Hola friends, families, and fellow glimpsers!
This is Truong and today has admittedly been one of the most difficult days for our delegation. From the early wake up call at 5:30AM in the morning, a breakfast & dinner diet of solely Gallo Pinto and water, to showering with only a bucket of water; nonetheless, I can confidently say that everyone truly grasped the idea of what it means to live on “$1 a day”. After finishing our meal at el comedor La Favorita, we had a thirty minute resting period to prepare our minds and our bodies (with plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and water) for a long day of hard work and loads of learning experiences at a rural Nicaraguan community in El Patanel. The delegation had their “bookbags” (according to Emily) complete with hand sanitizer, bug spray, sun screen, toilet paper, and travel journals. Once we arrived, the glimpsers were individually split, in groups of 2 to 3, from the bus and were escorted to the host families of which we were to stay in for half of the day; and the experience is one that many of us, will remember for a long time.
Since the day asked for a dynamic duo to be “los lideres del dia,” Troung and I (Kevin) stepped up to the plate. Now to share my experience with my host family, I would like to say that living on a $1 a day is nearly impossible. As Faven, Jorge and I were introduced to the family, I quickly noticed the very humble house they lived in, which consisted of wood scraps for the walls, logs that held the structure together, and hanging sheets that divided up the rooms only to find the recently married parents and kids awaiting us with the most sincere smiles. After getting to know each other a little bit, the kids and I learned that we both liked to play baseball and football (soccer). Next thing you know, we were playing baseball in the street (dirt road)! Then as more kids came by, including another host family with our fellow glimpsers, we created a game of soccer. We used piles of leaves to mark our “goal posts,” and enjoyed an intense, hilarious, hot game of football. We played many games with the kids such as, tag, dancing, drawing, marbles. Dylan and I also had kids up on our shoulders and ran around. Words cannot describe the inspiring feeling I felt, seeing these kids having fun from whatever they found.
Truong again! My experience with my host family couldn’t be fuller without Kat and Lizbeth, especially when we found out that Andy and Crystal would be helping the neighboring host family. The house itself was one home divided into two smaller living compartments; but one perk was the spacious backyard where we spent most of our time. We all helped the families by sweeping the dirty floors, hanging the laundry, shoveling the pile of trash in the backyard, and even bathed one of the kids…well Lizbeth did; but it goes without saying that the best chore we had was playing with the kids. Benji, Diana, Genessy, Martin, and Kelly were definitely the highlight of my day. The extent of their imagination and positivity was contagious and opened my eyes to see that regardless of your living conditions, it’s still possible to enjoy life. We had a fashion show, played musical chairs, capture the flag with a tanktop, imaginary bus driver with a few chairs, and traditional Nicaraguan games. Even though we were tired from their constant pleads of “vuelta!” we couldn’t stop smiling! After the lunch, which consisted of rice, salad, tortilla, and mixed vegetables, it was time to say our goodbyes. Diana and her sibling left us with warm special letters made with glitter, warm hugs, and bottles caps; while we left them with “the whip” and a letter for the whole family. What made it the hardest to leave my host family was not because they called us their hermano, hermana, mama, papa, tio, or tia but that in those short 6 hours, we were family. The host families welcomed up with open arms and treated us as if we had been a part of the family for a lifetime and that made the whole experience more worthwhile.
Kevin again for the last time. As we all settled on the bus, most of us tried falling asleep riding through the bumpy roads on the outskirts of Granada, especially since we didn’t have music to listen to which added to our day’s purpose. We got to the Hostel and we either relaxed or napped for an hour before heading over to the local school for English tutoring. This time we were able to walk in and some groups were lucky enough to have their students show up for class. As for the others who didn’t teach, they went on an adventure around the school having fun with whatever they found, just like we had learned from the humble children earlier in the day! After EnglishTutoring was done, we headed straight to El Comedor where a delicious plate of … YUP! you guessed it! Gallo Pinto awaited us. We then finished the day by passing the torch to our new leader of the day, Omari (studemiere), and self-reflection!
P.S You will hear about all the great stories soon! We wish we could share everything with you all, but it is 11:00pm in Granada and I really need to get some rest because we have to wake up at 6am for Poverty Day tomorrow. Anyways, thank you for the comments!! We love hearing them in our nightly meetings every night!
Cheers from Granada,
Kevin, Troung, and the rest of the family
You guys did it! You lived on a dollar a day. It is such an eye opener to be able to see the way others live their lives. Although they may be poor, they are rich at heart. I am so happy that you guys had a wonderful time and felt welcome with the families. What you guys are doing is beyond amazing! We all miss you back at home and hope that tomorrow brings more smiles and full hearts.
PS. We got the house Kit! Miss and love you!
Miss you lots Liz, a week and a half left in your trip and it sounds like it’ll sure be a memorable one. It’s been difficult getting started/continuing with all of the work you know I have to do while you’re away for one reason or another, but I’ll get there, and ends up I’ll be at school one day this week with the other class Pres’s helping Paris unpack the student center anyways. Tatiana is still super cuddly & is friends with Scooter and Sheila now, on the days I feel well enough I still run over by your house, and my dad’s been spending a lot more time I’m Fremont lately; maybe we can hang with him for a bit when you get back. Have fun and get good usage out of your Gopro so you can make a sweet video of your trip when you get back! 🙂
Wow, sounds like that was again one amazing day. How exciting to share a day like that with families there.Sharing smiles with them helping them with what they deal with on daily bases, chores. Sounds like everyone was welcomed and I’m sure they loved you all and appreciate all your help. continue all your motivation, it’s so inspiring and to hear your stories we can tell how touching this trip has been for you all. Have a great night!
Hi McCall/Mac/MacDaddy and Ena/Ena/Ena!!
“Hi Ena I had papas rellenas today!” -Laleska
We wanna go back and we miss you guys soooooo much!!! We were just watching the dance video from our last fun day and it brought back hecka memories. We’re so sad! SHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTT
“BOO MCCALL! ARE YOU SCARED NOW?” -Andres
“YOU PROBABLY JUMPED OUT OF YOUR SEAT RIGHT NOW HUH MCCALL?! Shoot!” -Tiffanie
Btws we’re all skyping right now and it’s just as if we’re sitting together at the comedor eating. (“Except for Vivian, that lazy girl.” -Laleska)
WE LOVE AND MISS YOU GUYS!!! BIG LOVE TO Y’ALL.
Love,
Tiffanie, Laleska, and Andres AKA your favorites (:
P.S. Don’t forget that we’re your favorites forever and ever and eveeerrrr even when you have kids! “And McCall, I’m still disappointed that I didn’t get to meet your boyfriend” -Andres
BIG LOVE TO MADAI TOO!!! Miss her so much! “This is how we get down!” We still remember your dance moves!! Lol BIG LOVE EVERYONE!!!
Wow – what an experience you had yesterday. I’m reading it on BART, trying not to cry (I’m getting some concerned looks from fellow passengers). 🙂 I love how you all saw how happy the children were, even though they did not have much. I can’t wait to hear all about all your experiences when you get home. We all miss you!
Hi glimpsers
Hi Gustavo Velazquez, I feel so excited when I saw your picture with that family. And I know you’re having a great time over there. I’m been reading all the activities that you and the other glimpsers are being done. I think all these experiences are amazing and are going to help you on the future.
I feel really good because you’re having a good time. I send you a huge, take care.
from your mom. ☺️ That love you.
What an adventure! It really makes you appreciate all that you have, and how much you can do with that! It really doesn’t take much to form a strong and supportive communtiy where people are really truly happy! It seems like these experiences will stick with you forever and really chage the way you view and treat the world! That’s really special and unique!
Enjoy the rest of your trip and keep an open mind, Glimpsers! There’s so many things to learn!
Mom- you are incredible and SO LOVED!!! We miss you but know that this really is a once in a lifetime type of experience and you will benefit so much too! <3 <3 <3
Mel
Hola como siempre todos los dias estoy esperando a conocer sus nuevas experiecias jorge no se si recuerda pero nosotros viviamos como esas familias que ustedes visitaron .we love you son .
Congratulations Glimpsers! On making through a whole day on just a dollar. Elizabeth I’m looking forward to how you apply those new found skills when you get back home, lol! Anyway, I really enjoy reading the blog posts and hearing about all the great things you are doing. We love you and miss you and are so proud of you! Papa.
Big wet kisses from Ruben and Maya too 🙂
Hello global glimpse team,
This literally made me tear up! I’m sure the families were very grateful for all your help.
You guys are truly an inspiration. A lot to experience. Hands up to everyone. Hope you all had a good night.
We love n miss ya Kit Kat smile
Hi Boba, again! I would call you Victor, but it’s weird and I think it’s somehow rude to call you by your first name considering I haven’t called you that 8 months ago. Well, let me say, I almost missed your message again today because I was at work but thankfully I didn’t or I would have been sad mango again. Today, I walked all over downtown with Karen and Cang, trying to print our transcript and get to Oaklandish to get our free shirt. Then, we went to Piedmont theater to watch a movie called Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. It was pretty sad if say so. Karen and Cang say hi and hope that you are enjoying your trip! But anyways, I can’t wait to hear from you again and I miss you super duper ultra mega much!!!! Like always, goodnight and sweetdreams! 🙂
This sounds amazing! It’s so great to get a perspective of their culture and community! Miss yah, Min!