Today was by far the most inspirational day that we have experienced. It was focused on how us glimpsers can make a change in the community that will have a strong and lasting effect on the citizens within it. We started off the day by getting an extra hour of sleep and waking up at 7am (this was much needed)! We enjoyed a big breakfast of eggs, rolls, and of course, rice and beans. After that, we hopped on the bus and headed off to Sor Maria Romero, an impoverished community in Matagalpa. This is where we will be doing our community action project, so we went here to ask questions and learn about what these people need in their community. Driving on the dirt road towards our destination was very eye-opening due to the poverty that surrounded us.
When we exited the bus, we saw children who smiled at us and we entered a large empty room with dirt floors. An American man named Farrell entered the room and spoke with us about what he and others were doing in this community and the effects they have on the people. He founded The Hope Project which is an organization that gives Nicaraguan children a chance at receiving an education. Hearing him speak made us realize how much of an impact one person’s idea can have on people in poverty. This man dedicates his life to helping others, which is something many of us now have the opportunity to do. What he has done and what he hopes to do is so inspiring and gave us many ideas on what we can do for our community action project in this area.
After speaking to us, he brought us to a house that him and others had built. We walked into a room about the size of my bedroom surrounded by concrete bricks. Farrell explained how much this house means to the family that lives in it. They consider it a mansion and are so grateful for it being built. The ground was completely empty except for a couple of old hospital mattresses and a small dog tied up in the corner. While walking back to the big room where we would play with the children, I saw a small boy run up to Farrell and hug him. This really touched me and shows how big of an impact he has on the lives of those children. Then we all got the chance to play with the kids and we gave them candy before hanging up a pinata. Seeing the joy and happiness that they experienced while playing with us warmed my heart. They loved hugging us and were always smiling, despite the poverty they live in.
After this, we returned to the hostel for a lunch of fried meat, rice, potatoes, and cabbage. Then it was free time, and most of us went into town with the group leaders. Some people called home, others used the computers, and some went shopping. After this we headed to Cafe Barista, where we experienced the best tasting coffee and smoothies. We then came back to the hostel and had an academic seminar about English tutoring. We learned what we will be doing and how we will teach students English throughout 5 sessions during the trip. We were split into groups of 5 and then began creating lesson plans and coming up with ideas for fun activities and ways to learn.
After this it was time for dinner. To celebrate 4th of July, we were served hamburgers and fries along with fresh juice. Later on we were surprised to see fireworks in the sky during our nightly meeting. This was a perfect way to end an amazing day! Today was so inspirational and our group cannot wait for what’s to come on the rest of this exciting adventure! 🙂
Wow! What an amazing day you all must have had. Beautifully described, Jasmine. How fortunate you all are to be able to affect someone else’s life. So proud of what you all are learning and experiencing. Can’t wait to hear more.
I do look forward to reading these daily posts. Such a great way to know what you are up to. Looking forward to learning more about your project and how you will all be leaving Matagalpa a better place and I am sure you will feel that by giving to others you actually gain More than you could have imagined.
Well written and described Jasmine. It seems like each day in Nicaragua will only serve to further open the groups eyes towards how much impact each one of you can have on another human being because of the disparity in resources prevalent in much of the world. I am sure that by trips end you will all be gratified to know you each made a real difference to the improvement of the life of another.
Wow! This was a beautiful post and I’m glad you are all getting the chance to engage with the community and hear their stories. We’re all looking forward to many more inspiring stories in the future, and Mom and Dad said don’t forget to post a few pictures when you guys can!
Wow! This is a beautifully written post and I’m glad to hear that you all are getting to engage with the community. We’re all looking forward to your future posts and can’t wait to hear more about the English lessons! PS. Mom and Dad said don’t forget to post some pictures when you guys can!
You guys seem to be having a great time! Keep up the fun and learning!!!!
XOXO
It’s wonderful that you guys are feeling connected so quickly! Love reading about your days.
Aili-
So glad to hear your voice! We are so sorry we missed your calls!
Hugs from all of us,
Mommy, Daddy, and Alex
Nice job Jasmine,sounds like your eyes are opening wider by the hour.
Take as many pictures as you can we want to all be able to see it all.
Stay safe & have fun the 4 of us miss you! w/Love.
Like everyone else, I really look forward to these daily updates. Kristen, it was awesome hearing your voice this afternoon. I’m sure there is much you can learn from Farrell and his impact he’s had in the community. I can’t wait to see the group’s CAP come to fruition. Be well and know that you are often in our thoughts and prayers. <3
Wow…what a nice recap! I felt like I was right there…seeing the eye-opening poverty, joyful and loving children, powerful words of Farrell and a fun ending with fireworks! I feel so grateful. Miss you!
Love your post Jasmine. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It was great to hear about the happiness of the kids despite their living conditions. I distinctly remember going to a dump area in Mexico and being utterly amazed at how happy the kids were! It was an experience I’ll never forget much like the experiences you all are having. Thanks for sharing about The Hope Project too. I looked it up on the internet and learned more about them. Can’t wait to hear more about your project. Take care everyone!
Great post Jasmine! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It’s amazing to see how some people live and yet are so happy! I had a similar experience in Mexico when I visited a dump. I was shocked at how happy the kids were. It was something I’ll never forget as I’m sure all of you are feeling about your experiences. So glad the people of Sol Maria will have such a caring, compassionate group of American teens helping them! Can’t wait to hear about your project. Take care!
Oops….sorry for the duplicate posts! I didn’t think the first one went through, but there it is! Just wanted to thank Jasmine for sharing her thoughts. I met Jasmine’s parents at the airport and I’ve been looking for your post!