The last week in El Sauce flew by. My programs went really well and it was hard to say good-bye to everyone that I had become such good friends with. I tried to take everything in as deeply as possible for one last time.
Now that I am home and officially done with my adventure in El Sauce, I know that I chose the perfect program for me. I have learned so much about another culture and grown into a more patient and independent person. I already miss everything about El Sauce, especially the people. This experience has definitely been one of the best in my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Hopefully I can go back some day in the not-too-distant future!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Week 1 in El Sauce
Week 1 in el Sauce was such an adventure! I am working in the Rural Community Health Posts with a doctor and nurse each day. The main health post that I go to, Puesto de Salud en Panales, consists of 5 rooms: one for the doctor’s desk and examination bed (1st small photo); a pharmacy room; a room with 2 cribs and a small desk for one of the nurses; a room with the desk for another nurse, patient files, and hanging scale to weigh babies (2nd small photo); and finally a rather empty room, which is more of a hallway for patients to wait inside if they chose to do so. The health care provided at the posts is a social service program. The medical services and treatments are free to the patients and the medical workers are paid by the government. I have proved to be more helpful so far by working alongside the nurse. I am able to see and hear the questions and responses of the nurse and patient, and during the consult, the nurse often repeats important or interesting information to me to make sure I have understood and noted the medical issue. To assist her, I take blood pressures, weigh the babies (or mothers on the adult scale), chart the percentile of the child’s weight to check for malnutrition, and retrieve the necessary medications for the patient from the pharmacy, as prescribed by the nurse or doctor.
We also travel to other places along the countryside to bring medical services to those who live far away from the city and have little means of transportation. To do so, the medical group (consisting of a doctor, 2 nurses, myself, and occasionally other community members or World Vision workers) travel in the back of a truck, often picking up individuals (usually women and their children) who are walking in the same direction or who are on their way to the health post already. One time there were 16 people, including myself, in the back of the truck and 3 people sitting in the front. The roads that these trucks ride over are so rutted and riddled with pot holes, often very steep, and include several creeks and large rocks that are ridden over by the truck, so the truck rides are quite an adventure! On the way to the countryside sites, we pass fields of the plants shown in the picture, which will be used to make sheets of paper.
This past week I worked in the health posts Monday through Thursday. Each day I would meet the doctor at the Health Center in el Sauce at 7:00am, we would take the bus or truck to our destination, and return to el Sauce around 2:30-5:30 depending on the sites we went to. Several times, I believe, the doctor continued to see patients at the center after we returned to the city and one night the doctor and nurse worked all night without sleep at a health clinic, and then met me again at 7:00am the next morning. After returning from the health posts, I return to the house where I am staying (the house of Ileana Rivera, her husband, her husband’s mother, her daughter, her granddaughter, and her son) to eat dinner at around 5:30pm. If I get back early enough, I try to get some reading done for the SPAN399 course or go the Geneseo office to use the internet. Then at 6:00pm I go the English class to help out those who want to learn the language. The English class runs from 6-8 and is one of the most fun parts of the day!
We also travel to other places along the countryside to bring medical services to those who live far away from the city and have little means of transportation. To do so, the medical group (consisting of a doctor, 2 nurses, myself, and occasionally other community members or World Vision workers) travel in the back of a truck, often picking up individuals (usually women and their children) who are walking in the same direction or who are on their way to the health post already. One time there were 16 people, including myself, in the back of the truck and 3 people sitting in the front. The roads that these trucks ride over are so rutted and riddled with pot holes, often very steep, and include several creeks and large rocks that are ridden over by the truck, so the truck rides are quite an adventure! On the way to the countryside sites, we pass fields of the plants shown in the picture, which will be used to make sheets of paper.
This past week I worked in the health posts Monday through Thursday. Each day I would meet the doctor at the Health Center in el Sauce at 7:00am, we would take the bus or truck to our destination, and return to el Sauce around 2:30-5:30 depending on the sites we went to. Several times, I believe, the doctor continued to see patients at the center after we returned to the city and one night the doctor and nurse worked all night without sleep at a health clinic, and then met me again at 7:00am the next morning. After returning from the health posts, I return to the house where I am staying (the house of Ileana Rivera, her husband, her husband’s mother, her daughter, her granddaughter, and her son) to eat dinner at around 5:30pm. If I get back early enough, I try to get some reading done for the SPAN399 course or go the Geneseo office to use the internet. Then at 6:00pm I go the English class to help out those who want to learn the language. The English class runs from 6-8 and is one of the most fun parts of the day!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Final Blog
I cannot believe that I am nearing the end of my third and final week here in El Sauce. The time has went by so fast, I feel as if I only just arrived here. My last week here as been really good and it was a great ending to my experience in El Sauce.
Last weekend we went to Granada, it was so nice to see another place in Nicaragua. The weekend was a lot of fun and we saw so many things! We stayed in a really cool hostel and on Saturday we went swimming and kayaking in a crater lake. The next day we went to a market for a few minutes and then drove to the top of a volcano. These were all new experiences for me and they were amazing to see firsthand.
This week was also full of great memories. I had my last day of teaching English at San Luis elementary school, I was so sad to leave. All of the students and teachers were so nice and it was such a great work environment. The kids all hugged me goodbye, and tried to say farewells in English, which made me particularly proud.
The graduation party for the women of Cerro Colorado was also this past Tuesday. Dani helped me prepare decorations and go shopping for party supplies on Monday. I also ordered a cake for the women and made certificates of training to hand out during the ceremony. On Tuesday we decorated and set up the party and watched the ceremony. Two girls did a traditional folk dance which was so interesting to watch. There was also a group prayer and a ceremony to hand out the certificates. The party went great and it was a nice opportunity to take lots of pictures for my catalogue.
Overall my time in El Sauce has been well spent. I feel that I have made a difference while also enjoying my time here. It was really important to me to become involved in the community and make an effort to talk and get to know the people, and it really enriched my time here. I have had so many new experiences, and an overall great trip.
Last weekend we went to Granada, it was so nice to see another place in Nicaragua. The weekend was a lot of fun and we saw so many things! We stayed in a really cool hostel and on Saturday we went swimming and kayaking in a crater lake. The next day we went to a market for a few minutes and then drove to the top of a volcano. These were all new experiences for me and they were amazing to see firsthand.
This week was also full of great memories. I had my last day of teaching English at San Luis elementary school, I was so sad to leave. All of the students and teachers were so nice and it was such a great work environment. The kids all hugged me goodbye, and tried to say farewells in English, which made me particularly proud.
The graduation party for the women of Cerro Colorado was also this past Tuesday. Dani helped me prepare decorations and go shopping for party supplies on Monday. I also ordered a cake for the women and made certificates of training to hand out during the ceremony. On Tuesday we decorated and set up the party and watched the ceremony. Two girls did a traditional folk dance which was so interesting to watch. There was also a group prayer and a ceremony to hand out the certificates. The party went great and it was a nice opportunity to take lots of pictures for my catalogue.
Overall my time in El Sauce has been well spent. I feel that I have made a difference while also enjoying my time here. It was really important to me to become involved in the community and make an effort to talk and get to know the people, and it really enriched my time here. I have had so many new experiences, and an overall great trip.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Only 9 Days left....
It´s been a while since I´ve had the time to sit down and work at a computer for any extended amount of time. The 2nd group has arrived, and I´ve transitioned to a new project for the remaining weeks.
Looking back on my first 3 weeks, with the physical education classes, the sports program for girls and the English class at night, I could not have happier. I got really good at thinking on my toes and being as goofy as possible to overcome the language barrier at times. I got really close with the kids and teachers at San Luis, making me feel part of the community in El Sauce. Even now as I have begun the dental program, I still get yells from the street saying Adios Profa¨ which brings a smile to my face.
The English class for beginner adults has also been a rewarding experience. With a steady 14 people in our class, I get so excited with their eagerness to give presentations about their families, friends, work, free time, and other interests. They have made me feel welcomed and now after class we go out to socialize and get to know each other better. Needless to say, the obstacles which I thought would hold me back such as the Spanish and heat have proven to be irrelevant.
For the second three weeks, I have been working with Ally on the dental program which she prepared while at Geneseo. Colgate representatives gave a great lecture in El Sauce for over 200 teachers which was really fun to be a part of. The thing I´ve learned the most is that the kids really need this program and want to take care of their teeth. My favorite memory this week is from Tuesday after an 80 minute bike ride to a country school. When we got their the room was filled with over 115 students. Although it wasn't quite as we planned, we made it work and we able to give enough energy for everyone there.
With only a little more than a week left in El Sauce, my heart is having a harder time when it comes to preparing to leave. I can´t bring myself to dealing with the reality that pretty soon El Sauce will no longer be my home. Until that time, I try not to take a single moment for granted and absorb all I can.
Looking back on my first 3 weeks, with the physical education classes, the sports program for girls and the English class at night, I could not have happier. I got really good at thinking on my toes and being as goofy as possible to overcome the language barrier at times. I got really close with the kids and teachers at San Luis, making me feel part of the community in El Sauce. Even now as I have begun the dental program, I still get yells from the street saying Adios Profa¨ which brings a smile to my face.
The English class for beginner adults has also been a rewarding experience. With a steady 14 people in our class, I get so excited with their eagerness to give presentations about their families, friends, work, free time, and other interests. They have made me feel welcomed and now after class we go out to socialize and get to know each other better. Needless to say, the obstacles which I thought would hold me back such as the Spanish and heat have proven to be irrelevant.
For the second three weeks, I have been working with Ally on the dental program which she prepared while at Geneseo. Colgate representatives gave a great lecture in El Sauce for over 200 teachers which was really fun to be a part of. The thing I´ve learned the most is that the kids really need this program and want to take care of their teeth. My favorite memory this week is from Tuesday after an 80 minute bike ride to a country school. When we got their the room was filled with over 115 students. Although it wasn't quite as we planned, we made it work and we able to give enough energy for everyone there.
With only a little more than a week left in El Sauce, my heart is having a harder time when it comes to preparing to leave. I can´t bring myself to dealing with the reality that pretty soon El Sauce will no longer be my home. Until that time, I try not to take a single moment for granted and absorb all I can.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The end of my second week!
I can’t believe my second week in El Sauce is coming to an end, it seems like it was just Monday morning. I have been very busy this week, and it has gone by so fast! On Monday I taught English classes at the elementary school and then worked on some of my plans for the basket project. On Tuesday it was the 25th anniversary of the church in El Sauce so all of the schools and government programs were closed. I spent the day traveling 3 hours to and 3 hours back to Managua with Kellan and Yacarely in order to buy things for the ecotourism project. We went to the market and quoted many prices before making our purchases. The day was very successful as we ended up buying 6 beds, a refrigerator, and an oven. It was nice to see Managua again but it was a very long day!
Yesterday I went up to Ocotal again to visit the women of Cerro Colorado. It was a great trip because I was able to see first hand how much effort they put into each basket. It was nice to see and meet all the different women, and it made me really happy that I will be able to help them through my project. Next Tuesday they are graduating from their training and I am organizing a party for them and making certificates and getting food! I am very excited to travel there again, and it will also give me a great opportunity to take pictures and find out more information for my catalogue.
I have been attending English classes for adults every night as well, I really enjoy them, everyone is so nice and they are so much fun! This weekend we are going to Granada, it is supposed to be beautiful and I am really looking forward to it!
Yesterday I went up to Ocotal again to visit the women of Cerro Colorado. It was a great trip because I was able to see first hand how much effort they put into each basket. It was nice to see and meet all the different women, and it made me really happy that I will be able to help them through my project. Next Tuesday they are graduating from their training and I am organizing a party for them and making certificates and getting food! I am very excited to travel there again, and it will also give me a great opportunity to take pictures and find out more information for my catalogue.
I have been attending English classes for adults every night as well, I really enjoy them, everyone is so nice and they are so much fun! This weekend we are going to Granada, it is supposed to be beautiful and I am really looking forward to it!
Well, I was having some difficulties, but now I am finally able to post to this blog! Week two is almost over and I feel like we only arrived in El Sauce a few days ago. I am really enjoying life here, despite the heat. I started my days here by working with Juan Pablo on the four walls project, as well as doing my literacy project in the afternoon. I really enjoyed being able to help build a house for a man and his expecting wife, and despite the tiny size of the home (no more than 6' x 10') it will help them stay dry during the rainy season. After all, it rains here just about every night. It is amazing how hospitable and kind everyone here is despite the immense poverty that they face. The woman whose' home we were constructing would always give us coffee, sweet bread, and soda. Moreover, in the english class at night everyone is happy and laughing, no matter how much money they have. I have really enjoyed talking with the people of El Sauce since I have been here. Everyone is glad to engage in conversation and patient when you have trouble communicating. I am really glad that I am finally getting an opportunity to practice my spanish and I think I am getting by just fine.
Yesterday, Allie and I had a long and enlightening conversation with her host mom about the revolution and the current political situation here. She spoke about the 0bligatory service that all Nicaraguans had to the country during those years when we were funding the Contras. She also explained how frustrated and saddened she is that the country is not currently progressing politically due to the pact between the two major political parties, which makes it nearly impossible for the system to change. Just being here less than two weeks, I care enough about Nicaragua and its citizens that I am very displeased with the current political landscape. Hopefully Geneseo's initiatives here will help to relieve some of the poverty around El Sauce. Particularly, I think the tourist program in Ocotal will be very helpful to the local economy, as it is a great opportunity. now i am running out of batteries and i am going to quickly post this.
Yesterday, Allie and I had a long and enlightening conversation with her host mom about the revolution and the current political situation here. She spoke about the 0bligatory service that all Nicaraguans had to the country during those years when we were funding the Contras. She also explained how frustrated and saddened she is that the country is not currently progressing politically due to the pact between the two major political parties, which makes it nearly impossible for the system to change. Just being here less than two weeks, I care enough about Nicaragua and its citizens that I am very displeased with the current political landscape. Hopefully Geneseo's initiatives here will help to relieve some of the poverty around El Sauce. Particularly, I think the tourist program in Ocotal will be very helpful to the local economy, as it is a great opportunity. now i am running out of batteries and i am going to quickly post this.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
First week
I am finally finished with my first full week here in El Sauce. Things are going well so far. I am still adjusting to the unpredictable and laid-back nature here, but it is coming along well. I am working with the dentist in the mornings in the "centro de salud". Today he told me that one day next week we will be going to the Rio Grande community health post. I am looking forward to seeing what these posts are like in comparison to the clinic in town. I am also working at Ruben Dario, an elementary school doing an arts and sports program with Corey. The students are very enthusiastic and mostly cooperative with what we have planned for the day. They really seem to enjoy playing outside on the basketball courts. They frequently don't have school, but I am excited to go back and work with the students some more.
This past weekend, all of us students went to Ocotal, a small community at the top of the mountains. This was a very new and exciting experience. There was no electricity and all of our host families were very isolated from one another. We got to ride on horseback to coffee farms and homes to make tortillas on Saturday. My favorite was the coffee farms, as I never knew how coffee was made, even though I do enjoy a daily cup of coffee. The people that live in this community seem completely self-sufficient which is something that is not often seen in this century. I was glad I was able to share a weekend in their shoes. I would love to go again sometime when the ecotourism project is fully completed.
We are currently in our second week here and I am looking forward to our trip this weekend to Granada. We will see how it goes! Hasta luego!
This past weekend, all of us students went to Ocotal, a small community at the top of the mountains. This was a very new and exciting experience. There was no electricity and all of our host families were very isolated from one another. We got to ride on horseback to coffee farms and homes to make tortillas on Saturday. My favorite was the coffee farms, as I never knew how coffee was made, even though I do enjoy a daily cup of coffee. The people that live in this community seem completely self-sufficient which is something that is not often seen in this century. I was glad I was able to share a weekend in their shoes. I would love to go again sometime when the ecotourism project is fully completed.
We are currently in our second week here and I am looking forward to our trip this weekend to Granada. We will see how it goes! Hasta luego!
Monday, June 15, 2009
My First Week!
My first week in El Sauce is over now, and it has been such a great experience. El Sauce has exposed me to so many new things and people; I am really enjoying learning about people’s lives here. I taught English at San Luis every morning last week in four different 40 minute classes, and I am really starting to enjoy teaching. I was a little bit nervous and didn’t know what to expect for my first few days of teaching. However, now I am accustomed to my schedule and have met so many wonderful kids! I am really enjoying getting to know them better and having fun with my lessons.
This past weekend we all traveled up to a mountain community in Ocotal. We went on a beautiful hike Friday to the top of the mountain and then proceeded to meet with our host families for the weekend. Sarah and I stayed with the nicest family; they were very curious about our lives and so easy to talk to. The next day we traveled on horseback and went on a coffee tour and saw how tortillas were made. Saturday was such a great experience for me as it was my first time for so many things; it ended up being a great day! On Sunday morning Sarah and I woke up really early to milk cows with our host dad and make tortillas with the mom before we left for El Sauce at 9am.
The weekend was great and it was easy to jump back into life in El sauce as I am much more comfortable now. I love my host mother; she is so sweet and will help you with anything. She is also very patient when we speak, although I do feel a greater improvement in my Spanish already. Today I started working on prototype catalogues for the basket program as I am traveling there on Wednesday to meet all the people in order to better help market the product. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
This past weekend we all traveled up to a mountain community in Ocotal. We went on a beautiful hike Friday to the top of the mountain and then proceeded to meet with our host families for the weekend. Sarah and I stayed with the nicest family; they were very curious about our lives and so easy to talk to. The next day we traveled on horseback and went on a coffee tour and saw how tortillas were made. Saturday was such a great experience for me as it was my first time for so many things; it ended up being a great day! On Sunday morning Sarah and I woke up really early to milk cows with our host dad and make tortillas with the mom before we left for El Sauce at 9am.
The weekend was great and it was easy to jump back into life in El sauce as I am much more comfortable now. I love my host mother; she is so sweet and will help you with anything. She is also very patient when we speak, although I do feel a greater improvement in my Spanish already. Today I started working on prototype catalogues for the basket program as I am traveling there on Wednesday to meet all the people in order to better help market the product. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
2 weeks left!
This past week has been amazing. It is fun having a big group of volunteers here, and they all seem to be enjoying their time as much as I am. Monday and Tuesday I went with Eddie and Mario from MINED (ministry of education) to two other schools and also to San Jose again and got more people for me to tutor. I am excited this week and next week to get to help out at the other two schools and to tutor a few new people!
Wednesday I went to Ocotal to plan and plant the garden. Yacarely and I loaded the truck with 8 boxes worth of plants for the occasion. The truck that took us up there ended up getting stuck about 25 minutes walking distance form where we needed to go because it was raining pretty heavily on the dirt road and the tires didn't have the best of traction. Luckily, a man we knew rode by on his horse and sent a message up to the garden group (who was waiting for us to arrive to help carry the plants to the location) and they walked down and helped carry the boxes of plants up the mountain. It was great teamwork and no one seemed to mind the rain or mud or steep walk at all. But then again, everyone I've met from Ocotal doesn't seem to mind any frustrating experience at all, they take everything as it comes. Its amazing.
Thursday we got to planting. At first it was hard to decide where to put everything, and everyone had their own ideas, but we worked it out. By the end, the people kept asking my opinion on where things should go. "Amandita, what do you think?" The people up there all call me Amandita now. I feel like its a nickname of endearment and it makes me feel good like they have accepted me into their lives.
Friday the rest of the group came up for our weekend tour. We were greeted with snacks and drinks and a mariachi band. Then we hiked up the mountain to the top and saw the most amazing views ever. The mariachi band even came up and played for us at the top. Then we hiked back down and spent the evening with our host families. The father that Danielle and I stayed with, Emiliano, was so friendly and curious about our lives in the US. He asked a million questions, like whether we have chickens or fruit trees at our houses and about snow and cars. He told us about his dream to go to America to work and bring back money to help better his family's lives. Emiliano and his family were amazing.
Saturday, we rode horses to a coffee farm and learned all about the process of making coffee. Its a lot more complicated then I thought, and they do it with such little technology its amazing. Then we learned how to make the tortillas, a main staple in the diet of Nicaraguans. The people on Ocotal love to share everything they have- a trait that we could all learn from. The whole day, and weekend in general, was one of the best experiences I've had so far.
Wednesday I went to Ocotal to plan and plant the garden. Yacarely and I loaded the truck with 8 boxes worth of plants for the occasion. The truck that took us up there ended up getting stuck about 25 minutes walking distance form where we needed to go because it was raining pretty heavily on the dirt road and the tires didn't have the best of traction. Luckily, a man we knew rode by on his horse and sent a message up to the garden group (who was waiting for us to arrive to help carry the plants to the location) and they walked down and helped carry the boxes of plants up the mountain. It was great teamwork and no one seemed to mind the rain or mud or steep walk at all. But then again, everyone I've met from Ocotal doesn't seem to mind any frustrating experience at all, they take everything as it comes. Its amazing.
Thursday we got to planting. At first it was hard to decide where to put everything, and everyone had their own ideas, but we worked it out. By the end, the people kept asking my opinion on where things should go. "Amandita, what do you think?" The people up there all call me Amandita now. I feel like its a nickname of endearment and it makes me feel good like they have accepted me into their lives.
Friday the rest of the group came up for our weekend tour. We were greeted with snacks and drinks and a mariachi band. Then we hiked up the mountain to the top and saw the most amazing views ever. The mariachi band even came up and played for us at the top. Then we hiked back down and spent the evening with our host families. The father that Danielle and I stayed with, Emiliano, was so friendly and curious about our lives in the US. He asked a million questions, like whether we have chickens or fruit trees at our houses and about snow and cars. He told us about his dream to go to America to work and bring back money to help better his family's lives. Emiliano and his family were amazing.
Saturday, we rode horses to a coffee farm and learned all about the process of making coffee. Its a lot more complicated then I thought, and they do it with such little technology its amazing. Then we learned how to make the tortillas, a main staple in the diet of Nicaraguans. The people on Ocotal love to share everything they have- a trait that we could all learn from. The whole day, and weekend in general, was one of the best experiences I've had so far.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
hola a todos!
Everyone has told me that el sauce is an incredible experience but I couldn't really picture what it was like until i actually got here. As meaghan had posted previously, once arriving in el sauce, we drilled Kellan, Vanessa and Yacarely for specifics about what we would be doing at every specific time of the day (disregarding all of their advice that in el sauce, one needs to be flexible with schedules).
I spent the first day at the colgate conference with all the teachers. It was really cool to be here and see how everything all came together for the project. Kellan and Yacarely worked so hard to bring all of this together and it was so cool to see the impact of the work that I did with Dr. McEwen and Paula Bill (Thankssss) at geneseo in el sauce. The colgate meeting was held in Mi Rancho (a local disco/bar) and there were over 200 teachers there (I will put the pictures below). This was my first experience with the heat of El Sauce and it was quite an experience. I am working on building a tolerance and applying sunblock more often.
Anyway, so i've been here for 4 full days in El Sauce and I really like it here. Once you get over the first day or two of being a bit awkward with your host family and getting used to how to take showers here, it really is a lot of fun. I love my host family and talk with them any chance I get. I feel like my spanish is already improving quite a bit (i just need to get out of the habit of only using the present tense). I know everyone has said it and I will say it again: Los saucenos are extremely friendly and Kellan and Yacarely are so accommodating. The first week is almost over and I already can't wait for the next!
I spent the first day at the colgate conference with all the teachers. It was really cool to be here and see how everything all came together for the project. Kellan and Yacarely worked so hard to bring all of this together and it was so cool to see the impact of the work that I did with Dr. McEwen and Paula Bill (Thankssss) at geneseo in el sauce. The colgate meeting was held in Mi Rancho (a local disco/bar) and there were over 200 teachers there (I will put the pictures below). This was my first experience with the heat of El Sauce and it was quite an experience. I am working on building a tolerance and applying sunblock more often.
Anyway, so i've been here for 4 full days in El Sauce and I really like it here. Once you get over the first day or two of being a bit awkward with your host family and getting used to how to take showers here, it really is a lot of fun. I love my host family and talk with them any chance I get. I feel like my spanish is already improving quite a bit (i just need to get out of the habit of only using the present tense). I know everyone has said it and I will say it again: Los saucenos are extremely friendly and Kellan and Yacarely are so accommodating. The first week is almost over and I already can't wait for the next!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
First few days!
Hola from El Sauce! I arrived with the second session on Saturday night after a few plane issues. We spent the first night in a nice little hotel in Mangua. We spent the entire ride to the hotel and time before bed asking Kellan questions. I immediately noticed that the temperature was a lot warmer than in Buffalo and was going to take some time getting used to.
In the morning, we met Vanessa who was leaving after the first session. She was staying with the host family I was moving into, so I was able to ask her a lot of questions which she gladly answered. Once Kellan arrived, we took a took of Managua. On this tour, we learned a lot about the history of Nicaragua and met Yacarely for the first time. One of our stops was at a look out on top of a small mountain, and here all of us students went zip lining. It was such a great experience! We were all able to have a fun and new adventure together, which helped us all meet and get to know the group better.
After the hour drive to El Sauce, we finally arrived at our host families. I am staying with Corey, antoher Geneseo student and we are living with Xiomara. She is very nice and hospitable. She cares for two children, Alejandro who is 5 and Marcello who is 3. They seem very excited to have us here and are always fun to play with and talk to.
The first few days were getting to know our way around El Sauce. We went on a tour with some of the training tour guides and got accuainted with the Geneseo office. It is nice to know I have a place to call a second home here.
On Monday, a few of us went to a Colgate training session with Kellan and Yacarely in which all the teachers in El Sauce were trained on dental hygiene education. The dentist, Dr. Garcia, attended and all the schools were closed, so I was unable to start my actual programs. However, this allowed me another day to get better accuainted with these new surroundings. At night, I helped Mandy and Yacarely with the advanced english class with a few of the other new students. Having such enthuiastic students who were interested in learning with some additional singing and dancing really was a great ending to the day.
Today was my first day with the dentist and it went smoothly. Though there is a definte language barrier, as Dr. Garcia speaks no english. However, he made sure to use terms that I understood when he explained the patients conditions to me. He seemed very open to my presence and was a very good teacher. His office is also completely different than offices in the United States because he is in a free public clinic. His office consists of 2 small rooms, one with a chair and one for paper work. He also needs to work around limited supplies and no running water during the day, which is a task he has adapted to very well. He extracted 27 teeth from 20 patients in 3 and a half hours! I am excited to go back tomorrow and see more.
We will see what happens the rest of the week when the schools are finally back in session so I can help with my other project of teaching arts and sports to students.
In the morning, we met Vanessa who was leaving after the first session. She was staying with the host family I was moving into, so I was able to ask her a lot of questions which she gladly answered. Once Kellan arrived, we took a took of Managua. On this tour, we learned a lot about the history of Nicaragua and met Yacarely for the first time. One of our stops was at a look out on top of a small mountain, and here all of us students went zip lining. It was such a great experience! We were all able to have a fun and new adventure together, which helped us all meet and get to know the group better.
After the hour drive to El Sauce, we finally arrived at our host families. I am staying with Corey, antoher Geneseo student and we are living with Xiomara. She is very nice and hospitable. She cares for two children, Alejandro who is 5 and Marcello who is 3. They seem very excited to have us here and are always fun to play with and talk to.
The first few days were getting to know our way around El Sauce. We went on a tour with some of the training tour guides and got accuainted with the Geneseo office. It is nice to know I have a place to call a second home here.
On Monday, a few of us went to a Colgate training session with Kellan and Yacarely in which all the teachers in El Sauce were trained on dental hygiene education. The dentist, Dr. Garcia, attended and all the schools were closed, so I was unable to start my actual programs. However, this allowed me another day to get better accuainted with these new surroundings. At night, I helped Mandy and Yacarely with the advanced english class with a few of the other new students. Having such enthuiastic students who were interested in learning with some additional singing and dancing really was a great ending to the day.
Today was my first day with the dentist and it went smoothly. Though there is a definte language barrier, as Dr. Garcia speaks no english. However, he made sure to use terms that I understood when he explained the patients conditions to me. He seemed very open to my presence and was a very good teacher. His office is also completely different than offices in the United States because he is in a free public clinic. His office consists of 2 small rooms, one with a chair and one for paper work. He also needs to work around limited supplies and no running water during the day, which is a task he has adapted to very well. He extracted 27 teeth from 20 patients in 3 and a half hours! I am excited to go back tomorrow and see more.
We will see what happens the rest of the week when the schools are finally back in session so I can help with my other project of teaching arts and sports to students.
New Arrivals!
I arrived in Managua with the second group of students on Saturday night. We stayed in Managua for the night and then traveled to El Sauce on Sunday to meet our host families. My host mother is actually the pen pal I had from Nicaragua in my Spanish 301 class, which was a nice surprise.
Everyone in El sauce is very nice, and willing to help you with anything. My Spanish needs a little work, as I am having a little difficulty understanding people. However, I am trying to practice and everyone is being very patient with my lack of language skills.
Yesterday I traveled to a community called tres puertas, about thirty minutes away on the back of a motorcycle. I observed the literacy class there and met all of the students; I am very excited to be able to help teach them soon. Then today I went to the children’s elementary school and taught four English classes to third and fourth graders. The kids were very cute and willing to learn, and tomorrow I am going to teach fifth and sixth grade kids.
So far my first few days have been great, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Everyone in El sauce is very nice, and willing to help you with anything. My Spanish needs a little work, as I am having a little difficulty understanding people. However, I am trying to practice and everyone is being very patient with my lack of language skills.
Yesterday I traveled to a community called tres puertas, about thirty minutes away on the back of a motorcycle. I observed the literacy class there and met all of the students; I am very excited to be able to help teach them soon. Then today I went to the children’s elementary school and taught four English classes to third and fourth graders. The kids were very cute and willing to learn, and tomorrow I am going to teach fifth and sixth grade kids.
So far my first few days have been great, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Half-Way Point
I can't believe this journey is half over! The new group arrived today, and I am excited to see them going through the process that I just went through.
This past week went really well, I feel like my tutoring with Yamilet in San Jose is actually making a difference, especially in math, and helping with the teachers in class is proving to be rewarding too because it turns out they need help understanding certain subjects as well.
Thursday was the last night of English class for the two girls who left this weekend, so the class decided to throw a surprise party for them. It was so nice and a lot of fun- singing and dancing and lots of food. It was also a good chance to get to know the students better and learn more about Nicaragua. For example, they taught me more about the war and politics here, and also about certain sayings and phrases that are commonly used here.
Friday Danielle and I went to Leon for the night and went volcano boarding at Cerro Negro on Saturday. It was a beautiful view and lots of fun! Our group was pretty roudy, with people from the states, from Holland, and from Spain. What an experience!
Tomorrow I am going with Eddy, from Yo Si Puedo, to a different town to see if I can help out with classes or tutoring there. I am excited because I think it will be a good experience to meet more people and try to help out in other places.
I am really looking forward to the next three weeks, but I hope they go slower than the past three because I don't feel ready to leave any time soon!
This past week went really well, I feel like my tutoring with Yamilet in San Jose is actually making a difference, especially in math, and helping with the teachers in class is proving to be rewarding too because it turns out they need help understanding certain subjects as well.
Thursday was the last night of English class for the two girls who left this weekend, so the class decided to throw a surprise party for them. It was so nice and a lot of fun- singing and dancing and lots of food. It was also a good chance to get to know the students better and learn more about Nicaragua. For example, they taught me more about the war and politics here, and also about certain sayings and phrases that are commonly used here.
Friday Danielle and I went to Leon for the night and went volcano boarding at Cerro Negro on Saturday. It was a beautiful view and lots of fun! Our group was pretty roudy, with people from the states, from Holland, and from Spain. What an experience!
Tomorrow I am going with Eddy, from Yo Si Puedo, to a different town to see if I can help out with classes or tutoring there. I am excited because I think it will be a good experience to meet more people and try to help out in other places.
I am really looking forward to the next three weeks, but I hope they go slower than the past three because I don't feel ready to leave any time soon!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Excursions
This week has been full of traveling. Wednesday I went with Kellan to Leon to quote prices for refrigerators, ovens/stoves, mattresses, and other things for the eco-tourism on Ocotal. The public transportation to get there was interesting, so many people jamming into a bus and people walking the isles from time to time selling snacks and drinks for the travelers.
Thursday we went to La Casita, a restaurant in Esteli that has a beautiful and huge garden like the one we hope to plant on the mountain. We got a lot of good ideas from the visit, and bought plants at a nearby store. The different plants were fun to pick out and I can't wait to start planting, hopefully tomorrow when Kellan and I go back to Ocotal.
Friday we went to Leon where we spent the night and went to the beach in the morning. Then we went to Masaya for Irene, a Peace Corps Volunteer, and her fiance Carlos' small wedding ceremony. It was interesting to see how ceremonies are performed here and learn more about the traditions.
Classes are going well. In my class in San Jose where I help with the 2nd level class I feel like a big help, especially when it comes to math-related topics, because the teacher isn't a trained teacher and doesn't always understand the problems. English class is also going well, I am learning a lot about different people in the class and the things they do, which has given me a better feel for El Sauce. I am learning a lot through the projects, and having a fun time doing it!
Thursday we went to La Casita, a restaurant in Esteli that has a beautiful and huge garden like the one we hope to plant on the mountain. We got a lot of good ideas from the visit, and bought plants at a nearby store. The different plants were fun to pick out and I can't wait to start planting, hopefully tomorrow when Kellan and I go back to Ocotal.
Friday we went to Leon where we spent the night and went to the beach in the morning. Then we went to Masaya for Irene, a Peace Corps Volunteer, and her fiance Carlos' small wedding ceremony. It was interesting to see how ceremonies are performed here and learn more about the traditions.
Classes are going well. In my class in San Jose where I help with the 2nd level class I feel like a big help, especially when it comes to math-related topics, because the teacher isn't a trained teacher and doesn't always understand the problems. English class is also going well, I am learning a lot about different people in the class and the things they do, which has given me a better feel for El Sauce. I am learning a lot through the projects, and having a fun time doing it!
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