Thursday, 22 July 2010

On the ground with Alpha 6

Your intrepid correspondent has just returned from an amazing week visiting our three Alpha projects in Nicaragua along with the lovely Amy, our CR&N support coordinator direct from Raleigh head office in London.

When we left the delightfully rustic village of La Naranja de Tayacan in the Miraflor Nature Reserve a few days ago, Alpha 6 had made a great start to their project under the expert direction of their local maestro de obras (foreman), Don Hector. 

They have settled into the community, finished clearing and leveling the site for the community centre they're building and started the monumental task of gathering 15 cubic metres of stones from a nearby riverbed to line the foundations.

The team has really been embraced by the community with each household feeding and housing two or three Venturers and the locals pitching in to help on the work site everyday. It's a very special experience to live with the local families - they're all so generous and the kids love playing games and taking photos once work is finished for the day, which is a real boost for the group.

Now on to what you all really want to see... some photos from the beautiful La Naranja de Tayacan:


Posted by Our mission at 22:22
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45 comments:

  1. Anonymous23 July 2010 at 00:08

    To Ariadna Venegas, Delta 2

    Hola Ari! Espero que dormir en una hamaca haya estado bien, se veia bien tuanis! Bueno, nada mas un saludo, de parte mia, y de sus padres que no saben como dejar un comentario. Yo todo bien en Italia! Un abrazo. Ruben

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous23 July 2010 at 02:03

    To Catriona Till Alpha 6
    Hi Trins, Hurrah!!FANTASTIC and fun photos of you - so exciting. What a beautiful place. Looks like youre all getting stuck into the hard work. What a great project to be part of. The children look as if they are enjoying using your camera. Good luck with the gathering of stones and all the building work. Take care and have lots of fun xxm&d

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  3. Ma Jacob23 July 2010 at 07:54

    Hi Hellie! Finally found some pics of you and your team! You all look well and happy despite all the hard work. And it does look hard!! Still, sounds like you're making progress which is great. Keep up the good work! Hope you're getting my letters 'cos' I'm certainly writing them. Take care! Lots of love, Mam. XXXXXXXXX

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  4. Ryan23 July 2010 at 08:37

    Gaby Cichonska - Delta 1

    Heyyy Gabmindapal.

    How's Costa Rica going? Still no job for me here which suckksssss. Have applied for a couple things with the bbc but not holding out much help going on my record with them.

    I think it's amaaazing what you're doing out there and I think it's just selfish that you didn't try and pack me in your luggage and take me out with you. By my count, still another 7 days till you're back from the jungle. Days are going sooo slowly- miss you crazy amounts.

    Do they have pigeons out there? Reckon you can catch one and send me a carrier pigeon message just so I can hear something from you? 19 days is a looong time.

    Hopefully see some pics of you on the blog or something soon. Maybe that'll make the next 7 days a bit more bearable. And the 9 after that. I'm trying to pass the days by plotting how to get me and you to Paris for a weekend before you go back to uni.

    Hope you haven't been bitten by too many mosquito's or trashed my trousers/thermarest/various other stuff you stole.

    Stay safe. Loooooads of loves.

    xxxxxx

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  5. Anonymous23 July 2010 at 14:04

    Delta 3 - Daisy Bareham

    I just saw the photos from your school building thing. I'm pretty sure I read it as school. It looks like you're having loads of fun, hope it's as good as it looks. From the looks of it you're going to have a hell of a lot to report when you get back, so you better be remembering it all. As far as I'm aware you havent missed much here at home, so enjoy you're time out there. Gotta be better than sitting around here! Hopefully hear from you soon, but if not I look forward to you coming home.

    Eli

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  6. Anonymous23 July 2010 at 14:21

    Hi Colita, Alpha 6 I see you, try to smile, I know your tired but hard work does pay off. Keep up the good work. So proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. Is everyone treating you good. Next time they take a picture of you let me know your ok by putting up two fingers ok. Don't forget to take the things you need to keep you calm and relaxed after a hard days work. Looking to hear from you. Love you Mom

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  7. Anonymous23 July 2010 at 14:23

    Rob Pritchard - Delta 1
    Hi Rob
    Keep on looking on here for pics of your group but there havent been any yet - maybe soon! Hope all is going ok there and its not all hard work and you have some time for enjoyment. All is well here - been writing quite a bit, filming in two weeks just over the weekend, weather permitting as its on the beach!

    Had a swarm of bees land on the small tree in the front garden the other day - a couple of beekeepers came to get them. There were hundreds of them and it took them a couple of hours to get them in a box. It was quite interesting to watch all the bees following the queen into the box.

    Only a couple more weeks to go and you will be back - it seems like you've been gone for ages.

    Hope you're having a great time, speak soon. Mum xx

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  8. Anonymous23 July 2010 at 15:57

    Luke - Delta 3
    Looking good!!!! We're back from Spain so will watch the progress

    love D & M xxx

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  9. ana m24 July 2010 at 03:40

    hola mami,

    parece que estais construiendo una cosa grande.Espero que te baya vien.

    Te estoy hechando de menos
    Un besote enorme

    Ana
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sister Heather24 July 2010 at 05:03

    Hi Sister (Catherine Feltham!) just looked at the funny photo of u in white on the blog hehe!
    It looks busy, hard work but fun! hope you're ok, hope to speak to u soooooooon! lots of love from me and Mum xxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous24 July 2010 at 11:59

    Hi Colita, Alpha 6 I got your email sorry just getting it, I think you left your phone at base because the last text I got was the next day on the nenth you had just got up. How are you, hang in there, time is going fast so enjoy everyday.

    Love mom

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  12. Anonymous24 July 2010 at 16:11

    Rose Alpha 1 Sorry you are in the wars with such sore feet.Make the most of a rest and hope u will soon be back with the group You have had a torrid time by the sounds of it and I am very proud of you Good luck with the last week and really looking forward to speaking next weekend Have sent lots of letters with home updates!
    Mum xxx

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  13. Anonymous25 July 2010 at 05:28

    Alice M Delta 4
    Heya, don't think you got our first message.... Hope you're having a fantastic time and enjoying the Homeee soup!! Raised a glass to you at Graduation and thought you'd be looking stunning in your poncho. James loved his present and photo, had a great day in London.
    Love and hugs from us all LUO&N:) D, M, J & Cxxx

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  14. ~LuLu~25 July 2010 at 09:02

    To Edith,
    Hello from Raleigh KL! U look great in the photos. gah yau ar... take care!!!
    get out there,
    luyi =)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous25 July 2010 at 09:36

    Para Ariana Salas: Arita ahora SÍ te ví con pico en mano y todo....qué buena trabajadota se están dando!!!..te extrañamos princesita pero qué felicidad pues parece que la estás pasando bien...Un besito ENORMEEE y cuidese mucho... MOME

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  16. Johnny J25 July 2010 at 10:51

    Hiyah Hellie

    Just been looking at pics of you and alpha 6. Looks fairly hot there! You'll come back thin as a rake. Just going for a run with mate Pete. no news really apart from that. mam's incommunicado since she's gone down to London. How long are you gonna be where you are at the mo?

    Take care
    Love JJ.
    xxxxxxxxx

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  17. Anonymous25 July 2010 at 13:28

    Hi Colita Alpha 6, keep up the good work. toay is Sunday, just wondering what you're doing today, maybe it is a fun day. I can't wait to see the finished work you guys are doing. Take care. Love mom

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  18. Anonymous26 July 2010 at 11:57

    Hi Rose! Alpha1 Den repairs underway Big mess!LWC been to vet Sunblock to go on ears and nose!Had jab. Jazz passed test today so taxiing this evening.Hope blisters on the mend Good luck on last days of trek Enjoy the beach! Expect sea is warm Great for paddling and healing feet.On Chapter 2 of Spanish course Improving! Lots of love Mum xxx

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  19. Eileen, Bill and Chip Murphy27 July 2010 at 03:15

    Sue-Lyn Delta 3
    Hope you are getting the messages. You are in the home stretch now and I am sure working flat out to complete the school. Weather here is changeable. Yesterday Malcolm the postmann got hit in the back by a large truck as he waited to turn into Woodpeckers. He is very shook up but otherwise ok. His van was pushed into a small mercedes and it was wedged against a tree with its 2 occupants. We had 4 police cars 2 ambulances 3 fire trucks and the Air Ambulance landed in the cornfield next door. The road was closed for 3 hours. Rosellen has an interview tomorrow morning. We are all fine and thinking of you constantly. Best of luck to you and all the team. Love Mum, Dad and Chip xxxxxxxxxx

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  20. David Jackson27 July 2010 at 06:53

    For Kimberley Jackson Alpha 4
    Hi Gub, Looking forward to seeing some pics of you on the blog. Hope it is now a bit drier. We're all missing you enormously. Love Dad xxx

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  21. Illiana27 July 2010 at 08:09

    Hola Arita! Qué orgullo me produce verte ahí, entregando y compartiendo tu tiempo y tus fuerzas. Adelante, eso te tiene que llenar de satisfacción. Miles de besitos,
    Mami

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  22. Anonymous27 July 2010 at 16:04

    For Catriona Till - Alpha 6

    hey trins!
    so, it all looks amazing! you look like you're working so hard, but it must be so much fun as well.
    also it looks like a side effect will be you being incredibly toned and fit and disgustingly tanned for september! think maybe i'd better start with the running soon..
    so jealous of all you're doing out there, keep having fun!!

    muchos lovos, bethan xx

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  23. Granny28 July 2010 at 13:59

    Delta 1 Vicky Palmer Darling Vicky I hope you have a very Happy Birthday I like the leaf you are hiding behind in one of the pictures on the web site lots of love Granny

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mum28 July 2010 at 14:09

    To Vicky Palmer Delta 1

    Your project looks fab. Hope you have a great time on your challenge week which is coming up soon. I'm at Granny's at the moment and she sends her love.
    Wishing you a very happy birthday for July 31st.
    lots and lots of love.
    Mum xxx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Kathryn28 July 2010 at 14:27

    Alpha 2 - Harry (Henry Adams)
    Sup Homeslice,
    Just a quick note to tell you I'm looking forward to my birthday present arriving next week... ah ha just kidding!
    I hope you are surviving your trek and generally having a ball. I myself am now a qualified paediatric.... and also a blonde.... dad says I look like a mermaid and mum agrees. I personally have decided that I look like a piratical pixie.
    WIN
    Love you squibillions
    Kat
    Also, make sure you take many pictures :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous28 July 2010 at 16:42

    para Ariana Salas:
    ari! demasiado lindo verte trabajando y sudando la gota gorda! no hay día que pase sin pensar en vos y en todo lo que debes estar viviendo. Contando los días desde ya para las conversadotas que nos esperan. te recontra idolatro!
    sofi

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous28 July 2010 at 22:30

    Hi Lisa Cranfield (10F)

    Hey leese, hope all going well for you, you must be pretty fit currently. Looks amazing and is a fab country! Can't wait to have a good old gas bag when you finished.

    Lots of love and look after you......

    Fran xxx

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  28. Leah Fullwood29 July 2010 at 12:45

    Hi Nikki (Alpha 3),

    Received your letter today. Thank you :) Good to hear you are having a good time. Hows the porridge eating going? Still having to hold your nose?

    Italy was brilliant with mum and Dave i was truely spoilt!!! Will and I are good both working hard at the Lodge at the moment. All systems go for the South Africa trip. Looks and sounds amazing. Trying to persuade Will to join me for the last 2 weeks of it.

    Now is it just me or do they never write up about your group? Im always reading about what other groups are doing!!!

    Anyway hope its going well

    Lots and lots of love Leah and Will xxx

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous29 July 2010 at 14:02

    Para Ariana Salas:
    Ari que bueno verla haciendo algo que la apasiona, disfrute al máximo esta experiencia y sepa que nos hace mucha falta.
    "Chata, devuélvame mi plata" ja ja
    Cata

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous29 July 2010 at 14:54

    Hi Laura,
    Missing you, seems quiet here without you, cant wait for your to come home. Everyone is OK. Toby and Spencer miss you. Harvest has started but weather showery. Hoping insects haven't bitten too much.

    Love
    Mum, Dad, and James
    Dickinson, meadow drove, bourne, lincolnshire

    ReplyDelete
  31. Unknown30 July 2010 at 08:09

    Para Ariana Salas-Alpha 6
    Hola Ari!!!! Qué bueno ver por fin algunas fotos de lo que está haciendo!!! Va a venir hecha una fortachona jaja, cuídese montones y que disfrute dem!!! Aquí la estamos esperando para salir apenas vuelva!! un abrazo,
    Ana

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  32. Anonymous30 July 2010 at 15:25

    Lisa Cranfield Alpha 1

    Lisa sista! your trip looks so much fun innit blood!? You must be very fit and healthy! U paul and I are so tempted to write naughty comments to you, but we shouldnt.he has chosen the ones, you know..all missing you here at the Richmond Palace..Lots of love from the Regal Richmond Boys xxx

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  33. Illiana30 July 2010 at 16:05

    Hola Arita!
    Pensando mucho en ti, en que ya debés de estar por concluir esta fase del voluntariado, y por regresar a CR. Qué bueno si pudiera sentirte un poquito más cerca... Te amo inmensamente,
    Mami

    ReplyDelete
  34. Unknown31 July 2010 at 00:18

    Hey Edith,

    Looking at your smiling face as usual. Enjoy the life and get ready for your 2nd phase :)

    Cheers,
    Lydia
    Raleigh HK

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous1 August 2010 at 11:06

    For Ros (Alpha6): loving the pics, and glad to see the gloves are being put to such good use! Dad and I had a fab time in France, tons of happy musicking; and Nick's with us this week, lots of planning for next year... Nothing more from uni. HUGE HUGS & LOVE, Mumxxx

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  36. Anonymous1 August 2010 at 23:13

    Ari Salas - Alpha 6
    Hola Ari!!!! :) recien regrese de Nicaragua!!!! y veo estas fotos tuyas tan bonitas... se ve que estas trabajando muy duro.... siento mucho orgullo machilla... un abrazo muy grande y lleno de buenas vibras..

    Va un besillo por ahi también!!!!

    Atentamente,
    Daniel

    ReplyDelete
  37. Illiana2 August 2010 at 00:16

    Hola, Arita! Con la ilusión de la muy proxima llegada de Sofi, con la alegria de saberte de nuevo en CR, y con el pesar de no haber podido establecer contacto...
    Sos una chica valiente, que sabe luchar, que no se rinde, que quiere un mundo mejor, que me llena de orgullo...
    Te adoro, mi Princhi!
    Mami

    ReplyDelete
  38. Mum Smith2 August 2010 at 13:51

    To James Smith Alpha4,Hi James saw you on the blog great photos,we are all so proud of you!!! Missing you and love you loads Mum xx

    ReplyDelete
  39. greenway gang2 August 2010 at 17:24

    Hi there Anthony (Shapland) - Alpha 6

    Great to read all about your work on Phase One and to see you in so many of the photos - working hard!! Can't imagine that you've had the time to take 400 photos already!!...but we're really looking forward to seeing them when you get home. Alpha 6 all look like a great bunch of people and it's good to hear that you're making some great friends. You have probably moved on to yur second Phase by now. Fingers crossed it's the one you wanted! The time is going by very quickly - so make the most of every single moment out there! We'll follow the blog and try to correspond as much as we can. I'm in Dorset at the moment and we will be spending a few days in Devon next week -but as long as I can get to a computer....I'll keep in touch! We forwarded your email to the boys and also to Finola, Conor and Aisling - so everyone can follow your progress. Have a wonderful time, Anthony....and take care! Don't forget the Malaria Tablets!!! Lots and lots of love from Mum and Dad xxxxx

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  40. Ma Jacob3 August 2010 at 03:42

    Hi Hellie! Just wishing you and your new team all the best as you head out to Nicaragua again. Hope all goes well and you manage to do the job. Presume your weather better than here - think summer's over for the time being. Going to start cleaning now ready for the arrival of Cath et al. Did you here Isla's got tooth no. 3?? John seems to be on fitness drive and looking better for it. Both he and Pad didn't get back till after 11 last night - I was waiting outside the flat - forgot the keys! Will pop down to yours soon just to check it's ok. Great about the bonus!! Lots of love and take care! Mam. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  41. greenway gang3 August 2010 at 14:09

    For Anthony Shapland - Alpha 6

    Hello again, Anthony. Granny and Granddad send their love and are enjoying seeing you in the photos! We've been out for a long walk today and are planning on doing another one tomorrow, weather permitting. They were very impressed with your LONG email filled with so much news! If you get a chance - do send another one....as it's so good to hear from you. I was glad to see the new work gloves being used.....lifting all those concrete blocks! You'll be a great help for Dad when you get home...as there's a load of blocks that need moving in the back garden!! Dad is also going to try to 'Blog' you....but I think he needs me at home to work it out for him!! You know what he's like!!!!!
    Spoke to Micki this evening. She's fine...and Vincent is trying to concentrate on revising for his exams on 19.August. Let's hope the baby doesn't arrive on the same day as his exams! I've offered to spend a few days there next week (when I get home from Devon) to help prepare the Nursery for the baby. I think there's some papering and new curtains required...along with some other jobs. I've told them to make a list for me and I'll try to do as much as I can. Time is running out fast!! Will let you know as soon as you become an UNCLE! Anyway - I'll say goodbye for now. Keep up the good work and enjoy yourself. We're all thinking about you and are all very proud of what you're doing out there. All the best. Hello to your new friends!! Lots and lots of love from Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  42. Mellisa Coyle4 August 2010 at 08:34

    David Morton Alpha 2.
    Heyy babie. missing you loads but the sunshine in zante sure helps make me feel better. it like in the sixties and in gettin so burnt lol. just thot i would leave you a wee message to let you know i got my exam results and i hot 2 A's and a B !!!!! so im staying in glasgowww babie. love you millions. sweet dreams babie . mhwah x

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  43. tom quayle4 August 2010 at 15:16

    To Catriona Till, Alpha 6,

    Hi trins, hope you are having an awesome time and not just doing heavy lifting! everything looks amazing and really rewarding. I am very jealous looking at your pictures from an office in london! amy seems to be having a great time out in vietnam as well. hope your group is good and you're having lots and lots of fun. lots of love, tommy x

    ReplyDelete
  44. Zoe Thomas-Webb9 August 2010 at 03:08

    For Roz (Alpha 6)

    AHHHHHHHHH! Look at you being amazing! Miss you like crazy and can't wait to see your gorgeous face! Start a new job this week which is tres exciting and then I go on my mini holiday to Edinburgh so thats exciting, apart from that nothing out of the ordinary! LOVE YOU SO MUCH and keep having what looks like an amazing time! love
    Zoe x

    ReplyDelete
  45. Daddy Alan xx10 August 2010 at 23:24

    For Diana (Alpha 6)

    Hi Didi
    Looks like your having a fantastic time the pics looks amazing. If you’re getting a bit bored of that lovely weather its 6am here in London and pouring with rain. We are so proud of our little girl (Ok maybe not so little if you’re eating all them carbs and drinking black coffee with loads of sugar and your nearly 19!!!!) We are all missing you "even me" just don’t tell anyone I admitted to that. Think Kay’s starting to lose the will to live now with the summer holidays are in full swing and kids driving her up the wall, oh work is goooood lol. The girls all send their love xxxxxxxx Hope the next faze goes well my intrepid adventurer love you and will write soon xxx

    ReplyDelete

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