Dear friends,
Our recent trip to Nicaragua was terrific!
Personally, it was great to have my sister, Carmella Lynch, meet our community who joined in the celebration of her 83rd birthday. She stayed for a week, and as she was leaving at the airport she said, “This was one of the best experiences of my life.”
It’s understandable. The sincerity, depth of gratitude, and hospitality of our community inspires us to be our best.
Enjoy below just a little of all that you brought into the lives of so many this year with your kindness and generosity.
From our community at Neighbors to Nicaragua to you…we send every blessing of joy this holiday season with fervent wishes for a year ahead filled with good health.
Chuck
Neighbors to Nicaragua’s Christmas Party!
December 14th…It was the last day of the academic year…It was Christmas…It was time to celebrate! The students and teachers had been preparing for weeks with speeches of gratitude, dance routines, the building of piñatas (for two weeks after class with our cook, Isabel), food, decorations, and contests. Every preparation was made in house. And the majority of our barrio showed up, over 250 people! We had to distribute food in shifts, but no one left hungry or without a smile. What a special time to celebrate together!
Waiting for the program to begin.
A recitation on the meaning of Christmas
Entertainment
The finalists of the dance contest.
(The boy on the left won. He was amazing.)
Break a balloon, take out the number inside and see your place for taking a crack at the Piñata.
Managing the Piñatas the moment they broke. (These are the bravest of men!)
Getting the food ready to go!
A verdict on the afternoon!
Movin’ On Up!
In addition to Christmas, December is also “promotion time” in Nicaragua. Much to celebrate!
Anette Auxiliador Avilés Córdoba
Congratulations Anette! We are looking forward to the start of your university career. We have followed you closely for the past 12 years and are so proud of you.
Anette with her proud father, Marvin.
Axel and José
Two of our students have completed primary school with great results: Axel Muro and José Santos Larios Muños . Off they go to secondary school (a minority in Nicaragua) in late January. We’re there for all the support they need!
Axel Muro with his mother and grandmother.
José Santos Larios Muños
Our Annual Class Trip: Time for Kids to be Kids!
A board member donated the cost of the two school bus rentals. Students and chaperones numbered 110 people, We left the barrio at 6:30 AM to visit The National Aquatic Park in the capitol, Managua.
Maycól negotiated free admission to the park for our kids with the government.
Our miraculous cook, Isabel, came in the night before at 9:00 PM. (HONESTLY, SHE INSISTED) and cooked Valencia rice (with vegetables and chicken and tomato sauce) for 110 to be fresh and warm in the morning to take with us.
Members of your Youth Center did all the heavy lifting on and off the bus for the vat of rice and soft drinks They also assisted with organizing the youngest children (whom they treat as siblings). They were amazing!
On the way, Marvin, our English teacher, said, “I know you think this is a nice little trip, but none of these kids have ever done something like this before, and will never forget this.”
Neither will we!
Marlon
In August, he suffered a bad fall and fractured his hip. He’s been waiting four months for the call to tell him his prosthetic replacement is ready. In the meantime, he’s bedridden, or in an ill-fitted borrowed wheelchair, living on the kindness of his brother, and the mercy of others. We provide Marlon with his medications and hygiene needs. We go to the grocery store for him from time to time.
He’s a good man…waiting…and he’s a Phillies fan! We’re there for him…(The spirit of brotherly love travels far)!
Our Annual Appeal:
Much gratitude to all who have responded to our annual appeal! This is our major fundraiser of the year. We have only two each year, and we appreciate however you’re able to help.
THANK YOU!
