As Immanuel Kant eloquently stated, ¨We are rich not by what we possess but by what we can do without.¨ Today, our aim was to emulate the lives of local Nicaraguan residents as closely as possible. We began with a bright and early rise, and many Glimpsers opted to take a ¨bucket shower¨ (as the name suggests, one would solely use a bucket of water to cleanse oneself). Gallopinto (rice and beans) and a side of tortilla were served in a fairly conservative manner for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and rather than our usual, colorful fruit juices filled with hielo (ice), we were given water.
The bus ride to the Communidad Punta de Plancha took roughly twenty minutes, and pairs of Glimpsers were assigned to nine families, all of whom lived side by side. The entire residential area spanned about one fifth of a mile, was covered in leafy green vegetation, and had a thin dirt road to connect the families. Depending on the family, we performed various tasks, including washing dishes, sweeping floors, planting vegetables, pulling out weeds, collecting trash, and cooking lunch. Almost all our Glimpsers had an opportunity to practice their Spanish with the locals and spend time playing with the children. Evidently, the language barrier was our greatest struggle, but we managed to communicate through gestures and through an activity titled ¨Draw My Life¨. Before departing, we brought two piñatas and engaged with the entire community.
After returning to the hostel, we spent an hour reflecting on our earlier experiences. Much of what we observed tied back to the quote by Kant– despite the menial conditions in which these locals appeared to be living in alongside the lack of material possessions, access to a quality education or healthcare, and opportunities, we found that they were able to discover joy in the simplest things, such as conversing with family members while swinging in a hammock, or playing a game of soccer with the neighbors.
By the late afternoon, we were exhausted and re-energized by enjoying some free time. Our Program Coordinators, Carrie and Camila, led our first seminar on the upcoming Community Action Project (CAP). We began to brainstorm ways in which we could leave a tangible impact in the Leon community, and our final decision is yet to be revealed…
In writing this post, I feel an unbelievable amount of appreciation for the system that I was born into, the opportunities that lie ahead of me, and of course, the dedication, ambition, and sacrifices of my parents that allowed me to enjoy this lifestyle. I was taken aback by the stark contrast in our lives in the Bay Area compared to the lives of locals; for a brief moment, I forgot about our technology, our stresses, our complications, and our lives that begin to feel tiresome, like checking boxes off a ¨To Do¨ list… and focused on the simplicity of our time in Leon.
What a moving and special write up this was for us to get a small glimpse into what you were all able to experience today. Many of us have never had the opportunity to experience a life so different from that which we are accustomed to here in the US (or at least for those of us participating in this). Even if for just this short visit you get to experience a life where technology, stress, societal pressures and all that consumes us is removed, what a gift. Not just to experience it but to recognize the impact our surroundings has on us. Thank you for this summary of today and giving us a chance to imagine if only in our thoughts what you lived today. Logan I wonder if you opted for the bucket shower? Maybe when you get home you will want to revert to this…LOL JK your shower will be here waiting for you! Love you and miss you tons…Mom and Luke
Well written Adeline. Happy to see back to back leaders of the day from Palo Alto! If I read yesterday’s post correctly, Ena is one of the coordinators down there? Say hello to her for me.
It must feel like finals were months ago. Your group seems already deep into the experience. Living like a local is a great day.
Participate, stay hydrated, fire up those unity claps, don’t touch the dogs, and feel fortunate that you didn’t have to watch game 4 – the referees were horrible.
Mr. Foug
Great report how you are able to see first hand how lucky we are to live in this great country. A once in a life time experience. Please let Logan Sheetz know that Grammy and PopPop from Pennsylvania sent our love . we appreciate the blogs. The leaders have our appreciation for doing an outstanding job. Enjoy this is a wonderful experience for all. Keep up the blogs, look forward to reading. Our best to all, special hello to Logan.
Living like a local day sounded awesome. Thank you for that blog. I love gallopinto!!! i can eat that everyday with some queso frito lol. You go Global Glimpsers keep it up. Please oh please, i hope you guys can send pictures soon!!!
xoxo luv u Tita!!!
mom and Dom hehe
Living like a local Day has a big impact on every Glimpser and I know it did to you Karen as well. I know u r getting the most of your trip and I know you must be having so much fun. Can’t wait to hear your blog when you are the leader of the day. You r going to be awesome Karen 🙂 Take care, sending lot’s of hugs from Hayward 🙂
Good report Addie! Thanks for posting it on the blog to share so that we could imagine a very different lifestyle in a remote country where you are now. I’m happy to know that you helped local families with your friends by doing chores that you didn’t even do at home such as sweeping (vacuuming) the floors and washing the dishes 🙂
with such a short stay there, I hope you enjoy every day after reflection of a valuable experience. Please keep sharing more and with pictures too.
Thanks to GG leaders for your great job?
Mom
Sorry typo: Thanks for GG leaders for your great job!
Christiana, we just spoke. I was so happy to hear your voice. The call had to end when you were talking to your baby brother huh. It’s okay I love you and you sound really happy. Blessed….love you. Till later sweetie
mom
Uh hello, I wanna say hi to Karen Nguyen. So, hey Karen. I’m not sure when you’ll see this but I’m writing it now :))) am I supposed to be formal when writing this? Because I don’t think I’m gonna do that lol. Well we miss you. Rolando misses you like, A LOT. So, come back home with lots of coffee and a snowglobe pls. Oh, and come back safely too. Also I sent you a lot of funny videos. When you get back, then you can watch it all.
-Kimberly GoGo
Great day, how fun and exciting! So inspiring that all of You with Gobal Glimpse are making a difference! We love you Tita!! Uncle George, auntie Katie, Donnie & Gigi xoxoxo post more pics!!
Logan,
Looks like you are going through some great experience of learning new culture, people and above all making new friendships and having fun. Wanted to let you know that the Pittsburgh Penguins just won the Stanley cup!!, final score was 2-0 in game 6. It was close till the last 2 minutes. Go Penguins!!. Enjoy the rest of your time on the global glimpse trip, this experience no doubt will go a long way to help you influence as a strong leader in the future.
Hari
Woo Hoo Logan the Penguins just won the Stanley Cup! You would have enjoyed the game. No score until mid third period…then the Penguins scored two to secure the lead and take the championship…2-0! Only downside was they played in Nashville so the victory was bittersweet with Nashville fans not thrilled. Crosby was MVP of the game, for the second year! I can almost hear you cheering from Nicaragua! Victory is sweet! Love you!
Thank you for the wonderful and detailed write up! I was able to feel the smiles and great fulfillment you All are experiencing. Way to put your skills to use! Through your adventures, I’m thankfully being reminded to be thankful, gracious, and appreciative for all of my blessings.
I’m sorry I missed your call. Love you and miss you Baby girl. xoxo
PS- Zoey finally slept in your room last night, for the first time since you left.
Logan,
I am loving getting to read about your adventures! Sounds like an amazing experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life! So proud of you bud!!!! Love you, Aunt Darcy
Phillip,
Thinking of and missing you all the time. Wrex says hello. I hope you are enjoying your trip and trying new things. Please take lots of pictures, with you in them would be a bonus! So proud of you. Love you soo much.
Pop