Dear Friends,

It’s so good to be in Nicaragua in our barrio, Nueva Esperanza.

Always, the most important gift we give is sharing how much they matter to us…that they are worthy of what we can do to help…and that while our efforts help them, their strength inspires us.

A popular biblical psalm claims, “This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad.”

This psalm came to mind because among such poverty, there is much “gladness” here. It seems counter-intuitive, but it comes from the heart. Our friends share their thanks in return for all we do together. This is the essence of community.

Thank you…always…for making all this possible.

With gratitude,

Chuck

Our Thanks to St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ

During the first weekend in Lent, St. Brendan the Navigator parish graciously hosted Neighbors to Nicaragua. We shared our mission with their great parishioners in two churches: Maris Stella in Avalon and St. Paul’s in Stone Harbor. Each church launched a food campaign (Bread for Life) which will conclude on Easter Sunday.

Honored by this opportunity, we send our appreciation to Fr. William Kelly and the parish’s hardworking staff for their abundance of kindness and support!

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP!

Demolition is completed and construction is well under way for our youth center! Each day, several of our older students (whom we pay) apprentice with our contractors while some from our barrio join in the effort. The roof on the second floor will go on within two weeks. All the concrete and small rocks are transported in 5 gallon buckets weighing up to 75 – 100 pounds to the second floor. (Don’t ask…in this hot hot sun, I don’t know HOW they do it!)

START SPREADING THE NEWS!

Our director, Maycól was asked by a national television station to give an interview about how Neighbors to Nicaragua brought our community together.

Maycól admitted he was so nervous in front of the camera that it required three takes. (Secretly, we’re glad it didn’t come too naturally: We don’t want to lose him to the big screen! 😎)

MEANWHILE… (Scenes since our last update)

Our sports program with our “street kids” and with the inspiring women in our barrio (mostly single mothers) has grown significantly. By simply recognizing the essential (but too-often overlooked) members of our barrio, their strengths become evident and powerful. Now, members of our two women’s kickball teams and participants in our boxing program are taking classes with us. In the meantime, of course, we continue the joy in caring for our children and their families.

We look forward to being in touch, as usual, in three weeks! ¡Muchas gracias!