Auctions

 

A letter from a friend

Upon returning from a service trip to Nicaragua

Hi Merry,

I wanted to thank you for all the arrangements you made for 5 employees and myself from LTP to visit San Carlos, Nicaragua. What a great trip. The feeding centers were painted and we were able to observe the feeding centers in full swing. It’s doing what the intention is- to offer a meal to children who are in danger of malnutrition or already malnutrition. What a great program and we are proud to be a small part of it.

For many years I have been on the meeting and planning end of fundraising events with our company. This is necessary and important but I must say, it is so rewarding to actually visit where the money is being spent and offer assistance. When our president Lags asked who would like to take a team of employees over to experience first hand I quickly volunteered and began making plans to improve the physical building where the kids go for their meal.

Mission plans were in full swing. We had 15 volunteers of which 5 were selected to visit the feeding centers in San Carlos. Stencils, paint, brushes and rollers were purchased. Thanks Lags. Of course we also bought some toys, games and the all-important radio. Figured we would jam to the local tunes. Turned out American music was played on the radio to the disbelief of the ladies of the village. A funny moment!

Upon arrival we met up with our host Jorge (what a hard working saint he is and not a bad dancer) and it quickly became evident our plans should be put on hold and we would follow Jorge and the local families plans. They were pumped and ready to use the paint and supplies we brought, we had the ideas, they supplied the leadership. We painted what they wanted – indoor walls, mobile dividing walls and outside walls. Jorge divided our group into two groups consisting of or 3 volunteers, 2 center workers and a self help guide. It started out slow the cleaning and all but as we were half way thru painting one wall we spotted 4 little figures at the front gate observing us. All it took was a nod and they grabbed a brush and began painting the walls. By the time we were done with the first inside wall, we had an army of kids ready to help improve the center. Oscar a little boy approached our interpreter and asked if he and his dad could paint the outside walls and entrance gate. It was cool.

As we were outside painting I turned to refill my roller and noticed a guy coming up behind me with a sickle. Hmmmm ok I am in another country and… he smiled and turned to the weeds and began cutting them down by hand. Every lawn worker at home should see the skill and ease this guy had in cutting weeds and small trees ! Turns out his daughter attended the center and he wanted to be a part of improving the appearance. I knew at this point they would keep improving the center and that it had become a source of pride to have it located in their community.

For two days our group worked full days –although hot it was rewarding. Our staff kept remarking that we were only 2 hrs away from Miami. A simple life geared toward family unaware of our hustle and bustle way of life. Of course showers and a/c were sorely missed- it was agreed that we have nothing to complain about back home. I wish I had taken my teenagers over to help to expose them to another way of life.

I applaud the self help organization for making a difference in our lives as well as the people of San Carlos. You can count on our support!

Sincerely,
Mike Carcaise