We had an awesome day today, unfortunately this will be our last transmission because my charger is not charging and the battery has 5minutes left''
We are off to Chagauttia tomorrow, It is amazing and all the youth have been awesome.
About Us
- Open Hands Youth Mission Group
- In the summer of 2016 the "Open Hands Youth Mission Group" of the United Church of Canada, is going to Nicaragua. While there we will experience the country in all its beauty and all its poverty. We will enter into relationship with the Nicarauguan people through worship and working together. We will visit the various projects we are supporting.
6 comments:
Thats to bad about the battery, but is has been good while it lasted.. We (everyone that is watching this blog) can only pray that something happens to allow Steve to get back online.......and continue the post....but that aside, we didnt expect as much as we have seen already. WE (Katie Bea's Family) just celebrated Canada Day in Belleville with a street dance..and everyone we talked to last night was very impreseed with the group and what they are doing to Help in NICA...
Michele, Barry, Jon, and Aunt Kathy, Chelsea, Alex (and 70 residents of Albany Hights!)
I second Barry's comment. It's been great, and I hope we can at some point get more. Looking forward to July 14 (and dinner that night). Blessings to all. Michelle
I am joining the group of many thanks - we are always waiting to see if the battery charged up again - love the pics and the stories - miss you all - and will also pray for Steve to get back online - you have many people asking about you Santana - you have all been given a very wonderful life gift of these memories - thanks Pat, Colin, Kim and Steve!
The updates are terrific. It feels as if we are on this exciting journey with you!! We are so proud of all of you. Enjoy your experience!
Keira and Peyton say hi!We miss you Brad!
Tom, Clare and Scott Oster
Hi there Mrs. Kravitz. We are hoping you are having a great time and learning a lot about the culture and people of the country. We trust you are behaving yourself and not picking on poor defenseless spiders. Remember to check your shoes each morning.
Love you, see you soon.
All our love, Uncle Sir and Aunt Donna!
Hi Everyone:
I just heard from Pat - don't worry - there is absolutely nothing wrong - she just wanted to give us an update, since they can't update the blog.
Her first words were "Everyone is FABULOUS!" The kids are gelling beautifully together, supporting each other, looking out for each other - it's truly quite amazing.
Here's what's been happening:
On Sunday morning they went to Chaguitillo and were introduced to their host families. The girls are in groups of 3 or 4 in a house, and the boys in groups of 2. They are being cared for beautifully - each night they come home to clean laundry and are being catered to quite lovingly (Pat indicated they might be looking for this level of service at home - Yikes!!!! LOL). The kids are calling the mom of the house "Momma". All in all they have settled in quite well with their families.
There was a concert on Sunday welcoming everyone to the village.
On Monday they started the project - building the classroom. It has been amazing to watch this thing rise up from the ground due to their hard work. Each teen is contributing to their full potential - again, Pat said she can't believe how well everyone is working together and whole-heartedly.
They work everyday from 8 am to 11:30 or 12 noon, then do something in the afternoon. On Monday they visited a coffee plantation, which was really fun.
Each evening they gather in the 'musee' which is essentially a community hall, to debrief and recount their day.
On Tuesday, after work, they were supposed to go to the petroglyphs, however it rained so it ended up being a 'chill' afternoon (to borrow a phrase from Will). They played cards, sorted school supplies, went for walks etc.
Today they are finished working, then will participate in a celebration the town is having for them as a thank you for building the classroom. After that they're going for a swim.
Tomorrow they're getting up really early and heading to the petroglyphs before visiting the macadamia nut project. They will meet the people in these communities and learn how to make Nicaraguan bread (Pat couldn't recall the name of the bread).
Her closing comment was "Each night, as part of circle time, we tell about one high and one low of the day. Last night, no one could come up with a low!" This is a very telling comment, and indicative of the experience they are having.
Pat also indicated that at some point in this journey every child has spoken appreciative words about us (their parents) and she wanted to make sure we knew about this - good to hear. They have adjusted well, are having the time of their lives, and can't wait for more adventures.
I’ll let you know if I hear anything else.
Also don’t forget to let Barry know if you’re in for Kelsey’s on the 14th at 9:30 (barry@hirus.ca).
Can you believe that’s a week from today?! Where has the time gone.....
Laurie
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