Today is the last full day that our delegation is spending in Nicaragua, and it was a crazy fun day. Despite the fact that that one of our members and a GG leader had to stay back, we all managed to have an incredible experience. Our day, however, started out a little bit Rocky. The goal was to be out of the hostel by 6:30 in the morning for a two and a half hour drive to the volcano. However, due to an abundance of factors, we ended up being over an hour late to the volcano, which sadly meant that we didn’t have to much time to enjoy it before we had to move on to our next activity. However, what we saw was worth it.
The volcano was one of the most amazing things that I saw in Nicaragua so far. While there wasn’t exactly much to see, based on the fact that it was covered in fog, it was incredibly powerful. It felt as if we were standing on the edge of the world, looking off into the unknown, and it was impressive, daunting, and absolutely beautiful. Some students, while taking in the sights, bought jewelery, took pictures, and collected volcanic rock to bring back to the US.
After we were done at the volcano, we had to head to our next stop, the market and lookout. Most students, when arriving, bolted off to go soak in the sights and buy themselves and their families presents. Some people bought bags or dresses, while others got customized leather wallets to share with their families. After we had all finished out purchases and gotten back in the bus, we headed out to our final destination, the Monkey Hut, also known as the Lagoon. We arrived there shortly after 12:30, ate a quick lunch, and, after waiting the appropriate 30 minutes, we all got ready to head into the water. Since the water was very deep, we were all required to wear life jackets, which created complete hilarity when some glimpsers were given jackets far to big. We were able to stay in the water for close to two hours, and most people, including myself, never left the beautiful water after we got in. It was an afternoon of swimming, laughing, and all around joy. After the two hours were up, we slowly left the water, most people going to the nearby dock to dry off and attempt to tan. We stayed there, outside of the water, for about an hour before we headed back into the bus to start our near three hour trip back home.
The final hours of the day were a bit quieter. During the trip back to the hostel, everyone seemed happily exhausted. At the beginning of the bus ride, we danced in the bus to “Party in the USA” and “Umbrella”, but towards the end, most of us were asleep. When we got back to the hostel around eight, we ate a quick dinner of lasagna, and started our nightly meeting. After we finished the meeting, most people started to finish our final tasks here in Matagalpa. During this time it really started to sink in that we’re going home in less then two days. As someone who was practically begging to go home at the beginning of this trip, I am incredibly sad to leave. This entire trip has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and one that I have been incredibly grateful for, especially for the time today, where I really got to spend time with my friends that I’ve made here and just have fun. Overall, I was very happy, and very lucky, to have picked today to lead, because it gave me a chance to say goodbye to Nicaragua on my own terms, with a smile instead of tears. Tomorrow is our last day in Matagalpa, and tonight is our last night here, and while seeing my family and my home is something I want more than anything, I will still be forever changed by Nicaragua, and I was happy that I spent my last fun day doing things that I loved.
Dearest Ally, what a wonderful ending to a most inspiring trip. You and the other Glimpsters have left your imprint on a community that has, in turn, left its imprint on all of you. Your touching words reflect all that you have experienced.. We love you and are so proud of what you have accomplished.
Jazmine, I’m cleaning up getting ready for your return tomorrow I decided to check to see if there were anymore postings. What an amazing experience to see a volcano.
Ally you’re blog was beautifully written. Congrats to you for being the leader for the day.
I want to thank Mr. Bezzant for seeing the best of Jazmine since day one, you’re one of the few teachers that has truly pushed Jazmine to be the best. I am so proud she went out of her comfort zone and stuck this experience out. She was so nervous about this trip.
Ms. Sale, thank you for making Jazmine feel so comfortable and getting her not wear makeup!!!
Lord knows I’ve been trying !!!!
Jaz I know you hit the shops hard…. Please no more make up bags!! Lol
You kids are amazing
Jaz I can’t wait!! I love you very much!!
Have a safe flight back!!!
Ally, what a beautiful blog. From a Rocky start to the day … to so much fun. You really seemed to have captured it! Have a wonderful last day with your friends. And, can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
The volcano’s description sounds like out of a adventure book. You guys are officially explores! I hope when everyone comes back you’ll keep on being great leaders and doing keep doing positive things in this world cause we truly need more people like you guys. Noe you must be really sad that you’re coming back BUT IM NOT I NEED YOU HERE IM SO EXCITED! I love you! I hope you and everyone have a safe flight. 🙂
P.S. – I hope that you wasn’t the one who had to stay back Noe!
Jazmine grandma: Happy Saturday sweetie, hope ur ready to go!!
And that u guys are enjoying ur last day together (don’t go crazy now!!!)
Ally I enjoy reading your blog. Especially the part standing on the edge of the world
looking off into the unknown.(wow! What imagination) Thumps up!!! .
Hope the member stayed behind wasn’t u Jaz.
PS. Dear glimpsers be safe God bless you and come home safe.
To teachers and organizers, thank you for giving my granddaughter a chance to see the other side of
Her world. Sweetie love you have a safe trip home. Dios te bendiga. Mama
Hello to all. After reading this very moving blog it took me a while to think of what I was going to say and just the same word kept popping into my mind. Proud, proud, proud. Ally, your blog transported me to there, right by your sides. I could see everything you did and felt everything you felt. Another great job done as a leader. This incredible last day was very well deserved by all. I know that when we go meet you all at the airport tomorrow we are getting different young men and women. You will all truly go on to make a difference in this world. Thank you Global Glimpse for giving each and every young person the experience of a life time. They have learned the most valuable lessons in their lives and in turn valuable lessons to me. May God bless each and everyone of you for eternity. Alma, I cannot wait to see you and hug you and kiss you and hear all about your trip. I love you very, very much and I am overwhelmingly proud of you.
I am really happy for you guys because you have learned differnt things and i know that what you guys have experienced you will never forget. I would like to thank the leaders of global Glimpse for giving the students to live this experience unforgetable. Once again Thank you and here we will be waiting for them anxiously i hope that you all will land safely and greetings to all
A much deserved ending to your stay in Matagalpa! I am actually sad that you have to leave too because I know that you will be leaving behind a piece of your heart in Matagalpa. But maybe one day you can revisit? I’m sure you all know that you will all leave now with a special place in your heart not just for Matagalpa but for each other as well. Only you will understand how much this trip has changed your lives and the lives of others. It warms my heart just thinking about the lifelong bond you have created with one another. I hope that you will all keep in touch with eachother. Jay, I hope that you are able to pack that suitcase back up without having to leave anything behind. I am sure you are leaving with much more than what you arrived with. Lol It’s time to come home! I can’t wait to welcome you with open arms! I love you. Have a safe flight home Glimpsers!!!
Grandma: Hi Jaz, how come ur not in the pics. With the girls or picking stones from
The volcano. Miss sweetie. Mama
That girl in the light blue jeans n flower shirt looks extremely gorgeous! But it sounds and looks like y’all had a dream vocation just looking at that view yeah had makes me jealous, makes me wanna go visit Nicaragua myself. I wouldn’t mind seeing a volcano either. The water looks clean, I bet you could swin with dolphins in that water.
Love you Jazmine!!! Missing you! Yay you are coming home 😉
You and all the students are leaving behind love, hope and faith. They will treasure everything they learned from you. Because they appreciate and value everything good in their lives. Always remember to leave something behind for people to talk about and remember you by. All of you have left a little treasure in their lives. God will bless you all and their families. Remember friends never say goodbye, tell them you will see them later 😉 I’m so proud of you Jazmine. What a lifetime experience. Remember what I always say “We must do good for ourselves and humanity” xoxo
Great blog Ally and all the leaders. You put us all in the front seat. Thank you!