While the Mustard Seed St Brigid's Mission team was preparing for the Opening Celebration in Diriamba this morning, the staff, children, & the Sewing Center volunteers at Hogar Belen were getting ready in Managua. To say that the children were excited would be an understatement, they were simply thrilled even though they probably did not understand what they were excited about! To be getting on an air conditioned tour bus and traveling for an hour is a real highlight for them. Moises insisted on putting on his dress shoes at around 5:45 am, over an hour before the planned departure! Violetta quickly corrected him in her loving yet firm manner. Little by little all was made ready and the buses departed almost on schedule. 
We were greeted by a banner stretched across the road; there was no mistaking that this was the place for the Celebration! The Missionaries were like one big family trying to finish all the final details before any big party... trying to welcome the early arrivals AND be ready in time for the delegation of board members and guests from all points beyond. Thanks to the awesome advance planning of Michelle Shines and her many, many helpers~ the entire day proceeded like clockwork. Every detail was thought out in advance; it was clear that all in attendance were very moved by all they heard and saw.
A particular
high point of the day was the opening comments of Becker Zamora. Anyone who has seen this young boy grow up at Hogar Belen felt so proud of him during this moment in the spotlight! He was so proud to be the "poster boy" on todays program!!! (see photo) Another glorious moment was when Tatiana cut the ribbon at the doorway signifying the grand opening to the new orphanage. 
The Mustard Seed children then came out and sang their own special song to the guests.
We were greeted by a banner stretched across the road; there was no mistaking that this was the place for the Celebration! The Missionaries were like one big family trying to finish all the final details before any big party... trying to welcome the early arrivals AND be ready in time for the delegation of board members and guests from all points beyond. Thanks to the awesome advance planning of Michelle Shines and her many, many helpers~ the entire day proceeded like clockwork. Every detail was thought out in advance; it was clear that all in attendance were very moved by all they heard and saw.A particular
high point of the day was the opening comments of Becker Zamora. Anyone who has seen this young boy grow up at Hogar Belen felt so proud of him during this moment in the spotlight! He was so proud to be the "poster boy" on todays program!!! (see photo) Another glorious moment was when Tatiana cut the ribbon at the doorway signifying the grand opening to the new orphanage. 
The Mustard Seed children then came out and sang their own special song to the guests.
Our Nicaraguan community neighbors also treated us with children dancing their native folklorica dances and then a Nicaraguan version of "Grease Lighting" which brought laughter to everyone present!
Our special delight, in addition to the Opening of Diriamba, was the celebration today of the graduation of 11 Sewing Center students and 20 Cooking Students. Their pre
sence added so much to the program!
sence added so much to the program! We celebrated positive changes and new beginnings for many of our friends here in Nicaragua. And after the lunches were served and the tours of the new dorms and kitchen were given we celebrated together a mass of thanksgiving to our Great God who has brought us together! Co-Celebrants included Father Gregory Ramkissoon (founder of Mustard Seed), Archbishop of Jamaica, most reverend Donald Reese, Deacon Leo of St. Brigid in Atlanta, and Father Rafael Bermudez.
Thanks to all for following this blog ... I am certain that there will be many more posts and comments to come!!!
Estaba un Buen Dia!!
Diane, Janet, Donna & Howie
Diane, Janet, Donna & Howie
No comments:
Post a Comment