Nicaragua April 22

OK Oprah, I get it.

I have always wondered why so many folks, particulalry celebrities, have rooted thier philanthropy internationally. No question about the need, but there are so many needy folks in the states, it seemed odd to travel across the world to do good.

My time here has revealed to me more about international aid. The Pierre's have done an amazing job here. They began by buying land from the government; first building a pool, a basketball court; a multi pupose center, then a gazebo -which they use and also rent out-planting plantains and other vegetables, then establishing a restarant/store. Note that three of these provide income. Thier primary requirements to accomplish all of this were resources and will .  They did not have to wait for tax status, three licenses-business, recreation, food-, multiple development/construction permits, and all the other procudural reqs we have in the US that frustrate us so. This week three doctors and seven nurses saw 162 kids and adults. on top of this, many kids came by themselves and brought younger kids. and while some ailments were too complex for visiting professionals, the vast majority of them could be addressed by over the counter meds and good advice.  Ideally parents might take kids to the doctor, but these were working. So the kids brought themselves and were seen by a doctor. Straight forward.

As an American; I understand the value of process and quality control, but when you want to make a difference these can stand in the way and dampen the will and desire. the ability to move fast and efficiently in international philanthropy is compelling. even more, the ability to directly impact those in need - to interact on a human level is powerful. it makes for HOLISTIC giving that starts from a charitable place and moves through and with those whom it touches and encircles. its refreshing and profound.

Other updates

• my BB broke today -yup, says get replacement- so i take it a another sign to BE where i am
• after school care here is all day long! school is in shifts; 7-12 and 12-5. so after school begins at 12 and runs until 6!
• the people are here are physically beautiful-and very shy until you get them alone. then the stories they share are amazing because of thier resiliency and graciousness.
• there was a wedding yesterday that was beautiful. i am going to try to upload some of it on The EDGE FB page https://www.facebook.com/#!/edgeofopportunity
• i am teaching today and tomorrow and building monday through wednesday on another island. i will be leaving for managua one day earlier than planned
• no water for bathing today. i am learning how folks survive without a shower daily.

Other thoughts roaming in my head: my responsibility to conserve our natural resources; learning when enough is enough; the importance of quality, non structured time; the value of back-breaking work; the many forms of stress.

I feel stuff happening.