2008-06-21
Managua, Nicaragua
The day is Saturday and the house is almost empty. This is wonderful time to reflect and catch up on what it is I want to accomplish with my time. I just returned from dropping off 4 people in the city, so they could catch a bus to Honduras for the weekend. The majority of people whom are currently staying in the Manna House are visiting the island of Ometepe. After being at home for three weeks, I have found my work here much more rewarding and worth while. Meeting new people every day, week, and month has been a wonderful chance for me to grow and learn more about myself. The limitations that I magically create seem to be dissipating; also the importance of other people in my life has taken on a whole new meaning.
Reliving first impressions of Nicaragua with others is one my favorite parts of this experience. After being abroad for a several months it is easy to forget about first feelings and thoughts you had upon arrival. Witnessing others reactions to the beauty and unforgiving truths of this country is self assuring to me and my time spent here. Introducing individuals to our American life in Nicaragua is reenergizing and completely a blessing. Meeting large numbers of motivated young people that are eager to help and learn is a promising sign for the future.
Attempted sales pitch for Manna Project International and living abroad:
Manna Project provides a wonderful opportunity to live and serve abroad for an extended period of time. The authenticity of a Manna experience would be hard to match. There is a system in place that keeps rolling every year a new group arrives. Every time that I have walked into a house in Nicaragua someone has been hustling around to find me a chair to sit on. No matter where or how much I know the family the welcome mat is in place. The first time I felt this hospitality was when I entered a home in Villa Catalina near Chinandega. The town was a creation of Amigos for Christ and focused on families whom were displaced from Hurricane Mitch. I have a feeling the last time I step foot in a home here I will be welcomed with a place to sit and “real” conversation.
