There’s nothing you haven’t heard about the people who live in poverty but to see with your eyes is an experience unlike any other. To have the courage and compassion to put yourself in a position where you can interact and try to get to know those who are less fortunate than you, speaks volume.
Today we visited Las Hormiguitas, an organization that is committed to support children from the grade 1 to college. Their main goal is to keep kids off the streets and from working in the markets or stores that their parents work in. We also visited Matagalpa’s local dump that was just outside the city. Before we had entered, we were informed that the teachers and volunteers of the organization worked closely with the children who lived at the dump. It was a serious day for all of us to take in, but despite us hearing how bad it was for the children, we learned that they rely on the organization to take them away from their reality. Being at the dump was eye opening because many of us saw things that made us realize how fortunate we are. Our program leader, Alex, reminded us that the main take away from this trip to the dump was not to feel sorry for the kids who live in extreme poverty but to remember their smiles and their energy. It’s the people and the connections we make with them that sticks with us.
In this photo we’re hearing from the amazingly compassionate men and women who run Las Hormiguitas about how they support their community and work to inspire self confidence in the kids who live in extreme poverty at the dump in Matagalpa.
For us glimpsers, when we saw the children, we saw them as an inspiration to change our view for our future and how we wanted to help change the world one step at a time. The highlight of the day was seeing the children laugh and play with us. We were sad to leave them but our visit there left an impact on all of us. We had a couple discussions later in the day to help us digest all the feelings and thoughts we had from being there. As leaders, we were trusted to pass out food and drinks to the community at the dump. Assisting with such a small gesture of compassion, we motivated take more actions to combat poverty in our local and global community. In order to stay as safe and focused on the kids as possible while at the dump, we couldn’t take any pictures, but we will definitely carry with us the mental images and heartfelt connections we made as we move forward in our lives.
After thoughtful reflections shared as a group about our experiences today, our leaders also rewarded us with some free time out in Matagalpa before we had dinner and nightly tutoring, so we returned to our favorite, cute little ice cream place (“Kiss Me”) with our favorite ice cream server, Jefferson. The whole group spent some time bonding together there as well as at the Internet cafe where some of us took the opportunity to send messages home and make calls to our families.
-Your PunnyPeach(Tiana Lee) & Mayela Sánchez J
Traveling with you on your adventure has been quite inspirational! We love all the pictures that have been posted and can’t wait to see more! We love you Marisa, and we are so very proud of you! Max and Sophie are doing good. Don’t worry Sophie is being well fed! Hope everyone is staying healthy. Remain strong and safe!! Sending lots of hugs and kisses!! ? Love Mama and Dad! Jack says “Hi Sister”
Hey Nicole, Mayela, Ria, Lauren, Ms. Stavis, and Ms. Gonzalez!!
It’s been super fun keeping up with all of your adventures, and it has made me miss my own trip like crazy! I’m so happy that you’re having fun and learning so much. Remember to keep living in the moment and take everything in. I miss you all and can’t wait to hear more when you get back!
Lots of love,
Katherine and your Tino Ambassadors
What an eye opening experience. I hope you can impart in us what you’ve learnef from all this. We are beyond fortunate and forget it and take it for granted all the time!
Would love to see pictures! Sending all my love, hugs and kisses (if you like it or not) my sweet lil Okie. – BAYLEE SENDS HER snuggles.
Visiting the dump is such an eye opening experience, and it really showed me how perspective is really different among different circumstances. I hope all you EVHS glimpsers are having lots of fun! Sending lots of love from SJ!
One of you ambassadors,
Michelle
Sin lugar a duda la experiencia de este día debe de haber sido muy Impactante. Te extrañamos Mariquita. Hoy llego tu primo Miguel con su familia de Colorado. Leo estaba encantado jugando con Emiliano. Baby Leo esta precioso te va a enamorar cuando lo veas. See you soon!!!
me da mucho gusto saber que pueden dar un poco de alegria a los ninos
y saber lo mucho que a ustedes los hace crecer
sigan disfrutando de su viaje
todos estamos bien
besos
mami
Truly one of the most eye opening experiences I’ve ever had and I’m glad you guys have also had the opportunity to experience a day dedicated to one of the biggest problems in the world today. Keep growing and learning!
Wow! You have see a bit of every side of life! You must feel renewed in your own sense of working for equality worldwide! Hugs from home.
Visiting the dump can be a reality check. Personally, it was a step into another world and gave me a new perspective on the lives of some. Hope you all gained some great experiences. Also, Kiss Me looked fun! Enjoy the rest of your trip Tamy!
Mayela, Tiana, this was really well-written. I know a day like this can be hard to reflect on in words. Big love to you all, and give Ria and Ms. Stavis a hug for me!
Saludos Maria. Que tengas otro dia de crecimiento humano.
Este es el mundo en el que vivimos. Hagamoslo mejor.
Leo esta un poco malito pero esta mejorando.. Pa.