Emotions were running hot and body fluids were running hotter. Today was a day filled with some very interesting information and experiences. We started the day bright and early with breakfast at 7:30am prepared by Yahyda. As a group we were all feeling under the weather today. I was lucky enough to wake up with pink eye and a little hint of dysentery and I was not alone. A lot of the group had some night time visits with the porcelain throne. We made sure to drink a lot of water and we kept in a great mood. We had a great talk about free trade versus fair trade in the morning and after we went and visited examples of both in the community.
Our fair trade example was a cooperative called “Nueva Vida”, where people displaced by hurricane Mitch make shirts out of organic, local cotton and sell them abroad. It was such an awesome place, with a vibe of hope that our vibe watcher Kyler took astute notice of. After leaving this wonderful place, we went to one of the nicer “sweat shop” in Nicaragua. This location was owned by Muebletex, a textile company that specializes in making furniture covers. The juxtaposition of this location to ” Nueva Vida” was powerful. They had 672 workers that were working in a room that was around 80 degrees and was overfilled. Then, we had a local environmental economist come speak more about fair trade. He painted a specific picture of how Nicaragua directly plays in with the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). It was fascinating hearing about the environmental aspect of this dynamic.
The resounding feeling is that we have been here for at least a month. Yesterday was a packed 12 hour day and today was just as busy. It has been amazing meeting people and seeing the hope that individuals bring within their community. Tomorrow we’re spending a whole day with children and we’re really pumped!!
-Mostly Jordan and a little bit of Sarah
PS: We would lovingly accept any form of support through the means of comments! (Claire wants to let her mom know it’s fine haha)
PSS: Becca wishes her mom the Happiest Birthday!!!
And to momma bear LaBrec…….Love ya and miss you a lot:)
To Jordan and your group, thank you for the updates. We are amazed by your experiences, following the blog throughout the day and praying for you all. Thank you baby for the love, back at ya!
Love reading the updates. Hope everyone is feeling better tomorrow. Tell Laura we miss her and hope the trip is going well for her.
Sounds like you are all doing wonderful work and play! Have a great time with the kids today. This trip is a blessing for everyone
Kevin, All the Rockettt’s are here for Grandma’s 90th b-day. We miss you, but you can make us a tres leches when you come home :-)
Best to you all!
Jordan,
We are watching the site daily, amazed at all the experiences and learning. The blog helps us experience the contrast between here and there and what a worthwhile adventure this is for all of you. How wonderful for all of you to be there for something so meaningful. Love and prayers your way!
Love Momma Bear
I hope everyone is feeling better! Megan, Kellie got the summer school teaching job!
What a great experience you all will have. You will especially appreciate soft toilet paper! We are praying for you every day. Travel Safe! Love you Claire, Mom and Dad
Hi all you wonderful people! I have greatly enjoyed reading your blog as a friend of many on the trip and as a participant of last year’s immersion! I am so excited for you guys and can’t wait to hear your stories upon your return. I know you are feeling overwhelmed, but treasure every day and bear witness to all those people you meet! Best of luck and well-wishes! Love, Bri
Hope everyone is feeling better! Looking forward to updates about the trip!
Hello Megan.
Well it sure sounds like you guys have a very full schedule and getting to see
some interesting places.
Sorry to hear about the ” bug ” eveyone has.
What’s on the schedule for the up coming week ?
Take care and I will get back on again this week.
pops.
I hope everyone is feeling better and having a wonderful experience!
Megan, thanks for the Mother’s Day greeting. Just think, next year at this time we’ll be sitting in the Spokane Arena for Gonzaga’s graduation. LOL I miss you but know you are having an amazing experience! xo Mom
There’s a huge difference between ‘free trade’ and ‘fair trade’ and i’m glad you’re seeing it first hand. Please shop at places like Ten Thousand Villages, where you can be educated even more about it…
Hannah, I hope you’re not one of those who’ve had … you know … but if you are, stay strong, rest up and there’s plenty more to soak in!
We wish we were there..
–Dad