Why Nicaragua?

• Nicaragua is the second poorest country (after Haiti) in the hemisphere.
• Nicaragua’s economy and infrastructure were badly damaged during the U.S. sponsored contra war of the 1980’s.
• For an international mission trip, Nicaragua is relatively close, geographically.
• Edgewood has an on-going relationship with CEPAD, the mission hosting agency, as this will be our fourth trip there in the past seven years.
• Several other Edgewood members have had significant experiences in mission or service in Nicaragua.

 
When is the trip?
            June 18-26, 2012

What type of service project will we be doing?
We build and install water filtrations systems into homes, schools, and churches. Working with Aqua Clara, we use local materials to supply cheap and sustainable water filters, which purify contaminated water and decrease the risks of water-borne disease. There is great demand for these systems, and they have been demonstrated to reduce disease and improve quality of life.  Edgewood has already installed, or paid for, 250 water filtration systems in Nicaragua.

Why go on a mission trip instead of just sending money to the country?
This is an excellent question that each person needs to answer for themselves.  A couple of reasons include:  1) the physical working presence of people from another country is a very meaningful gift of solidarity for the people of Nicaragua, and 2) the first-hand experiences gained there help us to be more vocal and eloquent advocates for the Nicaraguans and for clean water access once we are back home.

What is the hosting agency in Nicaragua?
The hosting agency in Nicaragua is CEPAD (“say-pahd”), which is the Council of Protestant Churches in Nicaragua.  They host many church delegations from all over the US and other countries, and are very experienced and well-organized.

What will the weather be like?
Most likely it will be hot and humid, with sudden, short downpours.

How much does it cost?
The total cost of the trip will be approximately $1300, including airfare, lodging, all meals in Nicaragua, ground transportation and hosting services in Nicaragua.

Are there scholarships?
Yes!  Support will be available for all who need it, to the extent of available funds. 

Aside from paying, what else do I need to do to prepare?
If you don’t have one, get a passport (it takes up to two months, unless you pay extra for the faster process), check with the travel clinic at Ingham County Health Department about advised immunization, read about Nicaragua in travel books, in any of several recommended books, and on-line at www.nicanet.org.

I don’t speak Spanish, can I still go?
Absolutely!  CEPAD provides each delegation with an English-speaking guide/translator/host.  In addition, we can provide some basic Spanish phrases before you go on the trip.

How will we be traveling?
Ground transportation will be provided by CEPAD in their vans.
Is Nicaragua safe?
Nicaragua is probably the safest country in Central America. As the hosting agency, CEPAD is very aware of safety issues for the delegations.
Where will we be staying?
For the first and last days of the trip, we will probably be staying at the Nehemiah Guest House in Managua, run by CEPAD.  The accommodations are dormitory style with shared baths.  The lodging arrangements outside of Managua are not finalized, yet, and could be (modest) hotel rooms or a dormitory or home stays.

What about the food?
Nicaraguan food is not spicy like Mexican food.  We will eat a lot of rice and beans, but the food quality is very good.  CEPAD is quite conscientious about making sure delegations eat food that is safe for North Americans.

I’m not really very religious-- can I still be a “missionary”?
There will be no scripture quizzes and you will not be called on to evangelize!  Your presence, your heart and your hands will convey your message of love and solidarity for the people.  Our mission trips are about partnership and relationship, not about evangelism.

I’m not a skilled laborer, will I still be useful?
Of course!  If you are willing to take direction and pitch in cheerfully, you will do fine!

I’ve never been to a developing country—what should I expect?
There is no quick answer to this.  Talk to someone who has been there.  Expect to be delighted and depressed, expect to have your eyes opened, expect things to be very different than in the United States.

Can youth go without a parent?
High school or older youth may go without a parent; an adult on the trip will be designated to be their “buddy.” Middle school youth may go, as well, but should have a parent or guardian on the trip.
Who else is going?
Kari Nicewander and Kris Wisniewski will be leading the trip; we are expecting another wonderful group of Edgewood members to join us on the journey.

Will we get to do any sight-seeing?
There will be opportunities to do some sight-seeing in Managua and possibly some other brief side-trips, as time allows.

What is the deadline for making a decision about going and when is the next meeting?
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, January 18th at 7:30pm in the Conference Room at Edgewood UCC; we are asking that people make final decisions by February 1st.