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In my time in Nicaragua I worked with a family that hosted volunteers from all over the world. The volunteers were interested in experiencing small-town Nicaraguan culture but they all left feeling personally graced by the life of this family. These volunteers were awarded a beautiful experience living with a family that treats every visitor with welcoming attention, generosity and sincere joy. In my time in Nicaragua every volunteer left with a sense of attachment to the Pastrana family, who shared their home, stories and positive spirit. Those of you who have met the family will not need this introduction. You know their personalities and ways of being. For those who do not know them, here is a brief introduction.
Parents Delia and Wilmar both work tirelessly ensuring that the family can live in Mozonte, Nicaragua. Delia works in neighboring Ocotal 6 days a week from 8am-5pm. During the week she is a teacher and behavioral specialist working with children who are unable to attend their designated public schools for behavioral reasons. On Saturdays she is a psychology professor at the local university in Ocotal. Wilmar does a bit of everything. He is responsible for working and maintaining the beautiful family farm behind the house. He built the house they live in almost 30 years ago with help from other locals in the community. He involves himself in projects in the community and specializes in construction projects.
Wilmar and Delia have two children, Andy and Sandy. Andy is 19 years old and Sandy is 12. They are very close and are constantly messing with each other, throwing a baseball or going on walks to the river that runs through Mozonte.
In March, Andy learned he had been accepted to attend medical school in Managua-UNAN. Acceptance into this medical program is extremely competitive and only 14 of 200 applicants were accepted. Andy's dream since he was a child has always been to be a doctor. He is concerned about the wellbeing of others and has the scientist’s interest in the world around him.
When he decided to begin this medical program, he knew it would be difficult financially and academically. The biggest barrier Andy is currently facing is the fact that his family will be unable to provide the money necessary for him to continue to follow his dream in medical school.
With the higher cost of living and the constant monthly costs of school, the family is quickly noticing that, despite their best efforts, he will not be able to finish due to financial constraints. While Wilmar and Delia work long hours throughout the week, salaries in Nicaragua are very low. There is little room for upward mobility and the family is rapidly exhausting any other means of obtaining extra income.
Due to these conditions and the close relationship I am privileged to have with this beautiful family, I have decided to start this GoFundMe account to raise money for the very special cause of helping Andy complete his education. Any sort of donation that you have the ability to make will be extremely useful. I already want to send a big thank you to everyone willing to donate or help spread this information to others. Andy deserves the chance to complete his education and we would all be so rewarded to enable his family to see their son fulfill his dreams.
Parents Delia and Wilmar both work tirelessly ensuring that the family can live in Mozonte, Nicaragua. Delia works in neighboring Ocotal 6 days a week from 8am-5pm. During the week she is a teacher and behavioral specialist working with children who are unable to attend their designated public schools for behavioral reasons. On Saturdays she is a psychology professor at the local university in Ocotal. Wilmar does a bit of everything. He is responsible for working and maintaining the beautiful family farm behind the house. He built the house they live in almost 30 years ago with help from other locals in the community. He involves himself in projects in the community and specializes in construction projects.
Wilmar and Delia have two children, Andy and Sandy. Andy is 19 years old and Sandy is 12. They are very close and are constantly messing with each other, throwing a baseball or going on walks to the river that runs through Mozonte.
In March, Andy learned he had been accepted to attend medical school in Managua-UNAN. Acceptance into this medical program is extremely competitive and only 14 of 200 applicants were accepted. Andy's dream since he was a child has always been to be a doctor. He is concerned about the wellbeing of others and has the scientist’s interest in the world around him.
When he decided to begin this medical program, he knew it would be difficult financially and academically. The biggest barrier Andy is currently facing is the fact that his family will be unable to provide the money necessary for him to continue to follow his dream in medical school.
With the higher cost of living and the constant monthly costs of school, the family is quickly noticing that, despite their best efforts, he will not be able to finish due to financial constraints. While Wilmar and Delia work long hours throughout the week, salaries in Nicaragua are very low. There is little room for upward mobility and the family is rapidly exhausting any other means of obtaining extra income.
Due to these conditions and the close relationship I am privileged to have with this beautiful family, I have decided to start this GoFundMe account to raise money for the very special cause of helping Andy complete his education. Any sort of donation that you have the ability to make will be extremely useful. I already want to send a big thank you to everyone willing to donate or help spread this information to others. Andy deserves the chance to complete his education and we would all be so rewarded to enable his family to see their son fulfill his dreams.