Mark and Jake Johnson took a trip to Nicaragua the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2 to help Second Chance Ministries (headed by Mark’s cousin, Jeff Frayser) build an addition on a home for mom Johanna and her daughter, Nailing.

Nailing has had trouble developing her muscle tone and balance and needed a space with a floor that is convenient for learning to crawl.

“Mentally, both of us were refreshed,” Mark said. “I felt better after this trip than I have after any vacation I’ve ever taken in my life.” Mark shares these photos from the trip. Flip through the slideshow above, or see the photos and read captions here.

As for Jake, he loved it. “From day one, he was engrossed,” Mark said. “It was almost like life as usual. He totally latched on to doing really good stuff for people.”

Mark, Jake and their family members are already looking at another trip early next November, Mark says. And this time, the Salem Y (where Mark works) might get involved with a week long camp in the town.

Check back here, sosalem.com, for more information about upcoming trips.