Working the Nets!

Today we had the unique opportunity to help harvest fish the old fashioned way - with nets. Many on our team got down in the muddy water to help pull the nets across the pond and toward one end, bringing in many fish in the process. Catfish, tilapia, and even turtles were dragged to the far end of the pond as the nets were drawn in. Jerry, Dylan, Irene, Christian A., Jake, Conner, Hayden, Eli, and Mrs. Sullivan worked together through muddy water to get this job done. After the harvest, many on the team helped clean and filet the fish, including Mrs.C and Miss Bolling.

Later that evening, we were able to bless Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, Francisco (Chico) and his family, and Rigo (our driver) with a dinner BBQ. Hal and Marcia Phillips are hosting our team with the house at Ocotal. Chico is a member of Iglesia Ebenezer and works at the fish farm. Rigo has blessed us by driving our team all over the place.

In the pond (V-formation)

Getting ready to harvest the catfish

Spreading the nets

Dragging the nets (and fish) to the corner

Picking out the catfish

Pucker up Jake!

(Note: Irene touched the catfish's lips to Jake's right after)

Cleaning the fish

Ms. Bolling skinning the fish in one smooth stroke 

Mrs. C in her brave attempt to skin the catfish

BBQ at our house where we cooked all the fish!

Sunday Night Church Service

Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to church in the evening. It was a full church service with people standing outside. There were over 200 people in attendance!  Our kids enjoyed being greeted by the wonderful people and loved seeing the children they worked with earlier that morning at VBS. It seemed that every person in the church hugged us (and kissed our cheeks) or shook our hands. The pastor shared with the congregation that we are all one in Christ and he said we could have gone to any church but God brought us to this church and they were blessed. Our students sang three songs for the congregation and two of them were in Spanish! Mr. C preached a wonderful sermon on God's promises and afterwards we were again given tons of hugs and hand shakes. Before we left Rubi came to our bus and brought friends from the youth group to take pictures with our students. Our kids loved the surprise!

During our devotional time that evening our students shared what a blessing it was to see the church so joyful and connected to each other. They were so encouraged by the love the church had for each other and for us even though they just met us! We are excited to start working on blessing this church tomorrow with our construction and painting projects! 

The Team before the service 

Performing with the kids

Here are our students singing in Spanish and English for the church 

The kids from the morning service were brought up front and we sang a children's song with them