Day 7 - last day in Estelí

Waking up at 6:30 this morning, we all stuffed while also unloading our bags as we collected our final donations for "La Cruz" learning center. Rather than going to our usual breakfast at the hotel the group left the hotel at 7 am to check out the town's farmers market in the center, and stop by the local smoothie shop. Who knew the best fruit drink in the world could be bought for only 60 cordobas or $2.12. Walking around the center of the city we saw trucks filled to the brim with tomatoes, the articulate craftwork of the locals, homemade bread, and freshly prepared banana, papaya and "piña" yogurt. At around 8:30 we dragged our bags to the car and began our last ever trip to the learning center.
Pulling into the school we were greeted by a group of political science college students who had come by to donate not one but 5 piñatas. We all sat around watching as one kid after another took a swing. Upon bursting  the piñatas and tackling the ground, the kids all sprinted over to us. Smiling up and screaming "para ti!!!" or "for you!!!" they so thoughtfully offered us their candy. Despite having very little they were gracious enough to offer what they had. And even the college students gave to us. Thy were so thoughtful they handed each of us chicken sandwiches and orange juice in a bag. Yes, a siren wrap bag. After we all looked frantically between each other over our confusion they started to laugh and proceeded to show us the best way to go about drinking it. Most of them didn't speak English so we weren't able to to talk too much but their professor made one comment that will stick with me forever. Leaning over to Elizabeth she said, "Thank you so much for helping our country." It was a small gesture but it meant so much.
After a little play it was time for work. Most of us helped carry more cement for the shed while a couple others worked more in the garden removing yet another rock. Rachel and Lexi began their endeavors with one rock which after hours of uncovering lead to be a 10 person job with about twenty 7 year old spectators. With some Spanish music playing in the background everyone got after the rock and with the eager help from some of the kids they were finally able to uncover the 500 lb rock.
After working in the hot sun we all headed to the gazebo for a quick lunch. Afterwards we separated all of our many donations between the Cruz and Esteli schools while some helped out in the kitchen making sandwiches with our left overs for the kids.
The next few hours were spent water painting, jump roping, playing soccer and even swinging on their play set. Despite the scorching heat and billions of flies, everyone made the most of their final hours at the learning center. After a new game of "gato, gato, perro" because none of us knew how to say duck or goose in Spanish, and taking hundreds of photos, it was finally time to say goodbye.
Tears were falling everywhere as we said our final "adios". We were so sad to leave, but so thankful for all of the amazing memories and friends we had made throughout the week.
On our 3 hour drive back many bathroom stops were made and lots of napping took place.
Once we had returned to our hotel in Managua we showered and headed to the pool side for a nice snack which lead to a full on meal. We all had an amazing final dinner with Casey who gifted us all with Fabretto volunteer t shirts. Then it was off to bed for a good night's rest for a new adventure in San Juan Del Sur!