Rain Rain Go Away

Torrential rain showers and lightning storms delayed much of this year's blogging. Fortunately, it allowed time for us to reflect on the impact our work has had in each child's life this past week.

Day 3, 4, 5, & 6 -

Day 3 was definitely a highlight of this trip. At the elementary, we continued our tutoring in reading, English, and calligraphy. At the high school we began our science experiments and sex-ed seminars.

The students were captivated by the rocket labs and enjoyed seeing the impact of chemistry and physics in a real world setting.

The sex-ed talks varied with each group. The primary focus of the seminars was to impart the importance of safe-sex and furthermore discuss the respect with which each person deserves to treat his/ her own partner. We wanted to make sure that each student was aware that any temporary decision could result in permanent consequences and that sex was a gift from God, intended for one man and one woman after marriage.

Day 4 paralleled a lot of the work completed on Day 3. This time, however, our work was directed at a younger age group. This continued throughout the rest of the week.

Small highlights included our occasional visits to the ice cream shop (Pops) and the one time we were able to treat four young boys on the street to an ice cream cone.

Friday, we celebrated Sofia F's birthday and were happy to eat cake and, of course, more ice cream.

Our final day was spent packing and visiting the children at Pan y Amor one final time.

Tears and laughter were exchanged. We were pleased to see the impact we'd made once again in Nicaragua.

Thank you to every contributor and donor who has made this year possible and for those who have helped fundraise for Pan y Amor. Your help has changed the lives of each child at Pan y Amor beyond measure.

Blessings,

- Ian

Back At It

A LOT has changed since 2014.

This year we have welcomed several new faces & places. We are also proud to share that because of your generous outreach and support, Pan y Amor has been able to relocate their middle and high school students to a larger and safer property. Given this incredible opportunity, they have started various projects including the cultivation of their very own school garden. Here, students from different grade levels have grown and harvested fruits and vegetables -- an opportunity they could not have had previously -- so thank you.

Day 1 (not actually) -

After our arrival in Managua late Saturday night, our group boarded a bus, which later transported us back to the hotel. Little Bandaids, a partner group of Little Pencils, welcomed us upon arrival. A week prior to our visit, they had visited Aproquen, a hospital well-known for their treatment of burn-victims and cleft-lip pallet patients. During their visit, they crafted dozens of games for the children and performed drama skits as well. For dinner, we all enjoyed some Nicaragüense pizza and then got ready for bed.

Day 1 (actually) -

The following day was spent touring the city on bus and visiting small marketplaces. Several of us purchased small trinkets for ourselves and families at home. Throughout this process, many of us also discovered the importance of bargaining.
We also spent a period of our time deciding whether we would visit El Volcan Masaya or the lagoon. After much thought, we chose neither (lol). Instead, we drove by El Lago de Nicaragua, which *interesting fact* is the only lake in the world that has sharks.
Later that evening, we enjoyed a home-cooked meal made by the Brenner grandparents and prepared our supplies for the following day.

Day 2 -

Yesterday was spent at both the elementary and high school campuses. At the elementary we all split up to aid the different age groups in various classrooms. Some of us helped with math, while others helped with reading, English, and calligraphy. At the high school, we ate lunch, jumped rope with several of the students, and were introduced to the students we would be visiting for the rest of the week. While some of us tutored, a couple of us were also able to finalize the plans for the rest of the week including science projects, sex-ed talks, and break-off groups.

Later in the afternoon, we were treated to some ice cream at a nearby parlor to top off all of yesterday's hard labor.

In the evening, we went back to the hotel, prepared ourselves for dinner and finished the night off with a delicious meal at the Porterhouse.

Now on to Day 3!

- Ian

Until Next Time

"Aquello que nosotros hacemos por los pobres es una gota en el océano. Pero si no lo hiciéramos, si no pusiésemos esa gota en el océano, al océano le faltaría algo, le faltaría esa gota." – Madre Teresa de Calcuta

After a small show put on by the children at Pan y Amor, leaving was one of the toughest moments this week. The impact we had made on the children was evident; their tears & hugs said it all. From love letters to dozens of handwritten drawings, the children didn't want us to leave. This is what Hailey Noel had to say about her experience today and this week: "The relationships I've made on this trip were something I never expected to gain. They're relationships that I'll cherish for a lifetime. The hardest was leaving the children we spent all week with, and having to say goodbye. But above all that, I found it most humbling to see how much drive and ambition these children have for their school work. School is so important to them, and I'm glad I was able to be a part of something they love. I cannot wait to come back next year."

The following day, (our last day in Nicaragua) was spent traveling the city of Managua and learning about the rich culture of the country. We also had the opportunity to visit a nearby city called Granada, and el volcan Masaya. The volcano is active, however the views were spectacular.

After our safe flight back to Miami, the feeling to return is real. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity, and thank you all once again for your continued prayers, love, & support. This trip allowed us to minister to the children at Pan y Amor, and create relationships that we know we'll/they'll cherish forever.

Yours truly,

Little Pencils (Ian) 

Day 3 & 4

Day 3

Yesterday morning, a small group of us began a leadership workshop with the high school students. This workshop was similar to the one we did on day one, and forced the teens to work together, compromise, and come to a consensus. While this went on, another group visited the center of the market place "el mercado oriental". Later in the evening, we held a Nicaragua 2014 World Cup. This included teams from Argentina, Colombia, the United States, and many more. We will post some videos from the GoPro later!

Day 4

Earlier today, another group had the opportunity to visit "el mercado oriental". It is the largest market in Central America; the market runs 150 blocks and one can find anything from skinned iguanas to car parts and more. We found a range of food products and live animals, which included rabbits, roaches, birds, and chicken. This is what Jillian Woodard had to say about the experience: "The first word that comes to mind when I think of my visit to the marketplace is Carpe Diem. That is because every day those people make the best of what they have. It gave me an entirely different perspective on my life. The experience helped me appreciate what I have and showed me how blessed I am. I'm so grateful I was given this opportunity."

Back at Pan y Amor, the high schoolers baked around 500 cupcakes to give to the teachers. We also furthered our completion of the murals and another group also visited Aproquen to donate small bags filled with goodies. Today was by far the most humbling day of the trip, for me.

Yours truly,

Little Pencils (Ian)

Aproquen Visit

Yesterday after breakfast, seven of us visited Aproquen, a care hospital that offers treatment to burn patients and children with cleft-lift palates all over Central America. While we were there, we gave the children stuffed animals as a keep-sake and took a tour of the facility. Aproquen opened it's doors over twenty-three years ago and has helped facilitate the needs of burn victims, children particularly, free of charge because of generous donations from large donors such as Carlos Pellas, one of the richest men in Central America. In addition, Johns Hopkins and Brown University have partnered with the hospital to provide volunteer doctors to help treat the patients. Furthermore, the hospital even offers dental care to those with the cleft lift palate. The head of the dental care unit showed us some of the incredible transformations they have been able to accomplish through the help of newer technology and equipment. The hospital also has an in-house seamstress. This otherwise would not be found in your ordinary hospital, however because of this perk, the hospital can effectively provide the burn victim patients with garments instead of having them delivered from another country.

While the one group visited Aproquen, the rest of our group helped with arts & crafts back at Pan y Amor. This included painting with the children and creating a mural across the street from the school. This is what Gracie Chewning had to say about painting the mural: "As we painted, we could see the difference we were making for both for the children and their school. They were genuinely excited to see what we were doing." Also, some had the opportunity to visit the high school students a couple blocks down. While they were there, they helped them practice their English through an activity in which they had to ask for directions.

Unfortunately, due to the rain later in the evening, we could not play soccer. 

Today, (this is a late post, sorry) we look forward to painting more murals, soccer (God-willing) and arts & crafts. Mr. Eric Brenner will also be leading a leadership seminar for some of the high school students early this morning. 

Once again, we greatly appreciate all your love and support.

Yours truly,

Little Pencils (Ian)

First Day at Pan y Amor

Our journey began early yesterday morning in Miami as all 27 of us began to check into the airplane with a total of 30 duffle bags containing over 1500 pounds of shoes, clothes, and school supplies. On arrival, we checked into our hotel and then began a team-based workshop where we were given a scenario and had to work together as a team to find a solution. This group project was lead by Mr. Eric Brenner, and was a great ice-breaker for those who weren't familiar with some of the newer faces on the trip. This activity proved how crucial teamwork is in any situation. End of day one.

Today, we embarked on a 20 minute bus ride to "El Colegio Pan y Amor". The school is located in the heart of the largest market in Central America, and is a shelter for the children of working families who need a place to stay out of trouble. Pan y Amor offers these children a quality education centered around their faith and future. The children are provided with breakfast and lunch and are given the care, protection, and education they need to be successful in the years ahead. We were so eager to see the children, as well as the teachers. We worked on calligraphy, Spanish, and math with a younger group of students during the morning. After lunch, we began arts & crafts, such as painting and making silly putty. Another group of Little Pencils broke off with the soccer coach to play soccer with the children. Here's what Kelly Rico had to say about the day: "I thought that today went very well and it was amazing to see the children after an entire year and the amount they've changed and how much they have learned. Being with the children once again was a great feeling and I look forward to the rest of the week."

Tomorrow we look forward to creating murals and renovating their play area, along with visiting the burn victim unit, Aproquen. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support. 

Yours truly, 

Little Pencils (Ian & Ilse)