The day has finally come! As this journey ends our new journeys at home with changed perspectives are about to begin. We took this last day in Nicaragua to reflect on all of the experiences we shared together. Our day as leaders began as usual with our daily wakeup call at 7 am followed by breakfast. The last breakfast at the hostel called for everyone to be on time, which gladly they all were. After indulging in a yummy fruit salad and toast we began our last and possibly most important seminar.
The final reflection seminar not only gave us a chance to look back to the beginning of our trip but also how everything and everyone involved in it has shaped us as people. By making maps of specific moments that impacted us we were able to understand how each impacted us differently. Following the maps we each came up with one thing we would pledge to stop, start, and continue doing upon our return back home. For some people this meant they would start taking advantage of the opportunities they were given, stop being a bystander, and continue staying true to themselves. This activity opened our eyes to the changes within ourselves. All meaningful seminars need meaningful endings and what a better way to end things than with big love shout outs! As we each passed around a piece of paper with our names on it everyone got the chance to anonymously write down positive messages. This really reminded everyone of the bonds we formed, and that saying goodbye right now is not saying goodbye forever.
Next came packing time! For some these were the last moments with roommates who had become lifelong friends and a place that had become our home. After our last lunch at the hostel we took our final few moments to enjoy the beauty of Matagalpa one last time.
As we loaded our suitcases and packed the bus it finally hit us that this was it. The day we thought would take forever to come, came in the blink of an eye. Throughout the bus ride we began to realize the differences between Matagalpa and Managua. From rural to urban the landscape changed right in front of our faces, and who could ask for a better last dinner than one at Pizza Hut? We all enjoyed a meal filled with smiles, laughs, and moments that we’ll always hold on to. Before arriving at our new hostel we made a quick pit stop at a mall in Managua. Unfortunately most of the stores were closed which disappointed many of the girls. When we finally got to the hostel we gathered for our last nightly meeting. As we wrapped up the meeting it was clear that a melancholy atmosphere had settled over us. Faces that we woke up to every morning would soon no longer be there. Our family of 23 would be reunited with their family’s at home.
For us being leaders on such an emotional day was a challenge we were ready to accept from the minute we humored everyone with our initiation handshake. As two people who immediately connected from day one we understood the importance of the day and were ready to welcome it with open arms. The day not only taught us to be compassionate but we also really had to commit to being in the role of leaders instead of two best friends. The most difficult part of the day was having to stay strong and not let our emotions get the best of us because we strived to be the best leaders we could possibly be for our peers. As we prepare to close this chapter of our journey we open a new one as we arrive back home to our loved ones and incorporate our new knowledge into our everyday lives.
Beautifully written girls!! Glimpsers, thank you all for your vi vidly written daily blogs that allowed us to be absorbed into your routines & experiences. I really felt like I was right there with you guys. You are all(glimpsers & leaders) freaking amazing for the work you’ve accomplished!!!! Eat well, sleep well, & travel….we will see you all in the pm.
*…travel safely. We all love you.
My dearest Alma. As much as I enjoyed reading the blogs each day I am so happy to have you home with us soon. I loved hearing your voice yesterday and I am very excited to give you the biggest hug ever. Sophia and Rachel thank you so much for your beautiful blog. I can hear through your words how meaningful this experience has been for everyone. Thank you all for an amazing job as leaders and for your blogs. I really enjoyed taking this journey with all of you. Please continue to evolve and be the best you can ever be. The lives of those that you all touched in Nicaragua will always be cherished. Love the pictures. Hugs to all and God bless.
I can’t wait to see each and everyone of these 23 beautiful hearts and faces today. See you all soon! safe travels.
Another blog that has me in tears especially when I know my Sophia had part in writing it. As much as I missed you I am also sad to see you go, for I know in my heart you all made such an impact in Matagalpa and the people who’s lives you touched will always be a fond memory etched in every heart. May God bless and keep you all safe & may he provide you wisdom & insight in all you do. I hope this journey not only taught you all to love unconditionally but to always seek the positive in all situations. Please take every good thing that you learned from this journey and apply it to your life everyday. I wish you all a succeful prosperous futures and always do the best you can do & you will all shine like the beautiful stars that light up our night sky. And as you look up at the sky at night & see all those beautiful stars just remember all the faces in Nicaragua you met along the way are know they are looking at the very same night sky full of shining stars <3 Sophi I can't wait to see you = 7 hours & counting babygirl xoxoxo
Love you Jazmine!!! Can’t wait to see you and hear your voice. Remember this trip forever. It will always do you good. This wasn’t just a trip. This was a blessing and your mission. You and all the students were missionaries doing good for humanity. Everything you learn must not kept inside. You have to share your experience with everyone. You must give testimony of this mission God gave you as a gift.
Good blog Rachael and Sophia. Your parents must be proud of each one of you including the staff. Great job professors. We have all learned to appreciate each other more. Have a great flight and congratulations on not the ending of your journey, but the beginning. I love you Jazmine -daddy
What a beautiful written final post. I really enjoyed seeing all of your experiences through this blog and watching you all grow from this experience! I cannot wait to see you in September and I hope you’ll all sign up to be ambassadors in your schools. Big Love and congratulations!
I’m so proud and at the same time encouraged by all of you for this wonderful work you did by giving yourselves so selflessly to others! God’s blessing be with you all and I certainly will miss reading your blogs each morning, I can’t wait to see you Sophia, to hear all about your stories and see your pictures!xoxoxoxo