Today was an emotional day for the group as a whole as we saw the lifestyle of the Nicaraguans who are stuck in a cycle of poverty. The context is so different here and when we saw it all in person we were very affected.
In the morning after breakfast we did an activity called a “privilege walk” where we were made aware of some the the privileges that we all have or don’t have in our own lives. After some reflection, we headed to the local dump.
There we met with some of the staff who educated us about the way the dump works and about the some 150 workers who are there looking through to trash to find materials to sell to make a living every single day.
We brought a few snacks for the workers and it was just crazy to see how grateful they were for the little things as we started to pass out the snacks more and more workers started to come but it was so sad to run out and not be able to provide for every single one of them. Many of us left there thinking how much we wished we could help them
In order to get them out of the conditions they were in but there’s only so much we can do and sadly it’s not enough.
After some reflection after lunch we visited a school where we are going to be doing our Community Action Project. We met some of the children that live at the school and played games with them and we all enjoyed the time together. We took a tour of the school so we can see what we could help with for our project and there are many things that the school needs and it’s some of the most basic things like needing a mattress and a toilet for the bathroom. We will go back to the school on Monday to give out our plan and see if it will work.
After our take home dinner we had our second night of English teaching. It went amazing for everyone,we are all working hard to make sure that all our students are getting the best experience and we are as well practicing our Spanish and our teaching skills.
Tomorrow is living like a local day. Bucket showers for all!
Sounds like an incredibly thought provoking day. Hope you learned a lot!!!!
hecka miss
Reading today’s blog made us stop to appreciate all that we have as well! Thank you for sharing and reminding us that we all have much to be thankful for.
We love you Samantha and are so proud of you!
What a busy day you had today. Sounds like it came with a powerful learning experience. Great share on some of the many reflections you took in. Have a safe “living like a local” day.
Viet-Long,
What an experience for you and all of your fellow Glimpsers – I’m sure it made all of us appreciate, more than ever, what we have. Seeing how the other parts of the world lives gives you a different perspective in live, and I hope you are keeping an open heart and mind when your are involved with the activities. Can’t wait to hear about your teaching experience as well.
I may not be able to post any more comment after tonight. QV and I are going to the FLorida Keys Sat. night and won’t be back until next Thursday. At least I’ll be closer to you (it’s only about 1,000 miles from Leon) and will feel the heat and humidity like you are experiencing (it actually will be 3 degrees hotter than Leon). Yesterday is your Dad’s birthday so if you could, give him a call when you have your free day – would love to hear your voice and how you are doing!!!
Love you,
Mom
Thanks for the post today Zowy and Javier . We are proud of the work you guys are doing in Leon. Wishing you all to stay healthy and be successful in the Community Action Project.
We are thinking of you everyday Brian! Love you!
Thank you for sharing your busy day. Sometimes we have to stop and think and appreciate what we have. People appreciate just the little things that are given to them. Have fun living like a local. Bucket shower will be fun. Miss you Javi!!! We Love You ❤️??
Wow, reflections of all them amenities you have to others don’t have. Keeps you humble for what you have and what you can do for others. Proud of You All and Love Ya kid “Javier”
Brian! I’m very happy that you were able to experience something so powerful as poverty day. It definitely puts you in perspective. I hope your trip is going well and I hope you’re making the most of it. Immerse yourself en la cultura as much as you can, man!
Oscar, What an opportunity and privilege for you to participate with the global glimpsers. I look forward everyday to read the daily updates. So glad I have this smart phone. Bye for now. Love AD
Wow,
What a wonderful experience !
WE miss you so much.
Hope you the best.
Diana,
I am so proud of your participating on this activities. In spite of weak body condition, you looks so happy (in a picture) and enjoying now. I believe this trip will be growing your thinking and your mind. For several month, you prepared this trip. Now, It’s a time to “Only Enjoy”. I love you so much!!!
The experiences you had today are helping you to shape your life! When you saw horrible poverty in Nicaragua, many of you thought about how fortunate you are to have so much and were saddened that you couldn’t do more to help. When you met with your students you were happy to be of service. Very cool! What each of these experiences (and many more that you have had and will have during your trip) means to you and the direction it leads you in will help shape the kind of person you are and how you spend your life. Pretty amazing that all of you are having such meaningful experiences! I am so proud of all of you for your willingness to experience life in this way. And, of course, especially proud of our Rachel!
Hanging on every word!
JACQUI ! I’m glad you’re having fun! Hope you’re enjoying it and getting something out of it ! We all miss you very much, especially me since i don’t get rides anymore! Take care dude !