Hello comrades!
This post is dedicated to our adventure back to the States. It was already sad since we had to leave this amazing place, but it just became depressing when our plane was delayed due to mechanical problems. While we were able to spend a little more time in Managua with Matt and Vernon, we had to sit around for a few hours wondering if our plane would even make it to our destination.
It started with us discussing multiple ways in which to arrive home by talking with the workers at the desk. We then had to come to the hard conclusion that we would have to stay in Miami for a night. With this in mind, we quickly changed our connecting flight to a later time. Accepting our fate, we quickly grabbed a bite to eat. To our delight, a Subway stood in our midst. All of us received much needed subs as well as a soft drink. While most of the girls were about to finish their beverages, someone posed the question whether the ice contained pure water or not. This stopped us in our tracks and caused us to panic a little bit. Our day could only get worse if we had to sit through a whole day of traveling with the knowledge that we had drunk the water we had successfully avoided all trip. Luckily, this was not to be, and we all relaxed.
After playing with our cameras for a while and discovering that our flight would be taking off, we trekked sadly through the security line. We had been touched so much by the people that live in the community of Reina Sofia. They live in some of the worst conditions in the world, having to gain their living by sifting through the garbage dump, yet they are the richest. They are the richest in the kindness and love that they shower onto us as well as each other. They work hard and are thankful for the small things. They genuinely enjoyed our help for our few short days, and we know that there will always be a special place in their hearts for us. As we have given them hope, they have given us the tools to dedicate our lives to helping them and others in similar situations. It is important that we continue to help them in any way we can.
Within about an hour of saying farewell to Matt and Vernon, we trudged onto the long awaited flight. During this rather speedy flight, we were blessed with watching the movie Big Miracle. Both Mr. Keiper and Madison absolutely loved this riveting film. Their laughter definitely made the flight go by much faster since they found movie so humorous. With the conclusion of the film, the plane made a quick descent to Miami airport.
Our time in Miami proved to be very memorable. To start off the fun journey through the airport, we waited in line to get into the country for about an hour. We then were all treated by a very slow security guard that asked the strangest of questions. For example, Madison was given the question of whether she was drunk. It was about 10:30 pm by this point, and everyone, including Madison, were very tired from our long and eventful day. Although he was trying to be humorous, he just made the trip that much more interesting by his strange questions of cheese and whether we would party or not. He obviously was being paid by the hour.
After this hiccup, we quickly grabbed our luggage and waited in line to know our hotel assignments and to see if we had the benefit of a meal. After waiting for a longer time, we discovered that things were going our way once again. Quickly, we followed the yellow dots, until we came to a dead end. We were intent on getting food, since we had not eaten since lunch. After getting lost a few times, we found that Subway was the only thing open, and the service group of many coming from Haiti had filed into the line before we were able to get there. While we waited about 45 minutes to an hour for a shuttle, we held onto the slim hope that room service would be open at the hotel for us to eat.
Standing at attention at the curb, we swiftly ascended the steps to enjoy a nice little ride to the hotel. Upon arrival, we frantically used the phone to find a pizza place that was close that would take airport vouchers. We first tried Domino’s...with absolutely no luck. It directed us toward their headquarters. We then were all overwhelmed with excitement when we called a pizza place (from a place the hotel provided in our room) and found that they accepted airport vouchers and were able to deliver so early in the morning. After making sure multiple times that they accepted airport vouchers for food, we ordered about $50 worth of food for a very hungry set of girls. Miki, Catherine, Lauren, and Courtney went down to receive the delicious cuisine. We pulled out the vouchers and thrust them at the delivery guy hungrily. He gave us quite a mean look and proceeded to tell us that they did not accept airport vouchers. We fumed in anger and assured him that we had asked MANY times whether they accepted vouchers. Getting ticked, Catherine said, “Bro, it is two in the morning.” Why could he not grant food to people that had already been through so much on this day? We then proceeded to talk to the man at the desk, who talk our side; however, the delivery guy stormed out of the hotel with food and all. We all then resigned ourselves to the fact that we would be sleeping on very empty stomachs.
After a restful night in very comfy beds, we literally ran down to breakfast to get some grub in our stomachs. This was almost not to be since our vouchers were for only $7 and the very simple continental breakfast consisted of cereal, fruit, bagels, yogurt, and danishes for $10. Since most of us just wanted to eat, our saintly leaders graciously paid $3 extra dollars for each of us. We were so thankful to have Mr. Keiper, Senora Tansey, and Dr. Burlingame on our trip. They kept us in line and were great to talk to and play cards with everyday. They were a comforting presence, and honestly, the trip would not be as amazing as it turned out to be without their participation. Thank you, Senor Keiper, Senora Tansey, and Dr. Burlingame it truly meant a lot to all of us that you came with us.
After eating, we hurriedly ascended the steps of the shuttle again and zipped off to go home. Once we arrived, we found that they were not letting us check our baggage in at curbside check-out. So much misfortune from our travels can only stem from having one of the greatest experiences we have ever had with the people of Managua and Reina Sofia. The airport staff then forced us to check in our bags and obtain new boarding passes before we were able to stow our luggage away. We filed through security and arrived at our gate after taking the airport train, which proved to be very enjoyable. Because we obtained the feeling of hunger during this trip, we promptly discovered a Haagen-Daaz equipped with milkshakes and very cute, flirtatious boy. After speaking with him and getting our milkshakes, we walked onto the plane to end our journey. Even though the plane took a half hour longer than it was supposed to, most of us were happy to be home. Despite the most unfortunate travel home, we successfully made it.
We would just like to take this time to thank all that made this possible for us- Notre Dame Academy, Mrs. Pryor, International Samaritan, our parents, Paolo, Vernon, Jose Carlos, Ralmon, Matt, Mr. Keiper, Senora Tansey, Dr. Burlingame, and the community of Reina Sofia. We are so grateful that you sent us on such an eye opening and fulfilling experience. We hope that we can go on more like this in the future. It has truly changed our lives, and that is thanks to all of you.
See you soon!
The NDA Nicaragua Team
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