Estrella

Estrella before surgery.

Estrella after surgery.

We met Estrella in Oro Verde in March '08. Several of the girls on our team had a real burden to help Estrella get the eye surgery that she needed. We were able to raise almost twice the amount of money that was needed and Estrella was able to have her surgery! Praise God!

We're Home

The postings kind of dropped off at the end of the trip, but we are home safe and sound now. The last couple of days in Nicaragua were busy and people were too tired at the end of the day to write.

The last day we had a carnival with a clown, a pinata and lots of games and candy. The kids had a great time, but I think the adults might have enjoyed it almost as much as the kids.

Thank you for praying and for checking out our blog. We will keep it open for a while and post updates and possibly some more pictures.

Keith

Medical Update

The pace of the medical clinic has been incredible. We have seen 900 people in the few days that we have been down here. Yesterday 4 providers saw 330 people over the entire day and today - only a half day with 3 providers we saw 100.

Some of the common problems seen here are athletes feet, urinary tract infections due to the lack of water being consumed, asthma, hypertension, scabies and general cold symptoms. Some of the people have been so incredibly ill, but dont complain. They express the concerns in a matter of fact manner. The love of the mothers/grandmas towards the the little ones has also been incredible to see.

We quickly ran out of vitamins which people were asking for because of anemia. The solution was to tell them to eat more fresh fruit - melons, mango's etc as well as spinach - most of which they all have access to. When it was explained that these foods were high in vitamins they seemed surprised but grateful for such simple yet practical knowledge.

The experience with dealing with so many people over so short of time has definitely made me appreciate the "Great Physician" even more and am grateful the the times of prayer with some of the people.

Bill N.

Fast paced day

Incredible day! We started out with our large and small group Bible studies. Then, we worked hard trying to get the last foundation dug. There was a shoe store again today. The store operators were a little overwhelmed by all those wanting shoes and wanting more shoes. It was tuff on them to have to turn people away.
The children's ministry went well today with a puppet show. The kids are loving everything. Tomorrow they'll be really surprised because they'll be a carnival for everyone to attend. They'll be a clown, candy, games and lots of fun.
We'll be spending time with our adopted families spreading love throughout their neighbors. As they've received-they'll be given the opportunity to share Christ and food with others. We'll go to their neighbors with them as they give food, Bibles and themselves to others.
They big surprise for our families will be following this distribution when we open our totes with them and present them with house warming gifts. I'm already crying about it. Then, tearful goodbyes...
Nicaraguans will finish the house projects together after we leave and all move in their houses at the same time.
Tootles-
Bill

Connecting

This was a day of connecting. The morning message and Bible studies were well attended. During the bible study time Brian tried to invite a bystander who said she'd have to ask her dad. So, Brian and an interpreter went to the girl's house to ask the dad. Consequently, he heard the gospel and received Jesus in his heart.

Meanwhile, in another group, some healing took place as there was discussion about local religions, pastors and priests who are too critical sometimes about correct behavior and leave out God's grace. These people were astounded that God accepts the sinner.

Work started late today, but much progress was still made. But, there was a lot more time spent with individuals and groups-just connecting. At the end of the day, some of departures were near tears and I expect tomorrow to be harder.

Yesterday our dentist's wrist gave out and the dental clinic had to close early. Let's pray that his wrist heals and he'll be able to come back later for another clinic. The medical clinic went extra long today since there were so many people waiting for help.

The children have been having fun every afternoon learning songs, crafts and Bible lessons. Following the children time the women meet for a good afternoon ministry.

Later in the afternoon there was a impromptu soccer game, a shoe store and much more.

We seem to be hitting our stride and already we're looking at our time here ending...

Bill

The Best News

Hey Everyone!

The best news is the people being saved! The night of the concert there were 3900 people there. Most of them were young adults. The staff and volunteers had prayed for 3000, God gave more. We witnessed several make decisions for Christ. Later, we found out that 350 had received Christ.

Next day-early in the morning we meet at the open air church with our families and anyone else who will come. After the testimonies and message three received Christ. Later, some of the team delivered rice and beans to our respective families. Twelve more people got saved out of our families!

Today-during the morning testimonies and message Josh and Alice spoke. Beautiful testimonies. Following this we broke into study groups with our families. I didn't really count, but I think 6 more people said a prayer of salvation!

Wow!
Wow!

Bill

Monday March 17- Still building

Hola Todos!
It is such a blessing to be here. I didn't realize how much I missed these people. Even though I've never been here before I just have a longing in my heart for them. We have been having a small group bible story every morning and it is so touching. Every day people are coming to Christ. I've been helping with construction in the morning and in the afternoon working with the kids. Today we had over a hundred kids there! More than double the ones that came yesterday! They are so sweet and they never want to leave you. They hug you and follow you around and say how much they love you. It will be so sad when we have to leave.
I love you and miss you all!
D. Anne

Hey everyone,
Today we went to church wih the nica people. They were very responsive to the sermon. The attitude towards God is amazing. They pray they way I wish I could pray (With Passion). After church the work continued with everyone getting busy with there jobs. The day was very humid and hot. It was very hard to work from 10 to 2 in the afternoon. The father of our host family one (Wilmer) came to know Jesus Christ today along with a few other members of other houses. God is working in and through us with our work and our attitude of love. I wasn't ready for quitting time today. I was busy laying block and working with concrete with my host family. The experience here is awesome. I am excited for the days ahead.

I Love the kids here . It has been a blessing having them to hug and fill the void of my kids. When we arrive at the job sight they run at you with arms wide open and smiling faces. Today at childrens time we told the story of noah , Mark played noah and we dressed the kids up in masks like animals. We taught them songs and read a bible story to them. They have so much love and so many hugs to give. I want to bring them all home.
Thanks for the prayers
Mark and Sarah Rozak

15 Mar - Saturday Afternoon-Evening

The basic health and dental needs that we take so much for granted just do not exist in Oro Verde. The cost of health care is essentially out of reach for the people of Oro Verde. They may be seen in the hospital but can't fill the prescription, not because of lack of desire, but no money. There are few view jobs available and they must walk wherever they go.

Dr. Karen and myself started seeing people almost immediately while Bill and Tammy Cook and Katy Reid took care of the "pharmacy" for the dispensing of meds. We had a "receptionist" who take the first name of the people, write it on a piece of duct tape and place it on the persons chest.

Whole families were seen at one time - meaning 4-6 people. My youngest was 3 months and the eldest was 66. After recognizing a couple of problems that I could not deal with, even with my translator I asked Dr. Karen to talk with them. The older gentleman was a diabetic and we initially had trouble with the glucometer - machine that reads blood sugar. Bill Cook was finally able to get a reading, however we use the last strip.

My 3 month old was "sick-sick" very lethargic, not eating or drinking very much. Dr. Karen had the mother take her to the hospital for some blood work.

The most common complaints of the day were headache, bone and muscle aches and cough. Something that seems to be universal.

In the evening most of the team went to a "Hip-Hop" type of Christian Concert held at the stadium of the university. It was the largest Christian gathering of it's type in the country. The music of course was "Loud", glow sticks were all over the place. As team members we each gave out a box of sticks. Many of the younger kids would try and get as many as they could, stuffing the ones they had in their pockets so that it would appear that they had none.

I was fortunate in that my adoptive "sons" Jefferson and Urceil, spent most of the conference with me. During the performance I was able to ask each if Jesus lived in their hearts and both replied - yes. Jefferson said he has known Christ for about 12 years and Urceil 8 years.

On the way back to the base camp many took the opportunity to throw the remaining glow sticks from the bus to kids/people on the side of the road.

Saturday-everyone here working

Fantastic day on the work site! Everyone is here and what an army or workers we have to build! The building location is nearby so it doesn't take long to get to the neighborhood. We left an hour late this morning-the night was interrupted several times by faulty plumbing leaks. Nothing like having a rain forest inside your room since the plumbing is in the ceiling.

It was after midnight before most of us went to sleep.


We met our families that we're building houses for and then went to work after we gave our families a gift (a signed Bible). Chuck described the work site as organized chaos. It is very true, however, everyone pitched in and found something to do. In the afternoon, there was a time with the children of the area. Tremendous progress was made and the foundation for the sixth house was being started by the time we quit.

Tonight we'll be going to a festival. This is a Christian festival, what we would call an evangelistic outreach and concert. We'll be taking our adopted families with us-how cool is that?

The medical clinic was helpful, two individuals were sent to the hospital for additional help.

Bill

Waiting in Houston, almost there!

Hey there everyone.

Right now all of us Alaskans are waiting at gate E-1 in the Houston Airport. Let me bring you "up-to-date".

As many of you know, we left the church at 6:30 yesterday evening. The four-hour bus ride to Anchorage was interesting. There were times when it seemed mere will-power eeked that bus up a hill, and every bump we hit cause the 32 tubs in the back to jump. everyone came out at the airport with all limbs and heads in tact though, thank God.

Checking-in and security went so smoothly; only your MUCH appreciated prayers could have accomplished something like that.

At 12:07 AK time we got on the plane, had a stop in Seattle, and arrived here, in Houston.

I must say, even though we are only a two hour plane ride away from Managua, i STILL can't believe we're going.

Thank you again for your prayers. They have, already, had amazing, tangible results. Nerves are down, excitement is up... Anticipation is high, and we are all "ready and rearing to go!"

That's all for now, thanks again for your prayers,

Jessi Countryman

Packing the Bus

We're almost ready to take off. We cleaned and started to load the bus tonight. Chuck, Brian, Sarah and Mark left on Monday night and have arrived. We are in that last minute mode of "what are we forgetting"?

We are planning to have different team members update this blog on a daily basis, so keep checking back to find out what God is doing in and through our team.