Why am I going to Nicaragua?

by Andrea Heyse

Andrea is taking Social Justice in spring 2007. She was chosen to be a Puleo Scholar and so study and work this coming summer in Niacaragua through the scholarship made possible by Mev’s parents, Peter and Evie Puleo.

After beginning to read pg. 367 in The Book of Mev, she put the book down, and began to write, “Why am I going to Nicaragua?”

I am going because I got Godbumps when Dr. Rubio talked about it at the theology club meeting in September.

I am going because when I told some of my friends that I’m going to Nicaragua this summer, they asked me where it was.

I’m going because my mom didn’t think I could get in the program and didn’t want me to apply in the first because I’m giving up two months of working.

I’m going because my dad knew I was going to get in.

I’m going because I suck at Spanish but genuinely want to learn it.

I’m going because my friends and family think I’m crazy.

I’m going because for some reason, someone dropped out so I could have a chance.

I’m going because I probably wouldn’t have another chance to go.

I’m going because I want to taste real rice and beans.

I’m going because my eyes and heart have been opened to the rest of the world and I don’t ever want them to close.

I’m going because I’m studying theology but I want my studies to be about more than just books. Leonardo Boff said:
“Theology alone doesn’t convince anyone. Only those words which are pregnant with action, theology is born of suffering, of struggles, of the poor- this theology is a testimony. This theology leads to conversion.”

I’m going because I want to hear new music.

I’m going because this is the next step on my faith journey.

I’m going because my parents have called me crazy more times than I care to count, in the best way possible of course.

I’m going because when I got the email the first time from Dr. Rubio saying that I didn’t get it, I locked the door to my dorm room because I started crying uncontrollably (and I almost never cry) because I knew then that I wanted and needed it so bad and so deep in my heart but it was completely out of my hands.

I’m going because my roommate Trout wanted me to get it so bad.
I’m going because of all the people I know who were praying for me to get it and pray for me everyday.

I’m going because I know so deep in my soul that its right.

I’m going to challenge myself; in my religion, my knowledge (or lack there of) of Central America, my Spanish skills, my ability to adapt, my whole being.

I’m going because of the innocent victims who have fallen under the wrath of SOA graduates.

I’m going to learn about social justice or injustice in the most hands on way I can think of.

I’m going because I don’t want to work in my dad’s office this summer or work for the professional painting company I’ve been laboring for the past two summers.

I’m going for the feeling I’ll get when I first step off the plane onto Nicaraguan soil.

I’m going for the people I’ll meet there, for I know as much as I might be able to help them, the lessons they will pass on to me will be priceless.

I’m going because I’ll get to see James Meinert at his sight for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

I’m going because I love to travel.

I’m going because the opportunity presented itself and I grabbed it.

I’m going because I want to witness first hand a Nicaraguan sunset.

I’m going because I can’t wait to tell the stories, show the pictures, or hug the people I missed when I get back.

I’m going because I want to learn, grow, teach, think, accept, reject, see, pray, dance, imagine, solve, absorb, confess, breath, tell, remember, and live.

I’m going because I’m blessed.