Agua Nicaragua - Run Across Nicaragua     AguaNicaragua's Ultimate Goal is to help the Miskito Indians that inhabit the land along the Coco River in Nicaragua by creating access to clean water through the use of wells.  We also plan to provide education about the link between dirty water and disease versus clean water and good health.  We have had many encounters with the Miskito Indians through the years.  In June of 2007, with the help of Franscico, a native of the Coco River and an Interpreter, we were fortunate enough to be able to visit with not only some of the leaders but the people as well.  As we introduced marshmallows to their children, we witnessed first-hand their poor water conditions.  Franscisco shared his story as well, of the hardships he and his family suffered from their life on the river.  And when he learned of our plans to help his people, he was overjoyed and offered to pick up the cost of our trip to Leimus, a whole $250, which is roughly two and half months salary for him.  Though we couldn't take him up on his offer, we were overwhelmed by his reaction and eagerness to help his people, and we walked away with a renewed sense of purpose to help these generous and loving people.         Agua Nicaragua mainly will target the Coco River Territory because it is the most remote and the poorest in the Miskito territory or Nicaragua.  Because of the lack of private property laws, it is difficult to convince investors, foreign and domestic, to invest in the area. The Miskito territory is the property of all Miskitos as a tribe/nation/ethnic group. It is nearly impossible for all to agree on just about anything. Most of the concessions that investors demand are impossible to the Miskito traditional laws and politics. In many respects the central government has no influence to regulate investment, development, rule of law, etc. The central government of Nicaragua does keep a few representatives in the area; however, most of those are merely political figureheads with little to no authority over the local government and therefore cannot offer any assistance.      The process to get clean water will start with the demographic information the central government will provide. This information will help us locate strategic villages and build water wells that will benefit as many surrounding villages with clean water as possible. It will also help us to educate the Miskitos about the benefits of using only clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing.     Through our initial research, we have targeted Leimus, Nicaragua, as the starting point because of its location. It is close to Waspam, the county seat for most of the Miskito territory. Waspam is serviced by a domestic airline, La Costena, three times a week. The trip from Waspam to Leimus is three hours down river by motorboat.     The army keeps a small outpost in Leimus year round. The ministry of health provides a nurse for this village year round also. There are many small villages within walking distance, which will make this first water well an instant source of clean water for many villages in the area.     Agua Nicaragua has made the initial contact with the village judges (village leaders). They know of our plan to provide clean water to as many people and villages on the river as possible and are hopeful we will be able to help their people. They know our plan is in its beginning stages and that it may be two years or more before we build the first well in their village.     Above anything else, there is a desperate need for clean water in the entire area. We know many Miskitos in the area already, and they are more than willing to help us in this effort. We have spoken to many people and organizations, and they also are ready and willing to offer their help and expertise in this kind of work. We also know of many others who want to do something for the Miskitos in this remote area.     We, Agua Nicaragua, will serve as a bridge between those willing to help and those in need of help on the Coco River. We believe the resources are there; they just need to be directed to the right places.