Nicaragua 2014: Life Finds A Way

Thanks to everyone who supported our 2014 Nicaragua mission trip with your prayers, your words of encouragement, and your financial support.  We certainly could not have done it without you!  As they say in Nicaragua, “Life finds a way!”   My thank-you notes are finally hitting the post office this week.  In the meantime, here’s a little glimpse into what God had in store for us:

FATHER FABRETTO:
We always make it a priority to be in Cusmapa for mass on Sunday morning.  Part of our commitment to solidarity is to pray with the community that we will serve and get to know throughout the week.  Fr. Fabretto is also buried in the church in Cusmapa. We pause at his grave site after mass knowing that our work is a continuation of the great mission he began here.

A SUNDAY AFTERNOON HIKE:
The area around Cusmapa is known for its spectacular mountain vistas and breathtaking views.  Hiking through the area took us off the beaten path, under barbed wire fences, and through some pretty rough terrain.  It certainly gives you a greater appreciation for the effort it takes for kids to get to school each day!

GRADUATION DAY!
Cesar and I met last year in the English class, and we’ve been keeping in touch ever since.  The day we arrived in Cusmapa happened to be Graduation Day for the secondary school!  I was honored to attend Cesar’s graduation celebration and meet his family.

FINALLY, TIME TO GET TO WORK!
This year’s work project was to create a sidewalk connecting the classroom buildings around the oratorio.  The new walkway will help with accessibility and will keep little feet out of the mud during the rainy season!  This project would not have been possible without the hard work and guidance of project engineer Javier and his assistant Felix!  Our fundraising efforts cover the necessary cost of supplies and labor.  Thanks again to everyone for your support!

PLAYGROUND GAMES:
We spent most of our afternoons with the kids!  It is pure joy to see our college students dump a box of Crayola markers and crayons onto an otherwise empty table. Simple classroom staples like pens, pencils, crayons, markers, and art supplies are often in short supply.  Outside, the kids teach us their version of popular play-ground games. It doesn’t take much to bring a smile to these faces!

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES:
Learning about the local economy is always a highlight of our time in Cusmapa. We take time to visit small businesses where merchants make and sell jewelry, baskets, tortillas, and coffee! Visit the Fabretto shops online to purchase some for yourself! 

NICARAGUA CULTURE AND HISTORY:
At the end of our trip, we always take a day to relax and enjoy a different side of Nicaragua.  Despite the economic poverty, Nicaragua actually has a growing tourism industry.  The old colonial city of Granada is a wonderful place to learn about Nicaraguan history, culture, and ecology.  We also spent a day at Lake Nicaragua observing the volcanoes and local wild life.

GRACIAS!
From all of us to all of you …. thank-you!