Your latest update from the The Lutheran Church of Hope – Ankeny IMPACT team! Read about their incredible jam-packed day that focused on the next generation and sustainable solutions: from working hands-on with first-graders at Central Abaco Primary School to supporting the local economy by planting crops at a hydroponic farm. They ended the day connecting with the next generation at an uplifting Kirk of the Pines Youth Night. Read their full, fulfilling update, from Ben and Kasey!

Our team opened the day with a beautiful sunrise as we sat at the breakfast table. Breakfast was grits, Bahamian hash, toast, juice and coffee.

We visited Central Abaco Primary School (CAPS) to help first-graders practice their letters, numbers and sight words by using games led by our team. It was a fun and joy-filled time for both the kids and our team.

Due to Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, this age group was one of the most vulnerable and needs help catching up. A breakfast of grits and tuna–a favorite–was provided for the kids and their parents.

Our team then went to a hydroponic farm, called Driftwood Farms, for a tour and a lunch of nachos. Then we went to work planting crops and prepping some pots for the future. We collected eggs from their chickens. Then we sampled some guava picked fresh off the tree.

After a break in the afternoon, we attended youth night at Kirk of the Pines Church. The church fed the youth a snack of meatball sandwiches. During a breakout session, the team met with the youth leader and she shared about the challenges that the kids and their families are facing. It was a lively group of youth and passionate leaders.

The team returned to Camp Abaco for a meal of pork chops, rice and carrots which was enjoyed by all and appreciated very much. It was a long but fulfilling day.

– Ben and Kay Hanson