Landed in Vancouver

It was an uneventful day. We had some fun in Houston and our plane was late taking off but otherwise it was a great day. We landed at 1:30am. Please remind the students to bring all the coffee to my office on Monday. Have a great weekend. Thank God for a wonderful trip of transformation. God is good. Mr g

Coming Home Information - Tomorrow

It will be a long day of travel tomorrow.

DEPARTURE MANAGUA 12:10pm - ARRIVAL HOUSTON - 4:45pm
DEPARTURE HOUSTON 8:53pm - ARRIVAL VANCOUVER - 23:52

We will be picked up by the school van and a luggage vehicle but likely we won't be back into Abbotsford until about 2am.  We will call you by cell phone when we get close to Mt Lehman Road so that you can be waiting for us at ACS when we arrive.  Thank you for your help.

Mr. Goertzen

Day 9 - Last Day - Farewells

Another early morning.  We woke up at 5:30 for a 6:00am breakfast and then off to Centro de Fe for a final morning of good-byes and a farewell assembly with the school.  We had some presentations, we sang "We Wanna See Jesus Lifted High" with the student body (they knew it well in Spanish) and then some farewell speeches.  Students had written ACS Thank You cards for each of their new friends and staff and we exchanged presents which included some beautiful murals, cards, sports equipment, pens, yo-yos and other small gifts.  It was a sad but wonderful morning.

Then off to an authentic Nicaraguan market for some last minute shopping.  People bought:
- hammocks
- pottery
- shirts
- purses
- bags
and a ton of other stuff that was well priced and mostly hand-made.  Shopping in the market was a fun experience.

Then back to the Nehemiah Center for dinner and then off to a school to continue painting new classrooms.  We finished the classrooms at about 4:30 and headed for home to get some packing done before dinner.

During devotions we had been reading about an organization which supports the local Niraraguan economy by helping coffee farmers in the Mombachito region.  They have set these farmers up with loans which they faithfully repay and have helped them market their coffee as organic and free trade coffee.  We were all inspired by the story and one night a representative (Nicaraguan) came to our group and gave us a presentation.  We were all moved by the story of this program and so we decided that we could support this project ourselves in a very creative way.  We bought a ton of coffee.

When we came down to Nicaragua, we brought all our clothes and personal items as 'carry-on' luggage so that our checked luggage could be full of school supplies and other needed items we received from the MCC.  So, we have a ton of empty, large suitcases and we have decided to fill them up with coffee for our return trip.

You can help as well.  Please consider buying some of this coffee.  Your support of this project helps Nicaraguan farmers earn a fair living off their work.  Ask a student for information about purchasing coffee from our ACS Hands team after we return.

This evening we had a wonderful group session with Trudy, Peter, Lennin and our group.  We shared some of our stories and experiences together and then gave some suggestions to the leaders for future trips.  Everyone shared about the positive impact this trip had made on them.  After our sharing time, we watched a slideshow of highlight pictures from our trip.  It was a room full of laughter and fun as we revisited our days together in pictures.

Our goal for this trip was that it could have components of service, learning, collaboration and transformation and from the stories we heard tonight, we accomplished these goals and in many ways exceeded them.

Ms. Lammers has been an extraordinarily fantastic leader for this team.  Her positive energy, people skills and organization have made for an incredible trip.  Mr. van Eerden added much to this team as well.  His wisdom and insights combined with a cheerful spirit went a long way in building our team and unifying the group.  We are hoping to bring back several interviews, videos and slide shows for the elementary students as well as feature some of our sister school staff and students around ACS when we return.

Lennin, (our interpreter) Lester (our driver), Peter and Trudy (our hosts) have been wonderful mentors for our students.  What a great experience this has been and we can't wait to share our stories with the student body once we return.

Thank you again for your prayers, support and for reading this blog each day!  Love from the ACS Hands Team 2012.

- Mr. Goertzen

Day 8 - Meetings, Painting and Preparing to Say Farewell

Today began an hour earlier for Gerry and Roy. They were invited to a Nicaragua Christian Academy Board meeting to share what is happening at ACS. They are working at developing a more innovative and engaging curriculum and pedagogy in their schools. Upon returning to the Nehemiah Center at 9:30, there was time for a quick change of clothes and off to Centro de Fe. While the ACS and Centro de Fe students started painting the metal beams and supports in the school, Gerry filmed two students from grade 2 who led us on a tour of the school, showing the Preschool to grade five classrooms, the computer lab, the library, the indoor play area, the outdoor play area (the street in front of the school where Alison and Roy had played kickball with the grade fives last week) and the temple where assemblies are held as well as church on Sunday. Then we had another delicious lunch of chicken or beef with rice, beans, fried plantain and salad. After lunch the students continued painting while Alison, Gerry and Roy met with Sandra and Jorge to discuss the partnership in its current form, and its future. It was exciting to talk about the possiblities. We then returned to the Nehemiah Center for an amazing meal of chicken with vegetables, creamed cucumber and onions, beets, rice and beans. In additions to our nightly devotions, we wrote cards to prepare for saying good-byes tomorrow. It is hard to believe our time here is almost done. We have formed some strong friendships and had incredible experiences.

Day 7 - Day of Mixing

Today we finally got to sleep in!!! Till 7:30 it felt sooooo good! We then had our devotions at the Nehemiah Center and got to sing some songs in Espanol. We then had a reflection on our days so far with the kids  from CDF and our days working on the job site. After that we joined the grade 11 students at CDF for a spanish class. We had a very delicious lunch of chicken and beef. We then spent the rest of the afternoon painting a mural and hanging out with the students playing soccer, volleyball and just hanging out. We played soccer with the boys and had a challenge of playing one-up while counting in Spanish and they had to count in English. It was extrememly hard multi-tasking especially when you can't count to ten in spanish...lol.. We got completely showed up by the muchochos' (guys).

We then had a talent show with CDF. They presented a mock drama of the spaniards, which was hilarious. Then Dannyboy got up and did some spectacular juggling on Nicks shoulders, then Whitney and Alison peppered with the volleyball. the CDF kids also presented a skit of what it is like for teen gang fights on the streets in their neighbourhood and a few traditional dances. We also played a game (only girls) of musical chairs, except now when you take a chair away you have to pile onto another with someone one else. The game ended with us all planking on one chair. Then Allie performed some ballet in pointe shoes and Matt did some amazing drumming on the drums as well as the walls and any other surface he could find. Neena also spoke in Japanese and got saranaded by Hecter. While others of us recieved special love notes that made no sense once translated. We then ended the evening with a delicious dinner and devotions.

Day 6 - A Day of Rest and Worship

We were able to sleep in this morning until 7:30 giving us a fresh start. Eating delicious pancakes and fresh fruits, we were all pumped up to go to the church at Centro de Fe. Greeted by the smiles of the members of the church, we sat ourselves on the benches near the fans. We started the service with a couple of songs in spanish we recognized. Then, we led the worship with Alabare (Alleluia) and Them Lions. We listened to a spanish sermon which was translated by our awesome translator, Lenin. The pastor preached to us about how God has given us specific talents for jobs meant for ourselves. After wrapping up the sermon, we split up into age groups for sunday school. Us students and Lams went together with the teens of the congregation. Our SS teacher taught us about God's Amazing Love for us. Our teacher kindly made our lesson short so we wouldn't suffocate inside the unfamiliar scorching environment.

Coming back to the Nehemiah Center we quickly ate our tortilla snack and headed out for the ocean and beach. Upon arriving, the team ordered our lunch, put on some hand sanitizer and jumped into the ocean's crashing waves. Swimming and playing hard for an hour, we prepared our bellies for our late lunch. Rice, salad, fries were served with our choice of fish, chicken or beef.

Some of us did some exciting activities after lunch. Karly and Coach G rode across the beach on the petite Nicaraguan horses. Allie challenged the huge roaring waves on a surfboard and succeeded. She was full of aches and bruises after falling many times, but never did her smile disappear.

Laughing and Playing hard together all day the team returned to our home, the Nehemiah Center. We watched a documentary called Reparando. The people of Guatemala sufferend greatly during and after their civil war, but in the midst of their pain God touched and transformed the lives of the country's own people. We hope the movie would inspire transformation in our team.  We also hope to transform the lives of those in our community at home and here at Centro de Fe.

Day 5 - A Day of Exploration

Today was an incredible day enjoying and engaging with all things Nicaraguan.

We began our day with a scenic drive to a beautiful town. The family we visited run a shop are amazing artists, for that is what their pottery really is. The pottery they produce was amazingly nice, with many mugs, vases, plates and other items. All of our team bought several pieces each, the favourites being musical instruments being made in the from of owl or turtles, and a few others. Then, as we were leaving, the wife was so greatful for all the pottery we bought, she went around the shop searching for items to give to Coachie G and Trudy Kuipers, (one of our hosts). Then we went ziplining. I must honestly say, I was rather apprehesive, because I absolutely hate high heights accompanied with nothing beneath your feet. But, as other members were also afraid, we were all blown away on our first ride across. After safely hooking on, going across, unclipping, and travelling over to the next line, we had all smiled, and laughed, joking around. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and forgot our anxiety over the next few rides. Some team members even tried zip-lining in diferent positions. One, the "Superman," was tried on numerous rides, and the guides were very kind, and funny. Then, on one ride, just between two points we had to walk between, each team member was required to ride upside down. Not to name names, but one was very adamant about retaining a hold on the harness with one hand. (He apparently could not let go, even if he wanted to, which he said he did not...) But the rides were very fun, and we were reluctant to leave, over coming our fear, as we bounced along the lines.
We then said our goodbyes, and left for lunch. Our lunches were very good, Lesther had read out the best meals on the menu.  We were all stuffed, as we left for the boat ride.
On the boat ride, we were joined by an 11 year old boy, selling leather bracelets. He was very good, and patient, after being told to wait to sell his bracelets. He also had a very good time, as we clipped along, he and I laying over the side of the boat, dragging our hands in the water. We visited "Monkey Island," quite aptly named. Four types of monkeys live on the island, fed and taken care of by a local vetrinarian.
As we got off the boat, the young boy who joined us, helped us hold the stern of the boat at the shore, so everyone on board could safely jump off. He then followed us all, to the van, where he began marketing his bracelets. After complementing all the girls, calling them all beautiful, blowing kisses, and winking (inward smile ;) ), he left with a smile on his face, due to the best sale of bracelets he must have had in a long time. Our team was very glad to support him, and he was also very thankful.
After leaving the boy, we trekked on to a square in Granada. After perusing the small market set up, we left once more, our van now headed for the volcano.
When we got to the volcano, we were immediately stunned by the imense size of the crater. It was HUGE! If you threw a rock as far ove the edge as you could, you lost sight of it before it was even close to a quarter of the way down the crater! After climbing up to a cross set up a small way up the crater rim, we took several pictures, than ran down the steps as fast as we could to escape the gas-filled air, for the cleaner air in the van. We then came back to the Nehemiah Center, where we practiced--very well I must say--our song for the Spanish church we will attend tomorrow.
Now signing off,
Nicholas
:)
Asta la vista muchachos!

Day 4 - The River

We woke up pretty early today at 5:30 and had breakfast at 6:00am  Then, off to the bus for a ride with our new friends from Centro De Fe (our partner school) into the mountains of Nicaragua.  We started with a trip to an ecological reserve museum where we learned all about some of the issues facing Nicaragua today.  One issue is the threatened extinction of the sea turtle but there are many others as well including deforestation of the rainforest, flooding and mudslides (from deforestation), pollution, garbage, air quality and volcanic / natural disasters.  There are no shortage of ecological issues in Nicaragua.

After this we went to the river for the afternoon and enjoyed swimming, playing volleyball and frisbee, talking to friends and eating lunch.  It was very hot so the river felt extraordinarily great for swimming today.  There was a very slippery waterfall / rock area and several students had some mishaps but nothing serious.  I was pretty concerned about Courtney who fell on the rocks while trying to jump across the stream but she assured us all that she was fine...

Later in the day we went to a park with many vendors and an outdoor catholic service for Easter.  Many of the students had rides in the little tuk-tuk taxis.  We returned to the Nehemiah Centre for dinner with Lenin (our interpreter) and Peter and Trudy (our Edu Deo Hosts).  It was a great day of fellowship and fun.

Some of the things that have struck me over the first four days:

- while showing our tour of ACS on video to the Centro De Fe student body, I was struck with an incredible emotional / transformational moment where I actually teared up.  It hit me just how much we have and take for granted.  We have a room for every subject area in our school - music, art, wood, mechanics, sewing, computers, foods, gym... and while we were showing these rooms I'm looking at every room in the school from their 'auditorium' area.  The entire school can be viewed from there because every classroom is open to the centre.  And, Roy and Alison were outside doing a grade 5 PE class - on the street, stopping periodically for cars to pass through the kickball game they were playing with the kids.

- we drove past a traffic island yesterday and got caught in a traffic jam.  There beside us on this traffic island was a mother and her two young children.  She was selling stuff to cars passing by and the kids were playing on the traffic island.  There was a hammock set up for naps and a makeshift crib there for the baby.  I have never seen anything like that before.

- the students and staff at Centro De Fe love our students and staff and absolutely love it that we come here to build relationships with them.  They pull out all the stops for our visit and truly are grateful that we want to know them and visit them at their school.

- driving in Nicaragua is insane.  That's all I'm going to say about that.  Except that I make ALL the students where their seatbelts - even with Alison's looks of  "Gerry... its Nicaragua... nobody wears seatbelts..." - but they do in our van!

- teenagers don't see risks (some extremely youthful, single but engaged, teachers are similar).  Middle aged principals see all the risks and then imagine several more...

Alison here... following up...

As much as we have been connecting with Centro De Fe... we have been encouraging our students to also connect and create meaningful relationships within our own team as well.  It has been interesting to see people who would never really talk with each other in school from day to day... perhaps even being in the same class for years and years... connect for the first time. 

Our students have certainly learned a lot about relationships and what it means to develop them and invest in them.  I hope and pray that they will retain these reflections, that they will learn from them and apply them in tangible ways.

How do we move forward?  This is a questions we will have to continue to ask ourselves time and time again as the days pass.

Thanks... again... continue to pray please.

To God be the Glory....



-

Day 3 - Day with Centro De Fe

A REVIEW OF YESTERDAY..
It was juicy as you bit into it, but not too juicy, it was just right. It seemed to melt in your mouth as you bit into it again and again. The skin was the perfect texture of crunchy and chewy. There wasn't anything to compare it to, when none of us had ever tasted anything so good, so full of flavor and delicious. We sat there eating in silence taking it all in and enjoying the salty taste of the most memorable pieces of chicken we had ever consumed.
It is just too bad Roy did not get to try any of it....

Day 3! Well each day we wake up to the beautiful songs of the birds and the sun shining bright over our heads. While the boys were up since 5:05am, alarms blaring every 10 minutes because each one set their alarm at a different time, the girl's were enjoying their beauty sleeps. Us girls were woken up by our one and only Principal, Mr. G saying, see you at breakfast, (which was scheduled at 6) and we looked at our clocks surprised to find out it was 5:56.
After a delicous breakfast, we all piled into "the van" and were on our way to the school.(Centro de Fe) When we arived, we were greeted by the principal of the school before heading up to the classroom full of eager students who were excited to see us there. The students did a devotional on lying, and then we dove into learning Spanish. It was an English lesson for them, and a Spanish lesson for us. Although it was difficult to communicate, we had a fantastic time, lots of laughs and many mispronounciations. After class, we had a snack and then assembled in the main room, or sanctuary for our presentations, tours of our school and intro video that we made back in Abbotsford. We then transitioned into a round table discussion about Social Networking. This activity was great for interacting with the Nicaraguan students, and learning that we all had similar views on this topic.
We then headed to lunch back at the Nehamiah Centre and then packed our gear for sports with the Gr.11's from the school. We found a great field to play in down the road from the school and started playing catch with the softballs. After warming up, we started a game of softball. The game was great! People participating and laughing while enjoying the company of each other. We also played hockey, volleyball and soccer. Everyone enjoyed playing in the sun, but dreaded the ride home in the hot and muggy van. Dinner was delicious as always, and after devotions and songs we all disperced into the hammocks and relaxed.
-From Karly

From Nicholas;
Well, today was amazing, and we had a great time! Us males, woke up on time, then waited for breakfast, when the girls failed to arrive, our one and only Princpal Geortzen, went to find them. As it turned out, they were almost all asleep. Not naming fingers or pointing names, another member used the alarm phone, and accidentally turned it off....
Needless to say, the girls did a good job of pulling it together, eating breakfast, getting ready, gathering supplies and being among the first to enter the van. Well, completely innocently, the team drove off, without two team members. Once again, not naming fingers or pointing names, the two males were escorted smartly into the van, with insinuations that if they were the last ones in the van again...
At the school, the students were over-joyed to see us again, and we had a great time greeting each other once more. After greetings were shared all around, we were sent off to class by a buzzer, and started English class. We started the class off by being presented with a multi-point devotional including singing, reading the Bible, and reading notes. The teacher, Maria, then wrote some opinion statements on the board, and had us split up into pairs with people who agreed with our opinion. After discussing the many different factors, (such as how PIZZAS are better than burgers because you can split the pizza into several toppings on the SAME PIZZA :) ), we then wrote out our responses in Spanish and English, with the Canadians reading the Spanish, and the Nicaraguans the English. Afterwards, we left for break, spending time with the students, and learning more about each other, we watched some presentations on special days at Cento de Fe, and had a virtual tour of ACS, we turned to a round-table discussion on social networking. After much calling over of translators, and friends who spoke more Spanish or English, we were able to once again, present our responses, although this time with Lennin translating.
Afterwards, we returned back to base camp (the Nehemiah Center) for lunch, and sporting supplies. After returning to the school, we walked to a near-by sports centre, and played some softball. The Nicaraguans learned quite thoroughly how to play, and we then played a game. After a couple innings, we left the game for water, then moving on to some 10+ player volleyball. After a good douse of volleyball, the students broke out the hockey sticks, and we proceeded to teach the students how to play hockey, which they played very well. Some team members, however, decided to sit and talk with our Nicaraguan peers, strengthening our relationships, speaking in broken English or Spanish, relying on friends to get points across. Another game of volleyball sparked up, for a time. Then, sadly, we left for the school again. Karly stood watching a nearby game of basketball in full swing, regretting the fact that we did not bring our basketball.
We returned home to have some chill time. Some team members taking much-needed showers. We ate dinner, talked, laughed, and shared a rose and thorn of the day. The majority of roses, hanging out with the Nicaraguan students, the thorns, the ride home, and for Mr. VanEerden, it was missing out on tasting the chicken we had for lunch the day before, (Karly explained it well above :)... )
We shared in devotions, then had more hangout time. In this time, I found a cricket, caught it, then rather interested, decided to show the others. Bad idea. Not to name names, but some of the girls jumped up screaming, even though the cricket was several feet away... At this time, Lammers smacks the book, sending the cricket towards my open mouth... Thankfully, it hit the side of my mouth, altough, I'll bet cricket tastes interesting...
-Peylon (Baldie in Spanish, an aquired nickname, bestowed by some lovely young students at Centro de Fe :D )

Day 2 - Painting Project Divina Salvador School

Omelets, omelets are good. We had some tasty omelets for breakfast, and they were good. Today we ventured out to Divina Salvador school. We spent the entire day there painting classrooms. In the morning we primed the rooms. Donuts, donuts are good. Our first break the school cooks had some donuts made for us. Better than any donut Tim Hortons has to offer. After that we resumed our painting. We painted them beige and blue. The young students enjoyed watching us paint while they were on their breaks. Nicaraguan food in general is most enjoyable to my buds of taste. For lunch we were served rice, vegatables and a quarter chicken. It was just amazing. Then we resumed the painting of the walls. During this painting we recived a visit from one of the students; his name was Brian. Brain's story was quite interesting. For starters it was evedent to all of us that Brian spoke superb English ( as superb as a thirteen year old Nicaraguan can speak ). His mother came to Nicaragua and returned to Great Britian, later finding out she was pregnant with Brian. He was raised in the UK by his mother; he also conversed with his father frequently. His mother died of a heart attack and Brian had the desire to move to Nicaragua to live with his father. He says he enjoys it more here. The school is easier, the friends are better and so is the weather. By the early afternoon most of the team had become a little bit relaxed in their efforts of painting. Once we had finshed the second room of three we where heading back home to the Nehemiah Center. We made a brief stop at a Wal-mart like grocery store to grab ourselves some snacks. Nothing like a sundae after a long day's work. We arrived back and had dinner and settled in. We then recived a presentation by Food for the Hungry and Arto Pienta. Both groups help rural Nicaraguans develop skills to generate an income for themselves. In support of this many of us bought coffee, crafts and little art pieces all created through these programs. It was a good day.

Day 1 - Introductions at Centro de Fe

Well, what a day it's been. We all woke at the crack of dawn, or more precisely 6:30AM (also when the rooster started to go off) which was a nice wake up call. After we all got ready, we headed to breakfast, which consisted of pancakes, cereal and some amazing Nicaraguan coffee (which everyone seems to be drinking by the gallon). Once breakfast was done and over with, we all jumped into a van, heading to Centro de Fe. While in the van, we all realized that traffic here in Nicaragua is absolutly crazy, we were all glad that we weren't doing the driving.
Arriving at Centro de Fe, was an experience like no other. We could see children leaning out the windows, yelling and smiling at us. We then continued on with the tour of the school, visiting each class one by one. The smiles on these kids faces was pure delight. We got showered with paintings and cards. Then we reached the Grade 11 class (which would be Grade 12 in Canada). The guys presented us girls with a red rose and a kiss, and the girls gave our guys little gifts. We all felt touched by this gesture. Next was an assembly, where they shared their culture with us, including some dances and we shared with them what Canada is like.
Lunch was next, all of us including the Centro de Fe Grade 11's headed over to our translaters house, Lester and had a BBQ. I have to admit, it was very good. None of us were really sure what to expect from an authentic Nicaraguan meal, so for the first time, we ate plantain chips, rice and beans and pork. We all grew close, even through the language barrier, pictures started and even the random dance party.
After the deliciuos meal, we all piled onto a bus and headed towards the National Palace. It was quite hot and humid ouside by this time, may I remind you that it's about 30 degrees celsius here, but we pushed through and saw some amazing buildings, including an old cathedral. But during this time, we also saw a part of Nicaragua that nobody really wants to see. Poverty. During our tours, we would have little kids probably 6 years old, following us, begging for us to buy something of theirs. Seeing toddlers malnourished, plus the state of these houses and sidestreets littered with garbage made a little part of us cringe. By that time, we were all pretty tired so back to the Nehemiah Center we went. Showers and relaxation was on the menu, but before that was dinner. Boy, these people can cook. Chicken, rice, and salad plus lots more plantains, and our tummy's were full.
Fellowship time happened shortly after that, we sang a couple songs and then a short devotion. Now as I am writing this, we have a mad battle of Dutch Bliss going on as well as listening to a radio staion (in Spanish). I can honestly say that I am so excited to see what this week has in store for us. If these next days are like anything we experienced today, I think we are all in for an incredible adventure. Signing off for the night...Allie

Alive and Well

All is quiet on the Central American front. We made it!! Thank you so much God! All the kiddies are tucked in bed and sound asleep. I'm happy to report that no one is snoring in the ladies room. So that is a bonus. We will see what the boys have to say inte morning. :) We start right away tomorrow with a full day at Centro de Fe, a BBQ and a visit to the palace and near museum. Having gone on the trip last year... I am so excited for what God has in store for us. We read tonight that Love has no language barriers... And I want our kids (both CDF and ACS) to see and experience this. May we both be transformed by our interactions while growing in and close to Christ. To Him be all glory. If I knew how to spell good night in Spanish I'd write it. But cannot. :) Goodnight.

Houston We Have a Problem

Well, we made it to Houston without too much trouble.  When we checked into Vancouver, we did have one more bag than we thought we did but fortunately they allowed us to "Gate Check" the guitar so it turned out we had one checked bag per person.  That was good.

The flight was a little bumpy and some people got sick (so that's what those bags are for in the seat pocket) but we made it OK.  One person (not to mention any names) left their wallet on the plane but they had it for him at the gate when he went back for it.  We're doing OK...

Oh, and the rock falling event is not real... it is all 'special effects'.  Roy's grandchild was traumatized by it already.  Sorry about that.  We actually haven't stopped laughing at that video for about the last few hours.  It was all done on Roy's phone and then uploaded to the blog before we got on the plane in Vancouver.  Gotta love technology.  Sorry about that Hannah... :)

Mr. Goertzen

At YVR

It was an early morning but we all made it on time.  Parents were looking a little sleepy but they met us in the foyer and we had a nice time of prayer before heading to the van for a quiet, no-traffic, ride to the airport.  We got through customs fine but the customs agents weren't very friendly until Alison arrived.  How she can make those guys smile and laugh is still a mystery to the rest of us.  We have the right tour leader on this trip - that is for sure.

We had a little incident with a rock while waiting to board.  Check out the video on the side. 

Later.

Mr. Goertzen

Almost Ready to Go

Well, we are almost ready to go.  We have some big suitcases packed with a ton of helpful stuff for the people we are meeting in Nicaragua.  We have toys, pencil pouches, balls, sewing machines, microscopes and other materials which we hope to deliver to our sister school in Managua.  We will be staying at the Nehemiah Centre which is located at:

Km 9.3 Carretera Vieja A Leon;
de la entrada del cementerio
1.5 km hacia dentro, detras de NCA Nejapa
Managua, Nicaragua

Our basic itinerary looks like this:

LEAVE ACS at 2:30am by van to Vancouver International Airport
DEPARTURE VANCOUVER 7:10am - ARRIVAL HOUSTON - 1:37pm
DEPARTURE HOUSTON 6:40pm - ARRIVAL MANAGUA - 9:01pm
Monday - Arrive Late
Tuesday - All school assembly with our Sister School Centro de Fe / Tour of the National Palace
Wednesday - Working at Divina Salvador
Thursday - Visiting our sister school and presentations of each school
Friday - Spanish Class / Hockey and Softball
Saturday - Cultural Day
Sunday - Church at Centro de fe
Monday - Painting Project
Tuesday - Meet / Work with Grade 11 Students from Sister School
Wednesday - Huembes Market and Working at Divinia Salvador
Thursday - Travel Home to Canada
DEPARTURE MANAGUA 12:10pm - ARRIVAL HOUSTON - 4:45pm
DEPARTURE HOUSTON 8:53pm - ARRIVAL VANCOUVER - 23:52

If you want to contact us, you can write a comment on our blog or you can contact us through email to:

ggoertzen@abbotsfordchristian.com

Thank you for your prayers and support as we travel to Nicaragua to help another nation develop schools.

Mr. Goertzen

What Will Our Trip Include?

We are traveling to Nicaragua with EDUDEO Ministries (formerly known as Worldwide Christian Schools).  Edudeo has several programs that they run and we will be participating in 2 of them.

Our goals for the trip can be summed up in four words:  Service, Learning, Collaboration and Transformation.  Through all our experiences we hope to achieve significant impact in all four areas.  The programs are as follows:

1. School2School

Last year, ACS was partnered with a school in Nicaragua's capitol, Managua, called Centro de Fe Vida Nueva. 
The following quote is taken from EduDeo's website:

Mural created on 2011 trip.

The purpose of this program is that, as your school learns about the culture, history, and way of life in a developing country, your school will discover the rich way God has worked through that country to create valuable members of the body of Christ. Our hope is that your school will notice many differences between Canada and another country and realize that these differences provide unique testimonies of God's love and faithfulness. Through this, your school may also notice one great similarity: God's presence. By identifying and accepting such differences and similarities, your school can begin to build an exciting relationship based on reciprocal sharing and learning.

To learn more about the School2School program click here.

We plan to continue to develop this relationship.

2. HANDS (Helping Anothe Nation Develop Schools)

Divino Salvador

We have opportunity to use our hands while in Nicaragua and work onsite at a school that has just received an addition.  Our primary job will be to paint the new addition alongside the Nicaraguan workers.

Our site is at Divino Salvador.  And we are excited to use our time and energy to help Nicaragua develop their education system.


3. Cultural/Learning Experiences

We will also be spending time connecting with the people, places and culture of Nicaragua.  This time will be spent fostering a deeper connection and lasting love for Nicaragua and it's people.

2 Weeks 2day

14 days and counting!

It is hard to believe that I find myself here again. 

My name is Alison Lammers and I have the great honour and blessing of being able to travel to Nicaragua with ACS' Hands team again this year.

Last year God revealed so much to me about His Kingdom and His Love in Nicaragua and I know that He will do the same again this year.  I have already seen God in our HANDS (Helping Another Nation Develop Schools) working to bring unity and a common goal to live and work for Him.

I am excited.

The HANDS team includes:
Courtney Verbeek
Forrest Shuster
Dakota Burnett
Whitney Gaskell
Neena DeRuiter
Allie Haan
Nick Ganzeveld
Karly Goertzen
Brittany VanDorp
Matt Tipton
Dan Vaags
Gerry Goertzen
Roy Van Eerden
and me.

We ask that you continue to support us through prayer as we finalise our planning and preparation. 

Thank you for taking some time to stay connected and share in our experience!