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)