Sponsors Take in The Starkness of Poverty



Jonathon shares a warm, inviting smile.



Welcome to Nicaragua.  Thanks for joining us.  We made the long trip from San Jose, Costa Rica to Jinotepe, Nicaragua yesterday by bus.  It was a beautiful ride through the countryside of northern Costa Rica and southern Nicaragua.  After an interesting process at the border, we arrived about 3:30 p.m.  Pastor Guillermo Herrera was waiting for us. We piled into an old van, along with all of our luggage, and took off for the church.

Juanita Blanco, Children of Promise director and wife of Pastor Guillermo, was waiting for us.  We had a wonderful meal of gallo pinto - rice, beans, onion - fresh pineapple, watermelon, papayñ fried cheese, and fresh homemade tortillas.

After getting settled in our dorm rooms, we visited the sanctuary of the church.  I could not resist playing the keyboard, and we had a wonderful hour or so of singing old hymns together.  It was a very special time together as a group.  Afterwards, Guillermo shared his life story, including his years in the Sandinista army and his conversion to Christ.  We ended the evening by praying for the children we would visit the next day, as well as our friends and family facing the ice and snow storm in the Midwest.



Kevin once told me that he

 was "enchanted" by the Word of God.



This morning - Tuesday - we visited the homes of the sponsored children.  Dirt floors, glassless windows, outdoor kitchens with open fires, outhouses, outdoor bathing, few possessions, empty walls, no running water, and one or two small rooms.  These are all descriptors that represent the children’s homes.  The conditions were stark and, at times, shocking.  But it was a quick transition for the group from surprise and overwhelming feelings to focusing on the children and their families.  It was wonderful meeting them and talking with them.

After returning from our home visits, I sat in Guillermo’s and Juanita’s living room, listening to some of the group members comments about the mornings experiences.  Here is what was shared.

• The families have so much pride in their homes even though they have practically nothing.  They were so welcoming.

• They were so open and friendly with us.

• It is so obvious that the need is so great.

• It was so cool to see the one girl show her report card to Juanita.  She was eager to show us that she is doing well in school.

• I enjoyed walking the streets, visiting the homes.  It really gave me a feel for the living situation of each child.

• I will never forget Jonathan’s smile.

• Dirt floors, holes in the walls and roofs, heart-breaking conditions.  You hear about it, but until you actually see it, you don’t really understand.

• I was so glad to see that the children seemed happy.  It is obvious that COP is making a huge difference in the lives of the children.

• It is sad that we cannot help every single child who needs help.

• I feel guilty about the affluence I live in.  I complain about things that aren’t important.

• It is hard to put into words all that is experienced when visiting the children.  Images keep coming back.  God is blessing us in a unique way as we get to know these children.

The foliage and fruit are so plentiful and beautiful.  What a blessing to enjoy God’s creation in this place at this time.

This afternoon we will be interviewing the sponsored children at La Iglesia de Dios¨- the Church of God.  We are looking forward to that.  See you there.

Dr. Paul Maxfield

Executive Director