My Mission Chronicles

Monday, September 3, 2012 – the rest of the day

Breakfast outside on the tiled terrace was very nice and we were in the car by 8:45. 45 minutes behind schedule as we knew we had another long day of driving. The time passed relatively quickly as Chase and I worked on the hundreds of pictures that he had taken, choosing the best ones to tell the story. It really is a big help to have someone work with these photos. It’s a very time consuming job and I can use the help. Just like I can use some help when I return home to sort out all of the children and sponsors!

The orphanage at Juigalpa

We arrived in Juigalpa, the other of the two orphanages newly added to the OHP. It was definitely an exercise in extremes. This orphanage was beautiful. Clean, well-tended, new. Did I say NEW? There was nothing broken, a lot of light and brightness, open airy rooms with intact and matching furniture. I couldn’t believe it. So different than any others I had visited. I wish they were all like this. The kitchen alone was a marvel; fully functioning with a stocked refrigerator and freezer and working stove. The chapel, as expected, was the most beautiful room of all. Apparently, the difference here is that this orphanage is supported by the local bishop. What a difference a little positive attention from the church can make.

We spoke with the Sisters and then they took us on a tour of the girl’s dorms and outside areas. Their Dorms were in an older portion of the facility but were still neat and tidy. The young girls were still in their school uniforms and were happy to show us around. I commented on how nice and neat their rooms were and they smiled. Then they were tripping over each other to show us the rest. I asked if there were any boys and was told no. We found out later that this particular orphanage, with only 12 children, is specially for the girls that are the most troubled or have special psychological issues. That’s why I was stunned to see a young girl that I knew from El Crcuero who had been “missing” for over a year. She had a very troubled and desperate background and I had wondered often at her fate. To find her here was such a wonderful surprise and the big smile on her face told me that she was doing much better.

The children have a pet parrot that is hand-trained. I liked holding him until he decided to take a peck at my cheek and not in a good way. And then there was Scooby Doo. A tiny ugly but cute dog (I know Becky, they are ALL cute!) who was covered in fleas. I noticed them immediately but Chase did not and petted and touched him a bit until he realized that those little black specks were hopping off the dog onto him. The fleas jumped on Chase, then got on Fabricio and my shoes and socks when the dog decided to come near us. The girls and nuns were laughing at us as we all took off our shoes and socks to try to get rid of the pesky buggers. We were itching for hours.

Inside to give out gifts and again, we had enough to go around. The littlest one kept following me and looking in the suitcase for a muneca, or doll. I managed to pull one from another child’s bag (a lot of swapping goes on in the chaos to try to make everyone happy) and after that, she was satisfied.

It was brutally hot and humid and we were all sweating profusely. That combined with the flea problem and we were ready to leave. This was an orphanage that was clearly doing fine. What a welcome surprise. We left and got a quick lunch for the car (more Tip Top) and were back on the road around 2pm. Plenty of time to get to El Crucero by 5. Or so we thought. And then the adventure began.

Mud Pits Flats

Buzzing along the highway, returning on the road we had travelled, we were suddenly faced with a complete dead stop in traffic. Just so you know, there is no a plethora of roads in Nicaragua. There is one main highway that runs north and south and a few more that run east and west and then there are the back roads for animal carts and farmers. And this was our only alternative. These dirt roads are usually dry and dusty unless they are a mud pit instead.

Mauricio talked with a local man who was watching the traffic jam and he offered to show us the way around by taking these back roads as a short cut. For 50 cordoba, about $2, he hopped on the back of the truck and guided us to a road that should have taken us back out to the highway ahead of the jam. But this was not to be as we started to encounter one mud pit after another. And I do mean mud pit. And in almost every one of them, there was a truck or van or car stuck up to their axles in brown oozing mud. The roads were like a maze and I quickly lost my sense of direction. Our guide had left us by now and we all became one mass of humanity in our own four wheels trying to escape.

We would travel a short distance and stop. Then we would get out again and all the men would congregate, look at the stuck truck and then point and shout and shove and push or tow with another vehicle so the caravan could continue to move forward. Chase and Fabricio were right in the thick of the action, while Mauricio remained cool and calm in direct contrast to the young guy’s excitement. Boys and mud and trucks. Need I say more?

Although I was fretting about getting to El Crucero, I found myself watching all of this testosterone in action in a detached way and with a smile. It was really fascinating to see all these men pitching in and helping each other. No anger, just cooperation. Who would have believed it? Not in the USA I wouldn’t. A local guy showed up with a heavy chain that he carried from mud pit to mud pit as we lurched along from one to the other, allowing the 4 wheel drive trucks to help the others out.

Finally, the last trench was conquered – and it was by far the worst one. A giant farm tractor and the hay bailer it was pulling were stuck in the mud up to the middle of the tractor’s giant wheels. It made the road completely impassable so a local farmer cut the barbed wire fence so we could all detour around it. Of course there was mud in the cow fields as well and one after another, trucks and vans got stuck and had to be pulled out. Chase was completely engaged at this point, standing in the mud, pushing with his long arms and reach, completely dwarfing the Nicaraguan men. He was very excited and was smiling from ear to ear. When it was our turn, Mauricio gunned the engine and took off flying to make it through. The three of us were outside of the truck and when I watched him rocket through the detour and over the hillocks in the field, I was glad I wasn’t in the truck. My bladder would never have survived.

Back in the truck and Mauricio is driving like a bat out of hell. Chase and I are hysterical with laughter in the back seat, banging, bumping, heads hitting the roof. At one point, we were both airborne and I almost landed in Chase’s lap. At every bump, little whooshes of air escaped from my mouth despite the fact that I was trying to hold them in. I felt like someone was squeezing my breath out each time I slammed into the seat. I giggled at myself knowing again, that I was such a girl. The guys weren’t grunting. Finally free of the mud, Mauricio was in a hurry. The energy and excitement in the air was palpable and we were all laughing. And then we got to the highway. And full stop. Again.

The Jam of all Jams

I had never seen a traffic jam like this one. We had not come out in front of the jam, but instead right in the middle of it – after all that effort to avoid it! We crawled along on the side of the road, on the left side I might add, and then when it was possible, crossed over and through the mass of traffic to the right side and then, full, stop, again. The people driving north out of Managua – which is where we were trying to go in the southbound lane – had taken up all 4 lanes of the highway meaning that the northbound traffic was taking up both north and south bound lanes. There was no road left; it was a parking lot. Everyone was out of their cars, looking, talking, groaning. We sat for over 1 ½ hours without moving. We had run out of water and drinks and had four packages of crackers to our name. This was not looking good. The trip to El Crucero was really not looking good. Just when I thought I would have to come up with a back up plan (I HAD to get back up there before I left) miraculously, traffic started to flow. We were diverted off onto the side of the highway, literally on the grass, and all southbound traffic – that was us – was allowed to move forward. Although it was stop and go, we were moving for the most part. And so, it was after much excitement, we reached El Crucero only 3 hours late.

Finally, El Crucero

Fabricio called Madre to let her know we would be getting their later than planned and we asked that the children be available for photographs and gifts. We arrived, tired, very dirty (did I mention that I had mud up to my ankle on one leg?), hungry and thirsty but that didn’t matter as the guys were all determined to help me carry out this last piece of my mission. I was so grateful. Not one of them complained.

The children started to swarm once word spread that we had arrived. I asked right away for my Allison and was told that she was very excited to see her madrina. As I turned to look, she was running straight at me and jumped into my arms with a laugh and that big beautiful smile that I love so much. After a big hug, I held onto her and gave her her gift. She was all smiles as I had her put on the funky zebra striped hat I had brought for her. She went off to play and check out what everyone one was getting while I went back to giving out gifts. Mileydis, one of my favorites, had come to find me again and I asked if she could help me as she had done two days before. She read each child’s name off the label and handed them out for me or told me they were not there at the time. It was so much easier with her help. Mileydis is a very bright young girl and there is a very good possibility that she and her brother Carlos may be adopted. I hope so desperately this happens as she is another one that will flower given the chance.

I also saw little Andrea, who my niece Becky and her husband Brian sponsor. Andrea was a baby when I saw her last and she was now a walking, talking toddler. She was very tired however, and it was obvious she wanted to go to bed. I gave her the light up doll that Becky and Brian had sent for her and off to bed she went.

Chase was doing a great job taking pictures of the children. In between the chaos, he found his own sponsored child Sergio and his brother Yusab. We had the boys put on the WVU t-shirts (the university where Chase is currently studying) that Chase had brought for them and when you look at the picture, you can’t miss the joy on their faces. It was very touching moment for me as I knew that Chase completely and passionately understood what this was all about and why I did what I did. When one of the children (or all of them) pull at your heart strings, they just don’t let go.

The children were leaving to go to bed, it was 8:00pm and past their bedtime. I reluctantly said goodbye to my Allison, not having had nearly enough time to spend with her. The other girls all shouted goodbye to me, saying my name as they did so which made me feel the connection even more. I shouted “ I love you” to all of them as they went out the door.

We spoke with Madre for a little while and I was very pleased when again, I told her that we must communicate regularly by email and said she would. She gave me the name of the Sister that she had assigned to do this. I reiterated that I needed to know changes of children in and out, moving between facilities, special problems any might have and anything else of note. I also asked for a summary of the monthly receipts she provides to Mauricio in order for the monthly allowance to be transferred to their account, following the OHP process we had set up the year before. Madre assured me that I would begin receiving this and I am hopeful.

A few more questions about some of the children. Was Allison’s foot ok after her surgery earlier this year? Yes she was doing fine and getting ready to go into 2nd grade after she completes 1st this November. She is doing very well in school which didn’t surprise me at all. However, her mother is a poor and unstable influence in her life, and the Nuns will try to limit this as much as possible. Sound harsh? Not really because whenever Allison comes back from visits with her mother, she is confused, unhappy and angry. I agreed to their intent and also reminded them that Allison must stay in school despite her mother’s very infrequent requests to have her come visit, especially during the school year. I asked why little Kevin was at San Fernando and was told that he is closer to where his mother lives. I had become used to the fact that many of the children have some family however; their interaction with them usually ranges from poor to awful with the occasional happy exception. And Xiomara, the teenage girl that I was surprised to see at San Fernando is there because she is having trouble at every facility she stays at. They are moving her around to see where they can find a best fit and keep her in school.

Madre gave me the letters that each of the children had written to their sponsors as I had requested. I was very pleased that she had followed through on this and then it was goodbye to Madre and the remaining nuns after a few more pictures. The picture of Chase towering over one of the nuns and a young girl that had been staring and smiling at Chase all evening will make you smile. I did. I told Madre I would be back next year but would be very glad to communicate during the course of the year.

End of the day

Exhausted, drained and probably pretty stinky, we all piled back into the truck and stopped at a nice restaurant for some pizza and salad. I was extremely grateful for that glass of white wine that went a long way to helping me to slow down. My brain was in full melt down mode. As physically exhausting as my ambitious agenda had been, it was nothing compared to my mental exhaustion. I needed to unwind so I could think coherently again. And I don’t even know how Mauricio was still standing after the many hours he had spent driving the truck.

Back at NiCasa, I said a grateful and very fond goodbye to Fabricio. He had been terrific and I told him so. In turn, he said this was the most “special” mission he had ever been on. And then he added “all that mud!” with a big smile. I encouraged him to stay in touch and I know that he and Chase will be. They really made a connection on this trip, two young guys the same age, so different in culture and personality, but kindred spirits none-the-less.

After a very, very welcome shower, I felt human again. Chase and I got everything ready and packed up to leave at 5am the next morning for the aeropuerto. Poor Mauricio! I didn’t get much sleep as I was still pretty keyed up and that damn rooster must have known it was our last night since he kept at his crowing ALL NIGHT LONG. Ah, Nicaragua.

Going home

I am writing this on the plane and we are already close to landing in Atlanta. Here is where I will say goodbye to Chase, reluctantly. I feel he is part son – part compatriot and definitely a very special friend. He knows he will be welcome in our home and on mission whenever he likes. I’m sure Vince is in full agreement with this.

And me? I’ve got plans baby. Any of you that know me, know that I do. I’ve got ideas both short term and long to help the children. I’ve got tons of paperwork to do, children’s letters to mail, phone calls to make, reports to write….you get the picture. And it is ALL so worth it. I feel invigorated as only a trip here can make me feel. Seeing the children, holding them in my arms is the one sure way to get me refocused and re-energized. Forcing me to remember that no matter how busy my life is at home, these children are still a priority for me. They are always in my heart.

Monday, September 3 – Morning impressions
I am up early, around 6am because I am still on NY time, 2 hours ahead. I slept fairly well although there was a lot of city noise – trucks, people still celebrating, and barking dogs. I looked out the window from my room to a site I couldn’t see in the darkness the night before. Brick and terra cotta tile buildings were built directly into the mountainside. The city is built on mountains which were evident by the streets we drove on yesterday but the view of homes and surrounding greenery on closely packed mountains was like something on a post card. It was one of the images that you take away with you knowing that you were in a very different land.

I took a quick shower, dressed and came downstairs to the courtyard area. The internet connection here is terrific and I was able to Skype with Vince for a while. I even walked around showing him some of the hotel although my attempts to show him the mountains failed due to the sunlight.

My mind has not stopped churning over the issues and challenges that the OHP is facing. Too much need and not enough money. While the correction of the problem will take some time – to get more sponsors in the program – I am starting to believe a redistribution of the funds we do have will be a short term solution. The other piece of the puzzle will be the 4th orphanage we visit today so I can gauge how best to proceed. I realize just how “American” I really am, ready to make lists, recalculate numbers, make plans and go forward. This is very typical of our lives in the States but I’ve learned it is not typical elsewhere, here in Nicaragua being a good example. Nica time is something I don’t think I’ll ever really get used to.

Sunday, September 02, 2012

I am actually writing this on Saturday night and plan to upload it to Sunday morning before we leave for Nueva Segovia. This is the orphanage that is way up north near the Honduras border. It is near Ocotal, if you want to Google it. 

We haven’t got internet where we are staying after also our only alternative is to go to the other location and get online there which I will do tomorrow.

Coyote James
We had a very, very full day Saturday. First we changed our American dollars to Nicaragua Cordoba’s with Coyote James. The amount of money he carries around the street in huge wads is fascinating as are the men with guns providing security.

La Chureca – The Dump
Our next stop was to visit La Chureca, the Managua dump. I wanted Chase to see it – you really have to see it to believe it – and I hadn’t been there in several years.

I had been told that the government had made improvements and moved some of the people out to live elsewhere but while the amount of people may have been less, those that were there were still living in the squalor and filth that I remember. Such an injustice to see human beings living like this. The children swarmed our car as Mauricio slowed down to avoid landmine size craters in the road that I was afraid would swallow our truck. I reached out to give the children candy and while I was smiling at them, my heart ached. Their faces were so dirty, most had no shoes and their eyes so serious. I saw two little girls sharing a pair of shoes. One had a shoe on her right; the other had a shoe on her left. Chase was quiet as we left and I was choked up and fighting back tears.

TipTop Lunch
We stopped for a quick lunch at Tip Top, the local fast food chicken place. Think Chick Filet in the U.S. Chase wants to try everything new and Fabricio our translator, who is the same age, is always providing suggestions for him that he enjoys.

Pinata Party!
Next we went to Caritas, the in-country organization that helps the HIV+ children that are now part of the OHP. We have begun hosting a monthly piñata party for the children’s birthdays and today’s party seemed to be a big success. While most of the children do not smile and have much-too-serious eyes, there is something about whacking a 3’ paper mache doll stuffed with candy that got them all to smiling. With great delight, they scrambled on the ground for any dropped candy. Chase saw that a little one couldn’t get in to the melee and so waded in himself, grabbed some candy and then brought it over to him and his sister who were both very grateful and full of smiles.

Then we gave out gifts to the children. Fabricio suggested that we lay everything I had brought out on a table and let the children come up one by one and select what they wanted. He kept asking if there would be enough and I assured him there would be. While there was a room full of kids – about 50 – and I had not counted what I brought, I had no doubt that we would be fine. And we were, everyone got something and most got more. It was definitely a loaves and fishes moment. And when Chase wasn’t taking pictures, he was right in there with the kids, giving out toys crouched down from his 6’4” height so he didn’t tower over them.

We met with the Director after the party and planned a strategy for increasing our help. My goal is to begin a monthly allowance program similar to what we are doing for the orphanages that will allow Caritas to help with food, basic medical and education. This is what the OHP is all about. We’ll need more sponsors. More to come.

That morning, I had given Mauricio the gifts we brought for him which included Vanessa’s special home made cookies. I had to insist that he share them with Chase and Fabricio and they all agreed they were delicious and a perfect afternoon snack.

On to El Crucero
It was about 4:30 at this point but our day was not yet done. Next we made the 45 minute drive up the mountain to El Crucero. And although we knew that only a few of the children were there, it was still great to see them. Many of them remembered me and I remembered them and most of their names. It was really wonderful to be hugged by so many smiling faces. Chaos reigned as we gave out the gifts and Chase loved having the boys climb all over him. We met with Madre, and said we would return on Monday for an updated child report and to take pictures of the other children who would be back by then. One of them was my Allison who I did not see today. I did see 2 of my 3 girls sponsor children. Both Wendy Guadalupe who is Alix’s sponsor child and Orquidia Guadalupe who is Vanessa’s sponsor child. I realized that both girls share the nickname “Lupe.” They both really liked their gifts as did all of the others. I didn’t see Becky and Brian’s little Andrea, that will have to wait until Monday.

It was a wild and crazy hour while all of this was going on and it is only now that I can start to absorb the feelings of seeing the children after over a year has passed. The boys Carlos and Kenneth are both taller. They were the first two children we saw and both remembered me and ran up for a hug. Next up was little Maria, Madre’s niece who was happy to hold onto my hand even though she didn’t know me that well and then it was Sayda, who ran to me and threw her arms around me. I asked if she was still planning to be a Nun and with her beatific smile said yes. Later I saw the rest – Sorayda with her serious eyes, Mileydis my shadow who was glued to my hip and helped me give out all the presents, Katherine Soza the very troubled young teen and her two sisters Wendy and Ashley. Not to forget adorable Joseph who is 4 now and grown so much in a year. Seeing them all was the best part…just the best part.

A Nicaraguan Dinner
We left to go to dinner to a great place that I had been to before where the servers wear traditional costume and the food is great and local. Me and my three guys rehashed the events of the day, shared a great meal together and the conversation was easy and friendly. It was a very satisfying dinner at the end of a very satisfying day. Before we left, Chase asked to have his picture taken with the two armed guards across the street.

I must say that Mauricio has been absolutely wonderful and accommodating; he keeps telling me I’m the boss and whatever I want is ok. I keep asking him if he could please teach my husband Vince this. And Fabricio is an excellent translator with a great sense of humor. He also has great compassion for helping young children here and has formed his own non-profit called Nicayuda which helps bring preschool education to 5 year olds. It’s on Facebook, check it out. There is much laughing going on when we are all in the truck where we have spent a great deal of time.

We leave early Sunday morning for Nueva Segovia, then to Matagalpa Sunday night. Hopefully, the hotel we will stay in will have internet but if not, I won’t be able to post again until Monday afternoon or evening. We have two very full days and will be covering many miles in the truck. There will be much to tell you about. Thanks for reading.

September 1, Saturday 7am
Welcome to NiCasa
I’ve been up since 5am, 7am NY time. The sound of the roosters crowing and dogs barking letting me know I am in Nicaragua. After an uneventful visit through Customs, Mauricio picked us up at the airport, then drove us to the supermarket to pick up a few things; juice, water, cookies, bread and P&J. Mauricio looked the same as ever with his big grin that filled up his cheerful face. I gave him a big hug which he returned in kind.

While driving to NiCasa, the OHP compound where we are staying, we discussed our itinerary. Mauricio informed me that Madre was not going to be at El Crucero on Saturday morning as had been planned on; instead she would be at the University. This puts a serious cramp in our plans and this morning we will have to figure out how and what to do. Mauricio and Fabricio will be here at 8am.

We can’t log in to the internet yet – so sorry family! – but when Mauricio arrives, we’ll give Sr. Debbie a call and straighten it out. I’ll post before we leave for the day so Vince won’t think I’ve been abducted by aboriginal Indians. I’m not sure there are actually any in the country anyway …. 

I am sitting in the big room that is used for meals when the large mission trips come. I can hear the sound of loud cawing birds – I never did learn their names – the roosters – still/always – and trucks. I hear the traffic on the large Central Hgwy #2 that is just up the dirt road from here. This highway runs through Central America and I can see in my mind the right turn to Honduras and the left to Costa Rica, although both are many miles away. My imagination portrays it to me as dotted lines on a treasure map, with adventure in either direction.

Chase is still sleeping. But I know when he wakes, he will have the same big grin he had last night. He is excited and enthusiastic, the perfect traveling companion. He found a note in a drawer in his room that he thought was specially for him.

The agenda is in limbo
Today at 2pm, we will visit Caritas and Johanna, our contact there. A lovely woman I have met once or twice; I remember her soft eyes that seemed to radiate compassion. Among her other responsibilities on behalf of Caritas, she works with the 85 HIV+ children that are now part of the OHP program. Today, they have arranged for us to attend a piñata party held monthly to celebrate the birthdays of children born this month. This will be a wonderful event to attend and I know without a doubt, emotional. I have been told to expect about 50 children and their foster families. I’ll ask to Chase lots of pictures, although only from behind or the side of the children. The stigma of HIV is huge here and the children’s privacy is paramount.

It is this party, was added to our trip this past Wednesday that threw our original itinerary out the window as we were supposed to visit El Crucero on Saturday afternoon. And while I am grateful to have the opportunity to visit with these children and give out presents, I am anxious about what will actually occur during the next 3 days. I had made a new plan with Oscar, Mauricio’s brother who lives in NY (he is the MoH’s VP of Nicaraguan Operations) on Thursday who then relayed it to Mauricio. But after talking to Mauricio last night, I am not sure what will happen next.

Mauricio also told me that many of the children I expected to find at El Crucero will be at yet another location in Matagalpa (the coffee farm), for a commemorative service for Mother Theresa, whose death 15 years ago will be remembered, and so yet another wrinkle…. I feel it is so important to visit all of the orphanages, especially the two new ones, (I want to see ALL of the children!) but this plan is now in jeopardy.

I am trying slow down to Nica time – leave my NY time and sensibilities and constant rushing around behind me and just relax. Go with the flow. Each time these plan changes have happened in the past here, everything has all worked out and God has sent me where I needed to go. I think I’ll put this in His hands. It’s easier to remember that when you are down here for some reason. That’s another one of the gifts of this place.

….Later, 9:30am. All is resolved and we are more or less back on track. We will be leaving shortly for Caritas and the piñata party. I have re-distributed the many toys and school supplies that Chase and I brought down and have a suitcase FULL of gifts for the HIV children. I’m sure there will be enough to go around and then some. Afterwards, we will go to El Crucero to meet with Madre and the children. We may have to go back on Monday to see the children that are not going to be there today but with Mauricio, it seems all is possible.

The Day Begins
First this morning we will go see Mauricio’s coyote friend – the street money changer. Chase should get a kick out of that. Then we will go to La Chureca, the giant Managua dump where many families live. Sr. Debbie has told me that it has been reduced in size and scope and some families have been displaced. If they didn’t have any place to go before, where are they now? We should also drive past the Banana camps, the shelters located in downtown Managua where the poor banana pickers live. All things that Chase should see.

That’s if we can get this damn internet connected. With help from Bill Murray, and if you are reading this, then we have been successful. I’ll put some pictures up tonight, when we return.

August 31, 2012 – Friday

I’m on the plane now and will sync up in Atlanta where I meet Chase. Trip so far has been very uneventful although I’m not so far into it yet. My nephew Nick picked me up at home and brought me to Newark airport. He and Vince put my bags into Nick’s little BMW but I was afraid Nick would get a hernia from lifting the two 50 pounders! Once at the airport, I checked my bags right at curbside and the skycap pulled the big one out of the truck for us. It was well worth the $3 tip. I didn’t have to lift them yet and hopefully won’t have to! Oh-oh Chase……

After a decadent lunch of burger and fries (so I didn’t finish it all, ok??!) I went to my gate, made a few last minute phone calls, talked to my daughter Alixandria (since we talk at least once or twice a day, we both know we’ll be missing our fix over the next few days) and then was on the plane. And as soon we left the ground, I passed out like a dead person for 30 minutes. Where did that come from? I always sleep great on planes. Must be the background hummmmm….

I have been thinking a lot about how to improve the OHP. By that I mean how to improve the program so that it is more forward and future thinking. We don’t want to only provide funds just to help the children get through their childhood and teenage years. With at least 10 – 12 girls that are already in their mid to late teens, the time is now more than ever to find out how we can get them the training and educational programs that will carry them into a self-sustained and effective adulthood. They MUST learn what their capabilities and potential are. Now how do we do that? How do I work within the cultural boundaries and very real limitations of time and distance to get them thinking bigger, reaching higher? Not sure yet, but I’m thinking……

So my suitcases are more or less packed, and some how, all 63 gifts that we have packaged up individually for every one of the children at the four orphanages fit into two suitcases. Ok, so they are big suitcases. I will look forward to giving everything away and bringing them home empty.

Chase has the job of bringing down all of the school supplies and personal items that were donated. I had to mail two boxes of them to Chase in West Virginia where he is back to college at WVU, my husband Vince’s alma matter. We will get these donations down there! Thanks to all who sent them. And big thanks to the folks who donated funds for use while there – all total, we received over $600. It will be put to good use.

And so with 4 days to go, I’m finalizing the agenda, looking at pictures of the children and looking forward to seeing them in person. I have high hopes for this trip. Your prayers are always welcome, we can always use the extra help.

I will be returning to Nicaragua on August 31 – September 4. It will be a short but packed trip. With two travel days on either end, we only have 3 days to accomplish everything I want to do.

I will be traveling with our friend Chase Vasale. He will be helping me with photos and video of the children, part time translator and full time child entertainer. The little boys will LOVE climbing on him.

We have added two new orphanages to the OHP program. These are two small orphanages that are part of the same organization as the two current ones – El Crucero and Juan Pablo. I am anxious to meet the new children and the nuns at these facilities. I will also be able to see for myself how many children are at each – getting current information is still very slow and painful – and also assess the facilities themselves to see how we can help.

I will be blogging regularly while there, at least while I can. There will be times where we will not be within internet range. The two orphanages are way out in the country, far from Managua, the capital. Chase and I are looking forward to the adventure. Nicaragua, for all it’s sadness and poverty, is a beautiful country full of lush green jungle and people who live a much, much simpler life than I. I am looking forward to meeting them along the way.

Stay tuned….