Today was jam-packed, but so much fun. We had a surprise visit from Fawziah, Eliza, and some board members–that made our day. Seeing Fawziah was a lovely taste from home, and her energy and enthusiasm, along with all of the special guests, was exciting.
We started off in the morning by visiting a jewelry workshop in the countryside. We were inspired by the business that this group of women started and unity was a common theme in all our cultural activities. We made jewelry out of beautiful seeds collected by children in the forests. We also had time to buy some necklaces and bracelets. Some of these will certainly be gifts, maybe even for some of you. After this we made special Nicaraguan tamales and also had the opportunity to eat them. Great activities–but there’s more!
After a short rest at the hostel, we walked to a nearby art gallery that made special black ceramics. The ladies running the shop and making the ceramics were the sixth generation of women doing the craft. Smooshed together under a canopy to avoid the pouring rain, we created miniature works of art that probably aren’t gallery-worthy, but certainly a lot of fun.
Finally, we worked off some of those tamales doing a dance class that included salsa and traditional folkloric dances native to Matagalpa.
We had so much fun, and all of us got out of our comfort zones and challenged ourselves. We felt a lot of gratitude today for art, food, dance and the manifestations of culture in everyday life. We had great discussions to end our evening, and were very happy to hear comments from some of our family and friends back at home.
Hi Jazmine
Missing you!!! Love the pics. Hope you and your classmates are doing well. Wish I was there eating an ice cream cone from Coney Island Luna Park with you π I was up working on a paper and decided to check the site. Glad I did. Daddy loves you. Lizzette, mikey and the whole family misses you and loves you
Hi Milton, we love your enthusiasm and support for Jazmine. It’s been great to see her grow and bond quickly with the other students in our delegation. She’s an incredible young lady. You and your family must be proud to have her! We had some awesome ice cream the other day, not sure Coney Island is #1!
This is so perfect to hear that everyone when out of there comfort zone that’ll make it even more memorable βΊοΈ. I hope seeing the condition of the ceramic makers made everyone feel much more grateful. I miss you so much Noe ! I hope you’re having a blast and that those tamales were delicious !
Whoa !! Seems very out of his comfort zone ! I hope he brings the dress back home I wanna see this for myself! I send him hugs and kisses back π Tell him I said to keep on exploring!
Can you please ask Noe to please call me before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on Sunday ?
Wow everyone, looking GREAT. Ally, sounds like it is an amazing experience already. Keep trying new things … making new connections … having a wonderful adventure. We love you.
Sounds like an amazing day! I see you back there getting your Salsa on Jay!!! Lol So yesterday was my haircut appt. I punked out and ended up not going too short. But anyway in more exciting news lol today is Mama’s birthday and I will wish her a happy birthday on your behalf. I will probably take her for some ice cream since we cut her cake early while you were still here. I have been showing her the pictures being posted on here. We are happy because you look happy in the pics so keep on smiling! We are all proud of you. Talk to you soon! Love you!!!
Wow Cultural Day sounded fun, I wish I was there having tamales with you. These pictures are
great. Jaz I can only imagine how much jewlery you bought… Lol Youre doing a great job and I am so proud of you. Seeing you in these pictures brings comfort . Bianca is always asking about you.
Mama sends you kisses… Love you
What a beautifully written blog. Makes me feel like I’m there. I am so happy to see you all having such a great time. Alma. You must of loved the salsa dancing part. Can’t wait too see the jewelry. Miss you soooooo much. Sending love and many kisses.
Ally and team … Looks like so much fun. Thinking about you and your magnificent adventure!!!
Thank you for the amazing reflection and pictures! After reading these amazing experiences I’m just in so much awe and grateful for having Raymond and his peers experience the talents and brilliance of Nicaragua’s community. I can’t wait to rock the new jewelery Raymond made for me, hint hint. Sending you all lots of love and light.Β‘Viva la vida!
Thank you Michelle. I’m all for the word purification. To renovate our minds and soul. These young adults are not our future, they are the future π
This is such a wonderful experience for all of you! So proud of you Sophia!I know that this is a Birthday you will always remember! We love you…xox
I’m really enjoying reading the blog everyday!’ Yayy Kaylene I see you in one of the pictures working on a ceramic, it put a smile on my face. Your day is always filled with fun activities, continue learning from this experience everyday. Looks like everyone is having a wonderful time, keep the pictures coming. I love you and miss you sooo much π
Hi Sophia Happy Birthday I miss you so much but I am so glad to see you and everyone smiling. Keep smiling & have a great rewarding experience. I can’t wait to hear from you xoxo
Everyone looks like they’re having so much fun! Can you please have Raymond Mercado call me anytime after 3pm. My number is 917-648-9325, missing my best friend a lot!!!
whoa! What a terrific Culture day you experienced. Never ate a tamale but I bet they are delicious. I would have been right there with you for jewelry making and would have loved to salsa and folk dance with you. Michelle, I will need some lessons when you get home. Keep up the good work and enjoy all your moments!
Miss you guys sooo much. Hey look there is a picture of my Best friend and my other friends
It’s wonderful to hear everyone is having a good time, and exploring new things! To Tiffany- I miss you dearly, but I am so happy that you are out and exploring Nicaragua (and helping the community). I cannot wait to see you again, but until then, keep on doing great things. Love you!
Hi Nyle, how are you? Are you enjoying yourself? Where are you? I didn’t see you in any of these pictures…I want to see you … so get in some pics please! I miss you.
Love mom.