Hi everyone! As today’s Leader of the Day I woke everyone up for a lovely breakfast on the patio. After chatting and enjoying the beautiful, cool morning view we went inside to hear our Politics Seminar. Our GG Leaders had us read an article about Nicaragua’s current President Daniel Ortega that opened my, and the rest of the group’s, eyes about the cruel way in which he politically suppresses yet appeases the Nicaraguan people.
Later on, we rode the bus through the tightly packed, bustling Nicaraguan city streets to El Calvario, a point overlooking the city of Matagalpa. Doña Sonia, a participant in the revolution, spoke to us about her plight. I, and many of my other friends, were emotionally moved. Even though not all of us could verbally communicate with her directly, we all connected with her story of being in between “a rock and a hard place” as she ran away from her home, abandoning all she knew, because the National Guard was persecuting her. Her ideas for the future of Nicaragua, her participation in the community, and the concept of constant love in her life was truly inspiring for all of us to hear. And of course, we got to take in the amazing (windy!) view of the city and snap lots of pictures!
Back at the hostel I got to lead the group in a political activity! We made a list of “what we want in our USA” and “what we do not want in our USA”. It was really interesting to discuss what we all thought and how we got to those thoughts. We really grew as a familia in that we discussed back and forth about what we all want for the future.
After that, we got to learn about our CAP! Our CAP, Community Action Project, is with Los Pipitos. They are a non-profit organization that works with disabled children in Matagalpa; there will for sure be more details to come on future blog posts about our progress in developing, designing, and delivering our CAP.
The most notable event of our evening was English tutoring! This was our first night and we were all very jittery but excited. We all walked hand-in-hand with our buddies, and prepared for the challenge. Some classes, like my own, were more challenging than others. However, we all came back to the hostel laughing and sharing stories about our students, our struggles, and our accomplishments. We definitely will be more prepared for next time, and understand how HARD it is to teach!
Our day was jam-packed but the energy was constant. We all experienced a lot of emotions: sadness, happiness, despair, glee and fright. In reflection we always bring up how we are growing together as a family (after all, we did share a “family size” box of Oreos) and I felt that growth today. I, and the rest of my fellow Glimpsers, cannot wait to see what the city of Matagalpa brings for us to discover and question on our journey tomorrow.
Great job Caitlin!Seems like you all had a very eventful and joy filled day. I love hearing about all of the great things you are doing and learning. Hi Eryka!
I was happy to see your smiling face Caitlin and very impressed with what you accomplished! Hope you are having fun in Guatemala I mean Nicaragua (LOL :))
Love you
Sheila
Hi Maddie!
It was so great to hear about your day!! We love reading the blog – it is the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do at night! Be sure to tell Caitlin she did a great job writing the blog 🙂 We are so impressed with all that you are experiencing!
Hope tomorrow is another exciting day!
Love always,
Cara
Wonderful, Caitlin!
Hope you and all of the Glimpses are having the time of your life. “Big Smo”..don’t forget you country. Love Dad..P.S.Buddy says hi and I need a walk..just kidding Mommy has been filling in..We send our love!!
Caitlin,
I can’t be more proud of the job you did writing the blog entry as the Leader of the Day. The trip sounds so incredible and you are so lucky to be experiencing all Matagalpa has to offer with such a wonderful group of fellow Glimpsers and adult guides. We miss you tons! Hugs to Maddie, too!!
Love,
Mom
Caitlin – Love your blog; Love you; be Safe!! Grandma and Grandpa
Espectacular, maravilloso, un éxito!! Ahora no dejes que te laven el celebro!! Te has criado un una democracia. Cuidado y usa tu celebro. Tienes la capacidad gracias a una educación superior. Te quiero!
Hi Caitlin!! Sounds like you are have a fantastic experience – enjoy and embrace it all!! Tell Maddie I said Hi!! – Love ya – Leslie
omg Caitlin I love u so much tell maddie I love and miss her GPD for life
Hey Caitlin! Sounds like you are learning and experiencing many news things. That is fantastic and keep enjoying! How is the food? Have you tried anything new?
Say hello to Maddie!!!
Hi Cait! It looks like you are having a great time. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back!!! See ya soon, enjoy the rest of your trip!
Hey Maddie!
Sounds like your learning a lot and can’t wait to hear all about it when you come back state side!! Reading the blog, I’m so jealous of all the interesting and cultural things you get to see and experience. Love you lots and enjoy the trip!
Love,
Cousin Erin