Winter Term Service Trip to Nicaragua: A Transformative Experience (By Dennis Hodapp, Director of Campus Ministry)
Our young men and women were able to step up to the challenges and opportunities this trip presented with true charity. They worked long hours in the heat to build the foundation of a new house. From digging trenches to bending wire for reinforcements, moving dirt and making concrete for the foundation, the students were "all in." Helping us were a team of Nicaraguans with International Samaritan, who guided our work.
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We did a tally of the donations in everyone's luggage, and I was astonished at how much we brought and donated to the community:
To illustrate the students' interactions at the site, during one afternoon, we met Isabel and her family, who are going to be the recipients of the next new home later this year (our recipient is Ivania). Isabel broke out in tears, telling us how thankful she is that we are here and how much she is thankful for God in her life. She told us her son, Darwin, has been waking up every morning at 5:00 a.m. excited to see us. Needless to say, she wasn't the only person there who was deeply moved.
Overall, the sentiment seems to that this trip has been extremely powerful and transformative. I know it was for me. Students are writing reflections on their experiences that we will share with you all.
Soap: 60 | Suitcases: 3 | Folders: 44 |
Loose Paper: 17 | Towel: 1 | Washcloths: 3 |
Floss: 4 | Headbands: 40 | Gluesticks: 40 |
Toiletry Packs: 15 | Vitamins: 2 | Notebooks: 90 |
Pencil Bags: 40 | Pens: 8 packs | Toothbrushes: 60 |
Toothpaste: 25 | Post-It: 20 | Tape: 1 |
Markers: 100 packs | Pencils: 1040 | Balls: 6 |
Index Cards: 3 | Sharpies: 4 | Shampoo: 3 |
Jeans: 15 | Shirts: 50 | Shoes: 5 |
Shorts: 2 | Jackets: 2 |
To illustrate the students' interactions at the site, during one afternoon, we met Isabel and her family, who are going to be the recipients of the next new home later this year (our recipient is Ivania). Isabel broke out in tears, telling us how thankful she is that we are here and how much she is thankful for God in her life. She told us her son, Darwin, has been waking up every morning at 5:00 a.m. excited to see us. Needless to say, she wasn't the only person there who was deeply moved.
Overall, the sentiment seems to that this trip has been extremely powerful and transformative. I know it was for me. Students are writing reflections on their experiences that we will share with you all.
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