8:30 Am - back in the van and traveling the streets of Managua to the Baptist Seminary (UPOLI) where we were a week ago. The sights and sounds of the city are becoming somewhat familiar and some landmarks are now possible to pick out. Our meeting at UPOLI was with leaders from the university who are very keen on expanding Restorative Justice in Nicaragua. But we keep hearing the same theme wherever we go. The history of this country has created a culture of violence. It is difficult for people to trust a new approach but there are clear signs of hope!
One speaker emphasized the leadership role women are playing in bringing about some fundamental changes. In our short time here, we too have seen women making something happen from nothing, creating opportunities, and improving their communities.
The people at UPOLI are eager for connections with others working in Restorative Justice and asked that we keep in touch with them. A very encouraging morning.
Noon - our official debriefing with Matthew, Kevin & Cassie, and Adam and Marisa. These folks from MCC Nicaragua have spared nothing in ensuring our time here would give us a good glimpse of life in Nicaragua.
6:00 pm - our last meal together with Matthew. He took us to a small restaurant known for its meter long serving of beef, which I learned afterwards may have been horse meat. Hmmmm.....
Five of us leave the hotel at 5:00 am to make our way back to Edmonton and Calgary. Peter and Elena are staying here for 3 more weeks, and Gord is off to Panama for 10 days to visit his niece.
We pray for safe travels and are excited to share our experiences with you.
It was a pleasure to have you all here! I wanted to share our blog with you all in case you want some further reading on Nicaragua:) http://theclanks.wordpress.com/
ReplyDelete- Marisa Clymer Shank