For me, Nicaragua has been a blast! I’m not fluent in the language, or even
close, but I’m getting better at it. I definitely miss my friends in the
states, but I haven’t had any problems finding friends here.
I went to a youth conference about
two months ago, and it was crazy hard not being able to talk with the kids from
the other churches and communities. Of
course, that didn’t stop me. I tried to
communicate even though I probably didn’t make any sense, but I still had fun trying. When I think about the contrast between the
youth group I attend now, and the one I went to in the States, there are
definitely differences. Of course, the
first obvious difference is that I can’t understand the Youth Pastor. I’ve pretty much gotten used to it, but
sometimes it still stinks not getting the jokes or points of the message. Also, the same problem I mentioned
above. I can’t understand the
language. Therefore, I can’t socialize
with other teens as much as I would back in the States. I have made friends, but sometimes I want to
be able to fluently converse with them.
Although, there is one huge plus over the youth group in the States. The plus is, that there is a Pulperia (a
small family owned store) beside the church! That means that any time I am thirsty,
I can whip out 4 cents (that’s right!) and buy a bag of water! Or I could bump it up to 20 cents and buy a
bag of chips. And if I was in the mood to
blow the bank, I could buy a Coke for a whopping 60 cents. J
In my time here in Nicaragua, I’ve
experienced quite a boost in independence. Oh, how I look back at the days when I had to
ask permission to walk around the neighborhood and laugh. Now, I regularly walk to stores, Church, and
other places either by myself or with a buddy.
Also, as of today, I am the proud owner of a cell phone. I know, it took me moving to a another country to get, but I finally got one!
Moreover, I have learned that
Facebook is a blessing, as well as a curse.
I love keeping up with my friends, but it has definitely been hard
seeing pictures of camps, parties, and events I have missed out on.
Going to the villages every Tuesday
is great. It has definitely widened my
view and allowed me to grow closer to the kids. Also, I think the kids love it when I
teach. Either it is because they enjoy
watching me stumble through the lesson or because my lessons only take about 5
minutes. Oh well, whatever makes the
kids happy. J
I have also been exposed to another new
language down here: Nicaraguan Sign
language. I have made a few deaf friends
through Mom’s work at the Deaf Association.
I know even less sign language than I do Spanish! But at least the deaf can understand my
charades better than the hearing. ;)
Lastly, I have really enjoyed being
able to see Dad more. As most of you
probably know, he worked 2 jobs to provide for us when we were in the States. So we didn’t see him too much through the
week. But now, it is much better. He gets to stay home, do dishes, help us kids
out with school, go grocery shopping, and minister here. I actually wonder which lifestyle he likes
better? J Jokes aside… It has been great getting to see
him more and working in ministry together.
I like Nicaragua a lot! I look forward to learning the language so
then I can get to know the people here better.
God has a lot to teach me here.
Greyson
Greyson teaching
