Six months ago, I began working for an organization doing big things in rural Nicaragua. Rainbow Network partners with remote communities that are struggling with poverty, and provides them with tools, resources and education to lift themselves out of poverty and into a new way of life. It’s a mission that deeply resonates with me and one that I’m proud to be a part of!

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua to meet our Nicaragua staff and community members. I had never been to an area marked by poverty, so I was unsure of exactly what to expect.

The three days spent traveling to these secluded communities and experiencing their way of life are days I don’t expect to forget anytime soon. We were welcomed with joy and sincerity. Many people shared about how their life has been transformed through a small business, house, educational experience or surgery made possible by Rainbow Network and the grace of God. Communities mirrored their leaders, and those with strong leadership had confident children, hopeful adults and unified efforts.

One afternoon we traveled to the community of El Chile, where we visited the site of a future Rainbow Network housing project. The land has sweeping views of the surrounding areas and a strong wind that rarely slows. 

We traveled along the steep, rocky dirt road to the home of Francisco, who will be participating in the housing project. He displayed incredible hospitality by welcoming us in as friends and sharing details about his life and his work as a carpenter. He showed us photos of beautiful doors and dressers that he had made, and we viewed the workshop next to his home. His daughter Merrien joined us, and their lightheartedness and love for each other was so inviting.

Francisco’s house is made out of wood with dirt floors, offering no protection during the rainy season from May to November. They do not have nearby access to clean water for cleaning dishes, washing clothes and drinking. Take a look inside his home.

 

We spent far more time at Francisco’s than we had originally planned, and after some time he brought out a 2 liter of soda to share with his visitors. The soda was likely bought for his family and possibly for a special occasion, but he decided that this gathering was a worthy moment to share the little that he had with others.

That type of generosity was striking to me. It was the embodiment of Philippians 2:3 – Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.

Francisco and his family will participate in construction of the homes in the housing project, and they will make contributions to help cover the cost of materials. He is leading the project efforts as Housing Coordinator on the community’s volunteer leadership committee, a group that works with Rainbow Network staff to move our programs forward.

Francisco will soon have a cinder block home with a tin roof that has clean water, a latrine and space outside to grow fruits and vegetables.

This house will be the foundation for a brighter future for his family, and I have no doubt that it will be a place for friends to gather and enjoy his hospitality for years to come.

My time in Nicaragua showed me that God is moving on behalf of his people, and they are ready to take hold of new opportunities. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for El Chile and the 100+ other communities that are being equipped for success one step at a time.

If you would like to learn more about Rainbow Network, I would love to chat with you! Feel free to reach out to me or follow along on Facebook.

-Christine Williams