Some kind words from kindred spirits.

Meet the August family.

We've all seen them, the old TV westerns, where the covered wagons are circled up for protection, the women and children are huddled around some busted up crates or furniture, several wagons are on fire, the water barrels are all shot up and leaking, the dog is running around barking incessantly, kids are crying and the father is reaching for his last couple of rounds out of the tipped over ammo box. Meanwhile the bad guys are circling, closer and closer. It seems all hope is gone, only despair and uncertainty lay ahead. But wait, what was that sound way off in the distance? Could it be? Yes! It's the U.S. Cavalry! Just in the nick of time. All is not lost, the battle is won, and the wagon train is saved.
    That might give you a little insight into how we feel about MPI as a whole and the many individual MPI cavalry members that have come riding into our lives, rescuing us and saving the day here on the outskirts of Managua in the Cedro Galan and Chiquilistagua neighborhoods.
     Since moving down here as a family of five, in February of 2002, we continue to be involved in three major areas of Nicaraguan life- the feeding program, the pre-school, and the sports center. The sports facility has grown into more of a whole community center amongst mango trees, complete with a computer lab, a soon-to-be-completed lending library, a basketball court, soccer field, volleyball court, a large covered meeting room and an attached kitchen. Sometimes it can all seem to be a bit overwhelming, There are many activities going on here, along with the many requests for help in different areas of peoples lives and as such, we can feel really stretched. But, therein comes MPI with their youth, their vigor, their encouragement and sometimes, just their fresh bodies to throw into very mundane but very necessary manual labor jobs.
    It's times like those, when we feel worn out or beaten down that the image of the cavalry coming to the rescue becomes very real. And for that, we are extremely thankful and grateful both to them and to you folks that continue to support them financially and to support them with the freedom to be away from home and away from jobs for long stretches of time. It truly is a team effort that allows programs here to be started and then to continue to move forward with consistency, which is something not readily seen here in Nicaragua.
    When we first moved to Nicaragua, we were indeed a family of five. However, our three sons have now moved onto lives of their own. So we are now bona-fide empty nesters. Or are we?
    It seems that with each new group of MPI-ers, we gain new friends, some becoming like sons and daughters to us. We enjoy our daily visits with them, we enjoying working with them, sweating with them and sharing our common ideals, goals and, yes, sometimes our frustrations with them. They have become like family as we share ourselves with those who have little or no hope. These "kids" have come to fill the void of our three sons who are now thousands of miles away. They are a tremendous blessing in our lives.
    It is a wonderful thing being here in Nicaragua and we feel this is where we are supposed to be in spite of the challenges. But hey, there are a few challenges in the states too and life goes on. But with MPI coming alongside us, with their hand alongside our hand on the plough of service, we continue to move ahead, never looking back. Thank you past, present and future MPI folks...wherever you are. We love you and appreciate each and every one!
 
Halle and Kathy August
Email: amen@ibw.com.ni

NEWS - A Miami Herald newspaper story about positive U.S. and Latin American agriculture initiatives can be read at http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/world/16102449.htm.

CLINIC - We welcome your involvement in the MPI-Hope Clinic project.  Please contact us for more information or questions regarding the clinic, your financial contribution, and other ways to support us. Angela Profeta at 772-453-3192 (USA) or angela@mannaproject.org.

MANNAFIT - The Vanderbilt Student Government has agreed to co-sponsor this February's benefit dinner and auction for MPI in Nashville. Besides bringing MPIVU into even better relationship with the VSG, these new funds will allow for an even more energized MannaFit. Stay tuned for more.

SPONSORSHIP - To learn more about sponsoring a Nicaraguan child, see www.mannaproject.org/sponsor/.

PHOTO - Headline photograph by good friend Tori Purcell, an original MPI-Nicaragua Project Director.