Today we had one of the most emotional and reflective days of the trip: Poverty Day. Keeping in mind we were going to go to the dump, we dressed in long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes to prepare ourselves for the potentially hazardous environment. After a delicious breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans), we had an informative seminar (talk) about poverty in Nicaragua. We talked about events of the past, places, former peace, current people, and politics of Nicaragua that led up to the current poverty situation. The talk prepared us for what we were going to see at the dump in Estelí. After a 20 minute “quiet” reflective bus ride we arrived at the dump and met Doña Francisca who talked to us a lot about her life living near, and working at a dump. She quickly inspired many of us by talking about her work recycling the people’s trash. She taught us to be more conscious of what we waste and be more grateful for what we have. It all connected to our quote of the day “Alone, human beings can feel hunger. Alone, we can feel cold. Alone we can feel pain. To feel poor however, is something we do only in comparison to others” – Eric Greitens. We learned how the word “poor” is relative and how we only feel sadness about what we have when we see others with things we don’t have. At the dump we saw trash lit on fire, dogs roaming around, and large piles of waste. It was amazing to see how much people throw away. Every glimpser came back feeling grateful and inspired by Doña Francisca. Once we returned we all had a mandatory shower and some free time before lunch. After lunch we had self reflection where the glimpsers got into groups to discuss what we’ve learned today. Many noticed how people in the U.S. are much less optimistic about their social status whereas people who work in the dump in Nicaragua are content and able to live happily with their situation. After self reflection and lunch we had another seminar about our Community Action Project (CAP). After much brainstorming about what we should build and improve for the kids at Preescolar, we settled on painting a mural, building tables, and planting trees. The school really needed new tables for the kids and teachers and tree shade for the children playing outside. After preparing for our second English class, everyone was pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful juicy hamburger for dinner paired with a sweet watermelon slush drink. After a short walk to our school for teaching English, everyone had a fun filled energetic class with kids, teens, or adults. It was definitely enjoyable to see everyone making an effort to learn English and having fun doing so. To wrap up the day we had a nice nightly meeting and we’re very excited for our first free day tomorrow!
“Peace out from Estelí 1A, later!”
Dear Angela,
What an eye-opening experience and an opportunity to see it first-hand. I am sure it will be rewarding and memorable event. Great CAP selection with a nice blend of art and comfort.
Enjoy the free day tomorrow. You guys have earned it.
Love
Mom, Dad, Andy
Sounds like you all are having a wonderful time. So happy to hear about the project you have chosen to do for the children. It will benefit so many in the future with artwork, new tables and shade for them to enjoy. I am very impressed with all that you are doing for the locals and how you all seem to be enjoying it. Keep up the good work. We love you Sammy and miss you lots.
Every day when I read the blog I am amazed at all that you are experiencing and learning. It sounds like the poverty day really had an impact on all of the glimpsers. I think that the CAP project is wonderful. Enjoy your free day. Molly we love you. Hugs, Mom
Those are great projects! The mural will leave a legacy of beauty. The tables will be a place that hundreds or thousands of students will use to sit and talk and just be friends around. The trees are perhaps your greatest gift; something that you won’t be there to see anyone enjoy, but you have the wisdom and foresight to know that they must be planted now so they can be enjoyed many years down the road — if you only thought about the present, they would never be planted, and nobody would ever get to enjoy shade.
Good for you all! We’re proud of you!
Dear Jae,
Sounds Awesome and Amazing. So very proud of you. Enjoy your free day. Miss u like crazy! Stay safe & smiling. LUB, mumz & crew…
Hola Zuleima, que orgullosa estoy de ti!!! Me da gusto verte involucrada en tantos proyectos, especialmente en lo de la escuela, ahí va a quedar algo de ti, felicidades a todos. We are proud of all you guys!!! We miss you a lot. Love you!!!!
Hey Brianna!
It is a humbling experience to witness the level of poverty that exists outside of the US especially in Latin America. It is very humbling and I’m glad that you and your fellow Glimpsers are able to witness it first hand. It will make you better human beings for sure. We are so proud of you!!
Papi & Michelle