Sunday - July 26

We left by 10 AM on Sunday morning to visit three rural communities about 40 minutes from Nova Vicosa. We had mini prayer services in each of the churches there. 

One of the families that received a food box.

Jenna with children at community #1

Audrey with family at community #2.
Photo credit: Jenna

A family in the second community fed us all lunch, as well as cake and coffee. While we were walking the streets, visiting the needy families, we also got to try some popsicles. They were in cylindrical plastic bags, with flavors from strawberry and chocolate, to mango and grape.

Last of all, we visited the community that we spent so much time in two years ago. Their church had been renovated a little bit. Take a look below.

Their church two years ago.

Their church now - 2015

We gave the children our gifts and candy. We also gave the families some pictures from the last time that we were there of the children. It was cool to see the same kids, and how they had changed. The mothers and grandmother really enjoyed finding their kids in the photos. 

Families look at photos from two years before.

Photo credit - Jenna

Last of all, we made a stop at a small shanty town. The people there used to make charcoal from wood, and to sell it, but they live in poverty now because the city said that they couldn't do that anymore. Their livelihood was taken away.

That evening we went to Sunday mass at the larger church in downtown Nova Visoca. The church was packed, so that people we standing in the back and in the courtyard for lack of seating inside. 

~Audrey Dawson