January 30, 2016

Dear Friends,

Walking through the parched fields just outside of Palacagüina, Nicaragua, agricultural expert Ramon Garcia helped put the dry, hot landscape into perspective. “It's been three years without rain..,” he explained, describing years of waiting for the rainy season, only to be disappointed. Sadly, during the PeaceWorks delegation in January, Ramon's words became all too familiar.

Miguel Marin spoke to us about the severe drought during his November visit to New Jersey, but little did we realize how often we'd hear about it down in Nicaragua. In the fields with farmers, on magnificent hikes in the countryside and in city offices – the story was the same. But in the spirit of a people that know a thing or two about overcoming adversity, our delegation was immediately swept up by huge hugs and even bigger ideas and projects that will positively impact people throughout Nicaragua.

Arriving in the community of Rodeo Grande on January 6, we were immediately immersed in FEDICAMP's expanding efforts to help small Nicaraguan farmers access water and adapt to climate change. From freshly installed drip and spray irrigation systems, to new styles of reservoirs, wells, cisterns, rain meters, energetic forests and seed banks, FEDICAMP's communities are stepping up to the climate change challenge to help sustain their livelihoods and way of life in this beautiful but challenging terrain.

Our nine-member delegation of lawyers, professional photographers, a nurse, an ESL teacher, an accountant, a federal legislative staffer and a community developer, jumped into the thick of things with gusto. With our diverse range of backgrounds, interests, ages and Spanish fluency we engaged with our hosts on many levels as we:

● took a steamy hike with members of Palacaguina's Roncalli Association on one of their new eco trails● discussed expanded social medicine initiatives ● witnessed the sobering effects of the pine bark beetle (gorgoja) on the beautiful pine forests of

San Jose de Cusmapa● visited new water projects and talked about more in the works

Happy reunions with our Nicaraguan partners continued as we:● made the bumpy ride up to El Porvenir to hear about the progress of this mountain top coffee

cooperative and see their new truck, purchased in December with PeaceWorks' help● released baby sea turtles into the Pacific ocean at sunset● visited the site of Axayacatl's new community center, now under construction with PeaceWorks' support● saw the impact of Inhijambia's new dormitories on the lives of the young girls they work with● marveled at the progress of Los Pipitos' "Tierra" organization in working with children with disabilities

PeaceWorks, c/o Johnston, 150 Indiana St., Maplewood, NJ 07040973-378-9325, peaceworks.org

Having Jim Burchell's son Brandon with us made our visit especially poignant, as our partners explained to him firsthand how much Jim meant to them, and how they feel his continued presence in their work. Organization after organization talked to us about the helpfulness of the container shipments. We saw the evidence everywhere we went, from the new outdoor garden lights at the Palacaguina Association's lodge, to office, garden and kitchen equipment, to t-shirts from every nook and cranny of New Jersey.

On this delegation, the presence of a professional photographer and our PeaceWorks' communications consultantenabled us to document and report on our journey in real time. Visit our FaceBook page to take the journey with us, day by day. Just search for “PeaceWorks Nicaragua” on Facebook.

Thanks to you, for the first time we were able to deliver nearly $56,000 in funds to support our partners' programs and initiatives. This is a new record for PeaceWorks, and a testament to the fantastic support from our community and the great work of the fundraising committee.

In fact, in 2015 PeaceWorks distributed $82,600 in cash grants to five Nicaraguan partners fighting extreme poverty and social injustice. The year-end report included with this letter shows us the numbers, and so much more. Combined with our January visit with our partners, the numbers tell us, from New Jersey to Nicaragua, thePeaceWorks community is strong. The numbers tell us that we are growing. They tell us our mission to fight extreme poverty and injustice is resonating, that our work has meaning and a clear sense of purpose.

On behalf our our Nicaraguan partners working on some of the toughest problems our planet faces, thank you foryour unwavering support. Together, we expect 2016 to be our strongest year ever.

Peace,Diane, Denis and the PeaceWorks Board

----------------------------------Please Let Us Know How You're Helping!

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_____ Please add me to the PeaceWorks email list for meeting reminders and events announcements.

Name: __________________________ Email: _____________________________________

_____ I am interested in a presentation on PeaceWorks at my church or community group.

_____ I am interested in volunteering time for your dinner forums and/or material aid shipments.

PeaceWorks, c/o Johnston, 150 Indiana St., Maplewood, NJ 07040973-378-9325, peaceworks.org

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January 2016 Newsletterdelegation poster copyPhoto essay2015 FINANCIAL REPORT2015 Financial Report final new logo copy