Greetings from the lovely Jinotega! Right now this is Makayla going to talk about our fun filled day working as a Jinotegano! We started the day with a super early wake up call at four am in order to get to our destination La Bastilla Ecolodge Technical School. After a truck ride to the chicken coop, the group split into two groups, with one going to the chickens, cows and cheese making; and the other going to the pig pen, bakery , and garden. My group had gone to the station with the chickens, cows, and cheese. The first thing we did was milk the cow, which was a first for all of us, then we separated into three subgroups for three different jobs. My group’s first job was getting the eggs from the chickens. At first the chickens seemed adorable and harmless, but they became more aggressive with their pecking of our clothes and shoes (especially the shoe laces). It was interesting trying to get the eggs from the chickens because, unlike before, we were actually able to touch an animal in order to get the job done! After collecting the eggs we cleaned the dirty sports with curly aluminum sponges. Before heading to the next job, my chicken coop crew had to overturn a soil-like material covering the ground of the coop so the chickens had fresh ground to step on. The next job was making cheese, it was more exiting for us because my crew actually got to touch and add flavoring to the cheese dough the last team prepped.
Hello everyone, my name is Angelina and alongside Makayla, I was also leader of the day today. With that being said, I do believe that Makayla covered just about everything that her and her group did, but now I’ll share a little bit about what it was like to be in the second group in our visit to La Bastilla Ecolodge Technical School. The students at La Bastilla are trained in a way similar to vocational schools in America, but more specifically, they study agriculture which is a common practice here in Nicaragua, a country that provides a large portion of the world’s coffee. Although waking up very early in the morning wasn’t fun at all, the beauty that we were able to see was very much worth it because we were able to make sweet bread at the bakery and help students our age with daily jobs in the agricultural business such as tending to animals (in our case it was the pigs… oink, oink), and also their gardens. But the most amazing part of the whole field trip wasn’t just the beautiful people and agriculture, it was also the little things such as the La Bastilla Hotel where one of our program coordinators, Belkis, used to work as a manager and a professor. After we cleaned and fed the pigs, tended the garden and made some delicious sweet bread, we had lunch with all of the students at La Bastilla which was truly a special moment and then continued to a building in which the school director, Fatima, treated all of the glimpsers to a dance party.
Soon afterwards, once the fun and games were over, we climbed up a 500m. hill (that was steep) to go and see the La Bastilla Ecolodge Hotel, which had such an amazing view and great prices (for any of you wondering, it was $45 for a single person a night and $70 for two people which included breakfast and beautifully breathtaking view of the mountains of Nicaragua). There, at the hotel, all of the glimpsers enjoyed some hot chocolate as the rain poured around us, which had set us back time wise, but was so beautiful, not even I had realized how much time had passed. Once we said our goodbyes, we returned to the bus with our bus driver Marvin (the greatest driver ever), and preceded to return to Hotel Kiuras. Once we got back, most of the glimpsers took naps and then were waken up (myself included) to go to the local comedor and eat some delicious food. After that we then went to the University of Jinotega (a branch from the University of Leon in Nicaragua) and began our English tutoring.
On a personal note, my experiences today have only added to the fundamental gratitude that I have for all of the things that have been given to me by my parents and family members that aren’t promised to anyone. So although I would like to tell all of you about everything that has been going on, I would just like to say something simple to give you an idea of how precious the memories that all of us glimpsers have made. Despite barely knowing one another, we have all come so close together that it feels sometimes as if we truly are a family and because of this love that we share for one another, it has made all of our experiences even more special. Although I would love to tell you all about them, I’m sure each one of your kids will tell you when they come home in three days… but for the time being, I’d like to share my rose of the day (we have a thorn and rose system in which essentially, we share the good and bad parts of our days), which was going to English tutoring, after having had a very long and difficult day and then being presented with gifts from our students which were Jinotega bracelets and key chains with our names engraved on them. I’ll admit that I definitely did tear up a bit during class time, because I think this act of kindness wasn’t just for show, but in fact, it encompasses all of the relationships that we have made here with all the locals and the shared ideology of giving to others before thinking of themselves. Now with that in mind, it’s time for bed because we have an early day ahead of us.
Goodnight to all the families of well, our little family of glimpsers here in Jinotega; we love and miss all of you very much.
Angelina Rivera and Makayla Teppang
Nicely written girls!! You Almost made Me teer up ang lol!! Feeding pigs, making sweet bread? Chicken coops making cheese etc!! Sounds like you guys are having a blast!! Glad you guys have come together as a family to become one!!! Makes us here at home feel alot better about you guys being gone This long!!!Well You have 3 more days left make the most of your time!!
Hello!! This is my favorite blog! Lol! Yes, it’s because my granddaughter, Angelina, wrote it along with Makayla!! I’m amazed at all the work you all have done and continue to do! You all sound like, everyday you’re trying to get in as much work as possible! I just love that! I’m sure that all of the community that your helping are so grateful for all of your hard work! Your leaders must be so proud of every last one of you! And they should be! You’ve all done such a fantastic job! I love all of the great photo’s you’ve added to each one of these blogs! Thank you all for being so detailed in all of your blogs! Angelina, Grammy, Papa, and I, love you so very much!
Well said my girl, Angelina Rivera, and Makayla! It’s seems that your day was well filled with new learning experiences and hard work and best of all love!❤️ These are those moments I talked about in the other blog before. These are the moments that you take home and keep and cherish and remember for years to come. I’d like to think that these are those moments when in your path you come to a fork or hill or ditch and your not sure if the answer, but you have this moment to reassure you of the right choice. It may not make sense now but one day you’ll be like “oooooh that’s what Angelina’s mom meant!!” another proud moment for me as a parent and I’m sure all of your parents too! This trip has been such a blessing all around I have to say! Everyday I’m so excited to read your blogs and find out what you all did! With these last few days left I hope you all give it your all and leave there with a great big warm smile and a huge happy heart! Angelina, all I have to say is I hope your use to room mates because your going to have two furry 80 and 110 pound friends that have claimed your room since you’ve been gone! coda bear and so zo love it! I love you sooooo my girl can’t wait to hold you tight‼️❤️☺️
So glad you’re having such a great life changing experience on this trip Ang! Love you can’t wait till your home again to give me more details and teach me how to make sweet bread!
Very informative Angelina it was very descriptive to the point of making me feel like I was right along side of you…… But never the less I do miss you terribly and can’t wait for you to get home, love ya be safe Big Nino…
Ang, your great-detailed wording in the description of this trip is amazing! I feel so much better to finally hear what a fascinating time your having!! I love you and I think of Nicaragua a little different thanks to you(in a good way) but cant wait to hear more!! I’ll see you soonbabe!!❤
Wow sounds like a very interesting day. A lot of hard work. Can’t wait to hear the complete story about the day when you get home. It sounds like you all have made some lasting friendships with the locals…what great memories you have. Cherish every minute you have left on the trip. See you all soon
Hi Marja,
What a busy day! Sounds like you all had some fascinating experiences–I would love to hear more about the cheese and bread making. It sounds like you have had some really unique opportunities. I’ve been enjoying the daily posts and love being able to follow along through the photos. (Audie looks for you every day, kind of like “Where’s Waldo?” She asks, “Where’s Marja?”) Enjoy the last couple of days–we look forward to seeing you again!
Love,
Jennifer
Wow Mija sounds like you’re learning a lot about other cultures and people. Isn’t it funny to find out that we are not so different from each other. Im so glad you were able to take this opportunity to travel and see how Another part of the world is. But most of all to be part of a group that’s taking part in helping others. Can’t wait to see you when you get back.
We miss you Grandma Lolly & your Grandpa George!
I’d like to say first off say Ang I’m proud of you and all you’ve done in your trip I can see just through your writing that this trip has touched your heart, I’m so glad you got to experience this and I hope when you get home you’ll tell me all about it. Further more I love you and so does your family. (Btw I have continously checked your clash of clans) lol
Angelina, This was very well written and sounds like a lot of fun but also hard work! Im soo happy you were given and able to go on this amazing experience and glad you are learning and making new friends! I know your mom cant wait for you to come home Hugs to you and I hope your next few days are just as amazing! Safe travels and lots of love. ❤ Cousin Trena and family
What a detailed blog! I love hearing about your Nicaragua experiences, both hands on (making cheese, bread, feeding chickens etc.) and then how these experiences affected you personally. I think it is wonderful that you had an opportunity to do this! It sounds like you have a very long, full day but, also very rewarding.
I read this to Elena also and she wants me to tell you that she loves and misses you! She wants to do something like this when she’s older. I love you too Angie and can’t wait to hear more about your adventures! Love, Nina
Happy Birthday Brandon!
We hope you have a great day!
We’ll see you soon!
Love, Mom, Dad, and Briana
Angelina,
How awesome!!
Loved reading about your day..
I had to lol about the pigs, my uncle had pigs, brought that smell right back..
Impacting other lives and seeing it through your eyes ~ beautiful.
Enjoy the rest of your stay.
Prayers, love and hugs,
Old Nino and Nina
WOW, another day packed with both learning and life-changing activities! Just a days few left, so make the most of them!
Sophia – I see you were cooking again! Right up your alley. Miss you and see you very soon! XOXOX
Hi Marja,
Another activity filled day for all of the Glimpsers. Sounds like a lot of fun. I’m sorry that I’ve missed all your calls but unfortunately, I’m always at a patient’s home when you call. I miss you but I know that you’ll be home soon! I’m proud of all the work that you’ve done in Jinoetaga. Per your request, I’ll bring sushi and Starbucks at the airport! We love you very much and the dogs say woof!
Love Mom, Pops, BB & Pepper
Hi Marja (and friends) – up at 4 am, wow – I’m an early riser, and I don’t get up that early! Just reading this blog makes me feel exhausted. I applaud you kids for doing this. I bet you’re all going to sleep for a week when you get home.
wel, the weekend is finally here and you’ll all be on your way home before you know it. We can’t wait to see you, Marja! Gpa sends his love.
Love,
Barbara
Hi Keaton –
This sounds like one of the most interesting days yet! It is so great to hear about all the different experiences you are having, and how you have grown close as a group. I am so looking forward to hear your thoughts on all your experiences. I’m glad you got a day off yesterday to relax a bit before the early start today. Cherish these last few days together!
Love,
Mom
Hi Angelina,
Brian and I have enjoyed your Blog so much! What a difference you and your friends are making in so many lives What a wonderful life experience. Enjoy the rest of your time there. Have a safe trip home.
Love,
Brian and Kelly
Fantastic description of your days! Thanks, Julie (Olivia’s mom)
That was an amazing article I love you Angie and miss you lots I’m glad you’re having so much fun!