Limping for a Reason

Over a year ago, Nicaragua went through a time that’s now being called “the troubles.” The streets were still mostly safe, but there was some violence in specific places, and the international community issued travel warnings.

Now, when the troubles are long over and the people in the country are moving on with their lives, places like the United States still have not retracted their travel warnings. Our country also used the opportunity to legislate sanctions against Nicaragua and to pass the Nica Act.

This has been devastating for Nicaragua’s economy. Prior to the troubles the country had been experiencing amazing economic growth, but things are much harder now. Food prices are rising, medicines are limited in their availability, and government officials (such as the Minister of Health) are being blocked by the sanctions from working directly with international organizations (such as the World Health Organization.) . Taxes are going up, tourism dollars are non-existent, and NGO’s like the JHC-CDCA are not getting one of their primary sources of funds; aka, the group delegations that come bringing medical, financial, and networking aid.

Despite that, the JHC-CDCA is still trying to accomplish their vital work. (For the most recent updates please do go take a look at their most recent newsletter: https://jhc-cdca.org/newsletters/2019-09_nl.html) They refuse to lay off the Nicaraguan Staff unless they run completely out of money to pay them, and it is my sincere hope that they won’t run out of that money.

So, what am I doing about it?

Some of you may remember my Run For A Reason from last year. Well, I’ve had surgery this year, things with my offspring have been rough, and, frankly, my body is totally opposed to me trying anything of the sort again this year.

I have no plans to listen to what my body has to say about it, though.

This then, is my 2019 Fundraiser, LIMPING FOR A REASON! Over ten weeks I hope to go one hundred miles, and I’m asking you to pledge per mile that I… uh… travel. I’ll be tracking my mileage using google fitness (or, if the weather is punky, on my treadmill’s odometer.)

You don’t have to pledge a lot. If 100 of you pledge a dollar a mile, we’ll raise $10000 for the JHC-CDCA! That will cover several staff salaries, or a month’s electricity for the organization, or a few months of groceries. It really will make a difference. And I will appreciate it so, so much.