Nicaragua 2011 - Humanitarian Trip

We are, each of us angels with only one wing; and we can only fly by embracing one another". Luciano de Crescenzo

In a few short days (6 to be exact), I will board a plane for my first humanitarian trip. For me, this will be the first time my feet will touch the ground on soil outside of the Unites States. I am proud to announce that my first travels abroad will take me to Nicaragua. I will leave on Thursday, March 10, 2011 for 12 days. During this time, I will have the opportunity to work with a team of people from the Denton area laboring to build schools and libraries for those less fortunate.

The project in Chinandega will consist of building a school and a library for the locals. The school will support a community of 700 people, whom at present are living near the local dump. I will have the opportunity to feed children during three days of the trip.

The truth is, I don't know what to expect from my time abroad. I know that it is in giving that we receive, and so I am leaving with an open heart and a full spirit. I am prepared to be present with the beautiful people of Nicaragua and to share the gifts of my spirit during my time abroad.

The title of this blog is quite fitting, for I feel as though I am truly living and following my dreams. A few years ago, my life fell apart. For me, this launched a period of believing that I would never find happiness, love and fulfillment. I have found all of these things and continue to be amazed at how amazing one's life can truly become. I have become a dreamer of life and the beauty of being a dreamer of life is that you can create the life of your dreams. Please continue to follow and watch the magic unfold.

The desire to be a part of the team heading to Nicaragua began in July of 2010. Johanna, a true angel walking on earth, shared her experience of visiting and working in Nicaragua. Upon learning of the work and needs, I mentioned to Johanna that I wanted to go on the trip in 2011. Johanna extended the invitation and the wheels began to turn (it was more like a steam engine with smoke pouring out my ears in contemplation of how I could make this work - school, finances etc.). I had no idea how I would fund the expenses to cover the travel. I simply knew in my heart that I wanted to go. After the first meeting, I made the commitment to go. I came home and secured my plane reservations and sent a note to a group of people whom are very near and dear to my heart. I informed them of my plans and the additional expenses that needed to be covered. Within a few hours, I had emails stating that they would provide the funds to cover $630.00 of the expenses. Later that day, I received a call from two of the most kind, generous and loving people informing me they would be paying for my plane reservation. I had no idea how the expenses for this trip would be covered and when I let go of trying to figure it out, it all worked out. It is funny how when I let go of trying to control everything, it all comes together better than I could have imagined.

I am planning ot update this blog each day with the daily events and my thoughts surrounding the day. I will also be posting photos (although not sure of the means at this point - i.e. Facebook).

I wish to thank those of you who made financial contributions for this trip. Your kindness has touched a place in my heart and my promise to you is to continue to pay it forward. I simply know that I will have an opportunity to support someone else who if following their dreams.

If you learn anything from me and my journey of life, please learn that following a dream is a bit like jumping off a cliff into the unknown, but in the end, it always works out and it makes life exciting.

In closing, I share with you a quote from one of my favorite movies -- addressing a broken heart and life:

" I think your heart grows back bigger ya know, once you get the shit beat out of you. And the universe let's your heart expand that way, cause that's the function of all this pain and heartache that you go through and you gotta go through that to come out to a better place". ~ John Cusack / Must Love Dogs.

I will post again in the coming days and weeks.

My love to each of you,

Brandi J.