Frida's cafe

Sometimes you just need to get away! I took this very seriously and got out of the country!

We arrived in Granada, Nicaragua on Sunday for our second volunteer project. This time around we came with a better sense of what to expect and what to do.  Last year, we didn’t quite know how everything would work out. I think we did pretty well for a first time. We were able to distribute school supplies to over 500 kiddos in 5 schools and do upgrades to one of the schools. This year we are doing the same.

So far we have distributed supplies to 3 schools and by the end of this week we hope to distribute to the rest as well as get uniforms and shoes for the kids who need it the most.  The chalkboards are making the teachers sick so we are installing dry erase boards at one of the schools.  We are also installing a water tank and hoping there are enough funds for a small playground.  In the United States this may not seem like a lot but in Countries like Nicaragua it makes a world of a difference.  We wish we could purchase bags of supplies for every child but for now this is what we can do. I know one day Amigos 4 Learning will grow to be the organization able to provide this and more for children in need.

My favorite part of it all, the kids!! Kids here get so excited to get a new pencil and are always eager to learn. We held a class for a group of about 40 and they learned the ABC’s in English in less than 45 minutes!!  

The kids from the school where we spent the most time with last year welcomed us with hugs and even gave us kisses!!!  They even remember our names!! Some got taller, others gained a little weight and there are some who are not shy anymore. A group of them choreograph dances for us!  The kids at another school welcomed us with fresh fruit and lots of it!! It was their way of saying thank you. These kids do not have much but are so happy to share the little bit they do have. 

This is why I’m here. Those kids bring everything into perspective and remind me about what is really important. Those kids do so much more for me than I could ever do for them. They bring life, warmth and pure love.  The kind of love that reminds you everything will be okay. Being here is the breath of fresh air I needed.

Here’s that breath of fresh air in photos! 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.