March 19-20

Well, this is our last post. So much to do and so little time. Cheri is writing.

Yesterday afternoon, our group travelled to Masaya once again to visit the market. The students tried their hand at bartering and did a great job.

During the afternoon, Rafaela had arranged for a local grocery store to put together bags of staple items for each of the 12 host families. Rice, pasta, sugar, flour, coffee, beans, soap and many other items were given to the families in appreciation of their hosting. The students took home the paquetes and presented them right before returning to school with their parents for our final despedida (good-bye party).

A super dinner and party complete with entertainment by very talented students who danced, Jon Gilman's host mom danced; also, we did two numbers thanks to Caroline's modern dance and Chloe (ukelele) accompanied by Vladi and Jon Gilman who sang a Taylor Swift song. Speeches, photos, more dancing and tons of good-bye hugs from the teachers made up the evening.

Today we will travel to Masaya Volcano, a live volcano. Don't worry, there's very little chance that it will blow its top today. Tonight, Chloe and Nia's combined sisters are throwing a party for the students. Once last sweaty dance scene (!) here in Managua. The senior class is spectacular this year, full of lovely students who know how to have a good time and know how to dance (the understatement of the trip). I don't expect to have time to post photos of today...lo siento.

This group of students has been unbelievably cooperative, fun and very responsible. It has been an honor to be a part of the fun and the learning. Carolyn and I hope that they all will some day return to Nicaragua and follow up on all the beautiful relationships that they have begun during these two short weeks.

Signing off for now. Cheri