Sandino Says Farewell

One last photo under a portrait of Augusto Sandino

Chilling at the Beach

Excited for the trip home.

Water Level

Taking in the sites and the cool breeze on an otherwise hot day on Lake Nicaragua.

Island Hopping

We cruised through the islands on three boats admiring the wildlife and large homes. Plenty of islands are for sale. Nicaraguan island for under 500K...

Walk the Plank

Heading out to the boats on Lake Nicaragua for an island tour.

Traditional Ride in a Traditional City

We took horse drawn carriages around Granada and then down to the lake.

The Last Day

Evening Stroll

Returning to our hotel after dinner out in Granada.

Last Minute Shopping

T-shirts and lots of other junk, I mean stuff, for sale this afternoon in Granada.

In Motion

Kirk showing great form on one of the ten zip-lines that took us all down through the canopy.

Ready for Action

After a week of hard work we were all ready for some fun this morning.

Farewell Fives

Our students made a tunnel for the children to pass through with the small gift bag of school supplies we provided.

One Community

After a week together we felt like one community.

Final Thoughts

Alex and Tess spoke on behalf of the Crystal students bring tears to their and my eyes.

Joining In

Our students join in as three local girls perform a dance.

Talents

Will and Alex kindly volunteered to perform for the local children.

Nicaragua Mia

As part of our farewell, our students sang Nicaragua Mia for the school community and were quickly joined by the whole school.

Domingo Presides

After finally reaching the ridge we took in views of the surrounding area with Don Eric's horse, Domingo.

Home in the Woods

This home is only accessible by walking trails--steep walking trails. The children who live here are eager students at the school that we are helping to build.

Poultry Welcome

Stepping out of the forrest and jungle we were greeted by a flock of chickens at a home tucked away, accessible only by walking.

Jungle Tunnel

We continued to travel through tunnels of large leafed trees.

What Goes Down Must Come Up

After descending the valley it was time to begin our ascent.

Flower Finca

A flower finca (farm) deep in the valley. Over mother's day they were working 24-hours a day for two days to provide flowers to mothers in Managua and Matagalpa. Everything is carried in and out of this property.

Cabbage Valley

A hillside with 1,500 cabbage plants.

Local Farmer and Guide

This wonderful man met us on the trail and toured us through the valley from crop to crop.

Coffee Hills

Coffee was the main crop in this part of the valley.

Future Jewelry

Mr. Hutchinson shows off the seeds that we used as beads in jewelry making.

First Stop

We started our tour at a farm close to school that grows coffee plants from seed.

Deep in the Valley

A home perched on the hill where the formal road ends. From here we continued further into the valley.

Our Host

Don Eric is the local leader on whose land the school is being built. He proudly led us through the community of around 150 people.

Starting our Walk

The main activity today was a tour of the local community. The tour was a challenging hike with some of the most rewarding views and stories that I have ever encountered.

Even More Meta

Tess takes a photo. I take a photo of her photo. Mr. Hutchinson takes a photo of me taking a photo of Tess's photo. Sra. Sargent takes a photo of Mr. Hutchinson taking a photo of me taking a photo of Tess's photo. Mind blown.

Retro Meta

Tess goes retro with the polaroid. I get meta taking a picture of the picture.

Looking Down on Town

Later this afternoon we headed to the lookout point above town.

The Founder Speaks

After lunch we briefly heard from Patrick Rincon, co-founder of Seeds of Learning.

Helping Hands

Today was another chance for students to teach crafts including friendship bracelets.

Masons in Training

Callum and Pat were among the first students to try their hand at laying bricks for the school kitchen.

Comfy Seat

All sorts of things become comfortable during a long work day.

Who Needs Fifa?

We have international soccer without them.

Flipping Out

Kirk shows off his gymnastic talents.

Breaking Stereotypes

Yesterday the women were amazed to see men in the kitchen. Today the Nicaraguan boys learned that girls can play rough too.

Starting Class

Sra. Sargent kicks off the soccer game during our "all school" P.E. class.

The Field

A gorgeous field above the school with views (and ant hills).

Too Cool

Now good friends we can play around with a "too cool" high five.

A Light on the Hill

A large cross remains lit on the hillside throughout the evening.