The Key to PC Service: Flexibility

I continue to learn every day: flexibility is the key to success at life in Nicaragua. 

So PC told you they would give you a ride home on Independence Day? Nope, just be patient and wait an hour in the rain for a bus. At least I was with friends! So youre in the wrong spot waiting for the taxi and confused as to why he doesnt know where you are? Its ok, evenutally he figures out what stop youre at and where to wait next time. So you told the taxi driver the night before that you needed to leave early in the morning and texted him like he told you only to find out his phone is off and no one can give you a ride in time? Just chat with some current PCVs who are calm and tell you this kind of stuff happens all the time, youll just catch a later bus. 

In another country when everything is a first, these things can seem pretty significant. But another thing theyve told us here is that we are a PC family. In general volunteers are super nice and helpful, and like today, they put life into perspective. Catching a bus seems like a big deal when you stayed overnight just to leave early in the morning, but sometimes theres just nothing else to do except wait for the next one. "If at first you dont succeed, try try again." I know Ill be more comfortable with these situations after Ive experienced lots of them, which is why it is truly the best to have a support network of volunteers who can help each other out. Ive only been here for a month, but it does really feel like a PC family. 

So my next adventure is to (hopefully!!) catch the bus to northern Nicaragua to visit a volunteer and see what "real" life is like. Im excited for a break from intense training activities and a chance to chat one on one with another volunteer. We have heard from so many volunteers that life in training is the exact opposite of life as a volunteer. In training you have no free time and little control over your activities, but in service you have all the time in the world in order to make your own schedule and projects. So far Ive met people at all different points in service, some who are 3 months in, some who are a year in, and some who are about to leave in just over two months. Everyone obviously has a different perspective based upon where theyre at, though  most people are positive about their experiences which is encouraging. So heres to hoping the trip goes well and I come back refreshed for more intense training sessions!