One Family at a Time

I was speaking with Katy the other day as we geared up for May's deliveries and she mentioned a few things I wanted to share. She was filling me in on the wind down of the tourist season in Nicaragua. With April ending, rain will be returning soon to Nicaragua and the very few tourists who had made it over this year will be packing up to leave. Local restaurants are already letting go of all but a skeletal staff and in some cases closing down all together. She mentioned that more and more men are lining the sea coast, or crowding onto small boats, attempting to fish for their dinners. 

She wanted me to know she was grateful for our efforts and thankful to be a part of them, that she loves her country and is heart sick to see its people suffer. When I replied that ours seemed such a small effort in the face of such a looming hardship, she proceeded to tell me that there were still folks approaching her in the streets to thank her for the food packets they received a month ago. I realized that my perspective has been slightly skewed since returning to the States in February. This food assistance - and, perhaps of equal importance at this point, that people beyond their borders heard and responded to their suffering - is a big deal to so many families. 


Even when the tourist industry was booming, despite having the fastest growing economy in Central America, Nicaragua was still the 2nd poorest. Even with hotels full and beaches teeming, a large number of rural families were living on the edge of hunger. The unrest and massive decline of tourism has now pushed those families over that edge. What I have learned about the Nicaraguan people in my time there these past five years, is that they are optimistic in the face of adversity, and tireless in the pursuit of stability for their children. I stand with Katy in grieving for the loss of so much opportunity and the return of so much suffering. 

But I am also able to celebrate our efforts today, as we sent off another month's donations and are gearing up for more deliveries. Without having to be there in person I can already see the smiles and feel the warmth of those we will, in however small a way, have helped this month. With that smile will come a renewed hope and renewed optimism which is so prevalent among the Nicaraguans. And I am even more committed to working hard to raise funds for the month after, and the ones after that until prosperity returns to this gorgeous land and its phenomenal people. 

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this, and thanks especially to everyone who takes the time to click the link below and donate. Just $15 helps just one family. And that is one family more!
www.gofundme.com/los-paquetes