So obviously the party was a roaring success as I didn’t have time to post last night before we collapsed into bed. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and Frank was so happy. He’s never been really excited about a party as he hates being the center of attention. But last night you could tell he felt really good about everyone being there.

We started the day in a staff meeting, as we met a family started waiting by the front door. It was the little girl that needs surgery and her father. They needed 100 cords ($5) for a blood test, and we’re hoping we would give it to them. This is on top of the 2000 cords ($100) they need for the surgery. It started all of us talking about how

Basically there are two camps on this issue. The first thinks that if we have the money, we should just give it to them. The second thinks that the money should be a loan, and that giving people money is the worst thing you can do for them. Nicaragua has a state sponsored health system that requires all full time employees to be covered. The problem? Most employers will hire part time or under the table. So there is no way of knowing who has coverage and who doesn’t. There are also free hospitals here, as well as plentiful free clinics.

I alternate between the two ways of thinking. I’m hoping to help formalize the process here, where legitimate claims can be processed and help can be offered. I’m thinking it would work if we could treat it as a micro loan and requiring financial responsibility classes. I also have a bleeding heart, and don’t want the girl to hurt anymore. The problem is that you have to meet the immediate need, while looking at changing a cultural norm (asking any gringo for money). Unfortunately, we are working against a lot of tourists who make themselves feel better by giving a dollar or even ten (a full day’s wages here) to a person who looks like they have a need.

It’s a phenomenon of poverty. I experienced it in Birmingham, living in a lower income area, and am experiencing it again in Granada.  One of the biggest scams here is going to each gringo house asking for money with medical papers in hand. The medical papers never have a date. Scammers will save them for years to make money off of people (like me) with a sympathetic heart. This is because I am solidly middle or class, and my friends would never ask for money unless they desperately needed it.

The bottom line for me is that I’m really happy to be in a place where I feel like I can make a difference. Sarah has a lot of experience on this very topic, and I know we’ll work well together as we dream up plans. The bottom line for Christians is that God doesn’t need our money or our effort. He can make this place better without us, but he wants to work with us to make lasting change and to show his glory to people in need.

I spent most of the day shopping yesterday. I sent Frank to the market, but underestimated the amount of vegetables I would need. Three hours later, we went back. And three hours after that, Frank went back. Everything is super convenient here, which can either be really good or really bad. We spent almost 100 cords on taxis taking us everywhere yesterday.

We had a fantastic time at the party. Everything looked great, the food all came together perfectly. The soup I made was really spicy, but I loved it. All of our team was here last night, and every one of the girls (five in total) and Frank are getting odd rashes and bumps. We think it’s something on the land at El Puente, but we’re not sure. It could be the mango tree that is out there.

I can’t tell you how happy I am here. I’m planning a children’s program that will take place every Tuesday at 3pm. I learned that Sarah knows someone who owns a pottery studio here, and I’m hoping to learn pottery again. There are so many places to be creative here, and I’m really excited to experience it.