By Crystal Hoblit
VBS always holds a special place in our hearts. With very little Bible training available in La Mosquitia, what better age is there to start with than with a child? This year our missionaries were able to have VBS in 5 different locations, two of which were new. They came with expectant faces. Some were very shy. Others were just toddlers, learning to use their legs. Their faces glowed with delight as they were handed a fistful of crayons. They quickly set out to find an empty bench so that they could fill their pages.Things here never start on time, after awhile the trickle of children slows and we begin to gather the crayons. Some are eager to help and others part are hesitant to part with their crayons. There is a time of singing. Most of the songs they already know by heart. Songs are sung in Spanish and Mosquito.
After the last song had been sung, the children gathered in to hear a Bible story. They sat still -mostly, and listened to the story of Daniel and the lions den and the story of Jesus’s death on the cross. After the story was read it was explained in Mosquito for the few who didn’t understand spanish. Once everyone understood the message of the story there was a skit.
By this time all of the kids are stirring and ready to vacate their seats. Their attention span has reached its max capacity. The craft supplies come out, and the whole group turn their attention to the front anxiously anticipating what they will get to make. Colored yarn and rhinestones dazzle their interests as the set about making their crafts. Once the last sticker has been placed or the last crayon picked up, the children head out into the sunshine to play a variety of games, tug of war, kick ball and jump rope. Photos are taken and everyone heads for home, exhausted but very filled and happy.
The last week of February brought a different kind of excitement to Rus Rus and surrounding areas. In an area where medical help is extremely difficult to obtain and travel is difficult, the people will sometimes walk for a day or so to be seen by a doctor. They bring what food they can carry and expect to be seen that day or camp overnight. Our missionaries in Rus Rus talked to an elderly lady who had walked 15 hours from Nicaragua to Rus Rus. Imagine sending your grandma on a 15 hour walk to visit the doctor! Yet, these people are accustomed to the travel. It is hard comprehend the fortitude it would take to carry a baby through the jungle on a day’s hike, in addition to the food and water needed for the trip. Some people arrived with no thought for provision or how they were going to feed their children. This year, it seemed that nearly everyone arrived on the first day, some even began arriving the day before. A lot of people camped over night, sleeping in the churches, homes of friends, or in any empty building they could find.
During this brigade there over 800+ patients, from the elderly to babies. Assisting us this year were 6 doctors, 4 nurses, and a lot of others who all came with willing hearts and a desire to serve. As we prepare for a brigade we never know who God will send to help us, but each time He always sends just the people we need. He sends the right amount in the right time. He sends the people, who we pray, have been touched, and healed by God. Maybe through the care and the compassion each person feels as they step onto Rus Rus soil will be a door, a seed panted or a heart transformed.