Hola, Global Glimpser Briana Bazile here, and this is a short synopsis of our 5th day here in Granada. Today began with yet another early start at 6:00 am, but we all managed to climb on the bus after breakfast and make it on our way to the La Joya Municipal Dump. The ride there was silent; we all thought it to be best to set our riddles and games aside for s single bus ride in order to prepare for what we thought we knew we were about to see. When we arrived to the dump, and stepped out of the bus, shock casted every single one of our faces. The overwhelming smell, the swarms of flies and vultures, the massive mountains of trash, and most touchingly, the people standing in front of us. Our speaker of the day, Jesse Romero, informed us about himself, the struggles that he has endured, and his work in being a constant volunteer at the dump. He explained that these people who are anywhere from 14 to 66 years old, walk from miles away at least 3 times a week to work in the dump, sifting out anything that could possibly earn them some money to get the through the next 2 weeks. They make about $40 a week, which is practically nothing when you have a family of 7. They have no guaranteed meals or water source. All they have is their faith, and each other. It was heart warming to serve these amazing people a meal, and to see the smiles on their faces despite any struggled they were facing. As leader of the day, I am so proud of the group today. Although there were flies covering out bodies, dogs coming up to us, and the difficult sight itself, everyone was able to stick it out and show nothing bust respect and empathy. This was an extremely eye opening and humbling experience for us all. I appreciate the life I have to a greater extent.
Although that was the main event of the day, we also visited El Centro de Juan Pablo II: the location of our Community Action Project. There we met with the head coordinator of the center, who told us about some of the needs of the community that could inspire our project. Ideas such as painting the classrooms and the library came up, so we will make a final decision soon based off of that information.
Our last activity of the night was English tutoring. The classes went well, although unfortunately, many students could not make it to school because it was pouring rain.
Today, I learned to see the world a little differently. I learned that I am tremendously blessed and that I should be endlessly grateful for everything I have so, Mom, Dad, if you’re reading this, thank you so much.
Matti and Glimpsers,
I started to cry as I read this very powerful post. This sounds like a life-changing experience that will stay with you and shape you. Reading about these people’s lives in an article or book would not have been the same. Matti we are so incredibly proud that you are undertaking this difficult, exhausting, rewarding journey. Love you so much and we all miss you.?
Skye ???
Sounds like an emotional and insightful day. I’m so proud of you to be able to be a part of something like this. I know you wanted to pet every dog and help them too.
Love you Briana
Mission accomplished with this note…
The country we come from (Egypt) has tons of these examples…
People struggling all over the world yet humble and beautiful human beings …
Lots of kisses and hugs to all of u.
Maybe few extra ones to bouletta and Briana..??
Bri, I am crying too. I’m so proud of you and your colleagues for being unselfish enough to work, learn and care about others. Sometimes it is difficult to appreciate what you are being provided until you have nothing or walk with others who are struggling to have half of what you feel entitled to. You are a beautiful, intelligent, loving and compassionate young lady and I hope this experience pushes you further in understanding and realizing your life’s direction. Love, Mommy
Lucinda, your reply is so sweet, so encouraging, so supportive. It made be tears eyed. So proud of Briana.
Thank you for sharing. Sometimes God shows us things to make us appreciate what we have. Thank God for his grace, love, and mercy in allowing us to help and pray for others that are need. Be blessed.
Briana and the global glimpsers, what a compelling story! I pray that each and everyone of you never forget this experience and remember the faith and determination of these people. It is important to know that nothing is guaranteed and situations can change at anytime but it is your attitude and outlook that will make or break you. Briana, I am so proud of you and the young woman you’ve become. Continue to give back, and you will always be rich in spirit. Love you!
I’m so proud of your team. I will continue to pray for the less fortunate and the people, like yourself, that take action to serve those. I imagine this experience will in so many ways affect the way you view the world and your position in it. Stay safe! I love you.
Brianna,
Thank you for your post, it was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I am happy that you have the opportunity to be a “Global Glimpser” and travel to Nicaragua. You are extremely fortunate, not only because you have all the opportunities that your parents have provided you with, but also because you get the chance to serve people who have less than you. I can tell by your post that you are honored to serve these amazing people and that brings me joy!!! As I type this, I am wiping tears from my eyes because as a H.S. teacher, I see students who have no idea how fortunate they are to be able to have a free education and a meal provided EVERYDAY (or almost everyday) at school and home. ALL students should have the opportunity to go and see what is happening in our world, and I am glad that you are making a difference in the lives of others. You have changed someone’s life for the better and I thank you and your fellow Glimpsers.
Sincerely,
Janine Scott (your mom’s friend and HS math teacher)
Powerful eyewitness commentary! Clearly transformational and life-altering! Thank you for your courage, your consciousness and for your demonstrated commitment to catalyze change!
Briana,
To leave the comfort of your own community to serve people in another country is truly amazing and inspiring. Not only will this experience leave a lasting impression on you and your fellow Glimpsers, but it will also
uplift and change the lives of those you are helping. They will never forget you! I’m so proud of you!!
Thank you for sharing your long, emotional day. We are glad you were able to show these workers some kindness and give them some comfort by serving them a meal. We hope you are resting well and taking good care of yourselves and each other while you are trying to help the people in this community. We love you Lily!
Wow. What a poignant piece. So vivid in capturing the mood of the team and the human dignity of those working in the dumpsters. I see this experience as both a spiritual and a life changing experience for the Glimpsets. We’re so proud of you Briana and wish you and the team even more awareness as you pursue your journey. Hang in there. Jojo
Hello Briana and Fellow Glimpse Leaders,
What a moving entry this is; I’m sure this experience has provided you with a new perspective about your life situations and that of the less fortunate. It serves as a reminder to all of us that despite the geographic distance and boundaries that separate us, we’re called to help those who are in need.
Very proud of the tremendous work you all are doing. Be well!
Briana-so wonderful you are having this experience. The co ditoons we live in have little to do with our own choices, and much more so it’s a birth lottery. Those of us born with some privilege owe the rest of the world some of our time and energy. I deeply appreciate you stepping into discomfort to learn and help.
Thank you for writing this. I hope to see you when you come back so we can hear more
Dear Kristie,
It’s such a powerful post! What a day it seems to be and so much experience and insight to take in… We are blessed that you continue to shape your identity and to learn what you can do to make a didference! Love as always… ❤️
Awesome reporting! Almost makes me feel as if I were there on the scene. This is a wonderful thing you all are doing.
Briana
I’m so proud of you and just by reading your blog makes us all appreciative of what the Lord has bless us with each and every day. Love you take care
Grandma Robin
Briana,
This is a touching, well written glimpse into how others live. I am proud of you, and the other glimpsers, for your gracious giving. Thanks for reminding me of how blessed we are. You inspire me to do and know more.
Just want to start off saying. I am extremely proud of you not many teenagers your age would give up summer vacation to do something so selfless… This experience is definitely going to leaving a lasting impact and help you in your future life decisions… Good luck and stay safe.. Love you always
Dashawn
Kayla,
Hoping your experience is a meaningful one. We love and miss you very much. We ran into Kristen and Pete yesterday and they mentioned how much the kids miss you. Apparently they keep asking when you are coming back. It was Shauna’s birthday yesterday, she misses you too and so do all of your friends.
I think that is all from the US. I love reading the blog posts, keep ’em coming!
<3 you!!!
Hey Bri, thank you for this reminder- very eye, heart and mind opening- of the plight of others and how blessed we are. You and your fellow volunteers are excellent examples of Servant Stewardship. We should all learn to treat our struggling brothers and sisters with respect and dignity. It’s a hand UP not a hand down. I applaud and admire you. Love Auntie Z
The common denominator is hope. These same people who toil at the site you visited represent an overwhelming majority throughout this world we live in. The smiles, gratitude, and sheer will to survive stem from that hope that tomorrow will be better for the children. Nothing is taken for granted; therefore your presence and service become a part of the blessings, the smiles, the gratitude and the hope.
“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me”
May God continue to guide us all to a life of service in whichever way we can.
My love to all of you with a special hug to you Bribri!
Your fav auntie
Skye,
As I read this I know you have had an impact cast on you that will last a lifetime. Seeing the contrast of lives being lived had to be tough. I know your mother was right about the dogs too 🙂 I am so proud of you Skye. WHAT AN ADVETURE SO FAR!!
Hi Lily, Glad you were able to see something so moving and show your appreciation for the people who have such challenging lives. You know we think you’re the best granddaughter ever. This trip will only make you better.It’s wonderful you can share this trip with all these
wonderful people. Take care. Hope today’s a bit lighter. Miss you. Hugs and kisses. ?Nana and Papa
Dear Briana, This is an eye opener for sure! What an opportunity you are experiencing. Giving of yourself so unselfishly! Thank you for sharing your mission with all of us. Keeping you, your group and the families you are serving in my prayers! Love you!
XO. Jo-Anne
Briana, we are so proud of you and the wonderful young woman you continue to become. Thank you for sharing this experience so well; we could experience it through words. This will be a life altering experience and worth every sacrifice.
Wonderful to know the Spirit has moved you to serve. I wish you and those you serve much blessings. Return safe. Peace to you Briana
Briana, you are a gifted writer. Thank you for sharing your perspective. We need more empathy in this world! Luella
Brianna, thank you for sharing your journey. I just shared with Austin and Cameron and we discussed the importance of your visit along with your fellow glimpster. May God continue to bless you and keep you as your share your love and talents. When we realize what we have and what we must give, it is an awakening. I cannot wait to see what more you will do, be and give to the world.
-Love Auntie Mardi
Brianna! What an absolutely wonderful & self-less experience. We couldn’t be more proud of the young woman you’ve become & the fantastic way you’re choosing to live your life. God bless you, enjoy your adventure & know that you are loved by many… to include us!! Love you to pieces!!! Tonya & Rodway
Congratulations on heading out into the wide world to make a difference; I can see why your mom and Dad are so proud of you. You have already accomplished so much at such a young age–the future is very bright for you!
Very moving, Brianna! Kudos to you and the group for having your eyes opened and to taking to heart the powerful message of human dignity enduring in difficult circumstances. Marshall’s dad.
Briana, I had no doubt you would be kind and caring, you are your mother’s daughter..!!! You are beautiful, smart, confident and loving. Plus, you have faith in a God whose name is above all names. You are emplifying the traits that He loves. I know this experience for you and the Glimpsters is humbling and insightful and no doubt have you reflecting back on your life and realize just how blessed you are to have family and friends who love you unconditionally and that nothing is a given..!!! I am so very proud of you and I know the people there appreciate you more than they can say. Briana, be alert, be safe, take no chances and pray without ceasing..!!! Thanks for sharing and I thank your proud mother for sending this to me and others. Love you and God bless you and the Team,??❤️????
Thank you Briana for sharing your experiences in Nicaragua. Your story is both enlightening and sobering. I always feel hopeful for the future when I am continuously reminded of young people like you that are generous, thoughtful and kind. You are doing good work and good things will happen for you because of it. Lois
Briana,
Thank you for sharing a part of your experience. You are destined to do great things in leadership and service to others near and far. Blessings to you on your journey!
Njeri Tyner
WoW!! Briana’s words bring you up close and personal to the struggles these people must endure every waking moment of their life. I applaud you Briana for sharing your experience with family and friends!!