Two island communities in different parts of the world have been building friendships for more than 30 years. Recently I got the opportunity to be part of this amazing experience. I joined a small group of people on a trip to Nicaragua where I was invited to share one of my books with elementary school students. For the occasion, I had one of my books, Blank Space, translated into Spanish by a wonderful translator, Norma Kaminsky. In Spanish, the book is titled: Espacio En Blanco.

At the school, it was a delight to hear the teacher read my words in her animated voice. And it was a joy to hear the children laughing and enjoying it.

The organization I was part of is called BOSIA, which stands for Bainbridge Island Ometepe Sister Island Association. They do all kinds of amazing things to promote friendship between the two islands. Some of those things include growing, roasting, and selling coffee, working with special needs children, collaborating for healthcare, growing libraries, connecting via mutual projects, and providing cultural exchange opportunities for high school students. And now, reading books to schoolchildren.

Generations of residents have learned each others’ languages, practiced each others’ customs, and been welcomed into each others’ homes. And now, we have shared a love of reading.