Hey Y’all it’s Norma,
Today I was leader of the day! We had our very first Dia Libre (Free Day). We had the opportunity to explore Estelí on a more personal level.
In the Morning we had a gourmet breakfast of traditional gallo pinto and a surprise taste of home with some tasty pancakes. Following breakfast we had a guest speaker, who we had to reschedule with because he could not make it on the first day. His name was Mannuel Games, an ex guerrilla who fought in the nicaraguan revolution in the Sandinista party. He played a big role into bringing socialism into Nicaragua and bringing better education, healthcare, and over all quality of life into nicaraguan communities. He showered us with knowledge, power, and wisdom. Encouraging us to take stand into issues we believe in.
Following the empowering presentation we took on the streets of Estelí. We made our first stop at the Internet cafe, getting a chance to make phone calls and get in touch with loved ones. Unfortunately many of us could not get through 🙁 . Many of the phone calls may come up as very funky area codes. So just keep in mind if you get a strange phone call, it may be one of us trying to reach out and say “Hello”.
Following the Internet cafe we stopped by a delicious smoothie shop. We took a quick break to grab a bite once again at Buffet Estelí, where we were served gourmet chicken nuggets. We then all made a quick trip to the grocery store to grab a couple of necessities. We made a quick trip back to the Hostel to drop off our groceries and headed back out. While walking downtown in search of clothing stores we came across a bakery. We stopped by to grab a quick desert when we noticed some music. As we candidly danced to the music we were made aware that the local fire department was having a fundraiser to raise funds to maintain their firetruck and ambulance. We decided to help out the local community and stop by this family friendly event filled with laughter, dancing, and great people. We danced our feet off! After dancing for a while we headed back to the hostel. We then had an exercise where we practiced asking deeper and more meaningful questions. We then moved on to a bonding exercise were we got to show each other just how important and meaningful we are to each other.
Today was especially meaningful to me because I felt that the stars were aligning quite well for me. Starting with my favorite breakfast and my favorite lunch time food to the dancing and bonding I did with everyone today. Everyone took a part in making the day very easy, fun, and smooth for me. They made this day the best day for me so far. Im looking forward to getting to know everyone on an even deeper level and I’m forever grateful to live this experience with all of them. We love and miss you all but… We are having one of the greatest learning experiences of our lives.
xoxo Norma Orozco 🙂
BORRRMAAAAAAAAA. I hellaaaa miss you dude!!!! im pretty sure i missed your call today and im so mad about that. I was working and i think the area code was from like kentucky or something lmao. I hope whoever reads this does it in my voice w my tone but im sure thats probably not happening. Butttttttttt im counting down the dias hasta regresas a los estados unidos. nothing cool has happened to me but if something does ill definitly let u and the other ppl on ur trip know. Ok bye. Lol i still havent gone to ur house to check on ur dog
Great pictures…love to see more. It sounds like it was a great day filled with lots of goodies. So sorry we missed your call David…please try again. Everyone sends their love…miss you
Love MSue
Ps. I think Savannah finished the movie from our road trip…she hasnt moved from the computer in 3 days…LOL
Mija I miss you and love you so much. I was sad to have missed your call. But I will be more aware when another call comes in. I’m so glad to hear you are having the most greatful experience ever. So happy for you. Te Amo your mommy
Hey David!! Yooo you look like you’re having a blast! Make the most of your time and don’t forget about us ):::: can’t wait to see you soon! don’t forget to not get sick and drink your water ?? Bye David ladder!
Mi querida Brianna,
Como me hace feliz ver tu carita sonriente en las fotos. Espero que te estes bien y no tengo que venir con un helicoptero. 😉
Mi madre fallecio unas horas despues de que tu fuiste. Quizas por eso te extrano aun mas. Te quiero mucho! Wendy
Wow!! What at great day for everyone. Is that a new jacket I see you wearing Brandon? We must have missed your call yesterday, but did receive the email. Thanks for checking in. We are all well, and will be heading to Cusco ourselves today too.
How’s your Spanish coming along? Hope you’re getting plenty of practice in real life. Don’t be afraid to speak to the locals in their native tongue. I’m sure it will make them happy to hear others try to communicate with them in their language.
Hope to hear from you more. Have fun and make a difference.
Dad, Mom and Jayden
Norma – thank you for your detailed recap of the day. Sounds like the first Free Day was a success.
Ayla – Tatum is doing well but she misses you. Hope you are taking lots of photos!
hi, cameron! love and miss you! glad you’re all having a great time and making memories! until the next update! and,we want more pictures!
xo,
mom, dad and casey
Hi baby Sister Brianna, in glad to see you are enjoying your time there I miss you!
Love,
Big sister Leni
Hi baby Sister Brianna, im glad to see you are enjoying your time there I miss you!
Love,
Big sister Leni
Hey love bug! (David),
So glad I got to hear your voice, and I cant wait to get another call or email from you! We miss you around here! Your smiling in the pictures, that’s a great thing to see! I hope your taking in all the wonderful things this trip has to offer.
We love you babe! – Mom, Joe, Athaliah, Savannah, and Jane
I see you Monster. Looks like you’re having a great time! I hope you guys are having an amazing time and making friendships that will last a lifetime!
Continue to embrace the experience and get as much out of it as possible!
Super proud of you. Not too many teenagers that can go out of the country without their parents. Some struggle to go to the mall..lol
Love ya!
PS.. Don’t forget to take pictures.
P.S.S. Vader says hi and he can’t wait to take you to the tennis courts to play ball
Kendall!! I am enjoying watching your journey through your eyes! I am super proud of you and so grateful you get to experience this! We love you. We will get together when you get home! I love you
Gina Im depressed i missed your text cause i was sleeping you know i dont wake up till like 1
Hi my Pookie buurrrr!
I am so happy you were given the opportunity to see the world through a new lens and you are making the most of that experience. Keep learning, making memories and cherish every moment!
We are so proud of you!
<3 Big sister Mawdi
P.S. Keep the pics coming boo
Pooooks. I’m so happy to see your blog! I means the world to me that you get to have your own unique experience. I cannot wait to hear allllll about it.
I love you sooo much! Keep your eyes, heart and mind open <3 you won't regret it!!
Jerlene,
By now you can figure out that i logged in incorrectly. lol #worstmomever. You are so unbelievably adorable in these pics. I hope you are really enjoying your trip. Please live in the moment . I asked Grace does she want to say something … she said, “does it have to be appropriate” Thanks for being the good sister hahaha. We all miss you
Mom, and your sisters