Day One - work!

Tom Luketich
We had an awesome first day at the Project. Last night we stayed at the Madonna Inn with A/C! So, today we worked at Esperanza's house adding an addition to her house. We dug the trench for the foundation which was very deep - our family group did a fantastic job digging and mixing cement on a very hot day. Esperanza's two brothers and several friends were also helping with the work and we were able to span the language gap pretty well. We were able to dug the trench put together the rebar, put some forms in place and start the cement! A very productive first day! Tomorrow we are heading to the volcano and going to visit the dump were Esperanza and her seven children moved from. Hola to everyone at home and especially to my best friend Jan - I miss you!

Molly Patterson
I can't believe we're actually in Nicaragua! Nicaragua is a beautiful country, with lush wildlife and exotic fruits growing everywhere. Today we were introduced to the project and the people we will be working with, all of whom were extremely welcoming and grateful to have us. We did some pretty hard physical labor today, but it was very rewarding work! Although not all of us speak Spanish, we realized that a smile can always be understood. It was a great first day, and I'm very much looking forward to the days to come!

Maeve Kirby
It is still so unreal that we are actually in Nicaragua now! It is absolutley amazing here. I really love it, despite the heaviness of the heat. On our bus ride from the Managua airport to MEFEL we drove through different parts of the town. The houses we so small. I really didn't know what to expect before i left but my mouth seriously dropped. Almost all of the doors and windows were just a holes in the structure basically. W could see into every home we passed and it really made me realize that privacy is something we seriously take for granted. This trip has already casued me to put things into a brand new perspective. On the second plane ride to Managua i was reading my Bible and i opened it up to James. I've been meaning to read it for a while but never really got around to doing it. LEt me tell you that it was perfect for this trip. Read it. It made me realize that the people of Nicaragua are so happy with what they have And that God gave them that deck of cards for a reason. They can do great things with the little that they have. Today was out first full day. We went to Projec Chacocente and we're introduced to the people there. They went down the line addresses themselves while Omar gave us the English version. Almost every single person said that they thanked God for our visit and we extremely happy to see such a large group, we are the biggest group that has every visited. Seeing their smiles made me smile. I felt so grateful to be here and to know that I am here to do God's work. The kids were so cute running around, smiling, and laughing. The owner of the Project said during the introductions that we would disregard the language barrier and work together hand in hand. Throughout the day that proved to be true. Seeing what their work load on a daily basis was astonishing. I really can appreaciate the chores i have now. My favorite part of today was being around the little kids. After lunch a few of us decided to play their version of kickball which we had some difficulty learning at first. this one little boy, Nelson, tried to trick us into running to get us out. His laugh was so adorable and he made us all laugh. I gave him, along with about 30 others kids, one of the bracelets I made. One little girl said to me bonita which means pretty. It made me feel really good about the small little gift i could offer her. We visit the dump tomorrow and i know that i will be fighting back tears.

Susan McLean
We're finally here! We woke up early this morning (it didn't feel quite so early because of the 2 hour time difference) and ate breakfast at the Madonna Inn. We were given the oppurtunity to test out some real, native food. The meal was interesting and exotic, and very delicious. After breakfast we loaded up the school bus and went straight to the Project. On our way down the bumpy, winding road we came across several children lining the curbs to wave at us - very enthusiastically. The children here are absolutely adorable and so welcoming and loving. One of their hugs is enough to keep your heart warm for the rest of the day. We toured the project and then went to work. My particular group was working on a new room for one the houses. We dug a "moat" in the dirt and laid the foundation. We were very dirty - and that is definately an understatement - but it was a good kind of dirt. The highlights of my day were the completely unfair game of kickball, where Nelson, a young boy at the project claimed you were out no matter where you were, and no matter how not out you really were. He made the rules. We followed. Another highlight of the day for me was a more personal experience. While we were working on the room there was a young girl named Noeleah that I immiediately became very close to. She stuck by my side the entire day and held my hand with every chance she got. Every two or three minutes she came running up to me and hugged me so tight i thought I would explode. Noeleah is a blessing from God, as are all the children, men, and women, who so graciously welcomed us into their community today.

Heather Taylor
Mom, if you are nerves that I am in a third world country without you with no human contact from the states, you shouldn't be. Yesterday on the plane right to Nicaragua, I had no idea what to expect. Someone told me that the people from Nicaragua don't understand why Americans visit and they think that we are selfish and they don't like us. So, I was like, "Great." However, the people from Nicaragua feel the oppisite. They are loving and gracious for everything they have. When we first showed up to Project Chacocente, we got out of the buses and they immedietly came running towards us waving and hugging us as they introduced themselves. All the adults in the community went around and welcomed us and told us a little about themselves and their families. Although some don't speak English, we had a translator to break the barrier of language. We worked hard all day, doing a variety of tasks they needed to be done. Although the bugs and heat pounded down on us like no other, I felt so good about myself because every little thing that we do to help this community, counts. They appriciate everything. It really made me rethink my life in the Burgh. I am so greatful to have a loving family, caaring friends, a place to sleep, and a job for income. Before I came here, everytime someone asked me where I was going this week, I would tell them Nicaragua. The reaction was always the same. Shocked, scared, not an understandment why I would want to go to a third world country. I'm SO HAPPY I stood by myself and my reasoning to come; to make a difference to people and to make myself proud. The people from Nicaragua are thankful for everything, something we don't always do.

Kim-Hello American or should I say hola! Today was the first full day of our Nicaragua work camp and I'm already blown away. Life has been simplified and it truely a breath of fresh air. The village where we are doing our work is everything a village should be. There are kids playing, dogs running around, and plenty of chickens. It literally a whole different world. While I was sitting in the shade eating lunch I was looking around and I felt such a strong sense of community. The people know each other and are there for each other. Though their situations may not be the best in the world they make life loving and enjoyable. For example when we first showed up we were warmly recieved with over half a dozen hugs and handshakes each. They were so greatful we were there and I was so happy to be with them. I'm so glad I came and even though my hands are blistered from digging and its pretty buggy God called me to be here a nd I'm just begining to see why. Nicaragua is full of so much possiblity for the mind, body, and spirit to grow and I'm so blessed to be able to come here. I know my mom will be reading this so I wanted to let her know I'm still alive and well. Love you all! :?

Allison- Hi family! Mom, my phone has no service so that is why i havent called. I love and miss you all. Everyone needs to go to worship so i cant type for any longer, im having a great time its beautiful, i love the people and we are all being fed very very well. Cant wait to tell you all about it when i get home! Tell everyone i say hello!<3


Kellan-Hello Parents. It was obvious to all of us that as soon as we got off the plane and onto the the bus this was going to be a life changing expeirience. My family group was one of the first to stay in the Madona Inn. I was sad when I first walked in, to see that a nicer hotel here is comparable to a motel back home. It was nice night. The first day wasn't to bad either. We didn't go to the dump today. Thats tomarrow, today was a work day and for us it was alot of digging and breaking up hard clay. Not a whole lot to report yet but Im sure the next day will be a big wake up call. see u soon.

Pam Singhal - The young people are truly awesome. They also have a lot to say, so I will be brief (worship is starting). Everyone is fine and we are watching over your loved ones. Missing everyone from home.