This month my team is staying at La Quinta Esperanza in Diriamba, Nicaragua. The property we’re staying at actually used to be a zoo at one time, and most of the buildings were built by prison labor. God will be stretching us this month as far as our accomodations. We don't have running water in our bathroom (I haven't showered since Tuesday, no big deal), and the food has been interesting, to say the least. Our team is full of joy though and really enjoying being with just the six of us again!
We’re working with Ministerio Mateo 5:16, under Glenn and Lynne Schweitzer, a couple from Maryland who have lived in Nicaragua for 11 years now. They live in Jinotepe, and run Casa Mateo, a 40 room hotel/missions house, along with multiple churches and ministries.
www.ministeriomateo516.org
Our day-to-day host is Erica Espinoza, the director of La Quinta. She is only 22 years old and has a LOT on her plate. There are 14 children that live here, ranging from five to 20 years old. Not all of them are orphans, but their parents were either too poor to care for them or they were taken out of abusive situations. Glenn shared with us that it is common in Nicaragua for young children (boys and girls) to be passed around and sexually abused within their own families.
Paola, Emy & Estaci, three of the girls that live at La Quinta with us.
This month we’re going to be working with the preschool and church here on site, as well as visiting local barrios and a special needs children’s home. It sounds like we’ll be doing a lot of painting and working around the property. Toward the end of the month, during Holy Week, we’re going to put on a camp/Vacation Bible School.
Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, after Haiti.
The female to male ratio is 5 to 1. Since the civil war 30 years ago, 75% of the population is under 35 years old. Please keep this beautiful country in your prayers!
