Back to Work...

Yesterday Dr. Karla and I finished giving the anti-parasite medicine to the kids in La Concha (AKA Pineapple Land.) We also had some very exciting meetings with the leaders there. We are going to bring water to the school/church and a pharmacy!!!!!!!!! The idea is to have a big reservoir on/in the ground that will be kept covered and then to have a pump and PVC pipe to carry the water out of the reservoir to a long cement sink that will be built. The issue will be keeping the reservoir full and clean. But...the people we met with at La Concha had some great ideas to add to our ideas. They know of a person in a nearby town that can bring water out to the school for the reservoir and a way of filtering and cleaning the water. The idea was accepted by the leaders there and now the actual planning can begin. Clean water is so important for health and it is exciting to be working with a community so ready to work/support/manage the betterment of their community!

The second idea that was also accepted was starting a pharmacy in La Concha near the school grounds. The Nicaraguan government has been supporting citizens wanting to start pharmacies in rural areas and the school has a perfect spot for one. It would hold only basic over the counter medicines and frequently prescribed medicines. We found a pharmacy in the market that sells medicines very cheap and that is willing to be the supplier to the little pharmacy in La Concha if the government gives authorization. Someone chosen by the pastor and his family would run the pharmacy. "Someone very organized, honorable, and responsible" said the pastor’s wife as we began talking more excitedly about the initiative. Dr. Karla as well as the leaders of the school and church will be keeping the pharmacy keeper accountable. The medicines could be sold for a little profit and the school and church could use the money for projects to better the school/church. This would be another great step for the community! Now that the leaders are on board we will have to ask the NRN (Nicaraguan Resource Network-the supporting organization that supports the school.) for their support and initiating funds.

Dr. Karla is really enthusiastic, wise, and brilliant both in mind and heart. I am learning from just being around her.

Love,
Ayla Landry

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. “  Lao Tzu