2014 felt like a blur. What did I do? Who did I meet? What did I teach? Who benefited from me serving as volunteer in Nicaragua? These are questions I ask myself everyday. At the end of the school year I only hoped my students from my entrepreneurship class had learned something worth their while. Will they obtain the information I have taught them? Will they remember me and the craziness that we had together? Maybe not everyone will benefit, but I know there are a few that will. I wished them luck as I attended their graduation. I even gave a small speech in which I was applauded. I have known these students for almost two years and felt that a good relationship existed between us which motivated me to write a speech for their graduation. A good handful of my students will enroll themselves into University in Matagalpa or Managua depending on financial resources that allow them to do so. Others will find work in their family owned stores or will work on their family owned farms. Either direction I wish them well and hope that they listened to the words I spoke of at their graduation. I stressed that THEY HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD. Believe in yourself and your capabilities and take charge of your life.
The middle of December I had a plane ticket home for three weeks. I was ready for a "re-charge". More than anything I was ready to see my family and friends. Oh, and I was ready for some much needed rest without any roosters or loud music to wake me up at 4am. Just a little peace and quite.
The first week and a half I spent with my family. I helped my mom put up some last minute Christmas decorations in the house and helped her clean house and prep it for family that would be coming in for an early Christmas celebration. This year we had Christmas a few days early. My brothers and sisters are all grown up and have familes and jobs. The only day they all had off was a couple days before Christmas. It was great seeing everyone. Everyone seems happy and each are on their journey being successful people. As for me, I am finishing my Peace Corps service in May. Five months from now I will head back stateside in search of a job. It will be bittersweet leaving Nicaragua and my friends here. But I cannot think of that. I have to think of now and live in the moment and take advantage of every passing second.
For about five days of my vacation I spent visiting friends and living in one of my good friends house. Vik. His family has been like a second family to me. A few years ago I was in a rough spot in my life as far as work goes. I spent several days there as I tried to start a job I would soon end. They allowed me to stay and hang out when I needed. These few days spent with friends was well needed. This included New Years Eve which was cold but well worth staying up into the early hours with my friends catching up with them and their lives.
The last few days of my trip home was spent with my family and catching up on sleep and taking advantage of hot showers! My three week vacation came to end fairly quickly but I enjoyed every bit of it!
If anything I felt fatter! I ate well and slept even better. My mom was frightened the first day I came in because she said I looked like I had not eaten in weeks! She made it her goal to feed me four or six times a day. Sure enough, I found myself eating just about that. Every time I turned around she would ask me if I was hungry haha! I was beginning to miss my Gallo Pinto y huevos.
Well...here I am. I am back in Nicaragua three weeks later! Man it was good to see everyone, however I am glad I came back when I did. I walked into my casita (little house) and found a big hole in my roof. There had apparently been some strong wind which has been affecting all of Nicaragua. Luckily my owner who lives next door was out and about and I pointed it out to her. She sent one of her workers to buy materials needed to replace it. My floor was a mess with rain water, dirt, and leaves. I spent the next couple hours sweeping and mopping. I made me some coffee and settled back in. Oh, how I have missed my Nicaraguan coffee!
My site is preparing for their "fiesta patronales" in which the catholic church celebrates el "Cristo Negro" or the "Black Christ". There will be a "peregrinación" which is like a pilgrimage walk. Thousands of people will make this walk into my site to celebrate this religous holiday. Basically my site has turned into a miniature carnival. There are carnival rides for the kids, food in the streets, and little tents set up selling kids toys, clothing, and popcorn. My site will more than double in size. The hostels will be full and people will sleep where they will which includes, yes, the streets to your front doorstep if they please. It is quite crazy but I will be passing this time with my friends and other volunteers. I have invited them to my site to take part in this experience!
School begins February 9th. I have much to do and much more to plan and prepare my teachers for this coming year. I also am looking forward to plan more dental charlas (talks) with the people in my community. While I was home, I had quite a few friends donate toothbrushes and toothpaste. These items will be handed out to those who attend these dental charlas in which I will work with a local dentist. "THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED!"
I had several people ask me while I was home if I would do this all over again...my Peace Corps service. To me it is a no brainer. OF COURSE! I do not think anyone has any idea this experience can bring until they do it. Yes I gave up two years of my life and devoted it to the people of Nicaragua! I would not take that away for anything!
Well, that is enough for now. I must go make some more coffee.
Salud y que me le vaya bien!
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