A little bit on some things

Happy Friday! This time I really don’t have a lot to say but sometimes (always?) that is better. I think for ease of use I will go with the trusty bullet points.
• I’ve been spending some time in the library this week; this is good since I’m the librarian.
• In order to get to the library I walk about 25 minutes. Sometimes this walk is filled with people who think it is appropriate to park their car and start walking with me so they can practice their English. I think the word for that is stalking.
• This week started my three-week block of not having to teach domestic arts this week. Hallelujah!
• The next unit I am teaching is sewing and I bought fabric on Tuesday so I could do some sample projects.
• Shopping for fabric in this country quickly became one of my least favorite past-times. Why is everything either a nasty polyester blend or Winnie the Pooh?
• Because of this, and various other frustrating things about living here, Tuesday is what I like to call a “bad day.”
• Most of the things that were driving me crazy on Tuesday got resolved on Wednesday. Like I even had a car for part of the day so I could go shopping without being on someone else’s schedule. So God is faithful even in the small things, imagine that.
• Wednesday Lori and I spent running around town getting the papers in order so that her car can leave the country. She picked me up at 7:30am to get started and we didn’t make it back until 6pm.
• We got these papers because on Sunday the two of us are driving to Panama! We’re planning on getting to Panama City Monday afternoon and spending a few days there before we start heading North to hit some beaches on the way back to Nicaragua where we hope to arrive some time the following Sunday.
• Tomorrow we’ll finish collecting food and music for the car and making photocopies of important papers and maybe getting the oil checked somewhere in there.
• I am really excited about this trip and you should be excited about the update you’ll get when it’s over.
• I was just sitting in my friend’s backyard and the neighbors were burning something. My hair was already greasy but now it smells like smoke too.
• Shouldn’t there be regulations against having outdoor fires on windy days during the dry season?
• Well it seems like I still found plenty of things to say, I’m guessing you’re not surprised.
Love, Joy

Semana Santa, Biblioteca, y Quinceañera

Semana Santa

Being that Sunday is Easter, this week is Semana Santa.   Having a week free has been very nice but since for the most part I make my own schedule, I guess the good part was other people having the week free as well.  Last year I went to Costa Rica for the week but this year was way more low key.  I went with a  group of friends to Laguna de Apoyo.  We stayed at this little hotelish place and spent the greater part of two days napping in hammocks and swimming in  the lake.  It was perfect. 

Yesterday I went to a conference for the day with the Nica church I used to go to.  I haven’t been exposed to as much Spanish as one may expect since I’ve been back but yesterday more than made up for it.  Boy was I tired by the time I got home.  But it was a really good time and I got to see some people I haven’t seen in a while. 

So enough details about that, I know you really wanted to hear about how we got there.  We went to this town called Dolores that is up in the hills probably about 45 minutes away in good conditions.  The conditions yesterday were not what one would really consider good.  I rode in a five-passenger car with four other people, this is acceptable.  But one of the cars we were caravanning with was an old Datsun pickup.  There was room for 2.5 inside but another 15 in the bed, so yes that is tough on any car but this one wasn’t that great to start off with.  Not only did we have to stop every 15 minutes to put in water to keep it from over heating but one of the wheels only had 2 lug nuts.  I can’t really say safety comes first in this country.  Did I mention that one of the 15 passengers in the back was a 13 month-old in her stroller?

Biblioteca

Things are coming along in my library.  I have successfully entered 170 books in our database.  I thought that we only had about 300 books to do but then I realized that books aren’t very big and that I am a terrible estimator.  I could explain more about this process but then maybe you would know how much of a nerd I really am.  Good thing you’re not here or I would have no hope hiding it from you. 

Quinceañera

Last Sunday was my birthday.   Last year no one knew it was my birthday until the day or so before but this year was much better.  My roommates were all out of town but some friends brought me muffins for breakfast and sang to me at the door.  For lunch I went to the Ferrer’s house and some people from Nica church were there.  The lunch was all in Spanish and I just sat there awkwardly.  I mean if you think I’m awkward in large groups normally stick a foreign language on me.

On Sunday night my friends threw me a party.  A few weeks ago this man asked me if I had turned 15 yet (and then if I was married or had kids) so the theme of my birthday party was quinceañera/luau.  For your viewing pleasure I’ve put in some pictures of this quintessential event.  I got to wear a nice headband for the occasion instead of the traditional tiara because that goes better with the luau theme

With BFF Lori.

With Lilo.

With cake in my face. 

 The next picture would show me spitting the frosting out onto the girl that shoved my face in. 

Monday night my roommates came home and took me out to dinner, and I’m still waiting for my gift from you so really my birthday was stretched out nicely.

Happy Easter! “He has risen”…you know the rest.

La Chureca

Wednesday marked one and a half years of me living in Nicaragua.  In that time I’ve written 67 of these posts.  I was thinking I could use this as a time to reflect on the past 18 months, but you can reflect on your own and instead I’ll do a little spotlight on La Chureca

I have mentioned the city dump, La Chureca, before.  It has the normal mountains of trash and squalor that you would expect from a dump but also has 1,000 to 1,500 residents, a school, a clinic, a church, and a few other community service organizations.  There is a battle of wills between some of the non-profits that serve there on what way the people can best be helped.   On Thursday there was an event to raise awareness of both the people that live there and of the organizations that are stationed there. 

The day was called Dia de Luz. Since the group, Manna Project International, that I am working with helps out at the clinic in La Chureca I went to the event.  It was a very interesting day.  There were about 300 gringos there, mostly mission teams that are down for spring break projects.  They got together and walked through the dumps flying kites and kicking soccer balls, like a big parade.  I checked out at this part and went to the clinic.  There I got the basics about the basic services offered there so I would be ready to explain to the visitors when the parade passed by.  I am probably, out of all the people at MPI, the least qualified to give tours of  the clinic,  but I got pretty good at skirting around questions when I didn’t know the answer. My favorite thing to tell them was that  “we are expanding really rapidly,” this works for everything from questions about how much it costs to run to how many people come in daily.  My favorite was when people assumed that I work there every day, then I had to admit that it was only my forth time at La Chureca and my first time in the clinic then I  would quickly draw their attention to things that I do know about.  To finish of the day there was a free concert, by the group Braddigan who sponsored the event. 

Besides being completely exhausting physically, Dia de Luz made me do some thinking.  Why am I no longer absolutely blown away by the extreme poverty that surrounds me?  How can people be helped?  How can I help people?  Is it true that any little bit counts?  I know in theory that sounds fine, but what about the whole “one step forward two steps back” concept?  With all these conflicting ideas I was reminded of grace.  A friend pointed out that more than we realize we commit cultural faux pas yet the Nicaraguans still graciously welcome us into their lives.  I am learning more and more that I am responsible for my own thoughts and actions and not those of others.  Who am I to say God can’t work in people’s lives using a parade of gringos and a concert?  And if that is what He wants to do I can’t get in the way by having a cynical attitude.  And I can’t help anyone if I am focused on myself and my problems.       

I got a new cell phone this week.  I am now on a corporate plan with Manna, I get cheaper calls and unlimited texting within network.   This is exciting because cell phone fees are atrocious in this country and now I don’t have to worry about them.

I hope you have lovely Monday.

Love, Joy

One week in

I've been back in Nicaragua one week and now it seems like my two months in the States were a distant past.  I am reminded of my absence when people say "welcome back" but it takes me a few seconds to remember what they are welcoming me back from.

So what has my schedule consisted of?  

-Last Friday I started my responsibilities as a domestic-arts co-teacher.  Friday Jessica started the cooking unit by making pico de gallo and I got to observe.  It was good for me to see how to break things down, like how to cut tomatoes, I think I just automatically expect people to figure it out.  On Monday I took over the class.  We chopped vegetables to turn into stir-fry on Tuesday.  Since the class is only 50 minutes it is going to take some adjusting and planning to be able to complete meals.  Fortunately the teachers that have my students after me don't seem to care if they are late (especially if they get food).  Today we made bread dough and tomorrow we are going to make pizzas on it.  I don't know what we are going to do Friday, any ideas?

-Yesterday I started a tutoring job that I am going to test out until March 13th.  It is just one first grader for an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.  His name is Gamal and is already older than everyone in his class and is on the path to failing.  He seems really nice and not particularly unintelligent, just undisciplined.  One advantage of this job is that it pays.  As far as I know my other ones don't

-In theory, my main job is getting a lending library started.  I have done essentially nothing for this since I've been back but am hoping to take some initial steps sometime soon.  I was hoping to meet with a state-side organization that helps subsidize book costs in developing countries last week but it didn't work out.  The man I was supposed to meet with was in Nicaragua for a week but I wasn't able to get ahold of him.   I was rather discouraged but figured that God had some purpose, even in that, and we've been able to e-mail since he has been back and will still be able to work together.

-So really I only have an hour of set responsibility each day but somehow I've been keeping busy (without TV) and have felt pretty productive.  I made dinner on Monday and am again tomorrow and have been getting to spend time with people and read a lot. Especially compared to my work schedule while I was home, I am living it up here.  

Other things of note:

-Our refrigerator is broken.  Our washing machine is broken.  Our phone is broken.  Seriously I leave for two months and everything falls apart.  The part to fix the phone is coming down in a few weeks so that problem should be solved.  I think the school is buying us a new washing machine as an investment but for now we have to do laundry (or have Leo do our laundry) at someone else's house.  Our fridge is about one billion years old (amazing, huh?) but some repair people have been here a few times trying to fix it.  Fortunately a friend just moved into a house with a fridge so we can use his for the time being.  Unfortunately it is much smaller than we are used to (like four feet tall).  But maybe we are learning about waste and over-consumption.  I think soon we will have to buy a new fridge altogether but none of us are really ready to part with our money until it is absolutely necessary.

-The electricity doesn't go out anymore.  It is extremely nice to not have to factor electricity into my schedule but really I don't think I've used it in the past two hours.

-February is the beginning of the dry season but as I have been reminded twice, "don't worry it will soon get a lot worse."  Right now it is rather warm during the days but cools off substantially at night.  And there is usually some sort of breeze that isn't too bad, dusty but cool.  

-I was  able to go to the grocery store today and they had bananas.  So you can stop worrying about my potassium intake, it's all taken care of.    

Talk to ya'll later.

Joy

back to the third world

Last night I got back to my home in Nicaragua (not to be confused with my home in Concord or Heaven).  Although there are a new variety of Daniel Ortega billboards up and my roommates had reorganized the living room furniture (again) not much has changed in the two months I've been gone.  But after being gone I am reminded of the differences between here and the states. Here are 5

1) The smell. Nicaragua has a distinct smell that hits you right when you get off the airplane.  I don't know how to describe it but you are welcome to come down here to smell for yourself.

2) Bananas.  This morning I went to the grocery store and they didn't have any bananas.  This is particularly odd because bananas are a staple here.  

3) Mosquitoes.  Or maybe it was just one that kept getting bigger because it bit me so many times.

4) Gallo pinto.  No matter how many times my mom tries to make it in the states it just isn't the same.  I think because she can't buy the right beans.  But here there are the right beans and it is amazing.

5) People.  Yup they're all different.  I live with different people.  The people at the grocery store are different (and speak a different language).  Pretty much I'm the only person that is here and was with me in California.

So far today I went to the store, ate some gallo pinto, and have attempted to begin unpacking.  After the grocery store we were going to get smoothies.  SambaJuice moved and the other smoothie place, The Spot, only sells coke and ice cream now.  Oh well, I saved some money.    

OK I'd better continue putting things away.

Love, Joy

PS If you think I don't have your address you should give it to me and you'll get a prize in the mail.

Happy Observed Birthday Lincoln!

A lot has happened since my last update so I'll probably do a completely inadequate job of writing about them and focus on the parts that don't matter and leave it at that.   

On Friday I got back from Mexico.  While I was gone I missed the Super Bowl and Super Tuesday.  So once again I didn't vote.  I guess now I can throw away those unopened voter packets on my desk.  Some of you may be disappointed in my lack of political patriotism but if you are going to judge me there are many other things you could choose as the basis of your judgment (like me missing the Super Bowl).  

The day before I was scheduled to leave I came down with one of those sicknesses when your whole body aches and all you can do is bundle up and try to sleep.  This made packing a challenge mostly tackled by my mom.  Overall I wasn't really prepared for my trip, on the way to the airport I asked which one we were flying out of.  I realized on the flight that the only reason I had any cash on me was because on Tuesday at work I had to buy something on my credit card and they had reimbursed me $64.  When we landed I was feeling fine except for my nose was running and whenever I would blow it I would have to brace myself from the dizziness.  The next day I was feeling completely better but when we got to the town we were visiting I was starting to feel a little queasy.  I went to sit on this planter box for a while then moved to sitting on the ground with my back on the box for support.  After about an hour of this nonsense (spiced up by this man returning to sit by me and tell me his opinion of American women in Spanglish -- it was favorable) I threw up.  I was already on the ground so really I just leaned over, yup one of my finer moments for sure. TMI?  Probably so I will move-on.

I love Mascota, Mexico.  Every one of you should visit Mascota.  When I go back to Managua in 9 days I need to no be bitter that it is no where near as cool as Mascota.  Every one of you should visit Managua.  I don't know what to say about this trip.  I am glad I went but it was not easy.  Outwardly I guess it was I slept in late every day.  But internally it was a struggle.  Much of our time was spent doing street evangelism, something I am totally uncomfortable with (especially in Spanish).  One night I met with Luz and two girls Daisy and Julia for their Bible study.  They had just finished what they were studying so Luz thought it would be good to share testimonies.  God has obviously been equally faithful in all of our lives (because He doesn't change) but um some people's stories sound a whole lot cooler (especially in Spanish --once again).  Then there was the added factor of the things I "should" have been doing in the states for these 9 days.  So lots of that, but I am pretty sure it was good that I went, and I love Mascota.

The weekend before I left I went to Oregon (North, remember?).  It was great to hang out with my PawPaw and mom and sister and niece and nephew and five cats.  And one day my sister and I went to go see a family that I knew from Davis and hadn't seen in a few years.  That was great too.  When we were driving back a sign said we were going to need to put on chains, but we stopped at Targetfor an hour and by the time we got back on the road we didn't need chains anymore.  Praise God for Target.  

Now I'm back in Concord trying to get ready to leave again in 9 DAYS.  Tomorrow I'll be back at work so maybe today I'll finish cleaning my room. My mom said I have to dust because I haven't in two years and I'm lying on my bed writing this because my desk and two chairs are covered with stuff (like unopened voter pamphlets).  This weekend was the second one I've been home in 2008 and the only one I haven't worked, so I've been able to be productive with personal stuff like transferring my iTunes to my new computer and helping paint my parents' bedroom and writing this babble.  Now, I probably had some super amazing and unbelievable things to share but I presently can't remember them.  

Love,

Joy

PS I don't know why this is white

directions

NORTH
I'm going to Oregon tomorrow for the weekend. Once we get there I think it should a fine trip. The ride should be an adventure. I'm going with my sister, two-and-a-half-year-old niece, four-month-old nephew, and my mom. Emma (my niece) likes to talk a lot and Grady (my nephew) likes to spit-up a lot. We'll be visiting my grandfather and buying tax free items.
SOUTH
I've still been working. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm in San Ramon. A few weeks ago I went to meet my boss for an interview thing, when I was half way there I realized that maybe it really was an interview and I shouldn't have worn jeans and 5 year old Vans slip-ons. He informed me that the office is “business casual,” no jeans. But I guess when you have the proper connections first impressions aren't as important. I decided that my proper title is “research-assistant” I assist my boss in researching things like home ceiling speakers and tripods. I'm pretty sure I could do all of this while wearing jeans but at least there is variety .
FURTHER SOUTH
Although I don't have an excess of funds or time right now last night I booked a flight to Puerta Vallerta, Mexico. I'll get picked up there and driven inland to Mascota. Think back to my first mass e-mail/blog posting in August '06. That was my first trip down to Mascota, right before I moved to Nicaragua. I know a lady Luz from San Diego that moved back to Mascota to be a missionary in her home town. The last time I went I was so blessed to see the heart Luz has for her people. I am excited to go again (with Jack Fliehmann, a man from my church here) a get to assist Luz in her service. I'll be there from January 31st to February 8th.
EAST
This Sunday and Monday I spent in Davis. I got injured twice on Sunday. First, while eating my egg roll at lunch part of the crispy shell stabbed me between my tooth and the roof of my mouth. It hurt and gave me a blister type thing that lasted all day. Then, Sunday night, I was at my friends house watching a movie and I decided to switch seats and sit in the bowl chair (I think they have an official name). It tipped over and I got a bruise on my bicep I guess because it is so big it hit the frame of the chair on the way down. Then what happened? I tried to get back in the chair and it tipped over, again. The second time I wasn't injured and the third time I was able to stay seated for the rest of the movie. I had a great time seeing people and things. I love that place.
WEST
I don't really have anything to say about Western travels. I did work in Walnut Creek today, I checked the accuracy of files for six hours. I know it sounds sounds exciting but it really isn't bad and it pays well.
HERE
It is a little on the chilly side right now but when I was driving to get blood work done this morning I could see snow on Mt. Diablo so that was exciting.
My hair has been a little crazy lately. Tuesday on the way to work I pulled a John Eklund and wore a hat during my commute so that my hair would stay down. When I got to the office I pulled off my beanie and presto! It was fixed. Tonight after I washed it I thought I would try out the brushing thing. I'll let you know how it works.
My plan is to return to Nicaragua February 20th.