Almost a month has past since I left Nicaragua. I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone! Before I forget all the important details of the last half of my trip, I wanted to record them here.
On Monday, June 17th, my traveling companion, Hart, asked me what I thought of leaving a couple weeks early. She had become sick and needed to go back the States before the scheduled time. Honestly I didn't know what I wanted to do! Had I been asked the same question a week or so before, I would have jumped at the chance to fly back home early. I missed my family so much. But it seemed that God had been softening my heart to these people and to the country of Nicaragua. I desperately wanted to go home, but I was also curious about what else the Lord had in store for me in this country. After discussing logistics with my parents, we decided that it was best for me to stay in Nicaragua while Hart went home. And I'm so glad I did.
Monday through Wednesday of the following two weeks were spent starting a preschool in the little village of Mateare (the community Project H.O.P.E is building). The community center in the village was filled with the voices of little kids every morning! It was incredible to see the kids that were enthusiastic about school and learning (and playing with the "gringos"). ;) During the first couple of days, we would see little girls dressed in their best Sunday dresses, and little boys freshly showered and sporting a clean pair of pants. That didn't include all the kids, though...some were simply dressed in the only clothes they had available, but they were still at school and ready to learn!
On the last day that I would be at the preschool, we all said our goodbyes and Fran (another highly educated lady - that Hart knew - that was starting the preschool) and I headed for the truck to take us to the Base. While we were waiting for our ride, I noticed a lady come out of her little house. I recognized her as being one of the teacher helpers for the preschool and realized that I hadn't told her goodbye! I quickly walked over to her and she met me in the middle of the street. She (her name was Christina) started talking with me and we discussed our families, interests, and different topics. Suddenly, she was telling me how she appreciated my friendship and wished I didn't have to leave! I was touched. Moments later, Christina beckoned me to come to her house so she could show me around. I followed her and she lead me to her beaten-down shack a couple streets away. As I entered her home, I saw her obvious love for art. The front of the shack was painted and her door was decorated with her lovely artwork. Christina lead me around her tiny home and then introduced me to her children - Gabriela, Kimberlin, and Joshua. As soon as they met me, the girls grabbed some stickers (one of the few possessions they had) and started placing them on my shirt! The way they show their love for someone is so special.
Finally I had to say goodbye and leave the village. Christina looked heartbroken and started crying. Even though it was somewhat difficult to talk to each other through the language barrier, we had still developed a friendship and found a connection in Christ!
I was up by 4:00 AM on my last morning in Nicaragua. I tried my best to be quiet while getting ready to go to the airport so I didn't wake any of my seven roommates. As I walked out the door, the humidity, along with the realization that this was really my last day there, hit me. I was picked up from Base and driven to the airport. Travis, my chauffeur to the airport, told me what to expect when going through security and customs. I was so grateful he calmed my nerves and gave me some valuable information about the trip! By the time I finally made it to Miami airport, I was feeling much more comfortable traveling alone! ;)
To wrap up my time in Nicaragua . . . I'm so grateful that I was able to go to this amazing country and meet some incredible people! Most of all, I'm thankful to God for drawing me close to Him during the month and helping me to completely depend on His strength and love.
