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.