Day #5 Update [October 17]

Dave was up at 6am again today and was at V*rbo school by 7am where he had coffee and made arrangements to have his room cleaned and his clothes washed.  Then he headed to Regan and Blanca's home for another day at Veracruz English Academy (VEA).  Carol, one of the students we sponsor that Bethany worked closely with on last summer's trip, was again the first student to arrive (at 7:35am!).  Melisa, who we updated you on yesterday, came to class today (see below selfie of Dave with Carol in the middle, and Melisa on the right)!  Thank you for praying!

Dave shared with me that in the meeting yesterday with Melisa and her mom, there was an emotional point in the conversation, and Melisa went in her house and returned with a UGA souvenir baseball bat that she had kept in her room since she was nine years old living at Casa Bernabe.  Dave had actually given the bat to Regan's son, David, many years prior.  David had in turn given the bat to Melisa at some point.  Dave told me they all agreed that God knew of the moment they shared and had planned it well in advance.

Today, Dave worked with some of the students on reading and comprehension again.  As soon as the 3pm class was scheduled to let out, today's harsh rain ☔came.  Thankfully, Regan felt it coming and let the class out 15 minutes early so the students would have a head start to get home.

They are planning an outing for the students on Saturday, so Regan shared that news and provided details for the parents today.

All the VEA students attend classes on Monday through Wednesday, in addition to their regular school.  They walk, ride a bicycle, or take the bus to class.  Some students have no money for bus fare or a bicycle, so they walk to school, walk back home, then walk to English school, and finally walk back home.  These students want to be there and want to learn.  If you are interested in learning more about how you can sponsor a student to take English classes at VEA, let us know!

If you look closely below, you can see Regan's neighbor's dog under his van "Reddy".  The dog is known in the neighborhood as “the mechanic” because he is always laying under Regan’s car.

The 4-5pm class was rained out again with a short (about 2 hours) but extremely hard rain 🌧 that flooded the streets.  Regan, Giovani, and Dave debriefed the day before heading out to visit another student at their home.  When they arrived at Rudolpho’s house it was just sprinkling and Carmen, Rudolpho's mom, set out chairs just outside her home and offered the guys the seats that were at least partially covered.  The gentlemen politely made sure that didn’t happen.  Regan shared their concern about Rudolpho not attending class.  She cried as she shared that her husband had left and Rudolpho is getting more difficult to parent alone.  She shared details that were hard to hear.  Carmen offered them the opportunity to talk with Rudolpho.  He has a huge heart, and listened intently, crying sporadically as they shared God's love for him.  They visited from 6-7:45pm and Regan closed in prayer over them.  Rodolpho indicated that he wanted to return to VEA.  They told him he would always have a desk waiting for him when he was ready to return.  Dave said Rudolpho and his mom were very appreciative and they both cried together as they said their “see you laters”.   Regan, Giovani and Dave went for a late pizza dinner at Valenti's.  After dropping them home, Dave was back at CasaB around 10pm.  Another great day in Nicaragua!