It was my first visit.  Bob has gone seven times and Don was on his second visit.  I was completely overwhelmed by the warm greeting at the airport.  I have never felt more welcomed.  The time spent with the people was a blessing to me.  The graduation of the graduates from the first computer class was a joyous occasion.  In Nicaragua the parents go up with the graduating student to receive the diploma.  Since we had supplied over 50 computers for the class, they waited until our arrival to have the graduation.  Bob, Don, and Cheryl presented the diplomas, and I managed to get a photo of this special event.

I was not ready to return after such a short visit, but will now cherish the time of fellowship with the beautiful, loving people of our sister church, Iglesia de Cristo, in the small village of La Borgoña.
 

This relationship began with the visit of LUMC pastor Rev. David Myers to La Borgoña in 1991 arranged through the Nicaragua Planning Committee of the UMC New England Conference. Rev. Myers returned with such enthusiasm for the people and possibilities of La Borgoña that our LUMC quickly entered into a sister church partnership. At first, the financial support was limited to $500 per year to the sister church if an equal amount was also given to a fund for other Nicaraguan churches. For the past five years, Bob Miner of the LUMC has headed the Nicaragua sub committee of the LUMC Outreach Committee with dedication, diplomacy, and great commitment. Our financial support has increased many times as we have seen and felt its impact on La Borgoña. We also help support a former Belmont, MA, resident, Cheryl Avery, who now lives near La Borgoña and facilitates our communication with her fluent Spanish.