Nicaragua with Becca

Becca Mohally Renk

Twas another proud teacher moment last night when I attended a gathering at the Renk home in Sandpoint where Tom and Nancy's daughters, Naomi and Becca, were visiting from Hamilton, Mont. and Nicaragua, respectively.

Great to see both of these former students and to do a little catch-up on their lives.  

Becca, who had prepared a short-slide show program for about two dozen guests, told me she had seen Willie and a host of her other 1995 classmates the day before when she had spoken to students at Sandpoint High School. 

Becca is in Sandpoint this week to visit with family and to talk to groups about Nicaragua where she has lived for the past 17 years.  

During that time this Sandpoint High and Earlham College graduate has worked with the Jubilee House Community-Center for Development in Central America (JHC-CDCA).

Her duties with the Center are widespread, including various aspects of communication and helping with clinics where medical volunteers come to the country to offer their services.  

Becca lives in Ciudad Sandino on the outskirts of Managua with her husband Paul (originally from Ireland) and two daughters. In addition to her work at the center, she serves as president of the local Rotary International. 

During her time back in the states, her mission has been to speak about JHC-CDCA to a variety of groups across the Northwest, including Portland, Seattle and Sandpoint.  

With each appearance, she also brings an assortment of Nicaraguan products (coffee, scarves, jewelry, wood crafts, organic products, etc.) for sale, which help support the community center.

And, of course, she hopes to generate interest in helping support the efforts of JHC-CDCA.  

I was amazed by all I did not know about Nicaragua (consistent improvement in infrastructure and education availability, free health care, keen emphasis on climate change, etc.) as Becca gave her presentation and answered questions with the ease of someone who could have lived in the country all her life.  

She also provided information about ongoing possibilities for individuals or groups who wish to donate their time as volunteers at the community center.  

Often, she says, folks who think they don't really have the specific skills for volunteer work turn out to be the best because they're willing to do anything.  Housing and meals are provided with a per diem charge.  

More information about the center, its activities AND how to donate to the ongoing projects, including construction of their clinic, can be found at www.jhc-cdca.org

Once again,  I'm thrilled to report yet another impressive example of our SHS graduates who has gone off into the world and continued to make a significant positive difference in the lives of others. 

Good job, Becca!

Happy Thursday to all.