Cada Niño Cuenta

Okay. So I have mentioned One Child Matters (Cada Niño Cuenta en Español) a lot… let’s see if I can paint a more detailed picture of what that program looks like in Nicaragua. 

First, I want to give a summary from a recent article about education statistics in Nicaragua:

1. On average, half of the teachers are untrained and not certified.

2. Teachers are poorly paid and receive an average salary of $200.

3. Approximately 94% of students entering university are failing the entrance exams.

4. The school infrastructure is lacking with large class sizes and 25% of classrooms are in desperate need of repair.

5. Students are dropping out of school with 4 out of 10 students dropping out before grade 6 and half that enroll in grade six will not graduate.

6. Many school-aged children are not enrolled in school. It is extremely difficult to collect accurate data, because the government seeks to portray the best scenario possible. 

Read the full article at: http://nkboersema.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-context-of-education-in-nicaragua.html 

With this being said. Our students need help! So this is where One Child Matters comes in!

“One Child Matters believes that a holistic approach – ministering to all of a child’s needs, not just a select few – is the most effective method of promoting child development. This is why we carefully and thoughtfully minister to each child’s spiritual, physical, socio-emotional, and mental needs. 

Much like a flower, a child will grow and mature to a limited extent regardless of whether or not each of their specific needs are met. But the degree of nurturing a child receives will determine whether or not that child truly blossoms. By facilitating the holistic development of children under our care, we help a child reach his or her God-given potential. 

One Child Matters is not seeking to westernize our children or merely provide a handout; we do not promote a particular cultural mindset or create a state of dependence. Instead, One Child Matters hopes that by nurturing the needs of the whole child, we are equipping them with the ability to fulfill God’s specific calling on their life.”

Again. More about OCM at: onechildmatters.org

So what does this program look like in Nicaragua?!

·      2 development centers (Jinotega and Apanas)

·      6 hours of mentoring each week (in two sessions)

·      100 students in each center

·      4 staff members at each center

·      3 amazing administrators (Edwin, Ileana and Juan Carlos)

·      1 Faithful Father who makes it all come together

Two weeks ago (March 17-21) was full-on training for 8 mentors and staff. They worked with Edwin and Ileana in the morning; then Sheila and I in the afternoon. We talked about ways to help children learn and grow without thinking “classroom mindset.” Things like having clear expectations, having a detailed plan of the day, different types of activities (individual and group, active and calm) and we even got to have circle/calendar time! Sheila is a wonderful teacher with years of experience in teaching and training teachers. So she was able to give specific direction for these new mentors. I had an opportunity to share some things I learned over the last year working at Kidz Academy and the Havens. By Friday, the mentors and staff were very excited for the program to start.

Week one in Apanas

One of the mentors working one-on-one improving letter recognition!

While the first week (March 24-28) wasn’t perfect, we would certainly say it was a success! The children came- that was a big answered prayer as attendance is not a recorded thing in Nicaragua. The staff was ready to handle the expected- then dealt with the unexpected. We are so hopeful to see this program thrive and have an impact on these children. The mentors have told us over and over that they want to make these centers a safe place where the children grow and trust them. Please keep praying that this happens. Continue to pray for renewed energy for the mentors and a desire to learn from the children. Continue to join us in prayer that all these wonderful children will be sponsored.

The Incredible Staff.  Such beautiful women of God.

We have weekly meetings on Friday to stay on the same page, see what worked (or not) in the last week and get more ideas for what's coming up. This picture was from our first Friday brainstorming. They came with great questions and triumphs. It's been so encouraging to see their enthusiasm!

Thank you for sharing in our joy, excitement and petitions to the Father!

Harding Visit Harding Visit

No I did not go to Arkansas this month, but on Monday, March 9^th the Harding Spring Break group came to Jinotega!! Whoo! Lots of people who had never been here before but a few who had. And a few I knew very well! Needless to say I was counting down to their arrival!

Caroline and Diana were my suite mates my last semester at Harding.
It was an incredible blessing to share a week with them!

After being Dillon's intern at Riverchase a couple years ago,
seeing how he continues to grow into a man of God is a joy to watch!

We stretched our comfort zones reading in Spanish and
trying to talk to them about what they were reading!
So proud of the groups for jumping right in!

The week was very different for me because I got to join in with the groups activities! I went with one of our translators and a group of 4-7 people each day to a school in the morning and hospital in the afternoon. At the schools we brought a big box of book and a bag with some games. The schools here do not have many books at all- if any. That includes textbooks. So we have a mobile library that we take out and let the children practice their reading skills by reading to us. The books are all in Spanish or bilingual. It was a great break from being in the office for most of the last few weeks. I loved getting to talk to the students and teachers. The students ranged from 4-12 years old. While most of them are totally shy at first, normally they open up, start giggling and tell you everything they can about the book or picture. It was nice to have a conversation with someone who I understood too! My Spanish is coming. It’s definitely better than it was two months ago. (Yeah. Crazy. I’ve been here two months.) However, I still have so much to learn, and when I am talking to adults, who have a full vocabulary, I struggle through conversations. But a three year old who wanted to talk about colors and animals-- we were on the same page!

Paublo, a student from Pita de Horno, made me smile all morning!

One of the reading groups

In the afternoons we visited the pediatric ward of the hospital in Jinotega. A translator went with us and someone to minister to the families. While we played with the kids who could leave their beds, Louisito talked to the families and gave out Bibles. The first couple days there were a lot of kids. But when we went on Friday there were only a 2-3 children that were still there. Most all of them had gone home on Thursday- Praise! Friday was also hard because there was a new patient there and within a few minutes of us being there 5 doctors and nurses surrounded the child’s bed. The mother went out into the hall, got on the phone and started wailing. It was very unsettling, and we weren’t sure what was going on for a few minutes. We thought the baby died, but we later found out he did not. He was just giving a serious diagnosis. The doctor expected him to recover, but the next few days were not going to be easy. Either way. We all felt uncomfortable and in the way. So we packed our games up, left a book and some play-dough for the two well(ish) children and walked back to the mission.  

This little man and Rachel played with the connect four pieces for
at least 30 minutes... They were a huge hit!
PS: most of these pictures are Rachel's. Thanks for capturing our week!

For me it was a huge rush of SO many emotions. Fear. Grief. Praise. Concern. Confusion. Hope. The last time I was in a pediatric hospital was in Zambia when we picked-up baby Jay’s body. Except this time, instead of following Meagan and Bina Mbombo, I had to make the decision. I was very thankful for the small group that was with us and how willing they were to change their afternoon plans. The prayers that were going through my mind in those couple minutes were completely due to the Spirit. I had no words. After processing on the way back and shedding a few tears, I wanted to do something with people. Earlier in the week a couple girls had mentioned getting their haircut. I told them if they went I wanted to go too!  Perfect timing because they were leaving just as I was walking in the door. So Louisito and I jumped in the truck welcoming the distraction. All three of us just wanted trims and the lady did a great job. Also, it was just $4! Sweet! I’ll definitely be going back through the year.

Rachel's excited. I'm worried. Larkin's chillin.

That weekend I got to visit Managua with the Harding group for their free day. It was nice to just relax and spend time with them. I also got to visit the volcano for the first time! The whole week was wonderful and refreshing. They brought the Spirit of God with them and shared it with so many people. I am thankful to be part of that crowd.

This is Paige. We met when her sister and I suited together 5 years ago
and got to catch up. She's now at Harding and all grown-up! 

Harding at the Volcano.
Uber smokey and totally smelled like sulfur!

I thank my God on every time I remember you. In my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy...

Philippians 1:3-4

Los Niños

March 23, 2014
The last couple weeks have been so busy and so wonderful! I’ll tell you more about them soon. But tonight I just wanted to brag on the kids. I mentioned they were learning “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” Since then they preformed it for the congregation! They did an excellent job reciting Mark 12:30 and singing in both English and Spanish. It was such a beautiful sound. They were also very proud of themselves- that was probably the best part for me.

I know it's totally blurry
and not as good as the video
that won't upload right now.
Hopefully tomorrow!

The best part for them might have been the ice cream party after!

I also have a huge prayer request to share. I’ve mentioned One Child Matters (Cada Niño Cuenta) the mentoring/development program that is starting soon. Well… soon is tomorrow!! The mentors and staff have spend the last week preparing for the children to arrive and tomorrow they do. Please be in prayer with us for the first week to be encouraging for all. This program is designed to help children thrive who are not having great success on their own- especially in school. It focuses on four main aspects of their development: spiritual, socio-emotional, mental and physical. There are two centers (Jinotega and Apanas) that will open tomorrow. We are so excited to see the fruit God brings from these relationships. These teachers/mentors are just precious. They really want to invest in the children and make Cada Niño Cuenta a safe, fun place to grow together. I ask that you pray for: 

• the mentors: that they feel confident in their abilities
• the children: that they come this week and beginning trusting the mentors
• their parents: that they can believe this program is worthwhile for their child
• us North Americans: we want to be a support and encouragement without seeming like the boss- a delicate balance to find.

I read this verse this morning, and it has been in my mind all day…

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and WAIT for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

I truly believe these children are the goodness of the Lord!

My Favorite Things

If you’ve ever had a conversation with me, I’m sure I’ve said, “It’s my favorite!” I am aware that I strongly overuse that word. Almost everyone I meet becomes one of my favorite people. Don’t get me started on movies- you know I have 10 favorites. Bible books/passages- there are SO many that I turn to as my favorite. It’s only natural that here in Nicaragua most all of my activities are my favorites. Casa Materna. Spanish lessons. Bible class with the children on Tuesday nights. Just walking around this city. And baseball games!

So... Casa Materna. I’ve said it’s this super awesome house for women to stay in during their ninth month of pregnancy and a couple weeks after they have their baby to stay close to a hospital or healthcare center. There are many cities across Nicaragua that have Casa Materna’s. The church here in Jinotega has gotten very involved with the one in our city.  Monday afternoons, the ladies from church meet Janese and Becky at the Misión to put together baby bags or other goodies to take to the women. The baby bags have lots of helpful items for a new mom. Things like… disposable and cloth diapers, some wipes, a hygiene kit, a sewing kit, a blanket, squares to make their own baby quilt and a Bible. Janese and Becky are the North Americans that have invested a lot of time and love into this relationship with the church and with Casa. They help organize supplies from the US side to provide a smooth transition for gathering all the items and giving them away. 

This Monday they were matching squares together to pack with the baby bags.

Every two or three weeks, Tuesday becomes visit day. They also started visiting Casa Maternas in other cities. Normally, we join with the church in that city to help serve a meal for the women staying in the Casa, have a devotional time with them and bring them “baby bags.” A couple weeks ago, we went to the Casa Materna in San Ramon about an hour south-east of Jinotega. I got to spend most of the time in the kitchen (the hut behind the church) with two wonderful ladies from church, Liliana and Iliana. No. Not confusing at all. 

Lilly and I washing the rice.
Yes, a normal practice in Nicaragua.

Liliana cooking the chicken. Yum.

On Fridays, we visit the Casa in Jinotega. We find out how many new women have come and bring baby bags for them. One of the ladies brings a devotional message, and we sing and pray with them, too.  Then we help them with a project we bring. Usually it is their baby quilt, but sometimes they make bootties or bracelets. In the past, women would stay for up to a few weeks after having their baby before returning home; however, more recently they have been leaving Casa after a few days. Sometimes we only get to see the ladies once, so we do our best to shine His love and encouragement.

Praying. This was the day every one stood for all the prayers.
A beautiful sight.

We're all learning to quilt!

Another favorite part of my week is Spanish lessons on Mondays and Thursdays! For about an hour my maestra (teacher), Tania, goes over lots of Spanish words, pronunciation, sentence structure and grammar with me. She is wonderful and such a dear friend! Some days I feel like I’m learning a lot, and other days I can’t remember any words in English or Spanish. But the more I practice; the more I remember. Imagine that?!

Tania

Tuesday nights bring me lots of joy! Instead of just one mid-week meeting time, the church here meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thursday night is Gringo Devo. But Tuesday night we have a children’s Bible class where we practice English with the kids. Jonathan and Sheila are awesome with the kids! We sing songs, play games, color pictures and memorize scripture in English and Spanish. Right now their learning the song “Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord” or “Abre Mis Ojos O Cristo.” It’s so encouraging to see how much they learn and how excited they are for new songs or words.

Matching game- English and Spanish words
*The girls just got a match! And tonight they beat the boys 5-4!*

Singing Practice :)

Lilly and I try to walk around the city often. We love being outside. We love knowing more and more of the city. We love seeing the events on the street that are unique to Nicaragua. This week we’ve found a few new stores too- bonus- a clock that works is now hanging in our kitchen!! While some of the unique sights are a 6 year old boy climbing in a tree to relieve himself on the sidewalk, other sights are a little more breath taking…

Just driving around the country side... I LOVE hills!

Jinotega from the top of the surrounding mountains.

The cross at the top of the mountain. A very popular place to hike!
Laura Beth and Lilly are the two in front... the other kids just got in our picture :)

Squinty-eyed picture as we look directly into the sun!

The last favorite for today is baseball games! Nicaragua has a professional baseball league (LBPN), and Jinotega has one of the professional teams that feeds into the top four LBPN teams. The season opened a few weeks ago, but last Friday we got to go to a game! Go Brumas! Bruma means mist. So get ready because the Jinotega Mist is coming!

Felipe (Back), Lilly, Louis and I.
so many people packed in so tightly...

I loved being so close since the stadium in smaller.

They fought hard to come back after being behind 8-0 in the 9^th inning with 2 outs. We turned our caps around and cheered for rally time… or really just stomped for 10 minutes on the metal bleachers. It was great! One by one though, they scored 7 runs!! AHH!! The place was going crazy! And these three precious kids were jumping and cheering with us! It was awesome. Even when we lost...

Rally Time!!

Sister, Aaron and Marioso (She had the best laugh!!)

These are a few of my favorite Nicaraguan things.