“I'll be back at home by the time this email is sent out and that creates a reflective image for me.  After a year of service abroad with Manna has passed me by, and after the English grammar rules and other skills I learned to teach a class have become less clear than they used to be, what value will this year with Manna have had?  I can't expect to stay static forever. I'll continue changing just as I have here, but through those changes will anything of Manna be left in me after long?’

“That image of being back home is a bittersweet one.  I'll be nostalgic for life in Nicaragua and all those things that I've experienced, those things enjoyed and those less-enjoyed, but I am leaving Nicaragua now with a gained perspective.  Manna considers issues (as it says) ‘holistically’ and it's one of the best things that I'll take with me.  Our aim is to help in all ways that we can and no area of life is left without consideration.  Because I need a quick example, our English class is one that I'll use.  Learning grammar is not enough for us.  The purpose of a language is communication, and for that we can't let well enough alone at grammar.  Jokes, conversations, movies, perhaps more than a few of my off-topic ramblings have all been part of classes. Through Manna's holistic perspective, an inventive way of thinking is just as valued a skill for a student as grammar, pronunciation, or spelling are.  And this perspective can be applied to any actions or thoughts in any place.  In a large family, disagreements can sometimes occur.  Back in America, the role of peacemaker in a family could benefit from some of Manna's usual considerations.  As Manna's actions take into account purpose, long and short-term goals, results, and anticipated problems, a peacemaker should also consider these aspects.  Again, English class and the idea of helping out regular family life are only examples of areas that could benefit from this gained perspective.  There are many others, large and small.’

“Like I said, I'll be back at home by the time this email is sent out, but I won't be returning the same.  Manna has been a profound part of me in Nicaragua and it will continue to be at school in America and wherever else I go after that.”

- From Adam Schoen (pronounced Shane), 2006-2007 Nicaragua Program Director. Adam begins his Sophomore year at LSU this September.

 

Stay tuned for Adam's next Manna Mail from America: “Steaming the Cares Away: The Wondrous World of 2-hour Hot Showers!”

YOUTUBING - We apologize for technical difficulties with our links last time. Once again: Andie and Scott's July Creative Arts Presentation. And if you haven't already, take a look at our Ecuador site video.

RAZOO - Manna needs your help in a big way! Sign up with Razoo.com and help Manna Project win the $10,000 Change Your World Contest. All you have to do is join Razoo, a fantastic new beta network promoting social change. Then, be sure to add Manna Project as a group. We need 100 members by September 15 to be entered in the contest. We can win this!

AUGUST 15 - MPI Nicaragua's Program Director transition is completed. After a week of bittersweet goodbyes, 2006-2007 PDs move on from Nicaragua with the exception of Daniel Bain who will continue working in La Chureca with Love, Light, and Melody.

SEPTEMBER - Team Ecuador joins Mark in Quito soon. Check out Mark and Abbie's blogs for more info or receive the updates by emailing Abbie.