The Fiesta tops my list of my favorite experiences here in Nicaragua. If we could have bottled the energy generated by everyone in the office the night of the Fiesta, I have no doubts that it would have lit up the city of Granada that night.
Shortly after arriving, many of them set to the task of perfecting their speeches - repeating what they planned to say over and over again. After this, we took a moment to review the order of events so that everyone felt comfortable, and then the phone rang . . . We were on.
And, everyone was extremely nervous. First Marluz, one of the older students in the program who has been with us for years, had the opportunity to talk and thank everyone. She also got to speak face to face with her Sponsor, who was so overwhelmed by having the opportunity to meet the young girl she had been supporting for years that she broke into tears.
Next, Anielka, the Nicaraguan Program Director, stepped up to the computer and, without a hint of nervousness, began to introduce the entire staff and children to the Fiesta attendees in Colorado in
ENGLISH! This was the first time Anielka had ever spoken to a large group (other than her fellow classmates) in English before, and she nailed it! I was so proud and happy for her.
Everyone else took their turns stepping up to the camera and delivering their sentiments. They thanked everyone countless times for the opportunities they had been given. As part of this sequence of events, I had the amazing honor of translating Margarita's beautiful speech into English. Margarita is an intern in our office as well as a program graduate. She is currently attending college with the help of EI. Another amazing first was Yoaska, another program participant, who chose to attempt her speech in English. She was very nervous, but she made it through with charm and poise. It was so heart warming.
In the end, when we hung up the phone and closed the computer, everyone broke into instantaneous applause and laughter! Everyone congratulated each other on a job well done. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. These children, most of whom had never spoken in front of a group of people before had gladly stepped in front of the camera to offer the most heartfelt thanks they could to people living thousands of miles away whom they had never met. They conquered their fears because they knew how much their thanks would mean to the people in Colorado who were providing them the support necessary to achieve their dreams. And, they gained confidence and pride from having done so.
Every single one of them was beaming while leaving, again hugging everyone in the room and thanking us for allowing them to come and speak. In reality, they were the ones who deserved to be thanked. They were the true role models that night.
The Fiesta actually took place the night of my birthday, and I have to say it was the most amazing birthday I have ever had. It is one I will remember for the rest of my life. I really believe that what Empowerment International is doing is making a difference, and it will continue to make a difference well into the future, as these kids will go out and change and impact so many more lives. After all, they have already changed at least one life for the better - mine. And, I would like to thank each and every one of them for that.
