Apparently this song was about Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, because the addresses are based off something like how far from a close restaurant, not a street name. We got a bus tour of Managua and saw many historical sights from during the Somosa and Sandinista time period. I also got my host family information today and I am really excited to meet them tomorrow. I will have a mom, brother, sister, brother in law and nephew.
We also got placed in groups for language classes based on our level. Tonight is out last night in at the hotel, and tomorrow will be another transition. We have so many books and I feel like I am in college again as far as the overwhelming amount of information tossed at you on the first day and all of the books. But I am so excited for language class. The teachers have great group activities and there is only four people in my class. Technical classes are every Wednesday and Friday and some Saturdays. This week, our assignment is to already begin finding possible youth to gather for our first community youth group where we will start a vivero or tree nursery.
Since I am leaving the hotel, I am unsure when I will be updating this next but I will have sooooo much to say when I do!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Getting to know Nicaragua!
Wow! So much to take in but so far everything is great. My hotel is like a resort. We almost feel guilty for staying in such a nice place but we all are enjoying the moment as we know our sites will not be so glamorous. We will be here until Saturday and from then on I most likely will not have internet as often.
I received my tetnus and first rabies shots...first of many to come. Training has been long but the people are all so nice, open-minded and down to earth. I have truly enjoyed all of the conversations with all my fellow volunteers and they have all been so supportive when anyone has been feeling a little down.
I am almost up for internet time but I wanted to share a quote that our country director said today that truly describes the Peace Corps mission.
Go in the search of your People
Love Them
Learn from Them
Plan with them
Serve Them
Begin with what They have
Build on what They know.
But of the best Leaders
When their task is accomplished,
their work is done,
The People all remark
¨We have done this Ourselves.¨-Lao Tsu, 700 BC
I received my tetnus and first rabies shots...first of many to come. Training has been long but the people are all so nice, open-minded and down to earth. I have truly enjoyed all of the conversations with all my fellow volunteers and they have all been so supportive when anyone has been feeling a little down.
I am almost up for internet time but I wanted to share a quote that our country director said today that truly describes the Peace Corps mission.
Go in the search of your People
Love Them
Learn from Them
Plan with them
Serve Them
Begin with what They have
Build on what They know.
But of the best Leaders
When their task is accomplished,
their work is done,
The People all remark
¨We have done this Ourselves.¨-Lao Tsu, 700 BC
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
In Nicaragua!
I have made it safely to Nicaragua!!! I am going to head to bed (as I am running on two hours of sleep and two hours added to a full day of training with the time difference) but I just wanted to let everyone know that I have arrived!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Adios!
So I made it safely to D.C. and have had a blast the last two days getting to know all of my fellow volunteers. Everyone, including the staff is so nice, understanding and helpful! We even had a visit from the counsel general and cultural attache which is not common. They were very welcoming and excited for our arrival.
We are checking out of the hotel at 3:30am...yuck...and heading to Miami and then Nicaragua! We have a few days of orientation (retreat) and by Saturday we will be living with our host families! I am really excited to meet them but of course there are anxieties such as my rough spanish but it is all part of this great experience!
The next three months, Monday-Thursday, will be intense spanish training in groups of four. Fridays will be technical training with the larger group. So that's the basics....I will give you more details later!
We are checking out of the hotel at 3:30am...yuck...and heading to Miami and then Nicaragua! We have a few days of orientation (retreat) and by Saturday we will be living with our host families! I am really excited to meet them but of course there are anxieties such as my rough spanish but it is all part of this great experience!
The next three months, Monday-Thursday, will be intense spanish training in groups of four. Fridays will be technical training with the larger group. So that's the basics....I will give you more details later!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Time to go!...FAQs
Hello Eveyone!
So tomorrow morning I leave for Washington, D.C. for our pre-departure orientation! I will meet my fellow volunteers (about 35 others) and fill out last minute paper work. Then, on August 29th, I will depart for Nicaragua! For those that do not know, Nicaragua is located in Central America between Honduras and Costa Rica.
So what am I feeling now??...well yes, scared of the unknown, uncertain how I will adjust to the hot climate, the culture and of course how I will deal with the language barrier, but more so excited to experience all of the above! What are my parents feeling??...well, of course nervous about me being in a foreign country, sad I am leaving, but proud as well.
When I arrive in Nicaragua, I will have 12 weeks of intense training (cultural, language and technical) and be living with a host family in a community by Jinotepe, Nicaragua. Jinotepe has about 30,000 people and is located on the Pacific side.
After training, I will be placed at my site (determined at a later date) for two years where I will be an environmental educator. I will be implementing sustainable enviromental programs in elementary schools such as nursery, compost and gardening activities.
I will have occasional computer access. Yes, you can send me packages but smaller ones are best (under 2 pounds) as it will be deliverd closer to me with a less chance of being stolen. It may take a while to reach me so do not include parishable items. You can email me for my address. Anymore questions??...just ask! Keep in touch!
So tomorrow morning I leave for Washington, D.C. for our pre-departure orientation! I will meet my fellow volunteers (about 35 others) and fill out last minute paper work. Then, on August 29th, I will depart for Nicaragua! For those that do not know, Nicaragua is located in Central America between Honduras and Costa Rica.
So what am I feeling now??...well yes, scared of the unknown, uncertain how I will adjust to the hot climate, the culture and of course how I will deal with the language barrier, but more so excited to experience all of the above! What are my parents feeling??...well, of course nervous about me being in a foreign country, sad I am leaving, but proud as well.
When I arrive in Nicaragua, I will have 12 weeks of intense training (cultural, language and technical) and be living with a host family in a community by Jinotepe, Nicaragua. Jinotepe has about 30,000 people and is located on the Pacific side.
After training, I will be placed at my site (determined at a later date) for two years where I will be an environmental educator. I will be implementing sustainable enviromental programs in elementary schools such as nursery, compost and gardening activities.
I will have occasional computer access. Yes, you can send me packages but smaller ones are best (under 2 pounds) as it will be deliverd closer to me with a less chance of being stolen. It may take a while to reach me so do not include parishable items. You can email me for my address. Anymore questions??...just ask! Keep in touch!
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