Along
with our relationships with the youth, we have been so blessed with a
relationship with the Pastor Jose’s family during the time that we have been
here.
Jose is such a father figure. Ever since
we arrived in Candelaria, he has been looking out for us. He stops us every
time we leave the property to find out where we are going and to tell us to be
careful. He is also one of the most expressive people I have met! His joy and
passion for this church constantly overflows! I am most going to miss 
hearing
him saying, “Bueno, bueno, bueno” at the beginning of each sentence.
Bonita is a beautiful woman of God who is
constantly serving her family and the people of this church. I have never seen
her when she isn’t serving in some way and I have also never seen her beautiful
smile leave her face. I believe she thinks that we American girls cannot cook
at all because every time we enter the kitchen she just takes over for us. I am
most going to miss her smile.
Kayla is hilarious and an extraordinary
cook! We have been so blessed to have her cooking our meals each day. 
She has a
great deal of responsibility with her family and raising two sons as a single
mom. She is constantly working either cooking, caring for her sons, or studying
for school. However, she always makes time to joke and laugh with us! We even
had a concert to great classic 80’s songs (which they LOVE in Nicaragua!) We
have had so much fun shopping with her and learning more Spanish from her. I am
most going to miss her cooking and laughing with her everyday!
Darlene is one of the sweetest girls I have
met here. She has a beautiful smile and a heart for worship. She was the first
one to welcome us when we arrived. And is the only person to come for sleepovers
at the clinic where we are staying. I will most miss her joyful personality and
her sweet presence.
Deyanira
is another lovely
girl who just radiates joy. She is the youngest of
the Pastor’s daughters. Deya
has finished beauty school and is always giving makeovers to the girls in the
community. Everyone who comes to her walks away feeling beautiful! I am most
going to miss her bright smile and big hugs.
Marjorie has helped us out by serving as our
translator on many occasions. She is always laughing and joking with everyone.
Although she is always seen with a smile on her face, she is covering up deep
pain in her heart. She was married about a year ago and less than a month after
the wedding he had the opportunity to join his family in the United States. She
is hoping to join him, but it takes so long to get the paperwork settled for
that to happen. They have spent almost their entire married life separated.
Pray that they may be reunited soon. I love that even though her feels so much
heartache over being separated from her husband, Marjorie is always making
others smile and is always bubbling over joy. I just love her so much! I am
most going to miss hearing her say “Ladies” and her interviewing skills.
Arial is the oldest of Kayla’s sons (8)
and for some reason he really loves me. The first day we arrived, he fell into
my
arms and gave me a big hug and he has been attached to my hip ever since. He
is a really fiery kid who loves to play sports with the other boys. He is a
great athlete and is an especially great soccer goalie even against kids twice
his age. I am most going to miss my constant affection from him and hearing him
clap during church (it’s so loud that everyone around him stops and stares for
a second before continuing to worship).
Alberito
is the youngest of
Kayla’s sons (almost 2) and can almost always been seen running around the
property completely naked. He is definitely a momma’s boy always hugging on
Kayla. Finally in the last week he has opened up to us, but we have had to work
very hard at his friendship. I am most going to miss hearing him yell, “Hey”
and trying to figure out each day whether he likes us or not.
