AMIGOS Experience in Nicaragua

I have worked with AMIGOS as both a volunteer and a project supervisor in Nicaragua, Peru, and Panama, and I sincerely have a special place in my heart for Nicaragua. I volunteered there in 2009 in the region of Chontales, and had the most wonderful experience living with my host family, working with the local youth, and learning about Nicaraguan culture. Before I left for my 6 week trip, I spent the year attending meetings at my local AMIGOS chapter to learn about what I could expect to be doing over the summer, and how I could prepare myself. I still remember getting dropped off in my community, watching the bus drive away, and thinking to myself, "What am I doing here!" Those feelings quickly faded as I got to know my community and truly felt like I belonged there. My two partners and I worked very closely with the school throughout the summer, and our Community Based Initiative project was constructing a kitchen in the main school, and putting in a water pipe to the more rural school in the community. We also helped organize a fundraiser and were able to buy supplies for the community health center. It's been a little over four years since my first AMIGOS experience in Nicaragua, and I can't wait to return and see my host family, and the community that taught me so much about life. If you're reading this and considering volunteering with AMIGOS, do it!