Today is officially referred to as "learning day" on the Edudeo calendar of events. Perhaps "humbling day" would be more accurate...or "Impact Day", or "You thought you had problems" day.
We drove to three schools that have been assisted by Edudeo. These schools are part of the Nicaraguan Christian School Association, and received assistance because they applied for it. They were granted assistance because they demonstrated the willingness and capacity (not to mention tenacity) to contribute to the actual building of the project and the chutzpah backed up with a whole lotta faith to keep their school going.
It was incredible to listen to these three brave women, each a principal of her own school, tell the stories of the obstacles they must overcome, not just to establish the schools, but to keep them going on a daily basis.
The challenge is compounded by the fact that the Christian school teachers get paid only a fraction of what the public school teachers get paid, putting them well into the poverty zone. Losing teachers to the public system is a constant threat. But the schools must be self-sustainable, and the supporting families simply cannot pay more. Many students have been known to "grant themselves" scholarships. No one has the heart to turn them away, and those costs need to be absorbed as well.
When the Christian schools are "rated" against their government-run counterparts, they always mark head and shoulders above the others. The students from the Christian schools score higher in all disciplines, hands down, no question, no comparison.
It would seem that the ultimate reward of teaching in the Christian school crosses earthly boundaries. These dedicated women understand the difference they are making is soul deep, and that is what keeps them there.
They seem to have a solid understanding of what it takes to join God in the miracle business: give Him something to work with. They do it every day. Even the most casual observer can see there is more going on here than meets the eye. God is at work.
Today we were humbled to listen to their stories, and pray that God will continue to bless our new friends: Consuelo, Elisa and Maria.
Comments