Dear Family and Friends,
As many of you know, John will be traveling to Nicaragua again this fall with Bridges To Community to build homes for families in desperate need. The group he is traveling with will build two homes that can withstand the earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other forces of nature that typically make it so difficult for these families to provide shelter to keep their children safe and free from disease. Each of these homes is the size of a one car garage, and will house 5-6 family members.
Once again, it is my goal to raise $3,500 to cover the cost of materials for one of these homes. For this small amount, we can move a family currently living in a dilapidated shack made of scrap wood and plastic into a safe and sturdy cinder block home. In addition to offering better protection against the elements, this new home will help move the family away from the edge of survival and will help build self sufficiency. Having a door they can lock to protect their meager possessions will allow them to seek jobs outside the home.
Adequate shelter is an essential starting point to reversing the effects of poverty and giving families renewed hope. All people deserve a dignified and safe place to live.
Many people have asked us "Why Nicaragua?" Clearly there is much poverty and suffering right here in the US, and we will continue all of our community service efforts to help those in need in our own communities. However, we are also well aware that we are citizens of a global community, and those in third world countries also need our compassion and assistance. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, and is pounded by natural disasters. Poverty, disease, unemployment, and lack of education and infrastructure make it very difficult for our Nicaraguan neighbors to pull themselves up and improve their lives. We are anxious to help.
If you are willing and able to support this effort with a donation of any size, we would be extremely grateful. To donate on line, just click on the "Donate Now" button above. Checks made out to Bridges to Community can also be sent to our home address: 4 Housel Rd., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889.
Thank you for your support!!!
PS... John described his adventure in Nicaragua last year as "life changing". Please read the brief letter he wrote to our donors below:
Reflecting on my recent trip with Bridges to Community to Nicaragua three words come to mind: Community (which is part of the Bridges name); Hope; and Opportunity.
Community, because despite their own difficulties, the local people reach out to support and look after one another. Older children look after younger ones, and families help other families to ensure they have the basic necessities of life. Despite the lack of material wealth, or maybe because of it, community means a great deal in Nicaragua in a way I had not experienced before.
Hope, because despite the challenging living conditions and lack of basic services, you see hope in the eyes of the children and parents alike. Not necessarily to aspire to our way of living, just the hope of a better tomorrow for themselves and the generations to come. Faith and the willingness to work hard each day inspires the villagers, and inspired me, as well, during my stay.
Opportunity, because from a personal point of view, the opportunity to travel to a far off country and live briefly within the local community was a priveledge. It gave me a chance to learn as much about myself as I did about the Nicaraguans. To that end, I owe them a debt of gratitude which I intend to repay, as I will once again travel with Bridges to build homes in Nicaragua.
There is one image that will stay with me forever: As I walked back to where we were staying, I saw a young woman riding her bicycle furiously with a look of anticipation. She was bright eyed, knowing that as she arrived back in her village, her new home would be completed. Smiling, waving, and pedaling on a dirt road with uneven pavement, she acknowledged my contribtion. I smiled, and as I turned around I realized that that momement was one of the most fullfilling of my life.
I offer my thanks to my wife Amy, who has opened my eyes to the plight of people in need. And special thanks to the people of Prana Yoga for helping the people of Nicaragua. Your gererous contributions to the local community there gives us all hope for a better future for all people.
I appreciate your support, and am so glad I took advantage of this opportunity to have a transformation personal experience.