The RAAN

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The door opened to the small hotel room in Bonanza and I think I almost gasped as I saw a big fluffy mattress, a modest sized room fan, and then turned the corner to see the bathroom with a real toilet and running water. The first thought that jumped into my head is Que lujoso (Wow! This is luxurious.)

I spent the past month traveling to different Acción Médica Cristiana project sites in the RAAN or North Atlantic Autonomous Region. (I talked a little bit about this region in my previous blog post). I visited midwifes, natural medicine doctors, and community health leaders in their homes; I traveled with a mobile medical team to 8 different communities that are located hours from a road or health center; I stayed with a hospitable family for a few days that lives on the Prinzapolka river; I went to a Regional Assembly in Puerto Cabezas with inspiring volunteers; and I talked and met a group of young people who are helping to educate their communities about sexual rights and health.

I want to be able to share the humble living conditions I experienced not for you to feel sorry for the “poor people”, but more to understand the differences in the way you live and the way people live in very remote areas in Nicaragua. I had a brief time to live in solidarity with such wonderful people and I want you to be able to understand the lifestyle, too. Also, I hope to share not just what I “did” and experienced, but more the stories and experiences of the people I encountered. The people who I will carry in my soul… in my view of life forever.

The Mobile Medical Brigade

After spending a week in Rosita, it was nearing the time for me to move on to a new project site and I was helping count medicines for the upcoming mobile medical brigades. Many AMC projects receive funds from AECID() to help execute and organize medical brigades with local doctors and nurses. AMC also receives donated medicines from Farma Mundi and the ministry of Health or MINSA. The brigade travels  7-9 days to remote communities where people live hours from health centers or hospitals.

Sarah, the other Mission Fellow who is stationed in Rosita and Carolina were scheduled to travel with a team of two nurses and two doctors for 8 nights. They would travel on horseback for hours at a time each day, sleep in hammocks, and bath in rivers.  Jokingly I mentioned I wanted to go, too. Doña Cecilia who is the project coordinator for Rosita immediately began thinking aloud about how we could organize and call the big boss lady, Yamilet, in the main office to see if I could go. We could run out and buy a hammock. I already had rubber boots. I didn’t need any money. Wah! For a moment, I was really excited, but then I started thinking about how we would be messing up my original schedule (how North American) and then I started getting worried about sleeping in a hammock and all the other challenges I would encounter. (It was weird because I’m normally such an adventurous person.) However, it was also because I had just found out my Uncle Kent had passed away and it made me sad/worried I would be without a way to connect with my family during his funeral- it would be our first day of traveling. After being able to talk to my family, being able to think and reflect and morn, and lots of positive pressuring from Doña Cecilia, I decided I had to go and I reflected on how many people are actually willing to visit these people. I was willing. And after the trip it felt more like a privilege.  

The first day on our adventure we loaded up the truck with AMC personnel- Sarah, Carolina, Jorge (carolina's boyfriend) and myself and then picked up the nurses and doctor from the local hospital. We rode with 5 in the front and 5 in the truck bed on top of our luggage. Once we arrived to the end of the road took our luggage and put each back inside a plastic bag and then a large sack. The sacks were tied together in twos and then thrown over each horse. One horse was loaded up as a carrier- the large ice box with vaccines was loaded up on the horse along with heavier luggage.

The first day it took us 6 hours to arrive to San Augustin and the horses sloshes and mushed through mud almost the entire time. I just had to relax and stop worrying about my horse or it would have been an even longer ride. The most impactful realization I had was that I was riding my horse on the day of my uncle's funeral and he was a real cowboy- he would be so proud. The whole day I thought about Uncle Kent and his family as I rode. 

I’m not going to lie- the first day was quite a challenge for me, because once we arrived in darkness, I could barely stand up due to tremendous pain in my knees and lack of food during the day. Dinner wasn’t ready by our gracious hosts yet, so a group of us decided to go bath in a nearby waterfall. However, the waterfall was about another 15 walk in pure mud again. We tried our hardest not to drop our clean clothes in the mud and made it to the refreshing waterfall. On the way back we were lead once again by a little girl from the community with a flashlight and managed not to fall over. At that point my body was officially fatigued and I was grateful to receive a warm plate of food; however, I had the smart idea to try and step outside of the house to put on bug spray and immediately slipped out of the door and landed on my butt and head in the mud as a threw my plate of food in the air. At that point, I almost cried and yet all I could think too was there are a lot of people who have to make the hard trip several times a month and they live with mud all during the rainy season.

We were grateful to have a dry place to stay and yummy food in our bellies. Also, we were grateful for Carmelo who walked the 6 hours the day before with the horses and then returned with us to his community the next day. In the 7 communities we visited, there were always volunteers who went over and beyond to help the brigade arrive safely, eat hearty meals, help organize people during the consults, and provide a place for us to sleep. These families did not receive anything in return for their help, yet they still were happy to provide amazing hospitality.

Each day AMC lead the crowd in a devotional, then taught others about the new inclusive health model in Nicaragua. Then, the consults started. The brigades usually only visit a community for one day and sometimes the community members still live 1-2 hours from the consult site. Also, many people pass the entire day waiting to receive vaccines, pap tests, a humble amount of medicines, and a moment to talk to a doctor. One night we arrived late to a community and the consults didn’t start till the afternoon, so some families had to spend the night at the church we were staying in and head home in the morning because it was raining and dark.

Many of the communities we visited do not have schools. The children work at home and help with daily chores once they are old enough. Many of the adults cannot read or write.

However, I met so many community health leaders and midwifes who work hard to help take care of their communities.

Mariluz is the mother of 3 little girls and her and her husband hosted us for two nights. Mariluz recently decided to become a midwife simply because her community does not have anyone who is working as a midwife. She already has a lot of work in the house but decided to attend one of AMC’s workshops in order to learn about being a midwife. Sarah and I also tried to spend some time learning some of her everyday tasks like carrying a bucket of water on my head and milking a cow. Work in the country is no joke, hombre.  Mariluz is such a brave and strong woman.

The most vivid memory I have from the house of Mariluz and her husband Nicolas  is sitting on a bench with their three daughters in front of the house with the moon shining down on us. The 3 little girls were telling me silly things and we were all giggling for the longest time, when earlier that day they would barely even look at me without running and hiding. It was a really spiritual moment. It was hard to leave that family- A family that is always willing to help out their community by hosting the medical brigades and be hospitable, loving hosts.

Don Arsenio is another person whose care and dedication to his community really touched me. Sarah and I did an interview with him because he his a community leader, is always helping with medical teams and is the host to the community pharmacy or botiquin and we discovered he had walked about 13 hours in two days to help out the brigade. He also worked throughout the entire day of consults to make sure all the patients were being helped and were in order.  Also, Don Arsenio has three children who all became blind when they were 2 years old and on top of that responsibility he is in charge of maintaing the community pharamacy.

In final community where we worked, we stayed at Doña Rosa’s house. Her and her sister Berta are famous in the area for their hospitality as well as the efficiency of their house.  The house is still 5 hours from the main road but Rosa has a solar panel which powers the electricity for her house and the family built there own water system with pipes leading down from a waterfall on the nearby hill. The kitchen is enormous at Rosa’s and it is always busy. Rosa is always willing to host medical teams.

I will never forget the long trip with the mobile medical team outside of Rosita and all the generous people and beautiful people I met along the way. I think of how Jesus traveled with his disciples. They were dependent on the hospitality of others during their journey and teachings, yet we often don't think about the people who helped Jesus and the 12 disciples by opening up their homes, providing a warm, dry place to sleep, and gave of their resources so that he could continue his ministry. Lord, thank you for your children who share their gift of hospitality. 

To be continued…

I'm Happy When I Can Buy My Coffee

This week in Rosita has flown by as I have worked alongside the AMC team here to complete 12 interviews within 6 different communities. One of the first things I noticed is that for campesinos people in Rosita are friendlier and more direct than people who live in rural areas in Matagalpa (on the Pacific coast). 

We talked to many community health leaders, mid-wives, and youth health communicators. The Rosita office has three different projects being currently funded; however, for all three of the projects funding ends in December. 

There is a project which focuses on sexual education and works mainly with youth and teachers within the community. I witnessed one of the radio programs grown out of this project and it was neat to see how open and direct Rosita youth can discuss. about sexual health.

Another project, focuses on implementing and teaching about a new health model for the RAAN. The MASIRAAN health model ensures different cultural norms and traditions are integrated into the hospitals, health clinics, and within the Ministry of Health. For example, community mid-wives are allowed to attend one of their patient's births in the hospital with the help of a doctor. When normally, women chose not to go to the hospital because she didn't to be alone without her trusted mid wife at her side. AMC helps by giving workshops and trainings integrating this model. 

The last project AMC leads is geared toward primary health so from topics from community and self hygiene, how to clean water, and how to help prevent diarrhea. AMC is empowering community health leaders to teach others how to lead healthier lives in simple ways.

 We visited Don Roman and his family in San Antonio. He is a health leader in his community and also uses natural medicines to heal his patients. He shared that with the MASIRAAN model he his able to store some of his plants in the hospital. After the interview his wife, Esperanza cooked us a hearty meal. This is the same family that gave Sarah's parents a chicken as a present when they came to visit Nicaragua. They are very generous people. Sarah shared the Nica joke that we better go before the household gives us more food. "Indio comido puesto al camino, Indio sentado espera mas bocado' which translates to Indian who has eaten should head for the road; Indian sitting waits for more food. 

Don Roman's kids and me... my future?

Sarah talking with one of the community mid wives after presenting her with a book on Mid-Wifing based on local customs.

Later, that evening Don Roman called Doña Cecilia who is the big boss lady for AMC Rosita to see if our driver, Ervin could pick up him and a patient. Cecilia told him she would check in with the ambulance in town, but that should did not feel comfortable sending Ervin at night. She called the ambulance and they were already going to be driving to 3 different locations for 3 different emergencies. Cecilia called Don Roman and asked if the man could wait until the morning to take the bus at 7am. He said yes. It was definitely a wake-up-call to the reality of health access I have so often learned about through statistics and in the central office. 

Wasakin- Mayagna community

On Friday, we got to visit and indigenous Mayagna community and we went the day before Nicaragua Independence Day so everyone was outside and mingling around. The community felt alive. We got to watch the school's band performance. We interviewed Flabio, the community health leader and Ministry of Health nurse. He speaks Mayagna, Miskito and Spanish. He did the interview in Spanish, had words clarified in Miskito, and spoke a few words at the end in Mayagna for us.

It is a Miskito and Mayagna tradition to build the kitchen separate from the house. Also, there is usually a space jutting out built  for washing and drying dishes.

Doña Olga

Then, we spoke with a 59-year-old mid wife about her work for over 43 years. She spoke in Miskito and Cecilia translated. There was a cultural moment when he husband who was standing next to her decided to start answering the questions for her, but we eventually got back to Dona Olga answering the questions. She spoke with lots of passion. An interesting view she shared is that she has really appreciated the workshops lead by AMC; however, it takes her away from her daily activities that need to be accomplished. As a North American or even a Nicaraguan from the city, I might think that chores in the household can wait and really it's not a big deal to finish later. But for Doña Olga those chores are her role in her household. She also noted she receives coffee at the workshops/trainings, so she likes them. Also, later when asked if she gets paid at all for her work as a mid wife, she shared her patients usually want to give something so they give her about 50 cordobas ($2) and the most she has ever earned is 200 cords ($5). Doña Olga said, "That leaves me with enough money to buy my coffee and so I am happy."

Someone let us take this bread fruit home with us. We cooked it by frying the fruit and it was soooo delicious.

Similar to Matagalpa, AMC Rosita has truly empowered many young people to be leaders within their communities. The few health promoters I met here in Rosita are truly involved in helping out their community. AMC leads a group of young people has they do a radio program about sexual health and through the radio program other youth became inspired and began their own program, as well. These teenagers do not yet have children, have gained lots of confidence, and they believe they can make a difference in Rosita. I believe so, too.

 On Friday, I found out my uncle Kent passed away. I've gotten to talk to my family a little bit as well as my relatives, but it is not easy to be away from family during something so tragic. I am praying for everyone from here. I know my cousins and aunt are surrounded by loved ones. I have always used my aunt and uncle as an example of farmers/cowboys in Texas when I am explaining different things about home to Nicaraguans. Uncle Kent will truly be missed.

¡Aisabe, Managua!

Goodbye, Managua.

I said "See you later" to wonderful people in Managua who have cared for me and nurtured me into the North Ameria Nica that I am today... and I hopped on one of the "Costeña" tiny little airplanes to head to the RAAN or the North Autonomous Autonomous Region of Nicaragua. 

I have now transitioned to the second part of my job where I am conducting interviews in our different AMC project sites. Later, I will write human impact stories.

The RAAN is one of the regions in Nicaragua with the highest poverty rates, with communities which are difficult to access, and with Nicaraguan citizens who are often neglected by the Pacific Coast. 

The RAAN is home to two indigenous groups Miskitos and Mayagnas, as well as, Creoles. 

Miskito people speak in the indigenous language of Miskito and Mayagnas have their own language, however, are now speaking more in Miskito and Spanish. People who are Creole speak in a mixed English language and learn Spanish as well.

AMC has offices located in 5 different communities in the RAAN. 

I am currently working with the AMC team in Rosita. It is a city that lies on flat land, surrounded by many hills. It is just as hot as Managua - so around 90 degrees each day. 

There are 24,462 people that live in the Department of Rosita and in the city of Rosita there are 8,535 residents. 66.1% of people in this department live in poverty and 33.2% live in extreme poverty. The majority of people live without access to clean and safe water. 

I feel blessed to be able to help AMC share the beautiful stories of Nicaraguans living on the Atlantic Coast. 

I will write more when I have more free time, but until then here are some pictures from my first two days in Rosita. 

Sarah is the volunteered who is assigned to Rosita. She along with two other AMC workers helped me interview Don Roman today in the community of San Antonio (hey, Texas!). He is a dental health promoter and works traditional medicines by treating illness with natural remedies. 

Doña María helps maintain the local community pharmacy which is provided by AMC's Community Pharmacy Network and she is a community mid-wife.

AMC & SFEF Dental Outreach Reaches-Out to a very Special Community

English Version: Spanish Version:

Life in Managua

Sometimes I get to go on wonderful adventures during my time here in Nicaragua. Here are some pictures from a trip to Costa Rica I just took with my fellow Mission Intern, Sarah Fraizer. We went to Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula and then visited Scott & Linda McAnnally in San Ramon.

However, most days I have been working in the office just like many of you all do each and everyday. Here's what my average day looks like.

7:30 am I wake up & escape from my mosquito net which snuggly surounds my bed. 

7:32 am I jump into my cold morning shower- I actually really enjoy cold showers now a days. 

7:50am Eat breakfast- for a while I was really obsessed with making smoothies each morning, because fruit is so readily available and cheap. 

8:15 am I leave the house unlocking and then locking behind me the the front door and two gates. 

I walk about a mile to get to my bus route. (If I am running late, feeling lazy or taking my computer to the office I will grab a taxi.)

I've become accustomed to taxis honking in order to try to give me rides, picking up dust on some of the pathways, men making kissing sounds and yelling out "chela!" (white girl), and passing many other people during their commute to work & school. 

8:45 am On Mondays we have morning devotionals but otherwise I greet the "vigilantes" that guard the entrance to AMC and head to my office. 

8:50 am I always greet and catch up with my co-worker Dina & supervisor Dr. Francisco when I get to the office. It is always important to greet one another properly in Nicaragua before getting to work.

9:00 am I start checking emails on my computer and working on a new team budget or logistics.

10:00 am We can turn on the air conditioning in our office. The cost of electricity is horrible here.

12:00 pm I usually immediately stop what I am doing to enjoy a yummy lunch cooked by AMC's cooks. Sometimes I bring my own lunch if Doña Chelita and Doña Maria Eugenia are not cooking or walk down the hill to a nearby gas station to purchase a sandwich.

I spend lunch sitting in the nice eating patio and chatting with other co-workers at my table. Everyone relaxes and spends about an hour chatting and resting. No one sits in the eating area if they need to talk about work.

Not often, but sometimes I join some of the guys in the office to play a quick game of ping pong. I suck compared to everyone else.

1:00pm I head back to my office and continue working.

2:30 pm Stop for a moment to listen to a joke from Dr. Francisco or he tells me about something interesting that is happening in the news/ health care in Nicaragua.

3:00 pm Time for coffee. Sidenote- I never drank coffee until living here. Now, I love it.

I learned how to pick coffee on Josimar's farm with Sarah and Jossimar. 

4:00 pm For a while, I taught English classes to a small group of students twice a week at this time. It was fun to sit on the front porch with the white board and my students- sometimes different people would pass by to observe and try to use their English as well.

4:30pm During rainy season, it begins to rain around this time almost everyday. The skies do not give you me notice, either.

5:00 pm I wrap up class and grab my things to walk down to the bus stop.

5:15 pm The bus arrives, after some waiting, to the bus stop and I hop on with a few of my co-workers.

5:20 pm I get off the bus and wait with the masses to board a new bus.

5:30 pm  I board bus 119 and squeeze towards the back door. When we arrive closer to the stop, I pretty much have to shove my way to the door in order to escape the bus on time.

5:40 pm During my walk home,  I walk in front of one of Managua's shopping malls and say "adios" to several of the guards along the way who I have befriended.

At night, I sometimes go to a dance exercise class with my friend Jessena, I cook for myself or with my roommate, read or watch a show or two on my Netflix.

After a year of living here in Managua, I can say I feel really comfortable and at home. There are other days when I get to participate in birthdays, Nicaraguan holidays, interesting workshops, etc. but for the most part I have accompanied Nicaraguans and AMC through my work in the office.

Next week I depart for the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua and will live in a very rural project site. My new role will be to conduct interviews and document human impact stories. I'm sure I will also have average, everyday moments, yet they will probably be completely different than my time here in the city.

"When a Five Year-Old Tells You He is Hungry" By Cassie Zonnefeld

A couple of weeks ago we were working hard in the kitchen, preparing a nice dinner for some friends and getting ready for a seminary lunch that we were hosting at our house the next day. Kevin walked across the street to buy some dish soap and pop (you can't have people over without having pop and/or juice) when our five year-old neighbor boy Pablo (name changed for confidentiality) told Kevin that he was hungry. He asked if he could come over and climb up our mango tree to pick some mangoes that he and his family could have for supper. Kevin welcomed him over and they worked together to collect a bag of mangoes for Pablo to bring home.

I stood at the sink, washing our dishes with our newly acquired dish shop with tears in my eyes. No child should go hungry, no adult should go hungry. Here we are right in the heart of it, needs all around us, but our kitchen always seems stocked and our bellies always have more than enough.  I put together a little bag of bananas and other fruits that Pablo could bring back to his house.  And yet, I knew that we aren’t getting to the root of it.
Pablo and his family live in the corner "house" of our street. "House" doesn't really give justice to what they live in. Basically it is a room for rent system. Families who are moving into the city generally rent a room until they can find a more stable place to live. There are dirt floors, a shared bathing area and a very primitive kitchen (no fridge, no stove, firewood for cooking). They share their home with ten to twenty other people, depending on the day.

As I continued to reflect I began thinking of a birthday party that we attended back in December.  Pablo was invited to the party, but his family was not.  The party hosts were serving Arroz a la Valenciana, a special Nicaraguan dish.  Pablo had a plate in front of him, but insisted that he was not hungry.  After a while, when nobody was looking, I saw him run his plate of food over to his dad who was standing out in the street.  It seemed like they had a mutual understanding of what needed to happen.  A couple hours later, when we left with a plate of warm leftovers, Pablo was standing outside.  I offered him what I had and he gladly took it.  I hope that it filled his tummy that evening.

When Kevin and I discussed the situation after he and Pablo picked mangoes, he reminded me not to feel guilty, but to act, to remember why we are here, to share and love those around us.  There are people hungry and hurting in all of the corners of this earth, and though you most likely do not have a mango tree growing in your front yard, I am sure that you can find a way to offer your blessings and gifts to those around you.

Cassie Zonnefeld is a fellow missionary working here in Nicaragua with the Mennonite Christian Committee. She and her husband Kevin teach at a local seminary and Cassie also works with AMC, too. Check out their blog. 

Brush Your Teeth

When I wake up in the morning and the sun is startin' show

I brush my teeth chhh chhhh chhhhhhh chhh chhh chh

I brush my teeth chhh chhhh chhhhhhh chhh chhh chh

I recall shaking my booty singing this song over and over again as wee little Whitney with my mom, brother and sister. Growing up in the United States, children cannot avoid talking about, learning about, reading about, nor singing about dental health. A large majority of US citizens can afford and have access to toothbrushes, toothpaste and still a huge percentage of people can and do visit a dentist.

According to Nicaraguan statistics from 2012 (statistics about Nicaragua?), only 0.1 dental consults are provided per resident per year and 2.2 general medical consultations. However, these statistics do not explain that out of the 6 million inhabitants, many people cannot access nor let alone afford basic dental care. Also, the available water supplies often lack an appropriate amount of fluoride to aide..(something).

On July 5-13, 2013 I assisted AMC in hosting a large dental team consisting of 17 team members; 7 dentists, 2 camera crew men, the president of the company, a international consultant, a life/team coach, and 5 other volunteers. It was huge! This team came from the Smiles for Everyone Foundation which is a foundation started through the Smiles Brand company. 

Throughout the week, the SEAL Team along with the help of local dentist Dra. Alicia Reyes (Dr. Francisco's wife & a mother figure to me), 4 translators and AMC, 621 dental consults were given and 2,026 dental procedures were performed. Everyone worked hard to clean, fill, and extract teeth.

 For many Nicaraguans, visiting the dentist simply means getting teeth extracted or a crown put on a tooth. Therefore, some people go with the expectation and hope that their teeth will be pulled or they can gain the shiny-look to their smile. Many dental teams who visit only have time and supplies to pull and clean teeth. This team tried to save as many teeth as possible by putting in fillings.

As much work as was accomplished the greatest effects will come with our long-term dental project. This team is going to provide funds for us to continue follow up with not only consults but also dental awareness and prevention programs. AMC already had a few educational programs (I helped sing a dental song with two of AMC's health promoters/volunteers in a local school) but this will only help improve dental health within AMC's projects. 

During the week, I couldn't help realize how much of a privilege it is for me to have all of my teeth  and for them to be nice and white. However; when I thought about it more- dental health should NOT be a luxury or a privilege. It is a human right and a health issue that can be prevented. As AMC's dental program grows, I have hope that many of the kids I encountered will also have a brushing your teeth song stuck in their heads one day as they actually keep their teeth clean.

I loved being able to work with Dr. Francisco, my supervisor, outside of the office. Dr. F. went over and beyond his responsibilities to make the team's trip possible and successful.

Waiting hours for to receive treatment.

One of the coolest stories from the trip is about Ivania Navas. Ivania left for the states during the war and has lived there ever since. She recently won one of Smile Brands' most prestigious company awards and worked as Dr. Alicia's dental assistant the entire week. How tuani!

Dr. Horner and Marcos (the translator) We all tell Marcos he should just apply for his a certification to become a doctor due to his extensive experience translating for all different kinds of doctors.

Milton and Eliezer volunteering their time for AMC.

We did have one accident during the week. I told Mac it was perfectly fine to run the morning we were in Matagalpa....He went running...and got bit by a dog. Luckily, we had Dr. F. with us who has the big connections at the hospital (his brother is the director) where Mac got his first round of tetanus and rabbis vaccines. Later, we gave Mac these stickers.

In San Benito, all of our electricity ran through generators. Harry was our awesome tech guy.

"Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

A. A. Milne, Winne the Pooh

These Are the Buenas Hondas of Managua

Kicking up dust; walking to the nearby pulpería  to buy tortillas,

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

Baby on hip, gripping the bar above trying to maintain balance on the fast-moving bus,

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

Standing in the mercado, calling out to potential customers hustling by

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

Sitting on a plastic, stack-able chair chatting with others in front of a casa,

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

Zooming through the city with the sign "taxi"  above; listening to directions "towards where the little tree used to be"

These are the buenas hondas of Managua. 

Bible at side, standing & clapping to Praise the Lord.

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

Watching the favorite daily telenovela; sorting through a big plastic bag of pinto beans.

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

Celebrating with many joyful songs, queque & Rojita; batting for a piñata

These are the buenas hondas of Managua. 

Enjoying a long, hot lunch; passing time with co-workers at the office. 

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

Riding a horse cart through the barrios with a bull horn ; announcing ¡Hay frutas!

These are the buenas hondas of Managua. 

Learning in the white, blue striped schools; studying in the many universities, 

These are the buenas hondas of Managua. 

Kicking, walking, gripping, trying, standing, calling, hustling, sitting, chatting, zooming, listening, standing, clapping, watching, sorting, celebrating, batting, enjoying, being, riding, announcing, learning, studying

These are the buenas hondas of Managua.

buenas hondas= cool or good people

mercado= market

barrio= neighborhood

casa= house

hay frutas= fruit available

telenovelas= soap operas

 

To Be a Missionary

I spent two weekends ago and this weekend with families of different people from my office. I am not currently living with a Nicaraguan family, but with a Nicaraguan roommate instead. I have been trying to reach out more and more to others in my office and in my community due to the fact I do not live with many people. Also, people have been reaching out more and more to me, as well. They have more confianza (trust) with me- in Nicaragua, one definitely has to gain lots of trust from someone in order for them to begin to get to know you more. Don't get me wrong- people are still very friendly and helpful; however, to get past a surface level relationship you need to invest lots of time in getting to know someone.

Last week I was sharing with Violeta & Carolina, wonderful co-workers from my office, that I sometimes miss teaching and definitely miss being around kids and teenagers. They immediately invited me to stay with them in Jinotepe to participate in a children's bible class on Saturday and a special Mother's Day performance at their church on Sunday. Mother's Day in Nicaragua is on May 30. 

This weekend was such a blessing. Although it was a short time, I got to meet Carolina and Violeta's 4 other sisters (their mom has 8 children in total) and SPEND TIME WITH KIDS. I even had a moment where I got to talk to some of the teenagers who lead the church band. (haha- Sometimes I think I get a little too excited to see young people).

However, I think the most powerful moments were when I could sit, listen, pray and laugh with different family members as they told me their thoughts about Nicaraguan culture, their love for Jinotepe, all about the family, and a few stories. At the same time, I got to share a little bit about my own culture, my home, and my family. I got to partake in the sacredness of sharing a meal with different family members as well. As I headed back to Managua on a micro-bus, I couldn't help but smile.

I think to be a missionary is a lot of just what I did this weekend. To be a missionary is to sit down with others and SHARE. To share stories. To share a meal. To share about culture. To share time. To share the moment of just being. It is as simple as that. When I sit around with Nicaraguans, in the common plastic stackable chairs, and just invest in them in that moment and them in me the Holy Spirit is present. To be a missionary is to share.

Piñas

The drive from Managua to San Marcos or La Conca is lined with the occasional pineapple stand where you have your pick between pineapples or pineapple juice. Whenever I take a microbus to visit friends in that area, we zip past these stands and my mind remains on the pineapples as I daydream of the day where I stop and indulge myself with one of the plump yellow fruits.

First Heavy Rain of the Season

Come to the water all ye who thirst

There is a time for everything

"During our first few months in Nicaragua we were apprehensive when seeing a group of machete-wielding men walking beside us on a country road. How things have changed. Today our car was stuck and when two men came into sight our thoughts immediately jumped to "Great, the men with machetes have arrived!"
 -Ryan Schmitz, a fellow-missionary and friend here in Nicaragua who works with the Wesleyan Church

 As I read Ryan's status the other night (yes, this means I was on Facebook and now Pa is shaking is head :) ), I laughed out loud or loled. Not only was I laughing because of his heart warming account of a changed outlook, but I also laughed out of his status' relativity with a conversation I recently had with a friend. 

I remember when I was scared to walk around my old neighborhood. I lived a hop, skip and jump from my Spanish school so I didn't have much reason to have to walk to other areas in my neighborhood. However, I knew I needed to venture out more and try to meet others. Yet, it felt overwhelming, uncomfortable, and dangerous.

When I think about it now, it seems like I was living in a completely different place. It's crazy to think of how much has changed in my view, attitude, relationships, and faith. I feel at home here in Nicaragua. I feel God's presence. I feel loved. I feel a part of the community. I feel pride in my organization and in this country. I feel humbled and blessed to know the people around me. I feel safe. I feel privileged to be able to live here.  I feel overwhelmed by everything I am learning and encountering.

It's amazing to see how many barriers in my mind and heart have changed...

I know I'm going to continue to face challenges here and everyday I am reminded of the issues and hardships that face many people here in Nicaragua, yet I am witness to the miracle of how again the ministry of presence can transform lives- in this case it is my own life.


Amazing God,
Continue to send your Holy Spirit to encourage me to jump head first outside of my comfort zone.  I desire to learn, grow and see your face by surrounding myself with some of your children who I may not really understand or know... right now. Lord, I want to be challenged to cross boundaries like your Son. I trust you will transform my own heart and those around me to see this world more through your eyes. Thank you for my brothers and sisters who live next door and across the world! Thank you for your grace and guidance. I love you! AMEN.