Day 4

Crazy, amazing!

My day started with a 7am alarm. Had breakfast….froot loops again, yes please! Had our morning prayer and then the usual morning meeting.

Today we had the option to go to the market at 8:30am since we weren't able to go yesterday because the bus broke down and we got back too late. So of course I went and it was a great experience. I have been to markets in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic but here in Nicaragua its different. This market wasn't for tourists it was where the locals would go to purchase clothes and food. I was able to walk through the meat market, first time ever might I add, and it smelled horrendous! Meat hanging from hooks brains on the counter to my left and just all types of food. It was really neat to see all that meat and people just touching it and then putting it back because they didn't want it. It kind of grosses me out with the meat I eat here! Oh well it tastes good! :)

While at the market we picked up all the individual bags that we would distribute to a place called Vera Cruz with the scholars. (I'll discuss more in a little bit) So after the market we came back to the hotel and picked up these huge gift bags that we had put together for all 31 of the scholars, filled with clothes, toys, school supplies, toiletries, and so much more. We placed all the bags on the bus and then headed off to metro central or the center mall to pick up the kids.

The bus ride there took about 45 minutes and we had to take 2 buses because there wasn't enough room for the volunteers, scholars, food bags, and gift bags. I rode with a few scholars in the smaller bus. On the way there I sat with one of the young guys who is 17. He is the sweetest kid. We were able to talk and then after a few minutes he began to talk to me about how he felt. He was telling me how well first he wasn't feeling well but also he was sad because of a situation he couldn't control that was going on in his life. I talked with another of the guys who is 18 and he shared with me how he was thinking about a problem him and his brother had to deal with at home. All in one 45 minute bus ride! I almost broke down! I had to stop myself from crying. I knew these kids had been through a lot and had been told the same but to actually see the pain on their faces and to hear about their problems broke my heart! At that age, these kids can no longer be kids because they have to be the men of the house and have to be strong to handle these things. It was so sad but I couldn't believe that after only 3 days these scholars were opening up to me as if I had known them for a long time!

The amazing thing about them sharing their problems with me was that with the 17 year old named José, I was able to talk to him about God. I told him that in the Bible it says that if you cast your cares upon God He will hear your cry and you no longer have to hold onto it. You can give your problem to God and He will take care of it. I told him how much God loves him and how much we all love him. After a few minutes of telling Him of God's great love he told me he felt better and was more happy. I was overjoyed and made sure to keep him in conversation to help keep his mind off of his problems. I was so thankful that God allowed him to open up so I could share His love towards José. It was incredible!

We arrived to Vera Cruz and came to this village. The scholars took charge and they distributed the bags from the back of the bus. Us volunteers stood back and watched how these young kids were becoming leaders in this community, by directing which people get what and making sure no one get more than one, etc. It was so amazing to see how serious they became and how responsible they were. I  am telling you we volunteers did nothing but watch! It was great to see how much they loved giving back to their community after they have been given so much!

The people from Vera Cruz were so grateful for the bags filled with food, toilet paper, soap, and much more. They thanked us and hugged us and kissed us. The kids in that community came over and were so happy. It was unbelievable! I love seeing things like that and knowing that God has blessed me with so much, why can't I bless others in return! My mind has already began to change. I never have been very materialistic but I do like my things. Now I just want to give it away especially the things I don't need. I know that may sound cliche but in all sincerity, to see these kids who have so little but yet can be so happy and loving is inspiring. To know that there are people who are suffering, not just in third world countries but in our own country as well and we are sitting back with our feat up wasting water, food, electricity, and necessities, has become heart wrenching to me! I want to love on these people and kids so much, because I truly do love them. They are so precious and children of the King! Who are we not to help those who are our spiritual relatives! All of us are spiritual relatives because all of us are children of the Most High! I am just in awe of everything I have seen, felt, and experienced so far!

After the food distribution, we went to a restaurant where we ate and watched the World Cup together with the scholars. It was so much fun and very crazy! The TV lost signal right before Germany scored and we all were so upset. Some of them were cheering for Germany and others were cheering for Argentina, which I was cheering for Argentina of course! :) So there was definitely some rivalry going on between the scholars and me, but it was fun and I definitely shut my mouth after Argentina lost! But is was just great to spend that time with them and have fun and watch some soccer.

During lunch one of the girls named Belén put this really cute purple bear clip in my hair. After lunch we had to say goodbye to the scholars because the volunteers leave tomorrow morning. Thankfully I didn't have to fully say goodbye and when I told the kids  I would be here for a month they became so excited. It was nice. Anyways, I went to give this bear clip back to Belén and she said no you keep it.  told her I couldn't keep it and she said she wanted me to have something to remember her by. My heart melted and I gave her the biggest hug and kiss. To know that she has so little but was so willing to give this to me just so I wouldn't forget her was such a touching moment for me. These kids never cease to amaze me with their love.

We dropped the scholars off and distributed their gift bags to them and sent them home in taxis, so they wouldn't get robbed heading home. We then came back to the hotel and I went with 5 others to the supermarket to grab drinks while 2 people went to a restaurant to order food to go. We had dinner outside in front of the porches all together. It was a lot of fun, full of great laughter and joy. I have made so many friends with each of them. I am definitely going to miss the volunteers and will be sad to see them leave tomorrow morning.

We had our usual end of the day highlight discussion. Today's theme was giving. We discussed our highlights and how it connected to the theme. It was great to hear everyone's observations and even get some good laughs with the things that were said.

Today was an amazing day and I have definitely started to build a great relationship with the scholars and I can't wait to see where it goes throughout this next month!