Well, I think I have returned to some sense of normalcy. I am not going to say I am back to my old self, because my old self does not exist anymore. Being in Nicaragua has forever changed me, and while I still will be the energetic, passionate person that I always was, but I just feel changed on the inside. My habits and ideals have definately changed. I am going to start putting money towards Nicaragua every pay check. I read somewhere that if you don't give to charity when you don't have a lot of money, you probably never will. I don't know if its true or not, but it makes sense to me.
Well, on to day 3 of my new life. I like the new me, I feel more peaceful and centered. I finally realize what is important, and even better, what isn't.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
3/18/08 9:00 AM
Well, I woke up early again. I realized that the time I am waking up here is the exat time we would wake up to do work down in Leon. I think that probably has something to do with it. After waking up at the same time for a week, your body probably gets used to it.
Yesterday got easier at night. I got to spend time with some of my friends that wanted to know more about my experience, and then all of the Nica people got together for Paola's birthday. It was good to see them all again, and now we have another Nica person that is over 21. After talking to them, I realized that we are all having issues dealing with coming back, but we have each other to work through it with. I never thought I would be this close with so many people so quickly. I feel like I am closer to the delegation than I am to some of my friends that I have known for 3 years. I like it though.
I think I am going to rant for a short time. I was laying in bed, trying to go back to sleep, and I thought about something. On MyQ, every little mention of anyone from QU being on a news show, or in a newspaper article gets its own announcement. However, when over 20 students go down to a developing world country and help schools down there, it is not even mentioned. But lets not get too upset, we have a freshman from the School of Communications that is going to be on "America's Prom Queen" and that made the top of the announcement list. I think its hard enough to try and tell people about our experience, when some people at the school may not even know that we send an alternative spring break trip to Nicaragua. We are trying to get our stories heard, and the people that have taken the time to read this, or ask me questions, they seem really interested. Hopefully the project Matt is working on will help with that.
I feel more like myself this morning. I think I am coming to terms with a lot of different things. There are some things I can control, and some that I can't. Now that I have that realization, its just a matter of deciding which is which. I know some that definately fit into each category, its the one's in the Grey that I will have trouble with.
Let's hope I stay myself during the day.
Yesterday got easier at night. I got to spend time with some of my friends that wanted to know more about my experience, and then all of the Nica people got together for Paola's birthday. It was good to see them all again, and now we have another Nica person that is over 21. After talking to them, I realized that we are all having issues dealing with coming back, but we have each other to work through it with. I never thought I would be this close with so many people so quickly. I feel like I am closer to the delegation than I am to some of my friends that I have known for 3 years. I like it though.
I think I am going to rant for a short time. I was laying in bed, trying to go back to sleep, and I thought about something. On MyQ, every little mention of anyone from QU being on a news show, or in a newspaper article gets its own announcement. However, when over 20 students go down to a developing world country and help schools down there, it is not even mentioned. But lets not get too upset, we have a freshman from the School of Communications that is going to be on "America's Prom Queen" and that made the top of the announcement list. I think its hard enough to try and tell people about our experience, when some people at the school may not even know that we send an alternative spring break trip to Nicaragua. We are trying to get our stories heard, and the people that have taken the time to read this, or ask me questions, they seem really interested. Hopefully the project Matt is working on will help with that.
I feel more like myself this morning. I think I am coming to terms with a lot of different things. There are some things I can control, and some that I can't. Now that I have that realization, its just a matter of deciding which is which. I know some that definately fit into each category, its the one's in the Grey that I will have trouble with.
Let's hope I stay myself during the day.
Monday, March 17, 2008
3/17/08 11:30 AM
I wish I could sleep. I only slept for about 6 hours last night. I guess that is kind of a long time, but I got up about 3 hours before I needed to. The first day back on campus is difficult. I just can't find an easy way to talk about my experience.
I think I may just shut my office door and hide for the rest of the day. Anyone that may have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.
I think I may just shut my office door and hide for the rest of the day. Anyone that may have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.
3/17/08 12:10 AM
Today was harder than yesterday. Just like I felt like I was in a dream when I first got to Nicaragua, I feel like I am in a dream here. It just seems strange. People ask me how my trip was, and I can just say amazing because of two reasons; I am still not sure what I am feeling and I don't know if any people want to hear the whole story anyway.
It was really helpful to be with the delegation tonight though. We did not really even talk about the trip much, but being with them just helped. They got it, their faces just calmed me down and let me know I can do this. Just one day at a time. I will find the balance of not forgetting my experience but also readjusting, it just will take time.
It was really helpful to be with the delegation tonight though. We did not really even talk about the trip much, but being with them just helped. They got it, their faces just calmed me down and let me know I can do this. Just one day at a time. I will find the balance of not forgetting my experience but also readjusting, it just will take time.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
3/16/08 5:30 AM
Well, I am currently laying in my own bed in my apartment, and the first world guilt is already here. I shaved, trimmed my beard and showered, and as I looked at myself in the mirror, in my own bathroom which is bigger than the one shared by my whole family, brushing my teeth with an electric toothbrush, I just did not feel myself.
I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that this is the first time I have truly been alone in about 10 days. It's too quiet. There are no sounds of dogs barking, or the bugs in the trees or the gecko's on the walls. I am really alone with my own thoughts.
Maybe I am just tired, a little too drained from the trip now. There are a lot of other things going through my mind that have nothing to do with the trip as well. I hope things start to make sense again soon, because right now it seems like nothing does.
I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that this is the first time I have truly been alone in about 10 days. It's too quiet. There are no sounds of dogs barking, or the bugs in the trees or the gecko's on the walls. I am really alone with my own thoughts.
Maybe I am just tired, a little too drained from the trip now. There are a lot of other things going through my mind that have nothing to do with the trip as well. I hope things start to make sense again soon, because right now it seems like nothing does.
3/15/08 11:30 AM
Well, we are back at the airport. I am not sure I really want to be here, but here I am. Last night, I laughed harder than I have in a long time. We ended up staying awak until around 3 AM just telling stories and laughing. It was all in my room, so it was good that we were able to get together one last time before we flew back.
This morning we got up and basically started getting ready. The water pressure felt like it was drizzling, so it was an interesting experience. I had my last taste of Central American food, a tortilla with queso and frijoles. Once the bus was loaded, we started on our way. It was nice to ride through Managua one last time. The buildings are all so colorful. The one thing that I always found was there was garbage everywhere. It is such a beautiful country, but I just see or smell garbage all the time. I guess with all of the major problems in the country, going Green isn't very high on the list.
At the airport, we said goodbye to Marta, Sergio, Oscar and the other bus driver.
Oscar is such an amazing person, I feel very fortunate to have met him. I really hope I get to see him again. I know that I want to, so it will happen.
Now we are just waiting for our flight, which is about 30 mins late. Then 2 and a half hours to Miami, and the customs fun begins. I think I am pretty secure so its just a matter of waiting in line. Customs is not fun, especially with a lot of people in a group.
I think I realized why I really connected with Gabby and Brandon. It was something that Kelsey said during the last processing session. The babies represent hope. They are just going through doing what they know how to do best. They run, they play, they argue. The only difference is the language. I just want them to have the opportunities that all children should have. Its really sad that at this point in their lives, I don't know what they have seen and what they have not. They may never seen an area outside of Leon. They may never try different types of food. They may never escape and make their lives better. We can come down, and help as much as we want, but its hard to tell if the kids we are helping will ever actually escape. I would be interested to see where the kids that were at the first school 5 years ago are at now. Have they moved on, are they doing good with their lives, are they even still alive? Its a very scary thought to think about Lester and what is going to happen to him next year.
I think that is why I am having so much trouble. I am leaving, but they are not. Why am I so much better simply because I was born in the USA? I guess this is the first world guilt they had talked about. I don't know if I can face the people that just won't understand. They won't see what I have seen, not known what I have felt. I have this amazing experience and I can only think of a handful of people that would actually get it.
I guess we will see in time. Hopefully I will be proven wrong, I guess it all boils down to hope. Hope is what keeps everyone from tears. A hope that what we are doing is going to change the world. Hope does not have a language.
This morning we got up and basically started getting ready. The water pressure felt like it was drizzling, so it was an interesting experience. I had my last taste of Central American food, a tortilla with queso and frijoles. Once the bus was loaded, we started on our way. It was nice to ride through Managua one last time. The buildings are all so colorful. The one thing that I always found was there was garbage everywhere. It is such a beautiful country, but I just see or smell garbage all the time. I guess with all of the major problems in the country, going Green isn't very high on the list.
At the airport, we said goodbye to Marta, Sergio, Oscar and the other bus driver.
Oscar is such an amazing person, I feel very fortunate to have met him. I really hope I get to see him again. I know that I want to, so it will happen.
Now we are just waiting for our flight, which is about 30 mins late. Then 2 and a half hours to Miami, and the customs fun begins. I think I am pretty secure so its just a matter of waiting in line. Customs is not fun, especially with a lot of people in a group.
I think I realized why I really connected with Gabby and Brandon. It was something that Kelsey said during the last processing session. The babies represent hope. They are just going through doing what they know how to do best. They run, they play, they argue. The only difference is the language. I just want them to have the opportunities that all children should have. Its really sad that at this point in their lives, I don't know what they have seen and what they have not. They may never seen an area outside of Leon. They may never try different types of food. They may never escape and make their lives better. We can come down, and help as much as we want, but its hard to tell if the kids we are helping will ever actually escape. I would be interested to see where the kids that were at the first school 5 years ago are at now. Have they moved on, are they doing good with their lives, are they even still alive? Its a very scary thought to think about Lester and what is going to happen to him next year.
I think that is why I am having so much trouble. I am leaving, but they are not. Why am I so much better simply because I was born in the USA? I guess this is the first world guilt they had talked about. I don't know if I can face the people that just won't understand. They won't see what I have seen, not known what I have felt. I have this amazing experience and I can only think of a handful of people that would actually get it.
I guess we will see in time. Hopefully I will be proven wrong, I guess it all boils down to hope. Hope is what keeps everyone from tears. A hope that what we are doing is going to change the world. Hope does not have a language.
3/14/08 11:00 PM
Bienvenidos a Managua. Well, we arrived here around eleven and went straight to lunch. I am going to miss the comedors down here because you get a lot of great food for a low price. I had the full mix today. I am not sure what I eat, but I know I like it.
After that, we went to the market and shopped for about two hours. I got gifts for a lot of people and bargained down about 250 cords. When I was not spending that much on each item, it was actually a lot. I also got the gift for the who could bargain the most award. It was a coffee mug shaped like a breast that you have to drink out of the nipple. Jen won, so she got the award for making the rest of us look like boobs. I bought a lot more than I planned, but the stuff was so cool.
After that, we went to a much smaller market, but it had an amazing view. I found a statue of frogs having sex, so we gave it to Renee for saying we should all pro-create during the processing session yesterday. We stayed for a while and took in the view of the lake, it was amazing to just all sit back and take a breath. I am still starting to come up with the words for my feelings, but its still coming. From the market to the restaurant, I just looked out the window. I watched the people in the homes. The neighborhoods were a lot like La Via. People just go on with their lives. I hope my family remembers me. They said they would.
When we got the the restaurant, I gave the first annual Tommy awards. People liked them and laughed a lot. They food was good, the mojitos were amazing and the people were fun. Fanelli and I laughed so hard during the whole mean. Meg and I got one last salsa dance, and the whole restaurant wathced us. I think the Gringos impressed them. We left and all came back to the hotel.
For the past two hours, I have been sitting out in the lobby talking about everything; school, the trip, life. It's been awesome. I checked my e-mail and I can feel the real world calling. Hopefully I can put it on hold for a little loner.
After that, we went to the market and shopped for about two hours. I got gifts for a lot of people and bargained down about 250 cords. When I was not spending that much on each item, it was actually a lot. I also got the gift for the who could bargain the most award. It was a coffee mug shaped like a breast that you have to drink out of the nipple. Jen won, so she got the award for making the rest of us look like boobs. I bought a lot more than I planned, but the stuff was so cool.
After that, we went to a much smaller market, but it had an amazing view. I found a statue of frogs having sex, so we gave it to Renee for saying we should all pro-create during the processing session yesterday. We stayed for a while and took in the view of the lake, it was amazing to just all sit back and take a breath. I am still starting to come up with the words for my feelings, but its still coming. From the market to the restaurant, I just looked out the window. I watched the people in the homes. The neighborhoods were a lot like La Via. People just go on with their lives. I hope my family remembers me. They said they would.
When we got the the restaurant, I gave the first annual Tommy awards. People liked them and laughed a lot. They food was good, the mojitos were amazing and the people were fun. Fanelli and I laughed so hard during the whole mean. Meg and I got one last salsa dance, and the whole restaurant wathced us. I think the Gringos impressed them. We left and all came back to the hotel.
For the past two hours, I have been sitting out in the lobby talking about everything; school, the trip, life. It's been awesome. I checked my e-mail and I can feel the real world calling. Hopefully I can put it on hold for a little loner.
3/14/08 9:30 AM
That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I can't believe I got so close to my family in such a short time. I started crying at breakfast, and have not stopped all morning. I am not sure if I am crying because I am leaving, or because they are staying. I am still working on putting my feelings into words, so I will let you know when I get there.
3/14/08 12:30 AM
I feel like every night I write, what a night. But, every night amazes me more and more. Tonight was our going away party, and it was so much fun. They had a lot of cultural dances and Regaeton music, but my favorite part was the traditional dance music they played. They even had a maracchi band.
The food was great, and the dancing started around 9 and it went all night. We did mostly merengue, but there was a little Salsa and Pachate thrown in. My merengue is getting a lot better, even though I think of the scene in My Blue Heaven every time. I have not seen that movie or heard that song in a long time, but its still stuck in my head.
It was good to see everyone interacting in La Via one last time. I am really going to miss my family and all of the people here. They have been so welcoming and hospitable. I could not have asked for a better experience.
I promised Jonathan that I would comeback, and I intend to keep my promise. I would love to return, hopefully for a longer time, but at least for a short one. I think it would be cool to work with the pro-leadership program,maybe for the summer in between years for grad school. I will have to get Oscar's contact information and talk to him through e-mail. They said they will even pay for my housing, I will just have to take care of food.
There are lots of things to think about. I still have not even begun to grasp the meaning of this trip. I think I probably will continue to journal after I get back to talk about my re-adjustment into the first world. I have heard its difficult on its own, and when you throw the people around you into the equation, it gets even harder. Hopefully writing it out will help me come ot terms with it easier.
Ok, tomorrow is another early morning, but I am going to leave with the realization that we were not just building a wall, but we were building a school, Building a life, building hope. I hope I can keep that message with me for the rest of my life.
The food was great, and the dancing started around 9 and it went all night. We did mostly merengue, but there was a little Salsa and Pachate thrown in. My merengue is getting a lot better, even though I think of the scene in My Blue Heaven every time. I have not seen that movie or heard that song in a long time, but its still stuck in my head.
It was good to see everyone interacting in La Via one last time. I am really going to miss my family and all of the people here. They have been so welcoming and hospitable. I could not have asked for a better experience.
I promised Jonathan that I would comeback, and I intend to keep my promise. I would love to return, hopefully for a longer time, but at least for a short one. I think it would be cool to work with the pro-leadership program,maybe for the summer in between years for grad school. I will have to get Oscar's contact information and talk to him through e-mail. They said they will even pay for my housing, I will just have to take care of food.
There are lots of things to think about. I still have not even begun to grasp the meaning of this trip. I think I probably will continue to journal after I get back to talk about my re-adjustment into the first world. I have heard its difficult on its own, and when you throw the people around you into the equation, it gets even harder. Hopefully writing it out will help me come ot terms with it easier.
Ok, tomorrow is another early morning, but I am going to leave with the realization that we were not just building a wall, but we were building a school, Building a life, building hope. I hope I can keep that message with me for the rest of my life.
3/13/08 5:50 PM
This day was pretty sad. It was our last day in La Cieba, so we saw both projects as done as we could get them.The mural looks good, and we met Pedro, the boy we are sponsoring at the Alianza. He seems very motivated, because he was borrowing his cousin's Spanish to English dictionary and learned basic English like that. Jen has a lot of faith in him, so I trust her.
Then we returned to the elementary school and did some work on the classroom. We got two walls about 4 feet high, so it was good to see that. The kids put on a show for us, and there was a lot of dancing. I worked mostly, but I was able to catch the little girls doing traditional dancing. They were very cute. I did not get to see Lester, but its probably just as well, because I don't know if I would have been able to say goodbye.
After that, we went back to the Comedor and had lunch. I am going to miss Nicaraguan food. It has so much flavor. Then we went to the Hotel for Chocolate Torte and a processing session. The session was very emotional. Almost everyone cried, including myself. I think everyone had the same thing on their mind, did we do enough? Mostly, I think we did what we could, but its still a trap that is hard to get out of. I will come back here eventually, and hopefully the classroom will be used and more projects are done. That is all I can hope for.
Tonight is the despedida. Its basically a party on the street to say goodbye to us. It will be fun. Lots of good food and dancing, but it would probably be sad as well. Our whole family is going so I am excited. It will be nice to have one last fiesta with everyone.
We leave tomorrow morning, which is hard to believe. We will stay in Managua tomorrow night and fly out on Saturday morning. It is bittersweet leaving, I am excited to getback home, but part of me just loves this country and never wants to leave. I definately will come back, its just a question of when. Hopefully its sooner rather than later. The country is beautiful and the people are nice, so it is very welcoming to me. I also think there are many things left to do to try and help. I keep feeling like I may try to get involved in International Programs at FSU and try to do stuff internationally when I get my Master's.
I am also not looking forward to trying to explain this trip to some of my friends. I don't think they will really understand the experience I have gone through and how it has changed me. Hopefully they will see in time, and they can read my journals if they really want to know. I just hope they really do, not just pretend for my sake.
Well, its almost time for the party, so I am going to go hang with the family.
Then we returned to the elementary school and did some work on the classroom. We got two walls about 4 feet high, so it was good to see that. The kids put on a show for us, and there was a lot of dancing. I worked mostly, but I was able to catch the little girls doing traditional dancing. They were very cute. I did not get to see Lester, but its probably just as well, because I don't know if I would have been able to say goodbye.
After that, we went back to the Comedor and had lunch. I am going to miss Nicaraguan food. It has so much flavor. Then we went to the Hotel for Chocolate Torte and a processing session. The session was very emotional. Almost everyone cried, including myself. I think everyone had the same thing on their mind, did we do enough? Mostly, I think we did what we could, but its still a trap that is hard to get out of. I will come back here eventually, and hopefully the classroom will be used and more projects are done. That is all I can hope for.
Tonight is the despedida. Its basically a party on the street to say goodbye to us. It will be fun. Lots of good food and dancing, but it would probably be sad as well. Our whole family is going so I am excited. It will be nice to have one last fiesta with everyone.
We leave tomorrow morning, which is hard to believe. We will stay in Managua tomorrow night and fly out on Saturday morning. It is bittersweet leaving, I am excited to getback home, but part of me just loves this country and never wants to leave. I definately will come back, its just a question of when. Hopefully its sooner rather than later. The country is beautiful and the people are nice, so it is very welcoming to me. I also think there are many things left to do to try and help. I keep feeling like I may try to get involved in International Programs at FSU and try to do stuff internationally when I get my Master's.
I am also not looking forward to trying to explain this trip to some of my friends. I don't think they will really understand the experience I have gone through and how it has changed me. Hopefully they will see in time, and they can read my journals if they really want to know. I just hope they really do, not just pretend for my sake.
Well, its almost time for the party, so I am going to go hang with the family.
3/13/08 12:40 AM
Wow. That is pretty much all I can say to sum up tonight. After dinner, Tim and I played with our brother and sisters. That was a lot of fun, and we exchanged e-mails with Estella. Hopefully I will hear from her. After that, we got ready for Don Senon.
Wow, clubs in the US have nothing on clubs internatinoally. The beers were 21 cords and the music was loud. It was such a good time. The salsa and merengue lessons paid of, because they played a lot of both kinds of music. If there is one thing I can say about the delegation, we sure as hell can dance.
Megan and I entered into a dance contest. We did salsa, merengue and just Regaeton dancing. We ended up as finalists. It was so much fun. Not bad for a couple of Gringos. The rest of the night was just amazing. We all danced, sweat pouring off all of us, and we did not care. If anything, it made it better. It was one of the most fun nights of my life. I crossed two major things off my bucket list, dance salsa in a Latin American country and compete in a dance contest.
Well, 6 AM is coming faster and faster. Time to sleep.
Wow, clubs in the US have nothing on clubs internatinoally. The beers were 21 cords and the music was loud. It was such a good time. The salsa and merengue lessons paid of, because they played a lot of both kinds of music. If there is one thing I can say about the delegation, we sure as hell can dance.
Megan and I entered into a dance contest. We did salsa, merengue and just Regaeton dancing. We ended up as finalists. It was so much fun. Not bad for a couple of Gringos. The rest of the night was just amazing. We all danced, sweat pouring off all of us, and we did not care. If anything, it made it better. It was one of the most fun nights of my life. I crossed two major things off my bucket list, dance salsa in a Latin American country and compete in a dance contest.
Well, 6 AM is coming faster and faster. Time to sleep.
3/12/08 3:00 PM
I am so tired. Today was a lot of back breaking work again.
We started off by giving the school supplies to the kids. They were so greatful and happy, it was really uplifting. I started to tear up. It was great though.
After that, the work began. There was not a lot to do today, but the few jobs were tiring and left you really dirty. We moved bricks for the walls in, and mixed mortar to put them in. Not many jobs, but intense ones. The rest of the delegation came around noon, so we basically just sat around for the rest.
I was so tired and so dirty. I just took a shower to take care of the first part, and now its time for the second. I am going to sleep to make sure I have energy for tonight. Don Senior is tonight, and apparently everyone is expecting me to dance. We had more salsa lessons during break today, so I think people are pretty excited.
We started off by giving the school supplies to the kids. They were so greatful and happy, it was really uplifting. I started to tear up. It was great though.
After that, the work began. There was not a lot to do today, but the few jobs were tiring and left you really dirty. We moved bricks for the walls in, and mixed mortar to put them in. Not many jobs, but intense ones. The rest of the delegation came around noon, so we basically just sat around for the rest.
I was so tired and so dirty. I just took a shower to take care of the first part, and now its time for the second. I am going to sleep to make sure I have energy for tonight. Don Senior is tonight, and apparently everyone is expecting me to dance. We had more salsa lessons during break today, so I think people are pretty excited.
3/11/08 10:50 PM
Well, the rest of the beach was nice. We ate grilled lobster and drank Nicaraguan beer. Then we watched the sun set into the Pacific. I got to watch it with one of my best friends in the world, so it was nice to share it with her. On the way back, we started to talk about dancing, so we decided to do a dance lesson for tomorrow night at Zin's house.
When we got there, Zin and I basically ran a dance class for Salsa. We taught basic steps so people could have fun tomorrow night. It was a lot of fun to teach them. I think they will just have to stick to dancing with eachother, but they will have fun. I think my sisters were impressed. They knew I liked to dance, but never knew that I was actually good at it.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day, so I am going to bed.
When we got there, Zin and I basically ran a dance class for Salsa. We taught basic steps so people could have fun tomorrow night. It was a lot of fun to teach them. I think they will just have to stick to dancing with eachother, but they will have fun. I think my sisters were impressed. They knew I liked to dance, but never knew that I was actually good at it.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day, so I am going to bed.
3/11/08 3:45 PM
What a day. This morning's work was intense. From like 7:30 until 2, we did back breaking work, trying to get the beams up. We dug deep holes and mixed concrete for the holes. Now I know why they invented Quickrete and cement mixers. I did not stop working for more than 20 minutes the whole day. I finally got the gravity of the situation. We weren't just doing work and digging holes, we were building a school. We were making a life better. It was quite powerful when it clicked.
But contrary to what they say, those good deeds went unpunished. I am currently sitting at the most beautiful beach, drinking a beer and watching the people from our delegation. This does not suck.
I just swum in the Pacific ocean for the first time. What an experience. It proved to me that I am drawn to the beach and the ocean no matter what. It's not just my Pirate soul in the Atlantic.
Its kind of hard tobelieve that so much poverty exists here sometimes. I guess they build these hotels for the Gringos to stimulate the economy. I just ordered lobster, and its only about 200 cords, or ten dollars. I guess this is my spring break experience. I would rather just have one or two moments of this and still help others. This is more my personality thanthe all inclusive things.
Well, back to enjoying the day.
But contrary to what they say, those good deeds went unpunished. I am currently sitting at the most beautiful beach, drinking a beer and watching the people from our delegation. This does not suck.
I just swum in the Pacific ocean for the first time. What an experience. It proved to me that I am drawn to the beach and the ocean no matter what. It's not just my Pirate soul in the Atlantic.
Its kind of hard tobelieve that so much poverty exists here sometimes. I guess they build these hotels for the Gringos to stimulate the economy. I just ordered lobster, and its only about 200 cords, or ten dollars. I guess this is my spring break experience. I would rather just have one or two moments of this and still help others. This is more my personality thanthe all inclusive things.
Well, back to enjoying the day.
3/10/08 9:50 PM
My sisters are the bomb diggity. But, I will get to that in a second.
The meet and greet at the Alianza was amazing. We got to interact with students speaking English that had only been speaking for about 3 days that spoke amazing. It was really cool. Then we saw how they did it by sitting in on a class. It was incredible. Oscar essentially drills them on words, verb tenses, numbers, months, the whole thing. They were amazing.
After that, we came back to La Via and had dinner. Rice, sweet plantains and a steak type thing with tomatoes and onions on it. It was really good. We ended up sitting at the table and talking with our sisters for a while.
After that, we went out to the street. Fabiola, Estella, Brandon, Tim and I all walked down. Tim went to the internet cafe, so I sat and talked with Fabiola and Estella. We talked about everything. My summers, what I liked, my family. They had lots of questions for me, and I was happy to share. I did it all in Spanish as well. Tim came back, we hung out for a little bit, and then came back to the house. It was an amazing night. Tomorrow is a full day, so I am getting sleep.
The meet and greet at the Alianza was amazing. We got to interact with students speaking English that had only been speaking for about 3 days that spoke amazing. It was really cool. Then we saw how they did it by sitting in on a class. It was incredible. Oscar essentially drills them on words, verb tenses, numbers, months, the whole thing. They were amazing.
After that, we came back to La Via and had dinner. Rice, sweet plantains and a steak type thing with tomatoes and onions on it. It was really good. We ended up sitting at the table and talking with our sisters for a while.
After that, we went out to the street. Fabiola, Estella, Brandon, Tim and I all walked down. Tim went to the internet cafe, so I sat and talked with Fabiola and Estella. We talked about everything. My summers, what I liked, my family. They had lots of questions for me, and I was happy to share. I did it all in Spanish as well. Tim came back, we hung out for a little bit, and then came back to the house. It was an amazing night. Tomorrow is a full day, so I am getting sleep.
3/10/08 4:15 PM
What a day. We took a run-down school house room and replaced it with nothing. We had to take down all the zinc siding and then we took down all of the supports. The contractors were crazy. They were hanging on to the flimsiest beams and hitting stuff with hammers. After that, we played with the kids and slowed down a little. We got picked up and went to the comedor for lunch.
After that, we went to the Hotel that the professors stay at. It was beautiful. It used to be a convent that they converted. I was there with Zin, Kelsey and Fanelli, and we had the best chocolate torte I have ever eaten.
When the rest of the group arrived, we had a processing session and we all talked about what we had seen and how it made us feel. I was really helped by that to et my ideas and thoughts out. I am having trouble putting it into words, and I said as much in the session. The one thing that really struck me is seeing the teacher in Goyena had a Master's degree and was making about 2 or 3 dollars a day, and a lot of us changed more money into Cordobas than she made in 2 months. It kind of puts things in perspective.
After the session, we went on a tour of one of the oldest cathedrals in Leon. It was finished in the 1750's, and is made of egg whites and sand. The view from the top was amazing. You could see the whole city. I still find it hard to believe that I am here. Almost like its a dream and I will wake up at any moment. I hope its a dream I can have again and again.
Now that I am clean, we are headed back to meet some of the students at the Alianza to help them with their English converastions, but mostly just to talk to them. It should be fun.
After that, we went to the Hotel that the professors stay at. It was beautiful. It used to be a convent that they converted. I was there with Zin, Kelsey and Fanelli, and we had the best chocolate torte I have ever eaten.
When the rest of the group arrived, we had a processing session and we all talked about what we had seen and how it made us feel. I was really helped by that to et my ideas and thoughts out. I am having trouble putting it into words, and I said as much in the session. The one thing that really struck me is seeing the teacher in Goyena had a Master's degree and was making about 2 or 3 dollars a day, and a lot of us changed more money into Cordobas than she made in 2 months. It kind of puts things in perspective.
After the session, we went on a tour of one of the oldest cathedrals in Leon. It was finished in the 1750's, and is made of egg whites and sand. The view from the top was amazing. You could see the whole city. I still find it hard to believe that I am here. Almost like its a dream and I will wake up at any moment. I hope its a dream I can have again and again.
Now that I am clean, we are headed back to meet some of the students at the Alianza to help them with their English converastions, but mostly just to talk to them. It should be fun.
3/10/08 8:05 AM
Well, we are at the elementary school. It is very interesting how school is run. I listened in on them learning their alphabet. We saw the kids getting their breakfast. The government gives them rice, beans and juice. The town then rotates through cooking every morning, each house cooking once a rotation. The students are responsible for bringing their own bowls and cups. If someone does not cook one day, the kids to not eat. The families also make tortillas and bring sour cream for the rice.
The bus is on its way, so I will talk about the work later.
The bus is on its way, so I will talk about the work later.
3/9/08 9:50 PM
Estoy muy consado. What a day. It began when the alwarm went off at 6 AM, and we quickly got dressed and ate breakfast. After, we left for Mumbacho, a large volcano on the other side of Managua. It took around 3 hours to get there.
Once we arrived, we went into these 4 wheel drive trucks and started to climb the mountain. It was more rough than any time I have ever driven on the beach. The group we were with was fun, so the ride was awesome. Once we reached the area near the top, we got harnessed and got back in the trucks to go to the zip lines. It ended up being about 14 platforms, with cables that went up to 100 meters in length. The views were amazing. Zip lining through a rain forest is something I will probably never do again. We saw beautiful vegitation, and even some monkeys. It was unbelievable.
After we got back, the second group went. We hung out, and I even stole a nap on accident. I guess sleep finds out when you really need it. I got to have some really good conversation with people and really enjoyed it.
After the second group gotback, we decended and went to lunch. I got to talk to Fanelli and Wes which was nice. After lunch, Jen and I walked around Granada. It is a beautiful city, and we even saw a music festival happening. It was also good to walk and talk with her. I am really thankful to have her to help me through this.
We left Granada and started our drive back. What I thought would be a very quiet trip ended up being an amazing bonding experience. We put all of the names in a hat and then had to say something nice about the person you picked. I really think it brought the group closer together.
After finally arriving home, I decided to just turn in after dinner, because the real work starts tomorrow, and I know I will be in even worse shape if I am tired.
Tomorrow, sweat brigade checks in.
Once we arrived, we went into these 4 wheel drive trucks and started to climb the mountain. It was more rough than any time I have ever driven on the beach. The group we were with was fun, so the ride was awesome. Once we reached the area near the top, we got harnessed and got back in the trucks to go to the zip lines. It ended up being about 14 platforms, with cables that went up to 100 meters in length. The views were amazing. Zip lining through a rain forest is something I will probably never do again. We saw beautiful vegitation, and even some monkeys. It was unbelievable.
After we got back, the second group went. We hung out, and I even stole a nap on accident. I guess sleep finds out when you really need it. I got to have some really good conversation with people and really enjoyed it.
After the second group gotback, we decended and went to lunch. I got to talk to Fanelli and Wes which was nice. After lunch, Jen and I walked around Granada. It is a beautiful city, and we even saw a music festival happening. It was also good to walk and talk with her. I am really thankful to have her to help me through this.
We left Granada and started our drive back. What I thought would be a very quiet trip ended up being an amazing bonding experience. We put all of the names in a hat and then had to say something nice about the person you picked. I really think it brought the group closer together.
After finally arriving home, I decided to just turn in after dinner, because the real work starts tomorrow, and I know I will be in even worse shape if I am tired.
Tomorrow, sweat brigade checks in.
3/8/08 10:30 PM
So, self reflective moment over. The surrounding area was very ehterial, made me think about my life and my purpose. It was also very creepy. The things that they did to the prisoners of the war were horrible. They had rooms were they tortured them and hung them up. Very scary. I was quiet for a long time after that, but being with my family made me smile again.
Me encanta mi familia. They are very nice. I think I just needed time to become myself and they needed to feel more comfortable with me. Dinner was delicious, arroz con carne, frijoles y papas fritas. And jello for dessert again. The one thing that I keep finding is the juice and fruit are amazing. There is no fructose down here, so everything is more pure, even the soda.
Despues de cena, Tim, Nos Hermanas y nos hermano vamos a salir a salida con el delegacion. We really got a chance to bond, and it was really over music. Tim had his iPod and started playing music for the girls. All of the delegation loves Gabby and Brandon. They are really cute and very outgoing.
I think I finally turned the corner, and I am starting to see what everyone was so happy and excited about. I like my family a lot, and I hope they are warming up to me as well.
Time for bed, Mumbacho in the morning.
Me encanta mi familia. They are very nice. I think I just needed time to become myself and they needed to feel more comfortable with me. Dinner was delicious, arroz con carne, frijoles y papas fritas. And jello for dessert again. The one thing that I keep finding is the juice and fruit are amazing. There is no fructose down here, so everything is more pure, even the soda.
Despues de cena, Tim, Nos Hermanas y nos hermano vamos a salir a salida con el delegacion. We really got a chance to bond, and it was really over music. Tim had his iPod and started playing music for the girls. All of the delegation loves Gabby and Brandon. They are really cute and very outgoing.
I think I finally turned the corner, and I am starting to see what everyone was so happy and excited about. I like my family a lot, and I hope they are warming up to me as well.
Time for bed, Mumbacho in the morning.
3/8/08 5:00 PM
So first off, the water tower is still being used at the old site. They keep the pump at one of the homes on the weekend.
As I look out on Nicaragua from the top of El Fortin, it puts it alll in perspective. The war, the work the delegation has done, it all seems like it will solve it all. But one thing in solidarity cannot solve the problem.
I guess it would make it easy to say our goal is pointless, but I think just the opposite. While one war, or one project may not solve the problems, it helps some. And when you put the individual efforts in total, it creates the beautious landsape that you look out on. I can't change the world myself, but I can encourage the next generation to make the next change.
As I look out on Nicaragua from the top of El Fortin, it puts it alll in perspective. The war, the work the delegation has done, it all seems like it will solve it all. But one thing in solidarity cannot solve the problem.
I guess it would make it easy to say our goal is pointless, but I think just the opposite. While one war, or one project may not solve the problems, it helps some. And when you put the individual efforts in total, it creates the beautious landsape that you look out on. I can't change the world myself, but I can encourage the next generation to make the next change.
3/8/08 3:15 PM
We were in La Cieba this morning. It was very interesting. The children were so happy to see us. Sara found a friend early and would not let her go all day. The homes here were basically boards with plywood attached. There are ten people staying in the house the size of a shed. I have never seen poverty like this. It was something I will never forget.
Right now, we are at the place where the delegation worked the last 4 years. The major projects from the last two years are defunct. The garden has been forgotten, and the well can't get water to the tower. It makes me concerned that our projects may be gone in a year. I am trying not to think about it.
I hope things go better with my familiy tonight. I want to spend time with them, but I want to be in the streets also. We will see tonight.
Right now, we are at the place where the delegation worked the last 4 years. The major projects from the last two years are defunct. The garden has been forgotten, and the well can't get water to the tower. It makes me concerned that our projects may be gone in a year. I am trying not to think about it.
I hope things go better with my familiy tonight. I want to spend time with them, but I want to be in the streets also. We will see tonight.
3/8/08 9:50 AM
We just finished at Alianza Americana and it is an amazing place. The amount of services they provide and the quality of their students, Oscar and Ada have done an amazing job.
Last night was interesting, I did not sleep for more than a few hours without waking up. I don't know exactly why, I was just restless. I like my family, I am just afraid of being rude towards them. Tonight will be better, I learned how to say I want to go out, so we will be able to play.
Last night was interesting, I did not sleep for more than a few hours without waking up. I don't know exactly why, I was just restless. I like my family, I am just afraid of being rude towards them. Tonight will be better, I learned how to say I want to go out, so we will be able to play.
3/7/08 8:50 PM
Bienvenidos a La Via. We got here around 6:30 tonight and met our mother. She seems like a very stern woman, but by the end of the night, we had her laughing. After David gave a welcome to the people, we went back and had dinner. We ate rice, chicken and what I think was fried plantains. Then we made us Jello for dessert. Made it feel like the US. After that, we gave our presents out, and they all seemed to like them. Brandon, Tim and I played futbol most of the night afterwards. Gabby would jump in here and there, but it was fun. Fabiola reminds me a lot of Paula.
The family is really nice, and they even watched cooking shows. That was interesting to watch. I did not understand many of the words, but I understood the main ingredient, chocolate.
I guess I should also talk about the rest of the bus ride. We got to see the sun set into the Pacific, which I have never seen before. Then the singing started. I love how when singing starts to occur, its always the same songs that get sung; Build me up Buttercup, Ain't no Mountain High Enough, anything by Sublime. I did not sing, I chose to be intraspective, or tired. I think it was mostly the first. I kept seeing the surroundings, and it is just so beautiful down here. And I was nervous about meeting my host family. It was awkward at first, but it got easier as the night went on. My Spanish is stronger than I remembered it. Hopefully tomorrow night we will go out into the village to interact with everyone. Well, my eyes are closing as I am writing this, so I am going to attempt to sleep.
The family is really nice, and they even watched cooking shows. That was interesting to watch. I did not understand many of the words, but I understood the main ingredient, chocolate.
I guess I should also talk about the rest of the bus ride. We got to see the sun set into the Pacific, which I have never seen before. Then the singing started. I love how when singing starts to occur, its always the same songs that get sung; Build me up Buttercup, Ain't no Mountain High Enough, anything by Sublime. I did not sing, I chose to be intraspective, or tired. I think it was mostly the first. I kept seeing the surroundings, and it is just so beautiful down here. And I was nervous about meeting my host family. It was awkward at first, but it got easier as the night went on. My Spanish is stronger than I remembered it. Hopefully tomorrow night we will go out into the village to interact with everyone. Well, my eyes are closing as I am writing this, so I am going to attempt to sleep.
3/7/08 5:30 PM
We stopped to wait for the other bus, and we are stopped in front of a big lake with an active volcano in the distance. You don't often get an opportunity to see a volcano up close, so it is quite an experience.
It was the first time it was quiet, no bus, no cars going by, and it was just peaceful. Now the bus is starting back up, and the regaeton music is playing, so that means its time to keep moving.
It was the first time it was quiet, no bus, no cars going by, and it was just peaceful. Now the bus is starting back up, and the regaeton music is playing, so that means its time to keep moving.
3/7/08 5:10 PM
So we made it. We are currently on a bus on the way to La Via. In the beginning of the trip, everyone was very talkative, but as we saw more of the impoverished areas, everyone has become very quiet. It's as if everyone realizes how fortunate we are, and sees the true scope.
The land is beautiful. There are mountains in the distance that just blend into the sky. The homes and city were very contradictory. There were some very well kept homes, but most had open walls and dirt floors.
If you looked down the sidestreets, the conditions looked even worse. I feel like that is what we will see when we work.
The people are very proud, they all wave and yell at the bus full of Gringos.
I am nervous for meeting my host family. I am trying to remember Spanish that may help me communicate, but I think I will just use a lot of body language.
The land is beautiful. There are mountains in the distance that just blend into the sky. The homes and city were very contradictory. There were some very well kept homes, but most had open walls and dirt floors.
If you looked down the sidestreets, the conditions looked even worse. I feel like that is what we will see when we work.
The people are very proud, they all wave and yell at the bus full of Gringos.
I am nervous for meeting my host family. I am trying to remember Spanish that may help me communicate, but I think I will just use a lot of body language.
3/7/08 Noon
Well, we are off. I decided not to sleep on the flight, but my body had other ideas. We are currently on a 2 hour delay in Miami. I am trying to stay busy, but my mind keeps wandering. I am nervous, but excited. I hope as we get closer, I get more excited and less scared. This is not like anything I have ever done before, so I am hoping its my source of trepidation. I am not sure what I will be in store for, but I know it will change my life.
The more I see things around me, the more I feel drawn to work of this nature. I could already see myself leading a delegation like this in the future. Hopefully I will be able to talk to David on the trip.
The more I see things around me, the more I feel drawn to work of this nature. I could already see myself leading a delegation like this in the future. Hopefully I will be able to talk to David on the trip.
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