Today we went to Bethel, Nicaragua, a place I'll never forget.
Bethel is a community that was originally comprised of many homeless families. Most of them are without husbands or fathers because of a kidney disease caused by contact with the toxic chemicals in the fields. The major company using these chemicals, however, hires diagnosticians to give false reports of the cause of the disease, in order to continue on using them and hiring workers. As early as one year after commencing work, a person can fall ill with kidney failure.
This community was built from the ground up by Vision Nicaragua, our host organization. There are about 145 houses there, many more families, a church, a school, a medical station, and lots of micro businesses.
We were told to spend some time there meeting people, playing with the kids, etc. Before I knew it we were playing soccer with the kids. It was unorganized, uncompetitive, and unregulated. Also, I was wearing flip-flops! (Pet peeve!) I knew that needed to not matter, because the kids weren't wearing shoes at all!
Soon it started raining with HUGE raindrops, which changed our soccer field from dirt to mud. The only way to continue was to play barefoot. How fun!
At some point during the slipping and sliding, heading and hitting the dirty ball, and having a little boy sporadically kick mud up at me, I got more than a little dirty.
Soon 3 of the girls who were playing and joking with us took me by the hand and brought me to a house. Once in her backyard, the youngest girl began pouring bowlfuls of rainwater over my legs and feet, washing me clean. Next she ushered me over to the shower, and continued pouring water over my head and legs. Before I knew it she was putting shampoo in my hair! There wasn't even a bottle, just a sample sized pouch. Then even conditioner!
How humbling of an experience to have a 10 year-old wash my hair and care about the dirt on my legs. Needless to say, this is a girl who lives in much poverty, very possibly without a father, or maybe just not for long.
I left Bethel soaking wet, and hoping to return soon to see my 3 new friends. 3 little lights, let them be lights for Christ.
