Hello everyone! I was Leader of the Day for C.A.P. Discovery Day. C.A.P stands for Community Action Project. The group chooses an organization we want to work with, and then we create a project that benefits the organization and its surrounding community for a long time. I started our day by waking the rest of the group at seven in the morning. Once everyone gathered on the first floor, I led everyone to Buffet Esteli for breakfast. Leading a group of teenagers was probably one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had on this trip so far. We had to be weary of cars and the many 4way no stop sign intersections.
When we finally reached the buffet, we were served a delicious breakfast of sunny side up eggs and the staple beans and rice. After breakfast, we attended a CAP seminar led by our fabulous coordinators, Bryan and Mel. During the seminar, we had a guest speaker from Mujeres de Ambrentalistas. Mujeres de Ambrentalistas was an organization that helped protect the environment by reusing recyclable materials such as paper.
The representative gave her reasons to why we should help her and we asked questions after she finished speaking. Based on what most of what the group had told me, they felt unsure what the organization stood for and they wanted to talk to other organizations before they made their decision. I personally wanted to help this organization because I also share the passion to protect the environment in any way I could.
After the representative left, I gathered everyone and we once again walked to the ever so exquisite Buffet Esteli. During our time there, our global glimpse leaders revealed they had created a close bond together. Unfortunately, they were just kidding and did not have matching tattoos. The two student leaders (Douglas and I ) were severely disappointed but it was a Leadership Seminar filled with unrivaled wisdom.
After lunch, we headed back and spent an hour preparing for English tutoring. At 2, we had another guest speaker from the organization Casa de Cultura. We had visited the building previously and the majority of the group liked the idea of helping them. The representative went through the procedure of an interview and questions and we then proceeded to vote for the organization we wanted to help. It was a quick poll since the group was convinced Casa de Cultura was more beneficial to the community. I was a little disappointed but it was a win-win situation since we would be helping the city of Esteli either way. After brainstorming ideas and writing them down, we ,for the final time, headed to Buffet Esteli for dinner. After eating a dinner delicious dinner, we headed to our second to last English tutoring class. The classes were going smoothly and before we knew it were getting ready to leave the fire station. However, our group couldn’t hear me telling them to pack up because they did were too busy mingling amongst each other.
So, against every fiber in my body, I was forced to yell,”ESTE-ESTE-ESTE! EVERYONE HEAD COUNT NOW!!!!” I really hate to raise my voice but I learned a leader sometimes has to be assertive in order to get his/her point across. After that event, we left the fire station and proceeded to head to the hotel. We had our nightly meeting which was pretty standard except for the event when Douglas had to do the Bernie. So that was my day as the leader and stay tuned readers!! EVERYDAY IS AN ADVENTURE HERE!!!!!!
P.S. SHOUT OUT TO JEFFREY BECAUSE HE ASKED FOR IT AND I LOVE YOU MOM
Very well written blog! I would’ve also chosen the one that uses recycled materials but you are right it is a win /win situation you guys will be helping Estelli regardless of which organization you guys pick! I am so proud of you for being a part of all this. Enjoy the rest of your adventure, continue learning and growing.
P.S. I love you more.. Mom
Raymar I’m very proud of everything you are doing. I hope after you come back you continue to use the life skills you are learning in Nicaragua. I know I can learn from you. I hope you realize that everything you’re doing is because you believe in what you do and in your self. Just like when you play baseball. See you soon. Thanks for visiting my country and for believing all the hype I told you about it. Uncle Tony.
Fantastic job on the CAP day. I remember when Yoseph and I had to be assertive as well because everyone were having their side conversations. Haaaaaaaa
Remember to enjoy the last few days in Nic. Time flies so fast, next thing you know, you’re flying back to Cali, yo.
-Count Swagula
By the way, how’s them gurlz there? hahahaha
Thanks Raymar for the update and great job on being the leader of the day. I love that everyone is thinking about how they can help and how they want to impact the country. This is such a great experience.
Theresa (Sarah’s mom)
PS Hi to Sarah!!