On Sunday, October 9, I will be participating in my first full marathon in Ohio, The Cleveland Towpath Marathon. For those unsure of a marathon’s distance – It’s 26.2 miles!
Why am I running a marathon?
I am running to provide awareness and raise money to give English Scholarships to teens and adults in Nicaragua so they can get better jobs. 100% of the donations pay for English classes and supplies.
What’s the story?
My first introduction to Nicaragua was a vacation with friends in 2013 – a trip that not only changed my life but has paved the path to change the lives of other people also.
Haunting images of the Nicaraguan’s deplorable living conditions stayed with me once back in the United States. Yet, it was the genuineness of the people that made an impact on my heart.
I returned three weeks later to the country to learn more about the culture and an idea slowly began to develop. Within six months I moved in with a family in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, to live in what Americans would call unacceptable conditions. Yes, it did take time to adjust to the differences and modify my lifestyle but I appreciated and embraced their unique way of life. The Nica
Darling, a student, in our home
While living with the family, I helped children in the area with their English homework and assisted a local business in the neighborhood correspond with English speaking customers – many of which would not have become customers intitally because of the language barrier.
In January of 2016 my journey lead me to León, Nicaragua where I attended ITA Nicaragua and received my TEFL, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, certification. The course enhanced the foundation of my teaching skills as a flight instructor while providing structure to teach students how to speak, read, and write English.
Courtney with students in León at ITA Nicaragua 2016-