Night to Shine in Nicaragua

Tesoros de Dios recently partnered with a local church and ministry to bring Tim Tebow Foundation's "Night to Shine" to Nicaragua for the time ever! Night to Shine is an international event, with 540 churches across the globe hosting similar events all on the same evening. . .a prom of sorts with the purpose of giving young adults with disabilities an evening to remember and stand out. Teenagers dress up super fancy, receive a flower to pin on, walk a red carpet to thundering applause and cheering (complete with photographers and videographers), and enjoy a dinner and dance. Each individual was allowed to attend with one family member, but was also partnered with a "buddy/date" for the night. Ruth and I were able to volunteer at the event. Ruth was the official event nurse (though she didn't have to wear scrubs as she was originally told), and was partnered with a young lady named Estefani, someone she hadn't met before. I hung out with my friend Pablo, who has been a part of my Tesoros group for the last 3-4 years. Pablo was probably the most enthusiastic dancer of the night, and while my legs were throbbing and needed breaks, he continued to dominate the dance floor. All teens received a crown or tiara (all designated as the "kings" and "queens" of the prom), had the opportunity to be in the photobooth with "Ms. Teen Nicaragua," and got a lot of special attention in general. In true "you-never-know-what-will-happen-in-Nicaragua" fashion, the catering truck was involved in an accident on the way to the event, ruining all of the food. So Ruth and I didn't eat, and had to leave before a new batch of food arrived (after 9:00pm!). But honestly, while probably hungry, no one seemed to mind too much! Pablo's mom was ready to leave at 9:00, but Pablo wanted to keep dancing, of course:) Events like this are wonderful, but also reminders that we aren't quite there yet as a society in terms of fully including folks with disabilities into our churches, schools, and communities. Ideally, we wouldn't need a separate, segregated "Night to Shine" to give young adults this opportunity to be recognized and loved on so well. But we are NOT there yet. . .and without Night to Shine, I do fear that especially here in Nicaragua our teenagers with disabilities would not have the red carpet experiences they deserve. Pray for increased inclusion in Nicaragua and around the world, and that one day we'll think Night to Shine is no longer a necessary event. (On a side note, I do remember when one of my students with a moderate cognitive impairment was voted by his peers as king of prom at Creston High School, a large urban high school. He was outgoing and friendly, inclusive and kind, and had a smile for everyone. I don't think he won a sympathy vote. . .he truly was the king of Creston. It was a beautiful evening for this student, and it was a real, inclusive night to shine!)

Kendal came from Matagalpa, a 2.5 hour drive, for this event.