he team had a very eventful weekend beginning with a fun meet-up with Manna volunteers at their amazing home and work space on Friday night. The group of project directors and summer interns hosted us for a delicious dinner. We all enjoyed getting to know the Manna volunteers a little better and hearing the various reasons they have chosen to move to Nicaragua and work for the organization. We gained a better understanding of the hectic but inspiring schedule their team balances on any given day which includes leading camp JAM for kids at El Farito, teaching English in the public schools, working in clinics on two different sites, and participating in research studies on public health themes . A highlight was the tour we received of the Manna work space (also located in the house) which culminated in the amazing collection of jewelry designed and created in the women's collective. Many students bought handmade earrings and bracelets as souvenirs and learned about how Manna supports their self-contained coop through design workshops, business and finance classes. We were glad to support the women by paying reasonable prices which produce livable wages.
Early Saturday morning we said good bye to Rita, Jade and Laura. The three have been at the heart of the team, and we missed them immediately. We set off to spend the morning zip-lining. Our wonderful driver Harry took us to Granada, where we met up with the tour company for the final leg of the commute. The zip-lining was located in a beautiful forest area on the Mombacho volcano. Some of us were a bit more adventurous then others (Madeline did most of the course upside down, while the advisors attended to their nausea and proceeded more tentatively). The guides were hilarious and definitely made the experience a lot of fun. We spent a few more hours walking around Granada, where we had a lovely lunch and wandered through the local market. By the time we arrived at home, many of us were exhausted though a few caught the end of the Spurs / Miami game. We were surprised to learn that a lot of Nicaraguans follow American basketball and the Spurs team in particular.
On Sunday, we returned to the work site to finish painting the inside of the bathroom and do touch ups to the outside walls. Being at El Farito without students coming in and out or community members stopping by felt very different. We were glad to complete the necessary painting but missed seeing our friends from Cedro Galan. Afterwards we spent a few hours at Puerto Salvador Allende on the shores of Lake Managua. This board walk area was full of families eating, playing with their kids on the playgrounds, and tourists going on cruises of the lake. It certainly reflected a different side of Nicaragua than we've seen in most of our time in country.
Later in the day we met with Christina for an informal meeting to learn a bit more about her background and experiences living and working in Nicaragua. We also had the opportunity to discuss successes and challenges throughout the year-long partnership. We came away from the conversation with a much better understanding of the tremendous amount of work that goes into coordinating a trip like ours, but also an appreciation for the thoughtful decisions made throughout the course of the year that have lead to our successful project implementation.
Our weekend ended with a delicious meal at a local restaurant recommended by Harry and (of course) a few hours of sitting around the common area in rocking chairs just playing games and relaxing. Tomorrow is our last day, and we plan to install the toilet and window and also finish the floor of the bathroom. In the evening we will host a small ceremony to thank the community members, Manna staff, and funders of the project for their support.
-Lindsay Morris
Early Saturday morning we said good bye to Rita, Jade and Laura. The three have been at the heart of the team, and we missed them immediately. We set off to spend the morning zip-lining. Our wonderful driver Harry took us to Granada, where we met up with the tour company for the final leg of the commute. The zip-lining was located in a beautiful forest area on the Mombacho volcano. Some of us were a bit more adventurous then others (Madeline did most of the course upside down, while the advisors attended to their nausea and proceeded more tentatively). The guides were hilarious and definitely made the experience a lot of fun. We spent a few more hours walking around Granada, where we had a lovely lunch and wandered through the local market. By the time we arrived at home, many of us were exhausted though a few caught the end of the Spurs / Miami game. We were surprised to learn that a lot of Nicaraguans follow American basketball and the Spurs team in particular.
On Sunday, we returned to the work site to finish painting the inside of the bathroom and do touch ups to the outside walls. Being at El Farito without students coming in and out or community members stopping by felt very different. We were glad to complete the necessary painting but missed seeing our friends from Cedro Galan. Afterwards we spent a few hours at Puerto Salvador Allende on the shores of Lake Managua. This board walk area was full of families eating, playing with their kids on the playgrounds, and tourists going on cruises of the lake. It certainly reflected a different side of Nicaragua than we've seen in most of our time in country.
Later in the day we met with Christina for an informal meeting to learn a bit more about her background and experiences living and working in Nicaragua. We also had the opportunity to discuss successes and challenges throughout the year-long partnership. We came away from the conversation with a much better understanding of the tremendous amount of work that goes into coordinating a trip like ours, but also an appreciation for the thoughtful decisions made throughout the course of the year that have lead to our successful project implementation.
Our weekend ended with a delicious meal at a local restaurant recommended by Harry and (of course) a few hours of sitting around the common area in rocking chairs just playing games and relaxing. Tomorrow is our last day, and we plan to install the toilet and window and also finish the floor of the bathroom. In the evening we will host a small ceremony to thank the community members, Manna staff, and funders of the project for their support.
-Lindsay Morris