Frontier Goes to Nicaragua: Day 6

Today was our last day in Pantanal and we worked to make the best of it. Putting up walls takes a coordinated effort of cement mixing, dirt sifting, and block lifting. By lunch time we had made noticeable progress but we only had a limited amount of time scheduled in the afternoon to work. We did our best and are proud of the result. We wish we had more time!

After lunch, we split into two groups and had the option of a zip line trip or a chocolate factory tour. Then we had a pizza dinner out, our last in Granada.

Here is Angela with some perspective:

I never thought that having air conditioning was a privilege. Or that I was lucky my parents salary was over three dollars a day. Back in the states we take things that are "normal" for granted and this trip has helped me to see how truly lucky I am to be born in the place I was. On the other hand I've seen things that I wish we could carry back home. For instance I observed two kids kicking a soda bottle around having more fun than I thought was humanly possible. When we hear of countries like this we immediately pity the inhabitants and wish we could completely turn their lives around. Instead, we should empower the people and learn how to improve their weaknesses, but also incorporate their strengths. As I begin to wrap up my stay in this beautiful country I will continue to try and attempt to see how my privileges have "changed" my life compared to a native inhabitant of Nicaragua.

And here is a reflection from Brandyn:

After six days in this developing country, it's a big thing to comprehend when you think of what your privilege is compared to what these people do. It is very different to see kids hanging on electrical wires as a hobby and then being so fascinated by something as simple as a frisbee. In America, you see people always on technology or in front of a screen. My perspective on how to look at the world has definitely been altered by interacting with and seeing the activities of the people in Nicaragua and I appreciate the opportunity of being in this country for this time. As I head to the next day of the trip, I keep the ideas in my head on what I have encountered and what I am here to learn.

Mixing cement is physically taxing.

Raili and Jill putting up a wall.

Jasmyne and Mike helping to sift dirt for cement.

Walls going up.

Last lunch at Ramona's! She was incredible for us all week.

It's getting there. After our classroom time with Niçaraguan students yesterday we saw how necessary walls are for the learning center. They will help to block out noise and distraction and give a more permanent feel.