After a good night’s sleep and a power breakfast of scrambled eggs and gallo pinto, we strolled to the market to step into the shoes of local vendors. We experienced what it was like to be true local Nicaraguans—working tirelessly for 10 hours a day for a small profit of just over $2. While getting to know our hosts, we learned that most venders earn their main source of income from their stalls to support their entire family. After a mere few hours of work, we were exhausted and couldn’t imagine working everyday as the locals do.
After sharing lunch with our hosts, we took a bus to Sandalias Tosca, a renowned sandal factory that has a positive impact on the community and the workers’ lives.
“As economic globalization gathers momentum, countries like China and the United States have become highly interdependent economically. Such economic relations would not enjoy sustained, rapid growth if they were not based on mutual benefit or if they failed to deliver great benefits to the United States.”
This kind of relationship can be seen perpetuating throughout history, as the United States has gained global power and dominated international businesses. In many cases, economic advantage is prioritized over humanitarian, environmental, and local concerns. However, Sandalias Toscas proves otherwise. They treat their workers well by providing flexible hours and adequate pay. Their working environment is held at a comparably higher standard than that of a typical factory in developing countries. Hisel Martinez, the manager of Sandalias Toscas, gave us a comprehensive tour of the factory highlighting the assembly-line production. We were fascinated by the detailed work and commitment of the staff, learning that it is possible to efficiently produce a product while still maintaining a positive attitude. We were so impressed by the beautiful sandals that many of us purchased a few pairs.
All that aside, CAP Panel Prep and English tutoring is going great! It’s unbelievable that we’re already half-way done with English tutoring. It feels great knowing we are helping these dedicated students. Tomorrow, we will be pitching our detailed CAP plans to Maria when she visits the hostel. We hope she will enjoy our plans to beautify, organize, and improve Barilette as a whole.
P.S. — We miss Zena and Snowball (our dogs) and everyone who misses us back at home. Please send in more comments!
Your LDDs,
Allison and Kyra
Hi Glimpsers and my own Reya SB ?. I’m so very impressed with the work you all are doing and by the rigor of your schedule. I especially liked pictures of the children. They seemed so in need of your special attention. Reya, you are always great with little children so I know you brought some sunshine into their day. I’m proud of you for being so courageous as to take on this challenge. I miss you Rey-O-Sunshine. Luv u more than a world stuffed with muffins.
Good one! 10 hours of labor for $2 of profit….wow….guess that is why your parents keep telling you to study hard in school, do your homework, and prepare yourself for college. What a great experience for Jonathan and crew….!
Great job Kyra and Allison. Hopefully all of you guys were able to help make some profit for the local vendors!
Jon,
Is that a Barcelona soccer jersey? Have you been able to play baseball with the local kids yet? We love the pictures! With that great big SMILE of yours, we know you’re enjoying yourself! Continue to have fun and be safe!
Hi Allison,
So glad to see you are doing well!! I miss you! Snowball and Ah Yee miss you too! Please remember to take your daily vitamins and malaria pills. ? Take care and talk to you this Saturday. I won’t miss your call this time.
Sheila (Allison’s mom)
Hola Alyssa and “Team Awesome” ~
Been enjoying the daily blogs; feel like we’re right there with you experiencing their culture, and way of life. What a reality check and experience you will never forget.
Alyssa, knowing how much sleep you usually need, you should be proud of yourself – waking up early to a long, hot day; pushing yourself to the limits, and making it to day 8 with “gallo pinto”! You’re more than half way there!! You go girl!!
We all miss you (esp. Mo :), and look forward to seeing you soon! ~Auntie Lianne & Uncle Jensen
Hey Wendy ! your parents are home safe and sound. Your snap streaks are still going btw hehe just wanted to let you know. I miss you so much and I can’t wait for you to come home. Please remember to take care of yourself ! I love you (:
See you Allison! Glad to see that you guys were put to work today. I hope all of you continue to exhibit your marketing skills and knowledge when you all return home. Sleep tight kiddos <3 IHS Ambassador love for all of you
HEY WENDY I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH
Allie, wonderful to see your post! Wow, 10 hours a day for $2 – guess how lucky we are living in America. Very meaningful trip indeed. My phone is on waiting for your call!
Love, Daddoo 🙂
Hi Hayley, we all miss you very much, knowing that you guys are working really hard every day, please make sure to get your enough rest. Can’t wait to see you next week. Love from Mom, Jonathan, Brady and Dad…
Hey Josh and Ryan!!
I’m super excited that you guys are having so much fun in Leon and are learning so much!! Keeping up with your adventures has made me miss my own time there like crazy. I hope that you guys continue having a blast and take everything in. I can’t wait to hear more about your trip when you get back!!
Lots of love,
Katherine and your Tino Ambassadors
BOI text back and come home soon?