We have the best job in the world!

We really do! It doesn't mean it doesn't feel like the hardest job in the world somedays, but it's still the best. Last week, we got to visit two different Compassion projects where children from the Summit Church are sponsored. Sharon Stevens and Brooke Marston came to visit their sponsored children. They also brought gifts from some of the other sponsors who couldn't come with them. 

The first project was in one of the most dangerous parts of the city. The project at The Good Shepherd Church gives the kids a safe place to go after school. It encourages them to stay in school and gives them the tutoring they need to get good grades. They work with the families and give counseling to help make them stronger.

Aidan and his mom received a package from his sponsor at the Summit Church. He was so shy, but so excited too.

Lazaro, Brooke's sponsored child, lives right on the edge of the worst part.  A great part of these Compassion visits is that you get to meet with everybody that is involved with your sponsored child's life.  We met his teacher and site director at the school. They showed us his grades and all of his school records. Then we visited his house and met his grandmother who cares for him and his brother. She is an amazing woman who works hard to provide for her grandchildren and more importantly, watches over them and keeps them safe. She teaches them to stay away from the gangs and drugs that are prevalent in this part of the city.

Brooke playing with Lazaro's pet chocoyos.

 Juana making rosquillas to sell. She had us help her since we were there and just standing around talking.

  Lazaro was really excited about his new sports equipment.

It makes all the difference to a kid living in this kind of place, to know that he has a sponsor who believes in him.

Please pray for Juana and her grandsons. She is in danger of losing her house and she wants very much to continue to provide a safe place for her boys to grow up. Please pray that Lazaro and his brother stay in school and out of trouble. Pray for their protection as they walk to school and the market each day on these dangerous streets.

A few days later, we went to The Fountain of Life Church, in Los Brasiles, a Compassion project in a more rural and poverty stricken area. The people there struggle with having enough food and a liveable shelter. There aren't enough spaces in the schools for all the children. The Compassion project here needs to educate the kids who can't find a place in the schools. They ensure that the child's basic needs for nutrition and medical care are met too. There was a noticeable difference in the children in the community who were not a part of the Compassion project yet. We would love to see all of them included one day.  While I am writing this the pastor of this Compassion project is in the U.S. speaking with churches about how to gain more support to build onto the school.  Right now about 400 sponsored children use a small 8 class building.

We have a special relationship with this church and community. The first vocational school was started and is operating here in Los Brasiles. The teachers who work at the new vocational school in Managua also live in this community. In addition, Cory teaches English to the teachers at this church on Mondays each week.

Ashley received a package from Carol Milligan, her sponsor at the Summit Church. Her mother couldn't join her because she was in the hospital having a new baby on this day.

We got to meet Pablo for the first time. He is 6 years old sponsored by Cory's parents, Joe and Connie Martin. We were able to give him a special gift from them. 

We took all of the kids out to lunch at Tip Top, a local chicken place. Pablo said it felt like his birthday since Compassion brings the kids here once a year on their special day.

Pablo and Cory are hermanos (brothers) now that they share the same set of parents/sponsors.

 We learned that Pablo is from a family where there is a lot of domestic violence. He loved the positive attention and encouragement from his new big brother.

Sharon got to meet her sponsored child, 8 year old Jessica, for the first time. Jessica also lives in Los Brasiles.

Jessica was so excited over the new clothes she received!

Jessica has twin brothers, Marvin and Jarvin, who she helps look after and care for every day.

We asked the kids if they wanted dessert, but they asked for another piece of chicken instead.  Eating chicken is a big luxury that doesn't happen very often.  Marshmallows and candy are sometimes substituted for lack of better food.

Sharon with Jessica's whole family. Her mama is only 24, which means she was married at 15 or 16 years old. The family has a small store out of the front of their home which they use to support themselves.

Please pray for Ashley, Pablo, Jessica, Marvin, Jarvin, and all of the children who live in Los Brasiles. Pray that there area will not experience dangerous flooding during the rainy season. Pray that God will provide for all of their basic needs. Pray for the fathers who turn to domestic violence out of frustration with their circumstances. Pray for the health of these children here too.

The relationship between sponsor and child is so beautiful and can't really be put into words.  Very few Compassion children get to meet their sponsors in person. The visit makes the child feel so special and encouraged to continue working hard in school and following after God.