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From left to right:
(click on the names to read about each person)
 Amira Tahir
Country Director
amira@mannaproject.org
After graduating from Baylor with a degree in Sociology, I moved
to Nicaragua with the plan of working for one year in an orphanage
located about an hour south of Managua. Seven
years later, I am still here. :) I worked in the orphanage for two
years and since then have had several different jobs in the private
sector.
When
I was first approached regarding working with Manna Project, I was
immediately excited about the possibility of a return to my original
dream: making a difference in Nicaragua. After having lived here for
seven years, I have an incredible amount of love for the country and
its people. Couple that with helping others discover their passions and
use their talents, and it makes this the perfect opportunity.
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 Josh Abeln
St. Louis, MO
Hola, Soy Josh Abeln. I was born and raised in Missouri. After
Graduating High I searched for 2 years working in construction trying to find
my purpose in life. Well, I landed in Nicaragua working for Manna
Project International. I have been working with Manna since January 2008 and I'm
ready for another round of Nicaragua challenges this year. This year I will still be working with Halle August on construction. With programs, I will be teaching Kids English, Sports, Child Sponsorship in La Chureca, and Feeding program with Kathy August. Manna Project has
been an amazing adventure for me. It opens your eyes and leaves you with
something special. Dale Pues. God Bless.
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 Mary Rose "The Mose" ConroyPhiladelphia, PA
maryrose@mannaproject.org
This year I decided to take a break from my East Coast tour (growing up
in Philadelphia, 4 years at Providence College, followed by two in DC
working and going to grad school for Public Policy) to return to
Central America. After spending last summer studying Spanish and
volunteering in Guatemala, I knew I wanted to spend more time immersing
myself in the culture, getting to know the people of the region, and
perfecting my use of reflexive verbs and indirect objects. Manna's
vision of holistic community development through "communities serving
communities" really captivated me...and here I am! During my year in
Nica, I hope to work with our Child Sponsorship, Microfinance, and
Women's Health Programs, as well as teach literacy and math classes.
In my free time I also plan to feed my avocado addiction, train our
dogs, learn to drive the micro, practice yoga on the roof, and fatten
up my housemates with my vegetarian cooking.
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University of Virginia
christina@mannaproject.org
Hola amigos! I was born and raised in the great state of Virginia, and
graduated from the University of Virginia (wahoo-wa) this May with a
double major in Spanish and Religious Studies. I came to Nicaragua
over spring break my 4th year in college and fell in love with the
hospitable people, friendly culture, and beautiful countryside. While
here I hope to work in La Chureca in the health clinic and with the
Child
Sponsorship Program, coach a girl's soccer team, work in the women's
health program (and fun exercise class!) and teach either literacy or
English classes.
Things I'm passionate about in no particular order: Jesus, running,
soccer, Young Life, hiking, The Price is Right, chocolate, delicious
Nicaraguan food, dancing, curling up with a novel, and the beach. I'd
love to answer any questions you have, just email!
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Vanderbilt University
tressa@mannaproject.org
Hi! My name is Tressa Hoekstra (which has been morphed into Teresa
since arriving in Nicaragua), and I am a recent graduate of Vanderbilt
University. While my Spanish degree will come in handy this year, the
other part - European Studies - will be on hold, unless it is to teach
a unit on European History to the Advanced Adult English Class. While I
am here I hope to work with the Child Sponsorship Program in Chureca,
teach a Spanish Literacy class, help with the women's exercise class
and the children's beginner English class, while hopefully putting my
love of soccer to use by co-coaching a woman's soccer team. I have high
hopes for this year, and hope to be able to be used according to God's
will and plan, to bring light to dark places and hope where it is
lacking. I have so much to learn and experience, and I can't wait for
it to begin!
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Vanderbilt University
emily@mannaproject.org
I graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2008 with a degree in Human and Organizational Development and
Spanish. As a student I enjoyed experiencing Greek life, participating in various Christian organizations, and studying abroad in
Spain. After
a few months at home in North Carolina, I moved to Managua, eager to
pursue my passion for Latin America and excited to begin work with the
Manna team. Among my favorite things are beaches and small children who speak Spanish. Post-graduation plans
may include graduate school, counseling, or adoption work.
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Brown University
nicole@mannaproject.org
Hola chavalos. My name is Nikki. I
majored in Biology at Brown University and plan to attend medical
school in 2009. There is nothing I would rather be doing in my year
off than working in such a beautiful country with such amazing people.
During my time here I will be working in Chureca, teaching English,
literacy, and women's exercise. I am excited for a great year!
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 Maddie Jalandoni
Emory University
maddie@mannaproject.org
Hello all! My name is Maddie Jalandoni. I've lived in Potomac, MD for
the last 10 years but am a Filipina-American and wannabe Nica. I
graduated from Emory with a B.A. in Latin American and Caribbean
Studies and a minor in Global Health, the latter of which I hope to
turn into a career - WHO here I come! As for Nicaragua, I fell in love
with it while studying abroad and working with Manna Project last
fall. Apparently, I loved it so much that I decided to come back for a
year. I've got high hopes for our fantastic group and can't wait to
see where the year will take us!
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Vanderbilt University
michael@mannaproject.org
I graduated from Vandy in 2006 having studied math education and
psychology. After a year of teaching in Nashville, I decided to leave
the comfort of my world there for a new adventure. Though I knew life
would be different, I had no idea what to expect. And even though it
hasn't been long since I arrived, I already feel like I've had a year's
worth of experiences here in Nica. Since observing the math classroom
at El Farito, I am eager to jump in with Manna's role in education here
in the outskirts of Managua.
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Washington, North Carolina
josh.eddings@mannaproject.org
Hey everybody. My name is Josh Eddings and I was born and raised in little Washington,
North
Carolina. I graduated from UNC-Wilmington in May of 2008 with a double major in Spanish and International Business.
In my free time I love fly fishing, duck hunting, and pretty much anything outdoors. The
most important thing to me is being there when people need help and
loving people the way that Jesus Christ has so freely loved me. I have loved Nicaragua since my first trip here 5 years ago so it
is no surprise to anyone that I am here now for a year. While here I plan to teach English on all levels, work with our sports
programs, and spend as much time as I can in La Chureca.
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