Poverty definition: “The state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor.”
This is most likely what people think when asked “what does poverty mean to you?”, even I thought this when asked the question. Today us glimpsers learned poverty was way more then not having money or being poor, poverty can also mean not having love or not being cared for. I never thought of poverty in this way but when this was explained to me I totally agreed. Poverty not only has to do with not having money or the basics needs that are needed to survive, but also means being invisible from society.
Todays activities included going to the dump and going to an orphanage. As leader of the day I had to wake up at 6am and get ready in order to wake everyone else up at 6:30am…yes I was tired! But my tiredness didn’t stop me from sharing my high energy with the group. After waking everyone else up and allowing them to get ready for the day, we all headed for breakfast at Imabite. After enjoying a delicious meal we came back to our “house” for our daily academic seminar, which was focused on poverty. We discussed some of the factors that may have contributed to the current rates of poverty in Nicaragua, focusing on the people, politics, place, peace, and the past.
When the seminar was over, we headed to the dump. The dump was the place people went to separate through all kinds of trash in order to collect and sell certain items for money. We met some of the families/friends that worked there and they were all very welcoming and friendly. They all joined us in a soccer game and we almost won the match! I was able to present the manager of the dump with a gift to show our appreciation followed with kind words. We all enjoyed being there due to the amount of fun we all had. Even though the people working at the dump were living in poverty they all were in such high spirits, which was very motivating for all of us. We were able to realize even though ones situation might be bad that doesn’t mean you focus on the negative and feel sad for yourself, you keep smiling and preserving. Coming back from the dump we all had to take mandatory showers due to the dirt from the dump. After refreshing showers was lunch, back to our “house”, then we all self reflected on our experience at the dump.
Next on our agenda was the visit to the orphanage , I unfortunately don’t recall the name at the moment but I digress. On our way there I had the opportunity as leader of the day to take a taxi to the orphanage along with Kirsten, one of the GG leaders, so we can bring water for the group and a piñata for the children. I must admit taking a taxi while the other glimpsers took a ride on a full bus was definitely quite the treat. Me and Kirsten were the first two to arrive to, the others eventually arrived and when they did we were able to take a tour of the building with one of the caretakers. While on the tour we met the cutest puppies! Everyone instantly fell in love. When the tour ended we all engaged in a mini party with the kids at the orphanage, they were all filled with so much joy. At first they were shy but after seeing us get up and dance they totally broke out of there shell which was an amazing thing to witness. After tons of dancing the kids were able to bust the piñata that was brought for them which brought them even more happiness. What kid doesn’t like candy? Even after getting their energy out before busting the piñata, they still had tons of more energy and decided to do even more dancing, pure comedy. Along with candy and dancing we all took tons of pictures (sorry mom, I don’t think I’m in most of them.) We eventually had to leave which was so sad because we all really wanted to stay. Dinner was after the orphanage and then English tutoring which was fun for all of us. We then ended our long day with dancing, cake, ice cream (Happy Birthday Birthday Bryan!), our nightly meeting, then even more dancing. Our day was full but I believe we all enjoyed it and had tons of fun along with getting knowledge that furthered our thinking.
So proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Hi Imarra, I’m so proud of you Miss Diva! You being leader of the day was quite a challenge getting up so early. I know all you learned about poverty will forever shape your future! Keep learning new things and sharing with others!
I love you Sweetie,
Grandma Dolly!
Hola Chikos¡ que experiencias tan profundas y conmovedoras les está tocando vivir, se que les ayudara mucho. Ariadna te mandamos muchos besos y abrazos!❤️?? Un saludo a todos tus compañeros.????????
Alia mamá bear
Hi ImaRRa! Your blog is amazing! I learned that poverty is also “being invisible from society”. That speaks great volumes. Often times forgetting about others makes us unable to share our love with them. Woooow! You know me, I’m already thinking of a project for us to get involved in. Going to the orphanage and having to leave the kids must of been difficult. I know how much you love kids! I know you’re learning g a lot and looking at life through different eyes! Take care Ladybug! Hello to the other Glimpsers and keep up the good work!
Awesome IMarra! I know your heart must have been full with seeing so many children less fortunate then you but you also brought them joy by just being there. Your blog makes me feel like I’m right there with you and I’m looking forward to how you will apply all that you are learning to your life going forward.
Hi Emma and Glimpsers,
I’ve always lived and worked in areas where there were people who “had much” and people who “had nothing”. Giving and receiving combine in so many different ways. There are joys and sorrows in both. In healthcare…I often think of the concept of “learned helplessness”… Your participation in projects like this trip will teach you how to find your own empowerment and make it shared. Love hearing about what you’re doing. I will be so interested in exploring how to apply the concepts you’re learning in my own realm of influence.
Proud of you all for wanting to make the world a better place!
Gramma Cheatham
Imarra,
I appreciated your report of riding in a taxi while others rode on the bus. Access to resources is a big factor in poverty. Resources can be so varied….money for transportation, abundance of love, food to fill a tummy, education to know there are different ways to do things……finding and using resources wisely…..big task!
Enjoyed your recalling of the day’s experiences.
Emma’s grandmother, Vesta
I’m so happy that you are enjoying yourself and are trying new things. I’m glad this trip has you exposed to things that you normally would never touch or go near. Keep up the good work and I love you and miss you.
Nayeli-Your cousin Tanya
Awesome dude making a difference in this world keep it up. We are very proud of you.
Brian – Imarra’s Father
I am so happy to hear that you are having a great time. It is good to see that there are people who do not have the same way of life that we do. It is always a great thing to serve and help others. This trip has given you exposure and reshaped the way you see the world. I am proud of you for going out of your comfort zone and experiencing new things. Keep up the good work, we miss you!
ROB!!!
I miss you bunches, but by the looks of it you’re so immersed in that Nica life, you forgot all about Cali lol. Take care of yourself, I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures when you get back soon. Bring me back some mamones pls k thx 🙂
-Nat