Friday, June 13, 2008

Coming to Center and Getting to Work


Today marks the day I will begin my internship in San Marcos. My heart is racing a bit as I blog my last entry before I turn in for the night...or early morning. I can't wait to get settled in with DonaEvanya and her family and begin work at the library and with the Yahoskas. The delegation portion of my summer has come to a close and it is time to start my internship. The past three weeks have helped to ease us into Nicaraguan culture and to get us familiar with the history of this country.

For the past few days my delegation debriefed and re-centered at The Tisae, a nature reserve fourty minutes into the mountains surrounding Estali. It was great to have time to myself, and I meditated and relaxed from the Mirador, a lookout point at the top of a small mountain. The hike up was cathartic in itself, but I more so enjoyed sitting for hours on end in silence, enjoying the sound of the wind and the sometimes angry, at times joyful clouds pass over my head.

I enjoyed the Mirador twice with friends, and a third time by myself, allowing my mind to wander about my past, present, and future. This is the time of my life and I'm soaking in Nicaragua little by little. Such a small country has so much to offer.

Achuapa and LaGartillo

It's easy to overlook the small towns in Nicaragua, because they are way out in the "campo," but our delegation was lucky to be introduced to Achuapa and LaGartillo. Both towns were once harshly hit by the Contra war but are now rebuilding their strength, schooling systems, and economies. The regrowth has proven to be difficult, but these pueblos have managed to get by, maintaining their pure culture and kind populations of people.

Interacting with children, farmers, co-operative workers, natural medicine women (to the left), and musicians brought us all to the realization that Nicaragua is stronger than we ever knew. Its people have endured insurmountable traumas and yet are still trucking along, even after seeing their families and towns destroyed.

I was touched most by the women of whom we spoke with, all of who display the pain of war and loss in their aged faces, but still diligently work to rebuild their communities while raising families. The Womens Movement is the most powerful and influential political movement in Nicaragua, and this fact is evident by the spirits of the women in Achuapa and LaGartillo.

Goosebumps from LOVE

Granada, a quaint “extranjero” town full of culture and life has chosen to exhibit a photography exhibit, sponsored by LOVE, Lens of Vision and Expression. The children of La Chureca have endured a life of poverty, starvation, and disease, but LOVE has provided a small escape and skill for several of these kids. The program aims to aid marginalized children in breaking the cycle of poverty. (the photo to the left and the photo of the woman and child below were taken by children at the dump)

Eight children were chosen to participate in LOVE’s workshop, which allowed the children to use digital cameras to document their lives and the conditions that surround them. The photos exemplified the sensitive and dignified aspects of human life, even when existing in what may seem like unlivable conditions. “By allowing these children the freedom to use their creativity, it gives them a voice that otherwise goes unheard,” dictates Samantha, the founder of LOVE.

Our group was privileged to witness the opening of the exhibit. The mayor of Estali was present and gave a wonderful speech to the public, which included the photographers. The looks on the children’s faces as they eagerly pulled us in all directions to see their phenomenal photographs displayed around the room. I looked around at my friends and noticed several of us had goosebumps. It only takes a woman, a few cameras, and an open space….with a little hint of enthusiasm and dedication to empower children….from anywhere.

Visit LOVE to find out more and see some of the photographs the children captured. http://lensofvisionexpression.org