Hello Families and friends.
My name is Denis Vallejos, Site Manager in Matagalpa. I am so glad to share with you what the Glimpsers got to experienced in this day. Are you ready?, here we go.
The day began at 6:30 am with a wake up call, after that we had our first Nicaraguan Breakfast which it was Gallo pinto, cheese and fried plantain. Right after that we had our first mental warm up, it was about the history of Nicaragua. All of the students were engaged and participating in the seminar. This mental warm up helped them to better understand the history of Nicaragua and prepared them for today’s activity. Janice (Program coordinator and I) led the culture and safety orientation and taught the Glimpsers how to navigate in the Nicaraguan culture, they had so much fun learning about the culture and how to be more sensitive with different cultures.
After these two seminars, we got to know the beautiful city of Matagalpa. During the city tour all the Glimpsers were inquisitive and eager to learn more about their host city. Matagalpa is known as the capital of coffee and its cool climate, we visited the most historical places in the city. We challenged students to take personal challenges like buying fruits from a local, talk to locals and immerse in the Matagalpa culture. We visited a local souvenirs shop owned by Doña Ernestina, a local artist who makes black ceramic, a traditional art from Matagalpa. During the city tour the Glimpsers learnt that during the 80’s, in Nicaraguan we had a literacy campaign promoted by the Sandinista government. Basically people who knew how to read and to write went to the country side to teach farmers who did not know these basic skills.
At noon we had a delicious lunch cooked by Doña Francis, her food is delicious and all the students are loving it. In the afternoon we listened to Doña Sonia’s speech. Doña Sonia is an ex sandinista soldier who fought against the dictatorship of Somoza in the 70’s and the 80’s. Her speech truly impacted their minds and hearts because she shared with the Glimpsers that when she was sixteen she got involved with the Sandinista army in order to free Nicaragua from the dictatorship. At the end of the speech each of the Glimpsers showed appreciation to her by personally saying thank you to her, definitely that was one of the most powerful moments of the day despite the language barrier they wanted to show that they truly appreciate their time and her words
At the end of the afternoon we visited El calvario hill, a historical place in Matagalpa that now is a natural reserve where people from Matagalpa and tourists go to get in contact with nature. It is amazing how the group is becoming stronger each day, taking care of each other and appreciating other’s differences
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We finish the day with our nightly meeting and watching game 4 of Warriors vs Cleveland. They got so excited supporting their basketball team. That is for the day, thank you for reading and stay tuned for more fun adventures with the Glimpsers in Matagalpa
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P.S: I want to encourage parents and friends to write comments on the blog because during the nightly meeting we will be sharing all your comments with the glimpsers so they can feel the love from home. Thank you
I look forward to reading the blog and sharing in your adventures! I love to do my traveling through the experiences you share. Look for something special in every day!
Kenny, Erica, Angelica. So proud of you guys!!! You all look awesome and super happy. We start CSI next week and can’t wait to check in on your progress. Love you guys!
Hi Edgar!
I have been keeping up with the blogs and I am excited to see what more you will accomplished throughout these weeks. I have been in communication with your mom as well and I’m glad you’re okay! I miss you, I love you, and I’ll see you soon! -Alexandra Garcia
Hi Edgarrr! I hope you’re having a blast in Nicaragua! Be safe out there! I’m taking care of Pato so don’t worry k? Enjoy the time over there & make a change in the world! See you soon! -Jenni
Hi Edgar,
Looks like you’re having an amazing time! Soak it all in and enjoy every experience; before you know it, it will be time to come home.
Big love,
Ms. Mac
Sounds like you all had such an exciting day. Take it all in! Life changing.
Jessica, guess who Lauren was hanging with yesterday after a video shoot? Here’s the family text she sent:
“Straight up chillin with Nef the pharaoh rn”
What an experience! Travel is all about emersing yourself in the country’s culture. Take it all in. As Grandee said, we look forward to reading about your adventures each and every day.
Oh that’s so great to know that you had time together and watched game 4 of NBA championship despite of your very hectic schedules you took part of the pride of our very own team here back home in the bay area.. have fun in your learning activities and we await more pictures and stories of your adventures.. such a joy reading all your updates.. take care always glimpsers…
Gaby I hope you’re loving every minute! Everything you’re doing sounds so amazing! How cool is Doña Sonia? Sending you lots of love. DT says hi and they love you too!
To all Glimpsers, you have an awesome trip. Your experience is a life story to tell. Despite of differences, you are still in unity. You learn from them and they learn from you. God bless you all