The day started off like any other… with everyone waking up confused and disoriented as Koen screams at the top of his lungs sounding like a howler monkey on helium. Then of course Ansen tosses on his good old mild blue tie-dye T. We all got up, out of bed, and made our way down to the hangout area to eat breakfast. We had a wonderful meal of surprise surprise, rice and beans, but also some really delicious omelettes and fresh fruit.
We got in the bus and left for the school with mixed emotions. Knowing that we had a fun day ahead of us but also knowing that we had to say goodbye to the students and staff of Centre de Fe. The bus trip was what you would have expected. Karson and Darius playing music and everyone else not liking their taste or telling them to skip the song (given we did listen to the same 5 songs 300 times this trip).
When we arrived at the school, they greeted us with open arms. We made our way upstairs where some of the Nicaraguan students lead us in devotions for the morning. Then they lead us in a few worship songs but many of us forgot the lyrics after the first verse so the songs just kinda ended. Then we went downstairs where Koen lead the Nicaraguan students in a Personality Style Indicator to show them their strengths and weaknesses, to encourage the students to dream bigger and maybe even start their own companies or organizations. But… since the Abby team did this test already before we left, we spent our time just hanging out and of course Ty and Ansen were intimately cuddling on the tile floor.
After the morning, most of us were so hungry for lunch and were overly delighted to see a beautiful meal consisting of chicken, rice, and beans, and fries to mix it up a bit. After most of us were done eating, we headed outside on the street to play some volleyball. We were all enjoying our time until Erin ruthlessly punts the ball into the atmosphere and hit a roof of a neighbouring house. I was shook. But lucky for us the ball rolled off.
Thus began the talent show. The boys were hyped about getting to perform “I want it that way” by the Backstreet Boys, but after the Centro de Fe students finished their first drama/song… we realised we were unprepared as heck. The boys needed some encouragement so Koen decided he would jump into the air and do the splits at the end of the chorus, which made the show 1000x better. A few more acts were performed including… one of the students Enoc, dressing up like Elsa and performing “Let it Go” from Frozen. Enoc then went to take off his dress but his wig came with it.
Everyone realised that it was time to depart. We all said goodbyes with tears in our eyes and arms wrapped around each other. We then got on the bus and saw their faces for the last time as we left for the market.
When we got to the market we were told not to go into a certain part of the market for “specific reasons.” Knowing this, we all steered clear of that area and shopped for blankets, bracelets, and small items for souvenirs. Lester our guide told us to stay in groups while we shopped, but to none of our surprises, Tom was wandering out of Darius’ sight and nearly gave him a heart attack.
We made our way back to the Nehemiah Centre and got ready for dinner. We were thinking we all could really go for some chicken, rice and beans right now. To our surprise, we had chicken, rice and beans ready for our consumption. We were eating, talking and consuming, until Ansen leans over and whispers into Karson’s ear lobe “Driving home from Rockos makes those bushes look mighty fine.” Karson then bursts into uncontrollable laughter and won’t stop for about 40 minutes after. Knowing that a trip to Rockos in Mission might make bushes look like a good place to go to the bathroom.
After this fiesta, we scooted the chairs over into a circle and concluded the night with our daily devotions, worship, prayer, and news.
We are all excited to see our families again because this trip has had unexpected twists and turns, but also wishing we could stay here a few days longer to have a chance to see those students again. This whole week we have done so many things like going to an active volcano, visiting the beach, having fun with our new friends from Centro de Fe, showering with the boyz (if you know you know), zip-lining, and many more awesome experiences that will make this trip a trip to remember. Goodnight everyone and see you tomorrow Abbotsford! It is what it is! Yes Sir!
Comments