A week or so ago I posted about the upcoming trip to Nicaragua to support Esperanca’s volunteer surgical mission program. Well the time has come! Just look at all the loot! I just had to share with you how generous our family, friends and neighbors have been to give us so many donations for the people of Nicaragua. (In addition…this wouldn’t even be possible to pull off…without generous baggage allowances…thanks to United!)
Not only is Nicaragua the poorest country in Central America, but the second poorest (Haiti being the first) in the Western Hemisphere. It’ll be so special to actually hand deliver a portion of the collection directly to the people, as we make our way along the Rio Coco into these remote villages looking for patients in need of surgery.
a few of the children of Santa Catalina
But what has been so special…and just mind blowing…is how the children of Santa Catalina Drive here in Scottsdale, Arizona have come together and brought over so many clothes to SHARE with those not quite as fortunate. I just can’t wait to give this adorable dress to a little girl…after surgery she’ll feel like a princess in this outfit!
The children of Santa Catalina are sending love, peace and happiness…to the children of Nicaragua….
Now these will certainly be entertaining!
And can you only imagine how happy a bunch of little girls are going to be…
when they get one of these colorful, adorable dresses?
Yes, we have clothing for the boys too…but girlie stuff is so much more fun to photograph!
And look at all of these brand new backpacks! Many are filled with a little sleeping bag!
It just filled my heart when I learned that the parents of the children bring them all together once a week to discuss virtues…yes, virtues. Well there’s no doubt…all of the children of Santa Catalina have demonstrated accountability, compassion, detachment, commitment, diligence, and I’m sure many other virtues that I can’t even think of! Thank you all so much!
A few more things to toss in the suitcase and then…hasta luego! The first week there will be no access to internet as this will be the most remote travel experience yet, and I’m not sure how much the second week…but know that I’ll be so eager to share as soon as possible during the trip, as well as when I return on March 9th!
Until then! gg
Such an inspiring journey you’re undertaking Robin. What an inspiration to see how much you’re bringing with you. The generosity of the Santa Catalina children is truly amazing and brings joy to my heart.
Wishing you an amazing journey and looking forward to photos when you’re able to. Be safe xo
Oh, I can just see the smiles on the faces of the children, and the parents of the children, that will receive these gifts. So much heart-felt generosity, from so many people. Safe travels my dear. Can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you are able to post photos. Know our love and good thoughts go with you. Love and hugs. xoxo
Bless those children’s hearts, the givers and the receivers. That’s a lot of good looking loot! Let us know next time so we can join in the fun, cause there will be a next time, maybe many more.
Travel mercies, dear friend, to you all.
Happy and safe travels, Dear Robin. What a wonderful giving heart you have and are undertaking.
I look forward to your updates when you have access to the internet.
Enjoy every moment and every person, as I know you willl never be forgotten and touch so many lives.
Love you and am sending hugs and love.
xoxo
This looks fabulous and so inspiring. Safe travels wherever you go.
I hope you will meet great people and I know you will share your stories and pictures as soon as you can.
People will remember you, ‘that lady with that wonderful smile’…..(and her camera and wonderful gifts)
Love and hugs.
I wish you sage travels, wonderful encounters with people and especially with all the children who will be so happy that you had such a generous baggage allowance!
Hope that all the operations will be a success, you will take many, many pictures for us to admire!
What a mission of love, peace, happiness and kindness, Robin. This will be one of the top memories of your lifetime, I’m sure. Try to remember it all because we’ll want to know!
Ahhhh. Some really good news. Godspeed.
Robin you totally rock!!!! Wish I could hop, skip and jump into your rucksack xxx
Robin, You’re on your adventure as I type this note. I’ll comment even though you won’t have internet access . . . your post was so much good news! I can imagine the delight of the children on both sides of this interchange – the give and the take. And the difference this mission will make – offering practical help – will change lives (yours included, I’m sure). You are following your heart and your passion, and I’ll look forward the details of this story and the unfolding of how this trip impacts you.
How wonderful, Robin! Safe travels! Look forward to all of your tales and incredible photos when you return!
big love and cool runnings
as you spread that love and light
to those shiny little beings……so much bravo
to you, friend:)
Blessing surround you,
Jennifer
This is soo inspiring. I love the “loot” and I’m sure you will have the most rewarding and fantastic time. I look forward to reading and ‘seeing’ all about it
Thanks to all of you for your comments! Makes me feel so good to hear from you!!!
Love those colorful little dresses. Happy to know that lovely little girls will be thrilled to wear them:)