Today is my last day in Nica and it went rather quickly. We worked all day making cinderblocks and slinging concrete onto walls which the Nicaraguans did in 1/10th of the time. However, the day has come to a near close and it's about that time for a slight conclusion about the trip. Since we'll be leaving in the morning, this is my last entry for this trip.
It's interesting for me to think about the trip and what I've seen and felt throughout. Seing the people here has changed and refocused the way that I look at our world. I knew that there was poverty out there, but to see it first hand and witness the hardships is a completely mind-blowing experience.
These people work so much harder than we do and live a life that affords few opportunities which becomes a vicious cycle. This morning, we met with a Nica economist who shed some light on this dilemma. He explained that when such a situation arises and a country is so exploited by foreign superpowers, including the U.S., a country just cannot get ahead.
Single-handedly, the U.S. has done anything and everything in its power to stunt the social and political growth of this nation. Amazingly, the Nicas that we've met aren't bitter toward me. It comes down to the basic fact that they aren't spoiled by the basic things that we take for granted. The love that these people have is something that I cannot ever forget.
Coming back home is going to be interesting. Going back to a country that enjoys such largess after being here will be hard to see. However, I feel much more appreciative for having this opportunity and all of those that I've had in my life. You become aware of the vast opportunities that are laid at your feet back home after seeing such deprivation here. I just hope that I will be able to, even in some little way, put an end to at least some bit of ignorance.
There's so much that can be done to help, but we all too often lose sight of what is important. I'll never forget the great experiences that I've had here and I hope to return sometime very soon.
