Nicaragua Day 5: Andrea

Today was special in that we got to step into the life of Andrea Sarahi to learn about how she is using her gifts to make an impact in the lives around her, Andrea is 17 years old.  She graduated from high school and technical school for agriculture while at the same time going through the scholarship program. She embraces opportunity and finds a way even when life has dealt a tough hand. Andrea is a very intelligent, young woman that brings inspiration to all through her dedication and passion for the work she does. In every part of her life she strives to be the best. While she was in high school she participated in the scholarship program and was attending technical school for agriculture. She graduated as valedictorian and for the majority of her schooling she was the only female in her class. In her backyard, she has grown a beautiful garden. That has different types of corn, squash, and melon in it as well as lots of fruit trees; lemon, orange, and coco. Near her house she is also growing mint and cilantro. We were given a tour of the garden with detailed descriptions of what every plant was and how it will be used. We learned from Andrea about the various time of growth for each plant. For example, the mango takes 3-5 years to produce fruit after it has been planted. This short glimpse into her life does not do her justice for what she has overcome and done, who she is, or where she will go. It was a blessing and privilege to meet and hear her story. She is making an immense impact in her community by providing education and support to them through her knowledge of the land. It reminds me of the saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Andrea is literally growing her own lemons from scratch and making lemonade in the sense that she uses her education to outsource her resources to make a living and give back to her community. Her story will live forever as a person to look up to and to remember that it doesn't matter where you start, but what you make of what life gives you. We pray for all the lives God has allowed for us to get to know and be with during this time, especially, Andrea as she continues to make a difference in this world. 

Blessings,

Olivia Isaacks

Nicaragua Pilgrimage Day 4 - La Leguna

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

Nicaragua Pilgrimage Day 5 - Inspiring stories of Empowerment

Greetings St. John LaLande blog readers,

Today was inspiring with stories of empowerment that is a direct result of Christ’s love being shared in meaningful ways.  We visited Santa Martha community where we observed a healthcare clinic being held inside the home of a resident. Notice the light shining through the walls of the home and the dirt floor.  Also notice the supplies on the right sitting on top of wood boards and a very thin padding (this is a bed for sleeping). 

We learned that when Rainbow Network comes into a community, the community suffers on average about 80% malnutrition and within three years that rate is down to 5%. They do this through healthy habits training, anti-parasite medication for all, and the nutrition program.  Medical clinics are brought directly into the community; and most often, residents have never been to a medical clinic before. They pay 50 córdobas to attend the clinic; so they begin understanding that they must contribute to their own care. It would cost them at least 1,500 cordoba to go to a medical clinic in the city; and the travel time would be significant. The second picture above is a travel tote filled with medications the doctor will need to treat various illnesses. The doctor documents all patients and all medications given to each and every patient. These medical clinics empower individuals to take better care of themselves and their families, to seek medical care when needed, and to pay their own expenses. (Of course, the true cost is much more than what they pay; but this helps get them moving toward self sufficiency).

The picture above was taken at one of the Rainbow Network office clinics in town. Shown here is the dental chair and equipment used for dental care and tooth extractions. Rainbow Network charges anywhere from $4-$6 per dental visit while other clinics charge anywhere from $30-$50.

Shown in this picture is the Rainbow Network pharmacist and pharmacy.  She must account for all medications going in and out of the pharmacy, and report that information to both Rainbow Network and the department of health in Nicaragua.  These medications are supplied to the doctors that go into the communities.

Another area where we witnessed an inspiring story of empowerment was in San Isidro, a housing community Cross Catholic helped Rainbow Network with in 2015.  The home shown below no longer looks like a Rainbow Network home. The couple who live in this home have been able to add onto the home.  They have also been able to plant trees and other vegetation making their home even more beautiful. This lady was once sponsored by a small group from a church in the states. She proudly showed us a picture of her team of sponsors that shared the expense of sponsoring her high school education; and she explained how thankful she is to have had the scholarship. She went onto college and is now a teacher. Her mother is shown in the picture with her; and her mother is a leader in the community. The young girl in the picture is her daughter. Her daughter loves school so much that she read aloud to us out of one of her school books.

It was easy to see Christ’s light shining through all three of these family members.  They explained how they want others to have these opportunities and how they want to share these opportunities for generations to come. They are thankful for their blessings and want to bless others. From the love of God to the love of family, to the love of others; these three truly grasp how to live Matthew 25. God is good indeed!

Peace, love, and blessings,

Kate

God’s love at work

Buenos días and Good morning to all those reading this blog,

Some in the states have asked what it is we will be doing while in Nicaragua. For example, will we be building houses or some other such activity to help the people?  However, our purpose for this trip was not to physically do anything but rather to share and grow in God’s love, to learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ who live very differently from us, and to better understand how with a little financial help we are able to plant seeds that grow and flourish.  When I mention planting seeds, I am referring to things like sponsored students, special case medical patients, housing recipients, and those receiving education needed to start a run a business.

Yesterday, we saw empowerment in the lives of two for students who went through the sponsorship program.  Both are now very successful and paying forward in the communities by managing several schools as Education Directors.  We also met children who without medical care might would not have the life they area able to have today.  We saw the love of a father with his daughter, Eliseyda, a daughter who although cannot walk is so full of joy.  She engaged everyone in the room with her laughter, comedic way of talking with us, and overall beautiful personality.  We met Maynor (pronounced Minor), a 7 year old boy, who because he has had three surgeries can now use the restroom normally.  His mother tearfully shared his medical story and her deep appreciation for medical funding that has provided him life.

God is at work in Nicaragua just as He is at work at St. John LaLande; and for that I give Him all thanks, praise, and glory.  Please lift Eliseyda and Maynor up in your prayers today.  

Peace, love, and blessings to all,

Kate

Nicaragua Pilgrimage Day 4

      

On Dec 14, 2022 

Hello everyone,

Our journey today was kicked off by going to La Leguna, a community in San Ramon. We were able to meet several scholarship students and special medical case children. Elbin and Eric were both scholarship students that continued their education to become teachers and are now directors of their community schools. Eric is in charge of 11 and Elbin manages 12 different schools in their respective communities. They both had very inspiring stories to share about wanting to give back to their community and how they found their passion for teaching by participating in the scholarship program.

Eliseyda fills the room with joy and truly encompasses the saying, "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."  She shines the brightest even amidst her trials of having some brain damage, kidney problems, and surgery to try to help her be able to walk. I felt so blessed to be able to meet her and she gave me a big hug. Maynor is another special medical case.  His story was shared by his mom, discussing how he has gone through 3 surgeries to be able to gain normal function to use the bathroom. He was the sweetest; he said he loved to paint for his mom and at the end he went around giving hugs to everyone. I think what's so special about a hug is it lets the two people share the weight of each other literally and figuratively. By holding up the other person and embracing that individual to let them know that they are loved and cared for. It may be a brief moment, but it gifts the two people grace to know that they are not alone, we are part of each other in this time and we will hold one another up. These stories were powerful and emotional to hear.  We ask for continued prayers and thanks to God to be able to share this time with everyone.

Many Blessings,

Olivia Isaacks

Nicaragua Pilgrimage Day 3

Day 3 Las Mangas - Today was a celebration for all the leaders from surrounding communities and a joyful meeting with the students that are being sponsored by St. John LaLande parish. A band played the song DE Colores, and as cursillistas, we are familiar with this song, so we were able to sing along. More entertainment followed with singing, and the three of us sang Silent Night and Jesus Loves Me to the community. There was a presentation of gifts, which we were honored to present 3 of the gifts to 3 recipients.

Near the end of the celebration the 3 of us began to dance, at first the community was a little shy to join in, but when we invited them to join us, there was no stopping them.  We took many pictures with the community as they requested us to take pictures with them.

Then we visited 2 more homes in the community, then said our goodbyes to the beautiful people of Las Mangas.

Our final stop before heading back to the hotel, was to visit the local office of Rainbow Network. We taught the staff the card game UNO and had a great time playing and laughing.

This day was full of joy as God has intended us to experience.   Joy in God is where the wealth is. The lives of the Las Mangas community are inspiring and have taught me a great deal about love of God.  I pray for all of us to have Peace and Joy in our lives.

This is HIS great gift of love❤️ 

Kim

Nicaragua Pilgrimage Day 3

Hello my brothers and sisters in Christ,

We began the day by heading to Las Mangas where we first met with our scholarship students. I was able to talk with Maria, Maria Isabella, Oscar, Jasser, and Engel about their favorite things and my family with them. Isabella and Engel are cousins sponsored by my parents. Jasser is sponsored by brother, David and Oscar is sponsored by my sister, Ali. It was really interesting the connections that were made with the students. I found out that Isabella and Engel's favorite food is pizza which happens to be my mom's favorite food as well which the students thought was really cool. Oscar sponsored by my sister, Ali, is hoping to pursue a profession working with people that have heart problems and my sister is a cardiovascular ICU nurse. He was intrigued by the work that she does and was very kind in saying that he hopes to help people in his life in a similar way. Maria and I conversed about her cat, Bimbo and that she enjoys learning, helping her parents and painting with colors. I was very blessed to be able to meet with all the students and hear more about their families and them. Next we were able to witness a dance competition by the community and several people sang. Kate, Kim, and I sang Silent Night and Jesus loves me, following this there was a presentation of gifts to each of the communities that had gathered in Las Mangas. Lots of the children and I took photos together and I was so grateful that they wanted to take picture with me and that I could meet all of them. Several of the Las Mangas community members opened up their homes to share with us their experiences. Andrea, one of the community members, makes tortillas from scratch as well as grows papaya, bananas, melon, and pitiya. We got to learn that Pitiya is dragonfruit. We ended each visit at the home with a beautiful prayer led by Kate. Before we headed back, we got to see the Rainbow Network office and there we played an intense game of Uno with everyone that led to us having many good laughs.

Blessings,
Olivia Isaacks

Prayer requests

Good morning everyone,

We ask you to pray for Lucrecia, the 42 year old woman shown in this picture.  She is having problems with her kidneys and will be having scans.  We prayed with her at her home on Tuesday.

Also, please pray for the following individuals:

Dariella is 3 years old.  She will be having surgery on her knees today.

Please pray for Dariella’s 12 year old brother Joyner who needs two surgeries on both his knees; however, they are still raising funds to help with the cost of the surgeries.

Fio real is 3 years old.  She has cerebral palsy.  She is from Las Mangas.  She is in need of a wheelchair.

The brother of a student sponsored by a St. John LaLande parishioner lost his leg two years ago due to a an accident with a vehicle.  His mother now carries him wherever he needs to go.

Raquel’s son has medical issues that require a two year medication treatment plan. The medication is too expensive for the family and they were planning to choose to forfeit their home just to pay the increased medication expenses.  Rainbow Network is working on his case and determining a way to share costs so the family will not lose their home.

For Juan who just graduated high school and is now in the hospital with kidney and diabetes issues.

 

A glimpse of life in Las Mangas, Nicaragua

Our pilgrimage through the community on Day 2 and Day 3 of our trip included walking through the housing project and visiting housing beneficiaries.

48 cinder block homes were built thanks to partnerships with Cross Catholic, St. John LaLande, and the West Family. Families moved from areas in the hills and mountains with no access to water and services. To make it down the hills and mountains, they typically walk, take a small boat across a lagoon, and a few come down by horse. The journey to get water can take an hour plus each way.

Many in Las Mangas work in the adjacent rice field shown here.

Each home has a water faucet outside like this one.  One home we visited had run extra piping off their main faucet to give them two locations for water.  Notice the wash area behind the blue barrel.  They are able to wash clothes and dishes. They also gather water for cooking.  They are very thankful to have a home made of cinder block with locking doors, metal roof, and a concrete floor.

Both of the pictures above are of homemade stoves. Each family makes their own stove; and they install it in an outdoor kitchen that they build. Kitchens are located outside the main house to prevent respiratory illness caused by smoke inhalation from the stoves.

Families use this as one step in the process of making homemade tortillas.  Grinding the corn and preparing it to be used for making tortillas is a laborious task and one that keeps arm muscles strong.

Families grow many types of fruits and vegetables to provide for their families. Gardens are plentiful and beautiful.  The families in Las Mangas are our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. We are all children of our Lord; and they are so thankful we came to visit. They requested that we let others at St. John LaLande know they are praying for us; and they wish us blessings.

Peace, love, and blessings to all, Kate Ellis

Nicaragua Day 2

Hello everyone,

To start the day we were introduced to the community meeting various members of Rainbow Network and were greeted in a large open space (their community center) to listen and converse everyone. During this time we got to watch a cultural dance, listen to testimony of one of the community members, hear the elementary children sing, and talk with some of the scholarship students that are in technical school. I was able to ask them a question about what their favorite part of the program was and they answered with making ppts, graphic design, and pamphlets. After this initial greeting, we celebrated with the children hitting a piñata, having a dance competition, and playing musical chairs. This was followed by us being graciously allowed to learn more about the different programs. The leaders of the community openly shared with us their experiences and what their roles are in the community. We found out that the main areas of work: corn, rice, beans farming or mining. One unique piece of information that I learned was that on September 24th, they celebrate their national patron saint, Mercedes. Next, we were given the opportunity to visit and walk through four of the members homes. This is where we learned about the Madrono, their national tree and it only blooms in December, making a a beautiful white flower that has a beautiful smell. Another huge blessing that people of the community were so happy about was that they have running water in Las Mangas. One family shared with us how they cook outside. All of the homes have big, beautiful gardens with plants growing bananas, avocados, oranges, and passion fruit. I was very gracious of their willingness and kindness to let me join in learning about what makes their home special to them. To follow this, we saw the children playing soccer and they were very kind to allow me to play on one of the teams as goalie. This was a cool experience for me to be able to connect with the children. At the end of the day we were blessed to be able to attend mass with the surrounding community. It was a treasured moment for us all to share in the love, faith, and hope with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Blessings,
Olivia Isaacks

Nicaragua Pilgrimage Day 2

December 12th - We drove 2 1/2 hours from our hotel to the community of Las Mangas. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the community with a celebration of events in the community center.  The people applauded for us and thanked us for traveling to visit them.  They thanked us for sponsoring the housing project and sponsoring the education of the children.  An elderly gentleman from the community prayed, and his wife shared the story of how their life was before they received a home and how their life is now living in the community.  She explained how she and her husband have six children and how difficult it was raising that many children. She explained how she advocates to children in the community to get their education and wait to have children of their own  until they are older.  Prior to moving to the community, they had no running water.  They lived on a mountain and had to walk an hour each way to get water and carry it back to their home.

Next we were entertained by two high school girls dressed in beautiful dresses dancing to their cultural music. Following the dancing we listened to high school scholarship student testimonies.  Next, we visited with the leadership of the community. The leadership consists of housing manager, health manager, education manager and food service manager to name a few. Our discussion included what each managers responsibilities are for the community. We also learned about their worship practices and traditions. We asked if they are experiencing a shortage in priests and just like the U.S. They are not having many take the vow of priest. Although during holy week, they have a ceremony for all those who have said yes to the vocation.

After our discussion, we visited four homes built in honor of St. John LaLande. We enjoyed seeing how each family customized their own home to suit their needs and personality. 

Following our home visits, Olivia played soccer with the children. 
When we left the community for the day, we attended Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at La Merced Catholic Church in Las Mangas. The priest welcomed us at the start of the Mass and all parishioners were very welcoming.

Your Sister in Christ,

Kim White

Nicaragua Pilgrimage Day 1

Our team spent the day traveling to Nicaragua today. Our flight out of Kansas City was delayed leaving for 30 minutes due to the de-icing procedure. We landed safely in Miami and made our way out of security in order to enter back in through security at Avianca airlines (the only direct flight out of the United States to Managua, Nicaragua). Our Managua flight was on time, and we arrived in time to enjoy dinner with our host Megan from Rainbow Network. Tomorrow we will be in the community of Las Mangas. We appreciate all of your prayers and look forward to sharing more each coming day.

Thank you for your YES to help fight food insecurity.  In a matter of a few hours today, we packed 28,000 meals.

We had 7 spots open up in first shift and 1 open in second shift for our food packing event tomorrow.  Please help spread the word, so we can fill these spots.  Thank you!! Blessings to all!

St. John LaLande Parish and School Community: St. John LaLande Food Packing Event (signupgenius.com)

ENCOUNTER, GROW, SERVE -- HIS Hands & Feet in Our Parish, Our Community, and Our World

 

Thank you to St. John LaLande staff, students, school families, parishioners, Knights of Columbus, Altar and Rosary Society and to all who helped us more than meet our goal!!! Extra meal money will go toward our next food packing event.  We look forward to seeing you Saturday at the food packing event!!  Remember to enter through the front doors by the office and school.

Please pray for Kim White, Olivia Isaacks, and Kate Ellis as they travel on pilgrimage to Nicaragua Dec. 11th-16th.  They will attend Mass on December 12th, visit students sponsored by parishioners at St. John LaLande, meet families in Las Mangas where homes and a community center were built in honor of St. John LaLande (a combined effort of St. John LaLande, Cross Catholic, and the West Family).  

If you are interested in sponsoring a high school student to assure, he or she is able to get a high school education, please visit Kate Ellis after Mass Saturday.  You'll be able to select your student and send a short video message wishing him or her a Merry Christmas. The team will share the video message when they meet your student; and they will bring back a video message from your student to you and your family.  Sponsorships are $30 per month per year.

Also, some have asked if they can send items with the team.  Other than Christmas cards for sponsored students with a maximum of $20 in the card as a gift along with anything small enough to fit in the Christmas card envelope, our team will not be able to take material items.  This is due to complications that arise in customs at both borders.  If you would like to help in another way, the team can take some cash down to address needs they see where the money can be offered in a helpful empowering way. An example might be helping with a medical need, helping with nutrition cost, or supporting their economic development by purchasing small items like handmade jewelry to bring back to our parish family.

Please pray for our team and follow their journey on the St. John LaLande blog.

 

The countdown is on....Food Packing event is this Saturday

The day is drawing near.  In just four days we will be packing 28,000 meals to help fight food insecurity.  We have four slots open in the first packing session and one slot left in the second packing shift.  If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please use this link to sign up:

St. John LaLande Parish and School Community: St. John LaLande Food Packing Event (signupgenius.com)

Help fight food insecurity

Thank you for bringing in loose change to help cover the cost of the meals we will be packing on December 10th.  As of today, we have raised enough to pack 19,126 meals.  Our goal is to pack 28,000 meals; so, if you haven't brought in loose change yet, it is not too late.  Please consider contributing your loose change to this worthwhile cause.  Each meal costs 33 cents.  You can also donate online via this link by adding a note to your donation that reads "Food Packing."

Other Donation (specify) | St. John LaLande Catholic Church (myvanco.com)

SERVE - Food Packing Event

We have great news!  We now have slots open for additional volunteers on Saturday, December 10th, 2022.  We need a setup crew, a cleanup crew, loaders and box movers for each shift. We have 3 slots that opened up today in one of the food packing lines for the second shift.

Signup now at the link below.  This is sure to be a fun, impactful opportunity to serve for everyone.

St. John LaLande Parish and School Community: St. John LaLande Food Packing Event (signupgenius.com)

Opportunity to Empower Our Parish Youth

On this Giving Tuesday,

• Let us empower our Catholic youth to live as disciples of Jesus!
• Let us engage our youth to be active members in the Church!
• Let us foster their growth: spiritually, morally and personally!
• Let us enhance faith formation in our School, PREP, ECLA and Youth Ministry!
• Let us teach them who Jesus IS!

On this Giving Tuesday, click this link to invest in our youth and the future of our church.

Other Donation (specify) | St. John LaLande Catholic Church (myvanco.com)

We only have two spots left for our December 10th food packing event.  Sign up now to get your spot in this fun and impactful service project.  Contact Kate Ellis for additional ways to help once all the spots are full.    kateellis@comcast.net

Click this link to signup:

St. John LaLande Parish and School Community: St. John LaLande Food Packing Event (signupgenius.com)

Food Packing Event - Sign up now to reserve your spot

 

As of 9:59 a.m. Monday morning November 21st, we have 6 slots left for our food packing event on Saturday, December 10th.   This is a wonderful opportunity to serve side by side with family, friends, and fellow parishioners.  All ages welcome.  

Click this link to signup:  

St. John LaLande Parish and School Community: St. John LaLande Food Packing Event (signupgenius.com)

Fight Food Insecurity with Loose Change

Bring in your loose change to help fight food insecurity.  The meals we will be packing on December 10th are 33 cents each.  Please bring in loose change as you are able and donate in one of the loose change jars in the main entrance and narthex before or after Mass.  Thank you for being HIS Hands and Feet in our parish, our community, and our world.

SHARE CHRIST'S LOVE & EMPOWER OTHERS

  

We have the opportunity to share Christ's love in Nicaragua and put Matthew 25 into action.  One of the ways we are able to do this is through student sponsorships. Sponsorships provide opportunities to empower young lives. In Nicaragua, a high school education is required to work basic jobs like being a cashier or a server.  Education provides a path to employment and higher wages. Students that are sponsored share Christ's love by mentoring younger students in the collectivos.

In 2021, 48 homes and a community center were built, dedicated, and blessed in Las Mangas.  Also in 2021, we packed 12,000 meals at St. John LaLande that we sent to Nicaragua.  The 48 homes and community center in Las Mangas were sponsored by Cross Catholic Outreach, the West family, and in honor of our very own St. John LaLande Catholic Church.  We now have an opportunity to sponsor students in this same area.  

During our small group pilgrimage in December 2022, we will visit with St. John LaLande sponsored students. We will take letters and videos from parishioners to share with the students; and we will bring back letters and videos from students to share with their sponsors.  Education sponsorships are $30 per month and support transportation, school supplies, uniforms, mentorship, and education materials.  To learn more about sponsoring a high school student, contact Kate Ellis via email at kateellis@comcast.net.

Pilgrimage to Las Mangas, Nicaragua

Follow three of our St. John LaLande ladies as they represent our parish on a pilgrimage to Las Mangas, Nicaragua where a few homes and a community center were built in honor of our parish. 

Join Kim, Olivia, and Kate as they meet with high school students sponsored by SJL parishioners, build relationships with families, attend Mass in San Isidro, and learn about the holistic approach to empower those living in poverty.

Please pray for our small group pilgrimage December 11-16, 2022