Blair in Nicaragua - Help Me Serve
Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my page. Below I have shared my story about Nicaragua, how it changed me, and how my experiences there have compelled me to volunteer there in 2015. Please take the time to read this to understand just how close to my heart this country and these people are.
After traveling to Nicaragua for the first time during my spring break in 2012 to volunteer with the Virginia Tech Nicaraguan Orphan Fund my life was changed forever. I had never witnessed poverty and the injustices it causes quite like this before. I saw dirty, naked children with swollen bellies and discolored hair from malnourishment. I saw homes made of cardboard and thin plastic bags. It was completely overwhelming and unreal to me. My heart was completely broken. I spent that week in a perpetual state of, "Why?" Why was I given such abundance and wealth? Why did these sweet children and beautiful people have to live like this? Why would God allow this to happen? Why couldn't I fix it in a week or probably ever? I learned that asking these questions, while important to process and work through, wasn't going to change the poor quality of life or the circumstances for the people I had fallen so deeply in love with. I quickly found, that while these people had so little in the way of material possessions and no financial stability, they were the happiest, most joyful people I had ever met. They placed their hope and found their worth in the Lord. I learned so much about what living a full life should really look like. I had been totally captivated by the people, the place, and the circumstances and I knew then that this wouldn't be my last time in Nicaragua. Two spring break trips later I was beyond hooked. and I knew that in order to make even the tiniest impact I would have to return to Nicaragua for an extended period of time. I just couldn't forget about the people and place that wrecked my heart and taught me so much. Upon graduating from Virginia Tech I applied to become a Program Director with Manna Project International (in their Nicaragua location) an organization that focuses on holistic growth and development in Nicaragua. I was thrilled when I was notified that I had indeed been selected to serve as a Program Director for 7 months (January 5 - August 8, 2015). I am so thankful and blessed to be in the midst of seeing my life's dream of helping others unfold right in front of me. While in Nicaragua I will be working on two programs, one English based and another that could range from writing grant requests to micro financing to health and fitness and recreational sports. I'm so excited to see where God will place me and how he will use me in my time there. I'm unbelievably lucky to have this once in a lifetime opportunity and I know that I will be gaining far more than I could ever give. This will be a truly humbling experience, and I can't wait for this adventure to begin.
To learn more about Manna Project International and the work I'll be doing you can check out their website at http://mannaproject.org/ .
If you can relate to my feelings of desiring to help others, are looking for a way to make a difference in the lives others, or feel compelled in anyway to help make my dream a reality thank you so much. You're helping to make the world a more beautiful place. If you are able to donate any amount of money to my cause/volunteer trip I would be so thankful. The $6,000 I hope to raise will pay for my living expenses (room and board) in full, and will provide me with a $20 per week living stipend. Even more than that though, it will provide so many resources and classes for the people in the communities of Cedro Galan and Chiquilistagua. Thank you so much for learning about my story and trip and for your support. I'm truly grateful.
Please share my story with family and friends and help the sweet kids in Nicaragua improve their quality of life and their futures!
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
- Matthew 19:21
