Friday, April 29, 2011

Purpose

I know I already blogged today, but I felt the need to share something else.  Am I committing a blogger faux-pas?  Oh well--deal with it ;)

Recently I've been thinking a lot about my purpose here and if I'm really making much of a difference because I know things can be frustrating and I've felt let down here and there.  I've read that most volunteers (if not all) go through this at least a couple of times during their service and I found myself here once again.  However, I just finished an inspiring book, although it challenged me to reflect on who I really am and what I'm doing with my life--that's good for us though :)  Anyway, as I read over a part mentioning a specific verse from the Bible, I was encouraged.  It said "Then I remembered Ephesians 2:10, which tells us that we were created 'to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.'"  This instantly made chills run down my limbs (which is rare in this weather!).  I reflected on this and said, "duh".  I had been praying about this opportunity for a long time and I had no idea where I would go, what I exactly I would do or who I might meet.  This incredible experience I have been living so far was intricately planned for me by my Creator.  He knew what He wanted for me and I am merely following what He has called me to do and living out what He desires.  Of course, I'm not perfect and I struggle a lot, but it comforts me knowing that I didn't just show up to Nicaragua by accident.  God prepared this place for me and He sent me here to do good works.  I also like that this is not specific to say that I will teach "X" amount of students or "X" amount of English teachers will improve their pronunciation, etc.  Good works can mean many things, and I know it includes loving people, understanding hardships, and building relationships.  Yeah, that might not be in my Peace Corps job description, but that's certainly what God has called me to do.  I'm glad I ran across that verse and was able to re-find my purpose. 

Thank you to everyone who has graciously supported me thus far in my journey, whether that be through prayer, phone calls, letters, emails, Facebook messages, snacks, magazines, clothes, and/or school supplies.  I'm grateful for what I have here, but I know it would be difficult without the support I have received. 

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."    Phil. 4:6

Sunny with a chance of more sun

Well, apparently those storm clouds were just fooling us.  No rain has made it to Boaco yet... Still waiting!  But for now, I´m just gonna sweat sweat sweat.  Actually, I´m sitting in the air-conditioned computer lab at my instituto--not a common thing here in Nicaragua, but a true blessing today after sitting in a hot classroom for meetings all day.  Well, it´s time to get back out there in the sunshine.  I´ve been invited by my counterpart to join other teachers for lunch to celebrate our delegada`s (like superintendent) birthday.  Felicidades!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Rain Rain Please Come Today

It's almost the end of April and there's rain in the near future!  Yes, I'm excited for this because it will cool off these 98 degree temperatures we've been having and hopefully make things a little greener around here.  Today was cloudy and gloomy and the power flickered on and off a couple times. There was rain in a lot of places and even hail in Managua!  This obviously doesn't happen often as they don't use a particular word for hail, just pieces of ice falling from the sky :)  Funny to think about all the words we use to describe the different types of rain in Oregon...drizzle, pour, spray, mist, etc.  I love the rain.  I hope we get some very soon.  The rainy season here is supposed to be May-November so my wish may come true in the next week or so!  Maybe you guys in Oregon can send your rain over here & I'll trade you a little sun ;)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Sweat

I laugh when I think of the people who pay extra money to do yoga in a room with high temperatures in order to increase the sweat (or whatever the reason).  I did two exercise dvds with my host sister, Ruth, today in our 96 degree living room.  Needless to say, there was a lot of sweat.

Monday, April 25, 2011

When life gives you mototaxis, make the most of your adventure


After dropping off my parents at the airport in Managua, I went down to Masaya to meet up with Frank and his family.  I got there a little early since I left Managua at 7am and I hung out with Frank a little before meeting his family.  They were staying at a hotel in Masaya and I met his mom, dad, and little brother.  We chatted over breakfast and then began exploring Masaya.  

First stop was the Nica market—often described as dark, crowded, and dirty, it was quite the opposite that day.  We walked around through the maze searching for good deals and fun souvenirs.  Although I’ve been there many times before, I purchased a couple small items.  I was trying to find some new sandals since mine are wearing down, but I had no luck.  Frank’s mom found a pair though so that was good.

We then went over to the tourist market which is usually much cleaner and less crowded.  The items here are marked up almost double the price of what you find in the Nica market, but you will also find some higher quality products.

After some more purchases, we headed over to the central park for smoothies and pizza—pretty much my favorite foods :)  Frank’s mom mentioned to me that I was a fun shopping partner since she raised 3 boys.  I had a great time since I usually don’t go shopping for fun things and get to help people pick out souvenirs. 
Since there was still some daylight, we grabbed a cab and went to Catarina.  Frank had never been to the mirador (lookout) there and it’s one of my favorite places so I really wanted him and his family to experience that.  It was so refreshing there with the wind and even though I’ve been there so many times, the view gets me every time.  




We walked around a little on the paths around the area to enjoy the fresh air and relax.  I had never been on the trails so this was a neat experience for me too.  

Now what came next was quite the opposite of the tranquility we felt up at the mirador.  So we decided to head back to Masaya, but we needed to find transportation.  This seemed easy since there were quite a few taxis around.  However, the taxis weren’t going to Masaya.  I then thought a mototaxi would be fun and a cheap ride back to Masaya; plus, Frank had never ridden in a mototaxi before.  Because my parents and I had done the same thing less than a week ago, I figured it would be just fine…

I got into one with Frank’s brother and dad, while Frank went with his mom.  We split up to make sure we had a Spanish speaker in each moto.  We gave directions to where we wanted to go in Masaya but as we headed out of Catarina, our mototaxis seemed like they were racing or something as they passed each other, exchanged hand signals, etc.  Then, they stopped at the highway and told me that I had to ride in the back because the police were on the highway checking vehicles.  I got in the back, but there still seemed to be a problem.  Then they told us that they’re not really supposed to go to Masaya from Catarina in their mototaxis so the police would pull them over.  I thought this was weird since I had already made this trip this same week with my parents, but I know there was more traffic this day.  So, they said they could go the back way and we would have to pay a little more.  Ok, fine.  I have been the back way before in a mototaxi so I wasn’t too bothered by this option.  I knew it was a little longer, but I figured as long as they got us there it would be fine.  Well, this turned out to be a back road to the back road and we drove through campo neighborhoods on dirt roads kicking up dust as we sped through the area as if we were being chased by the police.  The locals just stared as the mototaxis full of gringos passed through their neighborhoods.  As these were dirt roads, they were not smooth so they made for a very bumpy, somewhat uncomfortable ride.  I had to laugh at the experience though, because where else can this happen, but Nicaragua.  I find myself saying so often here, “Only in Nicaragua…”  During this adventure through the back roads, I began to feel a little bit responsible for this craziness and thought my mom would certainly be freaking out in this situation so I’m assuming Frank’s mom was probably not enjoying our little off road trek.  

We finally made it back to the main road and guess what; we got pulled over by the police.  Fortunately, they took pity on our drivers since they had foreigners in tow and let us continue on to Masaya.  Apparently though, Frank’s driver was accused of being drunk and didn’t have his license, but the police allowed him to take us anyway.  Hmmm, I’m glad I didn’t find that out until after our ride was over.  Well, we cruised into Masaya and just when we thought the adventure was coming to an end, our drivers pulled up an alley to take us through more dirt roads.  I had absolutely no idea where we were, but we were following other taxis so that made me feel more comfortable.  We then pulled out onto a cobblestone street—never have I been so glad to see one of those! I then realized I knew where we were and our drivers pulled over by the central park.  We quickly exited the vehicles even though this wasn’t our intended destination.  I think walking the last few blocks was probably safer than those mototaxis.  

Well, it was quite an adventure for what was supposed to be just a 15 minute ride along the breezy Masaya highway.  However, we were all able to laugh about it later over dinner.  Thankfully, Frank’s family didn’t kick me out of the hotel :)  In all seriousness, they were very sweet and welcomed me into their family vacation.  I was very thankful for that.

Making memories one cobblestone at a time


It was both nerve-wracking and eye opening at the same time having my parents visit Nicaragua.  I was nervous trying to make things go smoothly for my parents and keeping an eye out for them in the streets while translating for them and my Spanish speaking family and friends.  My eyes were opened (like other times with visitors) as they pointed out unusual things that have become so ordinary to me.  Things such as women carrying large loads on their heads, cows walking down the highway, cobblestone roads with large portions missing without any notification, classrooms with no materials/decorations, overloaded power lines, cold water, power outages, no personal space, etc.  Sometimes I said a sarcastic “tell me about it”, but other times I really thought about what I felt when I first came to Nicaragua.  Things were scary and very different.  Now that I’ve been here for about 8 months, I feel much more accustomed to the culture and way of life here.  I’m not necessarily “comfortable” with everything, but I know how to do things and many things have become easier, or more manageable.  

After that wordy introduction, let’s go back to last Saturday when I anxiously road in a taxi from Boaco to pick up my parents from the airport.  We got there a little before their flight was scheduled to arrive and then I waited with my face pressed up against the glass wall that separated the family and friends from the arriving passengers in the baggage claim area.  I saw my parents come through the walkway and I filled with joy and started waving.  Ah, who cares if people stared—another thing I’m used to here in Nicaragua.  Then began the waiting game as the belt circled and dumped out suitcases of all sizes.  I watched patiently behind the glass until they finally came through the door with their baggage carts.  My mom pushed my dad aside to secure the first hug with me.  I hugged my dad too and then we piled into the taxi to begin the adventure. 



My family in Boaco was eagerly awaiting my parents’ visit and was cooking lunch for us as we were en route.  It was exciting to have my parents with me and I felt like words were just bubbling out of me and I was spewing out all the English I stored inside of me.  We finally got into Boaco, dropped off our things at the hotel, and then ate lunch at my house.  My family brought gifts for my host family which we distributed to give them a little taste of Oregon.

 That's an OSU football baby Dylan has.


Jasser then became the tour guide and we took my parents out onto the hilly cobblestone roads of beautiful Boaco.   We hit all the major tourist hotspots and saved a couple for the next day.  Ok, Boaco really isn’t touristy, but there are some “must-see” items on my list. We went to the central park, the lighthouse (with no body of water within a couple hundred yards), the Pali (local grocery store chain), a panaderia that makes awesome donuts and croissants, the cyber I used to go to, the cemetery, the outdoor markets, and my high school. 










We had a fun dinner with my parents, my Boaco family, my counterpart and his kids, and some cousins. 


After visiting the dry hills of Boaco, my parents felt refreshed as we entered Masaya where there is definitely more green during this time of year.  We unloaded our things at the hotel and then went to San Juan de Oriente to visit my old host family and purchase some pottery. 

 
Then we met up with Kellie and her mom and sister in Catarina to have lunch above the Laguna de Apoyo.  It was beautiful and windy, so it cooled us down.  After lunch we strolled around Catarina a little to look at the gardens.  Then, we went back to Masaya to stay for the night.

It was off the Montelimar Beach the next day where we would begin our 3 day all-inclusive resort stay.  Buffets and beach time here we come! 


We thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this place from the private beach, to the beautiful pools, and the never-ending buffets.  It was a little piece of paradise and the perfect amount of time to stay.  I guess I wouldn’t have minded staying a couple more weeks boogie boarding and eating a variety of delicious food, but our vacation time was coming to an end.



We spent the night in Managua after leaving Montelimar because my parents had to fly out early in the morning.  We said some quick goodbyes to avoid getting too emotional and off we went on our separate ways.  It was good having my parents here to visit and getting to show them my life here, but it was hard knowing they could only stay for a week.  I know it’s definitely hard to understand a different culture in one week, but I’m hoping they soaked up as much as they could in that short amount of time to experience the beautiful landscape, the warm hospitality, and every little bump on the cobblestone roads. 


Thursday, April 14, 2011

Looking forward to the weekend...

I'm really looking forward to this week finishing up not just because it's going to be the weekend, but because my parents will be arriving in Nicaragua Saturday morning!  I'm so excited about this :)  I haven't seen them in about 7 1/2 months so it might be emotional--grab your tissues!  This will be a good week for us to be together and for me to show my parents my life here in Nicaragua--maybe they'll be a little more sympathetic haha just kidding!  No, I'm really excited to show them how beautiful it is here and I want them to meet the wonderful people that have been so kind to me over the past 7 1/2 months.  This experience really has been a good one so far.  Can't wait for them to get here!!! 

Monday, April 11, 2011

Almost vacation

This past weekend I was in Granada for a couple reasons.  I wanted to meet my sobrinito (nephew--my host sister's son) and my boyfriend (yes, it's official) was going to an exposition for a friend.  Frank and I met up Friday afternoon and checked into a hostel which had a pool--definite plus!  Then, we went swimming to get all the sweat and bus grime off before going out to dinner.  My sitemate Steven, his girlfriend, and his sister were also in Granada so we met up with them for happy hour. 



Saturday was the day of the exposition, which was in the central park.  Frank's friend is a JICA volunteer, which is similar to Peace Corps but from Japan.  She and other JICA volunteers were doing an exposition on atomic bombs.  It was interesting, but also a little awkward to be Americans while they were talking about Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Anyway, it was nice to visit with Yuriko (Frank's friend) and meet her friends there.  That day we also got to go visit my sister Ruth and finally meet Dylan Osmani :)


He was sleeping, but Ruth let me wake him up to say hello :)  He is so big!  He's just 1 month old now and he has TONS of hair! 


It was so fun to see little Dylan and get to hold him :)  I also hadn't seen Ruth since before she had had Dylan, so it was nice to see her and catch up on things.  I think she'll be coming to Boaco next month to stay for a little while.  I love having her at the house.

Since that day was so hot, we decided to go swimming again, but this time Steven and Jenny invited us to swim at their hotel (which was the hotel we stayed at during our first 3 days in Nicaragua for our orientation).  This pool is much bigger than the one in our hostel so it was fun to hang out there for awhile.  We went out for dinner later and met up with Yuriko and her friends.  Then we walked around a little and headed back to the hostel to watch a movie.

On Sunday we went to a highly recommended breakfast place, Garden Cafe, and were pleasantly surprised by the service, ambiance, and quality of food.  This place was great!!






After a wonderful breakfast, we strolled around Granada to take in the last bit of our "almost vacation".  It definitely was a nice little retreat from the busyness back in our sites and we barely mentioned Peace Corps over the weekend.  Don't get me wrong, I love what I'm doing here, but it's nice to have a little break every now and then :)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Weekend Adventures

This past weekend was full of adventures and now I have a cold as a result.  However, it was well worth it. 

I started off by leaving Boaco Thursday afternoon (as I don't teach on Fridays) and met up with another volunteer in the department of Matagalpa.  I visited with another TEFL volunteer in the same town whom I hadn't seen in quite awhile so that was fun.  We were super gringo that night as we strolled the town in shorts and t-shirts carrying our pizza and ice cream.  Kids on every corner shouted out "pizza" as we passed by.  I guess that's better than the usual "gringa" or various catcalls.  Needless to say, it was a nice night to relax and enjoy some good ol' American food. 

The next day we headed up to Esteli to meet up with some other volunteers.  The main reason for this trip was to celebrate my sitemate's birthday and he had planned a cool hiking trip up in the department of Madriz.  So, we found our hostel and the other volunteers and looked for something to eat.  After another day of traveling and with a long day ahead of us, we decided to take it easy and not stay out too late.  We stayed in a neat little hotel in Esteli that was a little pricey for us volunteers (about $9 a night), but it was clean and had hot water so I was ok spending a little more than usual. 

Saturday we got up and gathered some supplies (snacks) at the local grocery store, then piled into our rented microbus and drove up to Somoto, Madriz, known for their rosquillas (a baked cornmeal treat).


We finally arrived in Somoto and we met our guides.  At first I was thinking it was a little silly to have these guides and be paying so much, but they definitely came in handy.  They took us hiking down to the river and we walked along the rocks to cross over the shallow water.  As we are in the dry season, the water is very low.  However, we did find deeper water so we could float.  It was perfect timing because we just started to sweat through our clothes...













We were thankful to have those guides with us as they had water-proof bags to carry our clothes & cameras and they pointed out all the cliffs that we could safely climb and jump from.  As an added bonus, we ended at one of the guide's house where they happen to sell meals to hungry hikers after their long journey.  We scarfed down chicken, rice, beans, and tortillas (nothing new here) and started back toward Esteli.  Before we left Somoto though, we stopped to buy rosquillas.  Usually I don't really like these because they usually taste stale, but in Somoto they are much better.  I bought some for my host family and then realized they had left for their finca...well I guess I have to eat them all :)

After we arrived back into Esteli, the guys wanted to scope out the bars to find a TV big enough to watch the latest March Madness game.  We found a restaurant to have Steven's birthday dinner and situated our table so that everyone had a view of the TV.  After dinner we went back to the hotel and Steven's girlfriend had made a cake so we got to eat American style yellow cake with chocolate frosting--oh my gosh how I've missed this so much!!  It was amazing!




The next morning we went to a neat little garden restaurant where they serve fresh baked wheat bread and European cheeses.  It was quite a cute little place and there were some beautiful flowers. 





I finished off the weekend spending a little more time with someone special...