Some thoughts on education

I have been given the opportunity to teach in the schools here in Salinas Grandes.  It has opened up my eyes to how little education is happening in these small rural areas.  I wish I could paint a picture of the yelling, disruptions, lack of discipline, inconsistent school days, and overall chaos that the students who want to learn have to deal with.  Many of the teachers are caring but do not have the support of administration, parents, or the resources they need.  In the first grade class that Parker and Brielle attend, the teacher goes desk to desk and writes the math problems into their notebooks for the students to complete.  I still believe in helping kids stay in school as long as possible.  Statistically every year of school for a child creates more opportunity for them.   But I see a huge need for mentorship and further education outside of the school system for children who desire it.  I go and teach English each week and I can see the four or five kids in each class who are trying to learn through the noise.  We have been given a unique opportunity to help alleviate some of the poverty in Salinas by valuing and creating more educational chances.  English club and classes are just the beginning.  We hope to extend our classes to include a story hour for young kids to be exposed to books, computer classes, swimming and water safety classes, health in food preparation, and clean water education.  If we don’t start with educating the children and other people who desire it, then our attempts in the community will not have local support.  Real impact is a slow process but worth it.

At English club each week we have an opportunity to get to know the kids apart from the chaos of school.  It’s just a small group right now of between 6-10 kids that are hungry to learn and absorb any education we can provide.  As the kids arrive they often head straight to the bathrooms in two’s or threes.  They don’t have running water or flushing toilets at their houses and they spend a few minutes cleaning up.  Sometimes the girls come out with wet hair that they have quickly washed.  It reminds me of the privilege of running water and helps me not to be annoyed that we start a few minutes late.  A few weeks ago as I was teaching, the Spirit led me to switch my English lessons so that the Nicaraguan students also had the opportunity to teach my kids Spanish as we were practicing.  It has made a huge difference in the dynamic and closeness we share.  It is not a one sided lesson, but a group learning from each other.  We truly desire to give each child a sense of dignity and respect.  We believe this kind of justice is what will have a lasting impact. 

Moving Forward

We are overwhelmed by the Lord’s faithfulness.  I do not have the courage in any way to keep stepping and yet he provides exactly what we need.  At the same time He is molding and changing our hearts, gently guiding our motives, and waking us up to brokenness in our thinking as he shapes our path.  The past week we were able to raise almost $10,000 toward the purchase of the property here in Salinas Grandes.   I never imagined that was possible.  It builds my faith.  I have always given lip service to the fact that God provides.  I have experienced his provision many ways.  Truthfully though, I have always had my own back up plan.  What we are stepping into right now doesn’t really have a back up plan.  We had saved up to live here as long as we could but we felt him leading us to put our savings toward land to create a kids community center to pour into the lives of the kids in Salinas Grandes and alleviate a portion of poverty through education. We didn’t have enough and yet many of you jumped in to buy a piece of land in Nicaragua with us.   Your “YES” and generosity to us enables us to keep moving forward.   We are working through the process of purchasing the property and all the legal steps that must be taken to ensure that it is fully ours. 

A little jungle hike on our trip to Costa Rica to renew our visas

Property that isn't for sale...

Most things in Nicaragua move slowly.  But last Sunday we walked a property we have been seeking out for months.  It's not even listed but a friend helped us track the phone number of the owner so we could ask if he would be willing to sell.  The owner met us there and gave us documents and the whole process started rolling more quickly than we expected.  The property is 1 acre on the beach with lots of developed trees, close to the city water supply, and strong electricity poles.  All the lots we have looked at have been overpriced and we have yet to find a place to rent that would work for hosting lots of kids for our growing English club activities.  The next day we called a lawyer and tried to take down directions to meet up with him in the afternoon.  We drove to the general area and decided to go look for a place that makes photocopies as we waited for a friend to call us back who knew where his office was placed.  I saw a sign that looked like a promising place to make copies and I motioned for Dustin to quickly pull over.  As we looked up, we realized we were sitting right in front of the lawyer’s office.  We laughed because it is extremely difficult to find places in the city with no street signs or address numbers.  We could have spent all afternoon looking, but we drove straight to it.  We walked inside and found a very helpful and well-spoken lawyer.  This week we had several meetings confirming the property history and each time, miraculously, I was able to understand the lawyer jargon in Spanish.  He confirmed that the property is free to purchase and own with no leans or taxes unpaid. 

So we are throwing in what we have with a few others to pull together enough to walk into the work that the Lord has provided.  Most of our lives we have tried to manage our money by living within our means and making good investments.  But this is not a good earthly investment.  It is a piece of property surrounded by poverty down a dirt road in a community where few foreigners live.  Yet we know we are supposed to use everything we have to invest in a Kingdom that does not rust or fade.  If you have ever thought about giving to Water & Light we ask that you consider now.  Join us in purchasing property in Nicaragua.  Come along on this adventure and see how the Lord shows up when we are faithful to His calling.  He just keeps showing up.  It’s usually when we are ankle deep stepping out of the boat hoping we heard his voice correctly, but He has never failed us yet. 

Dancing in the rain

We had the pleasure of having our friend Carly come stay with us during the first two weeks of July.  As English club is growing I have been busy creating lessons as well as working to teach my own kids at home.  When Carly contacted me she said she felt led to bring down to us a curriculum that she had used in the public school to teach the fruit of the Spirit through character building.  We brainstormed together ways it could be used here in Nicaragua and then put together a vacation bible school for the kids in our neighborhood to try it out the following week.   We had a blast playing and loving on our friends in the neighborhood and built deeper connection with those we are living among.  We drove up and down our road and picked up kids.  It was simple with lots of soccer, water balloons, and kick ball games and then a basic lesson of how we can grow in virtues.  The last day as we were playing soccer the sky opened up and dumped more rain than I have ever seen in 30 minutes.  It did not slow the kids down one bit.  It was like a finale I didn’t even plan as they danced and splashed in the rain coming off the roof.  Before they left we gave each child a pair of shoes and a bible.  It was extremely meaningful to me as I wrote in the front of each bible.  The two gifts, the shoes and the bible, seemed like a perfect example of what we have hoped from the beginning with Water & Light.  To provide a basic need while gently pointing to the One who can bring light each and every day.   The curriculum was a surprise blessing to us.  One I did not even know I needed.   As we seek the Lord’s direction in every decision, He cares for us so deeply in ways we can’t imagine.  He gently showed us that the education of children is going to be a BIG part of our work here and then flew a friend from the past down to provide the resources we are going to need to complete it.  Just writing these words blows me away.  His kindness, His provision, and His compassion on us throughout this challenging transition give us enough grace to keep stepping until the next rock appears. 
-Angie

Sunsets and Accidents

Beauty and Injustice

We often laugh until we cry about the extremes of Nicaragua.  On any day we could post beautiful pictures of beaches, sunsets, and palm trees swaying in the breeze but it could never capture the poverty, insects, and challenges surrounding us.   We hold the beauty in one hand and the injustice in the other.  We rely and depend on the Lord to keep us daily.  We cannot possibly handle the challenges of the day with grace in our own strength.  About five years ago I remember praying over and over, “break my heart for what breaks Yours.”  He began preparing my heart to see the poor with new eyes and realizing my own deep poverty.  As we begin to work in our community, we recognize our mutual brokenness with all of humanity. 

Duct-tape to the rescue

Last week we were in a car accident.  As we were turning left a motorcycle tried to pass us on the left.  He went flying and his helmet flew off.  As we ran to him we realized his injuries were minor and we called an ambulance to come care for him.  In Nicaragua if a person goes to the hospital in an ambulance then the person who hit him has to go to jail until he is released or the accident has been processed (even if it's not your fault).  We had a friend who lived just down the street who was able to quickly come help us translate, talk with a lawyer, negotiate with the police, and was able to pay off the police this time so Dustin didn’t have to stay in jail.  The next day the motorcyclist was released and Dustin was able to sign the documents stating what happened in the accident.  The motorcyclist would like to appeal the documents so we are waiting in limbo hoping it will be resolved soon.  These types of things are extremely unnerving to negotiate when you cannot clearly state or argue what happened in Spanish, and then dealing with a corrupt police system trying to make extra money.  We are thankful that no one was seriously injured, we had supportive friends to help us navigate, and the damage was minimal (duct taped mirrors are hip here).   It was best case scenario in a scary situation. 

English Club FIESTA

English club was born out of a desire to be able to pour more deeply into the lives of a few kids.  We know we can’t change everyone but mentorship with a few kids at a time allows us to share more love and light.  We wanted the kids in English club to come consistently so we devised a reward system with a fun activity day after they come for a month.  We allowed them a ticket for themselves and a friend.  We had our first English club activity in June with bracelet making stations, water balloon games, and brownies with ice cream.  The time was too short and they begged to stay longer and play soccer.  “Next time,” we promised as we piled 17 kids into our car and dropped them off at their homes.  It was a meaningful evening and a glimpse of more things to come.

Back to school

A big thank you to those who helped support our effort in language school the past two weeks.  We were able to go to an amazing school called Casa Xalteva and receive individualized instruction for four hours a day based on our current level of Spanish.  We learned a lot about Spanish but also had the opportunity to discuss the needs of this country with our Nicaraguan teachers.  Casa Xalteva uses Spanish lessons to fund their education and mentorship program for the kids in Granada.  We just keep meeting the right people to continue to guide us with how to best help the children in Salinas Grandes.  The word we continue to return to as we discuss problems and injustice here is education.  It all comes back to education.  Providing hope and opportunity that will draw the children into the loving presence of our Father.  

Nolan and Ryder had a blast with their teacher Gabriella who did a great job teaching them.  Parker and Brielle are too young for the writing aspects of language school but we were surprised the other day when Brielle walked up to a small stand and purchased candy for her and three friends using perfect Spanish.  She even paid in cordobas.  I have a feeling that they are going to be fluent first. 
 

Back to Salinas...

I continue to be in awe of how our hearts are being drawn to Salinas Grandes.  After being gone for two weeks we feel ready to head back to the beach.  As I was sharing with a friend about English club this week my eyes weld up with tears thinking about how in such a short time the kids have Salinas have become so dear to me.  My affection for them is not my own, it is inspired by the One who cares so much more for them than I do.  The One who shook up our world and rearranged our lives because He saw a place in Nicaragua that needed someone to commit to a generation that is growing up with little hope and education.  Despite the difficulty of daily life, it is an honor to be declaring the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.  He chose us for this calling even though I would not have chosen us.  We get to be His hands and feet and it is such an honor. 
 

Rest, reflection, and connection

You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided.

Isaiah 55:12

Rest, reflection, and connection are an essential part of life.  Here in Nicaragua we are learning that we have to make more time, more often to return to the love of our Father.  Our first four months in Salinas have tested us in ways our family has never experienced.  We are so thankful my parents were able to come the last two weeks and take some time to enjoy family and act like tourists for a bit in this beautiful country.  The early morning sunrises have revived my heart and given me time for reading in Isaiah and reflection.  Swimming in the lake has given me the peace and joy in my life that I always experience in nature.  The days spent together with family have given us time to delight in our children and connect more deeply. 

It has solidified in our heart even further the vision we have to create a place of rest and shelter for others to gain direction and peace in their lives.  One of the dreams that has been placed on Dustin is creating a spot where people serving others can come for rest and connection.  After his dad passed away, I watched a shift happen in Dustin’s heart that changed his mentality to, "life is short, I want to live it well."  As he grew I have seen him mentor other fathers, husbands, and men to take time to focus on the gifts in front of them through learning to rest and connect.  We have had the privilege of hosting five missionary families here in Nicaragua in the four short months we have been here.  I am truly amazed that in the midst of learning Spanish and the culture we have had this opportunity.  As we come to understand the Nicaraguan culture better we see a huge hole here for men to be mentored into husbands and fathers who are faithful and committed to their families.  I believe we have been placed here with the gifts and life experiences for such a time as this and to help heal this beautiful world with a Saviors love. 

The next step for us is being brave enough to purchase property where this dream can come to life.  To walk in the Lords peaceful guidance without forgetting to take time to rest and stay connected with our own family.  

English Club is Growing

English club is growing like crazy and we are excited to get to be apart of it.  Beyond teaching in the middle school and getting to know the kids, I love having them to my house to play and get to know them a little better.  Cathy and I often talk about how to make a lasting impact on the community.  We want to do more than just give a handout.  We want to change lives and English club gives us the opportunity to go deeper with the kids.  We started the club with just middle school kids and we need to expand to the elementary children because they are sitting on our fence listening, hoping to be apart as well.   A friend is coming in a few weeks to help me plan curriculum and design how the lessons can teach English while reflecting the love of our Savior.  I am so excited to work with her and thankful that the Lord directed our paths together. 

Teaching in the school gives me a good vantage point to view the education in Salinas Grandes.  There are huge needs in the educational system.  Many of the kids have been sponsored one organization or another to receivea uniform, school supplies, and the small tuition fee.  But they are constantly out of school for various reasons and when they are in class they copy from the board without understanding much of what they are copying.  They are not taught problem solving skills and only know what surrounds them in their small village.  There are no books in their homes.  I read the statistic that for a Nicaraguan to own a book is similar to an American spending $257 on a single book.  In a survival culture there is no room for extras like books.  Recently Parker read the book Clara and the Book Wagon.  He immediately said, “Mama why don’t we take books around to the kids in our village to borrow.” I love that the kids inspired to meet the needs they see around them.   We are beginning to dream with our kids about a lending “wagon” (the back of our car), a library and a story hour at some point.  My parents are bringing the first load of Spanish books this week when they come for a visit. 

-Angie

The small yes....

A year ago our friend (Mr. Buzbee) prophesied over us that he could see us walking on dusty and sandy roads. He also said that we should walk and dance into what the Lord was telling us to do.  As Dustin and I talked later, we both agreed that we felt that place was Nicaragua.  When we arrived in Salinas, we found those dusty roads.  The romance of moving somewhere tropical has worn off.  Our feet our black and I have outlawed everyone from climbing onto my bed unless they first wash their feet.  Yet the vision of what the Lord has asked us to dance into is growing day by day.

We continue to feel that we are living right where we are supposed to be.  Opportunities to love our neighbors surface every day.  We have been traveling to other surrounding beach towns to look at properties and get a better idea of fair property prices in Nicaragua.  Each time we return to Salinas Grandes, we love the way that the town is filled with normal Nicaraguan people and not just foreigners living on the beach.  We want to be among the people so we can listen and perceive the real needs and not just rush in to meet what we assume the problems might be.  One need we continue to see is water because the city water does not reach the end of our road in the summer.  Also there is a need for students to have access to computers and a library to research projects for school.  There is no place in our town for students to complete these projects in high school.  High school students here have so many obstacles to overcome.  They face a 12 km dirt road to get to school and have to find ways to complete assignments without proper resources.  

I share each of these needs because I know they will resonate with someone reading this email.  We are not called to do everything but I believe our hearts are stirred at times by needs we were created to fill.  The small yes.  Yes, I could give a few dollars to that.  Yes, my family could come down and spend a week building shelves for a library.  Yes, I could stockpile some Spanish books and send them down with your family when they come to visit.  Yes, I have an extra laptop I would like to donate.  Drops in the bucket that begin to fill up the well.  Yes, I want to be water for the thirsty.  Yes, I want to be light in the darkness.  Yes, I want to fight for justice for kids born into a hopeless situation.  Purveyors of hope.  Who knows what your yes could declare in the Kingdom of God?  Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

-Angie