Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Dorothy takes on Nicaragua School Project!


I am stuck in Canada, and I will not be able to lead the Nica School Project to success this coming August. Luckily, my wonderful friend, Dorothy, volunteered to take on the big responsibility this August. I know that with Dorothy’s help, the project will go great!

Dorothy is a teacher from Northern California; she decided to move to Granada, Nicaragua for six months to soak up the culture and language. She has been a great help at Casa Xalteva—teaching English classes to children and teenagers who attend the before and after school program. Dorothy worked as a teacher in juvenile hall in Northern California, thus; she lends this expertise and sense of patience to the Nicaraguan kids that she works with.

She has grown a deep love for Nicaragua and was excited to offer her assistance to our project this coming August. Dorothy will work with Juan Carlos and Andres to make sure all 600 students receive their proper school supply packets. I imagine the humorous chemistry between all three of these people will make it a delightful experience!

We have almost met our donation goal—but are still in need of a little bit more. Can you help?? A little goes a long way!

http://www.nicaraguaschoolproject.org/helpourcause.html

In memory of a friend.

Every year, I wander the streets of Granada with purpose. I’m there to fulfill the needs of my non-profit project; a project that raises money to support 600 Nicaraguan school children. Along the way, I always manage to pick up my fair share of local and foreign friends. This year has been no exception.

I met a girl named Sara Deckert from the USA; she was studying Spanish at Casa Xalteva for several months. A lovely blonde haired, blue eyed girl—the Nicaraguans told me her Spanish was rather impressive. After some time, we had coffee at my favorite cafe in Granada, and we got to know each other. She, like me, was in love with Spanish. Her passion for learning every detail, every expression, and every Spanish joke gave her purpose; driving her to venture off abroad to learn it more in depth.

She also got to know my friend Dorothy who, like Sara, was living in Granada long term in order to pick up on the language and culture of Nicaragua. After I went back to Canada, Dorothy and Sara continued to spend time together—reflecting on the ups and downs of adapting to another culture. We had all planned to meet up together the next year in Granada, a reunion of sorts.

Sara is proof that taking the plunge and following your passion is a must. A few weeks after returning home from Nicaragua, she was fatally struck by a drunk driver. I can’t begin to understand the pain and extreme sadness that her family is feeling. All I know, and all I can offer, is that Sara finished her life doing something she loved—soaking up all those beautiful Spanish sounds, expanding her vocabulary. I know it made her truly happy. Rest in peace, Sara.