An Encounter in Nicaragua

Where do I begin? I was prepared to give as much as I could on this Mission Trip, only to have received much more than I deserve. To visit the second poorest country in the world, and meet such friendly, loving, inviting, grateful and hospitable people is so humbling.

While everyone else had a shovel and pick in hand, I had the pleasure of visiting two wonderful, inviting, and friendly families. I visited with a grandmother and her 16-year-old grand-daughter. We viewed family photos and played with house pets. When I met with the grandmother of the family, I greeted her in Spanish, and she stretched out her arms and we embraced. She is confined mostly to her chair because of severe knee problems. She invited me to sit beside her, and I told her how happy SJV's group was to help in whatever way we could to see that the town have running water. She told me how she never thought she would live to see her grandchildren have a faucet with running water. We were both in tears holding hands and just letting the Holy spirit take over the moment. I asked her if I could pray for her. We hugged still with tears of joy. and I visited with the rest of her family, who were just as inviting and happy to have me in their homes.

Visiting the school and enjoying the beautiful and friendly children, and their entertainment for us was beautiful. This grandmother enjoyed every moment! While at the farm, we helped to prepare pineapple for planting and the grounds for turmeric. What an interesting experience. My afternoon as a teacher's aide to an elementary art teacher along with Fr. Jack and Jen was fun. I was very impressed with our teen volunteers and the friendly and caring Amigos Crew.

I MUST stop now. I could go on forever. This Mission Trip was a humbling experience for me and an eye opener to how much we take here in the USA for granted. I hope many of you will start saving for your airline ticket and join us next year. We can't wait to have you join us.