Nicaragua 2K16
So I'm going to start off with... WOW I never want to leave, never want to leave behind so much love. I know that I will be back soon but coming back isn't enough. I yearn to be surrounded by the charisma, drive, and heart those kids have. It's amazing. They are amazing. The children have the minimal of what is necessary to keep them healthy and growing at a steady rate, but it's enough for them. The kids of Hogar de Fe make the most of everything. A characteristic everyone should possess. Watching and playing with the kids was so empowering and fulfilling. It's such a give and take relationship, so positive. The kids teach me SO much and in return I feel that I give them love and confidence. There is something so awesome when giving the next generation the tools and education to allow them to succeed. To know that one day they will make a difference. The statistics for the country’s down falls like teen pregnancy is insanely depressing and the poverty shows. Nicaragua still succeeds in allowing its beauty to shine through, something I had not seen before in this country- but it does exist. Beauty is a tool, a characteristic, and contagious. To know that beauty still exists in Nicaragua makes me happy. The next generation of prepared educated children will spread and enlighten the scarce beauty and allow their country to flourish once more.
My yearly trip to Nicaragua is an experience of a lifetime. An experience that has forever changed my thinking and my personality. It's eye opening. Truthfully it makes all my problems seem so small. It's a chance to put all stupid games at rest and focus all your energy into other persons and into things that matter.
Go out and make a difference even if it's a small one.
XOXO,
Lauren
P.S. this was written on my plane ride home from Nicaragua. Emotions were high and I felt that I would share how much this trip meant to me. As I also encourage anyone else who gets the chance to go on a mission trip or make a difference to do so.
