T minus 36 hours until takeoff...

I'm warming up for Nicaragua by listening to my "Shakira" Pandora station. I officially have less than 36 hours before my flight to Nicaragua leaves, and I am SO excited!

For those of you who don't know, Nicaragua is in Central America (NOT Africa... which seems to be a fairly common misconception). Here is a lovely map of where I'll be for the next two months.

I will be living in León, which is over on the western side, just north of Managua, the capital. Don't worry, Nicaragua is safe and I've gotten all the fun immunizations that I'll need.

That's cool. But why am I going to Nicaragua?

Over 80% of the Nicaraguan population lives on less than $2 per day. 

45% lives on less than a dollar per day.

35% of Nicaraguans are illiterate. 

Of the rural Nicaraguan population, only 68% has access to adequate drinking water, and only 37% has access to proper sanitation. 

About half of Nicaraguans receive an education past fifth grade.

That sucks. But why am I going to Nicaragua?

Because as a volunteer with HELP International I will have the opportunity to initiate life-changing, sustainable development programs.  I am confident that I can make a difference in the lives of Nicaraguan people. I don't know exactly what I'll be doing yet, because this is the first summer that HELP has been to Nicaragua. I'm a part of the first group of volunteers to go down, (first wave- holla!) and so the first couple weeks we'll be doing needs assessment and then planning our projects for the rest of summer! And that's why I have this blog. I'll be sure to keep all you guys back in the US updated on everything I'm doing to help Nicaragua :)

Also, I am inviting you to join us at HELP International in serving the people of Nicaragua by donating whatever you can.  Donations can be mailed directly to HELP International (455 N. University Ave. suite #212 Provo, Utah, 84604) or through PayPal online at: http://help-international.org/donate-now, including “Amanda Dye” in the comments section. Mentioning my name ensures that your donation goes towards my team’s projects in Nicaragua. If you’d like more information please visit the HELP International website www.help-international.org, or email me at amandarileydye@hotmail.com.

Have a phenomenal summer! :)

PS. 35.5 hours :)