The first week

I can't believe it has already been a whole week in El Sauce! I've already done and seen so many new things- its such a good experience! I have to travel to San Jose every afternoon to help with the adult elementary level classes, and I tutor a woman, Yamilet, on Mondays and Wednesdays. I've only gone to do that once so far, the second time will be today, but I really enjoyed it and felt like she was learning and I was actually helping, which was gratifying. Hopefully today when I go I can set up tutoring with more people. I also get to go with Eddy sometimes to talk to other teachers surrounding San Jose or in other little towns nearby, which always proves to be an exciting experience, especially because he is so chatty and curious about the US.

On Friday I went with Kellan and Yacarely to Ocotal, which was another awesome experience. The views are gorgeous up there! We had a meeting with the Eco-tourism cooperative Saturday morning, which was really long but interesting to see how everything there works. Then we had to walk down the mountain, which took 3 1/2 hours, since there was no transportation down on Saturdays. Needless to say, I slept well that night. I'm so lucky I chose the programs I did so that I get to travel more and see the surrounding areas of El Sauce!

In the evenings I don't have anything to do so I have been helping with the advanced adult Enligsh class. I really like doing that too, the people are so willing to learn and the activities are really fun.

Everything is going really well for me, I'm having such a great time learning new things and meeting new people. I also feel like I can understand people and communicate a lot easier, which is nice. I can't wait to see what will happen tomorrow!

The first days in Nicaragua

Today is the first full day in El Sauce. We arrived yesterday afternoon after staying in Managua for the first night, which was nice. The people have been really friendly and welcoming here, and very patient with our Spanish skills (or lack-there-of) which is helpful, but its still very intimidating.

I went to San Jose today to see the school and the teachers with whom I'll be working with, and to see Wes' house and talk about the garden and tree nursery that I will be helping him with. I liked the country side a lot, but the dirt roads filled with rocks was a little painful to travel on, since Kellan and I were on the back of motorcycles. It was fun, though, and hopefully I will be able to learn a lot and improve my Spanish skills while helping out in San Jose.

It is funny how everyone is always very late and no one seems to care, and that when it rains, everything stops. Now I have been waiting for the rain to stop for about two hours so that I can return with Eddie and Mario (the guys from "Yo Si Puedo" that will be taking me to San Jose) to return to observe my first class. Hopefully it will stop soon!

Getting Settled

My 3 days in Nicaragua so far have proved to be very adventurous! We spent our first night in Managua, getting a taste of the food, culture, and music. On the way to El Sauce there was so much to see and learn. We discussed the history and current state of political movements-and got to hear about the Cerro Negro Volcano.

When we got to El Sauce, the heat was intense and there was no running water. My family was so generous and welcoming, which comforted me in the transition from the States. Right now I would say that the most intimidating task ahead is overcoming the language barrier. With the help of my roommate we get by, but I hope to become more confident in by Spanish speaking abilities.

The food and people are amazing-very helpful with my poor sense of direction! I still can't believe I'm actually here! Today we began to develop our plans further and were submerged into the community. I am so excited about working with ninas in a sports program, along with teaching a beginners English class for adults in the evening for the next three weeks!