Things I Have Learned So Far

I know that I still have some time to learn many more things on this SST experience, but I just want to recap aa few things I have learned so far...

1.) I,ve learned how to make GalloPinto. The national dish here. Its really easy and super tasty. Definitely a recipe I will be taking back to the states.

2.)Another thing about GalloPinto, we eat it at least once a day so I have learned creative ways to eat. Gallopinto sandwich, galloBurrito...you get the idea : )

3.) I have learned a lot of spanish...duh! but I can really tell that my vocabulary has increased a lot.

4.) I,ve learned how to do my laundry by hand. Its hard work and takes a lot of energy and arm strenghts.

5.) However, I have also learned how NOT to do my laundry. Since doing laundry is such a chore, i,ve figured out ways to make my clothes usuable for more days. And next time I am bringing Febreeze with me. : )

6.) I,ve learned how to take cold, fast showers...brrrr. It,s not my favorite thing to do, but it gets me clean just the same.

7.) I have learned a lot about hospitality through the love and care of my host families who don,t even REALLY know me, but let me into their homes and lives as if I was their daughter or sister.

8.) Especially here in Jinotega, i,ve learned how to roll up my pants in stylish, creative ways so they don,t get muddy. It is ALWAYS raining here.

9.) I,ve learned the entire Patito Feo soundtrack because it is playing EVERYWHERE, all the time. "dance, dance, mucho dance...escucha tu corazon..."

10.) I,ve learned that when Nicaraguans talk about time, distance, or weather it is often an over or under exaggeration. For example, our family here in Jinotega told us it rarely rains here, but for the past 4 days it has been raining CONSTANTLY. Also, we went on a business trip the other day. We were told the bus ride would take 1.5 hours...it was 3 hours. And if a meeting starts at 2pm it means 2:30 or 3pm.

11.) I have learned to watch soccer on T.V. without getting bored. It,s a good way to pass the rainy afternoons. I usually don,t enjoy watching soccer on T.V.

12.) I have also learned that I enjoy reading for fun. Lots of reading has been going on in my down time.

13.) I have learned a lot about patience and observing. Patience when adjusting to new culture and lifestyles, and also patience at work with the kids that I work with. Observing instead of DOING something has also been a test of my patience and observing is something I have learned is just as important as actually doing something.

14.) Almost as important, I,ve learned how to flush a toilet nicaraguan style. Hold the bucket high, pour the water into the bowl with a lot of force, and try not to get it on the toilet seat.

15.) I,ve learned how to laugh off the catcalls in the streets. For a while, I was really offended, but then I learned just to ignore it and laugh it off. Ignoring it is KEY.

16.) Most importantly, I have been learning so much about myself on SST. (but that,s a whole new blog entry....maybe later : )



This week has been pretty monotonous and kind of boring. But I am thankful that we have been working. At least we are staying involved. This week was also REALLY rainy which was a bit depressing, but I can already tell that time is flying and we,ll be back in Jinotepe before we know it. This weekend should be a good time. We are going to a volleyball tournament in Matagalpa on saturday and sundy a trip to the lake. And then monday NO SCHOOL because it,s teacher,s day here. Woo hoo! But, everything is going well here. I am staying healthy, working hard, but still missing home (of course...)

Mom, thanks for the newpost. I love the colors! And I cant wait to come home and see it. Give everyone a big hug for me! I love you.

That,s all for now. Buenos Noches!