Today was another amazing day!! The unexpected happened...I think that is the only constant for me here in Nicaragua (well, there's also the bugs, the electricity going out, my kids driving me crazy and the smothering heat).
We started our day with our run - Scarlett is doing so great - she has been running with me in the morning and doing a fabulous job - I'm proud of her and it is the BEST way to start my day!! We were woken up this morning by our new best friend, Jacklyn - who cleaned our casita and washed our clothes...I love her so much!! My husband said that waking up to Jacklyn is "almost" as good as waking up with him. Usually - I would say that's true...but I'm missing my husband a lot right now...so it's a far second for me!
We were met by our cab driver and friend, Norman at 11:30 to go to Casa Bernabe and meet with Alberto. During our cab ride, Norman told me his story. He had actually grown up at Casa Bernabe from the age of 5 until he was 14 years old. He told me how happy he was there - how good everyone was to him and how great the school was - he was looking forward to seeing it again. I asked him to talk to Alberto about his experience - I thought it would help Alberto know what a great opportunity he has there.
When we arrived, Norman kept saying how much the place had changed - it had been 20 years since he had been there. We met up with Alberto - visited for awhile - he is doing very well - he has made a few friends and finds his new home very relaxing and fun. We took a tour of the campus - I wanted to see the place I had originally stayed at - which was torn down and a beautiful large building now houses the missionaries. All the rooms have air conditioning - hot water - showers - GORGEOUS!!! I ran into a few friends, met a few new people and then we walked back to the car - while we were saying goodbye to Alberto - Norman was talking to an older man - he was very animated but I didn't know what he was saying. When we finished saying our goodbye's - I looked over at Norman and signaled..."let's go". He said "Wait just a minute" - he came over to me and asked for a pen and paper and then went back to the older man - we left about 5 minutes later and Norman told me that this man was an old friend of his - this man worked at the orphanage and helped raise him and his brother! He hadn't talked or seen him in 20 years and the man remembered Norman immediately. He got all his contact information and then told me with tears in his eyes "thank you so much Lesa - I am very happy"!! He kept smiling and thanking me all the way home. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?! I was so happy to see him so happy - it was a very moving experience for me. I told Norman that I think he should spend time at Casa Bernabe - sharing his story with the older boys - mentoring them. This place was so important to him and he can really make a difference with those children. AWESOME!!!
We had a party to attend at Puente de Amistad - our sweet Isiasas had his going away party - he is being adopted by a couple who lives in the French Riviera .... hello?!?! Maria Jose kept saying "don't forget me" I think she is dreaming of visiting them very soon!! ;) We had two pinatas - and Lucie was the first child to get the first piece of candy from the pinata - this is a big deal because she has always been afraid of "diving in" with the rest of the kids - and rightly so, it's insane!! So our girl is definitely acclimating herself. We had a blast with the kids and said goodbye to both Isiasas and our dear friend Allyson who is going back to the states tonight - we will miss them both.
Such an emotional day - filled with love, tears, fun and surprise. I know this day has impacted Norman - deeply - again, Alberto has made a difference is someone else's life - it's amazing how God works!!
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Baye...what a great story. I remember when we first started going to Nicaragua we would say there is something about that place....and that we felt the presence of God there. It is just crazy the way your days unfold. And the stories you are engaged in? JUST CRAZY.
ReplyDeleteI know we always talk about the way in which both of us will be changed by this whole experience. Wondering how we can capture the things, activities, thoughts, etc. and implement them when our life is "normal" again (and oh how I crave normal right about now!). How we can bring a little Nica back here. I am not sure why it always seems to be so fullfilling there but MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, it is because THERE we take the time to do things and at a pace (which can be crazy sometimes) that allows us to take God in, observe what He is doing, and get on board HIS train, as opposed to always asking Him to get on ours. It took 20 years for Norman, in Nicaragua, to make a connection with this guy...and 20 years for THAT guy to make the connection back with Norman. They had a special moment for sure. I guess if we figure some of this out, despite it having taken 50+ years for me and 33 years for you ;-),...the key is that we ARE figuring it out and maybe we will be better for it!
p.s. Dont get any crazy ideas with Maria Jose about the French Riveria! I am almost positive the two of you going there "to visit Isiasi)is not part of Gods Plan for the world!!!!! Althought the vision of you on the beach, sun tan lotion...ooops...never mind. XOXOXOXOXOX