learning to cook

Seems that is our topic of conversation these days. I am a horrible cook, and the kids think it’s funny. Actually, they are more surprised. Surprised that rice can cook in a microwave in just 3 minutes. So many have offered me lessons so I can finally learn! I spent one afternoon over at Kevin’s house in Dimitrov as his mom, Guillermina, gave me a few pointers. That is, as I was trying to learn and hear over the pouring rain hitting the tin roof, sounding like bowling balls were coming down upon us. I haven’t had the chance to try it out yet, but I think I will be able to do it! A few other kids also offered to give me lessons, so we’ll see how things go this upcoming week…

Sonia and Ninoska graduated! They have completed their basic sewing course and the second level will begin next week. They were so excited to show me everything they made in class, and were both beyond proud of their diplomas. I’m excited to see what they learn in level 2!

(the sewing class)

This past weekend I took a few of the younger kids from Camilo Ortega to Catarina. We were able to swim for a few hours and see an incredible view of a lake at a tourist spot nearby. They were full of energy the whole day only to finally crash on the way home. J

As Halloween passed, I had a lot of questions from the kids regarding the holiday. They were confused, surprised and just wanted to know more about it! So at one of the local malls, they had a costume contest, which I was able to take Manuel, David and Kevin to. It was a contest for not only kids but animals too! They were mesmerized by all the costumes and events going on for the holiday.

(posing with ...???)

This next week I will be working on getting the kids involved in Vida Joven, Young Life here in Managua. I have been meeting up with leaders in the area and they are excited to help! Excited for new things and the kids’ involvement!

-Katlyn

The beginning

Where to begin? I’m just shy of a month here in Managua and so much has happened. Little by little I have been meeting all the kids along with their cousins, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents and so on. So far, I have just been trying to really get to know the families, create relationships with the kids and gain their trust. It’s been interesting. It’s been hard. There have been ups and downs. But every day gets better and better. The kids and I have been going to the park, the movies, walking around the local malls, grabbing a bite to eat, exploring the markets, and just sitting and talking together. I have also begun a few English classes with some of the kids, those who take interest and want to learn!

This week has been a bit different. Dona Silvia, the grandmother of several VISEDAL children, has been in the hospital for a few days and was operated on Monday. Everything went well! I spent the day with the family at the hospital just waiting to hear updates. We are now praying for her recovery in these next few days.

Tuesday, I accompanied Sonia and Ninoska to the Mercado Oriental. They will graduate on Friday and needed to get the necessary material to make a shirt and skirt. What an experience that was. The market is packed full of vendors, in tight spaces, with people squeezing their way in and out of the stores. They sell everything from meat to shoes. What a fun experience!

These next few days will be full of meeting teachers and seeing how the kids are doing in school as the end of the year is soon approaching. Sonia and Ninoska graduate on Friday so be expecting pictures soon! Keep a look out for weekly updates!

-Katlyn

We’ve added a staff member, allowing us to meet more of the children’s needs

We’re very excited to have new Program Coordinator Katlyn McConnell join our team. Based on her experience and character, we know that she will provide wonderful support to the VISEDAL children.

Katlyn has a strong passion for service and extensive experience volunteering in Latin America. She spent a year providing family and community support services in Honduras, and she's volunteered every year for the last 11 years in several different villages in Nicaragua. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 2010 with a degree in International Studies and Spanish.

Adding Katlyn to our staff allows us to increase our offerings to the children. With Katlyn now working alongside current Program Coordinator Esmir Calderon, we’ve added the following elements to our support:

• Increased relational support and mentoring—With two program coordinators, we can spend more time developing positive, encouraging relationships with our children.
• Supplemental English lessons—We now offer consistent English lessons to reinforce what our children are learning in school and further their skills.
• Spiritual development opportunities—We now provide children with the option of attending Bible studies to strengthen their faith.

With our expanded offerings, we’re working toward our goal of providing comprehensive support and encouragement for our children. Katlyn and Esmir will continue to identify additional areas in which the children require support, and we’ll work to address them together. 

-Dylan