Saturday, July 25, 2009

Day 2 Visiting the Dump and Volcanoes
















This Morning we visited the dump. There was a village outside the actual landfill. The houses were merely tiny metal shacks made from scraps. We saw the garbage trucks come and unload the trash onto mountains of more steamy garbage. The people who live on the dump collect recyclables to sell and earn their living, which is about a dollar a day. It was a real eyeopener to realize how warped our values can become. It made all of us feel a little guilty of how much we take for granted each and everyday. However, it also allowed us to realize just how blessed we truely are and to appreciate the significance of CUMC being here in Nicaragua. The families who live in Project Chacocente formerly lived in the Dump...so we now understand why we are here.

After visiting the dump and eating lunch back at MEFEL, as a group we all traveled to the Masaya volcano. First we walked around the museum building with variouos displays and pictures about the volcano's history. Then we took the bus up to the volcano itself. It truly was like nothing we have seen before. It looked like a huge crator with lots of smoke and no bottom. There were stairs we could walk up to a cross that was higher for a better view. This area was called the "gateway to hell" because the early missionaries wanted to keep the demons in the volcano by erecting a cross at the top of the crator. After the volcano visit, we drove to a town called Catalina where we could buy small souvenirs or snacks and see a beautiful view of the Nicaraguan landscape and Lake Nicaragua (which contains sharks!). Our afternoon sights were much different than the morning but all in all it was a great day.


Posted by Family Group 7


Dale Himmler

Kristin Rackley

Chelsea Elliott

Amanda Bittner

Ross Kirby

Jenny Godwin

Megan Krebs

Caroline Merritt

Charlie Connelly

8 comments:

Unknown said...

What an amazing experience! You are making a difference in other people's lives...you all are very special people. Enjoy every moment....

Annie

Luise said...

Thanks for the pictures. Must have been a very powerful day. Make the most of every experience. You are so fortunate to be there. We are praying for safe travels, eyes opened, and blessing to all the lives you touch. enjoy.

Anonymous said...

The pictures are so powerful! Continued prayers for you all. God Bless all of you for an amazing effort to change these truly deserving peoples lives. Each one of you represent hope for the well being of the world.

Tomi said...

Thank you for posting the pictures, They are both sad and beautiful, God has blessed our children with so much, I hope they come out of this trip with more understanding how truly bless they really are.

God Bless,

Tomi

Anonymous said...

Wow, sounds like you all are having an awesome experience. We are really proud of you spreading the love of Christ Church throughout our world! Continue to be safe and have fun and remember there are lots of us at home praying for a great trip in every way.
Hi to Rachel - love and miss u, it is quiet here without you - haha!

Unknown said...

What an exciting experience for all of you! I can't wait to hear all the details and how this trip has had an impact! Thank you so much for the pictures.

Kaitlyn D.'s mom

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
I am so proud of you and your group for taking this leap of faith. You all now know what it is like to be the hands and feet of Christ. Until you experience it first hand, you can not know just how important these mission trips are. You will come back a changed person, more thankful for what you have and more willing to share. I cant wait to hear the stories first hand.
Love you

Aunt Judy

Karen said...

Jenny,
It's been amazing to read about your trip. We sponsor a little girl, Karla, who lives in Nicaragua. It will be so incredible to talk with you first hand to get a better idea of the country where she lives. I am so very proud of you for having a servant's heart. I can't wait to hear all about your trip. Love, Aunt Karen