I was not looking forward to going back to Nicaragua. Going back home was amazing: I was able to drive where I wanted, buy what I needed, choose from a closet full of outfits and accessories, was able to choose from a load of on demand movies, and there was water and light when I needed them. Life was good. However, I trained my mind for a visit back to the jungle life. When I arrived in Atlanta’s airport, I reminded myself that this was the last stop I would have to buy whatever goods I needed and to have the life of automated soap dispensers and flushing toilet paper down the toilet. Landing in Managua was great. Looking out my plane window, I could see the city lights sprawled out, giving the city the impression ... read more

I write to you from a rainy and windy Ometepe Island! As I mentioned in my last entry, it was really hot…unbearably hot. Well, official the 28th of October, it rained cats and dogs. That night, I could instantly feel a difference of temperature. I welcomed the rain with open arms; we needed it! Although I will have to time when I walk back to the house after meals, at least it will be cooler for us. As I write this entry, I am listening to the roaring effects of the rain and feel myself shouting at others just to be heard over its powerful sound. However, at least everything will be that much more beautiful. When it is not raining, it is windy. The Internet is never reliable in these hurricane winds. The other night, ... read more

The Final Leg of My Journey; or, perhaps just the start… J It is with joy and praise that I write this next entry. I have successfully made it past the halfway point and am making my final stretch home. I have battled storms, such as Tropical Storm Alma, getting sick my first night and week to Nicaragua and throughout, transportation strikes, sudden absences of directors and doctors and volunteers, boring teacher meetings and interesting masses. We have been through a lot. Living in a third world country is no fabulous life but it a life I chose and am very happy that I did. Since I last updated, I had just gotten back from Costa Rica and the beautiful beach of Maderas in Nicaragua. I saw the largest hermit crab of my life on that ... read more

I was asked to write something for the website. Here is my story. Please find it on the website: www.nph.org Go to Nicaragua at the top (flag) Then go to volunteer testimonials on the right side Michelle Jacobson (USA) - English Teacher 23 May 2008 - Nicaragua Known as Friends of the Orphans in the USA, the recruitment office in St. Paul actively sought me out while I was a senior in college. Planning to travel and serve abroad, I knew I had many paths. It was October 2006 and I had Spain in the back of my mind. Having recently returned from five glorious months over there, I had never considered serving in Central and South America, where Friends of the Orphans serves. I put it in the back of my mind and explored other ... read more

Hola todos. Saludos de Ometepe Island, Nicaragua! Hopefully (soon) to be in the new and revised list of the 7 Wonders of the World. Post your vote on www.laisladeometepe.com Many changes have been taking place, which is the norm here. However, some are worth taking note. Along the way, I will tell my stories. First off, NPH, the organization I am serving through, has recently partnered with the Enrique Iglesias Foundation. I am not sure how we made the connection, but we did. A cameraman came to the orphanage to shoot some footage of the kids singing to Enrique's new song: Donde Esta Corazon. That very same day, they sent the footage, crude, to Miami. How crazy, eh? Unfortunately, I could not be there, as I was on break, which turned out to be quite interesting... ... read more