What did we see?
‘Wealth in family and relationships.’
‘Cows, chickens, pigs, puppies, roosters, goats.’
‘Beauty in simplicity.’
‘Pigs being born.’
‘Nature’s lightshow: a million fireflies in a field at night.’
‘My host mom’s smile.’
‘Hope overpowering struggles.’
‘Hard work.’
What did we hear?
‘Roosters at 4 in the morning.’
‘Raindrops on a tin roof.’
‘My host dad’s motorcycle.’
‘Every farm animal and/or bug sound ever.’
‘Familiar voices.’
‘The rhythmic pounding of my host mom’s hands flattening tortillas.’
‘The poor get poorer, the rich get richer, and we hope that he (Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua’s president) will raise us up.’
‘Laughter, singing, and hope from my host family.’
How can I possibly attempt to summarize our home-stays? I can write sentences upon sentences of awkwardly stumbling over Spanish phrases with encouraging smiles from my host family, a puppy/kitten/chick cuddlefest (probably the cutest thing ever), and a winding dirt road that knitted together one of the closest communities I have been lucky enough to have been in. Our experiences were varied, our host families different, and our perception of this time impressionable beyond words.
San Ramon took us beyond what we are used to and we lived in solidarity with a family sharing meals, stories, and laughter. Each of us worked on relationships with host moms, dads, sisters, and brothers. It was more than just hearing about certain issues from experts but being thrown with families who have lived through them. Everything we learned was amplified by being welcomed into a family who told us their story so that we may educate others. Their stories have become our stories.
More than any other post I find it difficult to try to summarize this experience because mine was just one of 20 completely different perceptions. Now we have the challenge of taking these personal relationships and seeing where, exactly, they fit in with what we’re learning about economic, political, and social relations between the United States and Nicaragua.
In compensation for the words that I can’t quite find, I will post some pictures that will hopefully give a glimpse of what our lives have been like in the Campo.
-Sarah
It looks like you are having a great trip! I loved visiting the smaller, local places when I went to Mexico. Can’t wait to hear about everything!
I am glad you guys are learning plenty to bring back home and educate those who haven’t had the opportunity to do what you guys are doing. Hopefully this experience makes you more politically aware and motivates you to vote more consciously since our politics affects theirs. Best wishes and prays.
Looks like a wonderful opportunity to learn first hand how some other families live. It reminds me of the conditions we saw in some islands in the West Indies. Enjoy, learn and hope you took lots of pictures of your experiences. Say hi to everyone.
It all sounds great. I guess Starbucks is not there yet. Your spirit shines through the blog entries. You are surely blessed young people. Keep on enjoying your new discoveries.
Tony Fadale
Hey all Pilots! You convey through your words the depth of your experiences in a country we get to experience through you. I cannot wait to hear all of the stories first hand, but the blog sure helps us all be with you in spirit! Jordan, lots of love and hugs your way! Love you Baby! Mom
It’s OK if you don’t bring any pigs home…
Wow… what an awesome experience for you all. I am so glad Laura was able to participate and especially pleased that she was in one of the photos! It’s not often I see her without any make-up!! :)