Tuesday

It is hard to believe that Tuesday has come and gone!  Only two more days left to work before we begin our journey home.  We are all doing well.  No real injuries or sicknesses.  We have grown more comfortable with one another and getting to know one another the way that can only be done on a trip such as this!  Everyone is happy and doing well!

Today was busy, but wonderful.  Len and Tyler spent time with the Nicaraguan National Police.  They really enjoyed the experience.  Both had interesting stories to tell, and both were disheartened at the needs and circumstances of the police here.  They were able to minister with them and to share about the differences between their police duties in the states and in Nicaragua.  Tyler said that 5 women adopted him and said he could stay with them anytime.  Apparently the police loved both Tyler and Len, and have asked that they go back on Thursday!

Sheila, Janice, Sandy, and Bill Ford stayed at El Ayudante today to assist with construction.  They had a good time and were able to accomplish a good amount.  They all appeared to be very tired tonight after a day of hard work, but they enjoyed what they did.

The rest of the group went to the Sacred Heart of Mary child rescue center for the day today.  There were medical and dental clinics, along with stories, songs, crafts and pictures.  All of the children received hygiene kits and beanie babies.  Some of the ladies also handed out shoes to everyone seen there.   

Leah bonded with a 3 year old child as soon as she got off the bus.  The sweet little girl sat in her lap, as Leah decided to sing a song to her (in English).  The child caught on to the idea of singing and began singing praise songs at the top of her lungs.  Everyone else was working to set up clinics and sort through supplies to prepare for the day, and we all stopped what we were doing to listen to this sweet little child praise God loud enough for all to hear.  She eventually began singing a song that we are familiar with and we all joined in a chorus of singing and clapping our hands.  We all saw Jesus through that child today!  After she finished singing, a lady that worked at the center pulled out a guitar and lead the children in a couple of songs.  She had such a beautiful voice and we were all touched by this gift!

The dental clinic had a particularly difficult day today.  They saw about 20 kids and extracted around 30 teeth.  There were several kids that were terribly frightened and it took a few people to hold the child down and attempt to calm them as Dr. Roy worked.  In the midst of all of this, Holly sprained her shoulder.  (Don't worry, she is feeling better.)  It was a hard, but productive day for the dental team.

The medical team saw 48 patients today.  Dr. Dave reported that the first child he saw probably had undiagnosed cerebral palsy.  The child was three years old and could not speak (except for two words), and he did not walk well.  It is particularly difficult to see children like this when we know there is only so much that we can do to help them.  

We had an ice cream party tonight, and are finishing up preparing for the day tomorrow.  We will be going to La Majada tomorrow and are expecting to see about 200 people in medical/dental clinics and VBS.  We will also be doing clay pot training and checking in with those who have received clay pots in the past.  We are all very happy that we are not in the cold, messy weather of Tennessee tonight!  The weather here is still beautiful, although very dusty!  The sunsets are beautiful, and the team is happy and healthy.  What more could we ask?  

Thanks again for the comments and prayers.  We really do look forward to reading them together every night and hearing from all of you!  It is a fun time to catch up on the news and laugh with one another.  We love and miss you all and we thank you for your prayers and support!