Sunday, November 13, 2011
A video from Nica
The video above shows a "street ministry" event in Nicaragua. The man speaking in Julio, the national director for the Church of God in Nicaragua. The song they are singing is called "La Cocina," and it lists all the utensils in the kitchen, like "cuchara" is a spoon, and "cucharon" is a bowl, etc. Its a really fun song.
What is so great about this video, is that we taught them that song and the motions! When our team visited in June, we brought CDs of kids songs and taught them the motions. It was a hit! And they are still singing and dancing to the music. Hopefully they are continuing to use some of the other tools and lessons we taught them as well.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Walking through a door...
When we left Guatemala last week, I felt as though I had come to the end of a long road, with nowhere left to go. We had prepared for so long and realized our dreams, what could possibly be next? I felt like I didnt know where to go, because I had exhaustes all known options.
The trip this week in Nicaragua has felt like walking through a door. Every door, no matter how small, is a passageway, has frame underwhich one must pass. This week, I have passed through in a renewing experience. I have seen new things, discovered a new love for a new people, and a whole host of new options is open before me. I feel equally uncertain of where to go next, but now because there are so many options.
The road is laid out before me. I have stepped through the door, and I will continue forward on the journey, with fear and trembling.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The up and down process
This week, while in Nicaragua, our primary work has to been to train children's teachers/pastors in methods of teaching children. We spent Monday-Wednesday at the church of Sendero de Luz with about 35 individuals, mostly younger teachers (17-20). Thursday and Friday we worked with teachers at Centro Harmonia, and these folks were mostly middle-aged, with a few younger teachers.
I noticed an interesting pattern at both sites. The first day, both groups were hesitant to jump in, answer questions, or participate. After the first afternoon when our group from the States did the kids program, it was like we were proving ourselves. "Yeah, these gringos can handle 120 kids for 2 hours, and do a decent job." The second day together, the teachers were more invloved, more ready to participate, and we started to have meaningful conversations with them at lunch and during breaks.
At both churches, we also had a prayer and praise service in the evening. This provided a great opportunity to connect on an even more deeply spiritual level. Shouting praises together, dancing in the church aisles, and kneeling at the altar - a bond forms very quickly!
Therefore, by the time we reached our final day together, at both sites, everyone is sad to leave. The teachers share the significancw of this week for their life, and our group feels humbled to be a part of it all. We exchange email and facebook information, take pictures, and cry enough for others to see and offer a hug or consolation.
This has been my week: Up and down. Hesitant and reluctant. Eager and enthusiastic. Broken and vulnerable.
Leaving and promising to return.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Alabanzas en la Iglesia de Sendero de Luz
Tuesday night, we sang, danced, shouted and prayed with the wonderful people of Sendero de Luz. Here's a short video.
A Night in Rivas
Last night we walked through the central town square and park, looking for a restaurant for dinner. We passed a beautiful Catholic Church, probably 150 years old. They were having mass, and at the same time, a man was setting off loud fireworks just outside the church. We asked what was going on and learned that it was a saint's day (perhaps Peter?) and the fireworks were a celebration. A few minutes later, everyone left the church and walked through the streets, carrying a statue of saint Peter, with the people playing drums, trumpets, trombones and more.
I love Central American culture.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Nica: Day One
My expectatations for this trip are already blown away. The country is beautiful in its own unique way. And the team that has come together to share this week is really special. I had a great conversation - in Spanish! - with Julio and his wife Estrella. They are a wonderful family, and I look forward to getting to know them more.
Tonight, Mike Simpson shared about his history in Nicaragua. He has built dozens of churches and educational buildings in this country, but now, he believes it is time to train the teachers about how to do children's ministry. He said that his denomintion has largely ignored this country, and that what we are doing this week has never been done before, and is in great need.
What an honor! How humbling!
I feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and very excited. I look forward to engaging with the teachers, and helping with this very different type of ministry.
