Hi, my name is Mimi Carpenter Loureiro, and here is my story about why I am part of NicaLove.First, I own O2 Yoga studio. We started right here on the Seacoast and are still going strong in our current location of Somerville MA. I partnered with NicaLove as the charitable arm of O2 Yoga. Call this the part of O2 that allows for a global reach, and the practice of SEVA or service to communities that are in great need. I will be hosting our first retreat in Nicaragua in 2022 which will incorporate yoga on the mat, beautiful plants, animals, beaches, and people, Spanish lessons, surf lessons, vegan cooking classes (I also own XOLO Kitchen), and best of all opportunities to volunteer in the community.
I first met Julie 15 years ago at the playground. Our kids connected and so did we, partly because neither one of us always fit in. You see, Julie is not normal, and I mean that in the kindest way. She is an empath; feels everything and needs to be constantly in motion and in service. I am a weirdo in my own right, a vegan, a home-schooler, and yoga teacher. My joke has always been, “Do you know who the most annoying people are? Unschoolers, vegans, and yoga people.” Julie and I like to say that we have quirky dogs, kids, and friends and we love that. Normal is okay, but different is really what the world needs more of; different ways of thinking, acting, being of service, and getting shit done. Over the years, she has been my confidant, walking buddy, psychologist, and most importantly, she was an incredible support system over the 5 years that our older son Dylan was sick. She has been asking me to come to Nicaragua for years, but it never felt right, until last month…
A few years ago, Julie adopted a beautiful girl from an orphanage in Nicaragua. She had volunteered there and was very involved in supporting the community, especially the kids. Fast forward to today, and she is now the founder ofNicaLove and I am on her board, which I first thought was ridiculous because I don’t know how to do boards. I serve as Vice President a.k.a. “The Pitbull” because I am relentless when it comes to all things NicaLove. I finally went to Nicaragua with Julie in May and experienced her in her element. It became my element. I felt and feel like I have come home to the work I was born to do.
There is a very long story in between, but I want to tell you about my incredible experience of being in Nicaragua with Julie, doing the work that she does. It was so incredible to see her in her element. It became my element. I felt like I had come home to the work that I was born to do.
It was busy, chaotic, sometimes incredibly stressful, painful, emotional, dirty, and so, so satisfying. There is a branch of yoga called Seva, which means service. (Some of you may know me from O2 Yoga which started in Rye 22 years ago). Julie is a master guru of Seva Yoga.
Here is a quick rundown of what we accomplished in five days:
- Assisted the shelter she works with, Fundación ADAN, to vaccinate and deworm 57 of the 280 animals under her care (split between 13 foster homes and the shelter), cut nails, clean, and most importantly give the beasties lots of love and attention
- Secured non-profit status in New Hampshire
- Transported and assisted in 39 spay/neuters (29 dogs and 10 cats)
- Bought and installed two new whiteboards and brought school supplies to local schools
- Purchased and delivered masks, rubbing alcohol, sanitizer, fruits, and veggies to local families as COVID is still very present here.
- Visited and brought food and presents like watermelons (who knew?) to a retired, rescued working cart-horse named Paloma (below), who now lives on a farm sanctuary
- Fostered, vaccinated, cleaned up, and socialized two beautiful puppies who we will take back with us on the plane to be rescued by loving families
- I had thought I would try to teach at least one class from here, but I barely got on my mat except for a brief moment with the beauties below. I was too tired, busy, and filthy to do any yoga (at least on the mat.)
- However, we have begun planning a yoga retreat here in Nicaragua for this winter that will include surfing, vegan food, animal and community work, and yoga both on and off the mat.
- Steven and I donated a washing machine to the shelter, as they have been washing all the towels, blankets, beds, sheets by hand which is incredibly labor-intensive and time-consuming. This will give Elisa more time to do the work that she should be doing and is so good at. I saw her break down and cry about two puppies that died in her care that she feels responsible for. It is all-consuming, difficult work.
We got home late on a Wednesday night and had our first board meeting on that Friday evening. We then prepped for the NHGives event on that Tuesday and held the yard sale the following weekend.
It was a whirlwind, exhilarating and overwhelming, but I have to say, my life has been altered in a way that feels right. I have known Julie for so long but now have finally seen why she wanted me to come to Nica and I am so glad I did.
Interested in reading Mimi’s full newsletter? Click this LINK to learn more about NicaLove and O2 Yoga’s partnership.
