Today was a tad rough only because we had two challenges : Waking up at four in the morning:( and doing hard labor like a local. The experience was eye opening in a way where we now realized that to support yourself and your family requires immense dedication and hard work (like literally). Some people worked with plants, some people worked with animals, and some unfortunate people ( Idalis, Sophia, Nyle, Kayla and Allyson) worked with doodoo at La Canavalia. But, even after all that we pulled it together and got the work done like a bosssssssss! While working in the fields of La Canavalia we couldn’t help but notice the beautiful scenery around us. The smell of the trees and the sounds of birds chirping were relaxing and helped the day go by while we worked. Some interesting things that occurred were hearing monkeys scream, eating cocoa beans, seeing cute sloths, and fighting off bugs (props to Jazmine). At the end of the work day we learned to appreciate all that we have and learned that hard work really does pay off. When we returned to the hostel we took advantage and used our free time to venture out into the city. And of course, while we were running free enjoying ourselves we got caught in the rain (extremely similar to hurricane Sandy) and became track stars trying to make it back ‘dry’. Still fine, and still going we decided to have the most SPECTACULAR show eva!!! Many talents were shown and we had an amazing time which helped our bonds grow even stronger. So, in conclusion today was both challenging, fun, adventurous, and came to a very sweet end. TADA IDALIS AND ALMA SURVIVED LEADER OF THE DAY!
PS: The fireworks that were heard at FOUR IN THE MORNING was part of the independence day celebration here in Nicaragua!
Jazmine I Love you and “Props to you ;}
GREAT JOB Everyone. Life experience will only mature you. You guys are all fortunate to experience this gift from God to take with you everywhere you go in life. Your generation are forever being criticized that there is no future. but you have proven everyone wrong. You are the hope for tomorrows generation. You are faced with changes in the environment politics and religion but each one of you will maintain order because each one of you will change the world for the good of humanity. The pics look so peaceful. Makes me want to race all of you in the grass while it rains ๐ TAG YOUR IT!!
Love you Jazmine. Daddy loves you always. so proud of you. I’m so glad everyone is having fun and learning at the same time. I’m still thinking about the chocolate factory lol Chiao!!!
FYI the pics are coool but low res ๐
Hey Jazyy its Lizz!!!! OMG i miss you like crazy!! lol i saw your little pictures awww<3 Looks like youre having a great time. Cant wait til you come back! Bet you have a lot to tell me! lol I LOVE YOU SO MUCH & i will see you soon my little gum drop. Mwahhhh… btw, mama & my mom told me to tell you they love and miss you too..xoxo
I had to check this before I went to sleep love it when you guys post early! This day seemed so hectic but really fun and memorable. I like that on this trip everyone have taken tricky roles that they have never done in there lives and never seen themselves doing because I’m guessing you are all New Yorkers. But it’s really cool to see because the people in Nicaragua see it as a way of living and providing for the family. (Oh happy Independence Day!) And Noe keep on making me prrrooooud! I love those smiles you have in every picture. I miss you and love you! I can’t wait to see what the next day is for you guys.
P.S. – I’m watching Dexter and I’m already finishing season 5. if only you can see my reactions!!!!
I’m so sorry I was working while you called Noe :'(, I work Tuesday and Thursday this week that’s all ! I’m really sad about it sorry once again. And I hope my comment from last night was posted too.
Carmen (Jazmine grandma)
Hi Sweetie buenos dias. Today’s message is for you and you friends.
Wow!! I stand and applaud you guys. Not only did you worked hard but worked together.
As for the girls that had to work the doo-doo job two thumbs up you know what they say we
girls can do anything. You’ve heard it before, but here it goes anyway study hard so in the future
You won’t find yourselfs with jobs like this.
I love the way you guys ended the day.all work and no play(no way!) I just hope u didn’t catch a cold.
A well job done, Bless you,
P.S.sweetie can’t wait to see u and hear those words (Hi MAMA!!!!!)Dios te bendiga
Hello Glimpsers! Another beautiful day and another beautiful experience. Alma and Idalis. Great job being leaders of the day. Your detailed description really made me feel like I can see, hear and smell your surroundings. Boy. I am never, ever going to complain about being tired after leaving my job ever again. In comparison to how the locals work in Nicaragua my job is nothing. Another great lesson learned. So proud of how everyone is really taking this experience in. I can already see the growth in each and everyone of you. Refreshing to see young adults doing something that will make you great and productive leaders in the future. Alma. Hopefully I will hear from you soon. I miss your voice so much. I hope you understand how extremely proud of you I am. God bless you. Te amo con todo mi corazon. Your mommy.
WOW!!!! I am not sure exactly what the “doodoo” job entails but I can only wish to have seen Sophia’s face when the assignments were handed out -“PRICELESS” or should I say what her daily “doody” was lololol I am sorry I had to Sophia HAHA Anyway, yes responsibility such as a job (no matter what that job may be) is WORK, because a JOB means WORK and that’s what differentiates working from playing – since the reality is you actually get paid money to work in order for you to play comfortably. However, some people work and get paid barely enough money to make it financially to live and eat day to day. So hopefully as young aspiring adults you learned that, at this point in your lives, is the best time to decide and set yourselves up with the job in the future that will financially provide you with a good life and hey, if you can find a way to do what you love and get paid for it then you are ahead of the game and the payoff is even that much more rewarding. It had been said “If you do what you love – you’ll never work a day in your life”. So Glimpsers take some time to dig deep in your soul and be all that you can be XOXO – Sophia if you can call me I would love to hear your voice & so I can tell you I LOVE YOU XOXOXOX
Great job everyone!!! You seem to have done more for others in 11 days than what most do in a lifetime. You have so much to be proud of. I hope this experience continues to push you to want more for yourself and others. I’m so happy that I got to chat it up with you today baby boy. Hearing your voice was refreshing after that long run. Lol You have no idea how much my heart fills with joy every time I see your pics, read the blogs and hear about your experiences. I am so glad that you are living the life I have always envisioned for you. After all it is every parents wish for their children to have more than what they had. I love you and I am looking forward to hearing about more of your experiences and I am eagerly awaiting to hear about your day as a leader. P.S. Hearing about the talent show was hilarious. That’s my boy-all about the laughs, he’s confident and willing to try anything once. ๐
wow another exciting experience, getting up at 4 and farming! Aww jaz I hope you didn’t freak out so much with the bugs… As always I feel like I’m there with you
You’re doing a great job!
Everyone from New York and Puerto Rico are so proud, they send lots of love and blessings
Miss you
Xoxoxo
Today I shared this blog with Peyton and Lola (Our kids, ages 11 and 9 who are away at sleep away camp for the summer so they can’t read the blog everyday)and they were very impressed to read about all the things you did today. While we miss Michelle very much, we know she is doing something she is passionate about, and it seems as though the students on the trip are as well. Congrats on continuing to experience things that are making a difference and we are getting excited to shortly hearing about them in person when you guys get home. Continue to enjoy your trip and we will see you soon!
HEY GUYS THIS IS RACHEL! I JUST WANTED TO SAY HI TO RACHEL! GURRRL I HOPE U R HAVING FUN ON THIS TRIP! AND JAZMINES MAD Q AND JENNIFER SEXXXIII
Babeeee! I see you’re experiencing how it feels when I go to work at Liberty State Park. Nothing but work, sweat, work, sweat, bugs, screams (from me running from the bugs), and more work. I can’t wait til when you come back! Kyla definitely misses you too, but again, I MISS YOU MORE! Love you.
Each day’s blog gets more and more exciting. Ally, you have had so many wonderful experiences. Working on a farm is difficult work and we especially loved the picture of you holding the chicken. Did you know that grandpa grew up on a farm where they raised chickens? At one point they had 17,000. Can you imagine? And the chocolate day – one of your fantasies. We wake up each morning and rush to read the latest blog. What portends for tomorrow? Can’t wait. Learning about how other people live, helping to teach them a new language, sharing meals and chores with them – what could be more fulfilling. We love you and can’t wait to hear all about your adventures. We send our love.
My post from last night didn’t post so I’ll be trying again! Today seemed so hectic but really fun and memorable. I like that on this trip everyone have took tricky roles that they never done in there lives and never seen themselves doing because I’m guessing you are all New Yorkers. But its really cool to see because the people in Nicaragua see it as a career.( I hope that made sense to everyone. ) (Oh! Happy Independence day!) And Noe keep on making me prrroooudd! Your smile make me happy :), I miss you and love you! I cant wait to see what today is for you guys.
P.S.- I’m watching Dexter and I’m finishing season 5. If you would see my reactions Noe you will laugh.
P.S.S.- It felt so awful that I couldn’t have spoke to you while I was working. I will just be working Tuesday and Sunday as far as I know! I hope to hear your voice tomorrow.
Hey Kayla glad your enjoying your trip. I hope dealing with doodoo wasn’t to difficult lol. Chloe is missing you something terrible so hurry home and keep up the good work.
Dunia ( Kaylene’s aunt )
Wow. It is amazing to read this story and see how you all can help a community like this. You all have done so much for your age and should be really proud of being a part of this experience. Kaylene, I have so much admiration for the effort that you put into this trip which sounds like everything you were dreaming. This is something you will never forget. With love
17 years ago today i recieved the most precious gift a man could receive. Idalis my baby girl while your out the experiencing the world your family back home wants wish you and Happy birthday. We want you to know how proud we are of you. We hope your out there getting the most out of your chance to see just a small part of whats out there in the world. This is your time take it all in with your eyes and heart open. HAPPY BIRTHDAY we love you baby. Dad, Mom, Mikeyy, and Mia.
Hi Nyle!!!! Wow, what a whirlwind of a day for your group!! Getting up at 4am, working with doodoo for the day, surviving the harsh conditions of your task, facing a Sandy-like storm then ending the night w/ a talent show was truly commendable!!โกโก I bet my day-to-day nagging will be appreciated more when you do get home! LOL!!!! I am very proud of you and hope you realize the amazing impact you have already made towards your future and the newly transformed futures of the people of Matagalpa. Keep dry & make your impact felt by everyone you come in contact with. Enjoy your last week. Love always, Mom