Dear Friends,
In putting this Newsletter together, to share with you one clear idea stood out—we each already have more than enough within us to make a positive difference.
This repetitive theme in each of these stories, calls to mind a familiar tale about a beggar sitting on a box, unaware the box is filled with gold. The riches are there if we take a moment to look inside.
We give our community members the joy of discovering that despite external poverty, they hold many abilities to make their community vibrant.
Our barrio, Nueva Esperanza is truly is an inspiring place to be. And you make all this possible.
Chuck
Her job isn’t a job
Isabel lives her calling each day. During the week, she is the first to arrive at school and the last to leave after preparing and distributing about 140 meals.
She also enjoys making piñatas for children, often with the help of our students. She sometimes dedicates space in her kitchen as a workshop.
Occasionally after work or on her days off, Isabel makes a 5 gallon jug of juice and carries it (it’s not light) into the interior of our barrio along with a piñata she made, stuffed with treats. News of her arrival travels quickly among our students there once she’s spotted .
Who needs Santa Claus when there’s Isabel?
His job isn’t a job either
When our master teacher, Jenny, knew that she would be out on maternity leave until May, our art teacher, Edmundo, asked to be trained to be her long-term substitute, So last year, he spent many many hours in Jenny’s classroom. And now, he’s doing a first-rate job.
We told Edmundo, “Just put the art program on hold. You can resume it in May. You’re already working five full days.”
But he wouldn’t hear of it.
So for those who want art lessons, they show up at 1:00 PM on Saturdays regardless of the heat (mid 90’s this time of year).
And they do show up. All of them.
During my last visit, I casually remarked that our signage outside appeared to be getting a little beaten up by the harsh, hot weather.
Apparently, this wasn’t taken as a criticism but as an invitation! 😅
And in his spare time (?) , Edmundo drew this amazing picture of our director, Maycól Garcia.
Maddie Kuennen: Portrait of a true winner
Maddie Kuennen gets things done. She graduated in 2025 from The University of Florida. She also commissioned in the U.S. Navy and is in flight school, learning to fly helicopters. She has been a devoted supporter of Neighbors to Nicaragua since her high school days at the Delaware Military Academy.
A resident of Florida now, Maddie is training rigorously for the upcoming 2026 Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast. Her demanding schedule of running, swimming, and strength training is all dedicated to raising money to build a home for The Garcia Family in Nicaragua. (See below). At the moment, we are $9050 to our $16,000 goal. Maddie set a personal goal of raising $2,500. She is halfway there in just days. The land is purchased. We’ll begin building when we hit our goal.
We’re honored by Maddie’s work. Please visit her “Go Fund Me” page here: https://gofund.me/e0c51625b to read more about her amazing efforts and to help her help the Garcia Family.
Thank you, Maddie, for your dedication and inspiration.
The Garcia Family
Edwin and Rosa Esmerelda and their two beautiful children with same names: Edwin (7) and Rosa Esmerelda (5). We’ve followed Edwin since he was in middle school. He personifies hard work. He has labored in the poultry industry, worked in a butcher’s shop, sold fresh vegetables after his regular job, and now drives a cab on his days off…anything to support his family. Building a house for them is a way to help them get ahead a little bit. Please consider helping by joining Maddie’s efforts to do the same. https://gofund.me/e0c51625b Thank you!
Let’s take a break…
and dance!
More talent sharing, this time from WayneTyrell Reese who took the time to visit with us. Thank you, Ty, for coming by to entertain and to bring joy to our community. And thanks for showing us all a few steps to get us moving. What a fun break from class!
A league of their own
On Wednesday, Centro de Oportunidad, held a literacy knowledge contest called “La Liga de Saber, Aprendiendo con Alegría” (The League of Knowledge, Learning with Joy). Each student was placed on a team according to grade level. Then, the games began.
To show that there’s no need to be publicly embarrassed for coming up in front of everyone to try, the staff did a rehearsed dance routine. (Good sports!) It was a lot of fun and a big success. Thanks to our great staff for all this creative work!
Some of our award winners!
Monthly Sponsorship Report
As of now, we have 78 generous sponsorships contributing $70/month ($840/year) — to support of our 114 amazing students.
✅ OUR CURRENT SPONSORSHIP RATE IS up from last time to 68% Thank you to our sponsors.
Our goal at Neighbors to Nicaragua is to have the same or greater number of sponsors as we have students, ensuring each child receives a daily meal and a quality education.
🙏 A heartfelt thank you to all our current sponsors, our partners — and to those considering joining this life-changing mission.
Together, we’re making a difference!
