I know I am a little behind in events but I wanted to give you all an update of my month in Nicaragua in April.
My team and I spent all of April in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua. This is known as the hottest city in all the country. We spent most of our ministry time and down time (since we were tenting this month) outside. The heat was at times unbearable but the work we were doing was so worth it.
While in Nicaragua we worked with New Song Ministries. This is a ministry heavily involved in their community through child sponsorship programs. Since this is one of their number one ministries we spent a great deal of time with the children who are in the program or in the communities. Most of our time was spent either doing baseball practice, teaching Sunday school, doing youth worship services or tutoring.
It was during these tutoring sessions that I met a little boy who has become one of the highlights of my race; his name is Justin.
(Justin is the boy on the left of the picture)
I remember meeting Justin for the first time as we did house visits to the sponsor kids. We walked the dirt streets going house to house trying to remind the kids of tutoring. Once we arrived at Justin’s house we were greeted by his mother. A young woman with bright eyes and a small toddler on her hip. She was very welcoming and invited us into her home. It was a typical Nicaraguan home with a tin roof and dirt floors. As I walked in I could hear the familiar sounds of a Spanish novela playing in the background and instantly felt at home. It was here that I first saw Justin, he had just returned from school and was completely engrossed in his favorite novela. As we began to talk to his mother I couldn’t help but notice him sneaking side glances in our direction. I knew he was interested in knowing who we were so I sat next to him. I can still remember his shy, timid smile as I asked him what his name was. But what I remember with even more clarity is the big hug I received as our contact Lisa told him I would be his tutor for the month.
I would see Justin twice a week for tutoring and they were honestly the highlights of my week. It was during these times that I learned so much about this lovely little boy. I learned about his love of reading, I learned how bright, smart and polite he was. I also learned how he was having behavioral problems in school because he was being bullied. It was hard to imagine this kind, little boy acting out in class and being a “little Devil” when he came to me so willing to learn and read. He always had a smile on his face and hug ready for me to receive. Although he was quiet it was in these times of tutoring that I began to see him open up and laugh. He had someone to talk to and knowing that person was me made me realize that it was going to be heart breaking to leave this little boy.
Justin’s favorite thing to do is read. One day as we were reading a book in Spanish about dinosaurs I realized just how profound his passion for books was. Each time we would flip the page I would see his eyes grow larger and larger as he took in all the pictures and colors. He would laugh and point and we would both do our best attempt at dinosaur noises. He absolutely loved it, and his ability to read was remarkable. Seeing him understand the story and want more of it sparked a passion in me to see him succeed. It was through this book that he became affectionately known to me as Mi Querido Dinosaurio. It was also through this book that I came to know one of his greatest desires. As we finished the book I realized that his joy and curiosity had turned into sadness he no longer had a huge smile on his face. Instead he had is head turned down looking at the cover of the book. I asked him what was wrong thinking that maybe he didn’t like the book after all. “I like the book.” he said, “but it’s not mine. I can’t take it home.” At this point my heart was shattered as I came to the realization that his little boy had never had a book of his own because his family could not afford it.
From that moment on I was determined that before I left he would have a book to call his own. It was on our precious last day together that I was able to give him his own little collection of books. I have never seen a child so overcome by joy. His whole face lit up as I gave him the books and explained that they were his to keep. I will forever treasure the memories I made with Justin and pray that in some small ways I have encouraged him to keep finding the joy and laughter in stories. That no matter what goes on around him, he will always have his books and his Creator. I hope he knows that he is smart, that he is kind and I pray that he knows he is worthy and loved by not only me but his heavenly Father who takes such delight in his beautiful son.
If you are interested in learning more about New Song Ministries or how you can sponsor a child you can visit their website:
I also just wanted to remind you all of our upcoming deadline July 1st. We are only $4,229 from being fully funded. Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. To donate today please click on the Support Me link on the left! Thanks.
I am currently in Colombia so be looking forward to another blog soon!
