Hey Friends and Family. It’s Brendan and Bernardo here.
Today was very interesting, emotional, and full of community. We awoke at 6 am and showered like locals, using only a bucket and a bowl to wash ourselves. We weren’t allowed to use any running water. That means no using sinks and no flushing the toilet, except by pouring water from our buckets into the toilet bowl. Our breakfast this morning was a simple plate of Gallo Pinto and bread, which is what most Nicaraguans eat every morning.
At 7 o’clock, we boarded the bus and made our way to the community of Isiqui, where we were split into groups and were assigned to different families. We helped our individual families with simple chores around the house and talked to them about their lives and their community. We learned that they have no local hospital or clinic; the nearest one is a half hour drive away in Estelí. We also learned that they only have elementary and secondary schools; no high schools. After helping out around the house, we ate lunch with our host families. We ate a delicious plate of rice, vegetables with chicken, and juice. Then, we handed cookies and candy to the children of the community. We wrapped the field trip up by taking photos with our families, and then we headed back to the hostel to prepare for our Community Action Project presentation.
At 2:30, we presented to the principal of La Montañita school. We divided our project into three main parts: Classroom, Garden, and Playground. We might be ambitious with only two and a half days of work time, but with 22 strong willed individuals in this group, we believe that we can accomplish our goals. After receiving feedback, some of us went out to enjoy the city of Estelí while others rested to regain much needed energy. Bernardo needed some extra attention as well, but by 6:30, we had all recovered beautifully to have a nice dinner together. Another plate of Gallo Pinto, bread, and water. We ended our day with an emotional and deep discussion of what we experienced during the day. Afterwards, we passed the torch to tomorrow’s leaders of the day, Devin and Kelsey.
Wow you guys, what an exhausting couple of days! And what an amazing opportunity this is for all of you to see how others live, and have an opportunity to give something back. Cannot wait to see what you end up doing for the school.
Cammie, your sister is gonna be hecka jealous of the cow milking. I hope there are plenty of photos! It’s Fathers Day today and mom and Kennedy are taking me to Assemble for chicken and waffles followed by a behind the scenes tour of the zoo (I think Ken has arranged for me to meet Jesus, the geriatric leaf-tailed gecko, in person!). We miss you terribly.
Robert (Cammie’s dad)
Hi! My name is Sue Remsberg. I am one of Cammie’s Grandmothers. I love reading all your blogs. I marvel at your tenacity and energy not to mention yor dedication and spirit! Thank your for sharing all the details it really helps us to visualize you. I am seriously jealous of your adventure!
Take care! Extra hugs to Cammie with love, Nana
Love the post, Brendan and Bernardo! It was a treat for your family and friends to get two entries back-to-back. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you’ve all written so far, and I’ve been deeply moved by the stories and photos and by the open hearts and minds everyone has brought to the experiences. At the beginning of your trip I was caught up in my parental first-world questions, “Are they wearing enough mosquito repellent,” “Are they making friends,” or “Will they remember to buy souvenirs.” Now I’m thinking, “How are they handling seeing people living off of a dump or working so hard so we can have a latte at Peet’s or having limited access to basic education and health care,” “How will this Global Glimpse experience change the course of their lives,” and “I’m so embarrassed by my privilege.” I’m glad you have your nightly meetings and each other to help you with your own questions and thoughts.
As your education continues to unfold, we hold you and the Nicas in our hearts.
—Jenne, Tyler’s ‘rent
It’s so exciting reading about your activities and all of the amazing experiences you’re having!! I love how ambitious you guys are with your project and have no doubt you’ll be successful!!
Kamryn, I’m so sorry I missed your call! I love you and miss you tons!! Can’t wait to hear your voice again..
Love you lots!
Mom
Paulette !!!
It’s Alina your favorite ambassador. I just thought I’d tell you that me and all of the ambassadors are very proud of you. I hope our workshops helped you apply what we shared with you guys to your own trip.
Much love !
Especial thanks to leaders Bernardo, Brendan, Jason, and Sarb for your updates given the exhaustive work you have put in during the day.
Happy Father’s/Parent day to all the parents out there. So, so glad that you Glimpsers are getting to experience such a unique life perspective.
A great big THANK YOU to all GG members and advisors for your hard work. Hope that the experiences are as impactful on each of you as it is on the community you setve.
LA, we are attending Thao’s grad from UCSD today, wished you were here. The uni is beautiful, maybe we will visit later. Thank you for the card, miss you all the more.
What an amazing experience! One that will stay with all of you for a long time. Two very different cultures.
Bernardo, pues ya te conte el chisme de Ana que ya tiene galán, jajaja! Por otro lado te cuento que Choc y Citlali me donaron el campersito azul y quedó increíble. Hice una base para la cama con la madera que había pintado, no se si te acuerdes, y compre un mueble que encontré en barata y que el Choc me ayudó a adaptarlo para usarlo de cocinita. Ya te enseñare las fotos. Quedo de sueño!!!
Y hoy la Citla y yo llevamos al Choc a jugar golf. Imagínate, golf en medio de los redwoods y con vista al mar. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Y claro, contenta de saber que estas bien. Espero que ya mañana puedas salir con el grupo otra vez. Te mando un abrazo. I loooove youuuu!!!
A big thank you to everyone for taking care of my chamaco! It is very much appreciated.
Hi miss Sid, sorry the call was cut off. We are waiting for your day to lead and blog. Keep those eyes wide open.