A few weeks ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel with 11 other friends from my church on a service trip to the Agros village that we support in the mountains of Nicaragua. My short answer to anyone who asks me about this trip is "That it was a great learning experience, and we have much to learn from the village of Las Cuarenta!" Hopefully I will be able to communicate some of this statement in the next few paragraphs.
For those of you who aren't familiar, Agros International is a non-profit organization based out of Seattle that is focused on conquering the cycle of poverty in today's world (currently focused in Central and South America). In a nutshell, Agros purchases large sections of otherwise unused real estate in Central and South America and "loans" it to people who are experiencing poverty. These people are then given the means to build homes on the land and work it. Eventually, Agros villagers are able to support themselves by their agricultural production, and as a result have a life-sustaining income and a home. It is truly an incredible process to hear and learn about - so I was understandably excited to get a chance to see an Agros village firsthand.
Spending a week visiting the village of Las Cuarenta in the mountains of Nicaragua definitely did not disappoint. In a village that has been in existence only a little bit more than a year, houses line the hills. There is an irrigation system with running water to almost every one of these houses. In addition to houses and running water, there are many budding crops eager for the rainy season (my personal favorite being red pepper fields with a drip-irrigation system in place). While this sort of rapid development might seem unlikely and almost impossible, the people of Las Cuarenta showed us the benefits of a concerted, focused, and unified effort. They live in harmony with each other, smile, and appreciate the simple joys of life. It was quite impressive for me to see the development of the village, but I was even more impressed by the villagers' hospitality and love that they showed us throughout our visit. Not only did they welcome us with open arms and smiles, they allowed us to experience part of their lives by working in the fields with them. Personally, I was touched by the fact that they would even consider allowing us to plant some of their crops (that provide them with both sustenance and income).
While in Nicaragua, God placed a passage from Ephesians 4 on my heart:
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." -Ephesians 4:1-7
I think that God put this passage on my heart for a number of reasons. In Las Cuarenta, I was able to witness the "Body of Christ" that Paul is addressing in his book to the Galatians in another part of the world. The villagers were united because they all shared the hope of Christ. They shared with us that life is not always easy, but that they can always trust in the Lord to provide for them in the ways that He sees fit. They have few material possessions, but that doesn't matter - the have Jesus and His gift of salvation! I was so encouraged by the fact that these villagers shared the same hope that I possess in my heart! My teammates and myself also learned about this passage on our trip. We learned how it truly takes "every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace". Through this entire trip, I can say that I made friends both in Nicaragua and friends that I will continue to be with in Jackson!
Above all of this, God and His Son Jesus Christ reign supreme. They can accomplish more than we ever can comprehend - and do this in ways that we might not always understand. I thank the LORD for this opportunity, and am sure that He will continue to teach me more every day!
Thanks for reading this somewhat lengthy post, if you made it this far enjoy some pictures of the trip :)
View from our hotel in Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Some of the houses of Las Cuarenta
The red peppers with a drip irrigation system
Welcome party for our team!
2 of my buddies: Eri and Jorlin
Hanging out under some Passionfruit plants
With Rich, Felipe (our interpreter), and Victor. We helped Victor dig his Eco-Toilet
Me, Darwin, Charlie, and Chris
A bunch of buddies!
Looking over the bay above San Juan del Sur on a morning run to top of mountain
Statue that Charlie and myself ran to on the top of the mountain
