Nicaragua Journal Entry Day #5... El Porvenir

Encouragement note for today...
Give it all you've got!  
Keep Calm and Pray On!  1 Thessalonians 5:17

We worked on the opposite side of the dump today.  As we arrived, the 15 yr. old mother and her husband from yesterday, were digging in the dump for things to be used in their home. They had a plastic bag full of things.  My heart ached watching these "kids" trying to survive.  I started the morning with a heavy heart but with the intent to give it all that I had and for His glory.  

We parked the bus and I stepped out, onto the dump.  The smell was atrocious!!!  The smell of burnt rubber was so heavy in the air. We quickly filled our water bottles and began our walk into the community with a saddened spirit...

We each took a fruit tree and broke up into teams again. Today it was us, the Robrock clan, our translator, Guadalupe, and a lady leader from the community joined us.  Our team walked all the way down the dirt path to the last house, starting backwards with the intent to work forward.  My first reactions were that this side of the dump was more well kept than the other side.  I was told that Food for Hungry has partnered longer on this side, evidence that FH is making a difference!

Going to each home was so very special, yet certain homes stuck out to me today.  We went to a home that a young man was working in his "yard."  He had plants and flowers... Bonito!!  He took pride in his home.  He seemed like a gentle man.  As we spoke with him, he thanked us for the tree.  We asked him if we could pray for over him and he excused himself.  He came back with a shirt on... he couldn't pray without showing respect to Him.  Wow... this needy man taught my boys to humble themselves before the Lord, to prepare themselves when they are going to spend time with Him!  My boys shared this story tonight during our devotions... A beautiful and powerful moment.

Our last visit touched my heart deep down!  The lady that had walked with us all morning, was finally able to get her tree planted.  I wish I would have communicated with her more during our morning because at the end of our time, I couldn't get enough of her!!!  She thanked us over and over for coming into her community with love and friendship.  She said my name several times, kissed my cheeks, and with my face in her hands, she said she would never forget my beautiful face.  She wanted prayer for her tree and for herself to bear fruit...
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you can not be fruitful apart from me."  John 15:4
I asked this special lady what her name was, Aurora, because she blessed my day so very much!  She had a smile and an obvious love for the Lord and a true gift of leadership.  She is being trained by FH to become a community leader and it was certainly evident.  Jesus was shining His light through her!  I asked if I could take her picture to remember her face for always.  She then asked if I could send her one.  I hope it will get to her, I plan to mail it to Guadalupe.  Thank you dear Jesus for putting this beautiful woman in my path today.

All morning I saw several butterflies flitting around.  As I left Aurora's home, the colorful butterflies comforted my heart with the feeling of God's presence.  I felt Him whisper Hope on my heart for this community.  I was able to leave with a comfort of His power and love which was such a difference from when I arrived this morning.  The butterfly has new meaning to me and my life...

We left that side of the community to head to the feeding station for lunch and VBS.  I got to see and embrace my boy, Wilberth! He was so eagerly awaiting our arrival!  There were many hugs, high-fives, and giggles... a common language for us!  During craft time the kids made prayer bears with cotton stuffing.  They were each given a Bible verse for the day, written in Spanish, to put into the tummy pocket of the bears!

It was the hottest day yet... WOWSERS!!!  A special treat awaited us.  So, it was time to leave. We gathered in our van and Wilberth ran to the other side to continue waving and high-fiving Bryce.  He didn't want us to leave today.  How, oh how, do we say good-bye to this sweet boy tomorrow?!?!

We pulled away and took a small drive. To the surprise of our kids, we arrived at the Pacific Ocean for an afternoon swim!!! Children filled with joy, took off for the BIG waves!!! We had the beach to ourselves. I took some time to take in the moment.  Being in Nicaragua... making a difference in a community... being filled with a FULL heart... looking at the enormous volcano in front of me... and waves behind me with giggles in the air... I am grateful to be here!  Blessed beyond measure...

At devotions tonight, Jairo spoke about the attitude of the Nicaraguan people.  He stated that the people have a "why bother?" attitude.  They're not happy, not even content, but this is how it is, so why bother.  My heart has been on such a rollercoaster today.  Started off very heavy and worked up to joy and hope but now brought back down.  I'm resting on the encouraging words that I started my day with yesterday...

May the God of Hope fill you with all Joy and Peace as you trust in Him.  Romans 15:13

For A Cure (MS Walk 2011)

On Saturday, May 21st, my family headed downtown to Headwaters Park to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk.

We have walked every year since 2006 in honor of my step-dad, Bill Budrow.  I Treasure This Time Together every year!  My parents are now involved with the IN chapter of the MS Society.  They arrive at 6:30am to hang balloons throughout the park.  My family arrives at 8am to turn in our donations, make our signs for our backs, and gather to celebrate my dad!  Bryce arrived a little later this year with my brother because he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to complete the walk with his tummy troubles...it was nice to see them at the finish line!!!

 The boys enjoying time with Grandpa!

Rylan with his medal at the finish line!

We have a team called "Budrow's Buddies."  Every year we try to do more and more with our fundraising efforts.  This year we had a bump in the road with our family medical set backs.  Even so, we were able to gather some funds through some fun efforts.  The boys took letters to their classmates that talked about their grandpa and his disease.  Attached to each letter, we stapled a cardboard box, and asked classmates to save change for 6 weeks prior to our walk.  This was a HUGE success and it made my boys really take ownership of their donations.  We also purchased some large boxes of snacks and sold them at our school during our 5th grade play.  We continued selling the snacks during a garage sale and I placed a box in my lounge at school.  All the profits from these snacks went toward our MS fundraising.  My greatest joy throughout all of this was watching my boys take ownership in this event and get excited to do something good for our community!  I hope that this event each year will instill the importance to give and do good deeds for others.

It is important to us to raise funds to help the Society continue its mission to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.  My step dad, Bill Budrow, was diagnosed with MS in June 2004, at 49 years of age.  The diagnosis was a shock, this disease typically attacks women in their 30's...not men in their 40's.  You would never have known that my dad was "sick".  He didn't look sick on the outside but his symptoms were beginning to change his daily life.  Even with this disease, my dad continues to persevere through his symptoms and struggles EACH day.  He injects himself daily to control his symptoms.  Bill is one of my heroes!  He doesn't allow his disease to control his life!  It has limited him and slowed him down but he lives each day to the fullest and beyond!!!  I am currently living in an unknown world medically.  I know that I have an auto immune disease but not certain which one.  I pray that when the diagnosis is made, I will be able to show the grace and humility that my dad has shown...again, he is one of my heroes!  I love you Bill :)

 Writing a note for Bill on the Wall of Hope!

The Budrow's Buddies Treasuring Time Together!!!