Hello from Nicaragua!!!!
We are thrilled to say that we have
arrived safe and well to Nicaragua. We have completed one full day of work
today and we are all tired, sore, sunburned, and with paint still covering our
arms and face. But most importantly we are thrilled, excited, blessed, and
humbled by those we have met today, including the family we are building the
house for. The family includes two little girls, Michelle (age 4) and Maria
Estelle (age 7) and their loving parents. We were so happy when we met the
family and saw that they had just as much enthusiasm as we did. The two girls
went straight to work with us and helped us paint the roof where most of the
paint just ended up on their clothes. We then had a little dance party inside
the house as we stomped and jumped to level the floor.
Although Nica Crew has been involved in
building houses for 6 years now, we only have 5 returning students and thirteen
newcomers. We are definitely a fresh group of people and with that comes a
desire and craving to want to work, work, and work. Erica Brenner and Chrissy
Stech were the hoeing queens as they worked on every single batch of cement.
Erica has a great farmers tan to prove it. Anthony Pino was the leader and the
translator between us and the four construction workers. Sabrina Apple and
Mikki Riviera are the new PB&J Divas. Maria Gonzales and Kelli Salas are
the Picasso's of the group and still have paint on their hair and face just as
any artiste would. Maddie Te Riele worked diligently while everyone else was
covered in dirt and she just glistened. The children showed their beautiful
smiles and dabbing skills to cameramen, A.KA Landon Scherr and Charles
Gonzales. The three musketeers, Gaby, Kelly, and Dani were just living their
lives and made an amazing beat/bar to keep us entertained and just in case you
didn't know, on Thursday they wear pink. Also, Dani fell inside a pit of
cement. Kyle, Tyler, and Bobbie all came out of their shells and helped with
everything whether it be hoeing, painting, or playing with the kids. Most importantly
we had Wildman, Tick Nolander, back with us.
Now we are about to start our devos and
reminisce on our day. As I sit and listen to Tia Jessie sing along to the
angelic voices of Landon and Gaby I can say from the bottom of my heart that
today was a great day. We now know that we aren't just building a house but a
home for this family.
With much love and eagerness to see what
else is ahead we say goodbye... Until tomorrow!
Blessings from Nica
Ilse
