Day 3 in Nicaragua

“ So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you [b]know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”  John 13: 12-17

Tonight after supper, I spent some time looking at photos and had trouble choosing just 2 to show you.  It was a very active day and very fulfilling.  This morning, after I got a handle on my headache, I spent some quiet time preparing my crochet area for students, separating hooks and yarn and practicing my Spanish terminology.  I wasn’t sure if I would have a lot of time with a translator so I felt I needed to be prepared just in case.  So I had 6 ladies come and Hiro translated for me as I introduced them to the basics of crocheting, with pictures of future projects and demonstrations of a slip knot and beginning chain.  It was a short intro and some had to leave early to finish cooking lunch for the children.  Hopefully they will all return on Monday as we begin our first project.  It is in God’s hands.

Then we set up the bins of water for the washing of the feet.  We had one church donate 90 pairs of shoes to be given to children before they begin/go back to school, which is next week.  In preparation of the washing of the feet, Jonathan told the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet in John 13.  This was very moving and well received.  Then they went around back to Pan de Vida and received their new shoes.   By the time this was all accomplished, it was time for lunch.  While others were helping with the shoes and children, I was helping with lunch. 

I was trusted with a knife and once I showed that I knew how to peel properly, I was given the task of cutting the peel off the lemons, then the next lady would cut them in half and squeeze the juice into a cup.  The cup was then handed to the next lady and she added it to the Gleaners mixture that was the base for lunch.  These are dried vegetable packages that are mixed up for a healthy lunch.

I mentioned earlier the Apoyo team and I wanted to expand a bit on what they do.  Yesterday, Winnie and Yvonne went to visit 3 co-ops in Ticuntepe area.  Apoyo means support so they go into co-ops to provide extra support.  A new co-op will get a serger and at the seminar they will teach new skills. And help solve problems that may arise. 

This afternoon we had the opportunity to attend the final games of the PAN Mission soccer league. In Spanish it is football sala.  It was very exciting and demonstrated very skilled footwork and energy.  Chippewa team at half time was ahead at 5 to 1, then in the second half, Elora team was able to come back and tie the game!  So there was a shootout of 5 shots for each team.  In the end, Elora prevailed and won the 1st place trophy presented by Annette Vickers, our Director.  2nd place trophy was presented to Chippewa and 3rd place trophy was presented to the Joy team.  Also, most valuable player and most valuable coach were also presented.  It was all quite enjoyable and I will share a video later on facebook from Jonathan and you will be able to hear me cheering in the background.

We came home to a lovely dinner of spaghetti and meat sauce.  It was delightful.  Our evenings are spent sharing stories from the day with each other and sharing photos.  

Blessings to all of you.  I will back tomorrow to tell you whether I dare to try zip lining on our Sunday afternoon excursion.