“The opposite of poverty isn’t wealth, the opposite of poverty is justice.” -Bryan Stevenson. This being said, today’s theme was poverty. Through today’s activities, we were made aware of the extreme differences between the poverty here in Nicaragua and in the United States.
Today began at 6:30 AM. We had breakfast at the hostel, and headed straight to the dump. Upon arriving at the dump we were greeted with an overwhelming stench, mountains upon mountains of trash, and sunlight was covered by the vultures in the air. Jesse Romero, a Christian missionary, was the speaker. Jesse was born in Managua, but moved to Los Angeles at a young age. While in Los Angeles, he began to think he could find happiness in money and status; this resulted in him joining a local gang. Because of this he got into trouble with the law and was forced to move back to Nicaragua. While in Nicaragua he was sent to prison where he met three missionaries who shared the Lord with him. He explained to us how these people moved him to participate in The Pearl Foundation, a missionary organization that receives support from a church in South Carolina. From this it led him to visit the dump two times a week to not only preach, but provide food to the workers as well. We were also fortunate enough to serve the workers today.
Additionally, we got to meet the people who work at the dump nearly every day of the week. The people are forced to work tirelessly under extreme conditions to make ends meet. For a huge bag of trash that took 2 weeks to sort through and pick up, they only receive less than 3 USD per bag. We realized that they are stuck in an unbreakable cycle of poverty, and children are born into this “job”. It was inspiring to see their positive attitude despite their difficulties. A few people had worked at the dump for 40+ years since they were at the young age of 9. It is practically impossible for them to afford to send their children off to school. Most of the workers there had begun to work at the dump as a child with their parents, and are forced to follow their parents’ footsteps.
After coming back from the dump we had a group discussion on the Community Action Project on a local library, Puedo Leer. We decided upon a few ideas to present to Ana Elizabeth on Saturday, eg. building a bookshelf, painting a mural on recycling, designing a mobile library and donating recycling bins for the community.
In the evening, we returned to Colegio Diocesano for our English tutoring. It’s safe to say that all the Glimpsers found it an interesting experience. Many couldn’t stop talking about their adorable students (as some of us have young students) after class. We believe that we learn a lot from the students while we teach them English.
Faith:
Being Lider Del Dia (LDD) today was different. I was able to take charge of a group and facilitate the activities planned for the day. Learning and seeing how poverty is so different than in the U.S was eye-opening and hard to handle. I wasn’t expecting to see these workers, but also I wasn’t expecting to hear the Lord today. It woke me up and made realize how important God is to me, and how God and hope is all many of the workers have. Today, I feel that through this experience I want to grow more with my relationship with Christ. I also know that I want to appreciate more of what is given to me because I know many people in this world do not have even the opportunities to change their life around. This day was very much needed for me and I’m sure many other Glimpsers needed this day as well.
Doris:
I was anxious to become the LDD yesterday, but today went pretty smoothly. Like the previous LDDs, I was very grateful for the level of energy that the Glimpsers kept up throughout the day, despite it being a mentally draining and emotional day. It kept my spirits up and allowed me to try my best as one of their leaders. Going to the dump really drove home the concept of the poverty cycle, and made me realize that only education and help from either the government or a program can offer the people a chance to break this cycle and improve their lives. I am even more aware of the privileges I have. Listening to the past three speakers has really inspired me to make my own effort to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I realized that everybody has to start out small, but a small thing can bloom into something larger that can change many people’s lives.
Overall it was a very emotional and jam packed day but we got a lot of valuable insight and we will definitely take this experience and knowledge with us.
Faith and Dorris off, see you soon.
Hi everyone,
It seems that today was a very eye opening day for you. I am really glad that you were able to experience how other people in this world make a living. Thank you Faith and Doris for sharing your personal experience from today.
Stephanie I enjoy so much seeing you work with everyone as a team. I am sure that working together on such important projects and experiences will create lasting memories and all of your lives. Mija keep learning and having fun.
I love you so much!!!!!? Tu mami
Your day seemed very eventful and inspiring. It’s tough to see people live in such conditions and I hope that motivates everyone to pursue their future careers and//or the CAP project! You all seem to be doing great and I hope you guys continue to take it all in (:
Jax, I miss you so flippin much. I haven’t gone out with anyone bc literally is gone ): but I’m glad you’re on this trip! YOOO TODAY I WENT TO THE COPA DE ORO AND USA IS THE CHAMPIONS. It was pretty great and I met my future husband there. can’t wait to see tomrorows blog! See you soon. Love you ?
What a day and what an amazing story!! I was so touched when I read your blog today!! Talk about and emotional and eye opening experience. Sometimes it takes seeing people who are less fortunate before we can really appreciate what we have and become more aware of what are priorities really should be.
Faith, I am so proud of you!!! Your message was heart felt.
We will continue to pray for you guys.
Have fun and be safe!! Dad, Mikayla, & Johnny miss you too!!!
Love,
Mom
Hi All,
Thank you Faith and Dorris for your reflection on another inspiring day in Nicaragua. I love all that you have learned so far from your experiences in Granada. Thank you for the wonderful photos too!
Hi Jared, I hope you are inspired by the wonderful, hard working people you have met so far on your journey . I can’t wait to see what your group does today! You have done so much in such a short time, you are all so lucky❤️.
Love and big hugs
Mom
A journey with ups and downs and gives and takes enriches life experiences of yours, ours, and ones whom you cross paths with, and beyond. With love as always!
Hey Joanna,
Hope you’re enjoying time out there!! I know I said I would write every night but I got busy. That doesn’t me I forgot about you. I can’t wait to hear about your experience when you come back. Also, make sure to not die on me while you’re over we got to finish high school together. Be safe and I hope you made friends.
(OMG I just realized I low key sound like a mom with this comment)
Hi Faith,
I shared your post down here and uncle Bob, auntie Elida, and the rest of the family are all proud of you and said they love you!
They were all touched with your message!
Love you,
Mom
It sounds like you all had such an inspiring and eye opening day! Love you Nia!!!
Hi all! I’m a relative of the beautiful Faith Amber Martinez and I wanted to write that you guys are making such a positive, life changing effect on so many people affected in their country and ours as well. For you to take the time & go out of your way to make a difference in this cold hard world is really uplifting and humble to hear and see. I originally was terrified that my cousins parents were allowing my cousin to go and I told Faith to be a blessing and to be open to what God had in store but I never thought she’d be the one receiving the blessings along with God reminding me that he doesn’t sleep and that he watches over ALL of us & continuously meets our needs. Thank you all for being brave and to be used where help is needed and may God continue to bless you to be a blessing. Praying for safe travels & this world. Thank you all for making a difference. ❤ Jenny Chapa