Hello friends and family,
Today was a very hectic and emotional day. We started of the day by waking everyone up at 6;00 am. Afterwards, we headed to Mi Favorita and ate a delicious breakfast (eggs, rice, and beans). After breakfast we had our first major activity of the day which was a field trip to the dumpsite. At the dumpsite the Glimpsers met with an amazing and inspiring speaker named Jesse Romero of Pearl Foundation. We learned that Jesse moved to the United States but was later deported due to drugs, gangs, and violence. Jesse was able to change his entire life around by working with organizations that make an effort to provide food for the people with the help of God. We were also able to hear heartbreaking stories about the workers in the dump which left many of us very emotional. After listening to the stories we were able to provide food for the people who work at the dumpsite. These people are making a dollar a day and could afford to have one meal a day with no sustainable shelter. We did not take any picture at the dumpsite because we wanted to show respect to the workers and community there. This experience changed the perspective of many Glimpsers and it showed us how unfair the world can really be.
Later in the day, we had the chance to go in a tour and meet Jim Durham, who is the founder of an after school program called Education Plus. The school is called Casa de los Suenos. This is the organization we will be doing our CAP program with. The staff here is very welcoming and are excited to be working with us. As of today, they serve 250 students in the after school program. We learned that many of these students live in absolute poverty and the meals they receive here are sometimes the only meals they receive a day. Jim is very passionate about his job and treats all the kids as one of his own, since he doesn’t have any of his own. They told us their needs and we are grateful for this opportunity to actually improve the building for the kids.
The final activity of the day was the English Tutoring which took place at 6:00pm. Glimpsers have been preparing their lesson plans to help the Nicaragua students with their English. Many Glimpsers were anxious to be a teacher since this is a first time experience for many of us. Afterwards, many of them were thrilled to be teachers and they can’t wait for the next class.
To end it off, we have passed our leadership role to the next glimpsers in line, Quiana and James.
Beautiful … as Glimpsers, your eyes are now opening to other aspects of society, which we’re often closed to. I’m very proud and Honored by the desire of each of you to go out side your comfort zone and norm, to learn and experiences something new ~ Bravo!
Yarelli! I miss you girl!!
Deconstructing poverty day was one of my favorite but hardest, but Jesse kept our spirits up with some wild LA stories lol. I hope I gave you all the right info! I miss Granada so much im so jealous! You’re going to be home before you know it so keep drinking that jugo de pitaya and gallo pinto from la favorita and have fun exploring the city in your free time. The Cheetah girls miss you <3
Thank you for your great blogs about your amazing learning trip.
Matt’s mom
Amazing Glimpsers! Each day you all are learning about such challenges that people face in different situations. Very proud of each one of you!
Tarunika we are missing you a lot! Stay hydrated!
Quiana, you are a special young lady who is not only fortunate to experience these life changing moments, but to also share your knowledge as a leader. I could not be more proud of you…I love you the mostest!
xoxo, Granny
Hi Lily and all Glimpsers!
It’s so great to hear about your experiences every day and the amazing time you’re having!
Lilys Dad
Wow Andrea, we are really proud of you! We are happy to know that you are learning a lot and able to help people. I know this experiences will impact your life in a good way and will continue to help more people in the future. We love you and miss you!
– Dani