We'll become in our lives what we do with our love.-Bob Goff

The month of July marks the beginning of second semester in the Nicaraguan school system. It also marks the beginning of my official role as sole carpentry teacher at the vocational school. Up until now, I have been only assisting the previous teacher, who knew a lot more Spanish than I did. So, ready or not, it was time for me to step into the spotlight and try my best to warn the kids not to cut off their fingers with the power tools (all in Spanish! No pressure...).

I have 5 classes, the grades ranging from 7th grade to 11th grade, which is the final year of secondary school in this country.  The students are excited about learning and getting the chance to be creative. I have many projects planned over the course of the upcoming semester to challenge them to develop their problem solving skills.  Gavin came in to assist with teaching the math portion of the class.  He really has a gift for teaching and is very good at explaining things in a different way. Many of these kids hadn't learned basic math skills, like adding fractions and how to measure angles. I love being able to have Gavin with me in the shop and I'm so proud of him for stepping up when needed.  Of course, as soon as class is over, he is working on his own creations and projects. 

-Cory

 The month of July also marked the 93rd anniversary of our church, Bethania Iglesia. The church was originally founded by missionaries and they are very proud of this fact. They had the children do a dramatic re-inactment of life 93 years ago. 

Gavin has also begun to play the drums once a month doing morning church services. We are all surprised at how fast he learned and how much he enjoys it. 

Amelie had to learn a Bible verse in Spanish to say in front of the church. She was very nervous.

Sydney sang a song with the other children and helped spell out the word "aniversario".

Gavin put ketchup on his face to represent the violent persecution those first missionaries endured. We are so thankful this isn't a problem we must face today.

Ella wearing the traditional Nicaraguan apron.

What is a celebration without a lot of good local food?

 We also celebrated the "Day of the Teacher" at the end of June. I felt honored to celebrate this day alongside the other preschool teachers. It amazes to see them transform the lives of the little ones in their community. Some of the children come in with undiagnosed special needs, some are completely undisciplined and rather violent (only one stabbing to report), some are a bit dirty and smelly, and some struggle with abusive or absent parents. Over the course of the first semester, I have seen that love and encouragement is enough to turn these "niños locos" into well-behaved smiling children who want to learn their letters, numbers and Bible stories. They don't have a lot of resources, but I've come to understand all it really takes is to transform a life is showing the love of Jesus to them.

-Stacy

The little girl (Emily) on the back of the teeter totter wouldn't even speak a few months ago and now she is one of the most out going and silly little girls. 

The new playground equipment is still very exciting!!

The beautiful teachers I get the privilege to work with every day, Mayra, Eunice, and Jairitza.

Prayer requests for the month of July:

• Catalina-a sweet elderly lady from the church who is awaiting surgery on her arm and is in a lot of discomfort.
• Anton and Bilma-another elderly couple who have been married for over 60 years. Anton doesn't have long left on this earth and he hasn't yet become a Christian.
• All of the elderly people in Nicaragua. Their struggle is especially difficult, but their spirit is so strong and our heart really goes out to them. 
• The people in the community who are suffering from Dengue Fever. It has been VERY wet, so the mosquito at fault for this sickness is plentiful at the moment. 
• The new English classes that we are getting ready to launch on Saturdays at the church. We have had so many requests for tutoring that we decided to hold large classes on the weekends.