Today posed as a challenge for the Glimpsers as we pushed ourselves into an uncomfortable lifestyle. We rose at 6 a.m in order to start the day off early and on the right foot. For breakfast we ate pineapple, banana, an assortment of tradition breads and orange juice, which sadly came from a bottle instead of freshly squeezed. After breakfast the Glimpsers went upstairs to talk about poverty and the five P’s that contribute to a country being considered impoverished. The 5 P’s are People, Place, Past, Peace, and Politics. Using this as a guide, we then were given pieces of paper indicating one of the 5 and we grouped them together to develop a better understanding of what contributes the most to poverty. Throughout the meeting we found that People and Place can greatly effect poverty due to the number of people and how quickly overpopulation can become a problem. As well as placement which determines natural disasters and the ability to use the land as a resource.
After our meeting we made our way to the bus and drove to LAS Hormiguitas, which is a school that provides teen moms and children without an education a safe haven. The women we talked to were angels sent from above due to their selflessness and outstretched arms to the minorities in the Nicaraguan society, pregnant teens and uneducated individuals. We soon learned about a device called Escuelas Movil (Mobil School) which was easily transported between the market, poorer neighborhoods, the central park, and the dump. Which leads to our next mission, as the students entered the bus there was definite confusion as well as obvious nerves. Without much explanation of what we might see at the dump, we were afraid of how traumatic it might be. In a sense we were right to be alert, however it wasn’t what we were expecting. There was a large amount of land dedicated to trash, however the piles that we thought we towered over our heads, were really broken trash bags laying flat over a larger area rather than neatly stacked and organized. As an advocate of the dangers our planet faces, this was concerning. But an even larger issue than that was what was being done. Around 35-40 Nicaraguans we searching through the trash ranging from ages 5 to 50. Children being taken out of schools to spend their days searching from salvageable items such as, metals, bottles, cans, and tarp to sell out on the street for a profit. This felt very foreign as well as sad to many of us because its hard to imagine this being an occupation or even a normalized lifestyle. As we got to know the kids due to use the Mobil School to help teach them math, English, Spanish grammar and spelling, we realized how kind and happy they seemed. Although this is not a normal lifestyle in our country or even a developing country, the people knew what had to be done on their part to make ends meet. To me this felt noble as well as brave for putting on a happy face and making the best of their situation.
When we made it back to the hostel there was a mandatory shower for health precautions and then a self-reflection so we could discuss what it felt like to be at the dump. This conversation lasted nearly half and hour and each student was required to share their experience. After all of this we were given a break for lunch which was beef, rice, salad, plantains and dragonfruit with lemon. Following lunch was the leadership meeting for August and then we were given a chance to go out into the city with the restriction of spending only $1= 28 cordobas because of the circumstances we had faced that day. Once we returned to the hostel we had dinner which was fried squash with egg, beans, diced tomatoes, and ice tea. After this we went immediately to English tutoring and then headed home for the nightly meeting. We debriefed on the day and I passed off the torch to August who discussed the plans for our Community Action Project which will be starting tomorrow. Now it is time for bed as we expect to rise for an early morning tomorrow.
A view of the dump. Out of respect to those working there, we did not take photos during our time there.
Hola Cinque,
There before the grace of God we go. Sometimes there is a thin line between where we are & where we could be. Above all,people are not their circumstances. Spending the day in someone else’s shoes must have been very enlightening for everyone. What a blessing that there are people in the community extending compassion and hope. I believe this day will leave an impression on your soul. Remember to honor that. Love and miss you! Stay prayerful & safe.
Much God & love,
Mom, Dad & Czar
You often heard or seen it on TV, now you experienced and saw it thru your own eyes, what a good experience you had for this day. Love you, mom
Very insightful post.
The dump — but for the grace of God there go I. We. Us.
Jasmine, what a powerful experience. I look forward to hearing more about your reaction to this day. I tried to comment yesterday, but I’m not sure they were approved by the moderator. I could be on my end. Please look for them. Have fun, I love you mi hija. Dad
Ellis, I found your post to be quite powerful and it brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine how powerful an experience it must have been to be at the dump. The lessons learned and perspectives gained through this Global Glimpse experience are priceless. We are blessed with so much and at times we complain, for no good reason. Always valuing the simple things, like having shelter, food and family/friends brings happiness. Seems like the people you are meeting have that understanding and grace. Amazing to witness I am sure.
Lee, we miss you and hope you’re CAP goes well! Keep safe. Love, mom
Hi Ellis. Thanks for that very sobering post. You glimpsers keep amazing me with what you accomplish/learn/see in a day.
Love you Ellis and looking forward to seeing you soon.
mom xox
Hi Sarah M.,
Your experience are very powerful yesterday and keep up the amazing works.
❤️ You!
Aunt W.
This reminded me of my experience after college working/living for 6 months in St. Thomas, USVI, where my fellow employees and I took turns hauling a truckload of our employer’s trash to the island dump every week. It opened my eyes to the finite resources we share on earth and that we can’t take the advantages of our lifestyles for granted. There is no replacement for having first-hand experience with difficult issues. Your description of this experience is provocative. Well done.
It sounds like a very emotional day! I am glad to hear that the kids stay happy! It also sounds like you guys are really getting into a routine! Soon you will be back. We miss you! Love, Mom Dad and Ryan
What an amazing experience you are all having. I am enjoying reading the blogs each day, and especially yours. It is hard to imagine how some people have to live in order to survive. Looking forward to seeing you and hearing your stories. With all my love, Granny
I have been enjoying all your posts. What an amazing adventure! I’m sure that you all will be changed forever by what you have seen. Great blog Ellis. I enjoyed your observations and insights. You and your group are in my prayers. xo Jennifer
Love