Dear Friends,

When Easter and Passover occur closely to each other, we have a better opportunity to see how rich our heritages are. Regardless of our religious identifications, we’re all invited to both – to relinquish our own bondage…as were the freed enslaved Jews…and to rise up to see life anew, with fresh eyes and new perspectives.

If life seems bad or depressing, perhaps our vision needs freeing and resurrecting.

Our students at Neighbors to Nicaragua teach us how to do this. While our center is a safe haven for many of them, it’s we who are often honored by their many gestures of gratitude which they give simply because they know they are valued.

During this week (Semana Santa – holy week) while school was closed, several adolescents showed up daily to clean, paint, and do minor repairs. Our chef, Isabel, volunteered to provide food for our community. Those who completed the barbering program asked that we open the barber shop to give free haircuts to children in the barrio for Easter.

Some may understandably perceive our students as poor. We look through a lens that perceives them as rich: generous and full of human potential beyond measure.

Together we’re making a difference, for them…and for us.

Happy Passover and Happy Easter!

With gratitude,
Chuck

PUT UP YOUR DUKES!

Organized boxing is very popular among teens and young adults throughout Central America. Coaches abound, rules of etiquette and safety are strict, and competitions among teams (in schools, towns, and even neighboring countries) draw big crowds.

Our thanks to Magali Maltes, a friend of N-2-N who showed up with 4 pairs of professional gloves. Our students are excited to get learning, practicing, and competing.

UP ON THE ROOF

The sun in Nicaragua, because it’s so close to the equator, is brutal. In just four years, cycles of rain and drought have wreaked havoc on our original buildings. The only antidote is a thick layer of anti-corrosion paint. So, in the blazing sun this week, our team was off and running (painting)….and sweating-a-plenty!

The Journey of a Big Painted Tin Roof begins with the first Roll!

Maycól is always a step above the rest!🙂

Finished View from Our Barrio’s Main Road.

Well Done, Team!

SCENES FROM HOLY WEEK

THREE SHORTS AND COMING ATTRACTIONS

#1
Our thanks to Bernie and Rob Short and to all who came out to support us at Anthony’s for a good cause with good food, good company, and a good time. Our thanks to Anthony’s Pizza in Pike Creek, DE for their generous support of our work!
#2
We support a young man, José Santos Rocha Mercado, who is in his third year of med school. He awakens early every morning, goes on a crowded bus to Managua (an hour), and returns home to study. He’s an honor student who is very focused. (When we met him, he was hustling in the streets). Three weeks ago, he was robbed, and his cell phone was taken. It contained several medical apps that he used for school. We’re asking for donations to replace it. If you’re able to help, let us know, and thank you in advance.
#3
Our dining room, Comedor Sandeep Panwalker, is undergoing a major transformation. We realized that it twice the size we needed (since most students come in with Tupperwear containers to take home to share). So….what’s coming is amazing! Stay tuned to the next update…but here’s a very small hint 😉 !