Hello all!

Our time at the school ended yesterday, and today we saw our last day in Nicaragua.  Because we had been working so hard for the last few days, Matt took us on a tourist trip through Nicaragua.  We all dressed up and enjoyed our last day in this magnificent country to its fullest. 

We began our day in the midst of the market.  We all needed gifts for the people at home as well as for our own pleasure.  It was rather overwhelming that each of the stalls housed a very talented salesperson; however, many of us succeeded in persuading the vendors to lower the prices on many occasions.  We milled around for about an hour and a half through the maze of shops, almost successfully finding everything.  While it contained a wide array of souvenirs, the marketplace failed to contain the famous soccer jerseys that most of us had been dreaming about through the duration of the trip.

 

From the marketplace, we traveled to Lake Apanas.  This body of water had a most amazing view.  The water is of the most beautiful, deep blue surrounded by thick forests of green.  A nice outlook provided the best viewing potential for us.  This also allowed for spectacular pictures. We took many of ourselves as well as of the breathtaking display of nature.

After this venture, Vernon drove us to Granada.  It was quite different than Managua.  It definitely appeared to be geared towards tourists.  Before enjoying the boat ride that would come our way, we suggested to take a break from the scrumptious Nicaraguan cuisine.  Matt took us to the most delicious pizzeria place.  We purchased way too much pizza- one whole pizza to two people (and Mr. Keiper received his own), with eight slices in each pizza. This resulted in six pizzas, which is 48 slices.  Somehow between the eleven of us, all of the pizzas magically disappeared. Within minutes each pizza pan had been completely cleaned off. In order to eat our last bit of rice, eating delicious Italian pizza proved to be a necessary evil that we all enjoyed so much.

From here, Vernon picked us up to go on our awaited boat ride.  This boat ride took us on Lake Nicaragua, where sharks are said to be lurking.  Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to interact with these delightful creatures.  On the voyage, we proceeded to take a tour of a few of the 365 islands located on the lake.  The size of these islands proved to be the perfect size for a house to be on each one.  Beauty surrounded as we gazed at the cute houses. It took a lot of self-control not to call the number on the “Island for Sale” sign that we found.  Along with the estates, a petite island enjoyed the company of monkeys.  These monkeys were so delightful, especially in their names and demeanors.  They were very playful and did not seem to mind our gazes. It was very nice to learn that one was named Michael Jackson.

Before returning to the retreat center, Matt and Vernon heroically transported us to a street vendor that sold a wide array of soccer jerseys.  Although they are nowhere near authentic, we were pleased that we could walk away from Nicaragua with ties to our soccer games still clutched in our hands.

With the sun smiling down, it proved to be a grand day for all of us.  We ended the day with our usual reflection. After pondering about the week, we were all filled with a passion.  All of us very much desired to do more for our school, community, and the world.  Leaving will be the hardest thing tomorrow, but within ourselves we have awakened beasts that will stop at nothing to bring our change of heart back to all of those at home. It is our duty to the children and this community to help all of those in need with all of our strength, minds, and hearts.  With great comfort, we know that we will continue working for others to the best of our abilities for a long, long time.