So where in the world is Chinandega, Nicaragua

.....and who cares anyway?

  Well this past summer two collage students from Eastminster cared enough to spend three weeks in Central America

We had the opportunity to talk with Jackie Tracy & Adam Hickman about their summer in Nicaragua.  Jackie is in her third year at University of Florida at Gainesville, and Adam is in his second year at Johnson & Wales, Miami.

So you're back after almost a month.  What was it like Jackie ... Adam?

 "It was an amazing experience. It opened my eyes to a culture and a life different than my own and broadened my perspective as to how far God’s hand truly reaches."

"It was definitely a trip to remember for the rest of my life. I would do it again without any hesitation, even for longer if the opportunity arose."

When did you two start thinking about spending your summer in Nicaragua?  How did it all come about?

"Well, I had been thinking for a couple of months about going on a mission trip this summer, and when I talked to Adam, he had been thinking about it too. I have a friend who has been involved with Amigos for Christ for a few years, and he started to tell me about the organization. We prayed about it and decided that this was where we were supposed to go."

So you had a desire to do this and at the same time you felt that there was “something” compelling you to find out more?   Is that about right?

 "Yes, once we realized that this was what God had in store for us, things just fell into place, and we knew that it was definitely an assurance from God that this was right."

"We both felt like the time was right to do something. One after another opportunities presented themselves, and we made the most of them. We both knew that it wasn’t a coincidence that the timing was right."

How about some details.  Adam how did all of this "just fall into place,?" 

"This all happened over a period of a couple months. Jackie and I began talking to certain people that we knew had done this type of trip before. Previously I had been on one mission trip once before to Mexico, but I was never on the organizational side of the trip. The fundraising, and business like communication was a first for me, but with help from a few people everything worked out. The Missions Ministry at Eastminster was a big help to our planning. They made a lot of doors open for us and helped us to understand the steps necessary when planning a mission trip."     

So you left from Atlanta and landed where?

"Our flight was out of Atlanta International at six in the morning, which meant we had to be there at three. From Atlanta we had a connecting flight in Miami, and from there we flew straight into Managua, the capital of Nicaragaua. After getting our passports stamped we met up with some other missionaries and took a three hour bus ride to our house in Chinandega. The only reason it took us three hours was because of the dirt roads, and lack of organized traffic. On the flight back we flew from Managaua to Miami. Missed our flight to Atlanta, and had to stay in a local hotel in Miami. I had a fever from the day before so I really needed the additional rest. We caught another flight to Atlanta the next day, we also got bumped up to first class I might add.

So what was your first impression Jackie?

"I thought that the land was so beautiful. Everything green seemed a shade brighter than here in the states, and there were volcanoes visible from the streets. Also, the poverty was apparent as soon we as stepped away from the airport.

Give us an example of what you did each day Jackie?  What did you eat?

"Well, each morning we got up around 7 or so and ate breakfast, which was usually fruit and some gallo pinto (a very, very typical Nicaraguan dish which consists of rice and beans). We then headed to the work site at Villa Catalina and would either head out to dig at the canal or go on a rock, sand, gravel, or cinder block run, which meant filling two huge trucks with one of these things.

We’d eat lunch whenever we felt like it, usually around 11 or 12, and then keep working. The afternoon was a great time to take a break and play with kids for a bit. Then we left around 5 or 6 to head back to the house and grab dinner, which was always gallo pinto with some kind of meat. Patricia, the cook, made amazing meats.  

Adam I understand that you did some cooking?  What was that all about?

"As soon as everyone found out that I could cook, I was scheduled to cook for everyone at least one night. During the 2^nd week when there was only about 15 people there, instead of 40, I made dinner for everyone. Everyone was craving the good old American food, so I made some mashed potatoes along with some other local fruits and meats. I also made something else, which shall remain private. Its something that you would find on Fear Factor."

What was the most memorable time as you look back at it?   Jackie you go first.

 "The most memorable time for me, strangely enough, was as the bus was pulling away the very last Friday we were there. The people of Villa Catalina are used to the way things run with Amigos and knew that it was the last day for the group and that eventually another group would come. They know that there is only a small amount of time to get to know the groups as they’re there working, yet, they don’t hold back. They poured out every ounce of affection they could on us. They gave us things from their own personal homes. They told us how happy they were to have us there and that they loved us. They just loved on us like we were the greatest people on earth. As the bus pulled away, there were lots of sad faces and tears, and I realized not only what a huge impact we’d had on them, but what an impact they’d had on me."

Adam how about you?  What was your most memorable time?

"My most memorable times were riding on the truck. We often took a large oversize truck all around the city, which we filled with sand, cinder blocks, 10 to 150 pound rocks, concrete, fertilizer, gravel, etc.  I enjoyed those times the most because I would spend all day with these other workers, girls and guys, and sweat for sweat and bruise for bruise we did it all day long. After filling up this huge truck with this material, there was this sense of contentment, and overall satisfaction that I felt on the truck.

Would you go back if you had the opportunity Jackie....Adam?

"I would definitely go back, and I do plan to as soon as possible. It is something that touched me in a way that I know there is more left for me to do there. I’m so grateful for such an amazing opportunity and for all the people who supported us, be it financially or with the much felt, much appreciated prayers. "

"Without a doubt I would go back again. Not only if I had an opportunity to go back to Nicaragua, but I would jump on the opportunity to venture out into the world and do any kind of mission work. The greatest advice I can give anybody who is interested in doing a mission trip, is to be proactive. The opportunities are there, and organizations are all over the place that are willing use you if you are willing to donate your time. If you’re thinking that its too much planning and organizing, then there are other opportunities locally that need help also. I was amazed at how many people were willing to help Jackie and I when we first started talking about taking a trip. Opportunities are always there, and there will always be people to help you, just as they helped us."

"Thank you to all those who helped us before, during, and after our trip. Thank you for your time, prayers, finances, and wisdom, which you so generously shared with us."

Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Jackie and Adam. 

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