happy time for most - from what I hear it's not a very happy place.  It is very quiet and they're not that happy.  Some pregnancies are not wanted, maybe teenage pregnancy, or others from abuse.  To help us for tomorrow the task for the evening was to practice doing nails.  The ladies had a wonderful time practicing on Emran!  Don't worry... it's coming off before we leave the house.

While they were doing nails, I was busy working on computers.  I had the help of Vern and Jeremy to finish a few tasks on the computers.  Needed to install MS Office on about 9 more computers and finish installing the firewall and Adobe reader on the others.  They're about 95% ready to go - enough that we will start training tomorrow and the teachers will be able to use them.

Finishing the day on the roof debriefing, thinking of our God moments of the day and praying for the team and others.  Please keep our plans for tomorrow in prayer as well as praying for the kids we have met and interacted with.  We thank you for your support.  We have also been able to support an emergency medical need.  Please pray for Humberto and his wife Lizette.  About 2 months ago she found a lump in her breast.  The doctors here are unable to diagnose it as they do not have the necessary medical equipment in Bluefields.  She has hesitated going to Managua - fears as well as leaving behind the feeding program which she started, and for Humberto who does so much around Verbo church.  We have been able to fund their flight, hotel and food for 3 days.  They leave tomorrow for Managua.  We pray that it is benign and not malignant.  While she found it 2 months ago, it has grown and is causing pain.  Pray for their family and their ministry here in Bluefields.  Here is a God moment - just being here and able to fund this.  I am amazed that our team of 7 has been able to do so much; really the budget of a team of twice our size and the work to match.

Keep us in prayer - wow... 40% of the trip has passed already.