The end is near

Leon, Esteli, Somoto, Matagalpa, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur ... until a few weeks ago, I had never even heard of these places. But in six weeks time, I've climbed volcanoes, jumped of 15 meter rocks into a canyon, tried to surf, visited many a waterfall, walked through beautiful nature reserves and coffee plantations, swam in volcanic craters and so much more in these amazing cities! 

Unfortunately, my time here has almost come to an end. On Tuesday, at our weekly volunteer meeting, I already have to say my goodbyes. In a little bit more than a week, I'll be on a flight heading for Düsseldorf. I won't be the same person on board of that airplane as the one who came here at the beginning of June. This experience here changed me as a person, not only my personality but also my view  on certain aspects of life. 

In the meantime, I've had the opportunity to meet tons of fascinating people! First of all, all the volunteers here at 'La Esperanza Granada'. Getting to know so many people from all over the world has been very interesting to say the least. All of them had their personal reasons for coming here, but they all had one thing in common, they came here with the best intentions in the world and each and every one of them had an impact! 

Apart from them, it's going to be very difficult to say goodbye to the kids I've worked with for six weeks. Because I helped them individually, I've really got to know them. Not only their struggles at school, but also their interests, their family situations, their stories ... I feel bad leaving them behind, because as so many volunteers I feel like I haven't done enough yet. It has often been frustrated because of the lack of communication, organization and structure, but rewarding at the same time when you the pupils progressing and when they are eager to learn more. 

Coming back to Belgium, I will realize without any doubt how privileged we are for being able to teach in such a stimulating educational system. Teachers here get paid next to nothing, they have classes with more than forty kids, and no didactical support whatsoever. That's why I have so much respect for teachers like 'Profe Renee', who comes to school every day full of energy and with a smile from ear to ear. If I had to do his job for a week, they would have to put me in a mental institution. 

But before I come home, I have two more days at my school 'Jose de la Cruz Mena' and afterwards I'm going to the Corn Islands for the last couple of days because there's no school on Thursday and Friday. 
I've also just donated €1.300 of our first 'La Esperanza Quiz' to the organization. I'll put up a picture of the receipts soon, so you all know the money is well spent. Pauline, one of the founders of the organization, was also going to write us a thank-you-letter and she was going to take some pictures of all the supplies there going to buy with the money.