It’s 8:45 a.m and the dance group of the SOS Children’s Village still hasn’t arrived. And also the Reverend who promised to come with a public address system isn’t here yet. Will we manage to start in time with our programme of the official opening?
We’d planned to begin at 9 a.m. But for all Nicaraguans it was obvious that would not happen; it’s almost a rule here that events start later than planned. But we didn’t want to be too much delayed. In the end we were able to start at 10.30 a.m. Even then not all invited people where present – some of them made an appearance in dribs and drabs after 10:30. But at least by 10:30 a.m everyone and everything needed to run the programme were there.
Programme
The master of ceremonies was from the local radio station. He talked the various parts of the programme together. A priest started off with a prayer for the Fundación. We had asked him to take into account that there were non-Catholics among us, especially the Evangelical Brothers, but still he could not resist closing with the Ave Maria. For the ecumenical spirit of the occasion it was good that a Reverend was giving a blessing for the community home.
Then it was my turn, a word of welcome to everyone: representatives of organisations and local Ministries, family members of those participating in the activities club and live in our home, friends and neighbours. In my address I included a song called “Look at life with new eyes” and elaborated on the theme that we also ought to be looking at people with an intellectual disability with new eyes to discover their talents and gifts. Only together we can create a better world.
I also mentioned the people who were not able to be present at this occasion, but who are with us in spirit, who have donated small and big amounts in the Netherlands and other places where we have friends. I also read out the congratulations sent by email from the Vivir Juntos Foundation.
Ana Alicia, the chairperson of the Ruach Foundation, then gave an address in which she summarized how we got to the opening of our home, our vision, our mission and activities. She also mentioned the valuable contribution of students from the University of Managua UCA who, as part of their coursework, thoroughly looked at our vision and mission and helped with the design of the invitations, and the banner, which now has a special place in our reception area.
Then there was a slot for invited guests to say something. Both the reverend and the representative of the Ministry of Family Affairs took the opportunity, and especially the positive comments of the latter were important to us as our Foundation is under her Ministry.
The finale
Raymundo, the first participant of the activities club, was chosen to officially open the home. Raymondo could not have been prouder when he cut the ribbon (see photo). Youth from the SOS Children Village added to the celebration by once again showing their dancing skills. After a word of thanks people were invited to explore the house, and this was followed by a drink and some snacks and music by ‘los chicheros’, a local music group. They fortunately play outside as they produce many decibels. Spontaneously people inside started to dance.
It was 11:30 a.m when ‘relative quiet’ reigned again in the house. The programme ended with a festive lunch in community home Ruach for the entire Board of the foundation. What remains are precious memories and some beautiful pictures!
Astrid Delleman in collaboration with the Vivir Juntos foundation
PS: Please note our (new) ‘uniform’ in the pictures: a t-shirt in Nicaraguan blue with our logo on the front, and our motto: ‘Help me be who I am’ and ‘Fundación Ruach’ in orange letters on the back.
