We’re Here…Opening Your Heart
Rochelle arrived safely in Ometepe with no snags, thank God! We welcomed volunteer, Josh D., from Melbourne, FL who came to help with a project for a small, women-owned guest house & restaurant, Playa Casa Nohelia. Joining him at the worksite was our local friend, Erwing (wood worker), two construction crews, Nohelia, her husband, Marlon, and our long-time missionary/friend, Tom Fritz.
What started out as an outdoor improvement project evolved into also helping Nohelia complete an indoor private bathroom and restore all her wood dining furniture. Josh jumped into action and was able to raise additional money online to purchase the remaining bathroom supplies and new bed matresses. Erwing went above & beyond to refurbish ALL of Nohelia's dining tables, chairs & rockers. Some of the assistance will be structured as a zero-interest loan.
These enhancements will open up a new market for Playa Casa Nohelia. As a result, she will have higher earning potential. Best of all, Nohelia and her husband, Marlon, are starting a church in a nearby village. Their personal income will surely help many others in their community.
As we write this, we are finalizing details for the upcoming Community Health Clinic and beginning of the new school year here in Nicaragua. More details to follow in future newsletters.
A Special Visitor
Thank you to Josh D. who travelled to Ometepe from Melbourne, FL to visit and volunteer. Josh stayed at the worksite with the local business owners (Nohelia & Marlon). Below are some in-progress photos. Final photos will be included in the next e-newsletter.
COUNTDOWN TO MEDICAL CLINIC!
Please pray for the following team as they depart with T.J. on February 24, 2024 to humbly serve at the Community Medical Clinic. We also request prayers of protection for the Nicaraguan medical team and safe delivery of the medicines. See prior e-news for details. We will share more details about these individuals in the next newsletter.
Dr. Sherin M. of Louisiana
Bonnie R. of Florida
Jim D., PharmD of Florida
We have 6 new college scholarship applications
Lea A., Female, School Teacher
Kenneth G., Male, Medicine
Arelcy Z., Female, Physical Therapist
Eveling A., Female, Language Translation
Hanier H., Male, Nursing
Eyder A., Male, Law
The students in our college scholarship program fall into 2 main categories: Full time & part-time. The average monthly expenses for a full-time student is ~ $110 USD. A part-time commuting student average expenses is ~ $65-70/mo.
Our goal is NOT to cover 100% of the expenses as the families should contribute towards their education when possible. 100% of the monthly support Sponsors send to OBGM is given to each student on a recurring basis.
Happy Valentine's Day! Opening Your Heart in Time & Pace . . .
One main difference we experience serving in Latin America (versus USA) is the cultural norm of time and pace. Here, time is very flexible and not efficient. Life moves slower. There is A LOT of chit chat, waiting around and interruptions folded into every transaction. Examples include eating at a restaurant, work, waiting in line at the market… pretty much everything!
Most volunteers who visit us understand that Latin America is a slower pace, but it's those "in-between moments" of the daily grind in Ometepe that may become frustrating to some people. However, those moments are super important in our ministry. This is where sacred encounters may happen, and long-term bonds are formed. We can't be effective in the community if we're not fully walking alongside with our neighbors.
When you serve with us, we’ll all be uncomfortable. Access to essential resources (water, electricity, medicine) are limited and unreliable. Adding the time and pace factor can be just as challenging. This is a gift and good opportunity for reflection on what God is trying to teach us in those moments. Opening your heart and mind with self-compassion during those in-beween moments is part of the journey.
