Right now, I don't even know where to begin. Things have been soooo insane this week I don't even know how Nate and I are still standing and moving. To start things off Wednesday, February 4th our friend Oscar lost his small store known as Tina Mata in Los Zorros. Although this store was small it was one store which was growing within the communities. They were expanding with Nate's help to include a small menu in both spanish and english. Nate and I, along with his guests played firefighters for approximately 3 hours before the actual firefighters showed up. The entire building was lost in a matter of minutes, but we were at least able to control the fire enough to keep it from spreading.
Most recently, Nate and I have been exhausting our energy attempting to find resources to help a group of five fishermen who have now been lost at sea for 6 days. We are at our wits end. Due to high winds here in Nicaragua the Guardia will not release any boats nor helicopters to help. We've even tried Costa Rica and the US both to no avail. Together we've spent a total of $500 on gasoline for several boats to go out and search however, the guardia has asked that no more boats go out as the seas are too bad. This makes sense, but is very very frustrating. We need the US Coast Guard here, with their big machines. However, according to Lieutenant Martin in Alemeda, California there is no US help within 500 miles and they therefore are unable to help. I know this is protocol but it is soooo hard to deal with.
Nate and I are soooo exhausted, yet we don't know when these ordeals will ever stop. Everyone keep us in mind and if you have any connections please let us know! My cell is 011 505 473 9011 and the number to the hostel is 011 505 879 1795.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
I'm HERE!!!
I know it’s been a long time since I’ve written. I’ve been crazy busy and was hoping to get an e-mail out to you all before I headed back down to Nicaragua. That however, did not happen, and well I’m here! As you know it’s always hard for me to adjust but it’s been a few days now and I think I’ve got the hang of it again. Classes are to start this week so I will be walking the kids to school every day! I’m hoping this will increase the motivation in the community which appears relatively low this year. It’s sad but as always the issue is well mom and dad just can’t afford the supplies. I’ve been on the lookout for materials and need to speak with all teachers about the sponsorships. So if you sponsored a child last year and would like to continue the cost is still a mear $60 for the primary school attendance. Nate, the owner of Rancho Esperanza, and I have been playing with the idea of sponsoring secondary school children however costs would be $175 per year and bus fare is required by each student. The secondary school is still only a thought, but we really like the idea of giving more opportunities to the students. The main reason for not attending secondary school is the cost of the bus.
The ambulance has only been used once this year, which is a good thing as it is in major need of repairs. Current problems include new rear brakes and a new clutch. Nate and I just repaired the supports and had the car re-aligned. The road really seems to be taking it’s toll on this vehicle. This years ambulance run was for an elder gentleman who had broken his arm and dislocated his shoulder in a fishing accident. Nate transported him to a local healer, who set his arm and spent an hour massaging his shoulder back into place. Therefore, a successful trip!
Kids club has been going strong and Nate has informed me that a new generation of children are now joining the ranks. Therefore we need to find something to do with our older kids who feel silly still coming. I’m hoping to help support a Saturday baseball league which has begun to pop up! However, club attendance has been averaging at 20 kids per day. A far cry from the 40 to 60 which we had earlier, but I figure with school starting up again, word will spread fast and the kids will return in full force.
Donations are still being excepted so if you’re interested we could always use a hand. Please make checks payable to the Assist Jiquilillo Fun and send to:
Assist Jiquilillo Fund
284 Range Road
Cumberland, Maine 04021
The ambulance has only been used once this year, which is a good thing as it is in major need of repairs. Current problems include new rear brakes and a new clutch. Nate and I just repaired the supports and had the car re-aligned. The road really seems to be taking it’s toll on this vehicle. This years ambulance run was for an elder gentleman who had broken his arm and dislocated his shoulder in a fishing accident. Nate transported him to a local healer, who set his arm and spent an hour massaging his shoulder back into place. Therefore, a successful trip!
Kids club has been going strong and Nate has informed me that a new generation of children are now joining the ranks. Therefore we need to find something to do with our older kids who feel silly still coming. I’m hoping to help support a Saturday baseball league which has begun to pop up! However, club attendance has been averaging at 20 kids per day. A far cry from the 40 to 60 which we had earlier, but I figure with school starting up again, word will spread fast and the kids will return in full force.
Donations are still being excepted so if you’re interested we could always use a hand. Please make checks payable to the Assist Jiquilillo Fun and send to:
Assist Jiquilillo Fund
284 Range Road
Cumberland, Maine 04021
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