These are pictures from two of the "charlas" that I did with the health team. We did one in Miguel Christiano, Nicaragua and one in Chunco. In both cases, the children learned about a health topic and then get a chance to demonstrate the skill that they are taught- In these cases, the skills were proper hand washing and tooth brushing. We also handed out soap and toothbrushes. I realized that most of the kids don't have access to water. Most of the families in both of these communities collect water from rainfall to use in the home. These children are such a joy to work with, very sweet and attentive! I hope to develop more health education classes for the children.

Safe in Nicaragua

Here are a few more pics from the Costa Rica adventure. Steven and I arrived safely from Costa Rica to the Amigos for Christ house in Chinandega, Nicaragua. We took one of the local buses and I was really nervous about the trip, but we ended up being surrounded by a group of kids that had just finished serving with the same organization, Amigos! I couldn't believe it- I was also reading and I found the scripture "The Lord will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever." -Psalm 121:8. I felt at ease, even when we spent almost 3 hours waiting at the border to process our paperwork. There were so many times in Costa Rica that I felt more vulnerable than I ever had, just at the mercy of the kindness of others. Backpacking was an amazing adventure and I am so glad to have good friends to share the experience with.

¡pUrA vIdA!

8-2-09
¡Hola! from the rich coast-Costa Rica!!! For the past 2 weeks I have been bouncing around Costa Rica. I thought I would jump start my move to Nicaragua with a few weeks of fun. Today has been my favorite of the whole trip-My brother, my friend, Robin and I went to Tortuga island. It was absolute paradise and we got a chance to soak it in for a few hours. Imagine white beaches and crystal clear water-pretty much the stereotypical Costa Rica postcard scene. Absolutely gorgeous! I felt a tinge of guilt, but not for long. Currently, we are staying in Montezuma- I have been to Calhuita, San Jose, Allejuela, Jaco and next we are planning to go to Samara, Tamarindo and Liberia- all before we set off for Nicaragua, where I will be settling in for a long stay. It will be comforting to lay my head in the same place for more than 2 nights and I am looking forward to beginning the work in Nicaragua.

MY PLAN

Thank you and GOD bless all of those of you who have come to visit my blog- This is a time of great change and faith in my life as I shed most of my earthy belongings and follow the dreams that I have always had. I am moving to Central America to work as a community health nurse in impoverished areas of Nicaragua and Guatemala. One of the organizations that I will be working with is called AMIGOS FOR CHRIST. This is a group of short and long term volunteers that work in Chinendega, Nicaragua.

Hurricane Mitch, which struck Central America on October 30, 1998, killed close to 3000 people around Chinendega, Nicaragua, and villages disappeared under volcanic mudslides. Amigos works to settle and sustain these displaced families in safe, healthy communities. Some of their programs include: medical, housing, feeding, educational and clean water programs.

I will be working with the medical, educational and ministry teams. On my May trip to Nicaragua, I worked with an orthopedic surgeon to recruit patients for surgeries scheduled for November, 2009. I also got to visit a clinic on the beach, literally- it was absolutely incredible! The American nurse who started this clinic is an amazing person, really focused on sustainability of a health care focused mission. Her goal is empowerment through education. I look forward to working with her in the future and learning from her every move.

Beautiful beach views and hammocks aside, Chinendega is no exception to the same paradox that can be seen all over Central America: Deep human suffering and pain heavily contrasts against a breathtaking backdrop. I am submitting myself to the service of these people. I hope to learn more from them than I could ever plan to teach them.