On Thursday, January 15, 2026, I touched down in Managua. Coming from the quiet of Canada to the heat of Nicaragua, the weight of the mission hit me instantly.
Before we even began, I was in a very raw place. Standing there surrounded by 200 empty backpacks and mountains of rulers, crayons, and sharpeners, I felt an overwhelming pressure. I knew that for the families in Rio Grande and Estelí, these weren’t just bags—they were the only hope for their children to start the school year this February. I was anxious, I was tired, and I was deeply moved by the magnitude of the need.
But I wasn’t alone. That same day, our team of five—including my mother, my stepfather, and my 77-year-old aunt—rolled up our sleeves and packed every single one of those 200 bags.
The Journey: Rio Grande
On Friday, January 16, we loaded 138 backpacks and made the four-hour trek to Rio Grande. This was more than a delivery; it was a spiritual breakthrough.
There is something sacred about calling a child by their name and handing them the tools for their future. As I looked into the eyes of the parents and saw their tears, and as I watched the thank-you videos the children had prepared, my anxiety vanished. In its place was a profound, quiet peace. I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Estelí: A Second Chance
By Sunday, we headed to Estelí to visit a school run by nuns. This school serves 55 children who have walked the hardest paths imaginable—many coming from the streets or struggling with addiction.
Providing them with hygiene kits—soap, toothpaste, water bottles—and fresh school supplies felt like more than a donation. It felt like we were handing them a second chance at life. We were telling them: “You are seen. You are worthy. Your future matters.”
A Personal Note of Gratitude
I often talk about the foundation, but I have to take a moment to thank the three people who made this specific miracle possible.
- To my Mom and my Aunt: Watching you return to your childhood home to give back was the greatest blessing of the trip.
- To my Aunt: You are 77 years young with the energy of a 20-year-old. Your positivity was the engine that kept us moving when we were exhausted.
- To my Stepdad: Thank you for the countless hours behind the wheel. You navigated the long, difficult drives so we could reach every child on our list. I will always treasure the connection and the bonding we shared in that car.
I could not have done this without you.
What’s Next?
The 2026 school year is starting, and because of your support, 200 children are walking into their classrooms with their heads held high. But our list is still growing.
Will you help us prepare for our next village?
Whether it’s $10 for a backpack or $25 for a full hygiene kit, you are helping us turn “despair” into “dignity.”
