The Dump

This week, we worked in a local community known as El Limonal. El Limonal is located just outside of Chinandega, Nicaragua. The people of the community were relocated here after Hurricane Mitch destroyed their village in 1998. The Nicaraguan government of the time relocated the people in the area which is surrounded by a Grave Yard, A Sewage Plant, and the City Dump and then left them to fend for themselves. The community gathers recyclables from the dump to sell and support their families.

We learned that the locals in this community once referred to their new home as the "triangle of death", however, in recent years and with the assistance of mission workers from churches and rotary clubs, they now refer to their home as the "triangle of life".

I have enclosed three photos which were taken at the local dump site during the week. Each day, the community of people from El Limonal make their way to the dump site. They spend the day sorting and sifting through the rubble which is delivered from Chinandega throughout the day. You see mother's, father's and children of all ages walking through the rubble with a stick equipped with a pointer on the end and a bag to place their selected goods of the day. The goods which are found are then carried back into the community to be sold or used by the member's. The community has started a recycle collection for bottles. We saw very large quantities of recyclable items being delivered to the designated location, and also saw them being carried away by a large truck.

A Smattering Of Thoughts..

One man's trash is another man's treasure??? I have heard this term many times throughout my life, however, this week, I have found a deeper meaning of garbage being "another man's treasure". The dump at El Limonal is a place of constant activity. The trucks deliver loads of garbage and the community begins to sort through the garbage. You see small fires throughout the grounds. You see horses walking around and eating. You see small children digging and sorting. My mind continually comes back to the idea that the community of El Limonal truly does practice re-use. They find creative uses for many things. They rely on the items found during their work at the dump to assist in providing meals and other means for gaining money.

As we arrive at each location, you can hear the children running after the van's yelling "gringas" or "gringos". I don't know if there is a positive or negative connotation with this term (I was able to find both when researching), yet, I can tell you that the way in which they use the term, it feels endearing and nothing more. They are happy for us to be here working to assist them with some of their most basic needs.

My intention each day during this week was to write about my experience, however, each night when I set out to do so, the emotions surrounding the day were overwhelming. So, I will be updating of the experience as I sort through the photos and am able to process.

the key to living is giving, brandi j.