Nicaragua 07/09

"Thank you for your support"

When I visit Nicaragua, there is never enough time. We support 23 orphanages in the country and with our time and distance limitations, it seems I can never do as much as I would like.

July's trip included many computer lab inaugurations. One of our initiatives this year 2009 is to distribute computer labs to ALL of the 93 homes in the Angels of Hope program. These computers are distributed in sets of 6. With our Ncomputing technology that we have been fortunate to acquire, we are able to operate 6 independent systems off of only one CPU. This is perfect for the orphanages because they do not have the resources to maitain so many individual computers with the repairs that will inevitably be required in the future. With these systems the homes have only one CPU to maintain and they get the benefit of 6 computer stations with internet capabilities.

New Computer Lab in NPH, complete with Desks!

During this trip we were able to inaugurate 5 computer labs that were already installed and functioning. Some of the larger homes received larger labs that included more than one set (12 or 18 computers). It is incredible to be part of the process that provides these incredible benefits and opportunities to the homes and the children. It provides our children with the opportunity to compete academically at the same level or maybe even a higher level that other children in the education system, rather than be a step behind.

Here is a little example of the process that happens when an orphanage submits a "wish list" to me. When I travel I always request that the homes present me with a letter and a "wish list" of their biggest needs when I am visiting. I receive the list and I go through the home to see the different needs that they are describing. I ask a LOT of questions and I take pictures. Here for example, I visited Hogar de Ninos Siervas del Divino Rostro. They care for over 20 children under the age of 4. The labor required to maintain the facility is intensive given that they have so many babies under their care. They submitted a list that included a prioritized need for a new stove. This stove that you can see here is the only stove they have. Only two burners work and since the oven is broken they use it to store dishware.

Can you imagine preparing formula, baby food, and meals for 20 babies and toddlers three times a day with only 2 burners!

Also they requested a new Washing Machine. They have an old donated machine that no longer works. They wash all the babies and children's clothing, bedding, and DIAPERS every single day by HAND! Bedding is changed and washed every single day for the cribs and the nun estimated that they wash an average of 2.5 changes of clothes for each child every day.

When I returned to the office I reviewed the list again and prepared a request for our donations and purchasing departments. Within two weeks, we had approval and are now already in the process of shipping a new stove and a new washing machine down to this deserving children's home. What a blessing my job is!

One of the homes who had received a set of 12 computers for a new computer lab (complete with desks and chairs as well) had also received a complete dormitory make-over of new furniture.

Donated furniture from a generous University was supplied to them and all the boys (nearly 90) received a new bed and a personal dresser!

It has completely changed the face of the dormitories and you can see the pride the boys had to show me their rooms and the improved conditions. Previously the boys did not have any personal space to store their clothing and personal items and now they have the privacy and dignity they need and deserve.

The home also has an incredible music program in which nearly 50 boys voluntarily participate. I spoke with the music director regarding the instrucments and resources for the program and the home has already received a donation from us of a complete 40 piece Marching Band.

Once again, I get blessed with all sorts of beautiful presentations, dances, poetry, songs, speeches, etc by the children every time I visit. Here are a couple short videos to share that joy with you!

And, of course, we passed out stuffed animals and candy to all the homes we visited on the trip.