As I sat in the kitchen today attempting to call my mom and needing an urgent answer to a baking question, my host mom was laughing at me as I explained that she is probably working. I said if I dont bake this afternoon, what will I do today? She replied, sleep?
But really, I am working, I promise. Every moment of every day (besides the time that I sleep). Though school has ended and life has calmed down, every time I sit outside of the neighbors house or go to a family party I am working. Last night I chatted with my host grandpa who told me about his life, sang songs and played guitar for me and taught me some cords. I even played a little tune on his childs size violin! And I was working.
It is hard for us so with a workaholic culture so ingrained in our lives to slow down and appreciate these moments and realize this is also part of what Peace Corps service is all about. These first few months are meant to spend integrating into the community, my host family, and Nicaraguan culture. Therefore, frying rice, receiving a washing lesson from my host mother, drinking beer with a bunch of women outside of someones house, and dancing even though I feel silly while everyone watches is all a part of the job description.
Current volunteers recently shared many pieces of advice with us for a successful service. One thing they all had in common was in telling us to accept every invitation. Youre invited to someones wedding though you dont know them? Just go. Your family goes across the street to chat though you just want to watch a movie and be alone? Just go. Your host grandpa invites you to milk a cow some day at 4am? Just say yes.
Saying yes to these invitations and enjoying these moments have allowed me to get to know my community and neighborhood even better. I am now excited to spend Christmas Eve eating and dancing with the extended family due to these experiences. Since I cant play in the snow and participate in Christmas traditions with my family back home, this is the next best thing. Happy Holidays to all!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Plastic Chairs
Oh the experiences of a Peace Corps volunteer...
After a few days of training in Managua, I boarded a bus with a couple of friends to head back to site. I bought my ticket and the woman said to me, there are only seats left in the "bancario." I of course had no idea what she was trying to tell me but did not want to wait another hour for a bus so I bought my ticket. After waiting for everyone else to get on, I was given a small plastic stool that I placed in the aisle of the bus for my ride. Nicaraguans sure do love their plastic...
I should not have been surprised considering each home has their share of plastic chairs that are used for every occasion. There are also stores dedicated entirely to plastic. Everything from chairs, to soap containers, to tupperware can be found in such stores. I guess that is one way to make an organized theme right?
The plastic chairs do come in handy for every party, though. And as I have found out, December is the month of parties. No, I never found out what La Purisima was because I was too busy attending birthday parties this weekend. A large family means you could be attending many birthdays within the span of a month. Add graduations, Christmas, and New Years and literally this will be one month of pure celebrations. I realized though, that I have definitely gotten to a point where I am comfortable in these settings, I know most of the family now and I have a lot of fun. After talking to other volunteers they basically say their advice is to accept every invitation for any occasion. So here´s to a month of celebrating!
As for Christmas, it is so far off my radar. School just ended, it is hot as heck outside, no one has decorations, and I have only heard Christmas music twice. I feel as if Christmas is as far away as I am! I do almost think that it is better this way because I can more easily ignore the fact that I will be missing all of the holiday traditions. And it sounds like I simply won´t have time to dwell on what I am missing back home which is another plus. I am just so thankful to have the host family that I do because they have truly welcomed me into the family. I hope to add to my list of skills making enchiladas and taquitos this month, among other things.
As I sit in my plastic chair at the Internet Cafe I am looking forward to a busy week of graduations and celebrations. Happy December everybody!
After a few days of training in Managua, I boarded a bus with a couple of friends to head back to site. I bought my ticket and the woman said to me, there are only seats left in the "bancario." I of course had no idea what she was trying to tell me but did not want to wait another hour for a bus so I bought my ticket. After waiting for everyone else to get on, I was given a small plastic stool that I placed in the aisle of the bus for my ride. Nicaraguans sure do love their plastic...
I should not have been surprised considering each home has their share of plastic chairs that are used for every occasion. There are also stores dedicated entirely to plastic. Everything from chairs, to soap containers, to tupperware can be found in such stores. I guess that is one way to make an organized theme right?
The plastic chairs do come in handy for every party, though. And as I have found out, December is the month of parties. No, I never found out what La Purisima was because I was too busy attending birthday parties this weekend. A large family means you could be attending many birthdays within the span of a month. Add graduations, Christmas, and New Years and literally this will be one month of pure celebrations. I realized though, that I have definitely gotten to a point where I am comfortable in these settings, I know most of the family now and I have a lot of fun. After talking to other volunteers they basically say their advice is to accept every invitation for any occasion. So here´s to a month of celebrating!
As for Christmas, it is so far off my radar. School just ended, it is hot as heck outside, no one has decorations, and I have only heard Christmas music twice. I feel as if Christmas is as far away as I am! I do almost think that it is better this way because I can more easily ignore the fact that I will be missing all of the holiday traditions. And it sounds like I simply won´t have time to dwell on what I am missing back home which is another plus. I am just so thankful to have the host family that I do because they have truly welcomed me into the family. I hope to add to my list of skills making enchiladas and taquitos this month, among other things.
As I sit in my plastic chair at the Internet Cafe I am looking forward to a busy week of graduations and celebrations. Happy December everybody!
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