This Troubled Country With Its Lovely, Hopeful People

As my two years in León come to an end, I have many positive feelings and only a few concerns.

I am grateful to know Nicaragua and thus have a more objective view than before, of my country and myself. I appreciate the personal growth this experience has allowed. I recognize how North American culture values action and rapid decision-making over contemplation and consultation with the broadest communities. Our wealth and materialistic lifestyle facilitates a fast-paced life which precludes enjoyment of the potential richness of our community life; precludes enjoyment of our neighbors and the spiritual dimension that life in community brings. I am concerned how I will bring what I have learned here, home with me. What creative alternatives are there for creating the same community values and authentic life I have learned to live here?

I do know it has to begin with the smallest denominator, one person, me.

I am proud of our work together. The León Consejo, my PGL counterpart, Ana Carrion, and I have succeeded in executing all the changes directed from Summit 2001. Ana and I find that we have made a good team, in spite of and perhaps because of initial conflict, since resolved. We know each other better and have learned to trust one another. We have identified a plan for action that is an improved, straightforward course for succeeding coordinators to follow. I hope the new PGL and PML coordinators will be able to forge a similar satisfying relationship with each other and with the Consejo.

We have had many successes! Summit 2001 was the first. Through our experiences with PMGL’s constant delegation visits, we have continued to deepen our understanding and respect for Nicaragua’s struggle. Our strategic planning sessions with the Consejo have been vital to the health of PMGL’s active projects. With the identification of the two new communities and our first efforts among the residents, it feels as though we have finally hatched from this egg in which we’ve been incubating for the last two years! And how bright, in spite of the rainy season, is the sunshine!

I am looking forward to welcoming and supporting my successor, Anna Vangsness, as she begins to form new and promising relationships in this troubled country with its lovely, hopeful people.