Nicaragua 2015 ~ home visits part 1

After our tour of the Compassion project, we headed out to visit the homes of our sponsored kids. Just as we were leaving, Kendry showed up at the project!

meeting Kendry

Maria had still not come, but we headed out anyway and would stop by the project and pick her up after a couple home visits.

Because of our late start to the morning, and the delay in adding 2 more kids to our visit, we had very little time at each house. Still, it was an honor and privilege to see where our kids live and meet more of their families. We basically had enough time to meet and greet family members, deliver our gifts and pray with the family.

in addition to the backpacks stuffed with goodies for our kids, we did some grocery shopping
and gave each family a bag of basic food - rice, beans, oil, sugar and cookies!!
I found these reusable bags at IKEA and this is how we delivered the groceries.

I sat next to Josseling in the van and we took some selfies to pass the time

Our first stop was Josseling's home. 

At the gate of her home. This Compassion staff worker is the same one who brought Kevin here three years ago.
She remembered him and when I look back at his photos, I recognize her.

Henry (brother), Mercedes (sister), Evelyn (mother)

Josseling is the oldest of five children. There is a fairly new baby (maybe a year old), but he was asleep. I was too nervous and excited and everything else to ask if I could peek at him. I'm not sure where her other brother was. 

Here are a few shots of the houses that surround Josseling's house. I think it's obvious from the dirt street how poor this neighborhood is.

Next we went to Ana's house. Ana's father works for the electric company during the week, and on Sunday's is a barber out of his home. This front room was his barber shop.

We stayed in the front courtyard of Ana's home, but I took a few photos of the living space. I don't know how many people live back here, but I think it's more than one family.

Rosario (Ana's mom) and Josue (baby brother)

I don't remember this girl's name, but she is Ana's cousin

Mom is showing the family photos of Henry and Ana and explaining how we know them. This other woman pictured is Jhemmy, our wonderful translator.

Our next stop was Kendry's home...it was only about an hour earlier that they had even learned we were there and wanted to meet them. I wish I could have seen his expression when they told him his sponsor was at the Compassion project!

for some reason they had toys still in the boxes on display on this wall

Kedry's sister, Nataly, his mom, Norma, and his niece (I don't remember her name)

their home...dirt floors, fabric hung as a door, various building materials pieced together on the walls...

this little girl is the daughter of Kendry's oldest sister

Kendry was explaining what all the photos were

this Kendry when he was much younger...at some sort of play 

Kendry with his bike - which he got through Compassion. 

We asked Kendry's mom what they need...she said they need a new roof.  I'd agree.

I really like this because it shows all the different materials used for this house

the kitchen

Norma was able to join us for the rest of the day, which was lovely!
Before we left the house she had Kendry put on his good shoes and she changed her shirt.