Coffee, monkeys, and homestays!

Today (Wednesday) we woke up and had breakfast with our host families. Allie: It was so nice to wake up well rested after a long conversation with my bunk mate, Sam, after spending the previous evening reflecting on the emotions of the day as well as connecting on a personal level. Traveling with others and seeing them in their dirtiest, raw, and most authentic selves does wonders for next level friendships. It was also a once in a lifetime opportunity to have spent dinner and then breakfast listening to the Revolutionary stories of our host mom and seeing Nicaraguan history come to life.

Molly: I, like Allie, woke up incredibly grateful for a good night of sleep and for my host family. Gabby and I woke up with pancakes and fruit waiting for us and we ate with our host mom before she went to do things around the house. It was strange being so comfortable in the home of someone I had met the night before, but it was really incredible to see how people live in San Ramón. The first thing on the agenda for the day was visiting the El Chile community of women weavers. We were both really impressed by the strength, ingenuity, and resilience the women possess as well as the power they hold in their community. They are truly the pillars of their families. Not only were they able to provide for their basic needs, secondary schooling, and community based health insurance, but they were also able to create a fund so that they could travel with their families on an annual family vacation. After talking with the women and trying out the weaving technique, we purchased different products made by them. This was a powerful example of the importance of fair trade and the direct impact it can have in local communities.

Next up we went on a hike to the viewpoint of Cerro El Chile. Before embarking on the steep trek, we had the chance to taste raw cacao. It was surprisingly sweet and slimy. We hiked up the mountain and made it to the viewpoint where we had a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. According to Abby's Fitbit we made it up 71 flights of stairs! Sitting at the top of the mountain was not only physically, but mentally rewarding. After spending most of our trip in traditionally religious spaces, it was meaningful to connect with the environment-- a spiritual haven of its own. When we returned to the base of the hike, we found a sleepy professor in a hammock.

After the hike we went to visit La Reyna coffee cooperative community. When we arrived, we were welcomed by howler monkeys and "Indio Viejo", a traditional Nicaraguan meal. When we were sufficiently stuffed, we learned about how climate change and the Roya fungus have affected coffee production. Unfortunately, many of the crops have been lost and recovery will be difficult and prolonged. We then toured the cooperative and saw the coffee plants doing their thing. On our tour, we encountered more howler monkeys, parrots, sloths, and cicadas. Our favorites were the sloths and monkeys, our least favorites were the cicadas not only for their noise, but because they peed on us, gross!

When we returned to San Ramón that evening, we participated in our nightly group reflection. We

were again amazed by the open, honest, and heart-felt moments we could share with one another. Before dinner we had time to play baseball in the street with a local 11 year old named Juan. Andrea bestowed a few people with nicknames such as "el cougar que no grita" "el sapo que no salta" "el serpiente silencioso" and "el pinguino descordinado." After a few innings it was time for community dinner with all of the host families. At dinner, we ate potluck (comida traje) style with dishes from every family that was hosting us through "Casa Huésped." There was dancing and singing from all ages present. In return, Moses and Abby performed a rendition of "Let it Go" from Frozen and many of the local kids sang along. The last song, sung by Juanita, gave us all chills and really reinforced the sentiment that we will always be welcome and that the world does not always have to feel so divided.

By Molly and Allie