Here's how it all came about:
Don and Jacque (other missionaries working with Str8way Ministries here in Nicaragua) were invited by Jeff and Erinn to take their kids from El Puente to Campo Alegria. (Happy Camp in English... sounds better in Spanish right?) Jeff, Erinn, and their three kids have lived in Managua (the capital of Nicaragua) for the past year, and are getting ready to go on staff as missionaries with FCA. Their home church in Maryland was planning to send a team of youth on a mission trip to host the camp. As Don and Jacque were working out the details with Jeff and Erinn, they discovered that there was a conflict in the scheduling, and they were not going to be able to attend with their kids. So... Jacque, being the loving sister in Christ that she is, thought of me and my niños out in Quebracho and suggested to Jeff and Erinn that maybe our group would be a good alternative. A few days later I met up with Jeff and Erinn, and we decided it would be a good fit for everyone. The invitation was in place...
Just the beginning:
Here's where my work began. I now had the task of visiting all of the families in Quebracho to ask permission to take their kids away with me and Pastor Eliut for 3 days. I visited 17 families in two days. The goal was to have 25 kids who would attend camp. At the end of the time allotted to decide, we had a total of 16 hesitant yeses. So, I began the follow-up visits. I had known that it was going to be tough. The parents in Quebracho are protective of their kids, but what surprised me was the fear that the enemy had put in them. They were worried, that this group from the States, was really coming to sell their children. After many visits and much prayer, the day of the departure came, and we had a total of 24 niños who would attend camp, with the condition that one woman from the barrio would accompany us. (I guess to make sure we got a fair price for their kids? haha. Ok, it's not funny. a little? maybe?)
CAMP TIME!!!:
Here I want to make some shout outs. First and foremost, the shout out goes to the Lord. I thank and praise Him for safe travel to and from camp, and for having His merciful hand over us to prevent injuries and sicknesses. I praise Him because I had been praying that He orchestrate exactly who would participate in the camp. Arriving at camp we divided into four teams. With our 24 kids, we had exactly six who were little ones, six who were a bit older, and 12 pre-teens. In all of my worry and stress, the Lord knew exactly what He was doing! (as usual!!!)
Which leads me to my second shout out to my niños. All of the teams and visitors that I have had always compliment me on how well-behaved and enjoyable my kids are. This trip proved to be no exception. They all got along and were respectful while enjoying their time. I believe that they also made this a great experience for the team that hosted the camp.
And that brings me to my shout out and thank you to the team from Maryland that hosted camp. They did an AMAZING job! I have never worked with a team that was so organized and prepared. The theme of camp was Jonah and the Whale. They had art projects, group games, and stories (not to mention giant inflatable whales!) that went with the theme. We also got to sing, eat, and play in the lake. The camp was located right on the beach! The team always had the activities prepared. The transitions were smooth. And, the team seemed to all get along really well. They were also incredibly generous and gave a soccer ball and a Bible to each child at the end of camp. When I asked the kids about their favorite parts of camp they told me they loved all of it! But some specifics that they mentioned were the food. They got to eat full meals at every meal time. Normally in Quebracho they probably eat a semi full meal at lunch time, and then dinner and breakfast are a few bites of whatever was left from lunch. Not always the case, but common. Another favorite from camp was the singing. And, the overwhelming favorite... playing in the water!!!
My final shout out goes to Jeff and Erinn for taking a chance with us! It was an amazing experience for the kids that they will never forget!!!
The Ministry Result from Campo Alegria:
About a month ago, I had told Pastor Eliut, that I would not be continuing as the leading lady for children's church. I felt that for others to have their shot at leading ministry, I needed to step back. Andrea and I have also been focusing a little more on the devotional book we are writing for the teachers of children's church. So... as far a my schedule goes, I seemed to have a hole. Little did I know that God already had His plans for filling it. While at camp, I saw the need we have in Quebracho for a pre-teen ministry. So, tomorrow, we will have our third meeting of LA FUENTE (the fountain) the new pre-teen ministry in Quebracho. It has been a great time of fellowship, singing, and sharing the Word of God. We are putting those new Bibles to good use!
Thanks for posting. I am always blessed to read what God is doing - with, for and thru YOU!
ReplyDelete. . . and ALL kids should go to CAMP. YaY!