Hi, I’m Eryka, and today I was the leader of the day. Wake up call was late this morning, 8:30 am, but over half of the group was awake by then. Last night, we all decided I should wake everyone up by singing Opera, and so I did :). I walked through the hall singing and woke up everyone except Tati, who instead woke up from a gentle shake. Everyone then got ready and had a yummy breakfast: jam, toast, and large fruit cups. After everyone finished eating we went inside and had our Poverty Seminar. In the seminar we defined what poverty is and the five P’s of poverty: People, Place, Past, Politics, and Peace. We learned a lot of facts about poverty in Nicaragua and poverty around the world. Our Global Glimpse Leaders also told us a couple of stories about their experiences with poverty, specifically in Nicaragua, that were very eye opening.
After our Seminar, we had Free Time, which everyone was excited for. Everyone formed groups of at least four and at most seven to explore the neighborhood. One of our main focuses was to make sure no one was left out of free time, even if they decided to stay home (in the hostel) they would not be alone. Many of the groups went shopping and bought food and/or drinks. My group (DENT SQUAD!) stood inside for a little while and played chess, which we enjoyed thoroughly. After playing chess we went to the cyber café and spoke to our family members, which was definitely needed (I love you guys <3). Everyone was back at the hostel by 12:45 and ready for lunch. Lunch was a yummy salad and chicken :). Once lunch reached its end we surprised Allie with a cake, since it was her birthday :D! We sang happy birthday to her in both English and Spanish.
After lunch was more Free Time! Groups were again formed, but some people decided to stay home and relax. My group grew in size, reaching the person limit. We evolved from DENT to DENTCAV (we’re working on the name.). We had many missions for our expedition, one of which sadly was not completed (we could not find Tati a jersey, we shall try again soon.). However, we successfully dropped off laundry, returned to the internet café, went shopping, and bought drinks (one of which was for Tabitha.). We returned to the hostel early and discovered a snack jam session with our new group radio.
At five we began our Program Seminar, which was led by Chelsea and Dennis, who returned from their day off. In the seminar we learned more about tomorrow’s activities entitled “Living on a $1 a Day”, including the rules we have to follow, (which were put into effect right after the nightly meeting), how the day will be run, and how to interact with the people we will meet. One rule that shocked everyone was Bucket Showers. We are not to take regular showers until $1.00 day is over, we must only take bucket showers to help experience how life is for those who are poor in Nicaragua.
After the seminar we had dinner which was spaghetti with chicken and bread :). Once that was done we had English Tutoring Prep, where we planned our lessons for tomorrow’s tutoring session. At eight we had the nightly meeting and I passed the torch to Allie and Chloe, who did a step routine for us. Throughout the day I reminded everyone of the Question of the Day, which was “ What can I do to take advantage of today and spend my time wisely?” Everyone agreed that to do that you must plan ahead and be flexible with your plans because you never know what will happen. We should prioritize what we want to do and that’s exactly what we did! It was an awesome day for us all!
Hey Eryka, this is your dad. I loved hearing from you. Me, Patty, and Izzy can’t wait to see you and hear all about your trip when you get back. I love you and miss you.
Great blog Eryka! I am so proud of how well you did as leader of the day. We were all so happy to finally speak to you yesterday. I can’t wait to talk to you again. Seems like the free day was full of food you like 🙂 Wish you all luck on the $1.00 day.Love and miss you! 8 more days until you’re home.
Dear Eryka,
I loved your post today as it was good to hear you all had some free time! I hope everyone was able to speak to someone at home.
My favorite part of your post was the question of the day as I believe this question will serve all of you well when you bring your leadership qualities back to school in the fall. Also, planning ahead and the willingness to be flexible when things don’t go as planned are essential to success so I love that you mentioned them.
Please give my love to Caitlin and Maddie!!!
I hope you are all having fun!!!
Love,
Kathleen
Hi Chloe we are soooo sorry that we missed your call. You know how it is when we get to Georgia after a fifteen hour drive. When I noticed that I missed an unknown call I just knew it was you. I just sat and stared at the phone for what seemed like hours. Of course, I blamed dad for missing your call I am sure you are having fun but just wanted to hear from us as we did. Next time. Love mom and dad
Hi Maddie and Glimpsers!
Feliz tenía un día libre fantástico! (lo siento si mi español es malo. no aprendí mucho en Español 101 en la Universidad jajaja) I’m sure a day off was well deserved and much needed heading into your last week! I was so glad to get your message, I’m sorry I missed your call – hopefully next time I will be able to speak to you! I can’t believe I get to see your beautiful face in just seven days! I’m sure you are even more excited to see me LOL! Can’t wait to read the next blog!
Much Love,
Cara
Hi Daniel, it was nice to hear from yesterday. .sounds like you’re having a great time. Don’t forget to SURF THE VOLCANO. Can’t wait to see you.
Love mom and dad LYB
JUST A HAPPY HELLO, TO SAY THINKING OF YOU & HOPE YOU ARE STILL ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE OF THIS ADVENTURE. LYB
Hi Maddie!
We miss you so much!
I look forward to hearing all about $1 a day. This would be a very neat practice to bring home with you. If you did that I wouldn’t even have to ask for my change!!
It is raining here today, which we needed. You know how I get when the grass is not looking its best. (Please don’t tell the others about how that’s the first thing I look at on college visits.)
Enjoy the experiences that the last seven days of this amazing trip bring. Sending much love from here to there!!!
Love, Dad & Theodore
Hello everyone, I’m Eryka’s auntie Nilsa. It sounds like everyone is having a great time and learning so much from this experience. We all miss you very much Eryka, can’t wait to hear all about your trip. One thing you will have to do for titi is sing opera when you get back home! I’m sure you were fantastic! Hugs and kisses. Hope everyone makes the most of the time you have in Nicaragua, for you will remember and cherish these experiences for a lifetime!