Hi families and friends, this is Lauren one of the GG leaders! I am the leadership coach for this trip and I am very excited to see our students grow in their leadership abilities!  Our first student leaders started at our nightly meeting tonight and will be writing the blog tomorrow!

Today we were able to visit a local business, Artesanias Mujeres del Plomo, where 4 women make and sell jewelry. Hearing from one of the women was a powerful reminder of the importance of investment in local enterprises. They banded together in 2005, during a time when neither they nor their husbands could find substantial work.  They have expanded what they do in order to serve others, by supporting local children with school supplies, a library, and a safe and comfortable place to do homework. Their jewelry is made out of local seeds, and they showed us the process from what they collect to cleaning and adding holes so they can be used for jewelry. Women and some of the youth who work with them helped our students make their own bracelets and necklaces! Students were also eager to purchase jewelry there as souvenirs! (Shhh act surprised if they bring you one!)

Next we went to Cascades Blanco to have lunch and enjoy the scenery!  The lunch was delicious, lots of compliments to the chefs on this trip! We were hoping to be able to walk around the beautiful falls, but had to settle for a quick visit once the rain slowed down.  Students were great at finding ways to entertain themselves during the rain delay, and encouraged one of the red cross volunteers to be part of the fun!

Beautiful seeds waiting to be made into jewelry!

Our students ended the day reflecting on the scope of poverty throughout the world. We reviewed some facts, such as 1/3 (over 2 billion people) of the population lives on less than $3 a day – inclusive of food, water, electricity and other basic needs. They are ready to be present and thoughtful as we meet local community members tomorrow for our living like a local day.

Overall, students have impressed me with their thoughtful comments and commitment to grow, open their minds, and be honest in their reflection. They have also continued to make new friends & learn more about each other, lots of games are happening!

P.S. The featured picture shows students showing off their newly exchanged Nicaraguan money: they were all excited  by the colorful bills! Since 30 córdobas is about 1 USD, students felt #rich!