Hola amigos y familia!! Hi friends and family!

Today was very interesting (to say the least), yet it was an awesome day; it was day two of our community action project. In case you skimmed past all the talk about this CAP project, we are planning on remodeling a community center for children called Las Hormiguitas. We visited this center a couple of days ago during our deconstruction of poverty/ aid and development day and realized how important it is to get our project done well in order to aid the children and community of Matagalpa. Because of how much this project means to us, seeing how much progress was made today was extremely gratifying.

At first, everything was hectic and overwhelming. The lack of communication within the group was causing tensions and prohibited us from moving forward. As leaders, it is our job to make decisions and set order when confusion and chaos are present. So what was going on in the group that limited our progress? Well, let us tell you why our heads were constantly spinning! Everyone in this group is incredibly motivated to contribute to the project and are so driven to make change that when it came to assigning roles people lost their minds! Everyone wanted to be an important part, but they forgot that every single part of this project is vital to the success of it. Whether you are sweeping up dirt or mixing concrete you are a major addition to the remodeling of the community center. It was our responsibility to keep things organized by making sure that everyone understood their role and offered their best abilities to each part of the project, regardless of what it was. Between the two of us, we consulted the group and figured out where everyone was most comfortable and willing to give all of their energy. We then had to constantly make sure that everyone was rotating and giving others the chance to participate. For example, when many of the girls felt as if the girls were excluded from the “harder labor” we encouraged them to pick up a sledge hammer and start breaking apart big blocks of concrete. This was an AWESOME sight!! We saw many girls showcasing their strength and being unafraid of stepping out of their comfort zones. The concrete was not the easiest thing to break, especially for those (including dudes) who have no experience in construction. As we broke every block, we broke the barriers that made it difficult to work together. We had a moment of self reflection and realized that we would not get ahead without working as a group. Once this reflection was over, we finalized the painting of the bathrooms and made HUGE progress in the construction of the mobile school area (refer to CAP Day 1).

Throughout the day, we had moments of hardships which made us feel discouraged as leaders and members contributing to the project. We acknowledged that being a leader is a difficult position, especially during really important times, but we were able to come together not only as co-leaders, but as people who are passionate about making an impactful change to those around us.

From Kassandra’s point of view: (HIIIII FAMILIAAAA MISS YOU A TON!!!) I’ve learned that I seriously love the role of a leader even with its ups and downs. It was insane, but this experience was one that I wouldn’t change. I feel as if this project will definitely get done as long as we’re all able to be accountable with one another and willing to continue working through the sweat and paint that is still in-between my nails!!

Now, from Alejandra’s perspective (I also miss my fam & in-n-out 🙁 ), I learned that being a leader is much more than telling people what to do. Showing true leadership abilities is when you are able to step back and allow others to display their talents and strengths when it’s needed. I enjoyed having an influence during the crafting of this project, and I am glad to say that I was lider del dia during the Community Action Project. 🙂

Sorry, but no pictures today. We’re having some struggles with the laptop 🙁 Tomorrow we’ll post extra for you all to see 🙂

Love from both Kass and Alejandra! See you soon 🙂 !