Firstly, we would like to give a huge shout out to Ang’s family for being the most frequent commenters; it makes for interesting nightly meetings. And now, what you’ve all been waiting for, the results of our CAP project.
We started out our day with a 6:30 wake up call, which believe it or not, felt like sleeping in. Shortly afterwards, a group of Glimpsers went to the comedor to pick up breakfast and lunch, which allowed us to eat on the road and get straight to work. Upon arrival, the “inside” and “outside” groups split up immediately, wasting no time. Just to give perspective, inside we started with two white walls and a single circle sketched, and on the outside we had two holes, angled posts, and the base coat on what was to be the sign. With that said, we successfully completed both murals, the sign, and the t-shirts with time to spare. Everyone did their part, and it was by far the most communicative day yet. In previous days, everything seemed to go wrong, but today, the whole group seemed to run like a well oiled machine.
After all the hard work was finished, we gathered as a group to celebrate the accomplishment! Juan Carlos, the founder of the organization, thanked us once we presented him with the t-shirts. From the start we felt he was a very passionate and captivating speaker, but today there was a bit more emotion behind his words. We later found out that he had been trying to get the murals painted for the past four years, but faced rejection time and time again. This, we feel, made the project itself more meaningful as a whole, strengthening the bond within our small community that we’ve created here in Jinotega. As a final thank you and goodbye, the youth and Juan Carlos sang us a song in Spanish that didn’t need translation to warm our hearts or understand its message. With heavy hearts and a sense of accomplishment we boarded the bus to return back to Hotel Kiuras, feeling as though our small Jinotegano family had grown today.
Hi! This is Siggi speaking alone now to reflect personally about the day we had. I still can hardly believe we managed to finish all 4 projects in essentially 6 hours… it’s something short of a miracle. Walking into the building and seeing only white walls and a circle was probably one of the most overwhelming feelings I’ve had in a long time, if ever. I cannot fully articulate how proud I am of the inside group for coming together and getting the work done in a timely manner. Everything about today, to me, embodied teamwork, communication, and efficiency, which were lacking at times in previous days. Every single person put their blood, sweat, and occasionally tears into this project, which, as you can see, paid off. I am more than lucky to call the Glimpsers from Jinotega 1A not only friends, but also family.
Sophia here! Despite all of the problems we faced up to this point, I am extremely happy with the final product. To be honest, I was skeptical that we could complete all of the components of the CAP today. However, everyone worked together and communicated effectively to get the job done. I am so proud of each and every member of this group for their contribution and perseverance. I know that we have created something that will be appreciated for years to come and will allow part of us to live in Jinotega even once we leave.
We will leave you with the words of the wise Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.” And with that we say goodbye to another day here in beautiful Jinotega.
Love,
Siggi and Sophia
Bravo!!!!! I knew you guys were going to finish! It’s absolutely beautiful! I am so so proud of you all and your accomplishments today! You’ve all worked very hard and just look at what you all did by coming together as one unit, not giving up, it’s a beautiful thing! Angelina, Grammy says she loves you and she loves hearing about what you guys are doing everyday! Keep up the good work! 4 more days. What’s in store for tomorrow?! I’m excited to hear all about it!
Way to go guys! It all looks incredible!! We knew you would get it done.
Go teamwork! Siggi and Sophia thanks for the great update.
Hey Megs, Love you my girl.;)
These murals and the sign are fantastic! Great teamwork.
Congratulations Jiontega 1A Glimpsers! You did it! And…it looks AMAZING!!! You certainly have left a mark on this town that both they and you will remember fondly.
Sophia and Siggi – You have done PALY proud! And your parents of course…
Sophia – “Never, Give UP!” Wow, never heard that one before ;). Now I like Winston Churchill even more. Can’t wait to see you, but enjoy your last days! Pops and William send their love! Turtles are doing great!
LOKE CHARLIE LOKE CHARLIE LOKE CHARLIE <444
Wow! Great job everyone. The murals look great. It goes to show that once a team gets going in the right direction it can accomplish a huge amount in a short period of time.
hey Aly!
We are really disappointed that we missed your calls today, but are looking forward to seeing you soon. Jenna and I are sad that you can not be here for the premiere of Teen Beach 2, and I will watch it with you when you get home. Some bigger news…. we got our new car!!!!! Love you!
<3 katie (and jenna)
Great job on the project guys. You have all done some amazing work. Enjoy your last few days as a team. I am sure that these experiences are going to be ones that you treasure for a lifetime. I am sure the people you have helped will appreciate it for years to come.
Cheers to all of you.
PS…Hi Marja….we still miss you.
Love
Pops and Mom…dogs too!
Wow that’s awesome kids!!! Another proud day for all of us parents!!! When I sent Angelina to th trip I really question myself if I was doing the right thing for her and now I know I did!!! it’s like a momma bird pushing their baby bird of the branch of a tree for their first flight into the new world! Soooooo proud of all of you! know my arms are wrappers warmly around you all! I love you babe, Angelina Rivera‼️❤️
Hi Marja!
I am glad to see that you all had such a productive and successful day. It is exciting to see your project come together! Grandpa John, Barbara, Noni, Grandma and Grandpa have all been asking about you, and we have filled them in. Audie has been telling everyone (Jason, Myvan and Aedin in particular) that she is going to Nicaragua this summer also. I am looking forward to reading about your adventures for the rest of the week!
Take care–
Love,
Dad and Jennifer
Hey Aly! Sounds like you are working hard but having fun too. Miss you so much but maybe if you let me drive your new car I’ll feel better, jk. We just got our new car too! Like Katie said we wont get to watch Teen Beach movie 2 together or Jurassic world(which was awesome btw!I saw it twice!). In other news, US advances in world cup:), I taught Phoebe how to paddle board, me, Taylor and Jack ritchie all go to tutoring at the same time, and the rest of the Dinsdales say hi. See you soon.
This is what it’s all about! You should all be proud of the work that you accomplished on this trip! It looks like it was worth all the struggle and stress that you had to overcome. I admire your perseverance. Can’t wait to hear about everything that happened when you get home, Bagby!
Mom
Hi this is angelinas dad alex, I am a painting contractor by trade and I know you dont have the same luxeries as we do here in the states kelly moore, sherwin williams etc!! I honeslty came away realy impressed with the job you guys did!! Job well done!! We Cant wait to see you ang!! I miss you so Much!! I have not commented alot cuzz ive been down with the flue for about a week now!! I cant wait to see you and here all about your adventures out there!!!