Summary of Student's Journal from Nicaraguan Experience

Nicaragua: Through the Eyes of a Student Nurse (Ms. Cara Bobish)

Words alone, are not enough to describe my experiences in Nicaragua. In fact, if someone where to ask me I would undoubtedly respond by saying "The experience itself was indescribable." Perhaps this is due to the abundance of various emotions realized and felt over the ten day period. Or maybe because I feel that those who ask inquiring about my trip, should indeed experience something this amazing and eye-opening themselves.

You would have to be pretty soulless to remain unmoved by Nicaragua's current woes. First hand experience of real poverty is shocking. It is difficult to understand what it means to have virtually nothing until you see it for yourself. More than ever I understand how fortunate we are in the developed United States to be born into such affluence.

Yet, there are certain aspects of the Nicaraguan life that I envy. The generosity of people who have so little is humbling, and their politeness and concern for each other make our society seem greedy, selfish and uncaring. I would hope no one would ever force the acceptance of America's values on them, in fact that is the last thing I would want for this country.

Perhaps poverty is better for the soul than wealth. I noticed that it builds a character of honesty and sheer grace, accompanied by an effervescent regard for what life is all about. I realized that my presence alone, visually manifested a dissociation from the hardships and poverty they experienced. It was strange to experience, but yet gratifying at the same time.

What I gave the people in Nicaragua was so little in compare what they gave to me. What they gave to me is a better sense of honesty and a sense whom I am and whom I want to be. The people of Nicaragua, young, middle-aged, old, exhibited a warrior sized courage that I myself could only aspire to have, and probably never identify with. I left Nicaragua confident that I am not as strong as I thought. I am not as courageous as I thought, and I am not as gracious. Nor have I ever embraced and treasured what life has to offer as much as I should have. I definitely am not as wise as I thought.

I did leave Nicaragua knowing that the people I met and even the people I didn't meet, despite having nothing helped me to leave a better person. And I know that when I left Nicaragua, I left a piece of my heart with the people and their beloved country.

In the meantime, I will cherish my experiences in Nicaragua, experiences that profoundly moved me in every way along with the mutual, beneficial, exchange the country provided to me.