Newsletter – November 2016
Reflections on 2016 – Celebrations, Sadness, Hope
As we near the end of 2016, we reflect back on the events to celebrate, the events that caused us to grieve, and the reasons to have hope for the future.
There are Reasons to Celebrate
Next month, three members from the Project will graduate from the Advanced English course at the University of Central America in Managua. This rigorous, 13 level-course is generally considered one of the best in Nicaragua. Congratulations to Nelson and Jonathan Ortiz, and Jairo.
Madeling Obando
In December, Madeling Obando will receive her diploma from Teacher School. She has been attending classes every weekend for the last three years. Since arriving at Chacocente, Madeling has shown determination to build a better life. This month, she will receive her teaching degree. Congratulations to Madeling on a job well done!
2016 Graduating Class
Chacocente Christian School continues to be a beacon of light for the entire area. At the end of this school year, ten students will graduate with a high school diploma. For many of them, they are the first in their family to do so.
Also, this year 13 students will be promoted from 6th to 7th grade. This too is considered a milestone in Nicaragua because many children simply drop out before reaching this level. Congratulations to all!
Ten mission teams and several individuals from the United States generously donated their time, talents and treasure to visit the Project and work alongside the families and staff to maintain and improve the campus. Thank you!
A two-day health/dental clinic was held at the school and served over 150 people – families from the school, and others from the surrounding area. Thanks to all involved!
THERE IS SADNESS TOO
Chiky
In July our dear friend, Chiky, was laid to eternal rest. His life was one of perseverance as he overcame the atrocities of growing up in the Managua city dump. He worked diligently to improve his own life and that of his mother, siblings, nieces and nephews. Through it all, he gained the respect of many and he is greatly by missed by many.
THERE IS HOPE!
With your help and God’s guidance, steady progress is being made for the people of Chacocente. That hope is evident in the birth of two healthy baby girls, and in the words of Juan Carlos, the Project Chacocente Family Coordinator,
“The best part of my life? Coming to live at Chacocente!”
A COMMUNITY OF HOPE
Jennifer Jones, San Dieguito UMC, Encinitas, CA
We flew to Managua, Nicaragua on a Monday in June. Each morning, we drove forty minutes over paved, then rutted, clay roads, past bullock carts, horses, cows, pineapple groves and children to Chacocente, a community of families who formerly occupied a dump. Chacocente is named for a turtle sanctuary, a reserve that protects baby turtles, and here, in this place, protects children. Women hugged us then introduced themselves. They made us lunch and displayed their crafts.
We tied rebar, painted, hauled heavy stones one by one in wheelbarrows, dug trenches with pick axes, poured concrete and even babysat a 2-year-old so her mother could work. It was very hot and very humid. After work, we watched basketball games – students, faculty and one of our group raced up and down a baked concrete court.
On our last evening at Chacocente, we ate pizza outside then took communion. When it was time to go, many followed us to the bus to
wave goodbye.
During the week, Dr. Belinda Forbes, a missionary and a dentist joined us for dinner. She has lived in Nicaragua for 22 years and works with families across Nicaragua. Her husband, also a doctor, is Nicaraguan, and they have raised their children there.
On Saturday we visited Granada, then swam in a volcanic lagoon. We jumped off a platform higher than a high dive and swam to a raft. The warm water was clear and soft. When it was time to eat, we didn’t want to get out. On Sunday we went for a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua and then to church.
We were grateful for our time in Chacocente, privileged to be part of a community of hope. Dios te bendiga (God bless you), Chacocente.
INTERESTED IN VISITING PROJECT CHACOCENTE?
JOIN OUR MISSION TEAM
JANUARY 30TH – FEBRUARY 6TH, 2017
Friends new and old from around the USA are invited to join us. Board chairperson Robyn Gage (Rochester, NY area) and Vice Chair Rev. John Shaver (San Diego, CA area) will be leading the team.
Our projects will be to prepare the Chacocente Christian School campus for the new school year, which begins in February, and continue construction on the school chapel. There will be opportunities to see the beautiful Nicaraguan countryside and interact with the people of Chacocente and the surrounding areas.
Approximate cost of $900 includes lodging, ground transportation, meals and building supplies. Airfare not included but we will work with you so flight times are coordinated.
For more information, please visit our website at www.outofthedump.org.
Email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information about the trip details.
Thank you for supporting Project Chacocente. Your prayers, donations, time, and work to share the story are making a difference, and we appreciate you! Your help is vital to continuing the work at Project Chacocente.
Visit our website www.outofthedump.org for details about sponsorships (for a child, a classroom, or an English student), supporting academic and athletic competitions, or general donations to the Project.
Donations may be mailed to:
Project Chacocente, PO Box 128, Lexington, MA 02420
YES! I want to become a sponsor
____Child ($30/month or $360/year)
____Classroom ($700/month or $8,500/year)
____English Student ($55/month or $660/year)
YES! I want to support Project Chacocente ____$50 ____ $100 ____ $500 ____ Other
YES! I want to support academic/athletic competitions ____ $50 ____ $100 ____$500 ____ Other