We woke up early, and after a healthy breakfast, we headed out on our field trip. The destination of that trip was The Hope Project, who will be the receiver of our community action project (CAP). At The Hope Project, we encountered first hand the life of one of the most generous and kind-hearted men we have met so far, Farrell Burton, the in-country director of the Hope Project. Mr. Burton has dedicated his life to helping the poor and innocent children in Matagalpa. He decided to sell his belongings and leave his nice job in the states, to come and work with people he believed needed his help. The services he provides, such as providing basic education and feeding both the children and their families when needed. The feeding program alone started with a donation of 75 pounds of rice and 75 pounds of beans, and now the project serves 200 children and their families every week, Monday through Friday. Other than food and education, The Hope Project teaches parents and adults trades so that they can start to support themselves financially and in some cases even provides housing to those who need it most.
After the trip to The Hope Project concluded, we headed back to the hostel, and had a delicious lunch. After a seminar on Aid and Development, we headed out on public transportation to Joven Nica, an organization that teaches teens and young adults trades, as well as bringing beauty to their neighborhood. In fact, our specific trip was to a beauty salon, where the staff was almost all young adults. Joven Nica was actually an organization that promoted development in Matagalpa, specifically that helped younger adults and teens, but got it’s aid and funding from a foreign organization based in Switzerland. After they got to practice their new skills on some of our glimpsers, one of whom (Allyson), said she was really impressed by all they had accomplished. After we finished at the beauty salon, we headed back to the hostel, and we were taught how we were supposed to be teaching English to students, who had had difficulties with their teachers in the past. After that, we had dinner and our nightly meeting, and headed to sleep in preparation for tomorrow, our first free day since we’ve arrived.
Love these blogs. I can tell they are written while inspired. So extremely proud. Alma. Love seeing you in these pictures especially your beautiful smile. We miss you very much.
It was great hearing your voice Jay-R. I’m so glad that you are enjoying yourself. GOOD LUCK on your CAP everyone!!! Love you and we will talk soon Jay!
Ally and All,
Again … sounds amazing. We’re thrilled with each new experience you are having. Ally, so wonderful skyping with you today. Continue to say ‘yes’ to all that Matagalpa has to offer. Can’t wait to hear more about it.
Hi Sophia…It was so great hearing your sweet voice yesterday! Seeing you with all children and your smiling face brought tears to our eyes! We are so proud of all of you for being so sensitive to others needs…Kisses and lots of love sent your way xoxoxoo
hearing your voice made my day Jaz…i feel like I’m with you experiencing your daily adventures. Thank you Michelle for challenging Jaz with no make up!! I can’t wait to see you in your tiara lol
Mama sends her love and Bianca too.
Love you lots and miss you too
I am very glad and proud that you are learning something new and knowing that you like helping and caring for others. It has seem very long days knowing that your far away from here but at the same time I’m happy that your having a great time because I know this is what you have wanted to do. Hope to see you soon. In the mean time take care, behave and hope to see more pictures from all of you guys. I love you son
What a beautiful picture. I can see Raymond, yaaaaay! I miss you G! These blogs are a reflection of your hard work and process on this trip, it’s inspiring to witness the transformation through these readings. You are all amazing. Keep them coming and with lots of pics!
Ian so proud of u Sophia of the woman u have become. I love u so much xoxo