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Saturday, January 20, 2024

A Taste of Nicaragua

(taken from Rainbow Network’s website)


Join us in the Parish Center at approximately 12:30pm Sunday, January 28th following coffee and donuts for “A Taste of Nicaragua” presentation. Our recent pilgrimage team will show pictures & videos, serve Nicaraguan coffee, and discuss the wholistic approach that addresses poverty alleviation.  Learn how scholarship students and the Las Mangas community have become empowered with just a little help and a lot of thanks to God. 

Google map with location of Las Mangas in department of Matagalpa in Nicaragua. 



Friday, January 19, 2024

Christ’s Light Shines Bright in Nicaragua



Greetings to all,


On our fourth and last day in Las Mangas, Nicaragua, we first met Stephanie, the Education Director for all Rainbow Network networks (or regions) in the country. 



Next, we met with community leaders:  Lucracia, vice coordinator; Elizabeth, community health coordinator; Andrea, nutrition coordinator, and Catalina, childrens education coordinator.  The leaders are liaisons between the community and Rainbow Network.  There were four other leaders who were working that day, some in the rice fields. They assure things run smoothly in the community and help move the community toward self sustainability. 



We had a final celebration that included dancing, games, songs, prayers, and a piñata.  Kim and deacon Richard joined in on the piñata fun. High school students painted faces of the younger children. Love and happiness spread throughout the community center. 





We visited the home of Fausto and Erenia.  Fausto runs a taxi business on a motorcycle trike, refurbishes and sells bicycles, repairs motorcycles, gardens, and is a Catholic delagado.  Erenia runs a small store out of their home selling chips, candies, spices, blankets, flip flops, among other items.  Erenia is a reader at church.  Their daughter Maria Antonella likes to sing at church. Their son Antony is away at college studying to be a Civil Engineer.  





Fausto and Erenia also take care of Brisa full time, so she is like a daughter to them.  She is young, around 7 or 8 years old. Brisa’s mother and father are in Costa Rica.  Her dad has mental illness.  She has an older brother in the United States and another brother living in Las Mangas outside the housing project.  We saw the family again at La Merced Catholic Church.  Kate and the family took a picture in front of the tabernacle chapel.   

Church was a little different this time in that it included scripture readings, prayers, homily by a delagada, and a welcoming to St. John LaLande visitors.  There was no communion, and the tabernacle was locked. We came to understand that a traveling priest comes on Sunday and communion is offered during the Sunday Mass.  Deacon Richard gave a blessing to the church which was well received.



This trip has put many things in perspective.  God is love. We do not need more and more material items, an abundance of food choices, or a full schedule to bring us joy.  All we need is God, each other, and our basic necessities to be truly happy. We saw His love each and everyday in Las Mangas.


We shined His light; and they shined His light even brighter. We are all His hands in this world. 


Blessings and love to all,

Kate

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Living and healing as one body in a community as Jesus taught



Day 3

Today we visited the Guadeloupe neighborhood in the Las Mangas community.  We learned how the 59 networks are organized into an average of 20 communities each.  And that some of these communities, like Las Mangas (which is quite large) are further subdivided (or organized) into neighborhoods.  We learned that each community must be willing and able to organize and must be working to sustain themselves.  The goal is that Rainbow will give them the help until they are self-sustaining then move on to other communities.

 



Hurrricane Mitch came through Las Mangas about 20 years ago and the government built homes in this Guadeloupe neighborhood.  They are made with wood siding and could not withstand the weather that the Rainbow project houses could withstand.  They have a well for water.  Some in the Las Mangas housing project used to live here. 


The Medical Clinics 

We met the three doctors today.  They each worked out of a room in an individual house in the neighborhood.

 

Dr Cynthia Perec runs the ultra sound clinic, which is a new program started one year ago.  She is 21 years old.  The most common issues are abdominal problems like gall bladder and kidney. Also sees pregnant women.  

 

This ultrasound machine is all electronic.  The scanner looks normal except that it is just the size of an old flip-phone with no wires.  It is wireless and connects to a 5x7 tablet for the screen.  They also need a regular laptop for storing the images and record keeping.  They also use a good inkjet printer to print the images for the patients.  This unit is able to see a lot of detail including joints, breast tissue, and thyroid.  The unit is completely mobile and can be taken directly to the patient when needed.  This unit is truly a game-changer.

 

Pregnancy ultrasounds are about $6-7 and are used for diagnostic and preventative care.  They have aspirations to obtain another unit for ultrasound machine, computer, printer and tablet $7500 total cost.

 

Dr Bosco Pio Miranda, the dentist, is 29 years old and has been working as a dentist for 6 years because he entered university at 15.  The most common work is tooth extractions because of lack of education on dental hygiene so they teach community about dental care. He gave a very informative presentation about how cavities form, why they form, and how to prevent them with brushing your teeth.  His dentist "office" is completely portable, which was truly amazing.  He had a full-sized dentist's chair, with bright light, that can be folded and put in the back of a truck.  He had a portable unit (about the size of a small moving box) that had cables, just like a regular dentist. One cable for shooting a mist of water, one for drilling, and one for the ultra-violet light to harden the fillings.  He carried all the numbing and equipment supplies in a normal plastic tote.  Again, I was incredibly impressed by the capabilities and his care and knowledge.

 

Dr Henry is the medical doctor and offers medical talks; today is about breast self-examination.  After the medical talks, he attends to patients.  Today's talk was very informative and they handled this important and delicate subject gracefully.  His clinic was much more basic – but again portable.  It had 2 chairs, a small table, a scale, and 2-3 plastic totes for various medications. 

 

These clinics are more accessible than government ministry of health services because they can get into these rural areas. They also help the people not have to spend a full morning of travel to enable them to get in line in time to be seen by a doctor in the bigger towns.  Some people get services too late and then still need to spend 3-4 hours to get home. The clinics are also working to change mentality on dental care and importance of proper care, cleanings, fillings and less extractions. The ultrasound machine has helped them be more diagnostic rather than guessing between 2-3 optional issues.  They have found hernias and issues with ovaries.   

 

The beauty of these clinics is that the patients are able to talk with a doctor, get a consult, and medication all in one trip.  In the case today, the patient mom is so thankful and feels so better having clinics locally. She had a 1 month 15 days old daughter and a 7 year old daughter.   Britani, the baby, had a rash on her face.  Her older daughter, Nathaly was getting a checkup.  Many of these like this mom still must take a taxi, which is a modified motorcycle.  The back is a normal motorcycle with handlebars, engine, seat, and wheel.  However, they removed the front forks and put on a rickshaw type seat for the passengers and two wheels and that entire thing turns with the handlebars. 

 

However, this is much easier and cheaper to travel around Las Mangas than travelling to larger towns to see a doctor in a clinic.  For example, if they need to go to into San Isidro to see a doctor, they must take a taxi for 50 cordobas each way and arrive by 10 am to see the doctor by 12-1 pm.  They must leave by 3 pm to get home in time.  They must take a number to be seen and if you are not there early enough, you don't get a number.  Then, they must pay for the appointment and buy meds.  The rural community clinics are nice because they are more private, can follow the patients better and, yet, still have the medications needed.

 

An example dentist visit, at these local clinics, costs 200 cordobas ($5) per filling.  If they go into larger towns to see a private dentist, it is about 1200 cordobas ($30) per filling. Cleanings and extractions here are about 150 cordobas ($4).  If the extraction requires surgery, like wisdom teeth, they must go elsewhere unless he is able to see visibly it. 

 

Then pay appointment and buy meds.  This is nice because it's here and they have the meds. It's more private. 



But The Graduate 

Next, we met Pamila and her family.  She just graduated with the 5 year high school completed.  We met her dad, Antonio, mom, Albarosa, and sister, Adriana. 

 

Pamilia taught at the Collectici named Señora Guadalupe.  She taught with another but he immigrated to Costa Rica.  Her family was very proud of her because she is the first to graduate high school.  She would like to study nursing.  She will start on Saturdays locally and sometimes travel.  The program is 5-years from Unican university in Matagalpa.  However, they have an outreach program on Saturdays in Las Mangas.  There are about 40 students in each class.

 

The challenges to finishing high school are immigration seeking job opportunities and early marriages.  The thing that touched many of us was that while she was sponsored and her sponsor was consistent in paying, she never received a letter or a birthday or Christmas gift like many of the other students did.  While I was not her sponsor, it could have been me.  My wife is great at this but I have not done this and now understand the great importance of building this relationship with the students.  They really need the encouragement and this inspired me to make letter-writing or emailing a priority as I go forward.  The staff does a great job of interpreting the letters and delivering them once a month.

 

The Rainbow Network program emphasizes that there are more opportunities like rural universities. They encourage them to get a career in their communities.  They also encourage the students to get a technical career first since it's faster to start career and then they can study more for another career. They will start with trade schools like barber, computers, nail care so they can work during the week and then take classes for their main career on Saturdays. Pamilia has been studying every day because it's important to her. She took a course in computers and nails for the technical school and is now waiting on the certificate.






The Collectivo


We went back to the housing project, went to Collectivo in the community center.  This is where the scholarship students are required to teach the younger, elementary, children.  They bring wooden bench-tables from surrounding homes for the kids to work on.  There were several students leading the children with moms there watching over the process.  It was very inspiring and I wish our high-school kids had to teach like that.

 

The children sang 2 songs for us: "La vaca lola" and "Bartelito".  They played games involving listening, math, and riddles.  They also had dictation of words and sentences.  They also did some science experiments with water, baking soda, and vinegar.

 

Several moms made the food for the children, which was more than your regular rice and beans.  It had lots of fresh vegetables – kind of like a veggie, Chipotle bowl, but way better tasting.  They also prepared a milk oatmeal with sugar.  It tasted like strawberry milk.

 

After this we made balloon animals.  We played and talked with the moms, the staff, and the children.  They were all so welcoming.  To say I learned something would be an understatement.  I was so impressed with the staff and the people.  They are truly inspiring.

 

Deacon Richard

 

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

THE CHURCH




The church is that society, that Mystical body, in which people learn to see with the eyes of Christ and to walk the path that Christ walked.


Catholism,155

Making Christ Present in the World:

The Church, to use Paul's magnificent metaphor, is the Body of Jesus, the living organism that makes present Christ's mind and will in the World. It is his love made flesh, throughout the ages, his hands and feet and eyes and heart.

Our purpose is his purpose-to carry the nonviolent and forgiving love of God to a hungry world.

Your sister in Christ
Kim White






Special medical cases





Greetings from Las Mangas,

On Tuesday we met individuals with special medical needs that Rainbow Network and medical sponsors have been able to help. First we met Robert, a five year old boy  who had testicular surgery. He is doing well now. He is still being followed by the doctor but at this point does not require additional procedures.  His aunt who we met brought a message of greetings and thankfulness from Robert’s mom who was working that day. 

We also met Elizabeth Rodriquez, a beautiful lady who had a huge umbilical hernia requiring surgery using a mesh.  She is now doing well and gave thanks to God, Rainbow Network, and all who made her surgery possible.  She said Rainbow Network has been helping with medical appointments for her children including a child with allergies. She is the Health Community Leader and a housing recipient.  She gave thanks for her home. 

The most touching moment was at the home of Fiorella.  You may recall Fiorella from December 2022 when St. John LaLande parishioners sponsored her wheelchair.  Fiorella is now four years old.  She has cerebral palsy.  Her mother Yariscsa was losing hope.  Her dream is for her daughter to walk, and the doctor told her that her daughter will never walk.  She said it is very difficult for her to see other children Fiorella’s age running and playing. She appreciates the love and prayers from St. John LaLande. During our visit, she asked each of us what we do for a living and shared that she works in the rice fields.  She also shared that she wants to open a nail care business in her home, so she can care for her daughter and earn money at home. Her husband works in Costa Rica (most likely in field work) and sends money home to help the family.  This is common for a lot of families.  Yarisca dreams of going to school to become a nurse. 

I asked her if she would allow me to hold Fiorella, and she graciously allowed me to do so. This was the most touching moment of our trip as of this writing. She’s a beautiful girl. Looking into her eyes while talking to her felt like we were communicating soul to soul. She doesn’t talk, but her non-verbal eye contact and smile with almost a giggle touched me in ways that I find difficult to put into words.  Our visit ended with Deacon Richard Isaacks giving Fiorella and her mom a blessing.

Thanks be to God for allowing us to see Christ in Robert, Elizabeth, Fiorella and Fiorella’s mom.

Blessings and love,

Kate Ellis


Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Visits with students Jan16, 2024





Today,we were blessed to meet with high school students sponsored by St. John LaLande parishioners. We enjoyed games, ice breaker activities, and conversations. Students shared their hopes, dreams, thankfulness to God and thankfulness to their sponsors. We shared information back and forth about family life, education, faith and careers.  Many students walk one or more hours each way to get to school Monday-Friday;while some walk 2-3 hours each way and only attend Saturday school.

Students on sponsorships must give back in their communities by teaching primary school children in collectivos in the afternoons   The program is built on empowering students to be future leaders who understand the importance of paying it forward while always placing God first. 

Love & Learning


Today was very informative. We met with the community with some "ice breaker" games. Kate, Kim, Mallory, and I participated in these activities. The kids were timid at first but really got into it. One boy, Josua (pronounced Ho-sway), stood out to me. We talked during the games and he started hanging around me more when he found out my daughter was Olivia. He had played soccer with Olivia last year. He liked Olivia and was not shy about it. 

The third house we went to was a single mom named Elsa. Her husband just left her. She noted that her husband had just finished the expansion to her home  and then left. She was strong while describing it but mentioned that her faith was struggling so she was not attending church because of the challenges. She was Josua’s mom.  She had 4 kids, one daughter(20), a daughter (14), Josua (12), and Brian (5). Please  pray for her faith. She showed us her garden which included mango and dragonfruit.

Next, we visited Ines, a widower next door to Elsa. He had broken his forearm and had just gotten the cast off today. It will be at least 4-8 weeks before he can work again. He was taking care of Elsa's garden. His son played baseball.  We played catch for a bit and I could tell he was pretty good. Ines had an amazing garden as well. He also had Jamaica flowers (aka Hibiscus). 

The last home we visited was Andrea's. She helped us learn to make tortillas today. Please pray for her liver.  We learned that mothers test their future daughter-in-laws to see if they can make good tortillas. If so, they can marry their son. 



The thing I was most intrigued with was their outdoor stoves. Each was custom made of concrete for wood stoves. Ines even made his own concrete with sand, ash and water. It was also very cool to see their creativity and their cleanliness. We saw many people mopping the concrete floors. However, one person did not want to show us the add on bedroom because it had a dirt floor and she said it was a mess even though all the beds were up on cinder blocks and all beds were made and neat. 

God bless,
Deacon Richard