Coming to a Close
We have definitely slowed down in our ministry work. We started today with an air-conditioned church service at Verbo in Managua. The music was loud and filled with dancing, clapping, and joyous unity all in praise and worship to God. It was fun to experience community knowing that families back home are also praising God and learning from His Word at the same time. The message was on Galatians 4 and how we are not only sons of God, but heirs in the kingdom through Christ.
Following the service, we bussed back to the compound to take our team picture (attached) and change into more comfortable clothes, if desired. Then, we met the Casa Havilah and Casa Robles boys and girls at the mall in Managua. We were able to coordinate 52 meals in the food court by selecting two meals to choose from - burgers or fried chicken. It was quite the coordination, and we definitely slammed Tip Top for 36 chicken combo specials!
After lunch, we went to the movies to see Angry Birds - dubbed, not subtitled! So, it challenged our Spanish skills. Honestly, many of us fell asleep in the air conditioning. It's been a long week! But for the girls, boys, and their house parents, it was a huge treat. We even included one popcorn per pair and a Coke for each - the full movie experience. Angela and I sat next to Yuri and Angelica, the parents at Casa Robles, and listening to Yuri's responses throughout the movie was entertaining for us! The whole theater, in fact, was fully engaged in the movie.
Following the movie, we said our heartfelt goodbyes accompanied by tight hugs. The mall was very, very nice, having been recently remodeled, so it was hard to see on the surface how this "American" experience could be a ministry. However, when we realized what a special treat this was for the boys and girls, we were humbled to be able to provide that for them.
This evening, we enjoyed a lot of free time and a great debrief. Brinson, Landon, and Jamie shared the big vision for Ruby Ranch with us, and several were ready to sign up on the spot for summer camp internships in the future. We are excited about the vision God has given them and continues to develop.
The students have grown so close. They have taken our numerous bus rides as opportunities to build deeper relationships with each other. Then, after our debriefs, they have gathered in cabanas to encourage each other, hear each other's stories, and support and engage. They are really looking forward to getting together even after we return, as they have become such a close family.
Tomorrow is our culture day to include shopping at the market and a relaxing day at Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake near Masaya. Last year, we had lunch along the rim overlooking the lake - incredibly beautiful. We are very much looking forward to the rest and relaxation before our re-entry debrief tomorrow night. [Note: we will do our best to write the blog tomorrow night, but with an extended debrief, packing, and a 3:30 am wake up call, please forgive us if we don't get to it. Thank you!]
Thank you again for your consistent prayer support. We are feeling it! God is present and at work. Praise Him!
Following the service, we bussed back to the compound to take our team picture (attached) and change into more comfortable clothes, if desired. Then, we met the Casa Havilah and Casa Robles boys and girls at the mall in Managua. We were able to coordinate 52 meals in the food court by selecting two meals to choose from - burgers or fried chicken. It was quite the coordination, and we definitely slammed Tip Top for 36 chicken combo specials!
After lunch, we went to the movies to see Angry Birds - dubbed, not subtitled! So, it challenged our Spanish skills. Honestly, many of us fell asleep in the air conditioning. It's been a long week! But for the girls, boys, and their house parents, it was a huge treat. We even included one popcorn per pair and a Coke for each - the full movie experience. Angela and I sat next to Yuri and Angelica, the parents at Casa Robles, and listening to Yuri's responses throughout the movie was entertaining for us! The whole theater, in fact, was fully engaged in the movie.
Following the movie, we said our heartfelt goodbyes accompanied by tight hugs. The mall was very, very nice, having been recently remodeled, so it was hard to see on the surface how this "American" experience could be a ministry. However, when we realized what a special treat this was for the boys and girls, we were humbled to be able to provide that for them.
This evening, we enjoyed a lot of free time and a great debrief. Brinson, Landon, and Jamie shared the big vision for Ruby Ranch with us, and several were ready to sign up on the spot for summer camp internships in the future. We are excited about the vision God has given them and continues to develop.
The students have grown so close. They have taken our numerous bus rides as opportunities to build deeper relationships with each other. Then, after our debriefs, they have gathered in cabanas to encourage each other, hear each other's stories, and support and engage. They are really looking forward to getting together even after we return, as they have become such a close family.
Tomorrow is our culture day to include shopping at the market and a relaxing day at Laguna de Apoyo, a crater lake near Masaya. Last year, we had lunch along the rim overlooking the lake - incredibly beautiful. We are very much looking forward to the rest and relaxation before our re-entry debrief tomorrow night. [Note: we will do our best to write the blog tomorrow night, but with an extended debrief, packing, and a 3:30 am wake up call, please forgive us if we don't get to it. Thank you!]
Thank you again for your consistent prayer support. We are feeling it! God is present and at work. Praise Him!
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