One of the first things I did when coming back from Nicaragua this past March was set up this website. I really didn’t know what to expect from Nicaragua Hope, but all I knew was that I needed to share the stories my team and I experienced while down in Bluefields. One of the things I hoped for was to connect with people and organizations who are doing the needed work in the country and helping Nicaraguans.
An example of such a connection occured about 3 weeks ago when a young woman named Michelle contacted me through this site and through my photos on Flickr. She told me that she will be going down to Bluefields with a team of 5. It was her first mission and admitted to being very excited and I don’t blame her!
With her heading down to Bluefields, I hatched a plan to try to get some much needed money to Pastor Ed at Verbo to help finish the new kitchen at the Verbo School. Michelle agreed to take the money I’d send her and deliver it personally to Ed himself! To me that would have been such an incredible gesture - a random Internet meeting that in turn helps fulfill a big need in Bluefields.
But as Michelle’s departure date drew closer, I realized quickly that it wouldn’t be possible to get the money to her in time. Knowing how hectic preparing for a mission can be, I decided not to rush the donation. Instead I gave her my sincere thanks.
Though the plan to deliver money to help finish the school kitchen didn’t work out, I learned that we are never alone in helping those in need. There are people out there willing to go out of their way to help financially or otherwise, and it gives me hope and motivation to continue maintaining this project.
The money raised so far will be sent to Pastor Ed, Ligia, and the Verbo Ministry to help finish construction of the kitchen for school children.
March 29th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Flickr and the internet prove to be powerful again! Very neat that you met Michelle. It is my hope next year when you come you can stop by Granada and see our projects and who knows, perhaps I can come visit you in Bluefields!