WEST WINFIELD – On Dec. 27, sisters Megan and Kelsey Merritt embarked on the Christmas vacation of a lifetime. They flew to Managua and then made their way to the Bridges to Community worksite in Ticuantepe, Nicaragua. Once there, they were quickly oriented to the culture and started on the task at hand. Their team of 10 volunteers were charged with building a home. The home was to be dedicated to a family of four, Cecilia, Jairo, Jennifer and Axol. Previously, they had lived in a one room dwelling made of tin with no indoor plumbing or flooring. It took three days to build, complete with a lesson from a local mason. Finally it was completed. The home was then dedicated to the family, who were most grateful. The family said they never could dream of living in such a home. After the building was completed, the team went to assist with the building of the new Bridges to Community Building Center. Following the pour on site, they were lucky enough to have earned some much needed rest. They toured a local active volcano, explored a lava tunnel which had become a home to hundreds of local bats. The following day, they were fortunate enough to swim in a volcanic crater which had formed a lake. This was a definite highlight of the trip. It was a wonderful experience for the two sisters, and anyone interested can simply ask to see the beautiful album of pictures. The Merritt sisters would like to offer a very special thanks to Ms. Garza’s Global History class, who collected school supplies for the local school and to all the group and personal donations the girls received before their trip. Megan and Kelsey Merritt live in West Winfield and attend Mount Markham High School.
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