As we wind down from our tenth day in Nicaragua, it’s safe to say we have discovered what we are really capable of. Like my favorite author, JK Rowling, famously said,”We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already; we have the power to imagine better”. Today was our first day of CAP, aka our community action project. Through this project we have dug deep into ourselves and worked together to make something magical happen. We are working tirelessly to leave a positive impact here in Nicaragua, and it is truly apparent that our project is something special because of this. Las Chavaladas, the organization we are partnering with, works extremely hard to provide resources for at-risk adolescent boys. They stress the importance of education, healthy relationships, and rehabilitation. Our entire day revolved around our work with Las Chavaladas.
In order to make it all happen, we had a early start at 7am. After breakfast at the amazing Imabite, we got right to work in our different committees. While the supplies committee went shopping, everyone else teamed up to discuss the logistics of the day. Planning a project in general is a difficult task, but planning a project in a different country is even more difficult. We may have stressed today, whether it was about what color to paint the walls or how many paintbrushes to buy, but we persevered through it all. Our goal for today was to scrape off all the paint that was currently on the classroom walls so we could start anew. We are preparing to paint a new and vibrant alphabet with pictures to go with each letter, so today was mainly getting ready to do so. With 22 people, 44 hands, and 3 hours, we were able to take the first step towards the impact we want to leave.
Our passion for this project solely comes from the boys we will be helping. As students from the Bay Area, we are incredibly lucky to have sufficient classroom spaces to learn and grow in. At Chavaladas, the conditions are not at all like what you would imagine a classroom to be like. Our delegation wants to change that because we firmly believe that a colorful and comfortable classroom environment will help fuel a positive education for them as well. Education is the key to success in their lives, and although it may not seem like much, our projects in the classroom will be a step towards success.
22 people, 44 hands, all completely exhausted… and it’s only day one. Yet our passion for this project won’t be exhausted. We have two more days, and we’re completely ready to accomplish everything together. We are ready to find that magic within ourselves, within each other, and leave it all here in Leon, Nicaragua.
Such an amazing adventure!
Miss you and love you!
Wow Flor!! si que están trabajando duro pero al final cambio total. Te quiero mi niña, abrazos hermosa?
Hello Glimpers! You guys are so awesome! Have you ever thought of yourselves as role models? The influence and impact you all are making makes you role models. This project is so meaningful. You all are truly are making a difference in their lives… Bless your hearts. ❤️
Jeremiah, during mass yesterday, Father Angel mention the ripple effect of throwing a rock in the pond. He said just think about this through the week and what ripple effect has impacted your life… I immediately thought about you. what What you are doing out there and how greatly it will affect everything. Your actions causes ripples. Ripples spread out as the rock is thrown in the water and your actions will have far reaching effects that will leave a lasting imprint. Team work makes the dream work!! So proud of you and your new friends!
Love and miss you ?
Mom
Love you eduardo (tayo) im so happy you are enjoying your trip and that you are learning so much you will definitely grow from this .
Im bery happy for all students keep up the hard work especialy pround of my daughter. Marysol.
Hi Alan!, estoy feliz de verte con tu expresión de que estás disfrutando lo que estás haciendo sé que ha sido un poco pesado pero al final te sentirás mejor de todas estas experiencias y conocimientos que estás viviendo., te estrañamos mucho y especialmente tu hermanito Omar que está contando los dias de tu regreso.?We love you! ❤️️?
Que gusto hijo Alan que estes realizando estas actividades comunitarias con union de todo el grupo es algo muy grande y te ayudará a valorar más lo que tienes y entender las carencias de nuestros países latinoamericanos te extrañamos y ya esperamos tu regreso con ansia
So proud of all of you. This is such a wonderful project. You are working so hard and it will have such a positive and lasting impact!
Nicole- “Take your time coming home.#” (Alex wrote that! He’s so funny!)
Enjoy painting!
Love, Mom, Dad, Alex and Molly
No better feeling than giving to others. Small things can make a big diffrence. God bless each and every one of you.
Hugs my love I love you!
To: Jocabed
From: Ginesa
Great job to everyone, being able to work as a team. knowing that just over a week ago, no one knew of each other, I’m just hoping that the friendship go’s beyond Leon Nicaragua. Eduardo I’m so proud of you mijo, putting your part to help out some one you don’t know or just meet, do me a favor and make one of your Picasso paintings on the wall. I said Picasso not graffiti okay. Love you mijo and like always cuidate mucho. Every one said hi, .
Hello Simone and fellow Leon Glimpsers! We’ve been keeping up with your posts and so amazed with the great work you all do. Keep smiling!
Paloma aka Flor,
Are you working hard or hardly working? The Cap project is one of the most challenging events of this trip and will really call for all of you to demonstrate those IA leadership skills. Stay strong Paloma! Don’t forget to let the world see your thoughts and share that voice! Soon you will be coming home, so begin the process of reflection. Think again, remember how you felt and learn something. We about each interaction and experience. You’re delegation has some awesome superstars. We remain proud.
Afro (smh)-Smalls (smh) lol.
Finish strong and remember once your back we have work to do. Still have not heard from LS (Soccer Caps). Oh well (lol).
Don’t bring anything back for anyone (lol)….wait except my chips!!!!!!!
L
Coach/Pops
BRO JOKI !! I ALMOST CRAPPED MY PANTS TODAY !! I ALMOST DIED BECAUSE A LITTLE CHIHUAHUA ON THE STRET WANTED TO BITE AFTER GIVING IT A PIECE OF CARNE ! Anyways now that you know that hurry up and come back !! Love you elf ears ?
Naasir, when I saw the picture of you helping to paint the classroom, my heart melted! I am extremely proud of you! The things you are doing and being exposed are AWESOME!! Be ready for grandma to pound you with questions! Lol Everyone, stay safe! I am keeping all of you in prayers.
Dear Simone,
Very nice blog! You and your fellow Glimpsers are amazing young adults to be taking on this meaningful project! I’m so proud of you and your like-minded delegation! Keep up the great work…you are all making an impact to their future!
Love you, Simone! ❤️
Mom
Looks like hard work! What a very nice thing for you all to work on together as a group. I know you will do your best to make the school beautiful, and I know the children will be happy with the results. Great job, proud of you all! Kaylenn, you are missed. Love you,
Mom
Naasir, it is amazing that your group is having such a big impact on the lives of others. We miss you at home but we are in awe of what you’re doing out there. I can’t wait for you to get back so you can tell me all about your trip…after you’ve rested, as we agreed. ?