LOVE

As most already know, I'm en casa. I arrived in Minnesota safely on Friday and was greeted at the airport by my mom, dad, aunt, and surprised by my friend Becca! Of course, we stopped by Dairy Queen on the way home--Mint Oreo Blizzard! HOLLER! So good. It's been nice being home but I know quite the transition lies ahead but I'm constantly reminded that I'm surrounded by wonderful loving friends and family. :)

I visited Olaf on Saturday/Sunday. It was SO great to see so many friends! But the time flew by and I couldn't see everyone. There was just so much to share and talk about after being gone for 4 months! It was WEIRD being back and felt kinda surreal. Second semester will be quite the adjustment.

When I landed in Texas on Friday I first heard the news of the CT shooting. What a tragic event. And what an understatement that last sentence is. I just came from one of the most dangerous countries in the world, a country that has been devastated with tragedies from the recent civil war to the current gang violence and to come home to such a horrific event is heart breaking. I must be honest, I've been kinda numb towards it. Coming home I'm full of thousands of emotions, and adding more sadness, another unthinkable story to the many I have heard, it's terrible. It reminds me of a story from 1 1/2 years ago when I was in El Salvador for a month. I was with my church and we were visiting schools of the sponsor kids. My pastor was saying how wonderful it was that the kids were able to attend school, unlike their parents that had to fight in the war, and that it was so great that they were able to learn- for school is where they should be. That joyful thought of innocent children going to school, learning and playing with their classmates was quickly interrupted. The Salvadoran pastor began to share that many kids from his community were starting to come to this school because of the gang presence in their old school. But how now at this school many kids were starting to confront the same gang problems and just a few months earlier a couple of kids had been shot outside of school in a taxi by gang members. School should be a safe place where kids can come to learn and grow, play and challenge themselves, regardless of where they are, not a war zone. Granted both of these stories have their differences, they are still both very tragic. I don't really know where I'm going with this but I guess I just wanted to share.

Sending lots of love to you all. Spread it. The world needs a little lovin'!
"Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other." Euripides

It's a reminder of all the LOVE I experience throughout my time abroad. From my friends at home, my family, my friends on the trip, my leaders, my hospitable host families, and others along the way. So from all of them to you--I'm sending LOVE!

This is Just the Beginning

"Trips do not end when you return home – usually this is the time when, in a sense, they really begin."
- Agnes B. Benedict & Adele Franklin, from "The Happy Home"
This quote is from the post-trip email we received from CGE. I can't believe I've already studied abroad. I'm sad it's over but as it says, my trip is really just beginning. 

Saturday morning at 4:30am, I boarded the CGE microbus for the last time and headed to the airport with five of my compañeros/as. Half of our study abroad group was heading home Saturday while the other half was sticking around Central America for at least a week, if not 2 months. After checking in I easily made it through security and to my gate. A quick 40 minute plane ride later I landed in El Salvador, breezed through customs (no lines!), and picked up my bag.

Saturday and Sunday I spent with Pastor Matias and Pastora Martina, going to some of their communities and then to the pool with their kids and grandkids on Sunday. Monday morning they dropped me off at Casa Concordia to kick it with the fam until Friday morning when I will board another plane and head home.

I can't believe I've already studied abroad. It's something I've been dreaming about since high school and now it's done. It was wonderful. Challenging. Incredible. Life changing (in ways I won't even realize). Fun. A growing experience. Unforgettable. I'm so grateful to have had such a wonderful group to travel and study with and such amazing leaders to guide us along the way. As I get ready to head home I wonder about what stories I'll share. Some are easier to tell like celebrating Purisima on our last night, but others are a lot harder. And it's those hard ones that can really have an effect on people and I hope I have the courage to share them. I know there will be people who they'll only want to hear that "it was a great, life changing experience" and leave it at that. And I know that will annoy me sometimes but I know that I have friends and family that will want to hear and I can't wait to share it all with them.

So here I am, in El Salvador with 43 hours until my flight leaves. It's been real. It's been fun.

Thank you all so much for reading. I'm sure I'll share more and write more about my trip in the next month or so. Lots of love to you all! I hope you Minnesotans are enjoying the beautiful snow! And you Oles (and other people taking finals)- good luck! Now get back to studying!!!

Salvation in Action

For my final project I worked with Adam and Charlotte. We focused on the role of liberation theology in the Nicaraguan revolution and its role today in society. We met with two Christian Base Communities and two priests involved with Liberation Theology. In order to share what we learned we decided to have two gospels readings and a sermon. The sermon is an attempt to combine and synthesize what the different people said. 

Luke 10:25-37

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Matthew 25:31-46

New International Version (NIV)

The Sheep and the Goats

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

This is the word of God. Thanks be to God.

------------------------------------------------------

SERMON:

CHAR

Historically the Catholic Church has preached that salvation can only be reached through obedience to virtue—repressing “sinful” human impulses and rising above the sinful world in order to gain salvation. However, in the 1960s the Church in Latin American began to recognize the reality of poverty and began to see the church as a catalyst for change rather than as an instiller of fear. At Medellín in 1968, religious leaders gathered to discuss the role of the church in the modern world. It was determined that it is our job to love and serve our neighbors—that is the true path to salvation. Liberation Theology gave a preferential option to the poor, and the popular movement infiltrated Latin America through the creation of Christian Base Communities. The Popular Church began to embrace the parable of the Good Samaritan. Before, the Church preached the path of the Levite and the priest, fixated on “Salvation”, diverted from reality. Now we have begun to walk the path of the Samaritan: we have realized that to truly walk the road to salvation we must act in service along the way—we must help our neighbors.

ADAM

We need to love and serve our neighbors. So, do not succumb to being helpless—action trumps suppression. Do not be apathetic towards your reality—advocate for change in ways you see just. Do not live in fear—live in happiness with those around you. But most importantly: fight hopelessness, do not let fundamentalism and complacency govern your actions. This is the lesson we must learn from the Christian Base Communities in Nicaragua.

JULIE

Empowered by Liberation Theology’s action-focus, Christian Base Communities served as a vehicle for the revolution in Nicaragua. Without Christians the revolution would not have been possible: Christianity was one of the key inspirations for the Sandinista Revolution. Christian Base Communities found solidarity with the Sandinistas because of the oppression from the Somoza dictatorship. Christian Base Communities were used as a network to support the Sandinista Front, and together they worked to bring about revolution. Many key Christian leaders were also leaders of the Sandinista Front. However, the Church hierarchy was not pleased with this involvement in politics and ended their accompaniment with these leaders. Despite the loss of support, these leaders continued to organize in the revolution because they saw the importance of fighting for the oppressed. Although this devotion was crucial to the success of the Sandinista Front, as a result the Christian Base Communities lost many great leaders, particularly after the revolution’s triumph when the leaders took positions in the Sandinista government.

CHAR

The CBCs suffered another loss with the 1983 visit of Pope John Paul II. He met with a conservative archbishop in Nicaragua who publicly opposed the movement. Throughout the 80s Pope John Paul II incorrectly perceived Nicaragua as Communist and therefore ardently supported a split between Nicaraguan Catholicism and Sandinista politics. With building negative pressure from outside, Nicaraguan CBCs found it increasingly difficult to spread their message of love and solidarity.

         ADAM

When the Sandinistas lost the 1990 elections, it marked the start of large numbers of people converting from Catholicism to other Christian denominations, particularly Evangelicalism. Political hopelessness became religious hopelessness and Liberation Theology’s movement in Nicaragua lost support. Worse yet, Daniel Ortega unified Christians throughout Nicaragua with combined Evangelical/Catholic rhetoric that gave rise to fundamentalism. The people are made complacent through popular medieval traditions, and Ortega manipulates the now fanatical Christian masses for political ends. True solidarity and consciousness are hard to come by. Nicaraguan CBCs carry on the fight but lack the revolutionary spirit they started with.

JULIE

Brothers and sisters, I ask you, I beg you to not lose hope. My dear friend Miguel recently reminded me that it has always been minorities that have created change. Although it may seem hopeless at times, we need to remember that our actions of love to those around us are what really matter. We are all one family and God asks us to take care of one another. Even though we may not see the end results of our work, we must remember, as the prayer “Prophets of a Future Not Our Own” says, “we are the workers, not the master builders, ministers, not messiahs.” We cannot and will not be able to do everything but we must not be discouraged—instead be encouraged and liberated to work for what we can while we are here on Earth. A culture of machismo still exists. People are discriminated because of their race and ethnicity. Our LGBT brothers and sisters are hurting. Our environment is being destroyed. We need to stand up and fight for these issues even though we may not see them come into fruition. For God asks us to help those who have been beaten alongside the road, to care for them, to clothe them, and to be in solidarity with them.

CHAR

Let our joy of service liberate us from the fear of salvation. It is better to act in just ways than it is to live in fear. Jesus told us that there is “More joy in giving than receiving”. Let your faith motivate you to be involved in the fight for justice and the struggle for social change—be the sheep, be the Good Samaritan. In a recent conversation with Fernando Cardenal he expressed that “it is dramatic the strength of liberty and freedom you have to decide the type of life you want to live”. I encourage you to let this responsibility cultivate itself in joy.  Go in peace to love and serve.

Final Reflection: Prophets of a Future Not Our Own

For our final reflection we were posed with the question: How has what I have learned about citizen's participation, conflict, and social change this semester affirmed, challenged and/or changed my sense of self as an agent for change?

I answered with the poem below and then with a few remarks at the end. 

PROPHETS OF A FUTURE NOT OUR OWN

by Fr. Ken Untener 

It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.

The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,

it is even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the

magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.

Nothing we do is complete,

which is another way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.

No statement says all that could be said.

No prayer fully expresses our faith.

No confession brings perfection, no pastoral visit brings wholeness.

No program accomplishes the Church’s mission.

No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about.

We plant the seeds that one day will grow.

We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.

We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything,

and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.

This enables us to do something,

and to do it very well.

It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning,

a step along the way,

an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results, but that is the difference

between the master builder and the worker.

We are workers, not master builders,

ministers, not messiahs.

We are prophets of a future not our own.

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So whatever it is that we go and do after this incredible experience, an experience that words truly cannot describe, as long as we are doing something to love and serve those around us, that is what really matters. It is in our small actions that we can continue to change the world.

This semester has challenged me and touched me in many ways. After traveling to El Salvador the first time four summers ago I was changed. My world was flipped upside down. The people have touched my heart. Every time since then, when I’ve gone to El Salvador I have continued to be touched. Now coming down to Central America with this amazing group of people has moved me again. And hopefully pushed me to work for change in the world.

What a daunting task—changing the world. But through everything, I’ve learned that I need to start small, within myself, with those around me. It won’t always be easy, or cool but the important thing is trying. Keep moving. You could say life is like a race, for me the most important part is to just keep moving. You’ll meet some incredible people along the way as you suffer through the pain together in solidarity. And maybe we won’t see the finish line, the results of our hard work but it’s all about the journey. And THIS journey that I have been able to experience with you all has been incredible. Life changing. And motivation to keep moving, to keep loving, and to keep serving.

home stretch

So folks, we're in the home stretch. I can't believe it. Yesterday we moved out of our homestays and into CGE's center. Tomorrow we have our final presentations. Thursday is our mystery outing day. Friday is a free day to pack and then Saturday we all go our separate ways.

Me and my 'niece' Ammy! :)

my sister Patricia, my mom Daisy, me, my brother Paul, and my dad Antonio

It's an emotional time, leaving our host families and now preparing to leave those that we have come so close to in such a short time. At the same time I am excited to travel back to El Salvador for 6 days and then finally to go home to hopefully a snowy Minnesota (Dear MN, please get on that. Thanks.).

There is so much I have learned, seen, heard, and experienced on this trip. New ideas, perspectives, stories, people, and places. What do I do with all of that? What will I share with people? I hope to be able to share the stories that have touched and moved me. That have had an impact on my heart. It won't always be easy. I might get frustrated but I am so grateful for this experience.

I'll write at least a few more times for my blog to help me remember and reflect on the trip.

For my final project I am researching religion in Nicaragua and the revolution with my friends Charlotte and Adam. We have met with two different Christian Base Communities and two priests. Today we are writing our final presentation which is a sermon. Uff dah. Writing a sermon with 3 people is tricky. Writing a sermon at all is tricky. But it's been lots of fun and very interesting. I'll post it soon.

Sending lots of love from Nicaragua!!!
Thanks for reading! :) Besos y abrazos!

¡Qué Tuani!

¡Qué Tuani! is the perfect phrase to describe this past weekend!
Charlotte, Molly, Moira, Dustin, Kendahl, and I headed off to Granada on Friday after lunch for a relaxing weekend. After sweating for an hour on the bus we arrived to the dreamy town of Granada. Once we checked into the Bearded Monkey Hostel we went off and did our own version of Black Friday shopping. We ventured over to the market and I was able to almost finish my Christmas shopping.

Soon we found ourselves in the Chocolate factory. YUM! We went back there for breakfast the next morning. I definitely recommend it! The evening consisted of sitting outside a restaurant, eating dinner, talking, and people watching-so interesting. There was a group of break dancers that performed for a while. Sunday after our delicious breakfast at the Chocolate Museum we headed to Laguna de Apoyo, about 15 minutes away. It was BEAUTIFUL! We spent the day kayaking, swimming, tanning, and hanging out.

We got back to Granada late afternoon, just in time to grab a quick gelato and snap a few pictures before heading back to Managua.

estoy agradecida

Although I am in Manauga, almost 3,200 miles from Chanhassen, and in a country that has been negatively affected by US imperialism, that doesn't stop me from celebrating thanksgiving. I love pies, eating sweet potatoes covered in marshmallows and cinnamon, eating turkey and gravy, and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
I'm currently watching the parade and there is a table behind me filled with 18 pies that our wonderful Ruth made! I'm so excited!!! Today we have hopefully quick class session and then lunch!
Today for lunch we will have a Thanksgiving meal that is rumored to be delicious and possibly the best in town!
Some food to be consumed include: turkey, potatoes, gravy, apple pie, and pumpkin pie! YAY!

throwback thursday: freshmen year thanksgiving dorm decorations

It won't be the same wonderful event that it is back at the Berkness' but it'll have to suffice. Even though I'm bummed I can't be eating turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie at my grandparent's today, there are still so many things I am thankful for.
1. my family- for their love and support
2. my friends- for those back at home, at Olaf, and the new ones I am with today
3. for the wonderful letters, cards, and flowers I received in the mail yesterday! made my day/week/month! :) I was seriously SO excited. First mail abroad!
4. the opportunity to study abroad- for all the people I have met, the things I have seen, heard, and experienced
5. a house, clean water, food, clothes, and not having to worry about those
6. internet and my computer so I have been able to stay connected with so many throughout this trip
7. YOU! and for you reading this
8. SO MUCH MORE but I won't bore you, you should go eat more turkey now, or pie, or hang out with your family or friends, or watch football, or start decorating for Christmas- hang those lights, decorate that tree, or sleep, or watch a movie, or reflect on all the things you have to be thankful for, for we all have many.

Sending LOTS of LOVE and HUGS!

Livin’ the Campo Life

As promised, a more joyous post (and it has lots of pictures!).

If I could spend more time somewhere in Nicaragua it would be Sontule and Estelí, no doubt about it.

View of Estelí from Hotel Los Arcos

Last Tuesday morning we loaded the bus and headed 2 ½ hours north towards Estelí. It is beautiful town, muy tranquilo. When we first arrived at Hotel Los Arcos ((FUN FACT: When Anthony Bourdain came to Nicaragua we stayed there. Wonderful place.)) we met with the President and a member of the UCA-Miraflor cooperative to learn more about what they do.

View from Los Arcos

Then after discovering crime shows in English on TV we ate a delicious lunch and napped. Charlotte, Moira and I wondered the streets. Stopping at the park for quick see-saw session before ending of to ice cream and window shopping. However the window shopping soon turned into real shopping. I was in need of new flip flops while Moira really wanted high heels. After trying on various pairs, she convinced Char of buying some too. After dinner came more English TV and bed.

Church in Estelí

Early Wednesday morning it was finally time for our last rural homestay of the semester. We bumped and wound through the mountains and hills for almost 2 hours before arriving in Sontule. Once there we divided up into our homestays. Molly, Anna, and I were to live with Mafalia, the first and second grade teacher. Because she was teaching, her mother and ten year old nephew, Freder, came to pick us up.

Later that afternoon the group went to the coffee fields and to see where the coffee berries were processed. Since it is a cooperative, they help pick the berries from each others land. First they pick off the non-perfect berries and save those for themselves. A few weeks later they come back and pick the rest of the berries and bring them to the processing place. (I apologize my coffee producing vocabulary is fairly non-existent.) The berries are put into huge tubs where they soak for days. They’re put through some machines and then laid out to dry. From there they are sent off to roasters or other producers. (Sorry that was rough, I’m trying!) After our walking tour, we went to a community member’s house to learn about taste testing coffee. Too bad I’m not a coffee lover.

walking to the coffee fields

coffee tasting

Thursday we began by visiting the school. Due to the community's organization they were able to build a nice school building and they are now working towards having a high school there. Through international support some students are able to go on to high school and college, as neither is free. Mafalia’s sons are both able to attend college because of this. One lives in Estelí and studies during the week while the other, Wilber, only studies on Saturdays because living in Estelí is expensive for them. Anyways, back to the school in Sontule. There are about 70 kids in the school, divided into four classes: preschool, first/second grade, third/fourth grade, and fifth/sixth grade.

the school

Later we met with women’s cooperative to hear about their history and what they do. Some of the older women shared their stories of not being able to attend school as children either because they were poor or because they were girls and so their parents didn’t believe it was worth the time. The cooperative began in 1996 and is comprised of 19 women.

Later that afternoon we walked to the lookout to watch the sunset. Sontule is beautiful in the first place but the view from this lookout was AMAZING and the sunset was GORGEOUS!

OLES!

Nights at Mafalia’s consisted of sitting in the small wooden kitchen talking about the contra war, the fact that apples are produced in the US but not Nicaragua-along with various other produce, how she went to Cuba to learn about education, our families, and US music! Freder gave us a little concert and sang some Nicaraguan songs. Both nights we broke out the ipod and shared some music and some dancing. Freder can now cat daddy, dougie, and bernie!! We can sort of bachata. We also did the Cupid Shuffle! It was a lot of fun! I miss it!

the kitchen

our room

the main room

Friday morning we packed up and headed back to Managua. It was such a beautiful and relaxing experience to hang out in the campo. It was by far, my favorite campo experience and it’s a place I definitely wouldn’t mind returning to!

a cousin, Anna, Grandma, Jason (Mafalia's nephew), Wilber (Mafalia's son), Freder, Mafalia, me

This weekend was fairly chill- running, reading, eating helado de coco, and sleeping. On Sunday I went to misa with my host family- momma Daisy, sister Ammy, and brother in-law Alex. It was at the top of a hill and had a cool view of Managua.

Alex, me, Daisy

looking over Managua and Lake Managua

Hasta pronto!
MUCHO MUCHO AMOR! abrazos y besos! xoxoxo

A Timeline & Free Trade Zones

What better way to explain history than a beautiful timeline!

1912-1925 US troops stationed in Nicaragua

1926 Sandino began to fight against US occupation; U.S. troops create and train Nicaraguan National Guard; three powers in Nicaragua: Somoza/National Guard, President Sacasa, and Sandino

1934 Sandino murdered by the National Guard after dinner with President Sacasa

1936 Somoza takes power from Sacasa with National Guard; Somoza dictatorship begins with the support of the US

1956 Anastasio Somoza García assassinated; son (Luis Somoza Debayle) takes over

1961 FSLN formed by Fonseca, Frente Sandinista Liberación Nacional (party based off of Sandino ideology)

1967 Luis Somoza Debayle dies; brother Anastasio Somoza Debayle takes over

1977 Carter makes U.S. aid conditional on improved human rights situation; Somoza ends state of siege

1977 revolts begin to break out with more frequency, revolution really heats up

1978 Pedro Joaquín Chamorro murdered (editor of La Prensa); Sandinistas take National Palace

1979 Civil War intensifies; Somoza flees July 17^th; July 19^th Sandinistas control Managua and declare victory

1979-1990 FSLN in power, at first 9 men lead, then President Daniel Ortega in 1984

1981 Reagan provides U.S. support for counterrevolutionaries

1981-1989 Contra War, upwards of 30,000 killed

1990-1996 Violeta Chamorro elected President (UNO)

1995 MRS party formed (broke off from FSLN)

1996-2001 President Arnoldo Alemán (PLC)

2001-2006 President Enrique Bolaños (PLC)

2006-2011 Second term for President Daniel Ortega (FSLN )

2008 lots of fraud in municipal elections

2012-??? Daniel Ortega (FSLN) unconstitutionally “elected” President [can only be President twice and must be none consecutively but he made a decree], lots of fraud in the election

2012 November 4^th municipal elections, FSLN won in 134 municipals while the PLI in 12, PLC in 2 and Yatama in 3; the next day the papers are full of allegations of fraud

Alright y’all, my history post is changing more into a Free Trade Zone post and things are about to get heavy.

We had the opportunity over the first two weeks to meet with various political parties and feminist groups to learn about their perspectives surrounding democracy/political participation and the history of the country. We also visited a Zone Franca(Free Trade Zone). I remember learning about them in AP Human Geography back in high school and the horrible working conditions they must endure just to partially feed their families. Granted this FTZ is definitely a step up from ones we saw in videos about China, but there is still much violence, exploitation, and danger in these foreign owned factories. Of course when we went they treated us very nicely and made it seem like these people were given an amazing opportunity to work in comfortable conditions. The following day we met with a women’s organization, some of the women we met with have worked in these zones and others work with women who work in the zones. Their heart-wrenching stories of violence and inhumanity greatly contrast the stories of the big wigs of the zone.

When we went to visit the FTZ I left wondering why people disliked FTZ? According to the nice man with his Rolex from the National Commission of Free Trade Zones they provide thousands of jobs, they pay almost two times minimum wage, they have a program called Better Work that provides benefits such as housing, and they are working on getting companies that pay even better to come into their FTZ. In order to leave a FTZ they must have paid everyone everything they are owed and must do lots of paper work. However, it is quite a different story when you talk to those who have worked in the maquilas. Pay is below or just at minimum wage, companies try to leave without paying the workers, families are destroyed, and the government is participating in this exploitation. There is a high rate of rape outside the maquilas because they leave late at night and they rarely get paid for their overtime. These women need jobs and so they turn to the FTZ (the alternate option is prostitution) but are then subject to heinous conditions and have to leave their families and don’t even make enough to live off of. One woman talked about how maquilas have only caused illness, pollution, deaths, and violated the rights of so many. But her colleague quickly pointed out that there were also some benefits to maquilas, but only the owners experience them.

One woman, Ana, shared a story about a pregnant woman (going to call her Mary) working in the same factory as her. Mary was pregnant and having pains in her stomach so she wanted to leave. The supervisor, seeing that there was only one hour of work left made Mary stay. In pain, Mary sat down on the ground but the supervisor quickly grabbed Mary by the arm and made her stand up. Helpless, Ana and the other women watched as Mary was made to stand up and watched as Mary’s baby aborted there on the factory floor.

As María Jose said at the end of our meeting, “Remember that garments bought from here come with love, hard work, sweat, blood (literally), sacrifice, and single moms leaving their kids just so the capitalists can have money.”

But for real, that’s a lot to think about. What can I do to not exploit people every time I want to buy clothes or any other product? Go naked? just kidding.

I promise the next post is much more joyous! :) LOTS OF LOVE FROM NICA!

Election Night, Haircut, English/Spanish Convos, and Granada

Highlights from the past week:

            Typically we spend the day at CGE’s center or out and about listening to speakers, and then come 5pm we load up the bus and drive 5-10 minutes to our neighborhood. But Tuesday was different. We hung around the center to watch history unfold. Stuffed with pizza, brownies and ice cream we sat in our classroom/dining area, computers open, TV on to see election results. It was nice to be able to hang out with the group after nearly a week in homestays. We were an anxious group as we watched the results. It’s interesting as we were mostly all rooting for the same man. 10pm was starting to roll around and some were getting tired so we decided that no matter what we would leave at 10:30pm. Minutes before we were going to leave the Electoral College results showed that Obama would be President for another four years and so we loaded up the bus and headed home. When I arrived home my mom was excited to hear the results, as they hadn’t been shown on the local news they were watching. She gave me a thumbs up and exclaimed “Fue los hispanos!”. (It was the Hispanics!). We sat and watched the news for a while longer in hopes of hearing the speeches but I hit the hay long before that happened.

            Thursday was haircut day! My friend Molly and I were in need of haircuts and our professor Kathy has the cutest haircut so we asked where she gets it cut. We spent the afternoon with Kathy at the salón de belleza. I got about 6 inches cut off with lots of layers and Molly got a Lauren Conrad bob cut. Super cute!

            Friday after class 3 of my compañeros (Molly, Charlotte, and Dustin) and I went to the cultural center for English/Spanish conversation time! Reluctant at first I finally gave in and I’m glad I did. We broke into two groups. Dustin and I had five men in our group and we took turns asking questions. We began in English and then spent the second half speaking Spanish. One of the men lived in New York for a few years and speaks wonderful English while two of the guys just began learning seven months ago, there at the center. It was a bit awkward at times, not always sure what to talk about but it was fun! Some of us are going to get together this afternoon (Monday) to play soccer! Finally! I’ve been itching to play for some time now.

looking down at the crater

Volcano Masaya

This weekend, 13 of us went to Granada- in Nicaragua, not Spain. [I didn’t make a weekend trip to Spain, sorry for any confusion.] Saturday morning Joe and Ruth picked us up at our bus stop and we were on our way by 9:30am. We first stopped at Masaya Volcano National Park to see the volcano crater. There is lots of history surrounding the volcano. Way back when, indigenous people used to believe the crater was a gateway to the underworld and they even sent people down to check it out. Because of this they put up a big cross. Now the cross that is there is a replica of the one from way back when. The land around the volcano often times had FSLN camps up during the revolution (late 70s) (don’t worry I’m working on the history post!). Furthermore the Somoza dictators (30s-80s) used the volcano as a torture mechanism, flying around it in a helicopter, threatening to push the person in or going up to the volcano and pushing the person in. Anyways, it is a beautiful crater but we weren’t able to see much of it due to all the smoke clouds. After a quick look around we hopped back on the bus and went to the town of Masaya to shop at an artisan market. After finishing up Christmas shopping (almost!), we were finally on our way to Granada.

one of many Cathedrals in Granada

Said to be the oldest town in Central America, Granada was founded in 1524 by the Spaniards and was the first capital city. After independence in the 1800s the Liberals and Conservatives battled it out and there needed to be a new capital that was in a central location and so Managua was chosen. Granada is a beautiful colonial town, rich with lots of history. Unfortunately most of the original architecture is no longer there because of Mr. William Walker, a US filibuster who, in the late 1800s (same time as Manifest Destiny), went down to Nicaragua and declared himself President, institutionalized slavery, and declared English the national language. He was quickly shut down but one of the final defenses was in Granada and much of the town was destroyed and burned. 

two Oles in Granada!

Molly and I at Lake Nicaragua

For lunch on Saturday we had pizza, then we walked around town for a while and then found our hostel. After getting settled in we explored a bookstore and walked down to Lake Nicaragua, the one of the only (or the only? I don’t remember) freshwater lakes with sharks! Unfortunately we didn’t see any sharks. For dinner we went to a delicious place called Garden Café! Sunday morning we went to Kathy’s Waffle House for some tasty taste brunch and then after exploring some more, some of us did some reading at the café until it was time to head back home to Managua. It was a fun weekend and exciting to see more of Nicaragua!

Tomorrow (Tuesday) we are going to Estelí to a more rural community where we’ll stay until Friday.

Sending lots of love from Nicaragua!!! Missing you lots! Hope all you Minnesotans are enjoying the snow! ABRAZOS Y BESOS

Parks, Politics, and Ice Cream

Hi all! Sorry for such few posts. I’ve been busy with class, speakers, papers, friends, my host family, eating helado, and traveling!

            My host family has been great. We go on walks to the park, discuss politics, watch TV novelas (I couldn’t tell you what is ever happening), and eat yummy food. My ‘niece’ Amy is a Justin Bieber fan and listens to a lot of US music, just thought I’d share how we bonded recently.

Last Saturday (the 3^rd), my friend Molly and I interviewed our families about democracy and political participation in Nicaragua. Both are big FSLN supporters and it was interesting to hear their praises about their party when we’ve learned about how “President” Daniel Ortega is leaning more towards dictator than President and his neo-populist agenda. Ortega receives a lot of money from Venezuela and there is little transparency about where that money goes. However, Ortega has implemented many welfare programs in education, health care, housing, and more.            

Last Sunday (the 4^th) was the municipal elections. I went with Daisy to go vote. We arrived at the school and outside on the wall everyone’s name is posted with their cédula number (like our driver’s license) and which classroom they vote in. After quickly finding the room Daisy went and cast her vote for Mayor, vice-Mayor and Family Councils (FC). Family councils are in the neighborhoods to implement FSLN policy on a local level and if people need something or have a petition for something like new park or a new roof, they go to the FC. Then we saw Toño (her husband) who was working the elections. Daisy used to work the elections, (this is how she is CERTAIN there was ABSOLUTELY NO FRAUD in the past 3 elections) but now Toño does because only one person per family can. The electoral police are chosen by the FC, an FSLN group. Do you smell what I’m stepping in? Great. Moving on. After voting we stopped by the neighbors to have a little chat and eat some fruit salad. Sounds delicious, right? Only if you like cantaloupe and papaya, which I do not. But I somehow kept it down and smiled (I hope) through it all. Then back at the house we watched TV, “Yours, Mine and Ours” was one movie we watched. After lunch, my friend Charlotte and I went to Molly’s because her mom makes delicious coconut helado (ice cream). SO GOOD and only 5 cordoba ($.20USD)! We walked to the park and enjoyed the HOT afternoon. I went to evening mass with my family and after dinner we walked to the park, talked politics, and ate ice cream. 

more posts to come!

Managua

It is crazy to think that we are already on our final leg of the trip! We arrived in Managua on Sunday after being ripped of on the bus, the bus man made us pay $100 cordoba (roughly $5USD) as we arrived in Managua to get our luggage back. Ridiculous considering the bus ride cost $80cordoba (roughly $4USD), which was also a rip off because we're pretty sure everyone else only had to pay $50cordoba. Oh well that's what you get for being gringos.

Topics of conversation lately for our group have been about our wonderful fall break, the HEAT in Manauga, homestay nervousness and stories, talk about going home/end of the trip, foods we miss/crave, Halloween, snow, and Hurricane Sandy.

These past few days we have been staying at CGE's center here in Managua, the capital city. We're right next to a news station and the President's house, so a very safe area. CGE's center is main base for our time here as this is where we have classes and spend the majority of the day.

Monday we met our teachers, went over the syllabi, spent time hanging out, went to ice cream, and had a overall calm first full day. We are taking a Political Science class about citizen participation in politics and a History class about Nicaragua from the 70s-90s. Tuesday we had our first official classes! Our teachers are great so far and we began with a general overview of the history and politics to having a basic place to start. Our classes will be a mixture of speakers, lectures, discussions, and presentations, with a lot of overlap between the two classes.

I'm not even sure where to begin with the history. I think it deserves its own post so I'll write that soon!

Wednesday we met with a man from URACCAN, a university on the Caribbean side of Nicaragua in the autonomous regions. URACCAN is the University of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. The man talked to us about the Caribbean coast and how different it is from the rest of the country. The Caribbean coast is split into 2 autonomous regions- the North (RAAN) and the South (RAAS). They are comprised of many different ethnic and indigenous groups. Although many of the Pacific coast would say their is no racial discrimination, those on the Caribbean side would disagree. There is a social hierarchy between the groups and lots of mistrust too. They have been under the autonomous regime since 1987 and have substantially more poverty than the rest of the country. There are two regional parties on the Caribbean coast however the national parties also have a presence. It was fascinating learning all of this and seeing the huge difference between the two coasts in Nicaragua. 

Lake Managua

Love, peace, and life! FSLN slogan

After our meeting we drove around Managua to see the central plaza and the old President's house, the old Cathedral, and the National Place. We then went to Lake Managua, which a beautiful and very large lake that is sadly 90% contaminated. In the past all sewage and run-off from companies would flow into the lake but fortunately that no longer happens and Germany is supporting a project to clean the lake so in 50 years it will be clean.

National Palace

Old Cathedral

Wednesday afternoon we packed up our stuff and moved in with our host families! We will be with them for a total of 3 1/2 weeks, in the midst of that we will be in a rural community for a week, and then the final week we will all move back into CGE's center. Family is great! My host mom Daisy is very involved in the neighborhood's cultural center, place where we will be able to get involved through various art/culture/cooking classes and activities! I also have a host dad Toño. Daisy and Toño have 3 children in their 30s. One of the daughters lives with them, with her husband and 14 year old daughter. We ate pizza for dinner and then went to a big rally/party for the FSLN party. Nicaragua has municipal elections on Sunday and starting last night all parties now have to be silent. So there was a big dance in the streets. It was crazy. Apparently later on some prominent politicians came to speak and the dance lasted well into the night. This morning for breakfast I gobbled down eggs, doritos (?what?), pineapple and yogurt before Charlotte came to walk to the bus stop with me to go to class.

This morning we met with Mark Lester, the Regional director for our program. He gave a very knowledge filled overview of politics in Nicaragua, especially regarding elections. We talked about the fraud that has happened in the past and the role of the US, and what they're expecting to happen in these elections- continuation of fraud but no obvious involvement from the US.

Now we're waiting on lunch before meeting with the Sandinista Youth (FSLN). It'll be interesting!

MUCHO AMOR!!!