Naksa Pana. I lived in Puerto Lempira as a Peace Corps Volunteer from late 1964 to August 1966. I have not seen pictures of the town, other than my own, for close to 50 years now. It is, apparently, a very different place. Pre drug trafficking and before the use of the area as a military base for operations in Nicaragua, the Mikitos (as often spelled then) were a very peaceful and gentle people. I spent much of my time with the children in the area, building a small playground and trying gardening projects with children to try to help families vary their diets in more healthy ways (not particularly successfully). I built a house near what was then the central area full of huge Mango trees. It was my living quarters but also intended for use as a kind of community center. The village "jail" was one tiny single room house made of bamboo- I only remember it being used once during the close to 2 years I was there. Things were tough for families then. It saddens me to think those wonderful people have an even harder life now. I congratulate you, Morgan, for dedicating yourself to helping. I truly believe that "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." You are building your purpose in a manner and place that matters, Morgan. I wish you the very best. Dave Knaggs- davegkn@comcast.net
Naksa Pana. I lived in Puerto Lempira as a Peace Corps Volunteer from late 1964 to August 1966. I have not seen pictures of the town, other than my own, for close to 50 years now. It is, apparently, a very different place. Pre drug trafficking and before the use of the area as a military base for operations in Nicaragua, the Mikitos (as often spelled then) were a very peaceful and gentle people. I spent much of my time with the children in the area, building a small playground and trying gardening projects with children to try to help families vary their diets in more healthy ways (not particularly successfully). I built a house near what was then the central area full of huge Mango trees. It was my living quarters but also intended for use as a kind of community center. The village "jail" was one tiny single room house made of bamboo- I only remember it being used once during the close to 2 years I was there. Things were tough for families then. It saddens me to think those wonderful people have an even harder life now. I congratulate you, Morgan, for dedicating yourself to helping. I truly believe that "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." You are building your purpose in a manner and place that matters, Morgan. I wish you the very best. Dave Knaggs- davegkn@comcast.net
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