Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Thankfulness

I know I already posted about it being the last day in November, but before November's gone, I just wanted to share a mini-essay one of my students wrote on "What I am thankful for".  I was very impressed!  Remember, she is an English learner in high school (in the Embassy scholarship program).  She is one of the best students (very studious & sweet).

"I'm thankful for a lot of things that I've received in my life. First, and the most important for me, I'm grateful for my parents, because I have them alive and they work very hard to give to my brother and me all the things that we need (food, clothes, shoes, studies, etc.) and give us protection and love. They are comprehensive and patient with me.

I'm thankful for my health, because I don't have any illness. I'm grateful because I can see, I can use my hands, I can use my legs, I can talk, I can hear and I can breathe. I'm thankful that I live.

I'm grateful for my friends, because they've been with me in all the moments of my life (good and bad) and give me help and affection.

I'm thankful for the bad moments, because they let me to know my mistakes and help me to change my life and give me new lessons to learn.

I'm grateful for the good moments, because they give me happiness and I can share them with my family and my friends. I'm thankful for all."

A tear almost came to my eye when I read this.  Not only was her English awesome here, it really showed her maturity.  I was very proud to read this :)  She's getting a special treat! haha

I've been thinking of an idea for awhile about setting up a scholarship program or something between the class here and Gonzaga maybe.  Gonzaga has a good English language center where they have various leveled classes for English learners from all over the world.  It would be really cool if I could set up something with them to sponsor a student from here for a semester or two to learn English at Gonzaga.  I would love to be able to provide that opportunity for a student or two, especially when I see students like this one who really care about their studies and genuinely want to learn :)

Last day...

It's the last day of November, can you believe it?!  Monday was my "official" last day of classes at the instituto even though they've all been done for so long.  Today I had my American culture class and reviewed Thanksgiving traditions and talked about Christmas and a little about New Years.  I gave them an assignment to work in small groups and practice a Christmas song--we talked about caroling, etc.  They love the song stuff.  One of the teachers filling in right now loves the show Glee and he had them do a song from that.  They loved it and were showing me videos today and singing the song over and over.  It was pretty cute.  They're a good group of kids. 

I can't believe that December starts tomorrow.  It feels like second semester was dragging on and on, but now it's time for vacation!  Wahoo :)  My family is coming to visit less than a week away and I'm really looking forward to that.  Until next year November...bring on December!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Getting ready

I've already started packing my things for my family's visit because it's now just ONE week away!!!  I'm super excited to have them visit :)  I haven't seen my bro & gramps in over a year, and I know my parents are definitely missing hugging & kissing me haha  I'm just really excited to have them all here to spend some quality time and show them parts of Nicaragua, AND....to meet Frank!  I've already met Frank's family, but my family hasn't met him yet, just on Skype.  It should be fun :) 

I've also been getting stuff ready for the baptism coming up.  They moved the date again, but it's official now because they've reserved, paid, and purchased.  It is next Sunday.  Oh man!  Jasser and I have been working hard making and arranging things so hopefully everything pays off. 

I've been putting together lists and piles of things for my trip to the States too.  I have to prepare early for this to make sure I have enough warm clothes for the cold weather.  I'm a little nervous about freezing/turning into an icicle up there because I'm so used to the 85+ degree weather.  I'm glad my parents are bringing me a winter jacket!  I am looking forward to dressing in long sleeves, long socks, slippers, big coats, and using a blanket.  I miss the cold weather.  I may regret that statement come December in Maryland...  Oh well.  I'm also really looking forward to spending time with Frank's family and meeting his friends.  He's been telling me about everywhere he wants to take me and things he wants to show me there.  I can't wait, but I'm sure the trip will fly by so fast.  I want to cherish every moment, and savor every bite of delicious American food that I can get my grubby little hands on ;)  Oh, I'm so excited! 

Planning is my thang, so this getting ready biz ain't got nothing on me.  I'm just looking forward to enjoying each of these experiences after all the planning is done. 

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Turkey Day


This year I got to participate in a real Thanksgiving celebration.  It was so nice to be able to share a good meal with others and not miss out on this tradition.  Frank and I signed up for the annual Embassy Thanksgiving program sort of thing where US Embassy families host PCVs for a turkey dinner.  Well, we were actually assigned to a family in Granada.  We both love Granada so we said, why not?  The family was actually 2 ex-PCV sisters who served in Africa awhile back, but live in Granada now.  They co-own a hotel and each have their own homes there.  We ended up staying at one of the sister’s homes right around the corner from the hotel and it was amazing!  It had a gorgeous pool and courtyard area and the rooms were nice—air conditioning, private bathrooms, hot water in the shower—could we ask for more?!  Well, they gave us an awesome dinner too!  We stuffed our plates and then faces with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, yummy veggies and salad, cranberry sauce, and then some pecan & pumpkin pie.  Oh, and we got some bar drinks too.  They treated us well.  After chatting it up with other gringos living in Granada, we went night swimming in our private pool for those 2 days.  Yes, no one else was staying there, except one of the sisters who lived there.  It was awesome—such a great trip for us.  

The next morning we had breakfast in the hotel, which was the best gallo pinto I’ve had so far.  Then, Frank took off to Managua for a meeting and I stuck around and visited my host sister and baby Dyland :)  He is getting so big now!  We took lots of pictures and had a good time sharing stories and just hanging out.  My sis made lunch for me and we gave Dyland a bath and watched a movie.  Love hanging out with her!  In the early afternoon, I decided it was time for me to head back to Boaco so I caught a bus out of there and returned from my little vacation.  It was nice to get out of that heat though.  Granada (like Managua and Masaya) is HOT!  My family will like this when they come to visit though…

Here are some pics from my adventures last week:





Our reserved table

So pretty

Delicious dinner


Such a big boy!




Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Food

I forgot to mention pretty much the most exciting part of our trip to Granada...the FOOD!  It was so nice to indulge in some delicious food and cut loose for the weekend.  I had some amazing sandwiches, one filled with melted cheese, bacon, turkey, eggs, etc; a quesadilla, bagel with cream cheese, pita & hummus. Also some great drinks: smoothies, mojitos, and frozen strawberry lemonade.  I ate some yummy desserts too.  This past weekend really was all about the food.  That's where all my money went, but I didn't mind one bit.  It was totally worth it.  However now I'm trying to fill that empty void...my stomach stretched to allow all that delicious food, and now I'm back to smaller portions and lots of gallo pinto.  Can't wait til my family comes & then the trip to the States.  I know I'm gonna put on a little weight, but I gotta build up a little layer of fat for the cold weather in Maryland haha  That will be my excuse ;)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

1 year down, 1 more to go

This past weekend a group of us PCVs got together in Granada to celebrate our 1 year of Peace Corps service.  It feels like quite an accomplishment being here a whole year and not crying to go home haha just kidding!  Our experiences differ greatly, but we all share a common piece and we can all relate to each other through food, host families, and the occasional sicknesses.  We have already been in Nicaragua a year (Sept. 1, 2011) but this week marks our 1 year in PC service (after swearing-in last November) and 1 year in our service sites.  I can't believe I've already lived in Boaco for a year, but at the same time, when I reflect on the relationships I have with my host family here and the things we've experienced together, it feels like forever.  It's incredible how quickly you can get to know someone here and how close you become.

Frank and I have been dating for almost 8 months.  It feels like so much longer--Nicaragua is strange like that.  Here we grow close to each other, and the other PCVs, because we understand each other and what we are going through when a lot of even our closet friends and family members back home can't relate.  We lean on each other and laugh about awkward situations we've endured and uncomfortable bathroom stories that never would have slipped out from my lips had I not crossed over into this over-sharing life called Peace Corps.  But it's good and I wouldn't change it.  It's awesome to have a support system here, and someone close who I can share my worries with and receive encouragement.

Now that we're in the middle, it sorta feels weird.  We have passed the hump and now are headed downhill, but there seems to be so much left to be accomplished.  The next few months are gonna be busy and I'm looking forward to family time, but I'm also hoping that this next school year starts off right and that I can take advantage of a fresh new year.  I have big hopes!

I also want to travel more and explore the countries around Nicaragua.  I have a short time frame in between finishing PC and returning back to Gonzaga, but hopefully I can squeeze some good memories in there :)

I'll see y'all this time next year in Oregon--can't wait!

Frank and me at the top of a cathedral bell tower in Granada.  The main cathedral in the central park and Lake Nicaragua are behind us.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Skype

Just a little shout out to Skype today because it has connected me to my family and friends in so many ways.  I'm really grateful for it because I've been able to talk to and see people from home, which has been a huge blessing!  Today I did a little Skype session with some people from Gonzaga about teaching overseas.  It was fun to see a familiar face and share some things with new people--some interested in doing the Teaching English program at Gonzaga and Peace Corps.  Exciting :)  Monday I got to chat with one of my good friends from Spokane--love that girl!  I got to meet her new baby too--so sweet.  Family and friends are very important to me and being able to stay in touch with everyone while I'm so far away is so great.  Definitely feel blessed to have this opportunity. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Surprise

Yesterday I was telling Jasser about all the cool things that my parents sent me in a package, including some decoration items for the baptism, and he was so excited that he wanted to come to Boaco to see everything (he's in Managua during the week at a university).  Well, today he decided to come to Boaco (2 hour bus ride) to see everything and had some other excuse of needing to find a paper for the university.  He cracks me up.  He also brought more ribbon for one of the projects we had been working on so after I showed him all the fun things, we finished up yet another project.  Then, I told him we should make a list of all the things we have for the baptism and how we will set things up for the reception.  This is a long list, but thankfully most of it's already done.  Yay!  He just has to rent the tables, chairs, and linens, but that's when we're closer to the actual date & pick up the day of.  There are still more things to be done though.  Gosh, it feels like we've been planning a wedding or something.  I'm sure it will be pretty big and fancy.  Anyway, it was a nice little surprise visit because I was a little bored today and feeling under the weather.  Always nice to have some company.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Just walk

Today I walked home from the instituto twice.  Well, because I went there in the morning for a class, walked home, and then went back in the afternoon for another class and walked home.  Sometimes I take a taxi, but I usually try to at least walk on my way back home to get some exercise and not pay for 4 taxi trips in one day.  The walk is not terrible: a solid 20 minutes at a good pace, but it's up and down some steep, long hills.  On hot, sunny days in the afternoon though, it can be almost unbearable, so sometimes I take a taxi home so I don't pass out on the side of the road.  However, today I walked home before the sun was too strong and there were several students and a teacher leaving at the same time so I walked with them.  It was very enjoyable.  The students (all girls) were telling jokes and asking lots of questions and the teacher (female) asked me about my work and other things--she even commented on how well I speak Spanish (YES!).  I'd never met her before so that was nice getting to know her.  I usually walk home by myself, so this was fun.

On my way home in the afternoon, it was cloudy and a little cooler since it rained around noon today.  There were some boys from some of my classes walking home after helping my cp clean a classroom.  They chatted with me the whole way back.  That was fun too--sweet kids.  I'm really glad I didn't take the easy way out and miss these conversations.  My foot started hurting a little along the way because of those darn cobblestones and inadequate footwear (my fault--darn cheap sandals!), but it was worth it.

I kinda like not having the option to drive everywhere, forcing exercise.  It feels good and many Nicas tell me they are amazed that I walk around so much.  They walk, but I guess they don't go to that many places in one day (or some will take a taxi).  Taxis are tempting, but being on a budget is also a good way to keep me from being lazy.  I hate spending money on a taxi when I know I can do the walk.  I try to save taxis for really rainy days, when I have lots of groceries, or when I need to get somewhere quickly.  Also, stopping by the ice cream shop after a long walk doesn't sound as bad as stopping by the ice cream shop after a taxi ride ;)

P.S. Taxi rides are 10 cords (approximately 45 cents) anywhere in town--bigger towns charge more (15 cords and up depending on how far you need to go).

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Free at last!

Our stand-fast was lifted so we are officially "ok" to travel about.  Yay!  Weekend plans still on & I'm super excited to see Frank(!) and my friends. Wahoo!  Can't wait.... AND, I set up a Skype date with my good friend from Spokane (met at Gonzaga).  She just had a baby last month & I'm super excited to "see" them both :)  This week's gonna be good!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Safe & Sound

So, there was no march today.  It was quiet & felt like any other day in Boaco.  Glad that nothing crazy happened.  Our stand-fast is supposed to end tomorrow so I'm excited about that, along with all the other PCVs cooped up in their sites.  Can't wait to see my man! And of course my friends :)  Hope the next few days go by quickly...

Friday, November 11, 2011

Updates

So far so good here in Boaco.  There's a rumor that some kind of march against the election results will take place tomorrow, but not sure exactly.  I'm here in Boaco with Jasser & Hazzell and I think everything will be fine.  Just missing my Frank... it's been too long.  Darn Peace Corps keeping us away from each other! They're so heartless haha Just kidding.  They're making sure we're safe and checking up on us.  I really feel good about the situation and they are honestly doing a good job of monitoring everything; I just wish I wasn't stuck here for so long, getting cabin fever.  Looking forward to our 1 year in service celebration coming up and the new trainees have their swearing-in ceremony this next Friday.  Crazy!! 

Muchas Felicidades

Muchas felicidades a mi mama.  Hoy es su cumple :)  Estoy triste porque no puedo estar con ella, pero estoy agradecida por Skype. 

Well I just felt like writing in Spanish... but here is a little something to my momma in English:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom!!  I don't get to be with her today and this is actually the third year I've missed her birthday...last year in PC and the year before that I was up at Gonzaga.  Sorry Mom!!  Next year I won't be home on your birth date, but I will be there shortly after to celebrate your birthday :)  Thankful for Skype!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Elections Report

They officially announced that Daniel Ortega will continue to be the president.  I didn't witness anything violent in my town, but there were some reports of violence on the news.  I keep calling Frank to check in on him because his town is known for being a little wild, but he's safe over there.  It definitely feels safer living with host families since we have that extra protection instead of living on our own.  Although, I haven't felt threatened when walking outside either.

Jasser and I have been doing more crafts for the baptism to stay busy--today I taught him how to make paper snowflakes which he thought were awesome and was in awe at how easy they are to make.  It was pretty funny, but then I guess they wouldn't teach them how to make snowflakes here in elementary school...  Jasser wants to add a little Christmas to the baptism since it will be in December.  We made some pretty neat ones and traced them onto foam paper with glitter and cut them out with an x-acto knife.  I'll have to take some pictures tomorrow. 

Here is a link to an article about the elections:  Nicaragua Elections 2011

Another Normal Day

Not all the votes have been counted, but it's been unofficially decided that Daniel Ortega will continue to be President of Nicaragua.  I know there are a lot of sad Nicas out there who were hoping for change and freedom, but I guess that will have to wait...  I'm not sure if there will be any backlash, but so far today feels like a normal day--just the regular amount of people in the streets, sun is shining, no marches.  It's weird.  I thought there would be more celebration, but I guess the parade at midnight was all they needed. 

Will keep you all updated this week if anything happens.  Know that I'm safe and with my host family.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Tranquilo

Everything today is fairly tranquilo (quiet, peaceful; pronounced: tran-key-low).  Today is election day and most Nicas have been talking of peace and nonviolence which is good.  Boaco is the quietest I've ever (not) heard it and things seem eerily ok.  Another PCV put it this way "besides no drunks being in the streets, it feels like a normal day".  That is because they do not sell any alcohol 72 hours before and after election day, nation-wide.  Smart decision.  If only they limited alcohol sales more often, oh wait, isn't that prohibition?  Well, it actually might help here since alcoholism is a very big problem.  But, since there won't be any alcohol flowing through the streets for the next couple days, hopefully things won't get too crazy.  I did already here of some burned ballots up north though.  Unfortunate, but it happened.

Let's keep it tranquilo Nicaragua.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Pray for Peace

Election day is tomorrow and things are getting a little heated.  People are fighting for a fair election and the two main parties have large followings.  I'm feeling a little nervous as to what might happen tomorrow.  I just hope that people will be wise in their decisions and keep peace as much as possible.  I've already heard that people were in the streets with bats, machetes, and rocks, but I hope that they will not use these weapons against people.  I do not feel unsafe here in my house, but I fear for the Nicaraguan people fighting each other.  Tomorrow is sure to make history.  Those of you who are not familiar with the politics (or recent politics involving the current president) in Nicaragua, I would encourage you to read articles on the internet and be thankful that you are in a country with more freedom. 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Flowers & Crafts

I am now back in Boaco after a nice little trip to Managua.  It was nice this time because I got to see one of my friends that lives pretty far from me and I got TWO hot showers :)  Yes!  Also, I got some beautiful flowers:



It was a scorcher today so I was a little worried about my poor flowers on the bus ride home but I think they're recuperating.  I got them into a nice fresh vase of water (after cutting the stems) and they look better already. 

As I was unpacking and while my laundry was washing, I finished up some crafts that I've been working on for the baptism.  I made Jasser help me with some the other day, but I just had a few left to do today.  I've been saving my toilet paper tubes hoping to find some craft (more than just a kids thing to be used once) to recycle them.  Well, with the baptism coming up, I decided to make napkin rings!  I cut them in fourths, used double-sided tape, and attached shiny white ribbon.  They look great & Jasser loved them because they look so classy :)  I made 83 of them.  Yes, he invited that many people.  It's going to be a grand affair. 


Now it's back to school tomorrow for one day and then the elections are this Sunday.  It will be interesting to see what happens.  I'll be keeping safe inside my house. 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Managua

I came to Managua yesterday to plan a charla and meet with an English teacher--all on "Halloween".  It really didn't feel like Halloween, but I enjoyed the day nonetheless.

I got into Managua, took care of some things in the office, got lunch with some PCVs at the nearby mall & met up with Jasser :)  Then, I met with an English teacher to plan some lessons for the Embassy camp in January--I invited her to the PC office and she was really happy to meet with me--it was pretty cute & she even gave me a little treat bag and a mug.  So sweet!  I then took a nap before my other meeting and headed back over to the office and planned with the tech trainer for English (Donald).  I got out of there after most of the PCVs had already eaten, but my friend Julie went with me to a nearby place that has a good happy hour and we got some fun drinks & had dinner. 

Today was my charla day.  I slept in a little which was wonderful & I was surprised by a nice HOT shower!  Yay :)  I had forgotten what hot even felt like.  I shall never take a hot shower for granted again!  We headed out for our charla and drove through Carazo which is a very green department & full of hydrangeas which are so lovely.  I convinced Donald to pull over on the side of the road where a family was selling flowers & I bought a bouquet of hydrangeas--this made my day!  I was so happy.  I just love fresh flowers & I never get them here.  I can't wait to put them in a vase in my room.  Anyway... we got to the school & met up with the trainees and chatted for awhile.  They're a nice group so I enjoy talking with them.  They just got back from their site visit so they had plenty of stories to share--so fun!  We finally got around to our charla which was "teaching grammar" something I used to dread, but have grown to love.  They also had a little practice teaching experience after where a team of  two planned & did a mini grammar lesson for us and we gave them feedback.  I like this experience because we all get to share ideas and ways to improve our teaching.

We wrapped things up around 5pm, but because of local political rallies, there were no buses running & we had to take some trainees home.  With many roads closed off, we had to drive around and take the long way to get them home & then to get back to Managua.  I settled with McDonald's for dinner, but got a slightly healthier option (grilled chicken sandwich), but still chose fries.  They're just so salty and delicious haha 

I finally got back to the hotel & settled down to enjoy my meal.  P.S. the guys at the hotel helped me get an ice container to hold my flowers & they even cut the stems for me so it'd fit better.  Nice!

I tested the shower tonight, but no hot water so hopefully I'll have better luck in the morning :)  I'm exhausted so it's time for bed!  Back to Boaco tomorrow.