Today was a “challenge day”. For the challenge we were not allowed things a poorer Nicaraguan family wouldn’t have. Much to the group’s disappointment, this included things such as: technology (the internet café, ipods, lights – we used flashlights and candles, and showers – we used a bucket with a plastic bowl), snacks, spending money, etc. We were, luckily, able to use fans. We would also be spending a couple hours with a community of Nicaraguans outside the city.
The day started at five in the morning, the earliest we’ve had to wake up this whole trip. We proceeded to go and eat breakfast, which consisted of only beans, rice, bread and water. This was to mimic a typical meal a poorer family would have had. The energy levels of the group was really low in the morning, so to get everyone energized, we played a couple rounds of two games called “Tree, Squirrel and Earthquake” and “Ninja”.
We set out for the community after our breakfast and energizers, and after a good couple minutes on the bus, we arrived to the small community. There we were greeted by small shacks made of wavy sheet metal and wood, some animals, a lot of sand and dust and a scorching heat. We split up into seven groups of two people and we all went to join a different household within the community.
Sweeping the ground
At the household I was at, we helped them do some chores. The chores consisted of pumping water from a well (which was actually really strength intensive), carrying the heavy buckets back to the house, cleaning the restroom floors, sweeping away the leaves and twigs and scattering water onto the dry and hot dirt ground to cool the houses. We also played some ball with the children, kicking and throwing around a soccer ball. Later, we ate lunch with the families we were with. We had brought food for all the families with us, as a gesture of thanks. One of the little girls gave me a couple huge hugs in appreciation of having spent time with them.
A water pump
Watering the ground
Other groups also did other activities, including riding motorcycles, riding bikes and playing a game of soccer.
I feel the time we spent there really opened all our eyes, granting us great respect for the families and appreciation for our own opportunities. They all work so hard to earn a living. Answering a question, one of the family members responded that he works twelve days for around eight hours a day, to earn only around 90 cordobas (slightly less than four US dollars), and after he gets two days off completely free to spend with family. And this, of course, is when he has a job to work.
After our time there, we took a trip back to the hostal, all sweaty, and hot and caked in dirt from the wind blowing around all the dry dirt. We had some free time to shower (using our buckets) and hang out. The rest of the day was pretty much normal. We spent time to prep for two English Tutoring days, we ate dinner (more beans, rice, bread and water!), did the actual tutoring and came back for our daily nightly meetings.
Much to everyone’s excitement, all the restrictions were lifted after passing the leadership position to the next tag team leaders. That meant we could use the lights, shower normally, eat snacks, etc. again! Big props to the whole group for sticking with the challenge for the whole day and not giving up! Today was easily one of the harder, if not the hardest, day.
Wow, it sounds like it was a true eye opener today. I hope you appreciated even the simple thing as a shower. I am proud of all of you for committing to this challenge. What a big difference just a short bus ride away. I love you and miss you, stay well and stay safe
!Saludos! Gracias por las fotos. Realmente me ayudaron a ver y entender lo que todos habían experimentado con las familias que todos ustedes pasaron tiempo con hoy. Mi corazón va a ellos. Estoy totalmente sin palabras. ?Los familias o miembros de la familia hablan a Inglés? Thank you for the pictures. They really helped me to see and understand what you all had experienced with the families that you all spent time with today. My heart goes out to them. I am utterly speechless. Did the families or family members speak English? I can understand how difficult it can be to move beyond what you guys experienced today. I am having a hard time with it myself. Hang-in-there! You guys are doing amazing accomplishments. You guys should be proud of yourselves. I know I am proud of you guys. I love you, Nyla; Mom.
Deseo que tenía una varita mágica para dar a ellos.
Buenos días! Thank you Kwing for this remarkable blog, “Living on One Dollar,” and letting us see things through your eyes; the challenges endured yesterday by the group. Great job! Everyone now has learned so much about the difficult conditions in the lives of others and what they survive by such as; a very simple diet of beans, rice and bread, using flashlights, and candles, no technology, and little resources, etc. This trip was not only challenging but seeing it firsthand should have a lot bigger impact on you guys rather than reading and seeing these conditions on TV. One of the simple things we take for granted is our precious water. You guys not being able to shower generously had to use a bucket and a plastic cup to cleanse yourselves after a long sweaty day gave you a once in a lifetime chance to look at what some of the world’s poorest people experience daily, even for a lifetime. I can imagine the thoughts and images left on your minds, your hearts at the end of that day. Hopefully, you’ll think about how to help rectify these conditions as you all become world class leaders. God Bless you with love, peace, joy and happiness. Continue learning and being a blessing to others. Nyla’s grandmother.
Wow! You all are amazing!! I can just imagine what a challenge todays experience must have been. It gives you appreciation of what we have. Keep up the good work. You all make us proud!
Hugs and kisses to my Kimmy! Charlie misses you and refuses to sleep in your room at night without you so he sleeps in the hallway. Lol. Karl says hi and dad said to stay hydrated. Love you!
Kwing: What an AMAZING post! Sounds like a challenging day but you and your whole group took it with stride. So proud of you and can’t wait to hear more about all of the incredible things you are doing.
Thanks for the very informative write up kwing. You kids are doing great, adopting yourselves to the challenges of living up to the new conditions you face. Every day must be an eye opener for you. Good to know also that it is not all work….. That you have time for fun. Whatever you are facing, make the best of it. More power to you kids.