Several years ago, our local Managua newspaper (La Prensa) published an interesting survey. One of the questions really caught my eye. They asked youth across Nicaragua the following question: "If you had the chance to leave Nicaragua to another country but could never return, would you do it?" For me (and probably most of you), the answer is easy. I would never want to leave my home country if it meant not being able to return. However, the surprising answer for 84% of Nicaraguan youth was "yes!"
The sad reality is that there are many Nicaraguans who believe they would be better off anywhere else than in their own country. They have given up on the possibility that their country will ever rid itself of the poverty and corruption that have plagued this nation throughout their lifetimes. Unfortunately, the escape mentality (which has led many to leave the country) only furthers Nicaragua's inability to grow.
One factor that has brought our family to such a strong commitment to God's ministry through Nicaragua Christian Academy is that we see something very different among our students. Each year, before our senior class graduates from high school, the soon-to-be graduates share their hopes and dreams for the future. Although the responses of our missionary kids and other international students are always extremely interesting and encouraging, most intriguing to me is what our Nicaraguan students (more than 50%) have to share. While their peers dream of abandoning their country, our NCA students consistently share of their plans to continue their studies (most of them in the United States or Costa Rica, where university education is much better than in Nicaragua) and of their commitment to return to Nicaragua. Their words reflect a mentality of, "This is my country, and I know that with God's help, I can make a difference here in the future." It is this hope that we see in the eyes of our students that gives us a sense of renewed passion each day and year for what God is doing at Nicaragua Christian Academy!
The sad reality is that there are many Nicaraguans who believe they would be better off anywhere else than in their own country. They have given up on the possibility that their country will ever rid itself of the poverty and corruption that have plagued this nation throughout their lifetimes. Unfortunately, the escape mentality (which has led many to leave the country) only furthers Nicaragua's inability to grow.
One factor that has brought our family to such a strong commitment to God's ministry through Nicaragua Christian Academy is that we see something very different among our students. Each year, before our senior class graduates from high school, the soon-to-be graduates share their hopes and dreams for the future. Although the responses of our missionary kids and other international students are always extremely interesting and encouraging, most intriguing to me is what our Nicaraguan students (more than 50%) have to share. While their peers dream of abandoning their country, our NCA students consistently share of their plans to continue their studies (most of them in the United States or Costa Rica, where university education is much better than in Nicaragua) and of their commitment to return to Nicaragua. Their words reflect a mentality of, "This is my country, and I know that with God's help, I can make a difference here in the future." It is this hope that we see in the eyes of our students that gives us a sense of renewed passion each day and year for what God is doing at Nicaragua Christian Academy!
1 comment:
Hi Liam,
I think it is necessary for me to comment on this blog since I am a Nicaraguan and NCA graduate living abroad.
When I left Nicaragua to further my studies abroad, I wanted to come back and serve my country. I went through many phases throughout my college career as to what I wanted to do with my life.
Now i am out of school and working.
My wife and I think that Nicaragua is where God wants us in the future. Even though we are currently living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, we want to live in Nicaragua long-term. I have always wanted to invest in Nicaragua, and everyday God is making this dream feasible. I am working in one of the biggest insurance companies in the world, and I am learning so much.
I believe that preparation is necessary for potential dreams to come true. Praying for you, your family, and for my country.
God Bless,
leonid
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