Nights in Nica

I know, I know, I'm a horrible blogger... As you can imagine a lot has happened since my last post, including two weeks in Nicaragua.  One of those weeks being in the campo... meaning dirt floors and no indoor plumbing.  I'm not sure where to begin my update... my mind is currently filled with so much it is difficult to take myself back to the campo.

I attempted to prepare myself mentally for my week in the campo, knowing I was going into a situation where I would be completely isolated from my comforts.  No internet, no friends, and no plumbing.  However, when I walked into the house I would call home for a week I knew right away my preparation had been inadequate. I stood face to face with a television and two stereos, as I stood on dirt floors.  WHAT?!  This isn't what I had prepared for. Oh, but I'm getting ahead of myself, I need to share how I was placed with my new family.

Myself and five other students were brought to the local church by the pastor, slowly members of the congregation made their way to the church.  Once a handful of women were present we were auctioned off, my friend Jenn was the first chosen, because she was short and her new mom really liked that... Yes, this is a factual story.  I was the third chosen, the woman I assumed to be my mom was beautiful, seemed fairly young and also had a one-year-old.  As we walked to the house we began chatting and I found out she was in fact only 22, just a year older than myself.  We arrived at the house and then I met my "real" mom, I realized the girl that picked me up was only my sister and that she and her husband live in the same house.

Anyways, those details aren't specifically important.  So my week was spent with this family, we did next to nothing, but it finished as a good week.  I did not get sick, thankfully, I learned to only go to the bathroom when I had no other choice, and I learned to simply enjoy being--kinda.  It was very interesting to spend what most would call quality time with strangers-- the language barrier more present than ever.  Strangely, the language barrier seemed less of a problem in Nica than in Costa, I think the slow pace and having a one-year-old running around helped everything.  I teased that the little girl, "come siempre," she eats ALWAYS; which was true.  I was very taken aback when the child of 16 months that could walk and talk also choose which breast she would like to drink from, "una, otra" could be heard at all hours of the day.

Once I got over the hump of judging these people's lifestyle and simply tried to love them, things became a lot better and I genuinely enjoyed my time in Nica.  Upon arrival I was counting down the days, but I found that as I made it to the last day there wasn't as much satisfaction crossing it off.  I appreciated my Nica family and the love they shared with me.

Bendiciones para ti,

Hannah 

Spoiled Before the Dirt

So after an exhausting week of papers, Spanish presentations, and tests my beautiful friend Emily invited me to Punta Leona to visit her family friends. What a WONDERFUL get away, I could not have asked for more hospitable hosts.  We enjoyed PB&Js (a very special treat in CR), pizza, fresh fruit, pumpkin cake, and so much more; not to mention two beautiful days at the beach! It was a much needed weekend that left me relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed.

Tomorrow we leave at 5AM to go to Nicaragua for 11 days.  This will be a very big change, as there is the high possibility I will be without floors or indoor plumbing.  Our intern at the program said this is where he got over his fear of cockroaches, so as you can imagine I'm VERY excited.  Despite these bumps in the road, I am truly excited to interact with this culture and to leave San José, as it will be a very different experience.  I'm hoping to go in with open arms and a receiving heart for the people and not to be caught up in the less than 4 star environment.  I ask for your prayers for safety, health, and new relationships.

Love y'all so much, and miss you greatly.

Bendiciones para ti,

Hannah 

Fighting for Joy

Don't you hate that the bad fights very hard to overshadow the good.  Two days ago, we went to a wonderful organic farm, filled mostly with coffee, but scattered with anything imaginable.  The owner of the farm was well educated in agriculture and astrology, but delusional in economics as he advocated to go back to the barter system.  This beautiful day under the sun and surrounded by fresh life was then overshadowed by a creep with a broom.

My momma would always say,  "Don't let the devil steal your joy."  If you know Momma Swan, I'm sure you can easily picture these words escaping her lips, haha.  It's a silly line, but I find truth in it and tonight my joy is replenished through loving embraces, good company on a walk in the rain, a nice talk over a warm drink. I am thankful.  These wonderful gifts will not be stolen.

Bendiciones para ti,

Hannah