Cosas Que He Aprendido

Living abroad requires more than just being the cliche backpacker. One must be willing to learn the language, understand the culture, understand the people, and be willing to be flexible at any given moment or cost. When you think you have a plan, realize that this plan has potential to change at any minute. Whatever you thought you were going to do or say, save it for later and proceed with the changes that are occuring in front of you. 

This is everyday life in the Peace Corps. I believe most volunteers can attest to this. We are not sure why it happens this way, but we have learned to accept it and learn from it. It makes us a better person. It teaches us that "patience" truly is a virtue. Somedays there are important things to be learned if we just stop and listen to what the world needs to tell us. Our lives in the states were much different. We never took the time to stop and breathe and realize that someone may be trying to tell us something. Here, in Nicaragua, it is important and very much okay to be stopped in your tracks and partake in a random conversation, invited into a home for coffee, a walk in the park, or simply help someone. 

I have learned to accept that each day is a new day and that it is okay to not have a plan. I feel that having a plan may agitate you more. It is better to go with the flow knowing that you may have to settle for an hour long conversation over several cups of coffee. Although the conversation may be about nothing at all, we must realize that it is an opportunity to learn something. This is how the Nicaraguan people operate. If they see you are willing to take time out of your day to talk with them, help them, visit their house or even talk to their new born baby then they will be willing to help you in the future when it is needed. "Give first, receive later." The same message presented in my last blog.

Some things are perfectly normal here in Nicaragua that would be presented as perfectly awkward in the United States. For example, it is perfectly normal to be invited to a house and sit there in complete silence. It is normal to be sitting on a bus that is overly crowded with people exceeding the maximum occupancy. In the bus, in the park, at the local restaurant it is normal to have a woman sit next to you and begin breast feeding (I have nothing against this. These are just events that are not normal or unheard of in the states). It is normal to see dogs in the street having sex, or in my case, a few days ago, I saw two dogs collapse and die in front of my eyes. It is okay for things to not go your way!

I know this will not happen often in the states, but next time a stranger stops to talk to you, take a minute to say hi. Quit being so "fachenta" ! 

These are things I have learned. They may not apply to all countries around the world. I am just expressing my personal views and opinions and relating them back to the life we live in the states. Thank you!

Remember that I am accepting care packages! Non perishable food items are a plus. If you do not know what to send, please ask. If you feel that you can reach out to me in a different manner via paypal, my account info is kdfloyd84@gmail.com.  

Casita mio.