Happy New Year!

I was thinking today of the how important repeated trips to Nica have been for me. My first trip I was virtually just an observer; paralyzed first by the unfamiliarity of my circumstances and later by the anger, sadness, and confusion inherent with exposure to the Nica life. In the same way a doctor doesn’t let the sight of blood hinder his work I’ve found that I can now see past the tangible manifestations of poverty and attempt to love the people who are trapped by them. This has been a gradual process, but now having been here six times I find myself in a position to roll up my sleeves and start working instead of just taking it all in.

Ben left early this morning. I just got an email from him saying that he arrived safely at home. I’m so glad he could visit and get a taste of life down here. The kids loved him and asked about him repeatedly today.

Carlos met us for lunch today and we were surprised to find only seven kids waiting to join us. I don’t quite understand the process of determining which kids come to work every day, but it seems like most days at least one stays home. Although I miss their company at lunch I am not too upset when they get a day off from working.

We had a quiet, peaceful lunch. Carlos interviewed the kids, getting information I’ll need when putting together packets for their sponsorship. After lunch Carlos and I went to the market to pick up notebooks, pencils, erasers, and pencil sharpeners. It’s amazing that about $18 bought ample supplies for 12 kids. I plan on giving them their stuff later this week.

Tonight is New Year’s Eve and I am looking forward to a relaxing evening. Most Nicaraguans, like Americans, go out tonight but I am excited about cleaning the house a little bit, watching a movie, and maybe reading. Any doubt that I am really an old man has now been eliminated. I hope that you all have a safe, fun New Year’s Eve!

Weekend with Ben

Friday Ben and I headed to Vera Cruz, the town where Casa Bernabe, the orphanage at which we stayed during spring break, is located. Ben was looking forward to reconnecting with some kids he grew close to in March and I am always glad to the kids again. When we arrived at the orphanage we were told that all except for 3 kids were on vacation until Wednesday. We were disappointed but still wanted to walk around the orphanage grounds and visit the few kids who remained.

Walking through Casa Bernabe brought back many wonderful memories. I realized how much time I’ve been able to spend there over the last two years. We had a great time just walking around the farm talking about our experiences there. We didn’t see any kids until we got to the houses where we stayed last spring.

It turns out that my friend Giovanni, who I’ve spent considerable time with during each of my trips, was one of the kids who didn’t go on vacation. I was so pleasantly surprised to see him, especially considering the long odds that he would be one of the three left. We hung out for awhile and he joined us as we walked around.

After visiting the orphanage we headed into the town of Vera Cruz. We were thrilled to run into our friend Irvin, who drives our bus during the spring break trips, on the street. We hung out in Vera Cruz for about an hour before catching a bus back to Managua.

Friday night we went to the movies. We sat in the ‘VIP Club Section,’ meaning we watched the movie in recliners while someone brought us popcorn and refreshments. It was great, especially for $5.50!

Saturday we spent the day in Granada. We braved the hot sun and walked around for a few hours, checking out the churches and street vendors. I’m glad that Ben has seen a few other places than Managua. I think he’s gotten a good taste of the variety of life here in Nicaragua.

Our church outing was highlighted by unexpectedly seeing Jonathan, a kid from Casa whom Ben befriended in March. Ben was disappointed he didn’t see him when we visited Casa on Friday, so seeing him at church was a nice treat.

We spent the afternoon napping and watching football; it was lovely. We’re about to head out for a nice seafood dinner.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Our Christmas Party

Do you know that feeling you get when you are obviously part of something much bigger than yourself? Well, we certainly experienced that last night.

Ben and I started out the day by picking up some soda and ice cream for the party with the kids. We were getting ready to head out for lunch with the kids when Ninoska called. She told us not to come for lunch, explaining they had to work during that time to make up for leaving early for our party. This news was quite sad and reminded us that, in order to be kids yesterday evening, they had to be adults for the day.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the kids and their moms called me at least 8 times yesterday to confirm the time and place we would come to pick them up for the party. Being so used to the ‘yes is a yes and a no is a no’ society in the US, I’m still getting used to Nicaraguan’s unfamiliarity with setting firm plans.

Ben and I were nervous heading over to meet them. Would they be able to come? Would they even be there? How would we get the 5-20 people in taxis to my house? We didn’t exactly have the luxury of having printed out Google maps directions to give to taxi drivers. Would my apartment still be standing afterwards?

As soon as the kids spotted us they ran up to us, even more excited and energetic than usual. We immediately noticed they were all bathed and wearing clean clothes, many of which I recognized as those previously donated by you all. Their hair was combed and gelled. Even the moms and the grandma were wearing clean clothes. A few of the kids were still in their ‘work’ clothes, begging for money when we arrived. When they saw us they ran off and changed into their clean clothes, obviously overflowing with excitement. It was so precious to see how joyous the kids were just to be wearing their special, clean, new clothes. I think they would have been happy just to hang out on the street corner in their outfits.

With help from Ben and Carlos we managed to squeeze 20 of us into 3 cabs, caravanning to the apartment. Sitting upfront I was overjoyed to look into the rear-view mirror and see their smiling faces.

Ben and I decided it would be best to keep the kids outside as much as possible, thus giving them room to run around and also limiting the amount of damage to the apartment. We herded the kids into the pool area and then watched the inevitable happen when a group of 13 kids encounter a pool. Within minutes the boys were stripped down to their underwear and splashing around the water. The girls soon jumped in wearing my t-shirts, shorts and, when I ran out, boxers. The kids were out-of-control crazy, but in the best way possible. They were SO excited and having SO much fun that they couldn’t help but be loud, run around like madmen, and generally cause trouble.

I planned on ordering a bunch of pizza, thinking that the kids would welcome a change from the fried chicken and fries we have every day. Upon mentioning this idea I soon found out the extent of the kids’ love for the pollo frito, as they passionately rejected my initiative, screaming, “Pollo! Pollo!” So, Carlos made the call to Tip-Top and about 45 minutes later the moto-delivery man brought unbridled joy in the form of greasy comfort food.

The mothers assisted greatly in maintaining order while Ben and I dished out the food. Unlike our daily lunch outings, the kids peacefully and quietly stayed in line and waited for their chicken. I’m not sure how they can eat, and actually enjoy, fried chicken every day, but I guess when you don’t know what or when the next meal is going to be you take what you can get.

After dinner the kids ran around and dipped their feet in the pool. Thankfully they didn’t get all the way back in the water. They did, however, find repeated trips into the house to ‘go to the bathroom’ quite fun. I admit that I have a long way to go before I am ready for fatherhood but even I eventually picked up on their ploy.

One of the highlights of the evening was celebrating the grandmother’s birthday. When the kids told us it was her birthday Ben had the great idea of running to the store to pick up a gift. He came back with a beautiful flower arrangement, giving it to her as all of the kids sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her. It looked like she was about to cry.

Carlos was kind enough to call some taxis to take everyone home. It took about 10 minutes to say goodbye, as we had to peel kids, moms, and a grandmother off us. As they were leaving we gave each kid a bag of clothes, books, candy, and toys; all donated by you. Since they were leaving just then they didn’t open the gifts until they got home. Ninoska called us about 30 minutes later, thanking us profusely for the gifts. She especially enjoyed the Spanish-English Bible.

Here is a story which I think speaks volumes about the character of these kids: After everyone left we noticed a couple of coins we had left out on the table from before the party. Knowing their situation, how strong must the temptation to take them must have been? Every kid walked by that table multiple times, often without us around, yet they didn’t do it. I was especially moved when I thought back how upset one girl, Aura, was when she lost 6 Cords (30 cents) while changing. How hard do you think it was for her to walk by that money?

The whole evening was better than I could have ever expected it to be. Sure, the party brought forth the expected frustrations and difficulties inherent with hosting 13 street kids for a pool party, but they are nothing that a mop and a bucket of soap can’t clean up.

I know as soon as the taxis pulled out of my neighborhood last night the kids returned to their unthinkably difficult lives. I realize that they merely played the part of Cinderella for the night and that they were back to washing car windshields this morning. I think that last night, though, is a memory that they will have forever. For a night they were not street kids that get laughed at, cursed at, and looked down upon every day. They were just kids; splashing around in the pool, eating fried chicken, and going in groups of girls to the bathroom to do their hair.

Being a part of the party last night was such an honor and a privilege. I am so thankful that God decided to involve me in his work. The party was yet another way that God showed me the blessings that come with service. I thought I would be giving of myself last night by hosting the kids. I thought that I would be the one who gave the blessing to the kids. Ever since the kids left last night I have been overwhelmed with gratitude. I am so thankful to have these kids in my life, and especially for what we were able to do last night. I was immensely blessed by the kids last night, and can only say “thank you” to them and God for allowing it to happen.

Back in Nica - Ben's Perspective

So when I was getting ready for this trip, I thought to myself, alright, this will be a calm, relaxing week. I’ll get to play with some street kids, hang out by the pool, maybe go to the market, but all in all, it’ll be chill. How wrong I was. I think I’ve done more in the past two days that I have all semester. First of all, getting down here was a miracle in and of itself, as my tickets weren’t registered with TACA and my connections were all 20 minutes apart. Once I got down here though, I soon realized that it would be an action packed five days.

After dropping off my bags, we went to lunch with the kids. I can’t even begin to explain what kind of experience that was. They completely blew me away in so many ways. I expected hardened young kids that lived a life of poverty and in need. But these kids were so incredibly joyous. I don’t mean happy to see us, even though they were, but I mean they had JOY inside of them. Sure, there were some moments where I had to go to my happy place and count to ten to avoid snapping, but that’s how kids are supposed to be. Their gracious attitude and love for Dyl completely floored me. Even the 80 year old grandmother on the street corner was elated to see him.

We went from lunch to the market, and holy cow, it was so awesome. I love those kinds of environments. I guess I’ve watched too much food network and travel channel. When we got home I crashed, and that nap felt so good!

Yesterday we went to Masaya, a town about an hour away from Managua and explored around there. It was much more chill than the capital. I had a blast getting lost in the city and just wandering around for a while.

When we came home last night, we got ready for the party. We went and picked up the kids and brought them back to Dyl’s in four taxis. The expressions on their faces when we pulled up and they saw the pool and balloons really made me think about their life and their situation. I can only imagine that this was the first time these kids have seen a pool or this kind of neighborhood. We played, they swam, and we ate more pollo frito. I’m sure Dyl will cover more of the details… but all in all it was such a mind-blowing experience.

Even though I was so exhausted mentally from the party, I had this unexplainable satisfaction deep inside. When I’m down here and I see the love these people have for each other and for complete strangers, I’m just reminded how powerful God’s love for us is. I feel as if I always thought of this kind of trip as me serving the Lord and sharing His love with others, but the more I do these kind of things, the more I realize that these experiences are instead His loving me, His people serving me in ways I could never imagine. As each day goes by down here, I’m reminded of the ever-present pain and suffering in this world, but almost instantly I see God’s love shining through the dirt and smoke to provide light, strength and hope for all His people.

Ben's First Day

Pictures from my parents’ visit and the last few weeks with the kids are posted:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwnicaragua/

Ben arrived yesterday morning, having left Dulles at 2:45am and made two connections in Guatemala and El Salvador, impressively energetic and ready for a Nicaraguan adventure. We came home for a bit before meeting the kids for lunch.

I hold myself solely responsible for jinxing the calm that presided over the first 20 or so minutes of lunch by remarking to Ben how peaceful and well-behaved the kids were being. Shortly following my regrettable comment, and Brad’s surprise arrival, I think the kids gathered together and decided to have a contest of who could be the craziest.

I will give them credit for their success in this endeavor; they are quite talented! J Even though I complain sometimes about their behavior I know that we all, including myself, had a wonderful time. They were just so happy and excited by the food, friends, and visitors that they couldn’t help but be a little out of control. It’s a good problem to have, I think. I will say, though, that in light of this experience I do not foresee myself becoming a father anytime in the near future. I can barely take care of myself, much less a completely dependent child!

After lunch we caught a couple buses to the market to change some money and do some shopping. Ben and I had fun walking through the madness that is Huembes. Even though I’ve been there a bunch of times I still thoroughly enjoy the trip.

When we arrived home we found that our internet had been suspended due to lack of payment. I admit that I did not pay the bill, but this is only because I never received one! So, Ben and I walked to the cable company’s office to rectify the situation. I’m so thankful he was here to sort things out as I do not have close to the vocabulary necessary to do so.

Last night we had dinner at the little restaurant near our house. We enjoyed some delicious gallo pinto and fried plantains, in addition to chicken and steak. It was great.

I’m not quite sure what we’re getting ourselves into tonight. I invited the kids over to my house for a Christmas party. It will be madness, but lots of fun, I’m sure.

Christmas and Ben's Arrival

Ninoska called me while I was walking to the bus stop yesterday, telling me that no one would be at the street corner because their aunt was in the hospital. I thought it would be a good idea to stop by just to make sure no one was there, though. So, I walked to the bus stop, noticing how quiet the streets were. Keren told us on Monday that the country is essentially shut down on Christmas day, explaining that most people go to the beach.

It turns out she was right. I realized that, unlike normally, I was the only person waiting at the stop or the stop across the street. Usually the buses come ever 5-10 minutes. After 20 minutes without seeing one I inferred that the buses weren’t running. I walked back home, stopping to talk with Erwin for about 25 minutes.

My parents brought their computer to my aunt's house for the family Christmas party and I had the opportunity to Skype with them for a few minutes. I enjoyed seeing everyone and feeling like I was part of the party. Technology is pretty amazing.

Brad and I agreed the other day that we needed to “Americanize” our Christmas so he and Esmir came over to throw the football around yesterday afternoon. While we were just playing catch a group of three Nicaraguan teenagers who were walking by challenged us to a game. Brad asked if they knew the rules and they responded, “mas o menos,” meaning ‘more or less.’

I think that I would describe their familiarity with football as being more on the ‘less’ side. Concepts such as the line of scrimmage, only one forward pass per down, and downs themselves were novel to our opponents. The game quickly evolved into a free-flowing affair that resembled handball more than football. We all had a great time though. I think the kids enjoying playing a new game with the “gringos” and we had fun trying to explain our country’s favorite sport.

I’m about to leave to go meet my friend Ben at the airport. He’ll be here until the morning of the 31^st. It will be great to see him and I’m looking forward to benefiting from his fluency in Spanish! I know the kids will love him, too.

Merry Christmas!

Nicaraguans celebrate Christmas on the 24^th, so while you all are busy exchanging presents, eating delicious meals, and spending time with family today my holiday celebrations are complete.

I wasn’t sure if the kids would be on the corner yesterday when I left the house. I was hoping that I would not find them there, since that would imply they were celebrating their holiday at home or elsewhere. However, they were all out there like any other day.

We had a pretty good lunch; the kids were excited that Brad, Kiki, and her brother surprised us. All of these fun visitors raised the kids’ energy level several notches, though. There was some drama between Aura, the girl who just got signed up in the program on Friday, and Sonia. Brad told me that he saw them all-out brawling the other day and it seems like the animosity still remains.

Our good friend Keren invited Brad and me to join her family for a traditional Nicaraguan Christmas dinner last night. Brad wanted to go visit the kids in the orphanage where we go for spring break, which is down the street from Keren’s house, beforehand so we left my house around 3pm. When we got there we realized there was a group of Americans with the kids already so, not wanting to intrude, we instead spent a few hours walking around the town of Vera Cruz. Brad knows a good amount of people there so we stopped by three houses and chatted with some of his friends.

Nicaraguans, in general, seem to be much more hospitable than Americans. Upon arriving, unannounced, we were immediately offered chairs, drinks, and even a look at what must be one of the most treasured possessions – the family photo album. Brad and I couldn’t get over how Nicaraguans usually do not smile for pictures. There were countless pictures from someone’s wedding, and the people looked absolutely miserable in every one. Just a cultural difference, I guess. One family even talked Brad and me into taking turns riding their horse around their property. I will say that this was a new way to celebrate Christmas for me.

Keren’s mom cooked us a delicious dinner. It was a true feast. Along with Keren’s parents we dined with six of their closest friends and some boys from the orphanage. Although I couldn’t really understand the conversation it was nice to be included in such a special gathering.

Not surprisingly, Christmas Eve is a HUGE night for fireworks here. Somehow we managed to stay awake until midnight, when we, along with I think every other person in Managua, set them off. I felt like I was in a war zone.

Clearly, Christmas is celebrated very differently here than at home. Although Nicaragua is a very strong and open Catholic country the religious aspect of Christmas seems to be minimal in importance. Also, while (fake) Christmas trees and Christmas lights are fairly common, gift exchanging doesn’t seem to be too common. Due to the weather, fireworks, and pace of the evening, last night felt much more like the Fourth of July than Christmas.

Although I miss my family and our Christmas traditions greatly I am glad that I could experience a Nicaraguan Christmas. I am so blessed to have such great friends here who could make the evening so special.