Microfinance and Social Work Site Updates

MICROFINANCE

"At our site, we have had the pleasure of working with our leader Katia to help groups of ladies from three different communities.  Each week, we hold “bank meetings” in each during the afternoons.  In these meetings, we have a fun icebreaking activity, give a Bible study, and lead the women in a craft.  These are very special women, who have gotten or are interested in “micro loans” from SI, to finance small trades and/or businesses to help support their families.  

In the last couple weeks, we have been able to learn so much from Katia and the ladies, trying our hands at creating piñatas, making magazine baskets, weaving hammocks, and stringing flower leis.  It has also been a blessing to be able to make home visits in the mornings.  The women not only open up their houses to us, but also their lives as they share their stories and prayer requests.  Katia uses each and every visit to share Christ and speak truth and encouragement to them.  She has such a heart for the Lord and for the women in the Microfinance site.  

We have enjoyed our time with Katia and the ladies, and we are forever grateful for the experience.  Thank you for all your prayers!"

-Dani, Kylie, Kyndell, Miss Dueck

SOCIAL WORK

"Under the supervision of Maria Jose and Miriam comes the site of social work.  In the site, they work with two groups of women, two groups of young girls, and one group of teenagers from various communities surrounding the base.  Most of the women involved in social work have faced many forms of abuse such as psychological, physical, economical, and verbal.  At the site, we help Maria Jose, and Miriam with crafts, parties, garage sales, home visits, and devotions.  With this myriad of activities, they teach the women how to overcome their unfortunate circumstances by actively seeking Christ.  

For example, today we did a home visit at a young woman’s house.  She had once attended the social work site, but when she got pregnant at the age of 15, she was no longer able to participate.  After giving birth to her child, she faced many trials, including two tumors in her uterus, constant bleeding, two miscarriages, and rheumatoid arthritis.  She was told by her doctor that these were the consequences of her getting pregnant at such a young age.  Within the past few years, she has had to have a multitude of treatments.  After talking with her for an hour, she decided to rededicate her life to Christ.  We then prayed for her and said our goodbyes.  It’s moments like these, that we are so blessed to be able to witness Maria Jose’s seeds blooming!"

-Taylor, Katie, Jordan, and Karen

Boys' Club Site Update

“At the Boys’ Club we’ve had the privilege of working with our site leader Joseph in a program designed to give the kids in the community something to do during the day, which is organized somewhat like a youth group with time for a devotion and reflection on the Word of God.  It’s been incredible!  Joseph has an amazing testimony of redemption and his love for the kids is clearly evident.  He wants to keep them off the streets, out of trouble, while instilling in them a love for God’s Word. 

Most days we’ve been showing love by simply playing soccer (lots of soccer!), dodge ball, talking to kids, giving piggyback rides as “caballitos” (little horses), rock climbing, hiking, and more soccer.  Then, we always end our time with a short lesson from the Bible given by Joseph.  We are so thankful for the time that we have been able to spend with Joseph, each other, and the kids.  It has been amazing!”

-Scott, Jordan, Peter

Agriculture Site Update

AG Squad!

"At the agriculture site we get to really delve into the lives of the people of Nicaragua.  We see people’s homes and learn about their livelihoods and are so blessed to be able to farm with them.  One of the greatest things we have learned is the meaning of hard work.  In one day, all of us are so easily fatigued as the three of us work together on one job, but the owners do twice as much work on their own with no rest and no complaints. 

We have been so blessed to learn so much about farming and how it is done and how much hard work goes into it.  We have been able to cultivate and clean fields, irrigate plants, help with compost and fertilize plants; but most importantly, we have been able to meet and get to know the people who do this for a living.  They have all been so kind and welcoming to us by showing us their fields and homes, letting us help them with their work, sharing a Coke, and telling us about their lives.  Working with these people in the fields is a step out of our comfort zones and can be physically taxing, but every day has been a blessing to grow as a team and in Christ through weeding squash, spreading fertilizer, and talking to people."

-Alyx, George, Jose

Medical and Appropriate Technology Site Updates

MEDICAL

Working with Dr. Celia in the medical site has been such a good experience.  On a normal day, we help by taking inventory of the medicines in the morning, and then traveling to different communities in the afternoon.  We take the patients’ vitals before their consultation with Celia.  We record blood pressure, weight, and pulse for adult patients, and only weight and temperature for children.  We also take glucose tests for diabetic patients.  After Celia is done with each consultation, we find the medicines and fill their prescriptions.  This work has taught us patience and allows us to practice kindness to each person.  We also play with the kids in each community and talk to the patients as they wait.  Dr. Celia has such a heart for God, and it is truly inspiring how she trusts God with her life.

- Melissa, Melanie, and Sarah

Appropriate Technology 

The Appropriate Technology site, led by Lastman Munoz, builds water filters and stoves for the people in communities of Masaya.  Last week at the site, we were able to build a patio cover for a member of Jocote. This resident wanted the cover for a place to hold Bible studies for the children of the community. In addition, we started a water filter. Today, we started this week off with a special activity for the children to celebrate Kids' Day.

- Sue Newcomb, Dan Grozenski, Keith Hogan