These past few days in Nicaragua have been nothing short of amazing. So far we have traveled to Cuidad Sandino to talk to the mayor, gone to the market in Cuidad Sandino, talked to the banana farmers who have been fighting for justice in front of the National Assembly building for the past 4 years.
The group is trying to get compensation as well as recognition from the U.S. transnational corporations Dole and the Standard Fruit company who sent tons of the chemical nemagon to Central American, failing to tell the workers that the chemical was very dangerous (it had been outlawed in the U.S. since the 1950s). Most of the people have external and internal injuries as well as forms of cancer. Visiting the banana workers in their tarp covered shelters was a very humbling experience. We met many families and although it was a heartbreaking experience, we did not leave feeling hopeless. instead we left feeling touched by what these people have gone through as well as touched by the human spirit that still exists among them. we received so many hugs and words of thanks when we were doing nothing more but talking to these people. it just goes to show the compassion that exists within Nicaraguans.
We also went and visited many monuments in Managua, most of which featured the sombrero wearing, mule riding Sandino, who is the founder of the FSLN. We also talked to the cooperative of Jubilee House, which is an all female cooperative composed of single mothers and grandmothers. These women have so much hope for the future. they built their own factory, with no pay for three years and sacrificed countless things for their families as well as themselves. however, each says that it was worth it because it gave them a future, as well as a future for their families. The group has gotten so close in the past few days and we wake up each morning prepared to work and prepared to see things that are going to move us and give us newfound appreciation of the human spirit. I can say for all that this has been an amazing experience that gets better each day.
Well we're off to work at a clinic Nueva Vida that receives help from the NGO we are staying with, Jubilee House Community.
Can't wait to give details soon!!
These past few days in Nicaragua have been nothing short of amazing. So far we have traveled to Cuidad Sandino to talk to the mayor, gone to the market in Cuidad Sandino, talked to the banana farmers who have been fighting for justice in front of the National Assembly building for the past 4 years. 
The group is trying to get compensation as well as recognition from the U.S. transnational corporations Dole and the Standard Fruit company who sent tons of the chemical nemagon to Central American, failing to tell the workers that the chemical was very dangerous (it had been outlawed in the U.S. since the 1950s). Most of the people have external and internal injuries as well as forms of cancer. Visiting the banana workers in their tarp covered shelters was a very humbling experience. We met many families and although it was a heartbreaking experience, we did not leave feeling hopeless. instead we left feeling touched by what these people have gone through as well as touched by the human spirit that still exists among them. we received so many hugs and words of thanks when we were doing nothing more but talking to these people. it just goes to show the compassion that exists within Nicaraguans. 
We also went and visited many monuments in Managua, most of which featured the sombrero wearing, mule riding Sandino, who is the founder of the FSLN. We also talked to the cooperative of Jubilee House, which is an all female cooperative composed of single mothers and grandmothers. These women have so much hope for the future. they built their own factory, with no pay for three years and sacrificed countless things for their families as well as themselves. however, each says that it was worth it because it gave them a future, as well as a future for their families. The group has gotten so close in the past few days and we wake up each morning prepared to work and prepared to see things that are going to move us and give us newfound appreciation of the human spirit. I can say for all that this has been an amazing experience that gets better each day. 
Well we're off to work at a clinic Nueva Vida that receives help from the NGO we are staying with, Jubilee House Community. 
Can't wait to give details soon!!
Thanks for the update and especially the photos. It is great to hear and see how everything is going there. Are you conversing in Spanish and English, or mostly Spanish? Looks like everyone is having a good time. We look forward to the next post! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great update; sounds like everyone is having an amazing experience. Thanks for the pics. Briana, I am so happy to see you. Glad everyone is doing well.....Luv mom
ReplyDeleteSo cool! Continue to be encouraged by the people and the unity amidst them! many many blessings as you guys continue to do such good things for these people, and for the country :)
ReplyDeletelove you alena!!
-meredith