La Lluvia

It is June and we are well into the "invierno" season or "winter" season. When we think of winter in the states, we think of the cold, the snow, and ice. Here it is more of a "wet" season, thus "rain." Yes, rain, and a lot of it too. Nicaraguan rainy seasons will last from the end of May to December. Roughly, it is 5-6 months rainy season and 5-6 months dry season or "verano" or "summer."

I live in the foothills of the north central part of Nicaragua in Matagalpa. Our "wet season" brings rain for the farmers that grow coffee and various other foods including maíz, helote, and frijoles. Without rain, these crops will never come, thus sending potential hunger through out the community. No production of the necessities thus means a decline in income to support the family. My department receives abundant rainfall. It is soothing at times and brings cool air through my city. I am blessed to have such a great climate. I may not be next to the beautiful oceans or big cities, but I have a great view of the mountains and cool air that my fellow PCVs are not receiving.

At night, the rain hits the tin roof above and the palm trees outside my window. The sound is soothing on top of the humming sound from my electric fan or "abanico." This noise creates a sleep environment. Now if I could adjust to the popped springs in the mattress under my back, I would feel ok.

Rain in Nicaragua comes and goes through out the day. At times, we feel the sprinkles during mid day, but never any more to prevent us from going about our day. This is not to say that the rain prevents Nicaraguans from working, because it certainly does not. When there is rain, the community is tucked away into their homes talking over coffee until the rain lets up enough to finish the conversation outside of the home, in the street, in the park, or the walk to the nearest pulperia, tienda, or bus parada.

I have learned to love the rain and to not run away and hide like we do in the states. The rain here is necessary to live. Yes, I agree, in certain parts of the United States, rain is necessary especially during the summers, trust me I know. In Nicaragua, I feel the rain can bring people together depending on how your community is. This is mostly true for smaller communities. For example, I was walking the other day with a PCV in his community and the rain came down hard. We were able to stop by the nearest house and were welcomed quickly as we stepped inside for a few minutes, introduced ourselves and talked while we dried off. We most certainly cannot do this in the states for our sense of security is heightened daily, and our sense of trust diminishes.

When in doubt, I always am prepared with my capote or rain jacket strapped to my backpack just in case.

Enjoy the day outside next time it rains. Dance or sing if you must, but enjoy this day!