Today's journey took us an additional 30 min. from Managua. The total one way journey was 3 hours. The terrain was mountainous and steep at times. The road into the community is not paved and there are no guard rails. For those who know me, know I was silently praying to our heavenly father and mother for a safe journey.
Upon our arrival we were welcomed by the community leaders. We walked to the one room school where all the children attend school. Then we walked to the meeting space and started the end of year celebration. Similar to yesterday there were speeches, dancing and testimonies. After the celebration we went back to the school to talk with the children.
This day was full of difficult testimonies. There were 2 children with severe medical problems and heart tugging testimonies by two parents of young children and one testimony from a young girl student. All 3 stories brought tears to my eyes. One young girl and one young boy started life with severe medical problems and it has been such a struggle for the families to receive the proper care for their children. I learned that when these families have medical needs which require them to get to the nearest hospital it is very difficult. They rely on motorcycles, horses, or walking as a form of transportation. This is also true for on going care at clinics and hospitals.
We met a beautiful 10 year old girl and the community calls her smiley. She was born with brain damage, kidney failure and unable to use her legs. She was a true example of God's joy. She has had surgery and numerous treatments. She is unable to walk so her father carries her everywhere in a mountainous terrain.
We then heard testimony from a very emotional mother about her son. Her son was very sick from birth and had to have many surgeries. Everything seemed to be going well, then before we arrived the family received news the boy required more surgeries. Rainbow Network doctor is looking into the current diagnosis to assist the mother.
The final discussion was with a sponsored student who's uncle (a 2022 high school graduate) was scheduled to meet with us, however he became ill and was in the hospital. This girl was very concerned and saddened by her uncles condition that she could not fight back her tears.
Your sister in Christ,
Kim
