Tesoros Board Visits Nicaragua

This past week four members of the board of Tesoros de Dios (registered as "God's Treasures" in the US) flew down to witness first-hand the work of this incredible organization that they support stateside. All had been to Nicaragua previously as individuals, but this was the first time an official board meeting took place in Nicaragua. (Two members were unable to make the trip). As I joined the board this summer as a "Nicaraguan," I was able to enjoy fellowship, dinner, and meetings with these dedicated individuals over a four-day period, taking a day off of school to increase time together. Some highlights:

We were treated to dinner by a mother of a special education student at NCA, who happens to own a fantastic restaurant in town! She wanted to say "thank you" in a tangible way, and we were the lucky recipients of carne asada, gallo pinto, platano maduro. . .yum!  This child is part of a program coordinated by a member of the board of Tesoros de Dios (through Elim in Chicago) and the mom has been so impressed by his progress this year.

We had a three hour meeting to discuss some of the "big stuff" going on a Tesoros. . . including hiring a volunteer coordinator (interested?), raising money for a covered horse arena and a new bus, collaboration with local schools and churches, and coming up with money to keep on doing everything this awesome organization needs to do! This was my first Board meeting in person (as opposed to speaker phone) and the time went so fast. . .I'm proud to represent this organization.

I was able to meet with the male staff members of Tesoros de Dios for an hour "charla" or "chat" led by Board member Vinny on the theme of leadership. It was awesome to hear how each of the men present felt like God had called them to work at Tesoros, whether as a bus driver or therapist--it was more than a job for each person present; they were there to minister and serve. One man in particular was very open with his struggles in finding God's direction in life; I'm so happy these men have this community in which to be vulnerable and in which to find support.

I had a lot of opportunities to pick the brains of my fellow board members as I begin to craft a proposal for inclusion for Nicaragua Christian Academy International! I'm excited to see the conversation continuing to move in a forward direction in terms of how we can best serve kids with disabilities within our school. I have no inclusion experience, so it was wonderful to collaborate with these professionals this week. Send any advice my way as I hope to begin working on the proposal soon.