Hi friends and family,
Today was such a great day when our M1B got to see, smell, hear, and embrace our host city in a very fun and enthusiastic way.
We woke up to fireworks (people in town were celebrating a historical battle of the famous Sandinista revolution) and saw that the weather was going to be just great (sunshine and breeze). Then we had a good potion of gallopinto and eggs along with great juice that everyone is getting fond of in these first few days.
Right after breakfast, our leaders fed our brains with an interesting history seminar where we discussed the relationships of the US and Nicaragua so we could understand better the different scenes we would pass through during our city tour.
The city tour was so much fun, students were super curious and asked lots of questions about what they were seeing. It was very nice to hear such deep conversations about history and politics even after the tour was over.
For lunch, our chicken fajitas hit the spot and were greatly appreciated. Followed by a nice chunk of free time we got to exchange of first dollars into cordobas and soon we would have the visit of Dona Sonia Hernandez who shared her inspiring personal story of when she left her house to become a guerrilla fighter during the revolution in order to stop the oppression that Somoza’s dictatorship had the Nicaraguans under.
And like cherry on top of the cake, we went on a field trip to historical battlefield Cerro El Calvario! It was the greatest view of the city and students got to play, take pictures, bond and relax.
Now we are in our nightly meeting and everyone is doing self reflections on their first impressions of Matagalpa. Tomorrow will be our culture day and everyone is ready to get to know more locals and get more immersed in the community that is quickly feeling like their second home.
Our students send big love to you all and we are excited to get to share with them the messages you leave here!
Glad to see everyone having fun and learning a lot! Sending our love!
Yay! A picture! So great to see all those smiling faces. What a fun, inspiring and enriching day you had. I love these daily blogs, they make my day! Hannah – Dad and Claire say hi. Molly continues to try to get on your bed. We miss you!
Hello, Im Family Memeber Of Maria Lopez & I Hope You All Have A Great Time Where You Guys Ae At , Hope To Hear From You Maria Take Care
WOOO GO YUMEI AND NATALIE!!
!Que rica es la experiencia ya!
Mira … You’re already making amazing connections with each other and with the people and the country. And here I am, proof of another layer of connection. I’m a long-time friend of Hannah’s family, but would never expect to have an up-close look at your journey. I’m grateful for the invitation to catch “glimpses” of your experiences. Your commitment and zeal are noteworthy!
We never fully know the impact we have on others’ lives, now and into the future.
BTW … What new words in Spanish did you learn today? : )
Hi Tristan, glad you arrived safe and sound…looks like you have many friends there. Enjoy!… miss you!!!
Love yah,
Mom and dad
Dear Glimpsers –
It is so important that you start your experience there with a firm grounding in history. It must have been fascinating to meet this woman who had lived through some of Nicaragua’s most difficult times. Jodie – when you get home you’ll need to teach us how to make Gallopinto!
Wow it sounds like you all are having such a great time! Kristen I hope you enjoy Matagalpa just as much as I did and I can’t wait for you to come back so we can share our amazing experiences. I just arrived home last night and I couldn’t miss it more. Viva Matagalpa!
It sounds like the group is having great experiences.
Hey Mia,
We’re sending only good thoughts your way and hope you and your whole group are having the time of your lives there! Sounds like you guys are learning a lot and having so much fun! We check this blog daily. … I check several times a day 🙂 We’ll be spending the night on the river tonight (we’re leaving right after I type this) but I’ll be home to check the blog tomorrow!! Thanks Alex for including the group picture. It’s nice to be able to see everyone looking so happy.
Looking forward to more updates and pictures!!
We’re so excited that you are enjoying this great experience! Opportunities like these don’t come often and we are glad to hear you are in good hands. We love the colorful posts that paint vivid pictures of your day to help us see how well it is going there.
Aili-
We love and miss you! Enjoy, smile, and remember this chance of a lifetime!!! Lysi left this morning and will probably be in Nicaragua by the time you get this.
Lots of hugs,
Mommy, Daddy, and Alex
Hey Mia,
My last post didn’t stick, so I hope this goes thru. We’re sending you and your group good thoughts and we chk this blog daily. We look forward to the updates each day. Alex, thx so much for posting the group pic! Sounds like you guys are having the time of your lives. I’m so happy to see things are going well! Have fun everyone. Lookin forward to daily posts!
Love u Mia! 😉
Thanks for the blog! I’ve been craving an update. The other night, I was staring up in the sky as Venus and Jupiter were about to converge and felt like Fievel Mouskevitz singing the song, “Somewhere Out There.” I’m not sure if you had ever watched the movie, An American Tail, but know that I’m thinking of you often, Kristen. <3
Love,
Mom
FROM Jasmines dad…
It’s great to see a picture of the enthusiastic looking group.
Hola Matagalpians! Great pic. Sounds like a lot of fun. Hope you all enjoy calculating 1 cordobas to 0.037 USD.
J – Mickie and Boomer say “hi”. Hello H and L!!
Let the cultural immersion continue!
Juanita