Buenos Dias. Some of you may know me, some of you may not. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Mario Ezzo. I am a newer member here, I joined in February of this year. I have been coming to John Knox for about 6 years on and off, mostly off. But through some difficulties I have experienced in my life recently, I have come back to my God. I am in recovery from a few things, one of which is I am recovering Catholic. I like this church the building, the grounds, and I love the people of John Knox. They are fun, warm and inviting. Most of all I love God! Because of all he has done in my life I wanted to give back and that is what took me on this mission trip.

I had heard many different things about what it would be like to go on a mission trip but I discovered that no matter how many stories you are told it does not even come close to what the experience is really like. This trip was a life changing experience which opened my eyes to a entirely different world. Though I had seen on TV and even in friends pictures from Nicaragua in years past, I did not expect the poverty to be so extreme. But even though these people live in such poverty, it was amazing to me their faith and complete trust in God. The genuine love and sincere happiness towards us, especially from the children, opened my heart in places I didn’t even know were so closed. We taught 4 vacation bible schools on this trip which were all wonderful but the one that sticks out most in my mind is when we went to the school. Shortly before we went, I was told that last year the team had doen a VBS at a school close by but the people of THAT school thought the children of this neighboring barrio should have a chance to experience the VBS this year. It was wonderful to see the children’s excitement about the story, the t-shirts they were able to decorate and keep, and the HUGE parachute we brought. I was truly honored to buy popsicles for all the children at that school. I know honored may sound funny when talking about popsicles but The ice cream man is the grandfather of 2 of the young adults that we spent much time with at the church. Eric and Haysell live with their grandfather because their father is not around so to sell 150 popsicles in one afternoon is certainly a blessing for their family.

The other thing I was not prepared for was the unbielevanle bonding that took place with the team and the young adults at the church. Having only known a few members of the team, mostly through John Knox, it was amazing how the team came together like a family from the instant that we stepped onto the plane. Coming home and being separated from my mission family was a very difficult transition for me with as close as we had become and all the things we experienced together through the week. It was pure joy to spend so much time that week with the young adults and youth form Shalom Presbyterian Church. Some of the really fun times came when we were actually in route to the next adventure. We would be packed in the back of the truck or van and we would always find something funny to entertain ourselves. Rumor has it that occasionally I could fall asleep most anywhere, a talent I am proud to say I won an award for by the end of the week. Once I was woken by the entire team standing over me singing because I had taken a little afternoon siesta on the alter. And NO, this was not during one of Tom’s sermons.

Seriously thought, Knowing that I will not see my new Nica family again until next year is quite a burden on my heart. But, thanks to technology I can now facebook and IM (that’s instant message for those of you who may be technologically challenged) with these people who have become so dear to me.

Which brings me to something I need your help with. Last year, we established the 1st annual Nicaragua scholarship program. I am happy to say that with your help we sponsored 21 children and young adults so they may go to school. Education for Nicaraguans is the only alternative these wonderful people have to get themselves out of such poverty. I am asking again for your help to raise funds to sponsor and support these young people. Each Sunday from now until Dec. 12th a team member will have a table set up between services in the gallery with pictures and biography sheets so you may get to know which child can become part of your life. We ask that you prayerfully consider becoming a sponsor.

Again, for more information please see the table in the gallery or contact Michelle Flauto, Sue Beck or Nicole Waffen.

Thank you for your time, God bless you all, God bless my Nica family and the rest of the Nicaraguan people! Adios!