From Managua to Cusmapa

We have now settled in here in the town of San José de Cusmapa, and it is, por supuesto, lovely here.  It was a long haul to get here yesterday, but we are all loving the beauty of this small rural town of about 3,000 people.  After driving north on the Pan-American highway and stopping briefly at the Fabretto Center in the mid-sized city of Esteli, we began to snake our way up, up, up and into the mountains that rise up at the Honduran border. 

It was really breezy and overcast when we first walked out to El Mano del Diablo (the first of two amazing scenic views we've experienced already here in Cusmapa).  It began to rain just as we were walking back up the hill to the hostel where we're staying.  We visited the small chapel from which Father Rafael Maria Fabretto's work originated and in which he is buried today.

The dinner that our hostess Nora prepared last night was outstanding--homemade tortillas, of course, with refritos, carne, queso, crema, salsa, y guacamole fresco.  After our evening reflection, we hiked up the hill behind our lodging to El Divisadero, for a view of the stars with no light pollution at an elevation of about 3,500 feet from sea level (we were 30 feet from sea level in Managua).  We enjoyed 30 minutes of silent prayer and mediation with a profound awareness of what God has blessed us with, and with a deepening sense of clarity about what God is calling us to after encountering such honest beauty and authentic community alongside extremes of poverty that we do not enounter in the United States.

Today, we are spending time with children in an English language class here at the Fabretto Center in Cusmapa, and working in small groups on a project around the Center.  After lunch today, we will be visiting a local basket-making cooperative, and spending time learning to make tortillas with Nora's mother, Maria.

We will begin our return to Managua early tomorrow, and will then spend the afternoon visiting the Masaya market, and relaxing at Lago Apoyo after what has been both a lovely and intense week prior to our return trip to Cincinnati (via Atlanta once again).  Much love to all of our families and to our communities for the prayers and support you have offered during this time.  It has been a profound experience to witness global solidarity in action as we encounter the amazing work that the generosity of our communities helps to support. 
The opportunities that are being afforded as a result of the twinning relationship between Immaculate Heart of Mary parish and the Cultural Center of Batahola Norte are providing hope and inspiration to so many children and their families.  Each of us are humbled by this witness to the power and beauty of Christian community.  We are soaking up the remainder of our time here and also counting down the time until we're back with you all!  

¡Que paz de Cristo esté con todos ustedes siempre!