A trip into the mountains

This morning around 8:30 we will be heading out to Matagalpa.

We will be in a more mountainous region and not sure of how communications will be so bear with us.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

.

Espreranza en Accion

Yesterday afternoon we got on a van and went for a small tour of the city.  Afterwards we visited a small store where they sold coffee and various items made by some local artisans.  We listened intently as the manager told us how the artisans would make their wares.  Every word she spoke was in Spanish and Doug translated as she spoke.  One thing was clear though, and you don't need a translator for this.  She enjoyed and had a passion for what she did there.  You could see the joy in her face and hear the enthusiasm in her voice.  And no wonder.  They were helping to make a difference in people's lives.  I have setup  a link that will hopefully give you an idea of what they do there and how they are helping people better their lives.  Just click here on Esperanza en Accion.

It was also amazing to see some of the artisan's tools.  She showed us stones that were used for shaping, sponges for painting, and even bicycle tire spokes that had been ground down and fashioned into various sized scribes for etching designs into the clay.  Innovative.

One thing I have found here is that although this is a poor country, they don't sit around waiting for hand-outs.  Everyday I've been here, I've seen people trying to make a living and other people who are trying to help them make a living.  Where do we fit into the mix?  What is God calling us to do in light of the things we've saw?  The story continues...