Headed to Nicaragua
 

Didn't want anyone to worry, so just a fyi. Will return 8/24.

We're going on a CFCA mission awareness program.

Harvey

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

sounds like fun... Have a great trip.

aaron

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Safe journey!

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Have a good trip.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

FYI: CFCA - Sponsor a child in Nicaragua

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

:woohoonaner::0519:Have only been once, but made quite an impression. Landscape is fantastic. Have a great trip.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Bring an extra large suitcase for the return trip.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Take care Harvey!!
Beautiful thing you're doing!! :) ~Cheryl

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Have a great time Harvey. Stay safe.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Have a great and safe trip!

Deb

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Via con Dios, Brother.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Godspeed and have a safe trip!

With our prayers -

Chong

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Bon voyage!:waving:

... hurry back:goteam:

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Godspeed Harvey.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Thanks, everyone! We arrived back home about 7am this morning.

We had a great time in many ways. We've sponsored a girl for 11 years and she is now 12 and we got to meet her for the first time. Really, sponsorship does not reflect the type of relationship very well. The children refer to their sponsors as Godparents and they feel in many ways like our children. Our dear Claudia is a sweet girl and we miss her very much. We've already cried when sharing our experiences with others after Mass today.

We were also very humbled. We visited the homes of eight families. Some who already have a child that is sponsored ad others that were still on a waiting list. We did not really know what to expect but these people felt honored to have us visit their homes even though these were very primitive homes. We were so moved that we decided to sponsor two other children while visiting them. I can honestly say I'd prefer to give $30 to help one of these families for a month than find a bargain Ae Ae for the same price. These people need help in a very big way and this foundation is tops according to the independent rating agencies. My wife and I, as well as our son, are definitely going to spread the word and try to get more help for these people.

We were also very impressed with the joy expressed by children when we visited them in school. They put on cultural presentations and the atmosphere was mostly joyous. The smiles on the faces of these kids' faces really brightened our days.

We were also very impressed with the dedication of the local staff. Their love for the poor was very clear and I consider them to be my brothers and sisters.

We enjoyed having different fruits, having various juices with breakfast many meals (not always knowing what they were thought the pitaya juice was a favorite of many), and seeing bananas and other tropical plants everywhere. I had some fun looking out for different plants, etc. but this definitely took a back seat to our experience with the people.

We brought back a coffee cup, a little toy, some shirts, and lots of photos and videos. Most of all, we took back memories of some great experiences. I'll probably put up a YouTube channel and a photo gallery somewhere to share with others but it will take some time going through all of these.

If anyone has any questions about sponsorship, please do not hesitate to send me a PM or e-mail.

Thanks,

Harvey

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Welcome back, nice to hear you had a good time and did some positive things for others. Well done Harvey.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Sounds great! Look forward to seeing pics.

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

I haven't uploaded any photos yet, but did get this video uploaded yesterday. I have struggled with the large video files and am now waiting for iMovie '09 to arrive so I can try doing these on my iMac. I'm not sure if I'll add the photos to one of my web sites or use something like Flicker.

YouTube - Juan Francisco & Family August 2009

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

By the way, the older lady is from the UK and volunteers there for CFCA. She's been there for 17 years with a 13 year break when she went to care for her mom who lived until she was 103. Something tells me this lady has a lot more work left in her!

Re: Headed to Nicaragua
 

Beautiful! To live with Nature.