Pay It Forward to Nicaragua Children

I had the opportunity in June 2007 to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua, one of the poorest countries in Central America; resulting from years of exploitation by dictators, disasters, and devastating civil war.  Only 62% of Nicaragua's children have access to drinking water and only 35% to decent sanitary installations.  Due to extreme poverty, many children are abandoned or neglected or live in high risk situations (i.e., malnutrition, child trafficking, gang involvement, HIV/AIDS).  During this visit I was able to participate in a feeding program established over ten years ago by Efrain and Myriam Valladares.   The children are fed at least three times a week, mainly soup with vegetables and rice and bread similar to a tortilla.   I am not sure how far the children  have to travel to the feeding area, but it only takes minutes before large numbers  arrive with their bowls, waiting patiently for something to eat (some accompanied by a parent, sibling, or grandparent but most are not).  The Valladares do not receive outside help from the U.S. or large missionaries; they are just loving and compassionate people demonstrating an active role in trying to save the children of Nicaragua one meal at a time.  Volunteer staff prepares the food in a very small kitchen adjacent to the church facility.  The food is then transported to a feeding area located in a rural community where poverty and malnutrition is much more prevalent.  The Valladares’ desire to expand and remodel their kitchen facility which would enable them to expand their feeding programs so they can reach more children across the city.  Together with Brandy Coachman and Alan Booco, we decided to share our kindness and pay it forward to the Valladares to help them reach their dream of expanding their feeding program to the children of Nicaragua.

Thank you Paradigm for allowing us the opportunity to pay it forward to the Valladares, who will in turn pay it forward to the children of Nicaragua.