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Adventure Awaits

I have pledged to volunteer in Nicaragua for 6 months at a special needs school. Why? When? Is it safe? Do you even speak Spanish?? 

Why Central America?

I got my first taste of Central America back in 2011 and loved it. I visited Honduras for a short medical mission trip. I've returned - to Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica - and can't get enough. The culture. The food. The language. The simplicity of life there. The focus on family and relationships rather than wealth and getting ahead. People with less possessing more joy and contentment. I want what they have.  


Why Nicaragua?

Short answer: There's an opportunity there for my faith and career to intertwine! I was first introduced to the special needs school (Tesoros de Dios) back in Jan 2015. I had the privilege of visiting for a week with a professor and 3 other students. I witnessed the amazing work being done to provide for the students. Heard the stories of hope and progress mixed with others of grief and loss as lives are cut too short. (Some of the children have very short life spans due to their low physical functions. Food going down the wrong way can cause pneumonia and just take them out.) I felt the love and felt very purposeful. All hands were on deck - the needs were endless. Our efforts were met with immense gratitude. 

Why now?  

Why not now? I have been itching to get back but waiting for a degree! Degree, check! Time to go.

No but for real... why now? 

1. I'm not tied down 

I fear that the longer I put a trip like this on hold, the less likely it is to happen. Like how many dreams did you have in your 20's that maybe got pushed to the back burner? Or did you pursue them? I have the least responsibilities I will ever have in my life right now. It's the best time to go. 

2. Ease into occupational therapy 

Volunteering provides a time to gain experience, exposure, confidence, and competence. It allows more creativity to define my role and play to my strengths before taking a job in the States. 

3. The need is great

In the U.S.we are selective and opinionated with healthcare. A thread I've seen in my clinical experiences is that often progress is slow due to lack of motivation rather than lack of education and resources. In Nicaragua on the other hand, education and resources are low and people are hungry for knowledge! In the face of great needs, my efforts will be welcomed. 


4. Come back with an edge up

The field is overpopulated in my area with 5 schools nearby pumping out occupational therapists. This experience will set me apart and improve my Spanish! Make me more marketable when I return. 

Do you even speak Spanish?? Hablas español?

Un poco (a little). I was decent at one point but haven't used it. I'm at maybe a very basic conversation level. Like a 2 year old?? 

Speed Questions 

When? January through June 2019
Electricity? Yes.
Toilets? Yes.
WiFi? Yes. 
Hot water? Probably not. 
Safety? The school will take great care of me! They provide most of my transportation. I'm staying with a host family. The political mess is mellowing out and a bit removed from where I'll be living. I'm praying this trend continues. On the upside, plane ticket prices dropped!

Visit my GoFundMe to see more.
More to come soon! 


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