April 2012
Dear BECA Amigo,
I got some "hate mail" last month.
Well, not really "hate mail."
It seems a couple of people took exception to my letter in the last newsletter (which was gleaned from my personal blog).
"You are being too negative" and "us vs. them" and stuff like that was what I heard.
I appreciate it a lot when people take the time to share their thoughts with me.
But here's the thing. I don't like sugarcoating things.
My blog -- and at times, this newsletter -- is about trying to share my point of view with you people about the work we try to do here with BECA in Nicaragua.
And, at times, things aren't all that rosy. The work can be frustrating and challenging. And I don't see any reason why I shouldn't share these challenging learning experiences. I just figure that it makes for a more interesting, transparent read.
I subscribe to a few of those super-upbeat "we are changing the world" newsletters and, quite frankly . . . ummm . . . they're boring.
(Serendipitously, it's also possible that one time someone out there might happen across one of these notes and not make one of the many goofs that I've made on this journey in development work. But make no mistake, these messages are not meant to be "teaching opportunities.")
In closing, though, let me be clear about two things:
- BECA is making progress and we're seeing some good things happen here in Nicaragua.
- Personally, the positive, life-enriching experiences far, far outweigh any dark moments. My take away in spiritual and intellectual terms dwarfs any potential contribution.
So thanks for paying attention to us. And for putting up with the occasional "bleak" e-mail, too.
Sincerely,
Walter Hunchak
Founder, BECA.org
walter@beca.org
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