Thanks to a special donation from a childhood friend and her family, this past weekend we were able to take 11 of the boys from the Farming School of Hope on a Youth Retreat. It was very special for many reasons. Most of the boys had never traveled outside their small mountain village, none of them had ever been swimming before or been to the countries capital of Managua. Although their country is filled with lakes, active volcanoes and a beautiful coastline, these are things their eyes had never seen. Campo Alegría which means "Camp Joy" is a very special place and we were blessed to be able to take them there. "Campo Alegría" is a camp in Nicaragua that was built and is run by Chop Point Camp in Woolwich, Maine. I, Kendra, spent many summers as both a camper and a counselor at Chop Point camp. It has a very special place in my heart and to be able to take these boys from this far mountain community out of their village and to one of the most beautiful places in Nicaragua it was a delight and for them PURE JOY!
They traveled over 5 hours to get to the closest mayor city to them of Matagalpa. Ken then drove to Matagalpa and loaded them in a van and drove another 5 hours to Camp. After more than a 10 hour journey across the country they arrived at Campo Alegría and words can't express the Joy that poured our of each one of them.
Ken shared a very special message that went with the theme of the weekend and we had a precious time of devotions and quiet time with the Lord. We put together a short video for the boys themselves and that is why the music is in Spanish, but please watch it and enjoy the never-ending smiles. This last weekend will make a mark in each of their lives and in their journey with Christ. What a joy to serve in Nicaragua, Thank You!
