Question of the Day: What are the similarities and differences of poverty in the US and Nicaragua?
I never thought that I would be saying this, but waking up at 7:00 AM today felt like sleeping in. The entire group was pretty well rested for the intense and serious day. We ate breakfast and got ready to leave for our field trip to the basurero (city dump in Estelí). Before we got on the bus, though, we had an academic seminar about poverty in the US and Nicaragua. We discussed what it was like back home in the US and what we expected at the basurero. We drew pictures of what it would be like.
Then we boarded the bus and drove to the dump. On the way there we were mostly silent and reflected on the question of the day to prepare ourselves for the challenging day ahead. Once we arrived, we were swarmed by flies and other bugs, but were saved by a lot of bug spray and courage! The leaders were very proud of everybody on the trip for respecting the homes of all of the people living in the basurero and you all should be too. Doña Francisca is one of the people who lives in the dump and makes a living by searching through the basura (trash) to find things like plastic, glass, aluminum, and much more to sell. She was very happy to see us there and have the opportunity to speak to us. She enjoyed telling us about her life and her work. Before we left we walked around the dump and gave Doña Francisca a few gifts for her time and commitment.
We then returned to the hotel where we all had to take showers. After this we had a small group reflection about the say so far and then continued with another academic seminar about living like a local. Following this we watched a documentary about poverty and then had about an hour of free time. We then ate dinner and headed out to teach our English lessons, which are getting better and better the more we do it. We returned to the hotel at around 8 o’clock and had our nightly meeting. The torch was passed to Julia as the next leader of the day! We then had some time to relax before we went to bed.
Note: Cameras were not allowed today so there will be no pictures.
-Erich
Visiting the basurero can be very emotional. Definitely a thought-provoking experience. Hope you all journaled— super curious to hear more of your perspectives.
Catiana— mom got fed up with Ella’s hair and finally marched her to the salon. Ella now has a bob. Also, I found the Victorious cd underneath my car mat. aka I awkwardly turned in an empty case last night. P.S. Tell everybody there the hippo/zippo joke, it’s a good one
I look forward to your daily blog posts so much! Thank you all for doing such a great job in sharing the details of your day, thoughts and adventures. Sounds like you are all learning so much and experiencing many different perspectives. Although it is challenging, I know all of your families are super proud of you all. Keep up the good work and positivity and enjoy this very special time. I love getting the phone calls Julia! Can’t wait to hear about your day as leader. I love you very much and miss you! xxoo-Mom (Ana)
Hi sweetheart , I was very proud of you glimpsers , you showed grace and class that not only represents your school but Americans as well . So very proud of you all .Justene i was very proud of your leadership blog . looking forward to another phone call from you. Sasha is getting taller . she misses you too . Andy says to say hi spud lol love and miss you -mom
Sounds like you guys had a packed day! Can’t wait to hear about your living like a local day! I’m sure it’ll be amazing! It was for sure my favorite out of the entire trip. C! I miss you so much! I hope you’re having a great time over there! Legit, it sucks without you here, but I hope you’re learning loads and absorbing every single second. I’ve sent you right around 500,000 snapchats so far (turn up that audio when you get yo phone back). Can’t wait till you come back with all ya stories! Can’t wait till we can go on that road trip! LOVE U MAN! –also I got a haircut yesterday, and I’m lookin’ a bit like Mikaela. OKAY LOVE U! THANKS FO TAKIN’ GOOD CARE OF MA GURL BROADIEZZZ!
it’s neat reading about all the experiences you are having and seeing your photos , the blog entries are nicely detailed, great shares! the cultural and learning experience will have such a strong impact on your lives. enjoy!
miss you lots Catiana, things aren’t the same without you. family staying busy as usual, same old same old stuff! look forward to your leader day. thanks for the email, so nice to get that from you. love you always ?
Hey Erich, nice post. 7 am feels like sleeping in? truly a changed man. When you get home you will have to compare your experience from today with his when he lived in Kenya. I am interested in the differences and similarities that the two of you saw. I am sorry to have missed both of your calls. The first one I figured was a telemarketer because I didn’t recognize the number and it didn’t even have to right number of digits! The second time my phone was out of battery because of too much Pokemon go. I know very sad, my first world problems. If there is any way that can warn us of possible upcoming calls, just a time of day or even just a day? All of family aunts and uncles etc are reading the blog they are very impressed. Love, Mama
El basurero must have been a very reflecting experience for you all. It’s something that people should understand and take time to appreciate all that we have back home and were blessed with. It is tragic and heartbreaking to know the poverty in ones home country…. Griselda we hope you are taking in what you are seeing and learning how life is in your ancestors country. Im happy you called me and you are enjoing it. We miss you so much and cant wait to hear from you soon. We love and miss you sooooo much. Love mama gegi and odes
Oh my you guys had a very busy day. What a new experience to ride public transportation in a different country. We miss you ladybug especially Steffany she ask everyday is it time to go get you from the airport…lol I love this much✊
Erich,
We enjoyed reading your post and hearing about all your experiences. In particular your English tutoring sounds challenging, but also rewarding and it’s teaching you a lot. We look forward to hearing more about your trip and seeing your photos.
With love,
Uncle Pete and Aunt Kristina
Hey Erich,
Wow, I’m impressed! Sounds like your days are quite busy and you’re doing some amazing things- you should all be quite proud of yourselves.
I’m so glad to have the chance for a glimpse into your adventure. Keep up the wonderful posts.
Hello Erich. Good to be able to read your blog. This is quite an experience and adventure. Nothing better than being in another country and interact with people of that country. It is good you choose to do this and I am impressed and proud of you. Go Erich. Looking forward to more of your posts. Love, Oma