Over the past week and a half, we have been able to settle into life here on Ometepe Island. We have been living and working at Cicrin, which is a Christian owned and operated orphanage. It is home to around 25 kids, ranging from one year olds to high schoolers. Some of the kids are actually orphans, while some of them have parents who simply could not affort to care for them. There are also some young adults (in their early 20s) who grew up in the home, and have stayed there to live and work. The home is beautiful, and set right on the water. We all have been enjoying our time here.
We are also enjoying having a schedule- something we lacked last month. Here is our average day:
6:15 AM- Wake Up
6:30- Breakfast- normally rice and beans
7:15-8:00- Quiet Time
8:00-12:00- Work (construction- aka mixing cement, odd jobs- sweeping, raking leaves, cleaning windows, etc., helping in the kitchen, or helping take care of the kids)
12:30- lunch- more rice and beans
1:30-2:30- Siesta! gotta love Latin America
2:30-4:00- more work
4:00-5:30- free time- shower time!
5:30- dinner- rice and beans anyone?
7:00- Limelight- thats what we on Team Neon like to call our nightly debriefs
9:30- go to bed
I have really enjoyed having the chance to live at Cicrin, and being able to experience the way the people live. I have been learning the proper sweeping and mopping methods, how to wash my clothes by hand (which I am not very good at), and how to make lemonade from scratch- starting with picking the lemons from the tree. It has been convicting for me to see how simply the people live- but they truly have everything they need. The other day while I was sweeping, I just kept thinking about how tired I was. The tasks that are so simple and ordinary to the people at Cicrin can really wear me out! I have been almost surprised by how much I have missed the comforts of home- like washing machines, dishwashers, and AC. But then I realilze that the people here are totally fine without them. I can tell that God is trying to break me of my need for comfort and material possessions, and let me tell you, it is not an easy process! But as I have gotten to know the people here, I have been so touched by their joy and love and faith. It is something that I want- even more than I want comfort!
The orphanage really is full of love, and the people truly are a family. It makes me so happy to know that, while these children may not have earthly parents, they are surrounded by godly people who love them and constantly direct them to their heavenly father.
I hope that you will join me in praying for Cicrin. Pray that the workers will be encouraged and blessed in a job that can be very tiring. And pray for the children, that they would grow in their faith, and learn to follow Jesus whole-heartedly.
