We arrived at Regan National Airport before 5 a.m. on Saturday for our 6 a.m. flight. We were very sad to find out Heather would be unable to join us on our journey. A work crisis has her flying off to Khazakstan this Thursday. We were very touched by her bon vonyage. Heather we miss you!! Safe travels!
Sign-in at the airport took a bit longer than expected and take off a bit late but other than that our flights were on time, our connection in Atlanta made easily and touch the down in Managua smooth.
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Our group is composed Ascension & St. Agnes members Father Lane, Amy, Tyler, Chuck, Stephanie, Jennifer, Susan and our hosts Bill and John. We are joined by Tim, Elyse and Alexandra from Charlotte, NC and Aura from Raleigh, N.C. Tim is the son of Jim Barnett. Jim and Camille were supposed to join us on our trip but on a very sad note, Jim died in an auto accident last week. Tim, Elyse, and Alexandra decided to keep to their plans to come in honor of Jim who so wanted to join us.
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We were warmly greeted by Father Rodriguez, Jairo, and lay leaders from the church. There were a total of eight people in our welcoming party from San Juan! After filling a pick-up truck to capacity with our luggage, we boarded a microbus and drove in a three vehicle procession (pickup with our luggage in front, microbus in the middle and Fr. Rodriguez's truck bringing up the rear). The trip took about 1 1/2 hrs to our destination.
We will never forget our welcoming reception at the church! Church members were lined up the steps to shake our hands and the church bells were ringing as we entered. Upon entering the church a choir began to sing "Working for the Father - Working for the Faith". They were accompanied by congo drums, electric guitar, electric piano, drums, tambourines etc. As we walked down the isle the entire congretation began to applaud.
Father Rodriguez introduced us to his congregation and introduced the families we would be staying with. Additional musical tributes were provided and the entire process took about 1 1/2 hrs. John introduced each member of our team - and gave a brief tribute to Jim Barnett.
Afterwards there was a welcoming dinner at John's and Bill's home for our team and the members of the church council. We dined on a traditional Nicaraguan meal of Nacatamal.
Exhausted we all drift off to sleep to the sound of roosters, dogs barking, and fire crackers.
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San Juan de Oriente
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San Juan de Oriente
San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua --The parish seeks to help break the cycle of poverty through educational assistance in a small community in Nicaragua, where according to UNICEF only 43% of Nicaraguan Children stay in school until the fifth grade. Because education plays an important role in helping to develop the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of the the community and its members, we support education in the village of San Juan de Oriente through a partnership with La Vida Education, which operates an Educational Community Center in the village.
4 comments:
What a welcome!! It sounds like quite an experience already. Though Jim's death is so tragic, I hope that his spirit is with you all.
How many children and families are in the town? Are there worship and prayer services each day?
Tell us more when you get the chance... And Tyler, is there purple ketchup there?
Much love and prayers,
Barbara
Dear Barbara,
There's not purple ketchup! I've been eating plantains, my dad tried to get me to drink fruit juice which I didn't like -- there was water melon, papaya, and cantelope in it -- no purple ketchup.
I love rice and beans because it's good!
I have seen a woman carrying laundry on her head and another with pottery.
I'll look forward to seeing you at church on Sunday.
I don't like to have a awkward ending -- this is all I can really think to say.
Love,
Tyler
We are so saddened to hear of the death of Tim's father. How lovely for his family to continue the mission in his honor. It lends even greater meaning to the work and faith you are all participating in.
Tyler, you have to tell us where the lady with the laundry on her head was taking it? In Guatamala, we saw women scrubbing their laundry on rocks in the river. Even doing such hard work, they were enjoying each other's conversation and laughing a lot.
Will you make Seedy and Gigi rice and beans when you get home? I love plantains so I am jealous that you are getting to eat them.
We are sure you will come home with some new friends to tell us about.
We have talked with Fred and he is doing well after his operation. Seedy made him and Albert a tasty pot roast and took it over to their house. They said it was very good.
We miss you and your dad and mom.
xoxoxGigi and Seedy
Tyler, dare I ask about the purple ketchup?
It sounds like a wonderful welcome! Our prayers go out to all of you.
We had a decent crowd on Sunday for the Feast of St. Agnes.
Best,
Robert
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