Today we were given the option of having some down time or being up and ready to board the bus by 6:30 to attend the 7 o’clock Grand Opening ceremony of Fey Esperanza II held in the New Jerusalem church. Most chose to attend, not wanting to miss such an opportunity. We were privileged to represent Ginger Creek at this momentous occasion!
School children and Moms gather for the opening ceremony.
Maria cuts the ribbon with Dock Caton assisting while the rest of the mission team looks on.
School children waiting patiently for the opening ceremony to begin.
Maria addresses the crowd with Marjorie interpreting for the Ginger Creek honored guests. Maria encourages the parents to invest time in their children for they are the nation’s future. The church was packed to overflowing with many more parents standing outside the church entrance looking in.
Maria hugging Ginger. Ginger was 2½ years old when she first attended the Fey Esperanza school in La Chureca. She’s 4 now.
The first of three classrooms that border the church auditorium.
The second classroom.
The 3rd classroom. The church sanctuary will be utilized for additional classes. Preschool classes will be held in the morning and primary school classes through 4th grade in the afternoon.
Since we spent the better part of the day traveling back to the U.S. there was no time for a formal debriefing but teammates wrote their highs and low for the trip while on the plane en route to Chicago.
Several expressed Lows similar to Becky’s and Reggie’s:
- Having to leave and not knowing if/when I’ll ever make it back.
- Having to leave. I already miss Carlos, Isa, and Marjorie.
Highs:
- Being able to be present at the opening of the Fey Esperanza II school in the New Jerusalem church! –Amanda
- The changes taking place at La Chureca. –Kerrie
- Besides doing God’s work and helping a lot of people in need, my high was meeting and getting to know each and every person on this mission! I have a new family! –Marsha
- Being with such wonderful people, everyone, on this mission, including Carlos, Isa, and Marjorie, made this a really great trip! –Reggie
Carlos, our “man on the ground in Nica,” driver, translator, and sisters Isa and Marjorie, teachers and translators
- This trip will cause me to read the Bible from a new perspective. I think I “get” better what Jesus meant about helping others. I feel closer to Jesus and what he is teaching, motivating me to live my faith in a deeper way. –Tom
- The gift of a new friendship made with Martha and Penny. We now have a Nicaraguan “Special Bond.” –Sue
- Also having a renewed sense of Hope, a commitment to my daily quiet times with God , a promise to “be still and know,” to read passages about dwelling in the Bible, to listen to God to give me the “Go” green light on a few decisions I need to make. –Sue
- The honor of being asked by Maria to help cut the ribbon, take a seat up front with all our group, and then being asked to say something to the audience of school children and parents on behalf of our group/Ginger Creek. –Dock
- Spending time with Pastor Jorge’s wife Monica, Pastora Janet, and Pastora Maria, listening to their heartbeat, heartaches, and victories and learning how I can support them in prayer. They spoke confidently that God would provide and bless and that He alone is in control. –Norma
Please Pray:
Praise update: A healthier Edwin with his mother. Continue to pray for his complete healing. Those of you on Facebook can subcribe to the Hogar de Fe page and scroll down to the Cumpleaños de Edwin album post to view more pictures.
Praise for an impactful missions trip.
Pray that we will not forget all that we have learned but will continue to grow and develop a more missional mind-set.
Pray that we will remain faithful in prayer for our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters!
