Millions of people in the world live in a situation where they lack basic needs. This is called poverty, and many times, there is government aid. However, in Nicaragua, there is no more aid. Today we explored some of the circumstances when we visited the Nicaraguan Municipal Dump. Arriving at the dump, it struck us how organized everything was. Trash was in different piles, sorted by five types. Many of the workers had to support their big families with the very low pay they received for their work.
We had a chance to talk with them, and we learned how they shared many similarities with us. They had Facebook and a deep love for their families. As our group handed them snacks and drinks they were super happy and positive about it. What struck us the most was how they had appreciated the few things they had. This whole experience really made us think about how we deal with trash at home. Garbage workers in Leon wore regular clothing over normal shoes. We became aware of where we put our trash. We definitely will talk about waste management with our peers.
We also went to Barrilete, a place that provides daycare to children of sex-workers, those who work at kiosks, and a few who were abandoned. We were struck by how friendly all of the kids were. As soon as we got off of the bus, they all gave us hugs and greeted us with “hola” and “Como te llama?” It was surprising to see how positive the people were, though little Barrilete had so little to house and teach so many children. The director of Barrilete, Maria, was the most inspiring person we’ve met. She had an immersive, full-time job that she didn’t get paid for, but she was dedicated to the job because of the kids.
Additionally, today was our first day tutoring English. The students ranged from 13 years of age to people in their 40s, and they were incredibly friendly. They were a lot more advanced in their grasp of English than we were expecting, and they were ready to learn.
Today was a super packed day, and we were really proud of the whole group for staying engaged and energized throughout all the activities. As the “liders del dia (leaders of the day),” we’ve learned a lot about the virtues of patience, punctuality, and telling people to be somewhere earlier than needed in order to stay on schedule.
Hello Sarina,
Thank you for the update. Well written Sarina and Martina! Your experiences are inspirational. We are so proud of what you are doing. Keep up the incredible work! Stay happy, safe and healthy!
Love, Mom Dad & Shadow ???
Say hi to Pauline & Christine!
Hello Sarina,
Thank you for the updates! Well written Sarina & Martina. Your experiences are inspirational. We are so proud of all you are doing. Keep up the incredible work. Stay happy, safe & healthy!
Love, Mom Dad & Shadow :)))
Say hi to Pauline & Christine.
Hey Karen! Wow it’s almost been a week; I can only imagine how much you’ve learned and grown over the course of your journey in Leon. I’m just making the rounds and checking in on Mt. Eden’s Glimpsers inbetween Finals. Can’t wait to hear about all the triumphs and challenges when you return.
Safe Travels,
Mr. Denton
Having the lives we do, it is difficult for us to imagine poverty. We take a lot of things for granted that those you are interacting with would never imagine. Thank you for sharing your experiences so we can be reminded of what we are fortune enough to have and to not take things for granted. Look forward to hearing more about your experiences and the impacts they are having on you when you get home Logan. Soak up the experience and use it to make a positive impact! Love you tons and miss you Logan! Jackson and Elvis have been looking for you…they keep going to the gate and looking out for you! Lots of dog love and licks waiting for you!
Thanks for the update. I agree, almost a week g.g’ers have been in Nicaragua. I know there has been so much growth within these few days, emotionally, spiritually, humbling,
growth mindset. Christiana my A1, I think of u and pray for you 247. Seeing the pictures of families, and their smiles. I know they enjoyed and learned from you guys as well. Keep it up. Love you Tita, from tu familia in the Bay Area.
Thank you for the very inspiring updates. We are so proud of all of you for what you are doing and learning in Nicaragua. You are the future and it’s looking very bright!
Logan, you have a big heart, incredible intellect and a temperament and maturity beyond your years. Keep on loving your fellow brothers/sister in CA and around the world. You will make the world a better place – Don’t stop believing!
Live. Learn. Love.
Terry, Janine, Audrey, Lily and Charley
Christiana I’ve been reading all of the updates and looks like everyone is enjoying Nicaragua and learning a lot. I hope you keep learning, growing, and enjoy your trip and soak in the culture. I miss you sister eat some gallo pinto and queso frito for me and get some rojita!!!
-Desirae Angelo & Anthony
Hi, Martina, Sarina, and fellow Global Glimpsers,
I was thinking about you all as I took the garbage, recycling, and compost bins
to the curb last night for pick-up today. Would we generate as much if we had to personally take care of its endpoints? I feel a trip to the Recology facility is in order as a comparison, particularly since the Env Sci class trip was cancelled and now you have
a view on a different system.
Martina, Ms. Rutigliano sends her regards–the trip to the dump had a significant impact on her when she went.
Best wishes to all of you,
Rachel
(Martina’s Mom)