This is Julie writing. So far, I´m having one of the best times of my life here in Nicaragua. I love the people and the weather. I´m quickly making friends with the other students on the trip, too. The family I´m staying with is very sweet and I´m surprised at how much Spanish I´ve been speaking.
Yesterday was our second day working on the new addition of the school. The first day, it was pretty scary being up on the beams that will become the second floor of the school. I was much more terrified up there than I was on the zip line. But the second day was easier and we´re really finished painting just about everything with the anti-rust paint.
In the mornings, I work as a teacher´s aide for the fourth grade. It´s probably my favorite part of the day. I´m slowly learning all of the students´ names. The past two days, the school has had field day competitions between the grades and we participate in some of the relays. It´s so funny.
One of the things I appreciate most here is the sense of community. Everyone seems to know each other and look out for each other. When one house runs out of water, they borrow some from the neighbors. This feeling of community is something that I think people in the States miss out on. I´m loving the home stay experience and I can´t believe how fast the time is going by. Exci says I love you mom and dad and thanks so much for leaving comments on the blog.....
Hey Julie, I'm glad to hear things are going great,nothing like a little elbow grease to get the day going,=),I like that you mentioned "sense" of community,it's so true ,many people take that for granted and do'nt appreciate all they have,this will be a good reminder of how lucky you guys are,and how youve been blessed with so much.The funny thing is ,that the simplest hello,smile,even a piece of fruit is huge for alot of people,and that is something that humbles you and allows reality to hit you.i want to post the lyrics to a song by famous salsa singer Ruben Blades called "Patria"which gives a great example of unity among the people and what it means to be true to your people and community,the pure definition of "THE PEOPLE" THE PATRIA!,no race, creed ,or color ,just community .that picture of you and the little girl is awesome,we are really glad to know you guys are having a great time,along with enjoying a life changing experience.Que dios me los bendiga a todos,cuidense mi gente.and to Cenia,let her know we miss her so,and love her very much.,,,and thank you,,this blog is my most favorite part of the day =)))
ReplyDeleteHere it is guys ,,a most powerful song, I just felt perfect to share with you.enjoy..Much love from the Morales family,.
ReplyDeletepatria
Hace algun tiempo me preguntaba un chiquillo por
el significado de la palabra patria me soprendio
con su pregunta y con el alma en la garganta le
dije asi
Flor de barrio, hermanito Patria, son tantas
cosas bellas como aquel viejo arbol que nos habla
y renueva como el cariño que guardas
despues de muerta la abuela Patria son tantas
cosas bellas
son las paredes de un barrio de su esperanza
morena es lo que lleva en el alma todo aquel
cuando se aleja son los martires que gritan
bandera, bandera, bandera, bandera
No memorices lecciones de dictaduras o encierros
la patria no la define los que suprimen a un
pueblo la patria es un sentimiento en la mirada de
un viejo son la entera primavera brisa de
hermanita nueva te contesto, hermanito, Patria son
tantas cosas bellas
English
home
Some time ago a child asked me
About the meaning of the word homeland
He surprised me with the question
And with my heart in my hand
I said…..
Neighbourood flower, my little brother
Homeland is so many beautiful things!
Like the old tree mentioned in the poem
Like the love you still cherish after grandma died
Homeland is so many beautiful things!
It’s in the walls of our barrio, and it’s brown hope
Is carried in the souls of all who leave
It’s the martyrs’ who cry flag, flag, flag, flag!
Don’t memorize lessons of dictatorship or imprisonment
Because the homeland is not defined By those who enslave a country
Homeland is a feeling like an old man’s gaze
like the sun in endless springtime
Like the laughter of a newborn sister
I tell you little brother
Homeland is so many beautiful things!
Hola Mamita! I too look forward every day to reading this Blog. BTW, I didn't know we could leave comments on this blog as well. I'm so glad to read about the all the wonderful experiences you are all having. Enjoy it because time does goes fast. We miss you and love you so much!
ReplyDeleteMr. Morales, thank you for sharing that song - Ruben Blades was my favorite when I grew up and I had forgotten about this song. Its great to read the words; so much meaning to it!
You are very welcome,glad it brought back good memories,and yes it is a very meaningful song.Isn't this blog the best,the kids make us feel right there with them.
DeleteI am also looking forward to this blog everyday.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I like your comment about community. It's also wonderful to learn how you guys doing over there each day. Nice pictures, too. It looks like all our kids are learning and feeling something very special there.
Thank you the sharing from Morales family. It's really beautiful.