With just one week in, it feels like I’ve gotten myself a
bit of a rhythm here. Certainly a rhythm much different than at FBC but a rhythm
nonetheless.
I flew into Managua on Saturday night and was happily
greeted by a Carlos, a cab driver sent by our friends at Casa Candiense. He
quickly whisked me out to the Casa to get a good night sleep and to meet
Carrolle who is working as the education coordinator there. She made me feel
very at home and after a short chat we crashed.
Since I was told Monday would be best to arrive I had a day
to explore Managua. Carrole took the time out of her day to drive her giant
truck through the swarming streets. I was pleased to see that Managua has
decorated for Christmas in the classic neon purple and pink I so associate with
childhood Christmases. I mustn’t forgot the three lane roundabouts with glowing
Christmas Trees and a statue of Jesus atop the world. The market, a delicious
meal in enormous chairs and my first day in Nicaragua was soon done.
Monday morning I was off to Sabana Grande. I spent most of
the day on the bus, though by far one of the more comfortable bus rides I’ve
taken in a while. By late in the afternoon I had arrived and found myself
sitting at a table at the Solar Restaurant with the Mujeres chatting excitedly
about all manner of things. It became very clear these women run the show and
know how things should be done. Once again I was soon steered in a new
direction. I was brought to the home of Adelina where I will be hosted for the
next month and a half.
Within just a few minutes of arriving I was fed and welcomed
into the family very warmly. Adelina whipped up a quick meal while her three
daughters chatted with me and explained the home. With my own room, mosquito
net, plenty of food, water and the pleasant soundscape of frogs, salamanders
and dogs singing me to sleep it didn’t seem like long until I was awakened by
chickens at my door.
Another great meal in the morning and I was down the path to
the Centro Solar. Arriving, I soon met up with Ben and Jessie, interns from the
first and second intakes respectively. With no time lost I soon got to know how
things worked at the Centre and with the Mujeres. For my first day I joined the
two of them on their projects and lent a hand in any way I could.
Day one at work here in Sabana Grande was a little confusing
but certainly productive. Not one to hold back, I soon found myself standing on
an adobe roof passing a stove pipe down into the kitchen to newly improved
stove. Getting the stove up and running I was soon replacing the adobe shingles
and back on the ground in no time.
Since day one I’ve been spending my mornings working with
Maurito. Maurito maintains the gardens and does odd jobs for the solar
restaurant. For those of you that know me I do enjoy a good chat; spending time
with Maurito has given me plenty of practice at listening as well as chatting.
It’s great to work with someone who is happy to teach about most anything from
banana cultivation, the solar powered water system to Spanish grammar and the
history of the enourmous 500 year old ceiba tree down the road from my house.
So here I am enjoying the community. Helping out with any
project I can and learning a lot along the way. The women here are very
interested in beekeeping so I’m going to see if I can get them set and ready
before I go. The Nicaragua I am seeing now from Sabana
Grande is one of warm people, strong women, gorgeous views and an endless amount to learn.
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