I knew I was meant to be in Nicaragua as soon as I heard "My Heart Will Go On" playing in the distance one morning. One of the workers here plays the saxophone while he tends the goats each day. Needless to say, we have heard a lot of Titanic music this past week! Another reason, is the adorable puppy I get to cuddle with..not to mention the beautiful children and views! This month we are staying at Cicrin Orphanage. It is one of the most beautiful, blessed places I have ever seen. God has done some huge things here in the past 30 years. It went from being an orphanage, to a military base for the Sandinistas during the war, back to an orphanage. The owner during the war tried to protect the teenagers by sending them to houses so they wouldn't be taken to the mountains to fight. The director now, Helen, is an amazing woman. She has been working at the orphanage for 22 years.
We are located right off the water, and in a very woodsy area.. a lot of work was done to make the land manageable. Today it looks somehwhat like a tropical resort. The ranchero is complete with hammocks to rest in and take in the beautiful view of Lake Nicaragua. Most of our work here is manual labor. They are in the process of building a home now with the hopes that a couple will move into the house and take care of some of the children. During the day we work on the construction of the house, plant all kinds of things and maintain the garden (A LOT of work!!), move rocks to protect the island from high water, babysit the small children, help cook meals and clean dishes, keep the grounds clean, and anything else we can find to do. I have worked harder this past week than ever, but it doesn't really feel like work. The people here are so genuine and kind. They are SUCH hard workers. Even the small children hand wash their own laundry. They are very grateful everyday for our hard work, and we are grateful that God can bless them through us.
It has been a long week with a lot of transitions, but I am experiencing Gods wonderful provision here. We have so much more than I could have expected. The people here are so loving and willing to help us learn Spanish better. That is one of the biggest trials, becuase I want SO MUCH to be able to talk to the children. I know some Spanish, but it is so much different hearing it and trying to speak it in conversations. I look forward to learning more each day!!
