Happy 100th Day!

Today, Centro Escolar LifeLink had our very first 100th day celebration -- complete with yummy treats, a 100 link chain decorated by our students, a balloon drop and lots of fun! We are totally honored to be able to celebrate this occasion and serve our beautiful students.

More photos to follow. :)

A Gift

Each day, I greet all of our students by name at the gate. I wish them a good morning. I extend greetings to their parents and siblings as well and have started to remember many of their names too.

Some mornings I'll receive a fist-full of flowers picked on the walk to school. Other days, I'll get a bag of mango slices or an avocado from someone's tree.

I receive each gift with thanks and a hug.

Last week, I received a very different gift.

Elisa came to find me in the auditorium to let me know that two of our students had just arrived a bit late and their mother had a gift for me. A smile played at the corners of her mouth while she said she could not wait to see how I reacted. I didn't know what to expect as I headed down the sidewalk. The students are two of the most impoverished students in our school and I knew that anything they could give would be a treasure to them.

I approached their mother who had her back to me and when she turned around, she handed me a bunny. A real, live bunny rabbit.

She immediately started giving me instructions about how often he needs to be bathed, what he eats, etc. I was shocked that I was holding a bunny, not-to-mention that I was now the proud owner of one.

That afternoon we brought Pelusa the bunny home and the girl's immediately fell in love with him. Emily has plans to take him to school when we get him a travel cage and we'd also like to take him to visit our students periodically. He eats a lot of carrots and celery, but is much quieter than the dog. :)

An excellent gift!

Beattitudes Redux

Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn and are meek and constantly hunger and thirst for righteousness. Through their mercy and pure hearts they are peacemakers and because of their right lifestyle and because of My name they are often persecuted.

Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven and they shall enjoy my comfort and my inheritance. I will fill them, show them mercy and show them My face. I will call them My sons and daughters, again I say that the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs for great is their reward in Heaven!

-- based on I John 2:6

Emily the Exploradora

While our very first group was here this past week, helping us celebrate and complete our first year in the missions field, our little Emily participated in some very brave fun. Not quite unexpected for a kid who, if we visit another country this year, will have visited one country for each year of her life -- something we hope she continues throughout her life.

Emily and I bravely took our first zip-line tour over the Tiscapa Lagoon in Managua. She LOVED it!!