Noe,
When I chose to be leader on this day I knew that I was up for a huge challenge. It was the mixture of fear and anxiousness, as well as eagerness to be out my comfort zone that pushed me to sign my name on Day 14. What I didn’t expect however was for my beautiful chin hair, which I’ve been growing forever to be removed from my face for my initiation as leader.
For our CAP Project we decided as a group that we’d construct both a roof and shelves for the Hope Projects location in the outskirts of Matagalpa. At this location the Hope Project runs a program in the Church/Comedor which feeds the community as well as provide tutoring and just a safe place to be for the youth. For a community where the average family income is under $1 a day, you can imagine the impact this site has on the people. With that being said, the roof was the main focus for us as Farrell Burton, the Hope Projects co-owner, expressed to us his concern about the side of the Comedor being exposed to the harsh Nica elements. This particular location is key because the children wait on line there to enter the Comedor for class. Since no one enjoys being soaked in pouring rain or fried under harsh sun, the roof idea was a given. Second came the idea of the shelves. This came when we visited the site a couple of days ago and saw the conditions of the kitchen. The kitchen is such a crucial part to what goes on in the Comedor that we loved the idea of making the jobs of the cooks easier and making everything more accessible to them.
The final preparations with my fellow Leader Del Dia Gianni on the night before really helped this day go by as smoothly as possible. After the usual wake up calls, breakfast, and not so usual money exchange (hosted by El Coyote) the day officially began. Being that I was one of the leaders of the day as well as part of the budgeting team, I took the responsibility of going with GG Leader Dennis and fellow Glimpsers Cheston and Karen to purchase the wood and tin needed for our roof and shelves. Being in charge of our group’s share of the budget was both a nerve racking yet exciting experience. I enjoyed noting down our purchases and making sure we stayed inside the budget. In addition to this going around the city in search of supplies by taxi and foot, was a great way to experience shopping like a local.
Gianni (Raymond),
Noe and I were separated for about half of the day. We still had a good connection knew what to do and stood on the same page through the day. We had a different Leader of the Day experience even though we were leader on the same day. My experience was stressful but also awesome because I had all the power. I got every one up and ready for the long and hard working day to come. We had breakfast and then we got into groups to see what we were going to get for the CAP project and what we were going to do when we got to El Comedor. My group went out and got stuff for the kids to keep them entertained while we were working. When we got back we had lunch, some of the groups came together to make sure that everyone knew there roles and everything could go smoothly. When the group was heading to El Comedor the children of the community were trying to hang on to the back of the bus. When the bus driver told them to get off, we were hit with an unexpected bird flipping by an angry Nicaraguan boy.
When we arrived at El Comedor, we made sure everything was organized and prepared for the hard work tomorrow. We also got a chance to play football with some of the local children and really get to know them. Some of the girls even felt like painting my nails, so I let them (my nails look flawless). After a short time being there we started to head back to the hostel. Once we got back to the hostel we prepared for our final English tutoring class scheduled for the next day. After that we had an amazing dinner, which consisted of Nicaraguan Quesadillas. The great food really helped to put a close on what turned out to be a very productive and eventful day.
I must say that I was anxiously awaiting this post. Sounds like you are a natural born leader but I have one thing to say: The chin hair???? NOOOOOOO!!! WHYYYY?? lol Well at least it was for a good cause. The CAP you guys selected seems very fitting and I know the community will cherish that roof and those shelves for many years to come. I am so very proud of you my son. I experienced so many emotions as I read through your detailed account of being leader of the day. I swear I felt your emotions through out my day as well. It’s like I was there with you. I spent every minute thinking about what you were doing and how you were feeling today. I am not surprised to hear that you are part of the budgeting team. You are very good at managing your money. I can’t wait to see you on Sunday, hear more about your trip and view all the pics you have taken. Good luck to all on your CAP! I love you baby boy. Great Job!! As aways, I am SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!
Another great job by the leaders. Incredible collaboration by all. I am so happy to hear what a productive and fulfilling day you all had. I am so impressed!! The blog was written with so much detail and passion. I can tell you all really enjoyed your task at hand. It is so refreshing to see a group of young people really helping a community and making sure to really think about all the aspects to make this a successful project. I applaud you all. I also love the pictures. I can tell you all really enjoyed yourselves and took your responsibilities very seriously. Beautiful. I know you are all tired of hearing this but, really, really proud of everyone. Alma, sweetheart. I love you more than anything. Our little ray of sunshine. We miss you and cannot wait to see you. I am counting down the days. Hopefully, I’ll get to speak to you before Sunday? Muchos besitos. Love, Mommy, Daddy and Tigger.
What an amazing job you are all doing. I am so proud of the excitement I hear from all the leaders stories of thier daily accomplishments. To take on these projects with such enthusiam and eagerness to succeed is the foundation for success. I can’t wait to hear about every adventure and I look forward to reading these blogs every single day. I love what Global Glimpse is doing and I love the insight and wisdom and above all compassion you will all gain from this experience. Big hugs and kisses to my Sophia – seeing you with the children warms my heart – keep spreading the love I miss you & love you to the moon & back XOXOXOXO
what a difference you are making in this small community…your lives will be forever changed….good hearts…good souls and a good sense of community
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, WHOS IDEA WAS IT BABE ?! WAS IT “JAREDS” ? I can’t even imagine you without it, oh gosh the chin hair is gone. It’s so heart breaking. But you did it! You was leader of the day! With no chin hair… But you accomplished it flawlessly! I knew you will. You just keep on making me prouder every day. Everyone is! The hardworking people of Nicaragua really needed a blessing and that was you guys. So keep up the good work! As for you Noe I love you and miss you, and now I’ll be missing THE CHIN HAIR. I feel like it was your idea Bezzant ! But you can call me anytime this week. And Gianni (My Shrimp) aka Raymond proud of you too buddy keep rocking those nails!
P.S. – I hope everyone does well on their last English class today !
P.S.S. -FOUR MORE DAAAAAYS!
Can’t tell you how impressive it is to read this blog. The leadership skills you all write about would be impressive for adults in the workforce … let alone teenagers! Bet today was challenging. Hard work. Hot. But so, so important. Ally, I’m giving Dad your b’day email! He’ll be so touched. We’re going to Coney Island to celebrate … we’ll have some cake for you.
Keep going … make the most of your few days left.
Love,
Mom and Dad.
Yes! That’s my son a leader who is also a breaker of gender roles. Let the ladies paint your nails! What a beautiful picture.
I can’t believe you are letting folks use your middle name. I’m assuming every glimpser is now part of the Vázquez/Mercado familia? Boy, how will I fit you all in my tiny living room?
Much Love and still waiting for you patiently in Brooklyn. <3 Mami
Hi Jazmine!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well. Great job guys. It’s always positive to stay productive. Keep up the great job. All in the name of humanity.
Stay positive guys and enjoy life 😉
-Milton
Carmen(Jazmine’s grandma) Hi sweetie: hope that by now(day14) u still
Have enough energy for the rest of the week. Thurs. Fri. Sat. And ………..SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Once more I stand and applaud Noe and Raymond for the wonderful job well done.
I call it the labor of love. That u guys are leaving behind for the community,especially the children.
Jaz, hope u take a nice group picture so u can tell me who’s whom. I read ther names it seem like I know them but can’t place there names especially Noe his mention so many times , but don’t know witch one he is.
Sweetie until day15 Dios te bendiga mama.
Ps have you seen the shinning star?✨
We continue to enjoy every entry everyday! You are all making an impact on the lives of others and we are all very proud of you. Enjoy your final days together….making a difference. Looking forward to seeing you soon and hearing about your amazing adventures! Be well, work hard, have fun!
Great job Raymond n Noe!!!!!
I’m so impressed on how all of you are making a difference in other people’s lives.
Keep up the good work!
Raymond love the nails….
Jaz miss you and can’t wait til sunday!!!
Love u