Hello friends and family, my name is Haley and I was the leader of the day for the third and final day of our CAP project. Today was day 14 and for most of us the feeling of being homesick is overpowered by the smiles, laughs, and memories we’ve all shared together.
The day began at 7:00am. We left on a small adventure to the laundromat before breakfast, navigating our way through the streets of Leon without any help. We headed to the comedor at 9:00 for breakfast, where we enjoyed a glass of passion fruit juice with a delicious quesadilla. We returned to the hostel to gather our things, then boarded the bus to head to the special education school. We were all so sad find out that it would be our last day with our favorite bus drivers.
Once we arrived everyone got straight to work to ensure the project would be completed by the end of the day. The painting crew went into complete focus mode, perfecting every line and detail. They even exceeded much more than the original goal of two class rooms, and completed an entire hallway. The bus crew got an arm workout while shoveling away heavy rocks. The reoccurring appearances of spiders, scorpions, snakes, and frogs under the rubble became the highlight of the day.
After a couple hours of hard work, we refueled with a meal provided by the comedor and Nicaraguan ice cream for dessert. The next couple of hours were completely dedicated to finishing the CAP. The sweat dripping from our faces, dirt smeared upon our legs, and paint stuck under our fingernails truly symbolized the dedication we all had for this project.
It was such a rewarding feeling to see the bright hallway, clean bus area, working fans, and a safer door to the bathroom. The principle of the school told us how much our service means to the staff and students and we took one last look at our completed CAP before boarding the bus to shower before dinner.
In order to celebrate the completion of our successful project, Nancy and Noel took us out to dinner. Many of us enjoyed panini pizzas, crepes, and vibrant smoothies. With very happy tummies, we headed to English tutoring. The night was filled with lessons about time, tongue twisters, and a student even brought mangos to share with some of the Glimpsers. We headed back to the hostel for the nightly meeting and a reflection to debrief our CAP execution. At 10:30 we headed to our rooms after a very fulfilling day for a much needed lights out.
In just 14 days the 18 strangers that met at the airport have morphed into a family. It has come to the point when people ask, “When are we going back home?” they are referring to the hostel. Completing our project demonstrated how close we’ve come and how much of an impact we can make when we work as a team. It was amazing to see how much we could revamp the school in just 3 days. Seeing how much renovation a lot of this city needs really forced me to realize that things won’t just magically fix themselves. It takes people that are willing to take time out of their own life to improve the lives of others. By far this group of students is so selfless and genuine, and this is what helped make the CAP so successful for us. Although we don’t get to see the kids reactions, its such a rewarding feeling to know that we helped make the school a cleaner and happier place for the students.
Being the leader of the day really forced me to own my own voice. It felt really good to know that I contributed to the success of the CAP. Making sure the day ran smoothly, keeping people hydrated, and being a helping hand to all the GG leaders were some of my tasks for the day. The responsibility that came with this role exceeded what I had originally believed. However, today really taught me how to manage a large group and be confident in my ability to lead. We are all excited for tomorrow’s much needed free day after such an exhausting but fulfilling day.
Hi Haley!! GREAT Blog. I felt like I was with you as I read this. I loved the details all the way down to the paint in the fingernails. You have always been a leader, and this just adds more definition. I can feel your homesick-ness, yet being trumped by the diversion of the 20 new friends and hard work you have done. I bet you are at the beach today. I am waiting for my call today from you. Ready to answer at any moment. : ) I CANT wait for Friday to see you. I realized I used wrong initials. JG not JL will be with us. It’s like I was dislexit when I say it that the L was on my mind. I LOVE YOU so much.
So nice to hear how close and selfless the group has become, it makes me feel that maybe just maybe the world one day will be better…global glimpse keep up this excellent oportunity for all our kids! Thank you GG… see u soon Anth, luv u!!
Hey Haley, amazing blog! Jessica Tsuji would he happy. I’m proud of you, because you always talk about wanting to make a difference, and you finally are getting the chance to do so! It’s awesome to hear about the growth of your guys’ bonds as the trip has progressed! I can’t wait to see you when you get back and hope everything goes well until then. See you and the squad at the airport, maybe??? Maybe… 😉
Hi Johann, Today I’m feel happy when you called me. I fell very excited to hear you to telling me all hard work and chores that you done. I felt very excited of what you told me; of how people are and how they live out there. You told me that there are a lot of people living in poverty like the families you went to see and they need help. I’m very proud of you to hear to talk like that. I know that you are learning very positive things. I’m counting the days are that left until Friday to see you and hug you.
I love you mijo. Your mom.
What a busy and eventful day. All of your hard work is paying off. The school looks beautiful. Alondra we’re at Universal Studios till Wed night. Do u till want the robe? Let me know as soon as u can. Love & miss you,Can wait to see u again. Love Mom, Dad & Adrian. PS Daisy stayed w Julie n Tia Elvia
I Johann, Today I’m very happy to hear you when you called me. I fell very proud of you and happy to hear to telling me the hard work and chores that you did. I feel good when you told me that there is a lot of poverty and they need help. Like the families you sharing with them. I feel happy to hear everything you have told me. I know that you are learning many positive things. I’m counting the days to left to Friday to see you and give a hug.
I love you mijo….your mom.
Bertha Romo.
HI BESTFRIEND! I’m so happy that you called me today it was so heart warming to hear your voice! I’m glad that you are having a good time even when you can homesick. & it seems like you guys eat the most interesting foods over there lol. I miss you kc like a lot idk if you can tell x) Have fun Volcano surfing or sliding IDK WHAT ITS CALLED BUT HAVE FUN! I LOVE YOU MKAY BYE xoxoxoxoxo♥♥♥♥
The school looks amazing! Good job. You definitely deserved your free day today. So sorry we missed your call today Katherine. Love you!
Congrats to all the Glimpsers for completion of the CAP project. You worked extremely hard and should be proud of yourselves.
Haley, it was great to read your the blog plus hear your perspective on being a leader for the day. I think it’s great that everyone had a chance to Lead the group and experience both the positive and challenging aspects of the role.
Can’t wait to see you this weekend.
Love,
Dad
What an awesome job you all did on your project! So happy to talk yesterday, Alice! Can’t wait to see you Friday night 🙂
Hey Haley,
Sorry this is late post (I mean, you’re already back home and we’ve already talked about our trips on the “mini-GG” at Dodasa) but I’m going back through and reading the blogs and wanted to compliment you on yours! It sounds like you had a great experience being El Lider del Dia, and I’m so proud of you for successfully facilitating CAP 3!
Mrs. Oji