La Chureca (part two)

 After we walked through parts of the dump, we headed over to El Faro for a few minutes (which serves as a daycare during the weekdays for the kids living in the dump), where I met my new friend Maria (I know, there's a million Marias). But before we were able to actually play with them, I stood and watched them (I know I keep sounding like a creeper, but I promise I'm not!). The babies were crying. The ladies working there were trying to stay calm as they tried feeding all the babies. A little boy slid down the tiny slide 10083.97 times and had a smile on his face the entire time, as if it were his biggest accomplishment. A little girl just stood there screaming at the top of her lungs and running away every time someone went near her. You get the idea.

As I watched them, I stood in astonishment at how the Lord brought me back to this place. I fell in love with these kids last year, and He gave me another chance to be with them. I honestly don't believe I have ever been so thankful in my life. He has given me so much joy in being with these kids. I actually can't even fully explain how much I love them- I can't wrap my mind around it. Each of them are so incredibly beautiful, and it kills me to think of anyone hurting them.

Boy I met last year, I will never forget those eyes!

I was still in this thankful/ astonished/ teary eyed daze when Susie let us hop over to play with them for a few minutes, so I wasn't really a big help when it came to feeding the babies. I decided to sit down next to two little girls, Maria and Blanca. I later found out that they are sisters.

Long story short, Maria and I are now BFF's (Don't worry- Miurel is still "mi amorcita" ;]). Maria, Blanca, their mama and a baby rode the bus with us back to La Chureca, where we got to play a little bit more.

We went back to La Chureca to feed some kids! El Faro serves lunch every day for tons of kids. For most, it is their ONLY meal for the whole day. If I remember correctly, they also try to teach the kids at least one Bible verse a day.

 

It was so incredible to help serve these kids. By far, it is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had: to watch these kids politely accept the food you hand them, with huge smiles on their faces. To play a small role in filling their empty tummies, even if it didn't last long. They were so grateful, and I was so grateful, not only for the opportunity, but for the eye opener.

Annie and Amber workin it in the kitchen

 But then to top it off, the CUTEST old man (standing next to me in the above picture) and I worked together. His name is Francisco, and he was so, so, so, so sweet. I think I said "gracias" to him a million times, because it's pretty much all I know, and each time he just gave me the cutest, most sincere smile ever. I wish I had time to talk with him. I couldn't help but wonder who he is and what his story is. Does he live in the dump? Does he have a family? Does he know Christ? Is he respected? Guhh, what a cutie!

But the kids!

I don't think she wanted her picture taken...

Maria, Mario and Blanca (the sisters)

When they were done eating, we were all attacked. The kids went crazy and we all had a good time ;]

Spencer being attacked...

Tim being attacked...

Val attacking baby Cecelia, who has downs syndrome

Me, Carla and baby Cecelia

Spencer being attacked again...

Hailey and Annie with Carla, Cecelia, and I don't know the girl in the red!

Awwww, Ken being attacked!

My sweet Maria and I! :]

Amber's turn!

Andrew and Loco boy!

Spencer, Tim and Ken

Tio Pablo with Susie's BFF! He LOVES Susie! "Susie! Mi amor!"

Yet ANOTHER Maria and I!

 What's amazing about this whole experience, is that I think they enjoyed being with US more than eating the only food they have. It's also incredible how trusting these kids are, especially with us as strangers. No doubt, they have been physically harmed, but they are ready to jump in your arms and hug and squeeze you till you can't breathe. You don't even have to make eye contact- they will find you and smother you in hugs and laughter. And they will get you, even if you don't want them to. I watched one of my team members go from hating kids, to loving these kids. I totally knew it would happen, of course ;]

I didn't want to leave, but we had to head back to El Faro to do some maintenance work. I just stuck with sweeping- I can't mess anything up with that ;]

Later that night, back at the Villa, we had another great night with the girls! Anita and I sat with Gissel (one of the NEW older girls) and had a bucket load of laughs. This girl is hilarious. She LOVES to mess with people. We eventually ended up interrupting Andrew's journaling time, and decided to write a note in his journal:

She decided I am a cow and Anita is a gecko... but everyone is crazy, and she loves us... ;]

Me, Gissel and Anita

I'm not entirely sure what the other girls were up to though... 

... but they looked like they had fun!

 Whew! That's Monday!

La Chureca (part one)

Now Monday was a cool day (well... every day in Nica is a cool day). It was La Chureca day!

La Chureca is Managua's city dump, where hundreds of families live. Many children face drugs, prostitution, and different forms of abuse. Families are often torn apart by poverty and illness. That's La Chureca in a nutshell, but there is so much more to it.

Photo by Anita Dugan :]

When I went to La Chureca for the first time last year, I didn't feel a thing. I wasn't shocked by anything. There is an inevitable sadness that you feel, but I didn't experience the overwhelming heartache you would expect to have. It wasn't until I got home that everything hit me, and you can imagine how much of a mess I was (but I was mostly a wreck because I missed the kids so much).

I wasn't worried about how I would handle the dump my second time. I was actually super excited, especially to see some kids! I was hoping to see some of the babies we met last year, hoping to see some growth and strength. But we met other kids, with faces I will never forget.

These two were crazy by the way :P

Miriam, Pastor Ramon's wife (from El Faro) walked us through La Chureca. The second home we went to will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. We met a woman named Lupe, who's family is trying to leave the dump. She shared a little bit about her family's story, and the things they have been through together. When she mentioned her husband, I wanted to hug her and never let go. The things she said about him as a husband and father, and how things have drastically changed over time (thanks to the Lord), reminds me of a certain person in my life, and how the Lord has changed things for us as well. Two men, once embracing harmful things, now following Christ and sharing the love of the Lord. Crazy!

My team and I praying for Lupe!

The Lord gave me a certain kind of perspective and understanding, beginning with Lupe. We met a lot of women in La Chureca, mama's and wives, who have endured the roughest of things in their marriages and family life. Abuse, hunger, abuse, illness, abuse... you name it (did I mention abuse?). What stood out to me was that they have stayed with their husbands, through it all, which is so different from the States. They have been through things most of us can't even imagine, but they are faithful, even if their husbands are not. These women are not stupid. They are not setting themselves up for a life of pain. They are simply trusting the Lord, praying for their family. They are putting others before themselves. I could go on and on, but to make the long story short, I have a new respect for these women, and a new respect for certain women in my own life.

Then the sweet Gamaliel invited us into his home again! The Lord has shaken up his world quite a bit over these years, and he is on his way out of the dump, taking his family with him! His story is amazing!

He used to sell clothes he sewed (super cute skirts by the way) out of scraps he found rummaging through the dump. This is huge for someone living in the dump. He hasn't been able to find as much "material" lately, so he also sells ice cream! His freezers continually break down or something wacky happens, but El Faro is there to back him up. He also works with El Faro as an accountant. There is so much peace in him, and he is a HUGE light for Christ within the dump. HUGE inspiration.

But enough with these old people, I want to talk about some kiddos!

 

These children are so beautiful. Forget the way they smell as they run around you. Forget the grime that rubs off on you when you hug them. Forget the lice that can potentially jump over to you as they rest their head on your shoulder. Forget whatever disease you may contract when you kiss their cheeks. It's all worth it. To see them smile, to hear them laugh... the Lord didn't reject us. Why should we reject them?

⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
   from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
   I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

-Isaiah 41:9-10

I've seen so many pictures and heard so many stories about Scarleth and Erminia's (sisters living at Villa Esperanza) family, but to actually meet one of her brothers at the dump was SO cool. They all look so much alike. And to see him smile?! You KNOW these girls have GOT to be sharing the peace they've received from the Lord over these two years at the Villa! He is such a sweet little guy. It's either him, or the other brother (I think there are two) that has HIV/AIDS. Their father recently died of the same disease, and now their mama has it. So sad.

Erminia and Scarleth's brother

My painting inspired by Wendi and Anthony

We also ran into a boy named Anthony, a boy very dear to Rick and Val Hooks, as well as the entire Blais family. I wrote about his sister Wendi a few months ago, because I did a painting inspired by these two for Kris and Jen Blais' wedding. Wendi is now living with a family OUTSIDE of the dump (in other words- she is safe and has a full tummy), so that is REALLY great news!

Rrrrricky and Anthony

I didn't actually get to meet him, which is a total bummer, but our group had to continue and I wanted Rricky to have some time with him. But it was somewhat surreal to actually see him in person. I painted this boy (sounds like total creep status). I mean, I've met others I've painted, but this was just weird. Maybe it's because I know where he is, I know what dangers he is surrounded by.

And the babies??? Oh my lands!!!

Hailey was trying to rip the baby away from me...

Yeah... I was pretty much in love... not much else I can say...

After we walked through the dump, we went to El Faro, where I met my new friend Maria! But I'll have to post that one at a later time, otherwise you will be reading this for hours.

Before I wrap this up though, I want to share one last thing regarding La Chureca. Some of my team members saw a young girl with a truck driver when we pulled into La Chureca. The truck drivers actually take advantage of little girls (sexually), as the girls are desperate for the first pick of the trash. These are little girls we're talking about. This happens every day. Please be praying for these girls. Please be praying for everyone living in the dump. Just pray.

Villa Esperanza

This is just a painting based off of a photo I took last year (just changed a few things).

It is the back of the little girl's home, but doesn't give justice to how beautiful the Villa really is!

Oil

16''x20''

This one is SUPER short...

El Faro! So it was Sunday morning, and you can be sure I was super stoked to go back to El Faro (the church just outside of the dump). Sat with Ana on the way there (she still stares and smiles at you the entire time!). Sang a few familiar songs that I couldn't remember in English, and prepared myself for another great day in Nica.

Ana directed me to the same area we sat in before. After a few songs, she left me for a few minutes and I figured she was just mad at me again (she gets mad at me a lot :P). But then I felt a tap on my elbow, and there was the same little girl Ana made me sit with last year. I still have no idea what her name is, but I had no trouble recognizing her, and she seemed to remember me as well. She gave me a huge smile and jumped into my arms. Pretty soon it started to get overwhelmingly hot and my arms were shaking from holding her (she got much bigger over the last few months you know and I WAS holding her for a long time), but I didn't DARE put her down. I wish I could have held her forever.

When we sat down, I couldn't help but look at her feet. They were swollen with cuts and scrapes all over them. Both her feet and sandals were CAKED in dirt. Her dingy green leggings had holes and tears in them. I was holding a girl who had just come from the dump where she lives, and will be returning an hour later.

In that moment, I felt as if there was nothing I could do for this little girl. I can't change anything for her. I can't give her a new home, I can't keep her stomach full, I can't clean her up, I can't keep the men in the dump from hurting her. Nothing. I could only pray.

But the Lord snapped me out of that right away.  There was something I could do for her, which I had already started doing last year. I could love her, but ultimately share the Lord's love for her. Let her know that she is loved so much, more than she could ever fully understand. That she is not forgotten.

Then it was time for the kiddos to go to Sunday school, and she had to leave me :[ 

When the kiddos left, a woman named Sienna came to sit next to me. She is somehow related to the little girl I was holding. She was very shy but very sweet, and giggled at me a lot. She kept pointing to my FEI bracelet and I eventually put it together that she REALLY wanted it for herself. I gave it to her as we said goodbye, and she held it in her hand for a few moments, staring at it as if it were the most valuable item she has ever held. When she looked up at me with a smile, I could tell there were tears in her eyes. Now, usually I'm the first to hug people, but she beat me to the punch. It's amazing how something so simple brought tears to her eyes, and how much we take for granted. I tiny bracelet means so much to someone who lives in the dump.

The service was running a little late, so we had to sneak out, so I didn't get to find the other kids that attacked me last year. But I was still able to say goodbye to the little girl I sat with. I'm hoping I can see her again one day.

Now the rest of the day was... interesting. Ricky built a slip and slide at the Villa, and the girls had a blast!

 

 

That night was scary and amazing for me. It's always way easier for me to connect with little kids, than it is with older kids. I specifically wanted to TRY and connect with the older girls this trip. But when a few of us went to visit the girls in the evening, I went straight to the little girls house, afraid of the big girls. Derrrrr. Turns out, the little ones were not done eating, so that left Anita and I with the big ones. We decided to go to the new girls (the first 16 have been at the Villa for two years, the new 8 girls came last fall). I was so scared, but I knew I needed to do it.

Kenia ended up pulling me into the house (which is sort of a no no), and showed me a bulletin board they have on the wall. The picture I sent her a few months ago of my niece and I was smack dab in the middle. I couldn't believe it! All the new girls knew who I was because of that picture, that I almost didn't even send! So Anita and I tried to play Uno with them, but they decided it was way more important to dance. So they took us to the playground with the stereo, and everyone came over to dance and play (some of the other girls were painting their nails).

Maria del Carmen dancing with Tim

Senior Luisa with Ricky

Geyzell, Tio Pablo and Diana

Silly Nilly (I think that's how to spell it!) and Betty

Long story short, we had a dance party, and that was the night that started my relationships with the new older girls (and the night I began to trust the Lord even more, but I'll talk more about that later)! It gets better...

Geyzell, me, Maria del Carmen and little Britany down in front!