I'm pretty Lucky

I feel really lucky…

So far I feel really lucky to be here in Nica.  Sure most of my days have their ups and downs and I miss Aaron constantly bur for the most part I’m really enjoying life here.  My family is amazingly nice and It didn’t take long to adjust to no running water and sleeping under a mosquito net.  After Im done with class, which normally ends at 3 I either venture to the cyber, study some more or take a nap before heading out for a run around 4…it’s too hot to run at 3 or even four sometimes…Spanish class is going well.  I still think I need to study more and that Im not learning at a fast enough rate but I know that with patience and time the language will come.  I have gotten to meet some amazing people here especially the student s and the teachers that I am working with.  I am really enjoying meeting the students and getting to work with them.  They have been so welcoming  and the girls in the class have even taken to hugging me when they say hello and or goodbye J

Some things I’ve noticed:

My Nica mom is the head of my family for sure…as petite and nice as she is I can tell that no one in the family would ever want to get into an argument with her…this could be because she has an Indaina Jones style whip she uses on their dogs when they beg for food.  As much as it pains me to see a dog getting whipped I know the use for their dogs is much different then how we use dogs in the states. Their dogs serve solely as protectors of the family compound at night and scare off cats and rats and protect us and the chickens from strangers.  I feel much safer with the dogs here. 

Another element of Nica culture that I’m loving and getting use to is the slow paced lifestyle.  When I wake in the morning I am in no rush to head out of the house.  For the first time in my life, since I was a child, I am actually sitting down to eat my breakfast and have my coffee.  I get out for breakfast around 7:20 and my walking commute to Kyle’s house (the other trainee in my town) is less than a minute which is really niceJ.  Even studying Spanish is more relaxed.  We study on the balcony of Kyle’s house and there is always a cool breeze blowing which makes it ideal for studying.  In the afternoon we normally walk around the small pueblo meeting new people and introducing ourselves and we try to explain what our mission in Nica is. 

Nicas are very proud of the way they dress.  You will never ever see a Nicarguan dressed in nike shorts and a tshirt at a college or school.  Nicas only where shorts, tshirts or flip flops around the house when they are not expecting company.  When the kids go to school their uniforms are always pressed and very clean.  Shoes are even shined.  When my host sister goes to university she wears nice slacks and a nice top.  Nicas would take offense if someone showed up in shorts, chanclas and a tee to class.  I really like how much pride they take in what they wear.

Rolling blackouts…Now I know how Californians feel…

I experienced my very first blackout last night.  Luckily I had my headlamp and 2 other flashlights.  My family on the other hand had 3 maybe 4 candles to light the outdoor living room.  The outage brought the family closer together and instead of complaining about the tv not turning on they serenaded each other with songs and talked.  Even though the power was out my mom still managed to get the entire family fed.  It was pretty impressive and made me think if that had happened to me in the states I would have been complaining for sure…

Everyone has been really friendly….When I go for a run or am walking around town everyone says hello or “adio…” some of the kids even run alongside me  for a while.  Of course there are the occasional whistles/catcalls but they don’t really bother me as I have been told they are all too common here. 

Only issue so far…and not really an issue….the mosquitos.  I have been bitten all over my legs and of course the bites have swelled and turned red.  Knowing my body I figured it would go away in a week but so many people told me to call the PC medical office so I finally did.  The doctor has prescribed medicine that I will get tomorrow but they are pretty confident they are just mosquito bites.  I’m actually really impressed with the Peace Corps staff.  I feel I am asked constantly if I’m feeling ok and healthy and safe.  Its nice knowing so many people care.

And finally…

I have a cell phone!  I still can’t call out to the states but I’m able to text which has been so nice.  Even though I miss certain things in the states...I’m enjoying the new adventure and I am excited to get through training and into my permanent site.  For the first time in my adult life I feel like I’m accomplishing something every day and it’s an awesome feeling!  And today when I was running I realized I'm living my dream...I'm finally getting to live abroad :)

Next week begins Semana Santa or the beginning of Easter and the celebrations here in Nica are supposedly huge.  Can’t wait to see and tell you all about it!

I miss you all and send my love!