The Faces of Nicaragua

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Friday, October 15, 2010 | 5 photos

The photos I am submitting are a reflection of the people of Nicaragua. I spent the first two weeks of August in Nicaragua on a Service Learning Trip through 'Compas De Nicaragua'. I spent my time there helping people who have very little they call their own. Everyday I watched and learned the way my host families live, work and eat. It was the most rewarding experience I have had thus far in my 20 years of life. I learned a tremendous amount not only about the fascinating people of this third world country, as well as a lot about myself. I signed up for the trip not knowing anything about Nicaragua, or anyone I was going to be with on the trip. I was placed with a host family that spoke no English, (though I was able to communicate with in Spanish, it was still tough) had never met an American, and were the nicest people I have ever met. Not only was this experience rewarding, I also Iearned a great deal about a people and a culture I had never been exposed to before. I saw the most incredible places and people I never dreamed of seeing. From the streets of Managua, to the hills and volcanoes of the countryside in La Paz. One might think that the people of such a poor nation would not be friendly or happy, but this is incorrect. Though the people I spent my time with had very little, their attitudes about life and love were all they needed. The pictures I have chosen to submit reflect the people I saw and the lives that changed me forever. The young girl learning math in brail was one of the most incredible girls I met. She looked forward to everyday she spent in school, because she knew she was one of the lucky ones who got an education. The sisters hugging were so happy to see a "gringa"(American) they wanted me to take their picture so I would remember them. The elderly woman was one of the wisest people in her village, and I thought her wisdom needed to be captured. Another smiley girl at school, happy to be in school gave me a shot that whose image will stay with me for life. And finally, the home of one of the nicest families in La Paz. They invited me into their home and made me feel like I was a part of their family. They gave up a bed for me to sleep on, though hard, I have never felt more comfortable in someone else's home than I did on that bed. Though I have written more words than aloud, I think my story is an important one. And I know if given the opportunity to capture the beauty of another country, and it's people I will do it with even more passion than I did in Nicaragua this past August. Thank you for considering my photos in your contest, and I hope even if I don't win, that my story was read by people who can appreciate the beauty of Nicaragua that not many people will get to see in their lives.