After a week of ministry, L squad came together in Granada for a weekend of leadership training and relaxation. Granada is a very touristy spot for Nicaragua. It was evident by the number of Hostels, merchandise tents in the square and the street that reminded me of Court Street or the street in Cleveland where House of Blues sits. There were live bands at night and tables filled with patrons enjoying food and friends. However, in the scene at Granada there were women for sale and young boys selling palm branch creations begging for money and food.
Before reading the menu information for myself, Tess and I changed our minds about the money and bought the boys crackers and a Coke. I had asked the boy if he'd eaten that day and without looking at me he shook his head no. Tess and I felt good about making this choice, but then I read the menu for myself.
These children often times are forced by their parent to make money for them. We did notice a man who watched the boys from a distance. Since we decided to buy the boys food when we asked if they wanted agua they were adament about wanting a Coke. Reading that they get food at home and really only want the "treats" made me realize why Coke was a drink to fight for rather than accepting water. The next day we saw two other boys begging a man in the ice cream shop to buy him an ice cream. When another boy saw that his amigo had gotten one he asked the man for one as well.
