Here I am at home - El Proyecto Chacocente - surrounded by my loves... I can't totally express how much this place means to me. My family here is one of the greatest blessings I could have - and I really mean overall in my life - and not just here in Nicaragua... (excerpt from my Journal - November 24th)
Although I won't be in the United States for Thanksgiving, I still plan on celebrating it within myself. For I have a wealth of things to be thankful for - especially as I look around me here in Nicaragua and see how very blessed I am.
I spent a couple hours on Monday and Tuesday at the Project working with the Second Grade class on "El Niño y El Tambor" (the Little Drummer Boy). Because on Sunday is the 6th Grade Graduation Ceremony, and the second grade is going to be singing this - and I will be playing/directing.
School is out now, (except for Practice for La Promocion on Sunday) but I still go to the Project daily to see my extended family members, to give piano lessons to the few ambitious, to play with the kids, and to teach ballet to the girls who care to learn.
Monday I had the pleasure of working with Darling on the piano - boy she is a fast learner! She is also great at memorizing; so, in this last month here I hope she can absorb a lot!
Last week I taught some ballet to a few of the girls... we were just playing around and they were trying the moves that I was doing. The only ballet they are familiar with is from the Barbie Princess Ballerina movie that they've seen on TV. So, whatever I do is pretty amazing to them. Well, on Monday Rosa and Margarita were bored, and wanted to dance with me. After a few minutes Rosa gave up, but Margarita stuck with it.
She really wants to dance - and that excites me. She tried each move so hard, and so carefully, watching my every move. And each time she fumbled two words came out of her mouth, "No puedo." ("I can't") Well this took me right back to ballet lessons with Traci McClafferty a decade ago. Traci would NOT hear the word "can't" in her studio, ever. There was no excuse for such an attitude. Well Traci, I'm proud to say I've passed on your legacy. Each time Margarita said that awful phrase, I retorted positively: "¡Si! ¡Puedes!" and she would try again... and again...
To teach the little skills I am familiar with, whether ballet or piano or singing or even art class, introduces them to something that is extremely rare in this country. The arts and creativity are not widespread or available to the average person here. As the first grade teacher Yamileth put it... These types of things are just dreams for us; things that we would love to know, but know we'll never have. These are also things that I have taken for granted my whole life: music and art classes in school, dance lessons, piano lessons, voice lessons, chorus, musicals, dramas, church plays... again, I'm finding myself overwhelmingly thankful here.
The kids here get bored a lot... so they do things like play with their slingshots. They're all really awesome at them - I would say playing with a slingshot is like their videogames. José taught me how to do it. I have no aim, at all... and can get little distance. But even the 4 year old Deyvín can aim at a treebranch and hit a leaf off! I just hope that my presence at the Project relieves some of their boredom. I realize that kids get "bored" everywhere - but growing up in the United States, you have countless TV channels, toys, games, computers, videogames, sports, clubs, music, activities out the window to keep you unbored... here in Nicaragua the kids have significantly fewer resources with which to entertain themselves.
I had the pleasure of staying the night at Basilia and Pedro's home, with them and their kids: Juan, Amelia, José and Deyvín. When I arrived I joined Basilia and Pedro in peeling beans from their garden for dinner. Deyvín, who is 4 and my favorite Pre-schooler, helped me out, and I spent probably two hours sitting outside with them bean-peeling and visiting. Deyvín and I had a great time playing together - teasing each other, tickling each other, oh and getting the beans ready... ? haha
He is really something else - the calm, shy, quiet boy who've I've written about before is transforming everyday - and not just as he opens up to me, but as he opens up to the world. After all this young one has been through it's truly a miracle that he is still alive; and furthermore, a Godsend that he's becoming this outgoing, funloving child.
Amelia is 14, and she taught me how to make the bracelets that the women make to sell to all the American Mission delegations that come to work at the Project. I made four - and must say I'm pretty good at it now. Although Amelia can do one in 10 or 15 minutes, and the first one I did took me an hour! They sell them for a dollar, and can make a pretty good profit. It's a great way for them to get some extra cash to support themselves.
Later that night, after most everyone was in bed, I sat outside under the spectacular starry night sky, with the balmy palms framing the cloudy, deep, dark, blue heavens... talking of matters of the heart. Basilia and Pedro had three other children. Four years ago, about two months before they and their family moved to Project Chacocente, they were living in the City Dump and it was just after the New Year's Celebrations. This is prime picking for young children - because people may have thrown out their Holiday goodies. Well three of Basilia's young children found what they thought were some good-eats. They had themselves a very merry little New Year's treat - and it cost them their lives, because it was poisoned. Just two months before they were safely out of La Churreca and into the loving supporting life-saving community that is Project Chacocente. Basilia was sharing this with me, and how it is so difficult for her each year around January 8th and 9th. She still doesn't understand why three of her children were taken from her, and it hurts so much to think of it. But she is strong, and she keeps living happily and working hard and loving her husband and her four children. She almost lost little Deyvín that year, too. The death of his brothers had such a horrible effect on him as only a 1 year old. He wouldn't eat, he couldn't walk, and it took the grace of God and the determination of Charito Avery and Basilia and the family to bring Deyvín back to Health, and now to the glowing, growing child he has become.
Here I am to serve these people, but what can I offer? A little bit of my artsy talents? My time and energy to entertain their children? A helping hand with dinner or watching the store? What I do is so little, and yet maybe it is enough. Maybe sometimes all people need is someone to tell them I love you and I care about you. Someone to really listen to their life's stories. Someone to be there. Someone with whom they can share their heart.
Here I am, Lord. You sent me.
miércoles, 26 de noviembre de 2008
martes, 25 de noviembre de 2008
Good Ol' Downhome Casamiento Nicaragüense
"It's not every Northamerican who comes here who gets to actually be in a wedding!" -Charito
Saturday was an awesome cultural experience. One that I've actually been planning for, for awhile. My "cousin" Itamar got married. About a month or two ago she asked me to be one of the damas in her wedding. This really surprised me, because I didn't know her very well. However, I immediately accepted. What girl doesn't love to get dressed up and be in a wedding? (Well, I guess I know many, but I'm not one of them!)
Sandra - a lady in the church, my neighbor, and my friend Joel's mom - made my dress after I bought the material in the market. The material cost 65 cordoba per meter. I bought 2 meters. For Sandra to make my dress it cost me 110 cordoba. So I spent 240 cordoba on a brand new, handmade formal dress, fit to my body. (Divide 240 by 29.5 and you get US dollars... I love spending money in Nicaragua!)
Here the bride chooses the damas, and then each dama chooses her caballero. I chose Joel because he had originally been asked to go with someone, but then she ended up not being able to go to the wedding, so he was free and had been planning on going, plus he's my friend! So, the groom actually has no say in the men at all - except for his best man or caballero de honor. Isaac - my brother - was the caballero de honor. This is because Itamar was his favorite cousin and Guillermo (or Memo) was his best friend, and he brought them together. (cute, eh?) My sister Belén wasLa Esperanza (Hope) and wore green; Itamar's sister, Sharon, was La Guía - she led the procession carrying the Bible, and wore red. There were 18 damas and caballeros, as well as a whole group of young girls, and then one little girl and one little boy who carried the rings. Talk about a huge wedding party.
My preparation started the night before when Belén painted my fingernails and toenails, along with Itamar's and a handful of the other damas. Then I plucked Itamar's eyebrows - so I feel like I contributed something to her special day, haha. On Saturday everybody was crazy getting ready, but we all arrived at Itamar's house at 2:30 en punto dressed, beautied, and ready to line up. Except for Joel - my caballero. He wasn't there yet. When we all lined up everyone had their pair, except for me. It was three and even the people who had come late were there and lined up. I was a little nervous he wouldn't make it; however, totally thankful that I'm tall here and therefore was lined up as the second to last person. Well we were all taking our first steps and the mariachi band had begun to play when Joel came running. :) Just in time.
The entire processional, beginning with Sharon, La Guía, and ending with Itamar, accompanied by her brother, Enoc. A mariachi band played, and we walked through the town from her house to the church. It was like a parade, and people who were going to the wedding joined in the processional walking beside us. People who weren't going to the wedding came out of their houses and watched as we walked by. I've been in far too many parades, so it didn't feel awkward at all, but it's definitely a difference in culture.
When we got to the church the entire congregation stood for the processional from beginning to end, not just for when the bride entered. We walked to the front of church and then the damas filed into the first rows of seats on the right, and the caballeros to the left. La Guía, La Esperanza, y El Caballero y La Dama de Honor all sat in chairs off to the right as well. In the center up front were chairs for the bridge and groom, as well as one to the left of the bridge where her grandfather sat (usually it's the father) and one to the right of the groom where his mother sat.
The ceremony began with music from the Mariachi band, then Pablo and Janeth (the uncle and aunt, as well as the pastor and wife) led us in praise music. Isaac read the scripture from Genesis 2. We sang more praise, and Pablo gave a brief reflection. Then they had the lighting of the unity candle, the vows, the exchange of rings and a blessing. Between the ring exchangement and the blessing they had a part where first the groom has a handful of coins, and places them one by one into the palms of the bride. She then repeats the same thing. It's symbolic that in their marriage are going to share their benefits. After the blessing everyone in the church went forward to greet the new couple and their family - rather than the couple proceeding down the aisle. After all of the salutations, the wedding party lined up in the aisle and made a tunnel with our arms for the bridge and groom to pass under, and then each pair in the processional followed them to their house for the reception.
The backyard of the house was filled with plastic tables and chairs decorated with candles and there were balloons and streamers and strings of lights brightening everything up. There was a live band and plenty of food and pop, and of course a huge wedding cake to celebrate. They even had the tossing of the bouquet. There was no dancing, and no garter... but the reception was a lot like one in the United States - only a little more "down home, country" type of thing rather than a fancy wedding. Honestly, I felt like I was at a family reunion, only everyone was dressed up.
I feel so blessed to have partaken in the wedding, though. So many people from the States who know Itamar because they came to Nicaragua for the same reason I have, have expressed their jealously and their wishes that they could have been at the wedding. So I feel pretty lucky to have been in it! Also, it was such a testament to the love and community within the church El Buen Pastor of Sabana Grande. I felt loved and accepted, as well as a part of everything - and it wasn't even my wedding!
Saturday was an awesome cultural experience. One that I've actually been planning for, for awhile. My "cousin" Itamar got married. About a month or two ago she asked me to be one of the damas in her wedding. This really surprised me, because I didn't know her very well. However, I immediately accepted. What girl doesn't love to get dressed up and be in a wedding? (Well, I guess I know many, but I'm not one of them!)
Sandra - a lady in the church, my neighbor, and my friend Joel's mom - made my dress after I bought the material in the market. The material cost 65 cordoba per meter. I bought 2 meters. For Sandra to make my dress it cost me 110 cordoba. So I spent 240 cordoba on a brand new, handmade formal dress, fit to my body. (Divide 240 by 29.5 and you get US dollars... I love spending money in Nicaragua!)
Here the bride chooses the damas, and then each dama chooses her caballero. I chose Joel because he had originally been asked to go with someone, but then she ended up not being able to go to the wedding, so he was free and had been planning on going, plus he's my friend! So, the groom actually has no say in the men at all - except for his best man or caballero de honor. Isaac - my brother - was the caballero de honor. This is because Itamar was his favorite cousin and Guillermo (or Memo) was his best friend, and he brought them together. (cute, eh?) My sister Belén wasLa Esperanza (Hope) and wore green; Itamar's sister, Sharon, was La Guía - she led the procession carrying the Bible, and wore red. There were 18 damas and caballeros, as well as a whole group of young girls, and then one little girl and one little boy who carried the rings. Talk about a huge wedding party.
My preparation started the night before when Belén painted my fingernails and toenails, along with Itamar's and a handful of the other damas. Then I plucked Itamar's eyebrows - so I feel like I contributed something to her special day, haha. On Saturday everybody was crazy getting ready, but we all arrived at Itamar's house at 2:30 en punto dressed, beautied, and ready to line up. Except for Joel - my caballero. He wasn't there yet. When we all lined up everyone had their pair, except for me. It was three and even the people who had come late were there and lined up. I was a little nervous he wouldn't make it; however, totally thankful that I'm tall here and therefore was lined up as the second to last person. Well we were all taking our first steps and the mariachi band had begun to play when Joel came running. :) Just in time.
The entire processional, beginning with Sharon, La Guía, and ending with Itamar, accompanied by her brother, Enoc. A mariachi band played, and we walked through the town from her house to the church. It was like a parade, and people who were going to the wedding joined in the processional walking beside us. People who weren't going to the wedding came out of their houses and watched as we walked by. I've been in far too many parades, so it didn't feel awkward at all, but it's definitely a difference in culture.
When we got to the church the entire congregation stood for the processional from beginning to end, not just for when the bride entered. We walked to the front of church and then the damas filed into the first rows of seats on the right, and the caballeros to the left. La Guía, La Esperanza, y El Caballero y La Dama de Honor all sat in chairs off to the right as well. In the center up front were chairs for the bridge and groom, as well as one to the left of the bridge where her grandfather sat (usually it's the father) and one to the right of the groom where his mother sat.
The ceremony began with music from the Mariachi band, then Pablo and Janeth (the uncle and aunt, as well as the pastor and wife) led us in praise music. Isaac read the scripture from Genesis 2. We sang more praise, and Pablo gave a brief reflection. Then they had the lighting of the unity candle, the vows, the exchange of rings and a blessing. Between the ring exchangement and the blessing they had a part where first the groom has a handful of coins, and places them one by one into the palms of the bride. She then repeats the same thing. It's symbolic that in their marriage are going to share their benefits. After the blessing everyone in the church went forward to greet the new couple and their family - rather than the couple proceeding down the aisle. After all of the salutations, the wedding party lined up in the aisle and made a tunnel with our arms for the bridge and groom to pass under, and then each pair in the processional followed them to their house for the reception.
The backyard of the house was filled with plastic tables and chairs decorated with candles and there were balloons and streamers and strings of lights brightening everything up. There was a live band and plenty of food and pop, and of course a huge wedding cake to celebrate. They even had the tossing of the bouquet. There was no dancing, and no garter... but the reception was a lot like one in the United States - only a little more "down home, country" type of thing rather than a fancy wedding. Honestly, I felt like I was at a family reunion, only everyone was dressed up.
I feel so blessed to have partaken in the wedding, though. So many people from the States who know Itamar because they came to Nicaragua for the same reason I have, have expressed their jealously and their wishes that they could have been at the wedding. So I feel pretty lucky to have been in it! Also, it was such a testament to the love and community within the church El Buen Pastor of Sabana Grande. I felt loved and accepted, as well as a part of everything - and it wasn't even my wedding!
lunes, 17 de noviembre de 2008
beautiful blossoms
The flowers here are always bright and blooming...
and there is such a wide variety of blossoms.
Everyday as I go to the Project I feel like God has given me hundreds of little gifts to see and smell... in red and purple and yellow and orange and pink... all sizes and shapes and scents.
Nicaragua's wildflowers are absolutely gorgeous.
My students at Chacocente are also bright and colorful...
and sometimes I get to see them bloom, too:
On my keyboard that I use for music class there is a song bank with about 50 songs. One of them is La Cucaracha. My kids always want to "play" it. They sit at the piano and they mess around with the keys while the actual song plays in the background... Then there's Jonathan - he's a musical one. He started really listening to the keys as he played them, and trying to match them with the song. He had the beat going along with it, and was being so creative and risky. He also tried to imitate a pianist's hands, rather than just pounding. The cool thing was it actually sounded alright! (especially if you LOVE DISSONANCE! right Mr. Young???)
Lately, we've been singing "Busca primero el Reino de Dios." The first day I taught it to the Second Grade class they were so absorbant, and automatically wanted to do it "uno por uno" (one by one). Jonathan wanted to go first of course. I've already seen his music skills displayed many times. But WOW! He sang the song FLAWLESSLY and had just learned it!
In first grade, they too were surprisingly in love with "Busca primero." However, not so many were enthusiastic to do it "uno por uno," except for Douglas and Ramón; they wanted to sing it together! Not only did this surprise me coming from those two ripsnorts, while listening to them I was at first taken aback and then filled with pride. These two first grade boys sang with strength and emotion, and they HARMONIZED!
I recently taught "Dona Nobis Pacem" because the notes vary in that song, and it's helpful for teaching how to sing (as most of my kids sing monotone and shouty) or at least for understanding how a song isn't just a bunch of words put together. In the fourth fifth and sixth grade class things generally get a bit rowdy - the kids are older and don't always like to listen... and usually don't like to sing, either. This instance was such. I think about 4 of the students were actually standing beside me at the piano paying some attention while I played and led them... and in my ear I heard a beautiful soprano voice matching mine. I turned my head slightly to put a face to the unrecognized voice... YAMARA! I had never actually heard her while we sang - and to hear her sing out so clearly and in tune just tickled me pink!
Deyvín is a shy little one. He's 4 years old and in my Prescholar class. Recently he's opened up to me and will hug me, call my name, tease me, play with me, rest on my lap, etc. But generally he's very quiet and doesn't talk or interact very much. I taught the song "Cristo me ama" during one of our first music classes a couple months ago... back when Deyvín didn't fully participate and just kind of curiously observed me. Well, as I was leaving the Project, I heard a youngun's voice singing "Cristo me ama" at the top of his lungs. It took me a few moments to realize to whom the voice belonged - because never before had I heard Deyvín make so much noise!!!
I hope this collection of blossoms from the past week has blessed you, too.
and there is such a wide variety of blossoms.
Everyday as I go to the Project I feel like God has given me hundreds of little gifts to see and smell... in red and purple and yellow and orange and pink... all sizes and shapes and scents.
Nicaragua's wildflowers are absolutely gorgeous.
My students at Chacocente are also bright and colorful...
and sometimes I get to see them bloom, too:
On my keyboard that I use for music class there is a song bank with about 50 songs. One of them is La Cucaracha. My kids always want to "play" it. They sit at the piano and they mess around with the keys while the actual song plays in the background... Then there's Jonathan - he's a musical one. He started really listening to the keys as he played them, and trying to match them with the song. He had the beat going along with it, and was being so creative and risky. He also tried to imitate a pianist's hands, rather than just pounding. The cool thing was it actually sounded alright! (especially if you LOVE DISSONANCE! right Mr. Young???)
Lately, we've been singing "Busca primero el Reino de Dios." The first day I taught it to the Second Grade class they were so absorbant, and automatically wanted to do it "uno por uno" (one by one). Jonathan wanted to go first of course. I've already seen his music skills displayed many times. But WOW! He sang the song FLAWLESSLY and had just learned it!
In first grade, they too were surprisingly in love with "Busca primero." However, not so many were enthusiastic to do it "uno por uno," except for Douglas and Ramón; they wanted to sing it together! Not only did this surprise me coming from those two ripsnorts, while listening to them I was at first taken aback and then filled with pride. These two first grade boys sang with strength and emotion, and they HARMONIZED!
I recently taught "Dona Nobis Pacem" because the notes vary in that song, and it's helpful for teaching how to sing (as most of my kids sing monotone and shouty) or at least for understanding how a song isn't just a bunch of words put together. In the fourth fifth and sixth grade class things generally get a bit rowdy - the kids are older and don't always like to listen... and usually don't like to sing, either. This instance was such. I think about 4 of the students were actually standing beside me at the piano paying some attention while I played and led them... and in my ear I heard a beautiful soprano voice matching mine. I turned my head slightly to put a face to the unrecognized voice... YAMARA! I had never actually heard her while we sang - and to hear her sing out so clearly and in tune just tickled me pink!
Deyvín is a shy little one. He's 4 years old and in my Prescholar class. Recently he's opened up to me and will hug me, call my name, tease me, play with me, rest on my lap, etc. But generally he's very quiet and doesn't talk or interact very much. I taught the song "Cristo me ama" during one of our first music classes a couple months ago... back when Deyvín didn't fully participate and just kind of curiously observed me. Well, as I was leaving the Project, I heard a youngun's voice singing "Cristo me ama" at the top of his lungs. It took me a few moments to realize to whom the voice belonged - because never before had I heard Deyvín make so much noise!!!
I hope this collection of blossoms from the past week has blessed you, too.
viernes, 7 de noviembre de 2008
quedando en el proyecto
"...el hogar está donde está tu corázon..."
I haven't written in awhile I know, and I have learned that many people have been waiting anxiously for an update. So, here you are... I hope it was well worth the wait. I know for me what is encompassed in this blog reflects the best days I have had in Nicaragua yet... I hope you, too can feel my joy as I attempt to accurately and fully relate my fulfilling experiences.
Since I have last written, I have stayed the night at Project Chacocente twice. This simple thing is what has really made Chacocente my home, and its people my family. Mi mamá Nicaraguense is Manuela. She is married to Marcos and has 10 children (the last 5 are Marcos' children, too... the first five are from Manuela's first husband): Veronica, Jasmina, Pepé, Karyn, Uriel, Madelin, David, Darlin, Máycool, and Tatiana. Veronica is married to José Luis and has a daughter, Yamada. Jasmina is married to Rodolfo and has six children: Edwin, Gabriel, Nelson, Eva, Eveling, and Esperanza. Pepé doesn't live at the Project. Karyn is married to Juan Carlos and they have four children: Katherin, Andrea, Alinson, and Adriana. Uriel is 19, and he is my closest friend at the Project, I love to hang out with him and talk about everything. Madelin is 15, in her first year of secandario (High School). She is my roomate when I stay there, and we talk to each other about everything. David is 13... oh David. He's in 6th grade and one of my absolute favorite students. He's smart and funny, so caring and helpful... and is trying to learn English. He's really motivated, and could honestly succeed in life. Darlin is 11, she is really talented with music class, and probably the best student I have in that. She is also always out for a good time, she's fun and loud and has awesome hair (it's just like mine!). Máycool (Michael) is 7. He is so sweet, and talks with a lisp. I just love him, he's the one I wrote about in my last blog - and is so cute. The other night we were watching some silly action film before bed. He had seen it before, and every other second he was saying: "¡Mire Rebekah!" ("Look!") it was so funny. "Look at this... watch this... this is going to happen..." It was like watching a movie with my little brother. Finally there is Tatiana, she is 6. She has a lot of older brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews (most of them are older than her) looking out for her, and I think that can sometimes be stressful on her too. But she's a happy little thing, and loves to play games with me.
The house I stay in has 3 rooms, and two front doors. The main room has 3 beds, a table, a few shelves, a small television, and ironing board, three plastic chairs, and one rocking chair; the room that the other front door enters into is Madelin's room. It has two beds, a desk, and some shelves, and a small stereo, it's only door is to outside. This is my bedroom when I stay there, when I'm not there I don't really know who shares it with her, but I'm taking someone's bed. The third room is a long room, not very wide, but it is the length of the house, and it has the shower in it, and a couple shelves and a table. Behind the house outside, there's a makeshift overhang under which is the kitchen. The outhouse is also outback - complete with a telephone book for toilet paper! Materialistically, they are poor... but this family is so rich in love and care I cannot describe it in words.
The other night I was headed to bed at the Project, and as I was entering the room I noticed it was filled with smoke. I was wondering to myself why as Madelin came out with a shovelful of fire! This was what I call a "third world whoa!" What she had been doing was warming up our beds, by putting the fire underneath them, as well as smoking out the mosquitos. This isn't exactly a ritual we are accustomed to, so it surprised me at first, but it wasn't something that needed explained to me, because its purpose was obvious.
My classes have been going well. They've been rewarding,frustrating, exciting, annoying, thrilling, etc. But it's not excitement for my classes that gets me out of bed at 5:30 every morning to get ready, and take three buses, and a 2 km bike ride to the Project. It's the people that I get to be with when I arrive. Riding, or walking, into the Project is one of my favorite parts of the day. As I pass each house, or each person I receive an excited greeting... regardless of whether it's a "student" or if it's a parent. They all wish me good morning with the same happiness and enthusiasm. This makes me feel like I am coming home, every day that I go to work. When I get to La Casona (the big house) where Manuela's Pulpería is, and now Rosaura's Librería (it's a school supply store). I get to see my Nicaraguan mom, and usually Karyn and Veronica too. Visiting and conversing outside of La Casona is how I spend nearly every break, and lunchtime in my day.
Oh, so much has happened in the past couple weeks, I wish I could share everything in detail. But last night I was journaling and I covered 24 pages for just 3 days. It took me about 2 hours to write! I guess I will share a couple of stories...
When I stayed the night on Tuesday at Chacocente. It was probably about 5:00 pm, and starting to get dark. Manuela, Karyn, Rosaura, Uriel and some of his friends, and a handful of kids were all down at La Casona. I was dragged by Tatiana, Darlin, Katherin, Andrea, Alinson, Deyvín, and Adrianita to play games. We played "Tía Monica" it's a silly song where you stand in a circle, and one person is Aunt Monica, and then we all sing and dance... "Yo tengo una Tía, una Tía Monica y cuando va de compras, me dice, 'hola-la'..." it goes on and on. I also learned "Ratóncito, Ratóncito". This one one person is the mouse, and the other is the cat. Everyone else stands in a circle holding hands guarding the mouse. Then the cat and the mouse have a conversation, the cat asks the mouse what time he's leaving his hole, and whatever the hour, the circle guarding the mouse goes around that many times, counting aloud. Then the mouse has to make a run for it, and the cat chases it, if it is caught before it reaches the mousehole again, it's eaten. We had a blast.
Later that night, everyone had gone back to their houses, except for Uriel and his friends, and Manuela who was running the store. It was probably 6 or 6:30. So, I stayed with Manuela and she and I talked for near on two hours. It was such a blessing, and it made my heart so full, so whole, to listen to her. To hear what the Project, Cheryl, and we "Americanos" who come work, mean to her, and to her life. To learn about her life before the Project, and all that she has been through and experienced. This woman impresses me so much. She has such a deep faith, and is so humble. She is more generous than most of the people I have ever met, and yet she has so little to give, except her love and her time. She works hard to provide for her family, and also to serve whoever needs it. I feel her giving spirit everyday, whether she's feeding me, or giving me her seat, or making sure I am well and have everything I need. I see her apparent generosity when she is serving everyone else as well, her husband, children, son-in-laws, grandchildren, the teachers, the school, the students, her neighbors... she does it with a smile on her face, and always thinking of others before herself. Talking to her that night meant so much to me.
I was surprised to find out from Charito the next night (Cheryl came to the Project Wednesday night, and we had a little party with food and games and a piñata to celebrate everything she has done for them... they also honored me, which was so touching) that Manuela had told her the same... she, too, had really enjoyed our conversation Tuesday night. That shot my spirit to the skies. My presence at Chacocente is making a difference, I am having a positive effect on these people's lives (and not just in a classroom...) although I assure you, the impact Chacocente is having on mine is significantly greater.
I haven't written in awhile I know, and I have learned that many people have been waiting anxiously for an update. So, here you are... I hope it was well worth the wait. I know for me what is encompassed in this blog reflects the best days I have had in Nicaragua yet... I hope you, too can feel my joy as I attempt to accurately and fully relate my fulfilling experiences.
Since I have last written, I have stayed the night at Project Chacocente twice. This simple thing is what has really made Chacocente my home, and its people my family. Mi mamá Nicaraguense is Manuela. She is married to Marcos and has 10 children (the last 5 are Marcos' children, too... the first five are from Manuela's first husband): Veronica, Jasmina, Pepé, Karyn, Uriel, Madelin, David, Darlin, Máycool, and Tatiana. Veronica is married to José Luis and has a daughter, Yamada. Jasmina is married to Rodolfo and has six children: Edwin, Gabriel, Nelson, Eva, Eveling, and Esperanza. Pepé doesn't live at the Project. Karyn is married to Juan Carlos and they have four children: Katherin, Andrea, Alinson, and Adriana. Uriel is 19, and he is my closest friend at the Project, I love to hang out with him and talk about everything. Madelin is 15, in her first year of secandario (High School). She is my roomate when I stay there, and we talk to each other about everything. David is 13... oh David. He's in 6th grade and one of my absolute favorite students. He's smart and funny, so caring and helpful... and is trying to learn English. He's really motivated, and could honestly succeed in life. Darlin is 11, she is really talented with music class, and probably the best student I have in that. She is also always out for a good time, she's fun and loud and has awesome hair (it's just like mine!). Máycool (Michael) is 7. He is so sweet, and talks with a lisp. I just love him, he's the one I wrote about in my last blog - and is so cute. The other night we were watching some silly action film before bed. He had seen it before, and every other second he was saying: "¡Mire Rebekah!" ("Look!") it was so funny. "Look at this... watch this... this is going to happen..." It was like watching a movie with my little brother. Finally there is Tatiana, she is 6. She has a lot of older brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews (most of them are older than her) looking out for her, and I think that can sometimes be stressful on her too. But she's a happy little thing, and loves to play games with me.
The house I stay in has 3 rooms, and two front doors. The main room has 3 beds, a table, a few shelves, a small television, and ironing board, three plastic chairs, and one rocking chair; the room that the other front door enters into is Madelin's room. It has two beds, a desk, and some shelves, and a small stereo, it's only door is to outside. This is my bedroom when I stay there, when I'm not there I don't really know who shares it with her, but I'm taking someone's bed. The third room is a long room, not very wide, but it is the length of the house, and it has the shower in it, and a couple shelves and a table. Behind the house outside, there's a makeshift overhang under which is the kitchen. The outhouse is also outback - complete with a telephone book for toilet paper! Materialistically, they are poor... but this family is so rich in love and care I cannot describe it in words.
The other night I was headed to bed at the Project, and as I was entering the room I noticed it was filled with smoke. I was wondering to myself why as Madelin came out with a shovelful of fire! This was what I call a "third world whoa!" What she had been doing was warming up our beds, by putting the fire underneath them, as well as smoking out the mosquitos. This isn't exactly a ritual we are accustomed to, so it surprised me at first, but it wasn't something that needed explained to me, because its purpose was obvious.
My classes have been going well. They've been rewarding,frustrating, exciting, annoying, thrilling, etc. But it's not excitement for my classes that gets me out of bed at 5:30 every morning to get ready, and take three buses, and a 2 km bike ride to the Project. It's the people that I get to be with when I arrive. Riding, or walking, into the Project is one of my favorite parts of the day. As I pass each house, or each person I receive an excited greeting... regardless of whether it's a "student" or if it's a parent. They all wish me good morning with the same happiness and enthusiasm. This makes me feel like I am coming home, every day that I go to work. When I get to La Casona (the big house) where Manuela's Pulpería is, and now Rosaura's Librería (it's a school supply store). I get to see my Nicaraguan mom, and usually Karyn and Veronica too. Visiting and conversing outside of La Casona is how I spend nearly every break, and lunchtime in my day.
Oh, so much has happened in the past couple weeks, I wish I could share everything in detail. But last night I was journaling and I covered 24 pages for just 3 days. It took me about 2 hours to write! I guess I will share a couple of stories...
When I stayed the night on Tuesday at Chacocente. It was probably about 5:00 pm, and starting to get dark. Manuela, Karyn, Rosaura, Uriel and some of his friends, and a handful of kids were all down at La Casona. I was dragged by Tatiana, Darlin, Katherin, Andrea, Alinson, Deyvín, and Adrianita to play games. We played "Tía Monica" it's a silly song where you stand in a circle, and one person is Aunt Monica, and then we all sing and dance... "Yo tengo una Tía, una Tía Monica y cuando va de compras, me dice, 'hola-la'..." it goes on and on. I also learned "Ratóncito, Ratóncito". This one one person is the mouse, and the other is the cat. Everyone else stands in a circle holding hands guarding the mouse. Then the cat and the mouse have a conversation, the cat asks the mouse what time he's leaving his hole, and whatever the hour, the circle guarding the mouse goes around that many times, counting aloud. Then the mouse has to make a run for it, and the cat chases it, if it is caught before it reaches the mousehole again, it's eaten. We had a blast.
Later that night, everyone had gone back to their houses, except for Uriel and his friends, and Manuela who was running the store. It was probably 6 or 6:30. So, I stayed with Manuela and she and I talked for near on two hours. It was such a blessing, and it made my heart so full, so whole, to listen to her. To hear what the Project, Cheryl, and we "Americanos" who come work, mean to her, and to her life. To learn about her life before the Project, and all that she has been through and experienced. This woman impresses me so much. She has such a deep faith, and is so humble. She is more generous than most of the people I have ever met, and yet she has so little to give, except her love and her time. She works hard to provide for her family, and also to serve whoever needs it. I feel her giving spirit everyday, whether she's feeding me, or giving me her seat, or making sure I am well and have everything I need. I see her apparent generosity when she is serving everyone else as well, her husband, children, son-in-laws, grandchildren, the teachers, the school, the students, her neighbors... she does it with a smile on her face, and always thinking of others before herself. Talking to her that night meant so much to me.
I was surprised to find out from Charito the next night (Cheryl came to the Project Wednesday night, and we had a little party with food and games and a piñata to celebrate everything she has done for them... they also honored me, which was so touching) that Manuela had told her the same... she, too, had really enjoyed our conversation Tuesday night. That shot my spirit to the skies. My presence at Chacocente is making a difference, I am having a positive effect on these people's lives (and not just in a classroom...) although I assure you, the impact Chacocente is having on mine is significantly greater.
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