The Big Transition

Hey Everyone!

So I have been living in my site for about a week now! It has been an interesting transition. I went from every minute of my day being planned by training staff to living by my own schedule. Right now, I am getting to know my town, other organizations, my new family and all the teachers and schools that I will be working with. They are all really excited for the work that is ahead when school starts February 4th.

I say it has been a transition because, just like many Americans, we are always "on the go." This is not how things work in Nicaragua. First you have to take time to get to know people personally before developing a working relationship. There has to be confianza, or trust. So right now when I am not in meetings, my time is spent sitting on my porch, or someone else's porch, and making conversation. I am also working really hard at improving my spanish but after knowing all the basics, this is a slow process.

My new host family has been great! I live on the second floor and there is actually a bathroom with running water!! My mouth dropped when I saw this! Of course still cold showers only but this is definitely an unexpected upgrade in living conditions. My host mom is about 80 years old and such a sweet heart. She is a great grandmother and has seven kids of her own so it is a big family to say the least. She is a pretty good cook but no matter how well a person can cook, I look forward to anything but beans and rice.

I am in the process of looking for my own place to live as I will only be living with this family until Jan. 6th. As much as I love my family right now, it will be nice to have my own space and cook my own food. I also want to get a dog and have my eye on a puppy right now (:

Also, I have a site mate. This is another volunteer from the English sector of Peace Corps. She lives about two blocks away and teaches at the institute in town. Her name is also Nicole...go figure...so it has been interesting when introducing myself to others. So most people call me Nicole Maria.

So there is not too much to report as of now, but everything is going well! Stay healthy, stay warm and drive safely in the winter weather.

Lots of Love,
Nicole Maria