Day 37

It was an emotional day at the office today.

I woke up this morning at 7:30am and got dressed. I headed downstairs and prepared my lesson for the 'Girl Talk' session today. I worked for 2 hours and then we headed into the office at 10am. We cleaned the office as usual and then set up for the day. Shortly after Rocío and Esmir showed up. I then started preparing some more for the session. It takes so much preparation and time in prayer etc to lead a a session for young people. The preparation is necessary to know what you are going to say and the prayer is for there to be a move of God and for Him to be the center of it.

This morning Rocío had asked for the moms to come in so she could meet with them. A lot of kids hadn't been showing up to Casa VISEDAL and they had signed a contract when brought into this program saying they would do things like coming into the facility on their scheduled date. So Rocío was just trying remind them of it. Hopefully this helps and more of the kids start to come and we want them to enjoy it too and eventually do it because they want to and not because they have to.

Some of the younger kids came with the moms and it was good to see them. It was also sad knowing that that was the last time I would see them this year. Many relationships have formed here and it's hard to just leave them. But I will at least come back for the 4 day volunteer trips to see the kids next summer.

We went to lunch and Rocío had me decide where I wanted to go since it was my last day. I thought that was really sweet. I chose to eat at our usual spot right around the corner from our hostel. I don't know why but I just love eating there! The food is great, you get a lot of it, and it is very inexpensive! So it was my last lunch with them and I kept thinking where the time had gone. I knew that this would happen. It would just rush by and no matter how much you try to slow the clock down you can't. That is why it is so important to live every day to the fullest and don't waist your time because it will be gone before you know it.

The session was at 1pm again and the girls came around 2pm. We again only had three girls. This time it was Belén, Winny, and Joseling. I was ok with our group though. These three girls are the girls that I have had the most time with and have formed good relationships with them. So I was happy to see them before I left.

Today's session was discussing the questions I had given them last friday. There were questions about their talents, interests, dreams, definition of success, their plan for their education, their goals, what love is, and what God's love is for them. I wanted to focus on goal making and understanding the importance of having goals in your life and using your talents and interests to achieve those goals. I also wanted to share with them how great God's love is for all of us. I gave many scriptures about His love. I gave scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Jeremiah 33:3, John 3:16, Psalms 40:1-3, and many others. I wanted them to know that no matter what happens in life God will always love them. I also wanted them to know that we are to live our lives according to God's word and that God gives us gifts and talents to use for His kingdom. I had each of the girls share three goals for their lives and how they plan to achieve it. It was really great that the girls were very open with me about all of the questions asked and were willing to answer. I learned that Belén wants to become a doctor and Joseling wants to become a reporter. It was so neat and I really enjoyed just getting to know more about them.

Leading the 'Girl Talk' Session

After I had finished my session and was done with what I had to say, I gave Rocío the floor as I always do. She had each of the girls and herself say a few words to me since I am leaving on Sunday. The girls said some sweet things to me and Belén while talking to me and telling me how much they will miss me she started to cry which of course made me cry and we were all getting emotional. Their words were so kind and I will treasure them in my heart! I love these girls and we are all friends on Facebook now, Rocío, Joseling, Belén, Winny, and myself. So we are going to keep in touch and continue to build the relationships I have with them. You see when you have a job that involves people it never ends. My dad sent me this quote a few days ago and I want to share it with you all. It says, "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time." You see working with these kids is what I am here to do it is why God has allowed me to live these 19 years of my life, for this time, and I know He has more in store for me, but my point is that my service to these kids will never stop. I was sent here for a reason and not just for my spare time. I was put on this earth to serve others and that is what I plan to do and will be there for these girls and always support them. 

Rocío, Winny, Belén, myself, Joseling, and Jessie

After the session I said goodbye to the girls and hugged them so tight as if I was never going to let them go. I told them this wasn't goodbye forever just see you later for now. We were able to leave the office an hour early since everyone had left. We left at 4pm and I got to come home and took a 30 minute nap. I then got showered and dressed for our VISEDAL dinner tonight.

You see Dylan wanted to have a dinner to thank everyone who was involved with helping VISEDAL becoming recognized in Nicaragua just to say thank you. It was a really nice dinner and we had a great time being with each other and enjoying each others company. Rocío and Esmir came too and I enjoyed just laughing and talking with them. I have become friends with them and will miss them very much. We are all going to keep in touch though and I will enjoy continuing to grow our friendship. 

After the dinner, Esmir took Jessie and myself for a night out to hang out before I left. Esmir told me it was a treat for me because of all of my dedication. I thanked him tremendously but honestly I pray that my impact here was a lot bigger than I feel it was. Yes I came here to work with these kids but like the quote said it is what I have been put on this earth to do, to serve. So of course I am going to do it and I don't need to be recognized or celebrated every time I do, but I appreciated the recognition and his kind words. 

We had fun tonight and got back to the hostel and Jessie and I just got settled in. We are ready to go to bed! I am exhausted after a long day full of emotions and fun. It is hard to think that I no longer will be working at that office but I pray that I am given the opportunity to come back. We shall see. 

Well I am off to bed! We have to be up in the morning to head to the market! 

Until next time, buenas noches