Flooding

Just got to Hotel Ticomo in Managua. We are filthy!  The drainage pipes were filled with debris causing them to back up and flood the homes. We cleaned away the debris and unfortunately there was some hidden barbed wire and I got cut twice- I think it is also sewer water so I need to scrub out the puncture sites. We got out to look at the damage caused by recent flooding and the group I am with is helping repair the shanties, though several were swept away. We crossed a small stream and got stuck in a down pour that caused the trickle to become a river quickly. Not only were we soaked but full of mud. It actually felt good and helped drop the sweltering heat to be tolerable. The children at the school are adorable. They have 275 students enrolled in th his school. The children are well behaved.
We enjoyed fried bananas, rice, beans, peanut butter and bread and an Oreo wafer for lunch. Looking forward to dinner which should be ready in about 30 minutes.

We toured the surrounding slums to see how healthcare could be delivered here as they only have access to the government hospitals that are poorly run. 3 children died recently from preventable diseases. Mike and Debra (who run Lifelink Intl) have a real love for the people here, especially the underserved. We hope to meet with the Mayor on Friday to see what medical work we'd be allowed to do here in the future.

We are going to the Volcano tomorrow as well as the market and we hope to also go ziplining.

Charissa says "Hi" and wanted charity to know we had Fritos and an egg sandwich on the plane :)

Last minute packing....

Well, my plane leaves at 540 am tomorrow. I am busy packing. I think I can get everything I need in a carry on and one "personal item". I am taking a check in because I am bringing some things for the school and of course candy for the kids!. I picked up a water purifier and I can't forget the sunscreen. I have never been to Nicaragua before so I am excited!!! Keep us in your prayers. I am meeting one of our Board members in Texas so we fly from there together to Managua. My sister Charissa (who is the "Board Member") has been there many times and is on the School Board, so I will get to see the school that she helped get up and running......

Hi Everyone,
I am on my way to Nicaragua next week. There is an organization that already built a great school in a small community outside of Managua

and now wants to build a clinic. I am going to see what the villagers want and what is available locally. We also hope to visit some remote villages and deliver medical care if needed. As far as I know I am the only medical person on the team. This picture is of the kids waiting every morning to get into the schoolyard. So, follow along...................... Dr. Julie