Home is where the heart is.
Today marks my 14th day back in California. My heart is in my body, I feel fairly comfortable and “at home” in my skin. What am I talking about.
All work and no play makes days sad and gray.
Some fine folks have been hiring me to do things. Last week my brother-in-law's high school friend had me run errands for him, my aunt had me wrap Christmas presents, on Wednesday I did some house cleaning (and am doing some more tomorrow), and the mother of all odd-jobs...Grandpa Vern is paying me to type up a book of his poetry. I've also been able to spend plenty of time sitting around so don't worry my days aren't gray (just cold) and you can still have me do stuff for you.
When God shuts a door He opens a window.
On my last night in Nicaragua Lori and I wanted to go to the circus. Unfortunately, we got there late and they had already locked the doors. After standing outside pouting and looking and the miniature ponies for a few minuets we gave up and went to the fair. But lo and behold East Bay Regional Data had extra tickets to their company Christmas party and invited me (since I've worked there at least 30 hours this year). And guess where the party was. Cirque du Soleil. I was like a dream come true. I mean my only W in college was in tumbling so am impressed by a cart wheel, but they things they did were beyond amazing.
“There exist only three beings worthy of respect: the priest, the soldier, the poet. To know, to kill, to create.” -Charles Bauderlaire
Yes that is a stupid quote, but it is a nice transition into the topic of poetry. We had our 3rd annual Christmas Eve poetry contest this year. I got second place to my brother Joel. At least we didn't let Eric win again. For ridiculousness Grandpa Vern should have won with his drunk driving poem, but then he would have ended up with a plaque with a picture of himself. Definitely the poets in our family are not worthy of respect.
If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are planing on having a fantastic new year. I think I'm going to Huntington Beach on Tuesday for a few days so let me know if you're in that area.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Supplemental post regarding Joy's future
You: Why are you staying there?
Me: I get to have a maid, and a few other reasons.
For the majority of my past year here in Nicaragua, I have seen this December marking the end of my stay. As much as I love the school I was working at and Nicaragua in general, teaching lower elementary English is not something I particularly enjoy or feel gifted in. At the end of August during a lunch with my boss, he mentioned a possibility of a starting a new preschool that I could potentially direct. Although this is not what I'll be doing, my reaction to the suggestion caught me a little off guard; I wasn't kicking and screaming. I think that God used this conversation to open my eyes and heart to continuing my stay here.
Fast forward now to October. One night I was at Coffee with my friend Lori and she asked me if I had considered coming back to Nicaragua for 2008. I told her that I was not opposed to the idea if God provided a way for me to stay here. I knew that if I wanted to stay I could easily fill my time but wanted it to be clearly His leading- not me trying to manipulate things on my own. Basically I wanted Him to plop something in my lap; He did.
You: OK, get to the point.
Me: Hum...where to start...
Hallie and Kathy August are a missionary couple that moved to Nicaragua in 2002 and started, with Amanda Gutierez, El Saltero. El Saltero is a community center and sports complex that aims to serve two barrios: Cedro Galan and Chiquilistaga. Currently the complex is basketball courts, a baseball field, soccer field, volleyball court, 2000 square-foot ranchon (covered, open-air multi purpose room with kitchen), computer lab, and library.
The complex is used for neighborhood Nicaraguan sports teams to practice and compete on and for kids to play at. It also can be reserved for churches to use for day retreats and is currently used to host a weekly youth group.
One area in the August's vision that is still seriously lacking is the education center. They have buildings for a computer lab and library but do not have the manpower to get these to be fully functioning. The computer lab is equipped with computers and was opened for a few hours a day but the lady that was supervising it no longer is able to so the lab is locked up. The library is a whole other story. There is a room and some boxes of books but a lot needs to be done before it can be opened to the community. In steps Joy. Hello, I was an Organizational Studies major (like that matters), love books, and have read The Book on the Bookshelf. So yeah put those three things together and I am in totally over my head again. But, add the grace of God and it's in the bag.
You: So what will you be doing?
Me: I'm getting there.
The Augusts are hoping to be able to open one of the few community lending libraries in the country. My main project will be organizing the books on to the shelves with room for expansion and setting up a system for people to take books home. My hope in this is not to become a life long Nicaraguan librarian but to create a clearly defined, yet flexible, system that later can be run by locals. Since this isn't something I've done before I don't know how long it will take. Right now I am estimating ten months because that would take me up to next Christmas and that seems like a good time to go home to the states.
This project will be what I am mostly working on when I return to Nicaragua, but there are some other things too. Along with this property, the Augusts have a pre-school and feeding center that I am invited to serve in as my schedule permits. Also on the property there are dorms for short term teams to stay at and I may be helping with that, especially as they will be helping me. Unrelatedly, I will be part-time, co-teaching a domestic-arts class at the NCA (where my roommates teach). The class is twelve juniors and seniors and I am excited to be able to be able to pass on my sewing, baking, personal budgeting, and event planning skills to them. Oh, and I hope to still help out with my current boss Matthew, either at the school one day a week or with his other projects. I know this may seem like a lot but most of it is open for flexibility as my schedule permits and God guides.
You: So what does that make you?
Me: Joy
As I am anticipating this change in my life, there is little that is known. I know that God loves me and that His desire is for me is that “the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in [me] (2 Thess. 1:120),” wherever I am living. I am not considering myself a missionary, because I don't know what that means or what you think that means. I will be serving Nicaraguans and building relationships with them and, much like I would be doing if I were in the States, aiming at making the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in the sight of the Lord (Psalm 19:14). So pretty much, yes, this is me living in another country, being me, whatever that entails.
I also know that things cost money and besides a few possible tutoring jobs, I won't be raking in the dough here. So these next two months of life in the States (December 15-Mid February), I will be working to earn enough money to support myself while I am in Nicaragua (this should not be impossible as living in Nicaragua isn’t too expensive and I’m cheap!). Since two months isn’t enough time to go out and get a real job, I am offering you a once in a lifetime (at least for now) opportunity to hire me to work for you. I'm not sure what you need done but I've assembled a list of possibilities (and have excellent references if you need them). If you live out side of Northern California I am willing to travel if it is reasonable Top three reasons to hire me: the job gets done, you get to see me, it's tax deductible.
For the Home:
-Cooking
-Cleaning
-Sewing buttons
-Child care (if really that is the only option)
-Old people care
-Driving
-Shopping/Returning Christmas gifts
-Organizing
-Striping wallpaper
-Washing cars
-Putting up (for procrastinators) or taking down Christmas decorations
-Redoing your address book (that's what I'm doing for my mom)
-Sending out your family updates (you could either send me pertinent information or I can make stuff up)
-Pulling weeds
-Reading
For the Office:
-Cleaning storage closets
-Filing
-Paper clipping
-Stuffing envelopes
-Making secret shopper calls (thank you WAMU)
-Basic computer stuff: Burning CD's, Word, Excel, MySpace
-Counting trees (That's what I did last Christmas for my brother-in-law)
For Homeless and Officeless people
-Drinking Coffee
-Walking (you know, like a walk-a-thon)
-Talking on the phone
-Painting nails
-Writing love poems
-Hanging out
-Pretty much whatever you can think of
Thank you for taking the time to read this, let me know how I can help you in the next few months.
Me: I get to have a maid, and a few other reasons.
For the majority of my past year here in Nicaragua, I have seen this December marking the end of my stay. As much as I love the school I was working at and Nicaragua in general, teaching lower elementary English is not something I particularly enjoy or feel gifted in. At the end of August during a lunch with my boss, he mentioned a possibility of a starting a new preschool that I could potentially direct. Although this is not what I'll be doing, my reaction to the suggestion caught me a little off guard; I wasn't kicking and screaming. I think that God used this conversation to open my eyes and heart to continuing my stay here.
Fast forward now to October. One night I was at Coffee with my friend Lori and she asked me if I had considered coming back to Nicaragua for 2008. I told her that I was not opposed to the idea if God provided a way for me to stay here. I knew that if I wanted to stay I could easily fill my time but wanted it to be clearly His leading- not me trying to manipulate things on my own. Basically I wanted Him to plop something in my lap; He did.
You: OK, get to the point.
Me: Hum...where to start...
Hallie and Kathy August are a missionary couple that moved to Nicaragua in 2002 and started, with Amanda Gutierez, El Saltero. El Saltero is a community center and sports complex that aims to serve two barrios: Cedro Galan and Chiquilistaga. Currently the complex is basketball courts, a baseball field, soccer field, volleyball court, 2000 square-foot ranchon (covered, open-air multi purpose room with kitchen), computer lab, and library.
The complex is used for neighborhood Nicaraguan sports teams to practice and compete on and for kids to play at. It also can be reserved for churches to use for day retreats and is currently used to host a weekly youth group.
One area in the August's vision that is still seriously lacking is the education center. They have buildings for a computer lab and library but do not have the manpower to get these to be fully functioning. The computer lab is equipped with computers and was opened for a few hours a day but the lady that was supervising it no longer is able to so the lab is locked up. The library is a whole other story. There is a room and some boxes of books but a lot needs to be done before it can be opened to the community. In steps Joy. Hello, I was an Organizational Studies major (like that matters), love books, and have read The Book on the Bookshelf. So yeah put those three things together and I am in totally over my head again. But, add the grace of God and it's in the bag.
You: So what will you be doing?
Me: I'm getting there.
The Augusts are hoping to be able to open one of the few community lending libraries in the country. My main project will be organizing the books on to the shelves with room for expansion and setting up a system for people to take books home. My hope in this is not to become a life long Nicaraguan librarian but to create a clearly defined, yet flexible, system that later can be run by locals. Since this isn't something I've done before I don't know how long it will take. Right now I am estimating ten months because that would take me up to next Christmas and that seems like a good time to go home to the states.
This project will be what I am mostly working on when I return to Nicaragua, but there are some other things too. Along with this property, the Augusts have a pre-school and feeding center that I am invited to serve in as my schedule permits. Also on the property there are dorms for short term teams to stay at and I may be helping with that, especially as they will be helping me. Unrelatedly, I will be part-time, co-teaching a domestic-arts class at the NCA (where my roommates teach). The class is twelve juniors and seniors and I am excited to be able to be able to pass on my sewing, baking, personal budgeting, and event planning skills to them. Oh, and I hope to still help out with my current boss Matthew, either at the school one day a week or with his other projects. I know this may seem like a lot but most of it is open for flexibility as my schedule permits and God guides.
You: So what does that make you?
Me: Joy
As I am anticipating this change in my life, there is little that is known. I know that God loves me and that His desire is for me is that “the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in [me] (2 Thess. 1:120),” wherever I am living. I am not considering myself a missionary, because I don't know what that means or what you think that means. I will be serving Nicaraguans and building relationships with them and, much like I would be doing if I were in the States, aiming at making the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in the sight of the Lord (Psalm 19:14). So pretty much, yes, this is me living in another country, being me, whatever that entails.
I also know that things cost money and besides a few possible tutoring jobs, I won't be raking in the dough here. So these next two months of life in the States (December 15-Mid February), I will be working to earn enough money to support myself while I am in Nicaragua (this should not be impossible as living in Nicaragua isn’t too expensive and I’m cheap!). Since two months isn’t enough time to go out and get a real job, I am offering you a once in a lifetime (at least for now) opportunity to hire me to work for you. I'm not sure what you need done but I've assembled a list of possibilities (and have excellent references if you need them). If you live out side of Northern California I am willing to travel if it is reasonable Top three reasons to hire me: the job gets done, you get to see me, it's tax deductible.
For the Home:
-Cooking
-Cleaning
-Sewing buttons
-Child care (if really that is the only option)
-Old people care
-Driving
-Shopping/Returning Christmas gifts
-Organizing
-Striping wallpaper
-Washing cars
-Putting up (for procrastinators) or taking down Christmas decorations
-Redoing your address book (that's what I'm doing for my mom)
-Sending out your family updates (you could either send me pertinent information or I can make stuff up)
-Pulling weeds
-Reading
For the Office:
-Cleaning storage closets
-Filing
-Paper clipping
-Stuffing envelopes
-Making secret shopper calls (thank you WAMU)
-Basic computer stuff: Burning CD's, Word, Excel, MySpace
-Counting trees (That's what I did last Christmas for my brother-in-law)
For Homeless and Officeless people
-Drinking Coffee
-Walking (you know, like a walk-a-thon)
-Talking on the phone
-Painting nails
-Writing love poems
-Hanging out
-Pretty much whatever you can think of
Thank you for taking the time to read this, let me know how I can help you in the next few months.
Monday, December 10, 2007
the electricity is on but my bedroom light died
Hello and merry almost Christmas. A lot has happened here since my last update but I think I can mostly break this one up into three main themes: Christmas, Corn Islands, and Conclusion.
Christmas:
Although December is one of the nicest months here weather wise I can still get away with wearing all the same clothes as in other months, I just sweat less in them. But don't worry shorts and tank-tops don't damper my Christmas spirit.
+Last Friday night I went to a Christmas kick-off BBQ. I thought, it being Christmas themed, I should dress festively. I guess no one else got that memo. Here is a picture of me with my friends Lori and Tomas.
+On Sunday people came over to our apartment, and those surrounding, for a cookie making party. It's a tradition to make plates of treats and then take them with us caroling to missionaries that live near by. I really like Christmas carols. Maybe because you can't listen to them all year long they're extra special. Anyways it was lots of fun, sorry you live too far away to reap the benefits.
+I think tomorrow night I am going to a Christmas concert and that might be the last Advent activity until I get back to the States.
Corn Islands:
Don't worry it hasn't been all Christmas and no fun. From last Sunday to Wednesday I went with my friends Lori and Liz to the Corn Islands off of Nicaragua's East coast. My boss, Matthew, generously donated money towards it as a little end of the year gift for Liz and me. I think getting paid in special gifts is even more exciting than getting paid in money.
+The Corn Islands consist of Big Corn and Little Corn and are in the RAAS region of Nicaragua. RAAS is basically the South Eastern quarter of Nicaragua, and is independently governed. The people are Caribbean and speak Native English which is totally cool to hear but really difficult to understand. I want my children to speak it.
+Early last Sunday morning we took a flight on a 12 passenger plane from Managua to Big Corn. Here is a picture of us looking bright and cheery on the plane.
Christmas:
Although December is one of the nicest months here weather wise I can still get away with wearing all the same clothes as in other months, I just sweat less in them. But don't worry shorts and tank-tops don't damper my Christmas spirit.
+Last Friday night I went to a Christmas kick-off BBQ. I thought, it being Christmas themed, I should dress festively. I guess no one else got that memo. Here is a picture of me with my friends Lori and Tomas.
+After the BBQ Lori and I met with some friends to go see Cascanueces (a.k.a. The Nutcracker) put on by the Nicaraguan Cultural Organization. Over all it was very good, just a few dances were completely off.
+After the Nutcracker (yeah it was a busy night) we decided to walk to the old cathedral where the city's Christmas tree is. We knew that something was going on downtown but figured it would have been over by that time. Yeah it wasn't. All of the sudden we were is a mass of people listening to a speech by our lovely president Ortega. Really we were probably 100 yards away from him just out in the open with fireworks going off. Perfect location for an assassination (if I was into that kind of stuff).
+On Saturday I went with a youth group's service team to a local orphanage for a Christmas party. We mostly hung out with the older kids (4-8), sang songs, read books, colored pictures, and decoated Christmas cookies. I held this one kid until he fell asleep. What can I say, I have a calming effect on kids. When he woke up I proceeded to feed him frosting, I think most of his teeth had been recently pulled so the cookies were a little tough. I also tried to interact with the babies, but I really didn't know how so mostly I petted them while they sat in their cribs. Much like a petting zoo.
+Not only does December mark Christmas for Nicaragua but also Purisima. Purisima is when Mary's conception is celebrated, which makes a sense since we know that her birthday is in September. It all falls into the "too much information" category if you ask me. So all the first week at 6pm, 9pm, and midnight there are firecrackers going off. Friday the 7th and Saturday the 8th are the official days so they are even more exciting. On Friday night people (not just little kids) go door to door and sing to Mary for gifts. I guess the gifts aren't just candy either but can be pretty nice depending on your neighborhood. Some NCA teachers had bought fireworks and on Saturday night we went to a basketball court and watched boys light things on fire. The girls got sparklers.
+On Friday night I went to Lori's house to hang out. They had a lot of extra Christmas lights so Lori thought decorating each other with them was a good idea. I electrocuted myself. But the pain was minimal and now you get this great picture.
+After the Nutcracker (yeah it was a busy night) we decided to walk to the old cathedral where the city's Christmas tree is. We knew that something was going on downtown but figured it would have been over by that time. Yeah it wasn't. All of the sudden we were is a mass of people listening to a speech by our lovely president Ortega. Really we were probably 100 yards away from him just out in the open with fireworks going off. Perfect location for an assassination (if I was into that kind of stuff).
+On Saturday I went with a youth group's service team to a local orphanage for a Christmas party. We mostly hung out with the older kids (4-8), sang songs, read books, colored pictures, and decoated Christmas cookies. I held this one kid until he fell asleep. What can I say, I have a calming effect on kids. When he woke up I proceeded to feed him frosting, I think most of his teeth had been recently pulled so the cookies were a little tough. I also tried to interact with the babies, but I really didn't know how so mostly I petted them while they sat in their cribs. Much like a petting zoo.
+Not only does December mark Christmas for Nicaragua but also Purisima. Purisima is when Mary's conception is celebrated, which makes a sense since we know that her birthday is in September. It all falls into the "too much information" category if you ask me. So all the first week at 6pm, 9pm, and midnight there are firecrackers going off. Friday the 7th and Saturday the 8th are the official days so they are even more exciting. On Friday night people (not just little kids) go door to door and sing to Mary for gifts. I guess the gifts aren't just candy either but can be pretty nice depending on your neighborhood. Some NCA teachers had bought fireworks and on Saturday night we went to a basketball court and watched boys light things on fire. The girls got sparklers.
+On Friday night I went to Lori's house to hang out. They had a lot of extra Christmas lights so Lori thought decorating each other with them was a good idea. I electrocuted myself. But the pain was minimal and now you get this great picture.
+On Sunday people came over to our apartment, and those surrounding, for a cookie making party. It's a tradition to make plates of treats and then take them with us caroling to missionaries that live near by. I really like Christmas carols. Maybe because you can't listen to them all year long they're extra special. Anyways it was lots of fun, sorry you live too far away to reap the benefits.
+I think tomorrow night I am going to a Christmas concert and that might be the last Advent activity until I get back to the States.
Corn Islands:
Don't worry it hasn't been all Christmas and no fun. From last Sunday to Wednesday I went with my friends Lori and Liz to the Corn Islands off of Nicaragua's East coast. My boss, Matthew, generously donated money towards it as a little end of the year gift for Liz and me. I think getting paid in special gifts is even more exciting than getting paid in money.
+The Corn Islands consist of Big Corn and Little Corn and are in the RAAS region of Nicaragua. RAAS is basically the South Eastern quarter of Nicaragua, and is independently governed. The people are Caribbean and speak Native English which is totally cool to hear but really difficult to understand. I want my children to speak it.
+Early last Sunday morning we took a flight on a 12 passenger plane from Managua to Big Corn. Here is a picture of us looking bright and cheery on the plane.
+ As soon as we got to Big Corn we took a taxi to the docks so we could get on a boat to Little Corn. The boat ride was like riding Splash Mountain for 40 minuets and only paying $6 -- I like Splash Mountain. I also like the fact that it was December and we had the skies blue and the warm sun bright.
+People say that Little Corn is the better of the two islands because on Big Corn there is nothing to do. This statement is pretty funny because on Little Corn there is really nothing to do. We stayed in Casa Iguana a set of cabanas that I highly recommend. Because there were three of us we upgraded to the cabanas with the "outdoor, but private showers." Who needs indoor showers when you have a deck with hammocks on it overlooking the Caribbean.
+People say that Little Corn is the better of the two islands because on Big Corn there is nothing to do. This statement is pretty funny because on Little Corn there is really nothing to do. We stayed in Casa Iguana a set of cabanas that I highly recommend. Because there were three of us we upgraded to the cabanas with the "outdoor, but private showers." Who needs indoor showers when you have a deck with hammocks on it overlooking the Caribbean.
+So Sunday we spent laying on the beach, playing with local kids in the ocean, reading (I brought The DaVinci Code which I got made fun of for, because I guess everyone besides me has already read it), and napping. Pretty much the ideal day if you ask me.
+After a leisurely Monday morning (to make up for the busy Sunday) we went snorkeling. First we just swam out to the reef with one of the guys that works at the hotel and then in the afternoon we went out in a boat with divers. It was beautiful and I don't know what else to say about it except when we went out from the boat somehow we lost the reef. So for a while we just swam around looking at the sand until we went back to the boat and asked the driver to help us find it again. Yup, and did this happen once? No, twice.
+A cool thing about the little island is that you can walk around barefoot. This comes in handy when you only bring one pair of shoes and the dog steals one of them. After a day without it I asked the maintenance men if they had seen a sandal and they suspiciously knew just where to look.
+On the island you can also have Jimmy (who lives just past the pink house) walk around with you to find fresh loaves of coconut bread sold in different houses depending on the time of day. Note on that: don't expect the ladies that sell bread out of their homes to have 88 Cordobas of change on them.
+Tuesday we went back to the big island. It was another fun boat ride, this time in the rain. Don't ask who the guy is, he's classy that's all I have to say.
+After a leisurely Monday morning (to make up for the busy Sunday) we went snorkeling. First we just swam out to the reef with one of the guys that works at the hotel and then in the afternoon we went out in a boat with divers. It was beautiful and I don't know what else to say about it except when we went out from the boat somehow we lost the reef. So for a while we just swam around looking at the sand until we went back to the boat and asked the driver to help us find it again. Yup, and did this happen once? No, twice.
+A cool thing about the little island is that you can walk around barefoot. This comes in handy when you only bring one pair of shoes and the dog steals one of them. After a day without it I asked the maintenance men if they had seen a sandal and they suspiciously knew just where to look.
+On the island you can also have Jimmy (who lives just past the pink house) walk around with you to find fresh loaves of coconut bread sold in different houses depending on the time of day. Note on that: don't expect the ladies that sell bread out of their homes to have 88 Cordobas of change on them.
+Tuesday we went back to the big island. It was another fun boat ride, this time in the rain. Don't ask who the guy is, he's classy that's all I have to say.
+Our first day on Big Corn the rain continued but our hotel had indoor hot showers with water pressure, air conditioning, room service, and cable. All it really lacked was electricity but even that was only for an hour. So yes, what did we do: Took hot showers, turned on the air conditioning, watched Fa La La La Lifetime Christmas movies and had the restaurant bring us up lobster and pizza.
+By Wednesday morning the weather completely cleared up so, after breakfast on the beach, we were able to lay around swimming and reading for a few hours. As soon as we went inside to pack up it started raining again, obviously because the island was grieving the loss of us. At 2:30 we went back to the airport, where you have to be weighed before getting on the plane, and ate cup-o-noodles.
+Our plane back was much bigger. Bigger means louder and that drinks get served. It wasn't big enough to hire fancy stewardesses to serve those drinks so I ended up with coke all over me, twice.
Conclusion:
+It has been a very full few weeks but pretty amazing over all.
+I am really ready to come back to the States on Saturday and hope to see a lot of you soon.
+Plans are being made for me to return to Nicaragua in February 2008. I am really excited to talk to you about what I'll be doing (because it's completely different) and hopefully soon I'll be able to pull my thoughts and plans all together to share in an official way, maybe later this week. Until then, I welcome questions. Thank you so much for your prayers about this decision making process, God once again proved to be exceedingly faithful.
+By Wednesday morning the weather completely cleared up so, after breakfast on the beach, we were able to lay around swimming and reading for a few hours. As soon as we went inside to pack up it started raining again, obviously because the island was grieving the loss of us. At 2:30 we went back to the airport, where you have to be weighed before getting on the plane, and ate cup-o-noodles.
+Our plane back was much bigger. Bigger means louder and that drinks get served. It wasn't big enough to hire fancy stewardesses to serve those drinks so I ended up with coke all over me, twice.
Conclusion:
+It has been a very full few weeks but pretty amazing over all.
+I am really ready to come back to the States on Saturday and hope to see a lot of you soon.
+Plans are being made for me to return to Nicaragua in February 2008. I am really excited to talk to you about what I'll be doing (because it's completely different) and hopefully soon I'll be able to pull my thoughts and plans all together to share in an official way, maybe later this week. Until then, I welcome questions. Thank you so much for your prayers about this decision making process, God once again proved to be exceedingly faithful.
Monday, November 26, 2007
the countdown continues
Maná
Last Saturday night I went to a concert for the band Maná. They are a Mexican rock group that has been around for like 20 years or something, so a really big deal. I barely knew their music but was really excited to be able to go, and I think that everyone else's enthusiasm and obsession made up for my lack. Anyways, the band totally rocked. I would have taken a picture but it's recommended that you take nothing with you to the national stadium, so no camera. Even if you think you are pretty aware of pickpockets and such, most awareness goes out the window when the night is morphed into something resembling a cattle drive as people try to leave. I held on to the people I went with with my dear life, which I'm sure they appreciated.
Thanksgiving, Take One.
Last Sunday night the English speaking church, ICF, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner. It was the typical pot-luck, cold dry turkey, eighteen dishes of mac and cheese (something our family never considered Thanksgiving food), veggie casseroles, and two tables of desserts.
Painting
Since I am officially finished with teaching, Monday and Tuesday I helped paint furniture at a center my friend runs. We used black oil-based paint and my nails still look rather dirty. I don't mind painting but am not a big fan of the preparation or clean up.
Substituting
On Wednesday I started Substituting at NCA. I've decided it's the easiest job ever. I "coached" ultimate frisbee for three classes, made anti-drug hand turkeys in heath, and sat in the computer lab while my five anatomy students did research. The common theme in my classes was the students asking about Mr. Eklund and Elijah and trying to decided which Mr. Eklund I look like the most. Seventh and Eighth grade girls whine a lot, that was another theme.
Béisbol
My friend Lori's dad is visiting this week; last Wednesday night we went to a baseball game. She recently met one of the players that is down from the states playing fall ball. He put our names on a list so we wouldn't have to pay the five dollars that everyone else had to pay. We also got good seats, right behind home plate. On a side note the stadium is named after Denis Martinez, he is embarrassed that they named it after him because it is so ghetto. Ghetto, but oh so Nica. The street vendors come in to sell fried plantain chips, quesillo (string cheese in a tortilla with onion and sour cream), and chicharon (fried pig skin), and the street kids come in to collect beer cans. Managua's team, Boer, beat San Fernando (SF). I wish you could have been there.
End of the School Year
As well as marking American thanksgiving, Thursday also had my end of the school celebrations. There was some chapel type stuff and then parties in each grade. I've probably mentioned before that our classrooms are small they get a lot smaller when parents, pinatas, buckets of food, and home stereo systems are added. Oh I'm going to miss my school (honestly, no sarcasm), and you should have been there for that day too.
Thanksgiving, Take Two.
On Thursday afternoon one of the organizations here, Manna, had a gringo dinner. This one was smaller than Sunday's and thus had better quality control.
Thanksgiving, Take Three.
Thursday night I went to my boss Matthew and his wife Jennifer's house for dinner. Their oven doesn't work but Pricesmart sells really good roasted chicken. So the meal was pretty traditional with a little Korean mixed in. At the end of dinner Matthew and Jennifer decided it was time for them to find me a husband. I won't go into details but I understand Asian matchmaking so much more now. I mean they are talented. So you're all invited to my wedding, Matthew will be officiating and Jennifer either being co-mother-of-the-bride, a bridesmaid, or doing a reading.
Graduation
Friday, after lunch with my future husband, was pre-school and sixth grade graduation at my school. When the ceremony ended parents asked me to take pictures with their students, I think because I'm white. We also got food, I put my sandwich in my purse to save for later. I ended up saving it in the trash can with my sugar with caramel cake.
More Substituting
Today I am substituting again. On Mondays there is no PE so I only have three classes. In Bible we are going to make Christmas tree ornaments, my roommate Kate and I made samples on Saturday. I think it will be a two day project. I have/get to be here for seven more hours, so today is the day for you to e-mail me.
Prayer Requests
I guess if you've made it this far you love me enough to pray for me. One big one, should I stay or should I go? I really need God's peace and direction as far as what I should do next year. Either to return here or if I stay in the States I'll probably need to find a job or something. Feel free to share your opinion especially if it isn't based on emotional inclinations, yes I know you all love me. And looking at my remaining time here (rather it be short or long) I need daily guidance in my life as to how to spend my time wisely in a way that glorifies God. So basically the whole more of You, less of me thing and all that jazz.
Last Saturday night I went to a concert for the band Maná. They are a Mexican rock group that has been around for like 20 years or something, so a really big deal. I barely knew their music but was really excited to be able to go, and I think that everyone else's enthusiasm and obsession made up for my lack. Anyways, the band totally rocked. I would have taken a picture but it's recommended that you take nothing with you to the national stadium, so no camera. Even if you think you are pretty aware of pickpockets and such, most awareness goes out the window when the night is morphed into something resembling a cattle drive as people try to leave. I held on to the people I went with with my dear life, which I'm sure they appreciated.
Thanksgiving, Take One.
Last Sunday night the English speaking church, ICF, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner. It was the typical pot-luck, cold dry turkey, eighteen dishes of mac and cheese (something our family never considered Thanksgiving food), veggie casseroles, and two tables of desserts.
Painting
Since I am officially finished with teaching, Monday and Tuesday I helped paint furniture at a center my friend runs. We used black oil-based paint and my nails still look rather dirty. I don't mind painting but am not a big fan of the preparation or clean up.
Substituting
On Wednesday I started Substituting at NCA. I've decided it's the easiest job ever. I "coached" ultimate frisbee for three classes, made anti-drug hand turkeys in heath, and sat in the computer lab while my five anatomy students did research. The common theme in my classes was the students asking about Mr. Eklund and Elijah and trying to decided which Mr. Eklund I look like the most. Seventh and Eighth grade girls whine a lot, that was another theme.
Béisbol
My friend Lori's dad is visiting this week; last Wednesday night we went to a baseball game. She recently met one of the players that is down from the states playing fall ball. He put our names on a list so we wouldn't have to pay the five dollars that everyone else had to pay. We also got good seats, right behind home plate. On a side note the stadium is named after Denis Martinez, he is embarrassed that they named it after him because it is so ghetto. Ghetto, but oh so Nica. The street vendors come in to sell fried plantain chips, quesillo (string cheese in a tortilla with onion and sour cream), and chicharon (fried pig skin), and the street kids come in to collect beer cans. Managua's team, Boer, beat San Fernando (SF). I wish you could have been there.
End of the School Year
As well as marking American thanksgiving, Thursday also had my end of the school celebrations. There was some chapel type stuff and then parties in each grade. I've probably mentioned before that our classrooms are small they get a lot smaller when parents, pinatas, buckets of food, and home stereo systems are added. Oh I'm going to miss my school (honestly, no sarcasm), and you should have been there for that day too.
Thanksgiving, Take Two.
On Thursday afternoon one of the organizations here, Manna, had a gringo dinner. This one was smaller than Sunday's and thus had better quality control.
Thanksgiving, Take Three.
Thursday night I went to my boss Matthew and his wife Jennifer's house for dinner. Their oven doesn't work but Pricesmart sells really good roasted chicken. So the meal was pretty traditional with a little Korean mixed in. At the end of dinner Matthew and Jennifer decided it was time for them to find me a husband. I won't go into details but I understand Asian matchmaking so much more now. I mean they are talented. So you're all invited to my wedding, Matthew will be officiating and Jennifer either being co-mother-of-the-bride, a bridesmaid, or doing a reading.
Graduation
Friday, after lunch with my future husband, was pre-school and sixth grade graduation at my school. When the ceremony ended parents asked me to take pictures with their students, I think because I'm white. We also got food, I put my sandwich in my purse to save for later. I ended up saving it in the trash can with my sugar with caramel cake.
More Substituting
Today I am substituting again. On Mondays there is no PE so I only have three classes. In Bible we are going to make Christmas tree ornaments, my roommate Kate and I made samples on Saturday. I think it will be a two day project. I have/get to be here for seven more hours, so today is the day for you to e-mail me.
Prayer Requests
I guess if you've made it this far you love me enough to pray for me. One big one, should I stay or should I go? I really need God's peace and direction as far as what I should do next year. Either to return here or if I stay in the States I'll probably need to find a job or something. Feel free to share your opinion especially if it isn't based on emotional inclinations, yes I know you all love me. And looking at my remaining time here (rather it be short or long) I need daily guidance in my life as to how to spend my time wisely in a way that glorifies God. So basically the whole more of You, less of me thing and all that jazz.
Monday, November 12, 2007
as things wind down...
Hello again lovelies, don't worry I'm back but do sincerely apologize for my recent lack of consistency. My computer is slowly dying a very painful death. Fortunately for you I just dropped a huge hint as to what someone could get me for Christmas in one month and 13 days.
Today is Monday November 12th and I am deciding what, besides my computer woes, to share with you. I started writing to you last week about how I need attention or, as people like to say, my love language is quality time. However, this morning I was much looking forward to being a lazy bum and a friend came over. Does it count as craving quality time when I would rather have it with myself? I think I need to remember that whole beggars can't be choosers things.
You may be wondering why am I writing this anyways on a Monday instead of being at school. The answer to that takes us back to last week. Last Monday morning I went to school thinking I had two more weeks of classes to review before a half week of finals and then graduation ceremonies the day after American Thanksgiving. Last Wednesday I was eating an apple during recess and our directora came to find me a let me know that English finals are on November 14th. That meant that my last class was on Friday the 9th instead of the 16th like I was expecting. So in summary, I'm finished with teaching (hopefully for my life). This Wednesday I have to go in to give my tests and then next Thursday and Friday I have to go for end of the year ceremonies and graduation. In honor of this I have a picture of me with one of my first grade classes.
I think I'll just stick with stories that have pictures because I guess people like those and I actually have a few. In Nicaragua it is difficult for people in the poorer classes to have anything other than civil weddings and some aren't even able to have those. So last Saturday at NCA there was a joint wedding for five of the maids. It was a really exciting thing for these couples, most of whom have at least five kids together, to have a church wedding. It was semi-out doors and we had hurricane like rain which went well with the proverb on the programs about many waters not being able to quench love. It was pretty fancy, I borrowed nice shoes. The picture is of the brides, obviously (the man isn't a groom).
Yesterday for lunch one of the brides invited my roommate Aimee over for lunch, when Aimee commits to situations that she thinks will be awkward she makes me go with her. The food actually ended up being really good and the two of us together probably understood about 60% of what was said the first time around and about 90% after they repeated things 8 times. Aimee volunteered my computer to one of the sons that like to fix computers, he said he would only take it if I have confidence in him. I'm not sure we know each other quite that well yet. We ate lunch with the parents and five of their kids and a cousin. The oldest son cooked and him and his brother served all the food. I'm sure my brothers have never done that so it was quite a shock for it to happen in the Nicaraguan culture which is even more machismo. There is a picture of us eating outside of their house minus Aimee (the other blonde is Aimee's student teacher who was no help at all in the Spanish department) and one of the boys that was still serving food. So it ended up not being that awkward after all, except at the end when our hostess Ana asked if we wanted to go on a field trip to the new grocery store. We declined.
On other exciting news, not in a photo. We had power all week last week. It is quite a different experience not having to plan showers and being able to watch TV (an obvious necessity). And don't worry about me not having enough to do this next month without classes. I am going to substitute for one of my roommates for a week (heath, anatomy, and PE don't laugh) and am planning a trip to the East Coast (hopefully not to get shipwrecked like my sister-in-law) and then I'll still have some time to think about processing the fact that I've live in Nicaragua and maybe some day soon I won't. Now I'll see if this will post even though I am using the slowest internet ever.
Love, Joy
Today is Monday November 12th and I am deciding what, besides my computer woes, to share with you. I started writing to you last week about how I need attention or, as people like to say, my love language is quality time. However, this morning I was much looking forward to being a lazy bum and a friend came over. Does it count as craving quality time when I would rather have it with myself? I think I need to remember that whole beggars can't be choosers things.
You may be wondering why am I writing this anyways on a Monday instead of being at school. The answer to that takes us back to last week. Last Monday morning I went to school thinking I had two more weeks of classes to review before a half week of finals and then graduation ceremonies the day after American Thanksgiving. Last Wednesday I was eating an apple during recess and our directora came to find me a let me know that English finals are on November 14th. That meant that my last class was on Friday the 9th instead of the 16th like I was expecting. So in summary, I'm finished with teaching (hopefully for my life). This Wednesday I have to go in to give my tests and then next Thursday and Friday I have to go for end of the year ceremonies and graduation. In honor of this I have a picture of me with one of my first grade classes.
I think I'll just stick with stories that have pictures because I guess people like those and I actually have a few. In Nicaragua it is difficult for people in the poorer classes to have anything other than civil weddings and some aren't even able to have those. So last Saturday at NCA there was a joint wedding for five of the maids. It was a really exciting thing for these couples, most of whom have at least five kids together, to have a church wedding. It was semi-out doors and we had hurricane like rain which went well with the proverb on the programs about many waters not being able to quench love. It was pretty fancy, I borrowed nice shoes. The picture is of the brides, obviously (the man isn't a groom).
Yesterday for lunch one of the brides invited my roommate Aimee over for lunch, when Aimee commits to situations that she thinks will be awkward she makes me go with her. The food actually ended up being really good and the two of us together probably understood about 60% of what was said the first time around and about 90% after they repeated things 8 times. Aimee volunteered my computer to one of the sons that like to fix computers, he said he would only take it if I have confidence in him. I'm not sure we know each other quite that well yet. We ate lunch with the parents and five of their kids and a cousin. The oldest son cooked and him and his brother served all the food. I'm sure my brothers have never done that so it was quite a shock for it to happen in the Nicaraguan culture which is even more machismo. There is a picture of us eating outside of their house minus Aimee (the other blonde is Aimee's student teacher who was no help at all in the Spanish department) and one of the boys that was still serving food. So it ended up not being that awkward after all, except at the end when our hostess Ana asked if we wanted to go on a field trip to the new grocery store. We declined.
On other exciting news, not in a photo. We had power all week last week. It is quite a different experience not having to plan showers and being able to watch TV (an obvious necessity). And don't worry about me not having enough to do this next month without classes. I am going to substitute for one of my roommates for a week (heath, anatomy, and PE don't laugh) and am planning a trip to the East Coast (hopefully not to get shipwrecked like my sister-in-law) and then I'll still have some time to think about processing the fact that I've live in Nicaragua and maybe some day soon I won't. Now I'll see if this will post even though I am using the slowest internet ever.
Love, Joy
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Bob Barker is gone
Once again I find myself with loads of stuff to say. I guess because there aren't a ton of people here to talk to (although that's changing) I have all sorts of stuff stored up in my head and you unsuspecting people become my outlet. And without seeing your face I can tell myself that you are captivated by my wit.
Last week a new girl, Liz, came down from LA for two months to help out at school. It is nice to look at her and to think that is where I was this time last year. She sees the classrooms and still has the perspective that everything is abnormally crazy. Fortunately for my sanity, my standards have lowered and to some extent I can see thing through Nicaraguan colored glasses.
So one funny thing. Hopefully Liz will soon live closer to me but now she's living with Matthew's family on the other side of town. So last week she was new and if she went home right after school she would have nothing to do for at least four hours when the rest of the people got home (another thing I've gotten used to). So the solution to this is for us is to hang out for a few hours after school before we go our separate ways. Since we don't have cars this gets a little complicated. But Matthew has this car that the school treasurer Roberto uses to run school related errands. So if we want to do things after school, like go to the mall, we have him take us and drop us off and have him come back in a few hours. Basically it's like we're in Jr. high again but instead of our parents driving us around we have a twenty-year-old Nicaraguan boy. So to make ourselves feel better we buy him snacks.
Speaking of food, Friday at school the college students that usually come to give health demonstrations threw a party instead. There were pinatas, games, and free lunch for everyone. Free lunch is a huge deal for my students and co-workers. I, however, still have managed to maintain some standards as to what I eat. Cold over-cooked pasta with thousand island dressing, nica cheese, and a half slice of white bread is a little below those standards. Actually it makes me nauseous. Fortunately, years of being force fed mashed potatoes and split pea soup has taught me some tricks on home to make it look like I'm eating a lot more than I am.
What else, Friday I went to the movies with my friend and her mom, I was really tired so I missed most of the plot, I think. Saturday I had really good french toast for breakfast then in the afternoon a group of us went swimming at Lagua de Apoyo. It's this volcano that is closed up and is now a gorgeous lagoon. You should have been there.
Every Saturday night the newest local coffee shop, Esperanza, has live music. On Saturday I went there with my friend Lori and a bunch of other people that don't sit around talking about problems in their preppy rich school. It is really refreshing to be out of that bubble.
Sunday night I went to a Nicaraguan ballet with Lori, again, and some other people. It was mostly traditional Nicaraguan dances and I'm glad we splurged and bought the eleven dollar balcony seats because the ground floor had audience interaction. Here's a picture of the group of us and I left the red-eye in honor of Halloween.
Monday school was long. I was really tired and fell asleep in the office. But Monday's redeeming factor is that I have the next day off.
Tuesday was a great day off. I talked on the phone, watched The Price is Right (with Drew Carey now), made dinner, went out to lunch, went swimming, went to a cheap Tuesday movie (cheap as in seven dollars for two tickets, snacks, and a drink), had BFF Lori over for dinner, played cards, made sample Jack-O-Lanterns to use in class today, wrote most of this blog out in a note book, etc.
And that brings us to Wednesday. This morning I was running up the stairs to put stuff away real quick before my ride came and I fell. My left foot is now swollen. Not just anyone can fall like that. Friday is Day of the Dead, a national holiday, and I don't have to work. That makes this week only three days. How do people expect me to get a job in the States?
Love, joy
Last week a new girl, Liz, came down from LA for two months to help out at school. It is nice to look at her and to think that is where I was this time last year. She sees the classrooms and still has the perspective that everything is abnormally crazy. Fortunately for my sanity, my standards have lowered and to some extent I can see thing through Nicaraguan colored glasses.
So one funny thing. Hopefully Liz will soon live closer to me but now she's living with Matthew's family on the other side of town. So last week she was new and if she went home right after school she would have nothing to do for at least four hours when the rest of the people got home (another thing I've gotten used to). So the solution to this is for us is to hang out for a few hours after school before we go our separate ways. Since we don't have cars this gets a little complicated. But Matthew has this car that the school treasurer Roberto uses to run school related errands. So if we want to do things after school, like go to the mall, we have him take us and drop us off and have him come back in a few hours. Basically it's like we're in Jr. high again but instead of our parents driving us around we have a twenty-year-old Nicaraguan boy. So to make ourselves feel better we buy him snacks.
Speaking of food, Friday at school the college students that usually come to give health demonstrations threw a party instead. There were pinatas, games, and free lunch for everyone. Free lunch is a huge deal for my students and co-workers. I, however, still have managed to maintain some standards as to what I eat. Cold over-cooked pasta with thousand island dressing, nica cheese, and a half slice of white bread is a little below those standards. Actually it makes me nauseous. Fortunately, years of being force fed mashed potatoes and split pea soup has taught me some tricks on home to make it look like I'm eating a lot more than I am.
What else, Friday I went to the movies with my friend and her mom, I was really tired so I missed most of the plot, I think. Saturday I had really good french toast for breakfast then in the afternoon a group of us went swimming at Lagua de Apoyo. It's this volcano that is closed up and is now a gorgeous lagoon. You should have been there.
Every Saturday night the newest local coffee shop, Esperanza, has live music. On Saturday I went there with my friend Lori and a bunch of other people that don't sit around talking about problems in their preppy rich school. It is really refreshing to be out of that bubble.
Sunday night I went to a Nicaraguan ballet with Lori, again, and some other people. It was mostly traditional Nicaraguan dances and I'm glad we splurged and bought the eleven dollar balcony seats because the ground floor had audience interaction. Here's a picture of the group of us and I left the red-eye in honor of Halloween.
Monday school was long. I was really tired and fell asleep in the office. But Monday's redeeming factor is that I have the next day off.
Tuesday was a great day off. I talked on the phone, watched The Price is Right (with Drew Carey now), made dinner, went out to lunch, went swimming, went to a cheap Tuesday movie (cheap as in seven dollars for two tickets, snacks, and a drink), had BFF Lori over for dinner, played cards, made sample Jack-O-Lanterns to use in class today, wrote most of this blog out in a note book, etc.
And that brings us to Wednesday. This morning I was running up the stairs to put stuff away real quick before my ride came and I fell. My left foot is now swollen. Not just anyone can fall like that. Friday is Day of the Dead, a national holiday, and I don't have to work. That makes this week only three days. How do people expect me to get a job in the States?
Love, joy
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Two months until Christmas, you know what that means
I skipped another week,
But this shouldn't be too bleak,
I now have a lot to say,
Maybe it will brighten your day.
I figured a poem is in store,
Just on the basics, not more,
It should keep things upbeat.
Now you may want to take a seat.
I've told you there have been robberies at my school,
And I think we all agree that is far from being cool.
Last week a neighborhood boy died
This country is so messed up I could have cried
The next day my dad came to stay,
We did tons of things, about a thousand a day,
And my life of ease and luxury ended,
Hopefully reading my e-mail he won't be offended.
He came to school his first day here,
I had to make sure he stayed near,
He has the tendency to leave the classroom and roam,
Fortunately I had time, half my kids had stayed home.
The weekend was full of lots of restaurants,
And a little with church and visiting old haunts,
I got to make decisions and practice my patience,
With my father whom is great but a little high-maintenance.
On Monday to Selva Negra we went,
Some quality time in the mountains we spent,
It's a coffee farm where you can go and rest,
Or if your name is John, you can talk to every guest.
On Tuesday we headed back to Managua,
And on the way stopped in Matagalpa.
I got to see a lobster-handed lady,
Much like my man, the original Grady.
The road from the mountains isn't that great,
Especially since there has been rain 45 days straight.
The pot holes were big, are car was small,
The right rear tire was not stable at all.
On Wednesday my dad remembered a town,
That he had seen his last time around.
It was up a hill and had a nice view,
That description doesn't help me, how about you?
I think we went to dinner every night,
With different people with whom I've grown tight.
And Saturday in Granada I got to eat a waffle,
Let me tell you, it wasn't awful.
I'll sum things up, because this is getting bad,
My time was great with my dad.
His flight was early morning yesterday,
But I have have two more months left of my stay.
My roommates here have been driving me mad,
I'm partially annoyed and partially sad.
I have a lot to learn about living with others,
Especially since Christ wants us to be lovers.
I just watched Kindergarten Cop,
That Arnold is governor I think is notch-top.
"the most perfectly developed man in the history of the world," he's been named,
I'm excited that my Davis diploma was signed by someone so famed.
I think that's all the details I can remember for now,
If you want to be in my e-mail now you know how,
Come for a visit I'd love to see you for sure,
As long as it's before the fifteenth of December.
But this shouldn't be too bleak,
I now have a lot to say,
Maybe it will brighten your day.
I figured a poem is in store,
Just on the basics, not more,
It should keep things upbeat.
Now you may want to take a seat.
I've told you there have been robberies at my school,
And I think we all agree that is far from being cool.
Last week a neighborhood boy died
This country is so messed up I could have cried
The next day my dad came to stay,
We did tons of things, about a thousand a day,
And my life of ease and luxury ended,
Hopefully reading my e-mail he won't be offended.
He came to school his first day here,
I had to make sure he stayed near,
He has the tendency to leave the classroom and roam,
Fortunately I had time, half my kids had stayed home.
The weekend was full of lots of restaurants,
And a little with church and visiting old haunts,
I got to make decisions and practice my patience,
With my father whom is great but a little high-maintenance.
On Monday to Selva Negra we went,
Some quality time in the mountains we spent,
It's a coffee farm where you can go and rest,
Or if your name is John, you can talk to every guest.
On Tuesday we headed back to Managua,
And on the way stopped in Matagalpa.
I got to see a lobster-handed lady,
Much like my man, the original Grady.
The road from the mountains isn't that great,
Especially since there has been rain 45 days straight.
The pot holes were big, are car was small,
The right rear tire was not stable at all.
On Wednesday my dad remembered a town,
That he had seen his last time around.
It was up a hill and had a nice view,
That description doesn't help me, how about you?
I think we went to dinner every night,
With different people with whom I've grown tight.
And Saturday in Granada I got to eat a waffle,
Let me tell you, it wasn't awful.
I'll sum things up, because this is getting bad,
My time was great with my dad.
His flight was early morning yesterday,
But I have have two more months left of my stay.
My roommates here have been driving me mad,
I'm partially annoyed and partially sad.
I have a lot to learn about living with others,
Especially since Christ wants us to be lovers.
I just watched Kindergarten Cop,
That Arnold is governor I think is notch-top.
"the most perfectly developed man in the history of the world," he's been named,
I'm excited that my Davis diploma was signed by someone so famed.
I think that's all the details I can remember for now,
If you want to be in my e-mail now you know how,
Come for a visit I'd love to see you for sure,
As long as it's before the fifteenth of December.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
i got it from my mama
School is canceled today because no students came. When it's been raining hard for 24 hours the neighborhood where my school is, and many other Nicaraguan barrios, turn into lakes. Since most families don't have boats the parents keep their kids home. So now I'm awake with a whole day ahead of me and am writing this update while watching Ritmoson Latino which is totally bringing back memories of college and "super estrella numero uno." But don't worry i actually have other things to talk about.
I sent my last update last Tuesday, Wednesday morning my school got robbed again. We had recently started computer classes on Saturdays for some of our advanced students. The laptops they use are locked up in our office and we have a night gaurd that is supposed to protect them. At 4 in the morning he wasn't at the top of his game so three guys came and took his gun, six laptops, one desktop computer, and a generator. For those of you that can piece together Spanish, there is an article about it at http://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/2007/10/05/sucesos/60679. Over all it was a discouraging experience, one of my first graders was really concerned that without access to the office the bell couldn't ring and there would be no recess. Matthew was bummed because he thought when you hire people and paid them well, they will do their jobs. I got carrot cake muffins out of the situation so I guess I wasn't really negatively effected.
A few weeks ago my friend, Lori, was informed that since she is 26 she only has 4 more years to live. I think some guys told her that to get her to go on a date but regardless she decided she needed to start doing new things here. In this country that is easier said than done. Saturday we sat aside to try new things. After much deliberation we ended up at the mall's arcade. You are supposed to by a credit card and put money onto it and then swipe that at the games. There had been a zip-lock bag full of change on my dresser so we decided to keep in the spirit of coin arcades we would use that money to load our card. Let me tell you, the workers there loved us. Lori then pointed out how ridiculous it was that we were the poor white girls hanging out with the rich Nicaraguan youth. We played air hockey and some motorcycle game and then were out of money. We had other big plans for that night like going to a club had that was having a tribute to John Lennon concert but instead we stayed home and ate tacos and ice cream and watched a movie.
Sunday our excitement picked up again and we went to the Black Eyed Peas concert. I guess they're on Latin American tour right now and as of Sunday night Nica Chicas are the mas bonitas. I think I had heard most of their songs but only knew that like two of them were theirs. Others like "Sweet Child of Mine", I thought were was too old to be theirs, but I guess not. Last night we were going to go to the 40 cent circus but it was raining too much so it might get postponed until later this week. Lori checked it out and said they have a dog, monkey, and clown car, how could we miss something like that?
Well, that probably sums up most of what I've been up to. The electricity has come on an hour early the last two nights. My dad is coming tomorrow. I think I'm going to take a nap soon.
I sent my last update last Tuesday, Wednesday morning my school got robbed again. We had recently started computer classes on Saturdays for some of our advanced students. The laptops they use are locked up in our office and we have a night gaurd that is supposed to protect them. At 4 in the morning he wasn't at the top of his game so three guys came and took his gun, six laptops, one desktop computer, and a generator. For those of you that can piece together Spanish, there is an article about it at http://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/2007/10/05/sucesos/60679. Over all it was a discouraging experience, one of my first graders was really concerned that without access to the office the bell couldn't ring and there would be no recess. Matthew was bummed because he thought when you hire people and paid them well, they will do their jobs. I got carrot cake muffins out of the situation so I guess I wasn't really negatively effected.
A few weeks ago my friend, Lori, was informed that since she is 26 she only has 4 more years to live. I think some guys told her that to get her to go on a date but regardless she decided she needed to start doing new things here. In this country that is easier said than done. Saturday we sat aside to try new things. After much deliberation we ended up at the mall's arcade. You are supposed to by a credit card and put money onto it and then swipe that at the games. There had been a zip-lock bag full of change on my dresser so we decided to keep in the spirit of coin arcades we would use that money to load our card. Let me tell you, the workers there loved us. Lori then pointed out how ridiculous it was that we were the poor white girls hanging out with the rich Nicaraguan youth. We played air hockey and some motorcycle game and then were out of money. We had other big plans for that night like going to a club had that was having a tribute to John Lennon concert but instead we stayed home and ate tacos and ice cream and watched a movie.
Sunday our excitement picked up again and we went to the Black Eyed Peas concert. I guess they're on Latin American tour right now and as of Sunday night Nica Chicas are the mas bonitas. I think I had heard most of their songs but only knew that like two of them were theirs. Others like "Sweet Child of Mine", I thought were was too old to be theirs, but I guess not. Last night we were going to go to the 40 cent circus but it was raining too much so it might get postponed until later this week. Lori checked it out and said they have a dog, monkey, and clown car, how could we miss something like that?
Well, that probably sums up most of what I've been up to. The electricity has come on an hour early the last two nights. My dad is coming tomorrow. I think I'm going to take a nap soon.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
not too much here, and you?
Well I've been a little less consistent lately with these fill ins but for most of last week we didn't have internet so that had an adverse effect on my connection with the world. But you were not forgotten.
This weekend my roommate was house sitting and I stayed with her. You know in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory every things is hyper fabulous dream world. That is what this house was like. There was hot water straight from the tap, big nice couches, a big screen TV with a fancy sound system, king sized beds, a pool, cheerios, no bugs. I think you get the picture. It was nice.
Yesterday was not bad considering it was a Monday. In first grade this kid Leonardi pulled this girl Adriana's hair. Then I guess she responded by smacking him in the face. Way to go! Then he curled up in a ball on the floor and was crying. I checked on him and he was fine but he wouldn't get off the floor. And the next time I looked at him he was sleeping. Once again, why don't I bring my camera anywhere? Actually the school part was probably one of the best ones yet.
However, I've been fighting some cold or dengue since last Thursday and haven't been sleeping well so that puts a damper on things. But last Monday during my 2 hour afternoon break I fell asleep in the office. I was reading and just put my head back and the next thing I knew it was a half hour later. Today I was able to stay awake and finally finished my Monday book, The Book on the Bookshelf. It was long but made me want to be a better writer, and I learned all sorts of stuff.
Next Thursday my dad is coming to visit for a while. He said he is nervous, me too. But it should be good we can go to lots of coffee shops and he can bring me down cereal. Why am I so obsessed with cereal? I was just taking a shower and trying to figure it out. As you probably know if you have tried to bond with me in the mornings I am not what one would call an early riser (this Saturday someone called at 8 and I almost killed him but then I got french toast). I think that a quality cereal, or any easily prepared breakfast food, really makes those rushed early mornings just a little bit happier.
On other news...This week the power turns back on at 7pm, yay. Tonight I am making falafel for dinner, yum. On Sunday night I had a quality conversation with someone that normally drives me crazy, hallelujah. I hate conflict, surprise. Our internet went out last Monday, on Friday I called them to fix it, they asked me my last name and said “OK it's on now,” nice. I just went running and now have the sore throat itch ears thing going on, no. Have a nice day, bye.
This weekend my roommate was house sitting and I stayed with her. You know in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory every things is hyper fabulous dream world. That is what this house was like. There was hot water straight from the tap, big nice couches, a big screen TV with a fancy sound system, king sized beds, a pool, cheerios, no bugs. I think you get the picture. It was nice.
Yesterday was not bad considering it was a Monday. In first grade this kid Leonardi pulled this girl Adriana's hair. Then I guess she responded by smacking him in the face. Way to go! Then he curled up in a ball on the floor and was crying. I checked on him and he was fine but he wouldn't get off the floor. And the next time I looked at him he was sleeping. Once again, why don't I bring my camera anywhere? Actually the school part was probably one of the best ones yet.
However, I've been fighting some cold or dengue since last Thursday and haven't been sleeping well so that puts a damper on things. But last Monday during my 2 hour afternoon break I fell asleep in the office. I was reading and just put my head back and the next thing I knew it was a half hour later. Today I was able to stay awake and finally finished my Monday book, The Book on the Bookshelf. It was long but made me want to be a better writer, and I learned all sorts of stuff.
Next Thursday my dad is coming to visit for a while. He said he is nervous, me too. But it should be good we can go to lots of coffee shops and he can bring me down cereal. Why am I so obsessed with cereal? I was just taking a shower and trying to figure it out. As you probably know if you have tried to bond with me in the mornings I am not what one would call an early riser (this Saturday someone called at 8 and I almost killed him but then I got french toast). I think that a quality cereal, or any easily prepared breakfast food, really makes those rushed early mornings just a little bit happier.
On other news...This week the power turns back on at 7pm, yay. Tonight I am making falafel for dinner, yum. On Sunday night I had a quality conversation with someone that normally drives me crazy, hallelujah. I hate conflict, surprise. Our internet went out last Monday, on Friday I called them to fix it, they asked me my last name and said “OK it's on now,” nice. I just went running and now have the sore throat itch ears thing going on, no. Have a nice day, bye.
Friday, September 21, 2007
some tidbits on my life
Once again it's Friday post time because things have just been taking a little longer to come together. Last weekend I did end up going to the beach. I went on a different trip than I had mentioned previously. It was shorter, cheaper, and with fewer people, thus, more tolerable. I didn't actually go in the ocean because it was pretty gross but the resort we stayed at had nice pools and hammocks. I am a big fan of hammocks. I thought about taking a picture but I did want you to get the wrong impression of missionary life. Oh wait, I'm not one so I can tell you whatever a want without thinking you'll judge me for spending my support money frivolously. Good thing I have that freedom. If I didn't, can you imagine how boring these posts would be? Oh well, still no picture.
Having a long weekend is great for the most part but the first day back isn't always the greatest. Actually, if I was disposed to cry I think Wednesday morning would have been a prime opportunity. After that my day got better. I was just a tad frustrated because my 1st grade class that used to be the best is now uncontrollable. However, thanks to my cat-like reflexes and brute strength I didn't get bitten. I think I need to pray more.
I guess now on Fridays a group of pre-med students come to my school. Last time they taught my students to watch for still water because it breeds mosquitoes and how to was their hands. I was under the impression that today's lesson was going to be on how to wash hair but it was really vaccination day. I just finished reading the book "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." It takes place in Brooklyn (imagine that) in the 1910's. At that time in the States students got vaccinations in mass. The still do it here, they just came into the class room and gave crying students shots and signed off their health cards. Another prime photo that I didn't take.
According to my calculations I have less than three months of Nicaraguan life left. Things could change but I think some people would rather I stuck to the original plan. As far as "plans" go once December 4th comes I have none whatsoever. That is a strange thing to think about and another thing that I should pray about more frequently.
Other exciting news. Last night a new light was brought into my family. This one came in the form of a boy named Grady William. I won't get to see him until Christmas but am hoping that the super awkward baby stage will be over by then. And it's not like he'll remember I wasn't there so I think I can still keep my position as best aunt.
Have a great weekend, Joy
Having a long weekend is great for the most part but the first day back isn't always the greatest. Actually, if I was disposed to cry I think Wednesday morning would have been a prime opportunity. After that my day got better. I was just a tad frustrated because my 1st grade class that used to be the best is now uncontrollable. However, thanks to my cat-like reflexes and brute strength I didn't get bitten. I think I need to pray more.
I guess now on Fridays a group of pre-med students come to my school. Last time they taught my students to watch for still water because it breeds mosquitoes and how to was their hands. I was under the impression that today's lesson was going to be on how to wash hair but it was really vaccination day. I just finished reading the book "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." It takes place in Brooklyn (imagine that) in the 1910's. At that time in the States students got vaccinations in mass. The still do it here, they just came into the class room and gave crying students shots and signed off their health cards. Another prime photo that I didn't take.
According to my calculations I have less than three months of Nicaraguan life left. Things could change but I think some people would rather I stuck to the original plan. As far as "plans" go once December 4th comes I have none whatsoever. That is a strange thing to think about and another thing that I should pray about more frequently.
Other exciting news. Last night a new light was brought into my family. This one came in the form of a boy named Grady William. I won't get to see him until Christmas but am hoping that the super awkward baby stage will be over by then. And it's not like he'll remember I wasn't there so I think I can still keep my position as best aunt.
Have a great weekend, Joy
Friday, September 14, 2007
TGIF
Hello my peeps, I'm sorry if you feel neglected this week but I couldn't figure out what to tell you. I still don't really have anything particularly profound but you've probably have come accustomed to that. First of all, I wasn't to remind you that you can always look at my archived blogs if this one is lame and you want to remember why you read these faithfully week in and week out. Because trust me, some of them are fairly entertaining.
Now onto recent news in my life. September 14th and 15th are Nicaragua's independence days. Yesterday and today I only went to school for a few hours and next Monday and Tuesday I don't have to go at all. This morning my school had presentations, a few students from each grade had prepared something patriotic. It was the usual, preschoolers holding up their letters in the wrong order spelling AIRTAP, and girls dancing in their fluffy white skirts to burned CD's bought off the street. I was planning on taking pictures but wasn't able to take many because my camera is having some issues. Yay for technology.
As for weekend plans my options were paying to go to the beach for 3 days or staying home alone. I opted for not going which says a few things. One, I'm not a huge fan in the first place (the whole sand thing) and you would need to make it amazingly appealing to get me to pay $140. The people that were going are the same people that I do everything with, which recently has become another thing that make trips with them worth less than $140. So now I am at home by myself with no plans and am fine with that fact.
There is a new coffee shop open in my neck of the woods. A family that has a coffee plantation and exporting business decided to continue with vertical integration. I went there last night and this morning, both times for free. The story about the company is really cool. I think it is important for nationals to use their resources to promote economic growth among the lower classes. Hopefully these companies will stay open in spite of the opposition to free market presented by the government. For more details on the lameness of the Nicaraguan government you can research the dispute that was resolved yesterday between the Nicaraguan government and ExxonMobile. Or explain to me why we never have electricity.
You may remember, but probably not, that on February 20th, I sent an posted asking for opinions on the combination of chili and cinnamon rolls. On Sunday the topic got brought up again and it was decided that last night we could try out the combo for ourselves. Basically the final vote was that cinnamon rolls are really good so if it takes a bowl of chili to get cinnamon roles, I for one, am not going to complain.
I learned the card came Eucher this week. It takes me a while to catch onto card games usually but some how my partner and I still dominated two nights in a row. It was quite a relief because I don't know if I was up for being a failure.
Well, peace out, feel free to write out your life story for me since I'll have more than enough free time coming up the next 72 hours.
Love, Joy
Now onto recent news in my life. September 14th and 15th are Nicaragua's independence days. Yesterday and today I only went to school for a few hours and next Monday and Tuesday I don't have to go at all. This morning my school had presentations, a few students from each grade had prepared something patriotic. It was the usual, preschoolers holding up their letters in the wrong order spelling AIRTAP, and girls dancing in their fluffy white skirts to burned CD's bought off the street. I was planning on taking pictures but wasn't able to take many because my camera is having some issues. Yay for technology.
As for weekend plans my options were paying to go to the beach for 3 days or staying home alone. I opted for not going which says a few things. One, I'm not a huge fan in the first place (the whole sand thing) and you would need to make it amazingly appealing to get me to pay $140. The people that were going are the same people that I do everything with, which recently has become another thing that make trips with them worth less than $140. So now I am at home by myself with no plans and am fine with that fact.
There is a new coffee shop open in my neck of the woods. A family that has a coffee plantation and exporting business decided to continue with vertical integration. I went there last night and this morning, both times for free. The story about the company is really cool. I think it is important for nationals to use their resources to promote economic growth among the lower classes. Hopefully these companies will stay open in spite of the opposition to free market presented by the government. For more details on the lameness of the Nicaraguan government you can research the dispute that was resolved yesterday between the Nicaraguan government and ExxonMobile. Or explain to me why we never have electricity.
You may remember, but probably not, that on February 20th, I sent an posted asking for opinions on the combination of chili and cinnamon rolls. On Sunday the topic got brought up again and it was decided that last night we could try out the combo for ourselves. Basically the final vote was that cinnamon rolls are really good so if it takes a bowl of chili to get cinnamon roles, I for one, am not going to complain.
I learned the card came Eucher this week. It takes me a while to catch onto card games usually but some how my partner and I still dominated two nights in a row. It was quite a relief because I don't know if I was up for being a failure.
Well, peace out, feel free to write out your life story for me since I'll have more than enough free time coming up the next 72 hours.
Love, Joy
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Something new and different
Last Wednesday a group came down from Oakland to help out Matthew. He thought I might want to join them as a translator. I guess he figured I would understand, though not approve of, the use of the words hecka and hella. I consented on the basis that I would get out of teaching for a few days.
My mom contacted them ahead of time and arranged for them to bring me gifts such as peanut butter and toothpaste. The later of which you can buy here, the former not so much. Way to go mom.
On Wednesday and Thursday they were working at Matthew's feeding center. Some gave hair cuts, and washed the hair and feet of patrons while others worked on cementing the walls of a newly purchased, neighboring building that will eventually be a clinic.
From Friday to Sunday we were in Chinandega, another Nicaraguan provence. A local church there was building a new building and Matthew had wanted to help. Before he got involved they had sold $2,000 worth of tortillas and put up a frame. Since he found out about them he has been able to connect them with State side churches that have provided a roof and walls. Our group was able to help out more with stuccoing of the walls and filling in the floor with dirt as well as doing some VBS stuff and visitations.
My favorite part was getting to talk with the girls in the neighborhood. They were super loving and receiving. Even those in their teens would come up to me and hold my hand or play with my hair and chat. I know, me saying something positive about physical touch, a shocker.
I also got to ride a horse. It ran me in to a cactus. Blood was gushing from my leg. Well maybe not quite, but I did get a scratch.
A side note, our "hotel" wasn't the classiest of establishments. The lack of water was one thing, but I'm getting pretty good at creative showering techniques. But then Sunday morning at 12:30am, up came my dinner. About half of us had food poisoning. That continual queasiness kept up for the rest of, the much mellower, Sunday. Not my finest moments but I'll spare you the details. I tried to remind myself that some people don't have food to get sick off of but that didn't help much. I am feeling much better now and Matthew dropped of a plethora of medicines this morning in case I have a relapse.
As far as the group went, they were very cool. I was amazed by their willingness and graciousness. Does anyone actually want to wash crusty homeless feet or hold back my hair as I vomit? And they didn't touch my school.
There was another main girl translating. She was Korean (as was the team) so she knew the strange side dishes they brought with them and how to play their violent versions of rock, paper, scissors. She was in charge of group translating and I got to stick with my stellar Spanish conversation skills. Even in my poor translating (like I know what a plainer is in English) is a better match for me than teaching. That realization, combined with my 24 hour fast, made going back to school on Monday rather disheartening but I have to trust that God has me exactly where I am for a reason.
And unrelated, my roommate just bought a widow maker for our shower, it is this electrical contraption that lets you choose, cold, medium, or fairly-hot water. The result, a cleaner, but also more spoiled, Joy.
Oh yes, there is a hurricane. It is raining a lot here but we are totally safe. The electricity is off hecka a lot, but what's new? And there is lots of amazing thunder and lightning.
My mom contacted them ahead of time and arranged for them to bring me gifts such as peanut butter and toothpaste. The later of which you can buy here, the former not so much. Way to go mom.
On Wednesday and Thursday they were working at Matthew's feeding center. Some gave hair cuts, and washed the hair and feet of patrons while others worked on cementing the walls of a newly purchased, neighboring building that will eventually be a clinic.
From Friday to Sunday we were in Chinandega, another Nicaraguan provence. A local church there was building a new building and Matthew had wanted to help. Before he got involved they had sold $2,000 worth of tortillas and put up a frame. Since he found out about them he has been able to connect them with State side churches that have provided a roof and walls. Our group was able to help out more with stuccoing of the walls and filling in the floor with dirt as well as doing some VBS stuff and visitations.
My favorite part was getting to talk with the girls in the neighborhood. They were super loving and receiving. Even those in their teens would come up to me and hold my hand or play with my hair and chat. I know, me saying something positive about physical touch, a shocker.
I also got to ride a horse. It ran me in to a cactus. Blood was gushing from my leg. Well maybe not quite, but I did get a scratch.
A side note, our "hotel" wasn't the classiest of establishments. The lack of water was one thing, but I'm getting pretty good at creative showering techniques. But then Sunday morning at 12:30am, up came my dinner. About half of us had food poisoning. That continual queasiness kept up for the rest of, the much mellower, Sunday. Not my finest moments but I'll spare you the details. I tried to remind myself that some people don't have food to get sick off of but that didn't help much. I am feeling much better now and Matthew dropped of a plethora of medicines this morning in case I have a relapse.
As far as the group went, they were very cool. I was amazed by their willingness and graciousness. Does anyone actually want to wash crusty homeless feet or hold back my hair as I vomit? And they didn't touch my school.
There was another main girl translating. She was Korean (as was the team) so she knew the strange side dishes they brought with them and how to play their violent versions of rock, paper, scissors. She was in charge of group translating and I got to stick with my stellar Spanish conversation skills. Even in my poor translating (like I know what a plainer is in English) is a better match for me than teaching. That realization, combined with my 24 hour fast, made going back to school on Monday rather disheartening but I have to trust that God has me exactly where I am for a reason.
And unrelated, my roommate just bought a widow maker for our shower, it is this electrical contraption that lets you choose, cold, medium, or fairly-hot water. The result, a cleaner, but also more spoiled, Joy.
Oh yes, there is a hurricane. It is raining a lot here but we are totally safe. The electricity is off hecka a lot, but what's new? And there is lots of amazing thunder and lightning.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
who am i?
I'm sure exams are coming up soon at my school so I thought I would give one to you as well. Being the underdedicated teacher that I am, this will be True/False. Multiple choice was taking too much time.
- Sometimes talking on the phone depresses me. T/F
- I love sand. T/F
- Melted cheese makes most foods better. T/F
- Khaki pants have no effect on the reliability of my driver. T/F
- I have nothing better to do than write you e-mails all the time. T/F
- I know when to use preterit and imperfect tenses. T/F
- The first draft of this e-mail was hand written because there was no electricity. T/F
- I am a great team player. T/F
- My Sunday afternoon walk this weekend was through a river of mud because it was raining so hard. T/F
- I work more than 20 hours a week. T/F
- One of my biggest fears about moving back to the states is having to get a job. T/F
- It doesn't bother me at all when sentences trail off and people compensate by using hand motions. T/F
- When going through my expenses for August I realized that for some one that doesn't like coffee I spend a lot of time in coffee shops. T/F
- I brushed my hair this month. T/F
- I over use the words ghetto and confused. T/F
- I have no problem sleeping with the lights on. T/F
- You are my favorite person. T/F
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
me, myself, and my ipod
Normally on Tuesdays I sleep in until approximately 9:00 since I don't have to work. This morning I woke up at 6:30 and was awake. I contemplated taking a Benadryl for a few minutes, to put myself back to sleep, but then decided I should just get up. I read, checked my e-mail, had some toast, watched a little Dawson's Creek and Regis and Kelly, a neighbor came over to visit and use the internet, basic day off stuff just started 3 hours early. At 9:00 I laced up my Asics and strapped on my iPod to do a little running. Running here is interesting, I go out the gate and my brother's voice comes in to my head, "don't run down that street," "don't go down there," "oh that one is dangerous too." Blah...blah...blah. So I went up this approved hill and then turned on to some dirt road and walked for a while. Everything is really over grown and green this time of year and there are cows and horses and pigs and chickens, totally cool. And dogs, but I don't like the dogs here. I walked around listening to music and taking in the rural beauty of this place kind of wondering where I was but confident that eventually I would come out somewhere familiar. I did! I came up a little farther up on the hill that I had broken off of earlier. I decided this would be a good time to start running again and I did, just enjoying my time out and alone. Then I fell. Yup one of those, oh I bet I'm going to fall right now and since I am running down hill there is nothing I can do to stop it. I jumped up and started running again because I didn't know what else to do and I figured I would get home faster that way. Fortunately I fell on my right side and my iPod armband is on my left arm so it was safe. My right elbow didn't fare so well. Both of my palms hurt too. Leo just found some old bananas and offered to make banana con leche which I am quite excited about.
I wish I could stop writing right there but I have more to get out. But you can pretend that I stopped and just respond to the first part.
On Friday night I went out to dinner with four other girls that live down here. We talked about NCA (the school I don't teach at) and glasses and contact lenses (two things I don't wear). It's weird to constantly hang out with people that I probably wouldn't in normal situations. But I'm sure it is good for me plus I have you to talk to and have been branching out a little more socially. Saturday my roommate was reading by the pool and I decided to go sit in it. There was only one other person in the pool, an old man with a belly and a speedo. He decided to introduce himself and to talk to me in super fast Spain Spanish. I'm not sure why he is here but I think I understood the rest of the conversation. Then when he was getting out of the pool he did the cheek kiss thing which I am normally fine with but it was awkward. Then I looked over at my roommate pretending to read but she couldn't because she was laughing too hard. His apartment faces ours and told me to stop by if I ever need anything and he offered me a ride to school on Monday. I declined, that walk wakes me up. On Sunday night I went to the movies with my friend Maria. She is Nicaraguan and doesn't live by me so I decided to take a taxi. It was my first taxi ride without a chaperone. It cost $3 and I guess I could have paid less but I think I would feel guilty, gas here is expensive and what else am I supposed to do with my money.
When I'm not going out socializing I always have my books to keep me company. I think I'm at about one 400 page novel every 5 days plus a chapter here a chapter there of whatever books I have stacked on my nightstand. And there are movies. It only costs $3 to go to one plus we have a fair amount at our house. On Saturday night I started one you may have heard of, Lord of the Rings. I guess some people are into them, I am not one of those people. Why don't they ever end? Sorry if I offended you, I'm trying. That was my second attempt at the first one. I also couldn't get through the books. I just get frustrated because I know that when the first one ends there will be two more, equally long, to go.
Happy Tuesday!
Love, Joy
I wish I could stop writing right there but I have more to get out. But you can pretend that I stopped and just respond to the first part.
On Friday night I went out to dinner with four other girls that live down here. We talked about NCA (the school I don't teach at) and glasses and contact lenses (two things I don't wear). It's weird to constantly hang out with people that I probably wouldn't in normal situations. But I'm sure it is good for me plus I have you to talk to and have been branching out a little more socially. Saturday my roommate was reading by the pool and I decided to go sit in it. There was only one other person in the pool, an old man with a belly and a speedo. He decided to introduce himself and to talk to me in super fast Spain Spanish. I'm not sure why he is here but I think I understood the rest of the conversation. Then when he was getting out of the pool he did the cheek kiss thing which I am normally fine with but it was awkward. Then I looked over at my roommate pretending to read but she couldn't because she was laughing too hard. His apartment faces ours and told me to stop by if I ever need anything and he offered me a ride to school on Monday. I declined, that walk wakes me up. On Sunday night I went to the movies with my friend Maria. She is Nicaraguan and doesn't live by me so I decided to take a taxi. It was my first taxi ride without a chaperone. It cost $3 and I guess I could have paid less but I think I would feel guilty, gas here is expensive and what else am I supposed to do with my money.
When I'm not going out socializing I always have my books to keep me company. I think I'm at about one 400 page novel every 5 days plus a chapter here a chapter there of whatever books I have stacked on my nightstand. And there are movies. It only costs $3 to go to one plus we have a fair amount at our house. On Saturday night I started one you may have heard of, Lord of the Rings. I guess some people are into them, I am not one of those people. Why don't they ever end? Sorry if I offended you, I'm trying. That was my second attempt at the first one. I also couldn't get through the books. I just get frustrated because I know that when the first one ends there will be two more, equally long, to go.
Happy Tuesday!
Love, Joy
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Some more easy to read bullet points
- Last night I wasn't really sure what the conversation was going on around me but then one of my roommates said "Joy probably doesn't appreciate us talking about this." For some reason they all have it in their heads that I don't like bathroom humor. I mean hello, what's not to like? Then this other girl was like I don't get it you have brothers. And I said yes, but in my family the girls wear dresses and stay in the kitchen.
- Earlier in the afternoon our neighbor Anna was over, she is in second grade and was telling us a story about what we do. Like there is a girl named Rachel, she teaches health and another girl named Miss. Portanga, she teaches 5th grade, and Aimee who teaches 4th grade. When she got to me she said there is another girl that lives there named Joy, she doesn't have a job, she stays at home all day. So yes, the truth is out, I am a stay at home mom. I guess that makes sense financially, really my pay is just allowance.
- It has been raining a lot lately, I think there is a hurricane in the Atlantic. While raining, and at night, it is cooler now. During the day, when it isn't raining, it is hot and humid and muddy.
- Today in pre-school I got hit in the shoulder by a giant lego. I think I am going to have a bruise.
- In the mornings I get driven to school by a man named Oscar, he doesn't ever understand my Spanish. So after two failed attempts at conversation this morning I think I am going to quit trying to make small talk and just use that 20 minutes to sleep.
- On Sunday night I was frustrated because I was trying to sleep and my roommate was still reading so her light was on. The next two nights the electricity was out from 5 until 10:40. I think it was God's way of reinforcing that I shouldn't complain. It brings to mind the verse "Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of the ox." Proverbs 14:4. I mean the correlation is so obvious I'm not even going to expound.
- Last Sunday I went to a different Church with my roommate Aimee. I was confused for the majority of the time. Then during the interactive message this lady started walking around with a satin pouch on the end of a stick to collect the offering. If you gave enough she would sit down and write a receipt. Even in my love for multitasking I thought that was a little much.
- My HSFA is over i think but has been replaced by SGIT (Shards of Glass In my Throat). I know, seriously, what the heck? I guess I should pick a talent besides eating glass to make it into the circus.
- I've been trying to watch the news lately. Is it really that important that kids don't play with toys painted with lead based paint? I mean didn't everything used to be lead based? And maybe kids shouldn't eat their Barbies anyways.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Absence makes the heart grow fonder?
My family just went on a camping trip without me. Talking to my sister about it I got this idea to compare and contrast family camping and my life in Nicaragua in an essay format. As I started to write I realized that it was taking too much time and that I haven't written an essay in a while. But I still liked the compare and contrast idea so I think I'll outline instead and you can turn it into an essay for me. Automatic A if anyone does that.
- While camping evidently my dad used window cleaner as soap, in Nicaragua I use bug spray as perfume.
- When camping the days are hot and you swim in the ice cold river, in Nicaragua the days are hot and you swim in the over chlorinated pool.
- Neither while camping nor in Nicaragua is there an option for a hot shower.
- In neither location is there electricity.
- On camping trips we bring a generator and propane lanterns, in Nicaragua we use candles.
- In the woods we play Ticket to Ride. In Nicaragua we go see the bloodiest movie ever called “Exterminio 2” aka “28 Weeks Later” because we have lazy Spanish and miss the part in the review that says the disease is people eating each other.
- While camping we eat a lot of instant oatmeal and hobo pies, in Nicaragua we eat at TGI Friday's 3 times in one week.
- Camping trips provide a variety of methods of exercise, Nicaragua has Curves and then the 45 minute walk home from Curves in the rain.
- Nicaragua has phones, internet, and cable TV (if there is electricity), camping doesn't.
- During camping trips no one in my family goes to work. In Nicaragua, if it isn't a holiday, I do go to work. This is not the case with all the teachers at my school. One of the 1st grade teachers didn't come last Thursday (possibly she was camping) there was no substitute and they didn't send the kids home. Instead they combined the two first grade classes for one teacher. What a reward for coming to work, 55 students. I went in to help and almost stepped on a kid who was lying on the floor holding his stomach and crying. While camping I'm normally the one crying because I am so bored.
- Other campers say “Hi, neighbor,” when you're camping, in Nicaragua people say “Hola, Chela”
- Both campers and Nicaraguan children are constantly dirty.
- In Nicaragua I have a maid, while camping I have my mom.
I think that concludes my comparisons for now, there are more, I'm sure. I haven't decided if life in Nicaragua's capital city or in the woods is more rural. Maybe now I'm just wondering why I'm in Nicaragua if I profess to hate camping.
I think I have a disease I like to call HSFA that stands for Hyper sensitive fore arm. Does that ever happen to you? It totally feels like I have an open wound on my left fore arm but it looks normal.
Happy Santo Domingo, we don't have school tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
back in full force
I am back in Nicaragua and have so much to say. The length of this will make up for the one I skipped while in the States.
"The Flight of the Conchords"
My flights last Tuesday were interesting. I flew from San Diego so I left the house at 9:50 for a 11:15 flight and everything was smooth as silk. When I got on the flight I, being the lovely person I am, offered to switch seats with this lady so she could sit by her son. This seat change sat me strategically in front of a yippy dog. I was wishing I had allergies so I would have an excuse to move but instead I fell asleep. My layover was short in Houston and I knew people on my flight so that was enjoyable. A small mishap occurred when the lady sitting next to me spilled her apple juice. Based on the amount that landed on me I think it missed her completely.
"Reading Rainbow"
Wednesday I had off and was able to re-acclimate to Nicaraguan life. It is slow here and hot. Pitaya is in season so there was amazing juice in the fridge. The electricity is out from 2pm to 7pm which isn't bad because that is only one hour of darkness and it gave me plenty of time to reorganize my bookshelf. In honor of this organizational process, I am now reading The Book on the Bookshelf by Henry Petroski. It is one of those books that doesn't have a description on the back cover because if it did, no one would ever read it. I guess it's about the history of the bookshelf. I am on page 43of 231. There is also a 20 page appendix that covers different methods of organizing books. I personally first divide by theme and then size. Maybe I will change them up some day and organize by price, publisher, or provenance. I mentioned that life is a little slow here, right?
"Schoolhouse Rock!"
Thursday I went back to school. It was a good day to ease in by helping in pre-school. Thi s one kid Hazzel/Gyser peed in the trash can. Friday was my first day back with regular classes. I was supposed to get picked up at 7:15 but Matthew called at 7:45 to tell me that he was running late. There was a robbery at the feeding program. I asked if they just took money or if the guy was injured. He was fine, the just took his money, shirt, and shoes. This is Nicaragua. The delay made it so I missed my entire first class but I went to the other 3 and they went smooth enough. After school as I was waiting to leave I wrote down my lesson, I think I was supposed to be doing that the whole time here. In the office one of the girls was reading the classified job ads. Although, I don't know why she would want to work anywhere else. One of the ads wanted a female, friendly, good-looking, thin, between ages of 18-23.
Real Women Have Curves
When I got home I ran some errands with my roommate and then took a nap. When I woke up I decided to go get things accomplished. I joined Curves. They let Cristina leave her membership to me so I don't have to pay the start up fee. I did not get any Curves dollars for tossing the keys on the Twister mat, and I think that shocked the girl that worked there. But whatever, those mats are slippery. Maybe next time.
"Friends"
So I've realized here that I need to be more purposeful in my socializing. Like actually call people and do things. It has already paid off, Saturday I went to Sambajuice for the first time. Their smoothies are good, just orange juice, ice, and your choice of 2 fruits. I went for the Strawberry, Raspberry combo. In the parking lot outside there was a man training a dog. It was the first well behaved dog I have seen in the country. Also in the parking lot this lady was walking around passing of fliers for cheesy bacon hot dogs at the gas station. Just looking at the picture made me gag. At night I went out with my Nicaraguan friend for dinner. In the States that usually means at 6 or 7 but here it was at 8:30. So I went to pre-dinner first with the Americans at someones house and then went out for buffalo wings. We ate Nica dinner outside and every time the giant Nica folk woman walked past us the car alarm went off.
"Full House"
On Saturday I also rearranged my bedroom. My new roommate moved in Sunday so I figured it was time to find places for all my valuables. How is it possible for me to accumulate so much stuff? I have a nightstand now so once again I got to organize books and find a place to store the extra buttons that come when you buy new clothes. All four of my roommates are back in Nicaragua now.
Revenge of the Nerds
Sunday I went to American church, It is quite a different experience than the Nicaraguan church that I normally go to. The American one starts a little after 8 and ends way before 10. That leaves the whole day free. I went on an hour long power walk with some girls here, which was totally an old lady thing to do but quite the work out. Then I went with my roommate to go pick up Kate, who I'll now be sharing a room with, from the airport. The late afternoon was filled with the normal procrastinating that comes when I should be thinking of lesson plans. At night my roommate said she would donate her big bookshelf for our house, so once again I got to organize books. I know if you made it this far in my e-mail you now know how much of a nerd I am. But also by this time I figured you will love me regardless.
"So You Think You Can Dance?"
Along with Mondays comes change in power schedules. This week 5pm to 10pm. But today was actually 5:15-9:45 so I guess they were in a good mood down at the power plant. I would love to complain about this but when it is on a schedule that you know it really isn't that bad. So tonight at 6:40 when it was pretty much dark we went to the mall. Most people were going to go to the movies but three of us girls brought books and laptops and hung out at a cafe chatting. On the way back as soon as I got in the car it smelled really bad so we were driving with the windows down and then finally realized it was my shoe. I had stepped in something not too pretty smelling. So I was content holding my shoe out the window for the rest of the drive but my roommate was laughing so hard she couldn't drive and pulled over in the video store parking lot for me to get cleaned up. It was quite the adventure. But at least I didn't have to watch Transformers.
"The Flight of the Conchords"
My flights last Tuesday were interesting. I flew from San Diego so I left the house at 9:50 for a 11:15 flight and everything was smooth as silk. When I got on the flight I, being the lovely person I am, offered to switch seats with this lady so she could sit by her son. This seat change sat me strategically in front of a yippy dog. I was wishing I had allergies so I would have an excuse to move but instead I fell asleep. My layover was short in Houston and I knew people on my flight so that was enjoyable. A small mishap occurred when the lady sitting next to me spilled her apple juice. Based on the amount that landed on me I think it missed her completely.
"Reading Rainbow"
Wednesday I had off and was able to re-acclimate to Nicaraguan life. It is slow here and hot. Pitaya is in season so there was amazing juice in the fridge. The electricity is out from 2pm to 7pm which isn't bad because that is only one hour of darkness and it gave me plenty of time to reorganize my bookshelf. In honor of this organizational process, I am now reading The Book on the Bookshelf by Henry Petroski. It is one of those books that doesn't have a description on the back cover because if it did, no one would ever read it. I guess it's about the history of the bookshelf. I am on page 43of 231. There is also a 20 page appendix that covers different methods of organizing books. I personally first divide by theme and then size. Maybe I will change them up some day and organize by price, publisher, or provenance. I mentioned that life is a little slow here, right?
"Schoolhouse Rock!"
Thursday I went back to school. It was a good day to ease in by helping in pre-school. Thi s one kid Hazzel/Gyser peed in the trash can. Friday was my first day back with regular classes. I was supposed to get picked up at 7:15 but Matthew called at 7:45 to tell me that he was running late. There was a robbery at the feeding program. I asked if they just took money or if the guy was injured. He was fine, the just took his money, shirt, and shoes. This is Nicaragua. The delay made it so I missed my entire first class but I went to the other 3 and they went smooth enough. After school as I was waiting to leave I wrote down my lesson, I think I was supposed to be doing that the whole time here. In the office one of the girls was reading the classified job ads. Although, I don't know why she would want to work anywhere else. One of the ads wanted a female, friendly, good-looking, thin, between ages of 18-23.
Real Women Have Curves
When I got home I ran some errands with my roommate and then took a nap. When I woke up I decided to go get things accomplished. I joined Curves. They let Cristina leave her membership to me so I don't have to pay the start up fee. I did not get any Curves dollars for tossing the keys on the Twister mat, and I think that shocked the girl that worked there. But whatever, those mats are slippery. Maybe next time.
"Friends"
So I've realized here that I need to be more purposeful in my socializing. Like actually call people and do things. It has already paid off, Saturday I went to Sambajuice for the first time. Their smoothies are good, just orange juice, ice, and your choice of 2 fruits. I went for the Strawberry, Raspberry combo. In the parking lot outside there was a man training a dog. It was the first well behaved dog I have seen in the country. Also in the parking lot this lady was walking around passing of fliers for cheesy bacon hot dogs at the gas station. Just looking at the picture made me gag. At night I went out with my Nicaraguan friend for dinner. In the States that usually means at 6 or 7 but here it was at 8:30. So I went to pre-dinner first with the Americans at someones house and then went out for buffalo wings. We ate Nica dinner outside and every time the giant Nica folk woman walked past us the car alarm went off.
"Full House"
On Saturday I also rearranged my bedroom. My new roommate moved in Sunday so I figured it was time to find places for all my valuables. How is it possible for me to accumulate so much stuff? I have a nightstand now so once again I got to organize books and find a place to store the extra buttons that come when you buy new clothes. All four of my roommates are back in Nicaragua now.
Revenge of the Nerds
Sunday I went to American church, It is quite a different experience than the Nicaraguan church that I normally go to. The American one starts a little after 8 and ends way before 10. That leaves the whole day free. I went on an hour long power walk with some girls here, which was totally an old lady thing to do but quite the work out. Then I went with my roommate to go pick up Kate, who I'll now be sharing a room with, from the airport. The late afternoon was filled with the normal procrastinating that comes when I should be thinking of lesson plans. At night my roommate said she would donate her big bookshelf for our house, so once again I got to organize books. I know if you made it this far in my e-mail you now know how much of a nerd I am. But also by this time I figured you will love me regardless.
"So You Think You Can Dance?"
Along with Mondays comes change in power schedules. This week 5pm to 10pm. But today was actually 5:15-9:45 so I guess they were in a good mood down at the power plant. I would love to complain about this but when it is on a schedule that you know it really isn't that bad. So tonight at 6:40 when it was pretty much dark we went to the mall. Most people were going to go to the movies but three of us girls brought books and laptops and hung out at a cafe chatting. On the way back as soon as I got in the car it smelled really bad so we were driving with the windows down and then finally realized it was my shoe. I had stepped in something not too pretty smelling. So I was content holding my shoe out the window for the rest of the drive but my roommate was laughing so hard she couldn't drive and pulled over in the video store parking lot for me to get cleaned up. It was quite the adventure. But at least I didn't have to watch Transformers.
Monday, July 23, 2007
global warning my foot
I haven't written for quite some time now and figured it was about time to fill you all in briefly about my life. Right now I am in overcast San Diego. I have been here since last Sunday for a wedding and sleeping. I am leaving tomorrow to return to Nicaragua. So yes I'm going back. Until December 4th (that's my return flight). Yes, I'm nervous. Yes, I'm excited. Yes, I'll miss hot showers and cereal and blueberries. For those of you I got to see I am really glad and for those of you I didn't see I'm sorry I'm such a loser. As I return things will be a little different, I'll have one new roommate and my brother and sister-in-law just moved back to the states. Other things will be the same, I'll still be teaching 1-3 grade English, I'll still have to pretend I know Spanish, I still will be living without electricity a few hours a day. As far as this trip to the states goes, I've been here for one action packed month but had a great time. I had forgotten how nice and necessary it is to spend quality time with people, and I've gotten to do a lot of that. In other ways I'm ready to return. I'm not a big shopper but everything is on sale here. I forget that even things on sale are more expensive than buying nothing. And my trip has been more nomadic than usual and that can be a little draining. What else do I have to say? Pray for me, come visit me, keep me posted on your lives. Oh, and a shout out to my favorite sister, it's her birthday.
Love, Joy
Love, Joy
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
America the Beautiful
I was toting my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnemucca, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"
I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere
Directions: Concord, CA to Absarokee, MT
1. Load up the cars. Seven adults, two toddlers, and ten days of luggage.
2. Stop for Peet's coffee.
3. Take I-680 East towards Sacramento. Go 19.7 miles.
4. Take the Sacramento exit onto I-80 East go 41.6 miles.
5. Take the Reno exit onto I-80 East – go 169 miles until Fernly, Nevada. The stop in Fernly will be short-lived. They don't even have a page on Wikipedia.
6. Continue driving on I-80 East 130 miles until Winnemucca. During this time it would be very appropriate to listen to Johnny Cash. (Winnemucca does have a page on Wikipedia, but I'll fill you in on the important details without on-line research). The hotels have balcony bars that are wider than standard which 2-year olds may take advantage of during attempted suicides. There is also a strong Basque contingency in Winnemucca. If you don't know much about the Basque they like to have darkly lit overpriced restaurants with food like meats with gravies and soups. The parking lots in Winnemucca are very nice for toddler boys to fall out of the car on to their faces. The emergency room nicely located near a park.
6. After leaving Winnemucca an hour later than intended (although the ETD was up for debate). Get back on I-80 East for 122 miles to Elko, Nevada. In Elko there is a very nice park and two Starbucks.
7. Get back on I-80 East for 41 miles
8. Take Exit #353/East Wells 0.3 miles
9. Turn left on US-93 – go 109 miles. Arrive in Pocatello, Idaho. Hotels in Idaho are about 1000 times nicer than in Nevada. They have waffle irons as part of their continental breakfasts.
10. Keep going North East on a variety of highways for 250 or so miles. Stopping in Twin Falls and then, eventually, in Bozeman, Montana at “The Leaf and Bean.” Keep driving some more until you get to Columbus. Exit. Stop at McDonald's to go to the bathroom and break your sunglasses that you bought 3 days beforehand.
11. When you get back on the road in Columbus you'll be on the MT -78 S. Go on that 14 miles then Yippee! you're in Absarokee.
1. Load up the cars. Seven adults, two toddlers, and ten days of luggage.
2. Stop for Peet's coffee.
3. Take I-680 East towards Sacramento. Go 19.7 miles.
4. Take the Sacramento exit onto I-80 East go 41.6 miles.
5. Take the Reno exit onto I-80 East – go 169 miles until Fernly, Nevada. The stop in Fernly will be short-lived. They don't even have a page on Wikipedia.
6. Continue driving on I-80 East 130 miles until Winnemucca. During this time it would be very appropriate to listen to Johnny Cash. (Winnemucca does have a page on Wikipedia, but I'll fill you in on the important details without on-line research). The hotels have balcony bars that are wider than standard which 2-year olds may take advantage of during attempted suicides. There is also a strong Basque contingency in Winnemucca. If you don't know much about the Basque they like to have darkly lit overpriced restaurants with food like meats with gravies and soups. The parking lots in Winnemucca are very nice for toddler boys to fall out of the car on to their faces. The emergency room nicely located near a park.
6. After leaving Winnemucca an hour later than intended (although the ETD was up for debate). Get back on I-80 East for 122 miles to Elko, Nevada. In Elko there is a very nice park and two Starbucks.
7. Get back on I-80 East for 41 miles
8. Take Exit #353/East Wells 0.3 miles
9. Turn left on US-93 – go 109 miles. Arrive in Pocatello, Idaho. Hotels in Idaho are about 1000 times nicer than in Nevada. They have waffle irons as part of their continental breakfasts.
10. Keep going North East on a variety of highways for 250 or so miles. Stopping in Twin Falls and then, eventually, in Bozeman, Montana at “The Leaf and Bean.” Keep driving some more until you get to Columbus. Exit. Stop at McDonald's to go to the bathroom and break your sunglasses that you bought 3 days beforehand.
11. When you get back on the road in Columbus you'll be on the MT -78 S. Go on that 14 miles then Yippee! you're in Absarokee.
Things to do and see in Absarokee, Montana:
1. Sneeze and apply lotion, the dry air and freshly cut weeds cater perfectly to these fun activities
2. Drink a peanut butter milkshake. There may not be a ton of restaurants but the first one on the right is really good.
4. Grate 10 lbs of carrots for your brother's wedding cake.
5. See your brother get married.
6. Play “Ticket to Ride.”
7. Lose at “Ticket to Ride” to your sister who you just taught how to play.
8. Play “Connect Four”
9. Lose at “Connect Four” to your brother-in-law in four moves.
10. Go to Billings to watch minor league baseball.
11. Go to Red Lodge. Red Lodge has a main street twice as long as Absarokee's.
12. Dress like a cow girl
1. Sneeze and apply lotion, the dry air and freshly cut weeds cater perfectly to these fun activities
2. Drink a peanut butter milkshake. There may not be a ton of restaurants but the first one on the right is really good.
4. Grate 10 lbs of carrots for your brother's wedding cake.
5. See your brother get married.
6. Play “Ticket to Ride.”
7. Lose at “Ticket to Ride” to your sister who you just taught how to play.
8. Play “Connect Four”
9. Lose at “Connect Four” to your brother-in-law in four moves.
10. Go to Billings to watch minor league baseball.
11. Go to Red Lodge. Red Lodge has a main street twice as long as Absarokee's.
12. Dress like a cow girl
Directions: Absarokee, MT to Concord, CA
1. Load up cars. Same people same luggage.
2. Get back on MT – 78 S for 32 miles until you get to Red Lodge. Stop for coffee.
3. Go on Beartooth pass through the amazingly beautiful mountains that lead you into Yellowstone. Stop once or twice for pictures.
4. Time your trip so you barely miss seeing Old Faithful. Sit in the parking lot having a picnic for approximately 90 minutes until it goes again. During the picnic take note of the vast variety of people that hang out at National Parks. Watch Old Faithful, speculate on how it got it's name.
5. Backtrack a little until so you can see the hot springs.
6. Drive out through West Yellowstone go on US - 20 for 97 miles until you reach Idaho Falls, Idaho.
7. In Idaho Falls eat at The Olive Garden. They may be out of what you want but what better way to end a day of being in the car. Depending on your hotel there is a chance you can take a dip in an over chlorinated spa, this does wonders for the eyes.
8. To leave Idaho Falls (where they had never heard of the potato shaped ice cream sundae) get on I – 15 S for 43.5 miles.
9. Take exit #72/Twin Falls onto I-86 W go 63 miles
10. Continue on I-84 W – go 47.9 miles. About now you should be thanking your family for not living in Eastern Nevada. If you still aren't sure you lucked out...
11. Stop in Wells, Nevada. In Wells there is an option for a guided tour of historic down town. We opted to sit on the lawn in front of the Presbyterian Church and have a picnic. Most businesses in Wells are past their glory days but the Flying J has showers.
12. Get on I-80 W (yes!) drive for 172 miles (no!). Somewhere in these long 172 miles of nothingness you may decide that you have no desire to sleep another night in Winnemucca but would rather continue on driving all night. This is a great idea. But you should stop in Winnemucca at the park (next to the emergency room) to let children run and then go buy coffee.
13. Get back on I -80 West (at 7PM) – go 128 miles. This entire time may be filled with screaming toddlers in the backseat.
14. Stop in Fernly for the bathroom and to sedate small children.
15. Continue on I-80 W 209 miles,
16. Take exit #40/Benicia/San Jose onto I–680 S go 20.1 miles.
17. Arrive in Concord at 1 AM (2 AM, Mountain Standard Time).
18. Pace aimlessly until you get Michael Card's “Sleep Sound in Jesus” out of your head.
1. Load up cars. Same people same luggage.
2. Get back on MT – 78 S for 32 miles until you get to Red Lodge. Stop for coffee.
3. Go on Beartooth pass through the amazingly beautiful mountains that lead you into Yellowstone. Stop once or twice for pictures.
4. Time your trip so you barely miss seeing Old Faithful. Sit in the parking lot having a picnic for approximately 90 minutes until it goes again. During the picnic take note of the vast variety of people that hang out at National Parks. Watch Old Faithful, speculate on how it got it's name.
5. Backtrack a little until so you can see the hot springs.
6. Drive out through West Yellowstone go on US - 20 for 97 miles until you reach Idaho Falls, Idaho.
7. In Idaho Falls eat at The Olive Garden. They may be out of what you want but what better way to end a day of being in the car. Depending on your hotel there is a chance you can take a dip in an over chlorinated spa, this does wonders for the eyes.
8. To leave Idaho Falls (where they had never heard of the potato shaped ice cream sundae) get on I – 15 S for 43.5 miles.
9. Take exit #72/Twin Falls onto I-86 W go 63 miles
10. Continue on I-84 W – go 47.9 miles. About now you should be thanking your family for not living in Eastern Nevada. If you still aren't sure you lucked out...
11. Stop in Wells, Nevada. In Wells there is an option for a guided tour of historic down town. We opted to sit on the lawn in front of the Presbyterian Church and have a picnic. Most businesses in Wells are past their glory days but the Flying J has showers.
12. Get on I-80 W (yes!) drive for 172 miles (no!). Somewhere in these long 172 miles of nothingness you may decide that you have no desire to sleep another night in Winnemucca but would rather continue on driving all night. This is a great idea. But you should stop in Winnemucca at the park (next to the emergency room) to let children run and then go buy coffee.
13. Get back on I -80 West (at 7PM) – go 128 miles. This entire time may be filled with screaming toddlers in the backseat.
14. Stop in Fernly for the bathroom and to sedate small children.
15. Continue on I-80 W 209 miles,
16. Take exit #40/Benicia/San Jose onto I–680 S go 20.1 miles.
17. Arrive in Concord at 1 AM (2 AM, Mountain Standard Time).
18. Pace aimlessly until you get Michael Card's “Sleep Sound in Jesus” out of your head.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Muchos Cuentos
Ometepe
Last weekend Katharine, one of the other teachers at my school, Denia, and I went to the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. Overall it was very nice to get out of Managua, walk through banana fields, swim in the lake, eat of the fruit of the land, etc. The island it totally beautiful and tranqillo and the three of us had a lot of fun. But there was, as always, a fly in the ointment. Or in our case millions of flies in our $18 hotel room the second night. Maybe we should have splurged and got the $20 room. Plus that night we had been swimming in the lake and our shower was too dirty to get sufficient sand off of us which meant sand in the sheets. Maybe one week I'll send a quiz about me but one thing everyone should know is that I HATE sand outside of it's natural habitat. So in the morning when we got up from a fitful night of sleep the floor was covered with a mix of the dead fly/moth things and sand. Overall quite the island experience.
Amigas
I have a new friend, and even better she's Nicaraguan and she has a car. She just started going to church where I usually go and the past few weekends we've hung out. On Sunday we saw "El Buen Pastor" aka "The Good Shepherd," it was fine except we missed the beginning so were a little confused.
Sin Luz
The electricity has been out a lot lately. The new schedule is noon to 7:00 everyday. So far Monday noon to 7:30, Tuesday 9:30-4:30, Wednesday ?-8:30AM and 5:30PM to Midnight. This morning Leo came extra early to do laundry because it's been a while since she's been able to use the washing machine. I am obviously incapable of doing my laundry when there is any chance someone else will do it for me. On a grander scale Matthew was telling me that some of the garment factories are thinking about closing down because they can't run without consistent electricity. If they shut down over 20,000 people won't have jobs.
Visitando Mas del Pais
Since Tuesday was Katharine's last day in Nicaragua Julio took us to see more places. So we saw the Oriental Market and Matthew's feeding program, Volcan Masaya, a little pottery town called Catarina, and one of the first cities in Nicaragua, Granada. Then on the way home he drove around the outskirts of Managua so we could see some areas of former glory. During lunch two dogs got in a fight right next to our table. I guess Rocky doesn't like to share.
Esposa
Tuesday morning, before we painted the countryside red, we went to my school. It was during recess so Katharine played games with my students and I talked to Matthew. When we were walking back to the car one of my students asked if Matthew was my husband. I told Matthew that he obviously isn't at the school enough if the students have no clue who he is. Then yesterday I went to the market again and one of the guys asked the same thing. I guess we can attribute that to the life of drug use.
Problemas Sentimientas
This week in the car somehow we got into the topic of problems in Nicaragua like rape, and drugs, and child prostitution, and diseases that banana farmers get. I swear every day I end up hearing worse and worse things that happen in this country, so sometimes I'm not constantly peppy. Or sometimes I just don't have any Spanish conversations I feel like striking up. Yesterday was one such quiet day for me I mean there was some little things on my mind but nothing out of the ordinary. Julio thought I was depressed I guess so I was trying to explain myself. Evidently I wasn't doing a very good job and he was asking me if my problems were sentimientas and I asked him what that meant and he was like “you know, when you're so sad you kill yourself.” No I am not suicidal.
Saliendo
Tomorrow I am leaving for the States until July 24th. I hear there is electricity there all the time. I don't know if my mom knows how to make jugo de pina y melon like Leo but there is really good yogurt. I think it is a good trade off and I hope to see a fair amount of you.
Last weekend Katharine, one of the other teachers at my school, Denia, and I went to the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. Overall it was very nice to get out of Managua, walk through banana fields, swim in the lake, eat of the fruit of the land, etc. The island it totally beautiful and tranqillo and the three of us had a lot of fun. But there was, as always, a fly in the ointment. Or in our case millions of flies in our $18 hotel room the second night. Maybe we should have splurged and got the $20 room. Plus that night we had been swimming in the lake and our shower was too dirty to get sufficient sand off of us which meant sand in the sheets. Maybe one week I'll send a quiz about me but one thing everyone should know is that I HATE sand outside of it's natural habitat. So in the morning when we got up from a fitful night of sleep the floor was covered with a mix of the dead fly/moth things and sand. Overall quite the island experience.
Amigas
I have a new friend, and even better she's Nicaraguan and she has a car. She just started going to church where I usually go and the past few weekends we've hung out. On Sunday we saw "El Buen Pastor" aka "The Good Shepherd," it was fine except we missed the beginning so were a little confused.
Sin Luz
The electricity has been out a lot lately. The new schedule is noon to 7:00 everyday. So far Monday noon to 7:30, Tuesday 9:30-4:30, Wednesday ?-8:30AM and 5:30PM to Midnight. This morning Leo came extra early to do laundry because it's been a while since she's been able to use the washing machine. I am obviously incapable of doing my laundry when there is any chance someone else will do it for me. On a grander scale Matthew was telling me that some of the garment factories are thinking about closing down because they can't run without consistent electricity. If they shut down over 20,000 people won't have jobs.
Visitando Mas del Pais
Since Tuesday was Katharine's last day in Nicaragua Julio took us to see more places. So we saw the Oriental Market and Matthew's feeding program, Volcan Masaya, a little pottery town called Catarina, and one of the first cities in Nicaragua, Granada. Then on the way home he drove around the outskirts of Managua so we could see some areas of former glory. During lunch two dogs got in a fight right next to our table. I guess Rocky doesn't like to share.
Esposa
Tuesday morning, before we painted the countryside red, we went to my school. It was during recess so Katharine played games with my students and I talked to Matthew. When we were walking back to the car one of my students asked if Matthew was my husband. I told Matthew that he obviously isn't at the school enough if the students have no clue who he is. Then yesterday I went to the market again and one of the guys asked the same thing. I guess we can attribute that to the life of drug use.
Problemas Sentimientas
This week in the car somehow we got into the topic of problems in Nicaragua like rape, and drugs, and child prostitution, and diseases that banana farmers get. I swear every day I end up hearing worse and worse things that happen in this country, so sometimes I'm not constantly peppy. Or sometimes I just don't have any Spanish conversations I feel like striking up. Yesterday was one such quiet day for me I mean there was some little things on my mind but nothing out of the ordinary. Julio thought I was depressed I guess so I was trying to explain myself. Evidently I wasn't doing a very good job and he was asking me if my problems were sentimientas and I asked him what that meant and he was like “you know, when you're so sad you kill yourself.” No I am not suicidal.
Saliendo
Tomorrow I am leaving for the States until July 24th. I hear there is electricity there all the time. I don't know if my mom knows how to make jugo de pina y melon like Leo but there is really good yogurt. I think it is a good trade off and I hope to see a fair amount of you.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Pobrecito Nicaragua
This morning my roommates painted one of our upstairs walls blue. It looks like the ocean.
There is a new restaurant (or something) in town called Hotter. If you change which letters are doubled you can guess what it is a knock-off of. If you can't figure it out wait until Cristina and I publish our book and you can see the picture.
The electricity has been off a lot lately. Today, eight hours. But in Bible Study we just finished reading the book How to Respond When You Feel Mistreated and we learned that the suffering the government makes us endure is an opportunity in itself to serve God.
Yesterday I went running and took the "Back Off" dog repellent that Kristen left me. I didn't have to use it. But it never ceases to amaze me how loudly the men here can make the kissing noises. Like it is easily heard over the sound of their motorcycles.
Katharine has been here visiting for a week now. When people come visit me Matthew gets super attentive. He's taken me to lunch twice this week and one day brought us bottled water to school. Plus he thinks Katharine and I should go see things so tomorrow he is sending us to Ometepe for the weekend with one of the Nicaraguan teachers. Ometepe is the highest lake island in the world and is formed by two volcanoes, I just looked on Wikipedia to get that info so I really don't have much to share. I told Matthew now that Jeremy and Cristina are gone he is responsible for me. He said I can't ride the bus anymore.
Katharine brought stuff to do crafts in my school. Last week we took pictures and made popsicle stick frames. We just got the pictures back this morning and they are so funny I don't know how I could ever be mad at my classes.
Speaking of school, I'm always a little about what is going on. But I think Monday is my last day and I have to turn in grades and then I'm on break (self imposed) until July 24th.
I wrote most of this out last night while lying on my bed watching mini-ants attack some other insect on my bedroom floor. Pretty intriguing.
It just started raining. Well "raining" is an understatement.
Te amo, Joy
There is a new restaurant (or something) in town called Hotter. If you change which letters are doubled you can guess what it is a knock-off of. If you can't figure it out wait until Cristina and I publish our book and you can see the picture.
The electricity has been off a lot lately. Today, eight hours. But in Bible Study we just finished reading the book How to Respond When You Feel Mistreated and we learned that the suffering the government makes us endure is an opportunity in itself to serve God.
Yesterday I went running and took the "Back Off" dog repellent that Kristen left me. I didn't have to use it. But it never ceases to amaze me how loudly the men here can make the kissing noises. Like it is easily heard over the sound of their motorcycles.
Katharine has been here visiting for a week now. When people come visit me Matthew gets super attentive. He's taken me to lunch twice this week and one day brought us bottled water to school. Plus he thinks Katharine and I should go see things so tomorrow he is sending us to Ometepe for the weekend with one of the Nicaraguan teachers. Ometepe is the highest lake island in the world and is formed by two volcanoes, I just looked on Wikipedia to get that info so I really don't have much to share. I told Matthew now that Jeremy and Cristina are gone he is responsible for me. He said I can't ride the bus anymore.
Katharine brought stuff to do crafts in my school. Last week we took pictures and made popsicle stick frames. We just got the pictures back this morning and they are so funny I don't know how I could ever be mad at my classes.
Speaking of school, I'm always a little about what is going on. But I think Monday is my last day and I have to turn in grades and then I'm on break (self imposed) until July 24th.
I wrote most of this out last night while lying on my bed watching mini-ants attack some other insect on my bedroom floor. Pretty intriguing.
It just started raining. Well "raining" is an understatement.
Te amo, Joy
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
17 days til I'm back in the states
To whom it may concern:
Kid's Day was a success last Friday. My group played musical chairs but we didn't have music so I brought a pot and a spoon. Thanks to their lives of deprivation no one thought it was a terrible idea or anything and the kids were eager to be the ones making the noise. It didn't rain so that made things nice. However, the combination of the sudden sunshine and my polo shirt left me with a red V on my neck.
Friday night Kristen and I wanted to go out to dinner but didn't have private transportation so opted for public. First we took the bus and then got a taxi, on the way home we stuck with all taxi. The buses here are really cool, ours had one of those flashing orange traffic lights hanging up inside so we had quite the disco atmosphere. We were no worse for the wear except we did both smell pretty bad by the time we got home.
Last week they sprayed our apartment complex for bugs. When we heard the truck coming we had run to shut all the windows since they spray a mix of ddt and diesel. I've still been ending up with bites and right now I have a fat left hand.
Tonight my roommate from college, Katharine, is coming to visit for two weeks. I am very excited especially since my roommate here, Kristen, is leaving me on Thursday to marry my brother.
Sincerely, Joy Christina Eklund
Kid's Day was a success last Friday. My group played musical chairs but we didn't have music so I brought a pot and a spoon. Thanks to their lives of deprivation no one thought it was a terrible idea or anything and the kids were eager to be the ones making the noise. It didn't rain so that made things nice. However, the combination of the sudden sunshine and my polo shirt left me with a red V on my neck.
Friday night Kristen and I wanted to go out to dinner but didn't have private transportation so opted for public. First we took the bus and then got a taxi, on the way home we stuck with all taxi. The buses here are really cool, ours had one of those flashing orange traffic lights hanging up inside so we had quite the disco atmosphere. We were no worse for the wear except we did both smell pretty bad by the time we got home.
Last week they sprayed our apartment complex for bugs. When we heard the truck coming we had run to shut all the windows since they spray a mix of ddt and diesel. I've still been ending up with bites and right now I have a fat left hand.
Tonight my roommate from college, Katharine, is coming to visit for two weeks. I am very excited especially since my roommate here, Kristen, is leaving me on Thursday to marry my brother.
Sincerely, Joy Christina Eklund
Thursday, May 31, 2007
rabbit (say if first thing tomorrow morning)
It is rainy season. The streets are now rivers and water is plentiful. The air is fresh and I get to wear pants. The only problem (because there must be one) is that now those cold showers are back to being miserable. Oh and I'm supposed to be tutoring right now but can't because it is raining too hard to walk and I am, as always, out of minutes on my phone. Has having flaky friends finally rubbed off on me?
Yesterday was Nicaraguan Mother's day. It is a way bigger deal here than in the States. On Tuesday my school was only half day because there was some sort of Mother's day presentation. And then Wednesday there was no school at all. Hallelujah, I love moms. Another thing here is that Mother's day colors are red and white and pretty much every where is decorated to look like tacky Valentine's day.
Tomorrow is Kid's day or something so we have another half day and I was informed this afternoon that I am supposed to have some sort of game and prizes prepared. What games are appreciated by kids ranging in ages from 4 to 16?
I often mention that my kids are out of control but maybe I don't go into enough detail. I have to admit that sometimes I question myself about whether or not it is really as bad as I think, but things happen and I am comforted that I do teach at a crazy school. Now for one of the primest examples (yes, even beyond eating toothpaste for lunch): On Monday I walked into my 1st grade class and one of my students asked if he could go to the bathroom and I said no because he asks every single day as soon as I walk in. I ushered him back to his seat, along with the rest of the class, and then started to talk about the book we were going to read. Then I look up to the back of the classroom and there he is peeing on the wall. I was like “oh my, please don't be doing what I think you're doing,” but the other students made sure I knew exactly what was going on. So I told them not to worry about it and go back to their seats but one of them when out side and told their regular teacher who then came in and yelled at him in front of the class. At this point all of the students started chanting something and banging on their desks and Sacarias started crying. Yeah and just if you were wondering no emergency cleaning team came.
OK and maybe I've talked about my student's home lives being messed up too and now have a great example of that. I was talking to the pre-school teacher today, she's a good one to explain every one's history in the school. So I was commenting on what an attentive grandpa Lucy has and the teacher told me that it isn't Lucy's grandfather but dad. Which is crazy because he is old (no offense to my elderly readers, but you don't have a 4 year-old). Then the teacher started telling me about her own family. Her parents divorced when she was twelve because her father wanted a new woman. Through some process, that I would know more about if my Spanish had less issues, her father ended up marrying her brother's girlfriend. That is strange and I'm sure Deuteronomy has something to say about it.
Yesterday Cristina and I went around town taking pictures. We are hoping to eventually put them into a book along with some fabulous commentary that may be available for purchase one day. So be excited for that day.
I hope your life is going splendidly...let me know.
love, joy
Yesterday was Nicaraguan Mother's day. It is a way bigger deal here than in the States. On Tuesday my school was only half day because there was some sort of Mother's day presentation. And then Wednesday there was no school at all. Hallelujah, I love moms. Another thing here is that Mother's day colors are red and white and pretty much every where is decorated to look like tacky Valentine's day.
Tomorrow is Kid's day or something so we have another half day and I was informed this afternoon that I am supposed to have some sort of game and prizes prepared. What games are appreciated by kids ranging in ages from 4 to 16?
I often mention that my kids are out of control but maybe I don't go into enough detail. I have to admit that sometimes I question myself about whether or not it is really as bad as I think, but things happen and I am comforted that I do teach at a crazy school. Now for one of the primest examples (yes, even beyond eating toothpaste for lunch): On Monday I walked into my 1st grade class and one of my students asked if he could go to the bathroom and I said no because he asks every single day as soon as I walk in. I ushered him back to his seat, along with the rest of the class, and then started to talk about the book we were going to read. Then I look up to the back of the classroom and there he is peeing on the wall. I was like “oh my, please don't be doing what I think you're doing,” but the other students made sure I knew exactly what was going on. So I told them not to worry about it and go back to their seats but one of them when out side and told their regular teacher who then came in and yelled at him in front of the class. At this point all of the students started chanting something and banging on their desks and Sacarias started crying. Yeah and just if you were wondering no emergency cleaning team came.
OK and maybe I've talked about my student's home lives being messed up too and now have a great example of that. I was talking to the pre-school teacher today, she's a good one to explain every one's history in the school. So I was commenting on what an attentive grandpa Lucy has and the teacher told me that it isn't Lucy's grandfather but dad. Which is crazy because he is old (no offense to my elderly readers, but you don't have a 4 year-old). Then the teacher started telling me about her own family. Her parents divorced when she was twelve because her father wanted a new woman. Through some process, that I would know more about if my Spanish had less issues, her father ended up marrying her brother's girlfriend. That is strange and I'm sure Deuteronomy has something to say about it.
Yesterday Cristina and I went around town taking pictures. We are hoping to eventually put them into a book along with some fabulous commentary that may be available for purchase one day. So be excited for that day.
I hope your life is going splendidly...let me know.
love, joy
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
i love lamp, and some other things
i love lamp
i went to the states for the weekend. i love usa. i love target. i love vanilla lattes. i love changes in temperature. i love hot water heaters. i love friends. i love english. i love weddings. i love unlimited cell phone use. i love 2nd birthday parties. i love cereal. i love english muffins. i love crepes-a-go-go. i love frozen yogurt. i love cherries. i love family. i love dry heat. i love poetry. i love shoes. i love coffee shops. i love walking in peace. i love garbage cans (as opposed to trash on the side of the road). i love you.
So I had a good time this weekend and this morning at 12:30 I got back to Nicaragua. The rainy season has officially started. That means it the humidity has kicked in. Today was pretty good, I actually woke up on time to get to school which surprised everyone (myself included).
back in time to may 15th, 2007
Last week I didn't update because things were a little crazy getting ready to come back. So here is a little on that. Last Tuesday my students grade 6 and up got to go on a field trip. I think it was the first one they had been on because they were really excited and parents came to wave us off, I felt like I was being sent of to war. Fist we crammed three to a seat on a yellow rented school bus then we made a few stops and were on our way to Volcan Masaya. I'd been there a few times already but none of the students had. We saw the volcano and bat caves and had lunch and went to a museum and the students filled out a worksheet on what they learned, it was like a real field trip. Matthew had gone to the States and raised support for everything so it was a very cool opportunity, and we are hoping to be able to go on more. The whole idea of raising support for this trip is odd because besides the cost of the bus it cost 10 cordobas ($.55) a student. It is strange to think that this wouldn't be in everyone's budget. Now for some pictures I'll try to not pick too many.
i went to the states for the weekend. i love usa. i love target. i love vanilla lattes. i love changes in temperature. i love hot water heaters. i love friends. i love english. i love weddings. i love unlimited cell phone use. i love 2nd birthday parties. i love cereal. i love english muffins. i love crepes-a-go-go. i love frozen yogurt. i love cherries. i love family. i love dry heat. i love poetry. i love shoes. i love coffee shops. i love walking in peace. i love garbage cans (as opposed to trash on the side of the road). i love you.
So I had a good time this weekend and this morning at 12:30 I got back to Nicaragua. The rainy season has officially started. That means it the humidity has kicked in. Today was pretty good, I actually woke up on time to get to school which surprised everyone (myself included).
back in time to may 15th, 2007
Last week I didn't update because things were a little crazy getting ready to come back. So here is a little on that. Last Tuesday my students grade 6 and up got to go on a field trip. I think it was the first one they had been on because they were really excited and parents came to wave us off, I felt like I was being sent of to war. Fist we crammed three to a seat on a yellow rented school bus then we made a few stops and were on our way to Volcan Masaya. I'd been there a few times already but none of the students had. We saw the volcano and bat caves and had lunch and went to a museum and the students filled out a worksheet on what they learned, it was like a real field trip. Matthew had gone to the States and raised support for everything so it was a very cool opportunity, and we are hoping to be able to go on more. The whole idea of raising support for this trip is odd because besides the cost of the bus it cost 10 cordobas ($.55) a student. It is strange to think that this wouldn't be in everyone's budget. Now for some pictures I'll try to not pick too many.
Some students in front of the volcano
mi colegio walking down to the caves
mi colegio walking up from the caves
the lunch provided for the teachers
our trusty bus "Christ's Blood"
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